#when in tagaytay

[caimitos]

i have 3 days left to study. i am so tired i have been studying for 4 entire months and i am so excited for all of this to be overrr

[bsit1aviernes]

Hi, Are you interested in cycling? If you do, then you’re in the right spot let’s talk about them shall we?

But, what is Cycling?

Cycling is a physical activity that involves riding a bicycle for transportation, recreation, or sport. It is characterized by the use of pedals to propel the bike forward, typically requiring coordination between the legs and upper body to maintain balance and control.  Cycling offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Physically, it enhances cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and improves flexibility and coordination. Regular cycling can help manage weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall health. Mentally, cycling can reduce stress, boost mood, and provide a sense of freedom and adventure, often allowing individuals to connect with nature and their surroundings.

As for my experience it was really fun,. I ride with my uncle, and my friends, I suddenly reached a total of 472.km in 3 months. Riding with my bicycle took me everywhere, also cycling helps me forget my problems, and also cycling helps relieve stress. My furthest I’ve gone is Tagaytay that distance is 100.96km it was tiring but fun. The app i used to record my bicycle journey was “STRAVA” this app used to track your activities, heart rate, route, distance, and etc. if you want to try it out here’s the link https://www.strava.com. Strava is a popular fitness tracking app and social network designed primarily for cyclists and runners. It allows users to record their workouts using GPS technology, track their performance over time, and connect with other athletes.

Cycling with friends refers to the practice of riding bicycles in a group, typically for recreation, fitness, or social interaction. This activity allows participants to enjoy the camaraderie of shared experiences while exploring different routes, landscapes, and terrains together. Then cycling with friends makes the ride even more fun, encourages social bonding, and allows for shared enjoyment of the outdoors. Cycling with friends is important because it enhances the overall experience of the activity by fostering motivation, support, and social connection.

Here are some helpful tips for cycling, whether you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills:

1. Choose the Right Bike:

Select a bike that suits your riding style (road bike, mountain bike, gravel bike and etc.) and ensure it’s the right size for you.

2. Wear Proper Gear:

Invest in a good-quality helmet for safety.

Wear moisture-wicking clothing and padded shorts for comfort.

Use cycling shoes if you have clipless pedals.

3. Maintain Your Bike:

Regularly check tire pressure, brakes, and gears.

Clean and lubricate the chain to ensure smooth operation.

4. Plan Your Route:

Familiarize yourself with the terrain and traffic conditions.

Use cycling apps or maps to find safe and scenic routes.

5. Stay Hydrated:

Carry water and take regular breaks to drink, especially on long rides.

6. Practice Good Cycling Etiquette:

Signal your intentions to other cyclists and motorists.

Ride in a straight line and be aware of your surroundings.

7. Start Slowly:

If you’re new to cycling, begin with shorter rides and gradually increase your distance and intensity.

8. Work on Your Technique:

Focus on maintaining a steady cadence and proper posture to avoid strain.

Practice shifting gears smoothly to adapt to varying terrains.

9. Ride with Friends:

Group rides can be more enjoyable and provide motivation and safety in numbers.

10. Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to how you feel. Rest if you’re fatigued, and don’t push through pain.

Using this tips make's your cycling journey more smooth, also my advice for beginners is start in short rides, focus on technique, invest in gears, basic maintenance, discuss your routes, stay hydrated, and most important be humble. Because when my first time in cycling with my friend's the first thing we do is boasting contest, because your not filipino without it, So when we took are first ride in the vermosa road we challenged ourselves to the limit, the challenge was the first who stop will do the consequence, after the loop i was the first one to stop then i used to take 10 pushups in a row without stop, it was tiring but fun.

That's all

Always ride safe! and take care.

[gureumz]

very cliché for a filo fic but can u make one that’s like jake as ur college conyo situationship 😫where the two of you would go to tagaytay to catch the sunrise and yk they fuck around a lot but in the end there’s some connection between them like taylor’s false god 👀

ikaw (ang laman ng passenger seat)

rating: explicit

member: jake

notes: taglish, text au format, fem-bodied reader, situationships (though not explicitly or implicitly stated), car sex

a/n: i thought about making this into a full one shot but i thought that it would be better as a mix of text format + narrative idk you tell me if you like this. dedicated to my filo readers mwa itigil niyo na yang talking stage na yan di maganda yan

"hi," you say cheerfully as you slide into the passenger seat of jake's car.

without missing a beat, jake leans in to press his mouth against yours, not even giving you the time to shut the door.

