Escapade in Tagaytay

Given the chance, I usually go to a place where I can clear my mind. I travel alone. Maybe you ask why I prefer to be alone. It's just "if I want to stay, I can stay longer, and there's no pressure to leave early." Nature is my healing force. Looking at God's beautiful creation, it heals and cleanses my soul. “Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.“ – E.O Wilson I decided to go to the closest place to where I live the night before heading out. No real plans, just wanted to get out and get some air. Living in this city is so different. After living in the province for several years, I always miss the environment there. You'll feel like you want to hear the whispering of the birds, the swirling of the leaves, all the sounds of nature. Everything comes from nature. I want to get there early so I can see the fog. It doesn't happen because of traffic. Traffic is terrible. It was early Saturday morning when I went to Tagaytay.I was alone, with a camera with me to record the memories. I'm interested in taking some photos or making videos that I post on social media. I decided that wherever I went, I needed to take photos of plants, flowers, etc., because one of my goals was to immerse myself in nature. Showing something this natural will be appreciated by many. More importantly, it was a relief for me. Honestly, I don't know where to go. No itinerary listed. Then I decided to go to the Olivarez terminus, which took almost two hours. I've always enjoyed looking at the road and people around me while listening to music on my phone just to cheer myself up. I don't know when was the last time I visited this place, but even though I have visited many times, I would love to visit again. This is the closest place to Imus where I can travel for a reasonable price. The fare for the bus is P82.00. I just kept the check ticket. I continued on to the jeepney terminal. There was a woman who was in charge. I asked her how much it would cost to go to People's Park, and she said it was P25.00. So, I paid her and got in the jeep and waited for some passengers. It was quickly occupied. I arrived at the People’s Park front area, stayed for a while, and took a glance at the view. There are people coming because it's the weekend.

I decided to stay in a coffee shop close to a food restaurant named Nonoy’s since I haven't had breakfast yet. It’s a small place with few tables around and I have seen two groups of customers. This restaurant has an amazing staff, a well-friendly atmosphere that creates a good vibe in the area. It’s not that high or cozy in price when it comes to the food, but everything is expensive now unlike before. I sat in the center of the area where the perfect view could be seen. The sun was shining but I felt the chilliness of the weather because it was located on the top of the mountain where there is a perfect spot . It was such a fascinating view. I have heard uncommon sound's from the bird. I came to the counter and told them my order. I ordered fried bangus and rice because I need a heavy breakfast for that day which requires more energy. I wait for a few minutes while looking and senses the atmosphere of the place. The waiter came over to me and put my order on the table. He served a free soup; everything was good. Even though I didn't order the bulalo but the soup is wonderful. Then I started to eat. Everything is delicious. I stayed there for almost an hour, enjoying the vibe. I ordered a coffee, it’s kapeng barako it’s one of the famous coffees here in Tagaytay. I like its taste. Having coffee keeps me energetic for the whole day. I am a coffee lover. I never regret having it every single day. While having coffee, I started to make plans on where to go after this people’s park. It’s getting hotter so I decided and started to fix my stuff and leave the place. I came into the entrance area of People’s Park. I am on the line waiting for the next to pay. The ticket is about P30.00. I prefer to walk, going to the top though there is a choice; other tourists are riding on the jeep than to take 5 minutes’ walk. It’s truly a fun thing to do. “Walking alone is somewhat like an awkward feeling but being alone sometimes is giving time for yourself in exploring and helping you to recover from uncertainty.” This is what really helps me. It’s tiring but walking is beneficial. There were many people who were enjoying the bond with their families when I arrived at the top. I just stand for a moment on the stone to take a video with the amazing view, trying to capture the moment. This place is so refreshing, missing the clean air. I wanted to shout but I can’t, too shy to do that in public. I spent two hours there. And I love to be on the top of the mountain. This park is originally named Palace in the Sky, located at Mount Sungay in Calabuso North, Tagaytay, Cavite, a historical urban park in Tagaytay. It was built in 1981 during the Marcos era to host the visit of US President Ronald Reagan. The work stopped when Reagan canceled his visit, and the incomplete scaffolding of the mansion remained intact. It's probably the most visited place because of the mountainous area. There was also a Chapel at the park, The Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love. It was installed on December 15, 1974, with the installation of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the child Jesus by Hernan D. Reyes, aided by four high school students and two workers. Everyone is happy to get together in this park. Though it was old, this park has its history. Because of this breathtaking spot, people will love to visit. I’ve been looking at the view, it’s satisfying to see the green scenery and the Lake of Taal. There was also a store installed there, where you can buy different things as a remembrance when you got there. There is nothing so much to do there, no activity but nature lovers will surely love the site. I left the place before lunch time. I’ve been starving so I bought Tahô alongside. It's a Filipino snack food made of fresh soft/silken tofu, arnibal, and sago pearl, something new is its strawberry taste.