The Highlands of Tagaytay City

Talk about escape from the summer heat of Manila, Tagaytay comes into mind easily because of its easy access.

Tagaytay City, at elevation 2,500 above sea level, a component city in the province of Cavite in the Philippines,is known as the summer capital of Southern Luzon because of its cool highland weather. Only 56 kilometers south of Manila, it is situated on the scenic Tagaytay Ridge that has a spectacular view of Taal Volcano.

Tagaytay is famous not only for the awesome view of Taal's lake-within-a-volcano-within-a-lake-within-a-volcano but also for fruits, vegetables, beef, native coffee and flowers as well.

Tagaytay is a famous get-away for families, couples and tourists for the spectacular views, picnic spots, restaurants, resort and recreational facilities as well as retreat/recollection centers catering the schools and universities of Manila.

Apart from its natural beauty, Tagaytay is also historic. You will find several historic markers. Having the Tagaytay Ridge Landing first installed in 1951, this was the site of the first parachute landing in the Philippines executed by the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, 8th Army, USA that happened on February 3, 1945.

You will also find the 41st Division USAFFE marker in Kaybagay South of Tagaytay City. During World War II, Filipino soldiers found refuge in its vast forest and ridges. It was used as a landing site and sanctuary for paratroopers on their way to liberate Manila.

Tagaytay is not just a nature's wonder, it is also rich in political history. 

The Gates of Intramuros - Puerta de Postigo

This is no ordinary gate. In 1896, Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal passed through this gate when he walked from Fort Santiago to his execution site in Bagumbayan. Built in 1662, the Postigo led to the palaces of the Governor General and the Archbishop of Manila. The gate was renovated in 1782 and was moved by a few meters. It was restored in 1968 after it had been damaged in the Battle of Manila in 1945. The bridge was excavated and restored from 1982 to 1983.

Please take note that the land area outside of the walled city was converted into a golf course when the Americans arrived. The Americans decided to convert the stinking moat into a golf course instead of harboring diseases for the City of Manila. 

Trekking Taal Volcano, Batangas

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and thus, having several active or dormant volcanoes in the archipelago is quite normal.

Taal Volcano is an island near the center of the Taal lake in Batangas -- 60 kms. south of Manila. It is referred to as a volcano within a volcano and described by scientists as a complex volcano. It is one of the world's smallest volcano as well.

Why a complex volcano? Consider these definitions:

A volcano consisting of a complex of two or more cones. It is a volcano with more than one feature and they are formed by changes in their eruptive locations or characteristics. It is also called a compound volcano. 

To heighten the complexity of Taal Volcano are the seven different eruption parts including the Taal Lake. This is not to scare people, but the thrill to feel is everywhere whenever you start to trek in the volcano island. Your imagination starts to play with several "What Ifs."

Taal Volcano is unique, the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake." There is even a tiny island in the Crater Lake that you can see in the pictures below.

Can you swim? Yes! But you can't stay too long for it has high concentrations of boron, magnesium, aluminum and sodium in salt form.

There were 33 eruptions since 1572 and seven were destructive. The last eruption was in 1977.

As you trek along, you will see several thermal vents (sulfuric vapors) and fissures making it more exciting to witness.