"jake, ano ba," you say, laughing as you pull away. "baka makita nila mama."

"edi makita," jake replies, grinning wolfishly as he watches you slam the car door closed.

"come here, fuck please, na-miss kita," jake continues, voice nearly a whine as he threads his fingers through your hair, tugging you closer.

all sounds of protest from you die down when he kisses you again. he's breathing heavily through his nose, lips and tongue frantic as he tries to drink you in.

"jake...," you let out weakly when he pulls away to kiss your neck. he takes his time there, nursing a spot just below your jaw. he pulls away with a satisfying pop and his plump lips look even redder than it did a minute ago.

"let's go," jake says, placing another, sweeter kiss on your lips. he turns his attention to the road, maneuvering out of his parking spot, the hum of the engine and the soft music of his playlist the only sounds piercing through the early morning surroundings.

not even five minutes into your drive, you reach over, hand slipping underneath the hem of jake's sweatpants.

"tangina," he mutters softly, leaning further back into his seat, knuckles growing white as he grips the steering wheel. your fingers curl around the hardening mound over his underwear.

"drive ka lang, baby," you croon, kissing jake on the cheek.

"and don't crash," you add, giggling."

"fuck, faster," you urge, hips slamming down repeatedly on jake's. he has you in the backseat, bouncing fervently on his cock, one of his hands holding you by the neck while the other cages you in by the waist.

jake speeds up his movements, fucking up into you to meet you halfway. his face is flushed and his forehead is crinkled in concentration as the two of you rock against each other. outside, overlooking a steep drop into a ravine, the sun is just beginning to rise, the first hints of blue, pink, and orange peeking over the horizon.

neither of you can see it, though, as the windows are too fogged up at this point.

"tangina," jake curses candidly. "you're so tight, shit, ang sarap."

you sob against jake's shoulder, breathing in hints of his skin, sweat, and that dior sauvage you gifted him for his birthday.

you make a mental note to get him another bottle soon.

[jiacast]

World Tourism Day

Travel Guide: Manila, Philippines

Manila, the Philippines' vibrant metropolis, is a dynamic mix of old and new, with ancient Spanish architecture meeting modern skyscrapers and busy marketplaces coexisting with elegant retail malls. Whether you're interested in the city's rich history, eclectic cuisine scene, or vibrant culture, Manila provides an intriguing and comprehensive experience.

When to Visit:

The dry season (November-May) offers less humidity and rain, with cooler temperatures from December to February. The wet season (June-October) offers indoor activities like museums and shopping and is less crowded.

Top Attractions:

Intramuros: The historic heart of Manila, built during the Spanish colonial period. Visits include Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila Museum.

Rizal Park (Luneta): A sprawling park dedicated to José Rizal, hosting the National Museum Complex.

Binondo, The World's Oldest Chinatown: A vibrant neighborhood known for its Chinese-Filipino culture and delicious food.

Manila Ocean Park: An aquarium and marine-themed park offering a variety of activities.

Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP): Home to Filipino performing arts, hosting concerts, ballets, plays, and art exhibits.

Local Experiences:

Experience the Philippines' iconic jeepney ride for a colorful and affordable way to explore Manila. The city is a shopping paradise, with luxurious malls like SM Mall of Asia and bargain hunting at Divisoria Market and Greenhills Shopping Center. Enjoy local crafts, electronics, and clothes at these popular shopping destinations.

Food & Dining:

Manila is a hub of Filipino flavors, offering a diverse range of street vendors and fine dining options. Famous dishes include lechon, a traditional pig dish; adobo, a soy-braised chicken or pork dish; and halo-halo, a refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jelly, ube, and leche flan.

