5 Reasons Why Tagaytay is the Perfect Summer Weekend Getaway

Taal Volcano in Tagaytay
Photo by Drumlanrig on Wikipedia, Commons

Tagaytay City is considered as one of the popular philippine tourist spots. It is also called little Baguio due to its cool weather conditions even in the middle of summer. It is one of the favorite destinations for city dwellers to relieve themselves from the sweltering heat of the summer.


1. Accessible

Indeed, not only is Tagaytay sought after because of this cool climate but also because of it's accessibility. It may be reached either way from Aguinaldo Highway or by taking the SLEX route.

I have been to Tagaytay a number of times and prefer taking the SLEX and Santa Rosa Exit. On normal traffic, it takes an hour to get there.

2. A Host of Activities

Tagaytay is ideal both for couples and families. There are many activities that can be engaged in while there. You can go sight-seeing, horseback riding, playing golf, relaxation through a spa, and many others.

3. A Romantic place
The cool weather in Tagaytay makes it the perfect place for couples who want to experience a beautiful private time. Indeed, it is one of the top choices for honeymoons and weddings. It's beautiful landscapes and sceneries had made it a great choice for wedding photographers.

4. Great and Affordable Accommodations

Tagaytay is home to the Highlands and other equally famous developments in the area. Nevertheless, it is also home to countless affordable accommodations perfect for those on a shoestring budget. Just be patient in looking for those special places online. One of them is Keni Po.

5. Heart-warming Food

Tagaytay is famous for its beef stew locally known as 'Bulalo'. One should not miss this delicacy while in Tagaytay. It is also known for its fresh produce, so don't miss out on buying those in season fruits available by the roadside.

Volunteer Travelling in the Philippines

Did you know that you can actually have fun while making a contribution to a cause?

It is possible with volunteer travel or what others refer to as volunteer tourism. There are many non-profit organizations in the Philippines and around the world that can help you make this possible. For a minimal fee, you get to immerse in a local community and work for a cause. This way you are not only travelling to enjoy new places but you get to help out a cause close to your heart.

Travelling is not just about enriching your experience because with volunteer travelling you can actually shoot two birds in one stone.

The secret is knowing where to look, for starters Handsonmanila is one of those sites that will help you out in choosing the appropriate cause. If you need more help on organizations around the country that will let you work and volunteer for them, simply email gmmurgirl@gmail.com.

For more information about Volunteer travel, read more on 'Volunteer Travel Adventure'.

A Weekend Trip to Palani Beach in Masbate

Spending the whole weekend in a beach setting far away from all the stresses of daily living is virtually everyone's dream. While the intense summer heat is baking most part of the tropical archipelago, the beach offers a surprisingly cool respite. Intending to escape the heat one weekend which also coincided with my daughter's birthday, I flew in for a two-day beach-filled fun spent at Palani Beach in Balud, Masbate.

Palani Beach in Masbate, Philippines (April 2013)

Long stretch of beach perfect for swimming

This undeveloped beauty is just the perfect escape. Away from the crowd and commercialized beach destinations, Palani is my great choice for a quiet and lovely weekend with only fun and rest in my mind.
Despite the summer heat, the sea breeze over the area is cool and refreshing. An early swim or a late afternoon dip is a great way to be away from the summer sun's intense glare.

Who needs shoes? I walked barefoot in the clean beach

Armed with my camera, a few cloth changes and intense anticipation, I spend worthwhile hours simply enjoying beach living. There is nothing much you can do but swim, eat great seafood fare and young coconut 'buko' to my heart's content, sleep with the sound of the beach and the cool wind on your face (no beds) in the huts, listen to my favorite music (the huts has electricity), bath in the cool fresh water from the deep well nearby, take a walk with the clean and fine sand beneath my feet, and to top it, watch a beautiful sunset.

A beautiful sunset after a fun-filled day at the beach

Perfect sunset at Palani Beach

Watching the sun go down is so romantic

All of these makes for my perfect weekend at Palani Beach, one of my favorite beaches. And I won't get tired of going back over and over.