Highland Living and Leisure

Thursday, 17 May 2012 19:13 Marianne T. Escanilla / Special Features Writer

WHEN asked about the best place to stay for a vacation during the summer season that is not far from the city but still reminds the urban dweller about the calmness and the simplicity of rural living, Tagaytay would probably be on top of one’s list. Deemed to be the second summer destination, next to Baguio City, Tagaytay has proved to be an equally wise choice for family reunions when the heat in the lowlands becomes intolerable.

The city of Tagaytay that sits on the peak of the province of Cavite is a popular tourist destination partly because of being an excellent vantage point for viewing Taal Lake, “the lake within a large lake.” Pine trees, a reminder of those in Baguio City, also thrive in Tagaytay and are a sight to behold particularly if taken in by city slickers from Metro Manila and other blighted parts of the country.

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Tagaytay’s all-year-round climate is characterized by low temperatures, low humidities and abundant rainfalls. Located approximately 600 meters above-sea level, the city enjoys an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius that gets lower in December, January and February.

The city, only some two hours away from Manila, has grown to be a magnet for real-estate developers and other businessmen.

Its officials, however, envision it as a retirement haven for Filipinos and foreigners without sacrificing it to unregulated economic development.

Tagaytay boasts of a 60-40 “green” rule that enjoins residents and visitors to protect and preserve the natural beauty of the city.

Under the rule, Leilani Diesta, Tagaytay City tourism officer, says, 60 percent of the area occupied by, say, a building should be a concession to sound ecological practices.

Diesta adds that the “green” rule is also aimed at encouraging families to stay in Tagaytay despite inroads made by commerce.

“We cannot do away with development but we still limit the space where it could grow. We do not want people here to lose their land by selling it. If we allowed the real-estate developers to build vast communities here, none would be left for the residents,” she says.

Aside from reining in the developers, city officials also restrain commercial establishments from putting up signages and tarpaulins.

Instead, according to Diesta, they ask them to plant trees.

The city government is also pitching Tagaytay as the Wedding Capital of the Philippines.

The city has been hosting over 600 nuptials a year or an average of two weddings a day, Tagaytay has been the preferred venue for nuptials.

“The unspoiled lushness, the climate and the wonderful scenery make Tagaytay a favorite wedding venue in the country,” Diesta says.

She, however, adds that the city lacks supplies for weddings and other big social events.

“Most people who get married or hold other gatherings here have to bring in their own stuff ,” Diesta says.

Tagaytay City takes pride too in its Picnic Grove, a popular site for family gatherings; and Palace in the Sky, another popular place for scanning the city from above.

It is also a place to visit for foodies who crave bulalo, for one.

When you are in Tagaytay, either for a visit or for a long stay, it is best to bring in the whole family or your friends. There is no other way to enjoy the sights and the wonders of the city but with your loved ones.