Must-Try Restaurants:

Ilustrado Restaurant in Intramuros offers a blend of Spanish, Filipino, and international cuisine, while Barbara's Heritage Restaurant provides a cultural dining experience with traditional Filipino food and folk dance performances. Aristocrat is renowned for its Filipino comfort food.

Day Trips from Manila:

Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls, and Corregidor Island: • Tagaytay: 2-hour drive from Manila, offers cooler weather and Taal Volcano views. • Pagsanjan Falls: 3-hour boat ride through river gorge, ending with refreshing waterfall. • Corregidor Island: Historical island off Manila Bay, played a significant role during WWII. Guided tour of ruins, tunnels, and military barracks.

Nightlife:

Manila's nightlife scene is vibrant, particularly in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Malate. It offers trendy rooftop bars, live music, and dance clubs. Poblacion, known for its hip vibe, features speakeasies, bars, and clubs. Resorts World Manila, a luxury resort and casino, offers sophisticated dining, theaters, and bars for a sophisticated night out.

Getting Around:

Manila's traffic can be busy, so leave additional time to drive. You can get about using Grab (the taxi service app), jeepneys, buses, or LRT/MRT trains. Local communities also have tricycles and pedicabs accessible for shorter trips.

Cultural Etiquette:

• Mano Po: Traditional respect gesture where younger people place elder's hand on forehead. • Bayanihan Spirit: Filipino hospitality, friendly locals, and helpfulness encouraged.

Shopping:

Divisoria is a popular market known for affordable goods, while SM Mall of Asia is a massive mall offering luxury goods, local brands, an ice skating rink, and an IMAX theater.

Conclusion:

With its blend of colonial history, vibrant urban life, and ingrained culture, Manila is a city of contrasts. Whether you're taking in the lively culinary scene or discovering the old-world elegance of Intramuros, Manila provides a diverse and colorful experience that will make for lifelong memories.

[maverick-guy]

When in Tagaytay

[carmxi]

Moment By Moment

By: Maria Carmela Gatmaitan

The picture was captured in Angelus Eternal Garden at Imus, Cavite and the subject was my siblings and niece.

I captured this photo after my father's funeral. This is really meant to me because it made me realize that even waves are coming to us we are still together, holding with each other, and moving forward. Actually, its hard to step the stone when tide is blocking but we are a soldier and indestructible; a warrior, yet healing.

Moving on is a difficult path to saying that you are healed and to finally forget. However, its opposite, scars are not meant to forget the past, and moving forward are not meant to leave the things behind. Its a choice to conquered, overcome, and get to be better.

Prince and Princess — this is how I defined this photo. Coincidentally, the boy named is Prince, and the girl named is Princess. This picture was captured in Tahanang Mabuting Pastol at Tagaytay. The girl were my niece and the boy she met is just my brother's friend nephew. My niece is friendly to everyone, meanwhile, the boy is shy, so when I said 'pose', I get this shot; the results say itself.

'They are really cute together, let me capture it' — this is how I captured this moment, I don't wanna miss this kind of events. Because "photography is an art that captures the moments.”

My cutie niece, this two girls are my niece from my sister and cousin side. They were playing together when I'm capturing this moment, so it comes out naturally. This event is when we are in Bacolod and we went to restaurant to celebrates my uncle's birthday. The restaurant ambiance are really good even its not showed in a picture but it is open view and you will really see the mountains and scenery from a far. Also, they have a swings that my nieces are obssessed with it, and that is where I take the floor and take them a picture. “Real life. Memories. Captured.”

This is my man, Mhiko. It was taken in Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort during our tour.

During our stay in a swimming area at Villa Escudero, Mhiko and I decided to go kayaking. I am not strongly enough to do kayaking so he did the work for everything. Meanwhile I'm appreciating my view, I captured this kind of moment. Because there is saying "capturing the moments that captivate your heart.”

