Destination: Tagaytay

Spotted:

Bianca Salonga

Bianca Salonga likes to craft stories that are anchored on purpose. Her work as a correspondent for FORBES.COM, is focused on sustainable design, fashion, beauty, and wellness. The lifestyle journalist has also ventured into PR and branding under boutique firm, before.deadlines, bringing her love for telling stories that inspire, to the practice.

Where to Stay:

“Of course, I prefer to stay at home with my five dogs whenever I’m in Tagaytay. But whenever friends and family ask for recommendations, there are only two that immediately come to mind. Anya Resort is an all-time favorite. It has a little of everything for everyone–wellness, fine flavors with top shelf wine, a wonderful poolside restaurant, and stunning suites. I would also say that in all of Tagaytay, they have the best service.”

“If you’re seeking absolute quiet and privacy, Ezra Resort is your kind of place. There are only nine cabins on the property, each one well-appointed with a kitchen, living area, dining, outdoor jacuzzi and fire pit. There are no food outlets at the resort so make sure to bring your own food and have an eating itinerary laid out when you book.”

Where to Eat:

“You will always be spoiled for options when you stay in Tagaytay. Personally, I stay away from the touristy places or restaurants that everyone goes to. There is more to the city than bulalo, tawilis, Balay Dako and Antonio’s (no offense!). 

For delicious, healthy, farm-to-table flavors that everyone can enjoy, Elaia by Cyma, is top of mind. Don’t miss out on Chef Robby Goco’s Chops ala Ajillo, Roasted Lamb, Charcoal Grilled Sea Bream, and Greek Panzanella (Dakos). 

Once in a while, my family and I also love to indulge in a delicious dinner at Sinta. It typically starts before sunset with a mocktail (it used to be apero), followed by their signature Ossobucco or Halibut and ends with a beautifully plated Sample of Chocolate.

Elaia dish.Where to Shop: 

When in Tagaytay, make sure to visit the Mahogany Market for fresh fruits and the best coffee beans. They also carry a good selection of plants.

Where to Hang:

In the afternoons, I like to head out to CE’ for brownie ala mode, a cup of coffee, and running into fellow city folk who have set up homes in Tagaytay. This design and dining gem features a personal collection of mid-century chairs and furniture. The open space feels a lot like a cozy, well-appointed home–but with delicious tapas and sangria perpetually available in the kitchen. 

This might be a little unexpected, but Tagaytay actually has a worldclass skate and bike park. The expansive venue also boasts a ¼ mile long running track where I briskly walk while watching the city’s young and brave fly off the ramps.

Best advice:

Tagaytay is a popular destination for quick weekend trips. Once known as the “second summer capital of the Philippines,” it has evolved to become a thriving culinary destination.  Over the past years, more and more cityphiles have also set up their homes in the windy city. With stunning views of Taal Lake, verdant mountain ridges, and close-to-perfect weather all year long, Tagaytay has become the ideal address for living closer to nature–without being too far removed from the capital.

The city of flowers and pine has two faces. For tourists, Tagaytay is all about bulalo (beef shank soup), tawilis (in indigenous freshwater sardine), and picturesque views of the world-renowned volcano within a lake. Local life, however, offers more than just the usual tourist attractions. There are countless food concepts around the city that bring forward a more global and elevated dining experience. A thriving art and design scene is also slowly beginning to flourish—mostly in private homes or little less known hangouts. And while many immediately associate a trip to Tagaytay as a time for “eat, sleep, and doing nothing,” there are many surprises in and around town that awaken the senses.