Destination: Taal Volcano - 12

Our last stop was Mahogany market. Nobody would want to miss the opportunity of going here because vegetables, fruits, and meat products prices are cheaper compared to other areas within Tagaytay.

Pineapples seem to be ever present all year round. Vendors would even give you a free taste to feel how sweet Tagaytay pineapples are.



Some of us gave in. A basket that contains 6 pineapples costs 100 pesos only.



I could have bought guyabanos because I once tasted a mouth watering guyabano shake. Actually, guyabano is one of my favorite fruit but not all guyabanos are sweet. That thought prevented me from buying one. But how I wish I had a blender to experience again a great tasting guyabano shake.



But one thing I could not resist, the ripe nanca. This one is definitely my all time favorite. I am always looking forward to feast on a ripe nanca. I could not pass on this opportunity so I gave in to the temptation. I bought three kilos and a half for the price of 220 pesos. How am I suppose to munch all of them? Hmmm. Let me think. Hehe



And to complete the experience here at the Mahogany market, we had a treat of the great tasting bulalo. One order of bulalo costs 300 pesos and can be shared by 4 to 6 persons. We had to enjoy this one in moderation because of cholesterol concerns. Hehe. That's the problem of getting old.



As part of their freebies, the eateries offer for free the bananas and the pineapples on the table. You can consume all the bananas to your heart's content. As for the pineapple, you have to ask them because they will not slice the one that is being displayed on the table.



Anyway, sweet vendors are not really that sweet. They are used in interrupting your moment not unless you give them a cold treatment or totally deny them. But the moment you are going to entertain them, they would not waste any time to offer you this and that. And once you take their freebies, they will stop at nothing until you give in.



We tried bouncing the ball around, dishing out reasonable excuses. Raymond was the driver, I was the photographer, Mike was the director, Raul was the utility (if I remember it correctly), and Leo and Leah were the main casts. Since Leo was holding our finances, he was the target the vendors until finally, he gave in to one of them. Haha



Well, this was really an exciting day for all of us. We are hoping that one day, we can go out altogether again, share a wonderful and unforgetable experience, and strengthen the bond of friendship that we had already established.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 11

Welcome to Picnic Groove. After the Talisay exit, there's the Picnic Groove. There's enough space for everyone to freely enjoy the day. The entrance per head is 50 pesos.



At the entrance, there is a place for horseback riding. But since we had already experienced horseback riding this morning, we simply ignored the offer. We went straight to the heart of the place. This part of Tagaytay also offers a perfect view of the Taal volcano. Lovely.



It is advisable that you visit this place during the weekdays. Visitors are few during weekdays and amenity rates are low likewise. And it would be good if you can bring your own food because for sure the prices of food here tends to double.



We simply scout the place. And there's the zipline. Haha. How my heart pumped that time seeing the zipline again. I tried this ride for several times at La Mesa Eco Park but the ride there was short. It seems that this one offers more than twice the length of that of La Mesa.



Well, let's get it on. One way ride during weekdays costs 100 pesos. That's cool. Only the four of us went to experience this ride. Mike and Raymond opted to wait for us at the other end. Yahoo! Here we go again!



We went for a flying position. It was a good one especially when you're freely enjoying the ride. How my heart pumped during the course of the ride. I guess I cannot completely get rid of my acrophobia but at least I can normalize my fear. You just can't imagine combating your fear in mid air while enjoying the ride and the view. How ironic. Hehe



Bad thing about the jacket used in this ride was not allowing you to raise you head fully because your shoulders were strapped giving you little room to move your head up. And the two tire stopper at the other end gives an uncomfortable impact. But I guess, you can bear some little inconveniences and simply enjoy the spirit of the experience.



After the ride, we went for a cold and sweet treat. Drumstick anyone?

Destination: Taal Volcano - 10

We arrived safely at the foot of the mountain. Well, it was a fun-filled experience for all of us though our sight-seeing trip was short. I suggest that you'll climb the crater in the earliest possible time so that you'll have ample time to enjoy the view and you'll also have enough time to freely roam around.



The banca that we rode this morning had been waiting for us. During the afternoon, waves start to grow bigger. You have to wear your life vest to secure yourself. But since it was just a 20-minute ride, you don't have to be that afraid during the course of the trip. Anyway, from time to time, bancas are just within your sight. Just enjoy the trip and ride high with the waves.



We had lunch at our contact's place. Though part of the package was a sumptuous lunch, we had other things in mind about the food. There was nothing extra-ordinary about the food. But since we were already hungry, we simply enjoyed our food.



After lunch, we still had enough time to enjoy the day. We agreed to visit other places in Tagaytay, since we were already there. And so we had to endure again the zigzag ride going to Tagaytay, praying that we will have a safe passage.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 9

It was almost 11:30am when we decided to return to Talisay. For sure, this will be another adventure for all of us since we were going to have another horse ride down the mountain.



When going down the mountain, this time, you have to lean backwards in order to balance the ride. It was a good experience because from time to time, little lessons could be learned along the way.



Our downhill ride was a bit slow because it would be a dangerous one if you are going to hurry given the nature of the place. Sharp rocks and narrow pathways should be carefully considered and you should be extra careful not to get hurt in the process.



Since the trail was dry and when riders converged all together, dusts freely fly all over the place. You must have something to cover your nose or even your face.



There was one funny moment during our downhill ride. There was a lady tourist who rode a small horse. If the horse could only say its piece, for sure, it will not take the lady for another ride. There was an instance in the trail when the horse seemed to lost its balance because of its load. Luckily, the guide was quick enough to help the horse and they had to stay stationary for a while in order for the horse to regain its balance, allowing other riders to move ahead of them.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 8

It was interesting to know that a portion of the mountain was red in color. There could be reasons behind this fact. I had seen likewise grounds that are red but they were not part of any volcanic region. Anyway, as we continue to explore the other side of the mountain, our eyes continue to feast on the beauty of this nature.



Even though it was high noon, we did not mind the scorching heat of the sun. From time to time, clouds would cover the sun and the blowing wind made us feel that the heat of the sun was not really that hot.



And we also enjoy the liberty of filling our lungs with fresh air. Since the city offers only 20% of oxygen, here at Taal volcano, it was definitely 100%. You could actually feel the big difference of the air you breathe the moment you stepped out of the city. And if it was possible to bring home some fresh air, definitely we could have filled some bottles in the process. Hehe



When your skin is sensitive, you have to consider wearing a protective piece of clothing. Wild grass and other shrubs may cut through your arms and legs. So, you have to be ready and be prepared for this kind of adventure.