Theme: People

[tigre-edi-rawr]

just got home from tagaytay.

tita called earlier to eat dinner outside but i refused. then hours after, she said she’s outside our house. then i saw someone it was one of jp’s friends who likes me, biglang ayoko na palang tumuloy huhu

i remember when i saw him, he was handing out the carts too much. then on our second meet, he was a little touchy which makes me feel violated. today was the third one, when we were walking, ayoko sumabay ng lakad kaya kapag nasabay siya, nabagal ako. kaso nung bumagal ako, bumagal rin sabay noong magkapantay nalang kami biglang nagside hug tapos hinimas yung likod ko 😭 wtf!!!!!

i was too scared on our way back. i knew that tita and jp will get off first and i will be left in the car with him, so i reached out and wrote to my note “maiiwan ako??? wag pls”

luckily, they all stayed and dropped me off in our house.

what a night.

[alcanlobo]

For people who love ☕️

📍Nas Kape

Located in Santo Tomas, Batangas, Nas Kape is a new outdoor café. It is close to Makiling Mountain, where we can see sweeping views of the city, and because of its accessible location and ominous lighting, it is a great site for anyone looking for a new hangout spot. Although this can be justified given their excellent location, the prices of the goods and beverages are comparable to those of Starbucks. 

 As a result of its proximity to us and the fact that my family and I are both from Sto Tomas, Batangas, we do not have to travel to Tagaytay to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery and the crisp, cool air that we prefer to feel when we spend time together. 

Going here is pleasurable because of the calm atmosphere when we eat and sip coffee while taking in the view of the city, I am reminded of how lovely and peaceful nature is. As a result, it is highly recommended for individuals looking to visit a coffee shop. 

[thedorkreadstheworld]

It was a pleasant surprise to receive an invitation, considering the last time we saw each other was in 2014 and we only kept in touch through social media. And when I saw her again, the first thing she told me was that I am still handsome and she misses me so much. Well the feelings are mutual, she’s so gorgeous and I missed her so much!

It was heartwarming to know that I still hold a special place in her heart, despite the distance and time that have passed. It's always a blessing to reconnect with old friends and witness their milestones, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have shared this special moment with her.

May 03, 2023 / 4PM Onwards / Hacienda Solange, Tagaytay

[heyyitslindsay]

I changed my name and prof pic in FB cause I didn't wanna be bothered. 😆 And sure enough, he didn't message me tonight.

Although I appreciate that he's putting in the effort to come up with several different topics just to talk to me, and he prayed for me too, I just couldn't be bothered.

This is finally the time when I'm totally free and single. I've been single for the past 2 years but it didn't totally feel like it 'cause I still kinda dated and talked with people. Thank God I finally feel the freedom of not being interested at all in anyone. 🤍 I want this to last as long as the Lord wants. I never felt this kind of peace and contentment with where I'm at before. I have joy 🥺

~

Daddy. Help me cherish this.

The best dates I ever had in my life were when I was with you. 🤍

In Tagaytay, Japan, & Alilem. 🤍 Daddy, more to come! Thank you🤍

[purplesurveys]

1897

1~ What quality do you value most highly in others? Considering the traditional and backwards culture my country is known to live by, I appreciate someone who's open-minded and thinks in a more modern, less discriminating way.

2~ Are you more aggressive or mellow? It depends...this is a very broad question. I can be aggressive when it comes to people or things I deeply care about, and mostly mellow-ly nonchalant towards everything else.

3~ Who has made the biggest sacrifice for you? My parents, easily.

4~ Do you take any vitamins or medication? I don't. Nothing regular.

5~ Do you want to grow old with someone? It would be nice to grow old with my best friend, but I also don't, like, actively pressure her to do so. She has her own future and family to think about, and I don't mind being one of the supporting characters in her arc. It would just be nice to have the rest of our lives together.

6~ Do you treat others better or worse than yourself and why? It used to be 100% better than myself, but I'm slowly starting to prioritize myself now too. That being said, I've started to enforce boundaries and to learn how to say no when I want to.

7~ What sound is annoying you right now? Eh, nothing. It's fairly silent at the moment.

8~ Where was your last vacation to? We had back to back trips to Bulacan, Vietnam, and Tagaytay the last month. My family also booked a last-minute weekend someplace south but I didn't go with as I went to Hans and Angela's engagement party that same time.

9~ Where was your last car ride to? My uncle's new place! He finally moved into the home he's been building and finishing up the last few years and it's beautiful.

10~ Where did you last walk to? Just upstairs, here to my bedroom.

