Wanderlust Diary

A quick getaway from Manila is surely a must for a recharge from all the stress of the urban life.

Tagaytay is one of the favorites for some cool weather and relaxing brunch along the way..

I’m listing my favorite places:
1. Bag of Beans — hands down best cheesecake (smooth and not too sweet), this is simply a must for me. Mind you, their coffee is also fantastic. I saw that they opened a branch nearer the Rotunda (at the Lake Hotel). The last time I visited their first branch, they seem to have extended their quaint greenhouse cafe.

2. Buon Giorno at Cliffhouse - affordable Italian cuisine with a twist of homey feel to the place, you just want to hang out here and catch the cool breeze of Tagaytay plus the famous view. You can’t go wrong with this place..but do reserve beforehand so not to wait for a long queue. I love their risotto!

3. Pamana - owned by the Ongpauco (same owner of Barrio Fiesta), this place is surprisingly authentic. Although a cheaper alternative is Leslie’s for bulalo, I guess you can do away with the usual and try more fine approach. Lately I’ve been craving for it, but our last visit, I couldn’t drag my vegetarian parents there. Filipino cuisine should expand more vegetarian cuisines in their menu.

4. Tagaytay Highlands - I love the Woodland houses. We were able to rent out, a night for around 22k++ (3 rooms plus 1 maid’s room, huge living room, jacuzzi) We usually want to spend Christmas or New year’s day here, I get to imagine I’m in another country where pine trees are abundant. I’m looking to do more activities here but the houses are too nice to leave behind!

5. Loumar’s – Though you may see more branches of Colette’s, this one has the best buco tart especially when still hot. Rowena’s also has comparable ones. Loumar’s have a bigger branch along the road going to Picnic grove..they also have a smaller one near the Rotunda.

Hoping to try/visit:
– Antonio’s and Breakfast @ Antonio’s
– Taal lake
– Nurture Spa
– Verbena
– other new restaurants