Tagaytay is probably one of the easiest escapes from the heat and traffic of Metro Manila. Just two hours away, its higher altitude offers literally a different world with greener surroundings and more laid-back atmosphere.
Tagaytay is known for its retreat houses, spas, as well as parks and other recreations. It is also a culinary paradise with unique cafes and world-class restaurants dotting the ridge. Most importantly, one can savour all these in cooler weather, and with a great vista - the scenic Taal Lake and Volcano!
One of my favourite places there is Sonya's Secret Garden - a bed and breakfast, with a restaurant, a spa, as well as a wedding venue. Despite its moniker, Sonya's Secret Garden is not a secret anymore, having been around for more than a decade now. But I am pleased to find out that it has retained its charms after all these years.
The restaurant remains as it was ten years ago (my last visit before this trip). They still serve almost the same buffet menu - fresh and healthy salad with pasta, but now with salmon and chicken added, to the delight of those who cannot survive on greens alone:) Refreshing tarragon tea and a yummy slice of chocolate cake round up the lunch spread.
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| Colourful chandeliers provide wonderful accents to the largely white motif of the restaurant |
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| Flowers line up the wrap-around screen |
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| A charming arrangement - an ordinary plant serving an extraordinary purpose |
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| I love this vase as well |
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| One of the nooks |
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| There was a downpour then, and yet, the place felt like a refuge despite its "open" structure |
After lunch, my folks and I checked out the shops for local souvenirs. I was pleasantly surprised that there is a new addition to the main shop. The assistant led us to a bungalow, at the back of the property, which houses wonderful treasures!
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| The new shop is aptly named "Favourite Finds" - it houses Sonya's (the owner) rare collection of linens, furniture, and decors. Items on display though are not for sale, but one can order bespoke pieces. |
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| Table set-up at Favorite Finds |
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| The wedding venue is behind this thick trellis - unfortunately the rain did not let up so I could not take a photo of the place on this visit |
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| Resident Dog - finding shelter from the drenching rain |
After Sonya's, we went to Puzzle Mansion - a new discovery for me as I have never heard of this place before this trip. The museum is located in the inner part of the city - a bit difficult to locate, with a steep driveway (not for the fainthearted), but worth a visit nonetheless.
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| The museum's shuttle service |
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| This is the lifetime work of Ms. Gina Lacuna who was clearly passionate about jigsaw puzzles (she passed away a couple of years ago). The puzzles cover a range of difficulty - there are pieces that required just one hour, while some required thousands of hours...and undisturbed space. |
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| Her version of Spain's most famous painting - Picasso's Guernica. The real painting is currently at Museo del Prado in Madrid. I had a chance to see it last summer, but I could not take a photo because it was not allowed (for good reasons). |
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| The type of puzzles covers a large gamut - from classic masterpieces, portraits, landmarks to pop art |
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| This is the Guinness Record Biggest Puzzle in the world |
A trip to Tagaytay is never complete without a stop along the ridge, if only for a short glimpse of that scenic lake and volcano - Taal. Luckily, there are many cafes and restaurants along the road, so one can sip that great Batangas brew while soaking in this wonderful vista. Not a bad way to end a day-trip to a wonderful city near Manila.
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| Taal Lake and Volcano - this is the view behind Pancake House |
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| Taal Lake - a new metaphor for calmness:) |
#Sonya'sGarden #Tagaytay #TaalVolcano #PuzzleMansion #morefuninthephilippines