11~ What gives you a peaceful feeling? Rainy weather.

12~ Are you a light sleeper? No, I'm usually nearly impossible to wake up which is why I always need 4-5 consecutive alarms set.

13~ When you sleep next to someone who usually falls asleep first? I get veeeerrryyyy conscious sleeping around other people, so it's usually them.

14~ How many people have a piece of your heart? Like less than 10.

15~ What do your salt and pepper shakers look like? They're not shakers; they're just tupperwares with their own scoops.

16~ When was the last time you hurt yourself? Intentionally? Years ago. Maybe 6 or 7 years ago. Unintentionally – happens a lot, so yesterday would be my best guess.

17~ Would you rather live in the city, suburbs or the country? City. I grew up in the suburbs my entire life and don't know the sound of a bustling city at all. I'd love to be surrounded by it now that I'm at pretty much the peak of my 20s.

18~ Have you ever built something? I'm sure I have.

19~ Are you more of a maker and giver, or a taker and user? Taker and user. I like going by other people's lead.

20~ Do you take naps? Rarely. Only when I'm extremely, extremely beat – like yesterday.

21~ Do you buy holiday gifts early or at the last minute? I always do it last-minute and get stressed every time lol, I never learn.

22~ Do you laugh when there is no joke and dance when there is no music? Dance, yes. But I don't think I've ever laughed out of nowhere. I always at least remember some kind of memory.

23~ If someone else were to describe you what would you hope they would say? That I have been mentally strong. Or thoughtful – that would honestly be nice to hear, too.

24~ What is the dirtiest habit you can think of? Like, of anyone? I saw someone on Reddit say they enjoy cleaning out their shower drain and that the more hair they get out of it, the better. Something I never expected to read that day tbh lol

25~ Do you ever need ‘quiet time’? Absolutely, and I need it more and more these days since there's now so much more demanded of me at my job, with everyone having eyes on my every move. By the end of every fucking week I'm just out and do not want to deal with anything and anyone.

26~ Do you think it is harder for a parent to outlive their child or for the child to outlive their parent? The former definitely, just because that's not usually expected to happen. My aunt had her son (my uncle) pass at 40; there's not a week I don't think of her and how she's doing.

27~ What was your best find from a flea market, garage sale, ebay or thrift? I found a copy of the WWE Encyclopedia in pristine condition at a secondhand book store. Copped that shit i m m e d i a t e l y.

28~ What is one selfish thing you tend to do? Prioritize myself and my feelings.

29~ What kinds of people do you find intimidating? Mostly people who have had more experience than I've had in our industry. It's intimidation coming from a place of respect, though – I try not to be actively scared of them and instead take the opportunity to learn from them no matter what their mentorship style is (unless they are assholes lol, which I won't tolerate. But thankfully I've never had to encounter someone of the sort).

30~ Out of everyone you know who has the most unique personality? Ades probably? He's the kind of smart that almost makes him weird, but I've never found it off-putting. I like hearing his thoughts whenever I can.

31~ When do you do your best thinking? After-work hours, ie anytime after 6 PM; or on the weekends – which is the time I get to think without needing to worry about deadlines.

32~ What was a choice that you didn’t want to make but you had to? Choosing to move on from my ex four years ago; I genuinely thought there was still a chance we could get back together. I was desperate and delusional at the start, trying to still keep up conversations with her whenever I could and thinking that any reply from her was progress in the direction I wanted. Soon enough I realized that she wanted nothing to do with me anymore and seemed perfectly fine and free without me, and that made it much easier to move past.

33~ Have you ever written a letter to a soldier? No.

34~ What does your favorite coffee mug look like? It's just a plain black glass mug.

35~ What age do you think it is most difficult to be? From my own observation of others around me, 25 seems to be quite the hurdle. Everyone seems to be so pressured and is doing a bunch of stuff to overcome the quarter-life crisis...but personally I think I've handled it quite well and am proud of that.

36~ Do you think you could handle a day in jail? I think my anxiety would eat me alive for the better part of it, but it's a day. I think I'd be able to manage, even if barely.

37~ Who is the most overbearing person you know? L.

38~ Have you ever been on a trampoline? Sure.

