Tagaytay!

Tagaytay is towards the south of Manila,  famous for its cool climate and beautiful view of Taal lake and Taal volcano.
General Information about Tagaytay:
(http://www.tagaytay.com/info.htm)
Tagaytay City (population 16,322) is about 60 km / 37 miles south of Manila in the mountains of Cavite Province. Tagaytay is a city of scenic contrasts .Wildflowers line paved winding roads, panoramic views of the Taal Volcano nestled in Taal Lake, and orchards of fresh home grown fruits, all amidst modern convenient facilities and amenities including the Casino Filipino Tagaytay. 

Tagaytay is home to Taal Volcano, which is reputed to be the world's smallest and yet most active. It stands on its own island amid a landscape of ash and cinder. The breathtaking views of Taal volcanoand Lake is a MUST SEE for everyone visiting Asia. It is truly a once in a life time experience and we recommend a visit in the strongest possible way.

Tagaytay, considered as the country's second summer capital because of its crisp and cool climate all year around, is a treasure box of pleasure points in by itself. At nightfall, one sees the lake sparkle with the pinpoint lights of fishing boats. It is a perfect picnic spot. 

Tagaytay, however, is more than a picnic haunt. The place has given rise to many congregational houses and retreat centers. It is also conductive to spiritual meditation, that is earned yet another title for being the "Center of Spiritual Retreat."

Tagaytay City, located 2,500 feet above sea level enjoys a cool and invigorating climate characterized by a relatively low temperature, low humidity, and abundant rainfall. Average temperature is 22.7 degrees Celsius. For this reason, Tagaytay with its cool weather, balmy winds and foggy mists is called the "second summer capital" of the country after Baguio City.

 Taal lake and Taal volcano as  viewed from Tagaytay.  

It is also famous for its organic gardens.  In many of these gardens, computerized irrigation is used. 

Flowers are colorful.  Many of the suppliers of flowers in Metro Manila come from Tagaytay. The cool  climate in Tagaytay is very conducive to growing of flowers.

Burst of colors!

 

We went in a zoo, they have leopards, deer, monkeys, gorillas, donkeys, turtles, etc. and snakes.

We went around a flower garden.  We were the only visitors that day.  We bought a pot of basil and I tried to grow more of them but after enjoying spaghetti with pesto sauce (basil and cheese with olive oil) for several weeks, my basil 'plantation' dried when we traveled again and no one watered the plants.  Below is a plant of round peppers.   I guess this is a better plant to 'farm'.

Aside from the view, cool climate, flowers and vegetables, Tagaytay is also famous for it's beef. Many claim that meat from Tagaytay is tastier than any other places in the Philippines.  Also, Muslims and Jews alike will be happy to know that they slaughter the animals in a kosher way, painless (almost) death. 

I'd like to go back to enjoy again a delicious cup of coffee overlooking the beautiful view of Taal Lake.