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 - 1

Before the end of the semester, we had been discussing on how to spend our sem break. And the very day when we settled all our work related requirements, we agreed to spend a day in Tagaytay and the Taal Volcano.

I am excited about this adventure because I've been waiting for this moment - to visit the crater of Taal Volcano. Whenever I am in Tagaytay, I could only see the volcano from a distance and it would be an experience of a lifetime to actually set foot on this volcano.



We converged in UST at around 6 in the morning. Raul came first. I followed afterwards. Mike was the third one to arrive. The couple Leo and Leah followed soon. And Raymond was the last one. Raymond is our student and Leo asked him if he can accompany us in this trip and he brought along his car. Many thanks to him because we can hop from one place to another with ease.



Since it was our first time to visit Taal volcano, we took a package tour (PhP1350/head). Anyway, from Tagaytay Rotonda we turned left going to Talisay, Batangas. You'll pass this exit if you're going to Picnic Groove. A word of caution if you are going to take this route. This route is worst than that of Kenon road so you have to drive with much caution all the time. You'll experience a narrow zigzag and dangerous curves and I lost count how many turns are there. And according to our contact, if you are a first timer, the brake of your car will definitely be tested.



And as we hold our breath of our downhill journey, the majestic Taal volcano is a sight to behold. Personally, I am totally captivated by its beauty and I could not help smiling, knowing that it was just a matter of time before I could set foot on this majestic beauty.