39~ What do you use batteries for the most often? My Army lightstick, hah.

40~ Would you prefer to wrap your own presents or have them all gift wrapped? I'm terrible at wrapping presents so I either have my sister do it (if we still have time, because I do my gift shopping last minute like I said) or I just buy a bunch of paper bags to put my gifts in.

[mwcowan]

A Whole New Chapter

Happy Birthday Max (and Ripley, Olaf, and Daisy)!

June 28th was Max’s 4th birthday (and all of his 8 siblings, though we only know Ripley, Olaf, and Daisy). He celebrated with a special birthday crown, and by devouring a HUGE liver and rice pupcake that Georgia made for him. He had trouble blowing out the candle though.

One thing Max hasn’t acclimated well to are the storms, with their heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. He’s always been shy about loud noises, and here, even the rains get loud. I’ve described the intense lightning and thunder before, but just to remind you it’s LOUD! This is all made worse by the fact that we live outside most of the time, often hanging out in our upstairs open-air foyer; even if we’re indoors we almost always have the windows open. We've read that some dogs deal with loud noises better if they wear earmuffs so we experimented. Here’s Max’s first “boom boom” helmet:

This seemed to help so we’ve since upgraded this to a commercial model that just slips over his ears. We’re not sure if it really muffles the noise or if it just distracts him having something wrapped around his head. He also seems to deal with thunder fairly well by retreating to a ‘sanctuary’, usually underneath my desk in the main room, or Georgia’s desk in our bedroom. We hope he gets used to it quickly – now that we’re in the rainy season we get a thunderstorm almost every afternoon. He’ll get plenty of practice at least!

And Happy 60th Birthday Noel!

Continuing to celebrate birthdays, last weekend we went to Manila to attend the birthday party of our dear friend Noel. Michelle had planned a fun 80’s themed (just my thing!) night, with DJ, dancing, and of course food and drink. We saw many friends there and – small world time – even met two of our neighbors from Kawayan Cove that we hadn’t met before. Here’s Noel with more than his share of lovely ladies.

On the Road Again

One of Georgia’s friends, way back from her McDonald’s days in the early 80’s, has a vacation house on Lake Caliraya, which is just south of the biggest lake on Luzon, Laguna de Bay. The friend had offered for us to use it anytime we wanted. Although she wasn’t there, we took the drive and spent a couple nights at the lake.

The lake is manmade, its dam constructed in 1939 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for one of the first hydroelectric power projects in the Philippines. The dam was blown up by retreating American troops in 1942 to keep it from being useful to the Japanese, who quickly repaired it. The Japanese in turn destroyed the dam in 1945 when they retreated. It was rebuilt in 1953 by the Philippines National Power Corporation and since no one has blown it up since, it's still generating hydroelectric power. In addition to power, this large lake (about 3 x 8km/2 x 5mi, with a convoluted 157km/98 mi shoreline) provides many recreational opportunities and supposedly the best largemouth bass fishing in the Philippines (we tried but didn’t catch any…).

Even without catching anything we enjoyed our time on this very quiet and serene lake.

The only downside of Lake Caliraya, for us anyway, was the journey. From Kawayan Cove it’s about 160km each way which shouldn’t be that bad, about 2 hours or so, right? It’s not that bad at all for the first 40km or so, where we have nice, uncrowded highways to Tagaytay/Lake Taal. Past that though, with the exception of less than 10km on the SLEX expressway, it’s a slog along crowded, narrow, surface streets, making in all a pretty stressful 5-hour drive. The last 20km or so, when the route takes you up into the mountains and to the lake, finally let me relax a bit on a twisty but uncrowded mountain road. Reaching the subdivision entrance we continued for a bit on a normal 2-lane road… which abruptly turns into a single lane composed of two narrow strips of concrete. In some places there were drop-offs to the sides of the strips so you had to be very careful to stay centered, and MOST places there was absolutely no room for two cars to pass. Not sure what we would’ve done but luckily we didn’t meet another car either going in or out.

Here's the 'road' as it goes by the lake house, one of the few wide spots where two cars could pass.

