I stood for nothing. So I fell for everything. I got the eye of the tiger. 'Cause I am a champion and you're gonna hear me roar! 'Yan lang ang naisip ko nung nakita ko ulit 'yung Taal Volcano. Real tigers here though: Residence Inn Zoo, Tagaytay Baluarte ni Chavit, Ilocos

From Tagaytay's Rotonda, you are to drive through Silang and it's on the right side. The sign's visible from the highway so you won't get lost if you're paying attention.

OMG IT WAS SO COLD I NEEDED MY BB JACKET THE WHOLE TIME WE WERE THERE. AHAHAHA. Joke. Worn this for pictorial purposes only. Hindi pa malamig, probably by Nov.-Feb. pa but as much as possible, somewhere North or farther South naman.

Fruits stands along Sta. Rosa

Here's a place that I'd like to recommend if you're buying sweets for pasalubong, 'yung first pabalik. Dalawa kasi 'yan eh, mas okay 'yung unang madadaanan kung pabalik na ng Manila (right side)

I love their Blueberry Tarts although for the 2nd time, wala na kong naabutan! Also their meringue, I like. Buko Pie - P 150.00/box Dahil pwede na 'ko maging tour guide dun kasi halos napuntahan ko na lahat, here are OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN TAGAYTAY: 1. Residence Inn Mini Zoo 2. Picnic Grove 3. Bulalo Places (perfect lalo kung malamig na) 4. Other Churches 5.Sky Ranch COMMUTING DIRECTIONS TO TAGAYTAY: 1. There are buses from Cubao that are Tagaytay bound (P 100.00-P150.00/person ang fare last year) and that would pass at Coastal Road/Cavitex so for someone who hates long travel time, this isn't the best option. 10 years 'to! Dagdag pa that MMDA has a project terminal somewhere South so provincial buses aren't allowed to pass through EDSA. That only means going to back to Manila would be a hassle kasi lilipat ka pa ng sasakyan. I didn't see any bus with route that would bring you back to Cubao anymore, hanggang Coastal Mall lang then from Coastal, you'd have to ride another bus to EDSA.  Haaaaay!!!! Ang gulo talaga ng sistema ng pagko-commute sa'tin. 2. Ride an FX from StarMall in Shaw to Balibago Terminal and from there ride a jeep to Tagaytay Wet Market. The FX will pass by SLEX so I think this is more convenient though may palipat-lipat lang ulit. Then if you're in Tagaytay already, there are plenty of tricycles that you may hire and there are also jeeps that you may ride.  If it's Pink Sister's you're going at, get down at Rotonda and ride a Cavite-bound jeep, dadaan 'yun then just walk towards the church. Walk-able naman papasok.

Interior of Aozora

If it wasn't so hot that day, this part would be the perfect place to stay at.  Oh. I heard that the best time to go here is during sunset. Yes, I think that sunset viewing is perfect in their place 'cause nasa west part sila and there are no obstructions in the view. (Sunset at Picnic Grove link: here.)

Japanese snacks are for sale. Got over my love for Meiji's dark chocolate because it's Meiji's Kyo-matcha for me now. Hehe.

And they have the best spot of all the establishments I've visited along the ridge. The name Aozora (blue sky) makes perfect sense when you're at this part. I would love to view the sunset here someday. Sige, kapag may ka-date na ko. Char lang :))

Panoramic View You are to see nature and forest in its finest. You are to eat Japanese cuisine in its finest. Definitely worth the drive! Unfortunately, mahirap na makakita ng ganitong spot sa Tagaytay kasi ang dami ng buildings and houses. Buti na lang, meron pa rito. So here it is. Tagaytay's first authentic Japanese restaurant.

Dragon Maki Named as such because it looks like a dragon. Laki kong tulong talaga. Haha. But this tastes good huhu I want to go back.

Gyoza

Miso Soup

And my favorite of the dishes that I tried there is Aozora's version of Sukiyaki.

Aozora's Fried Rice So good you don't even need a viand to eat this with.

Aozora's owner, Ms. Christine, told us that they import most of their ingredients from Japan. Their salmon has a different texture from the salmon sashimis that are available in eat-all-you-can buffets.

Aozora's Salad The crunchy kani on top took this salad on a different level. Sarap! I can eat this all by myself. hehe.

Tempura

Chicken Katsu Loved this as well! The chicken meat was tender but the panko coating was crunchy.

Pork Tonkatsu

Chicken Terriyaki

Tempura Ice Cream for dessert This one's interesting because the ice cream's obviously cold but the tempura coating is hot. The taste of chocolate syrup, red bean and vanilla ice cream are all complimenting. Must try!

I was surprised when they brought this out. Bulalo ramen daw. But I was more surprised that they managed to make this dish into something na hindi nakakaumay at bagay. Bulalo in not my kind of comfort food but with Aozora's Bulalo Ramen maybe it can be now.

A look of Taal lake once again.

Yay for the virgin forest they have there. Looks like no one has traversed here yet.  If you find yourself in Tagaytay, go to Aozora 'cause not only do you get to see this scenic view, you also get to eat delicious and authentic Japanese food prepared by Chef Seiji Kamura.

So meron pa palang ganitong part sa #tagaytay.😄 Super nice ng view from #Domicillo hotel (taas😂). #aozora #forest #travelph #nature #clouds #xperia

A photo posted by Tin Gallemaso (@xtintina) on Nov 8, 2015 at 12:45am PST

Aozora part 2 #teamaldoustagaytay

A photo posted by Aldous Calubad (@team_aldous) on Nov 8, 2015 at 3:31am PST

Breakfast round two in Jollibee.

Arrived in Caleruega past noon already.

It was my first time in Caleruega , I didn't know they ask for entrance fees. Caleruega Church is already in Batangas but not that far from Tagaytay so it's still "in the area." This was the farthest church that day.

As we entered, money they earn from entrance fees are used for maintaining the place. It's so nice and relaxing in there. They also offer retreat rooms just in case you like to unwind and spend the night there.

I didn't have a picture of just the mountains so bear with my face. hahaha

The altar area of the Transfiguration Chapel.

There are Koi (buhay baboy! they're ginormous!) ponds, picnic area with tents and the hanging bridge we weren't able to go near anymore. I wanna visit there again for a longer time for some prayers and leisure time... someday when it isn't as packed as it was yesterday.  EDIT: Visited there again on a weekday.  Link: here.

Next stop: Chapel on the Hill, Don Bosco Batulao You'll pass by this chapel on your way to Caleruega.

View from the Chapel on the Hill

Altar area of the Chapel The chapel is circular in shape and has 360 degrees view of surroundings. Next Stop: Monte Maria

Monte Maria parking area

Monte Maria Chapel Monte Maria Shrine is, I think, still under construction. It's a pilgrimage center and was founded by Fr. Suarez, a well-known healing priest.

Kain na!!! See the rain? At the back of Taal.

Sky ranch's Ferris Wheel I have yet to ride. Edit: Tagaytay's Sky Eye Ride link: here.

We ate at one of the Bulalohan's in Tagaytay which is overlooking Taal but I was so hungy to take note of the name.

Look who's having the most fun... it's sightseeing Betchay on her first out-of-town trip. Gusto niya talaga nakasilip sa labas! Hello there my Giordano watch c/o BDO.

Next Stop: Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Station of the Cross area in the Church's basement.