Back to the Philippines

The only place I remember vividly was going to Picnic grove in Tagaytay. However, when we went inside I was ready to turn back immediately. It’s not really just the fact that they charge us entrance fee per head when getting in but also the fact that it now looks ugly. I had fond memories of picnic grove and I do remember it being clean and nice to go to. However, today, I was turned off by it. [Read more →]

We spent a weekend going towards South of Metro Manila. Starting from Paranaque, passing Alabang, Santa Rosa then to Tagaytay. Overall if we went there without stops it’s probably only 45 minutes from Alabang.

The breeze was not as cool as I expected it. I was still sweating!

Anyway I was able to see countryside again and now away from the complicated and crowded streets of Metro Manila. The visit was still worth it. It was nice to see coconut trees and pineapple plantations.

I was fortunate to be able to have time to come back to this new area several times. I particularly like the fact that this place is a product of well-thought out urban planning. Prices of land have already gone up for the past few years. This wasn’t there when I left in 1996 and I am very impressed as to how it has developed.

Basically, you have here places for upscale and middle class shopping and dining. Market! Market! is quite middle class. The other nice place is Serendra and High Street which is more upscale. Both places have nice open air areas where one can hangout. We were at Serendra one evening for dinner and the place was packed with yuppies even at 10pm and that was in the middle of the week!

Transportation is also not a problem. One one side of the Market! Market! is a taxi line

and I think on another area I saw a whole public transportation terminal complete with signs. I saw various signs for transportation to major cities in Metro Manila.

The Balut has gained notoriety all over the world as one of the “grossest” and scariest looking food. However, it tastes good actually. You can also skip the chick and just eat the egg yolk but don’t forget to slurp the soup that goes with it.
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Going to Quezon City from Makati my aunt strongly recommended that we use the MRT or the Metro from Ayala to Trinoma (North Ave). [Read more →]