Although the drive was somewhat stressful, it was a good chance to get to know our new car. Yes! I got my Fortuner! We had to wait about a month after we ordered it (waiting for that special Platinum White Mica Pearl paint), and took delivery the day before our trip. Having a brand-new car probably added to my stress, but overall it’s a joy to drive. The Innova, which is now Georgia's mom's car, served us well, and though it’s officially not a minivan it drives like one. The Fortuner (sharing the chassis and diesel engine with the Innova and the Hilux pickup) is much sportier to drive, especially on the twisty roads. Now we have a mini-SUV and a full-size SUV!

It's a Jungle Out There

The other day our caretakers pointed out a snake that had roosted in a vine near our pool deck, in fact right above my favorite spot to sit and read. It turned out to be a reticulated python, common all over Southeast Asia. These are the longest snakes in the world – the longest one ever captured was 33 feet (9.9m)! One of our neighbors is quite fearful of snakes and warned us to get rid of it as it will kill and eat dogs and cats, cattle, carabao… and you! Well, maybe the big ones, but this guy (less than 3’ / 1m) would only strike fear into you if you were one of the frogs that used to hang out in that spot.

While we’re talking reptiles, yesterday when I opened our pool umbrella I was surprised by this friendly looking tuko who had taken up residence inside. A large (this one was about 10" / 25cm) and colorful member of the gecko family, these creatures are plentiful here but are very shy and you rarely see them, only hearing their loud “tu-ko, tu-ko, tu-ko” calls in the morning and evening.

And Back to the Friendly Skies

Tomorrow we’re starting our journey back to the states, for about a 5-week visit. Check on the house, visit friends and family, go to the dentist, that sort of stuff. Max will stay here with caretaker Vima, with whom he’s become very good friends. We’ll be coming back to Manila right before Danny, Ben and Lachlan arrive for a visit in late August, which we’re excitedly looking forward to!

So that wraps up this chapter. I’ll probably be back in September.

Until then, leaving you with a couple of nice sunsets. Take care everyone!

[itstravelersnoteb00k]

Unveiling Wonders of Tagaytay

By: Shaira Mae Badiana

Embarking on your first trip to Tagaytay? Brace yourself for a journey filled with unforgettable moments! This guide is tailored to equip first-time visitors with essential insights and tips for a memorable Tagaytay adventure. From soaking in picturesque landscapes to savoring delectable local cuisine, this will be your guide to enriching the Tagaytay experience.

Before embarking on your Tagaytay adventure, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with this charming city. A stone's throw from Manila, Tagaytay is celebrated for its cool climate, panoramic views, and captivating natural beauty. Research the ideal times to visit, top attractions like the Taal Volcano, and local culinary delights like Bulalo, a flavorsome beef soup. This knowledge will aid in crafting a well-rounded itinerary, ensuring you make the most of your Tagaytay adventure.  Packing for Tagaytay should focus on comfort and adaptability to the city's cool weather. Essentials include a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable footwear for your exploration. And, of course, don't leave your camera behind to capture the city's mesmerizing vistas!

Safety is important during your Tagaytay visit. Exercise caution when venturing to the Taal Volcano and heed the advice of local guides. Staying hydrated and sun-protected is equally important. Keep a basic first aid kit close at hand, and save emergency contact numbers in your phone.

Dive into Tagaytay's rich culinary culture by sampling its mouthwatering cuisine. Relish a bowl of steaming Bulalo, a regional specialty featuring beef shanks and bone marrow. Don't miss out on the renowned Tagaytay coffee, best enjoyed while taking in the serene view of Taal Lake.

Navigating Tagaytay is a breeze, with options ranging from car rentals and hired drivers to public transportation like buses and tricycles. For the more adventurous, consider renting a bike to traverse the scenic countryside. Accommodation in Tagaytay caters to all budgets, from opulent resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts. For an unforgettable stay, opt for a hotel offering views of the Taal Lake. While in Tagaytay, a visit to the iconic Taal Volcano is a must. Embark on a boat ride across the lake and hike up to the crater for a view that will leave you spellbound. The Picnic Grove is another must-visit, offering a perfect setting for a picnic amidst lush greenery and panoramic vistas. Remember to capture your Tagaytay memories with plenty of photos and take home souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Your first trip to Tagaytay promises to be an exhilarating adventure. With this guide in hand, you're well-equipped to make the most of your journey. So, embrace the cool climate, delight in the local cuisine, and lose yourself in the breathtaking views.

Tagaytay awaits to offer you an unforgettable experience!

[brymrclno]

Nature's best: Tagaytay-Nasugbu edition

**********************************

It is known to many that Tagaytay has one of the best views when it comes to landscape. That is why it is one of the top tourist destinations here in the Philippines. During this summer season, people often look for a place to chill and ease the scorching weather, and there are places that immidately comes to mind when it comes to cool climate and beach resorts, Tagaytay and Batangas. These two provinces became one of the top tourist destinations in the country due to their natural beauty. Tagaytay boasts its cool climate and overlooking view of the taal volcano, which is one of the reasons why tourists visit this place. Batangas, on the other hand, houses numerous beaches, resorts, and staycation houses that make them one of the top spots during the summer season. Both of these destinations are also near the metro, which is why a lot of people flock over to visit, enjoy, and have a quick escape from their busy lives.

In the picture is a resthouse/staycation house in Nasugbu, Batangas (taken Tuesday, April 9, 2024). It has swimming pools and a touch of nature, having trees all over the place. This place is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who would want to take a break from their busy lives and have an intimate bonding with each other.

***********************************************

The pictures above are taken from Tagaytay City (Wednesday, April 10, 2024). This is one of the reasons why tourists visit this place, to appreciate the beauty and be in awe of the natural beauty our country possesses. The pictures show the beauty of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. It is indeed a joy to see such a relaxing and breathtaking view.

***********************************************

In our busy lives, we should not forget to also take a break for our own sake. A quick nature getaway to relax and reconnect with ourselves should also be one of our top priorities. So, take care of yourself, go on a vacation, and enjoy life!

#travelwritingandphotography

[emmanuelbagac]

Nasugbu, Batangas

Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu LLA: 14.0408 N 120.8011 E 811 MASL Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-4 hours

Features: Open trails, rolling slopes, scenic views of Batangas Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 with 60-70 degrees assualt

Mt. Batulao's cool environment provides an enjoyable getaway from the city. On a clear day, it provides magnificent views of the terrain in Batangas and other adjacent provinces. The height of Mt. Batulao is 811 meters (2,660 feet) above sea level. It features established paths that are suitable for beginners and has a 4/9 difficulty rating. Its gorgeous rolling slopes and somewhat steep topography make it one of the coolest mountains to climb in Southern Luzon.

The name of Mount Batulao has a fascinating beginning. The word "yellow stone" is Batong Dilaw in Tagalog. According to legend, the mountain received its name because, on clear days, the early morning sun's rays would paint the slope yellow. Mt. Batulao's beauty throughout the year is more than enough to make it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Southern Luzon region, even though this only occurs during the last week of December.

You will experience the same chill as Tagaytay visitors the moment you arrive at the Evercrest Golf Course, the jumpoff. And this temperature will follow you around, even in the typically dry and chilly months of January and February. On the other hand, due to the exposed aspect of its routes and its propensity for muddiness during the wet season (June to October), there are some days when Mt. Batulao can feel like a desert—extremely hot and humid. However, Mt. Batulao frequently receives gusts that make any trek, regardless of how hot or how cool, delightful.

[riammm]

I think we can all agree that in the Philippines, when we say we like a particular filipino food, it means that food that our family cooks, ako personally I like my mom's sinigang, adobo, and kare kare the most and the restaurant food are just okay for me... And I ended up with this conclusion kasi nag uusap kami ng mga kaibigan ko and most of us likes our family's cooking the most, like my other friend's favorite food is her mom's binagoongan pero di siya nakain ng ibang binagoongan na di gawa ng mama niya haha. Kaya usually pag nakain ako sa Filipino resto binibili ko yung mga pagkain na di kaya lutuin ng mama or or di niya niluluto tulad ng bicol express tyaka sisig hahaha. Kahit yung bulalo sa tagaytay, mas masarap parin yung sa mama ko.