Travel Throwback | Purrfect Bonding in Tabby Town Cat Cafe and Corgi Club

Four to five years ago, there was a dog and cat cafe located in Silang, Cavite which is now closed after the pandemic. Indeed, it is a haven for pet lovers especially if they want to spend their "me time". 

Fifteen minutes away from Tagaytay Market or from Nuvali, there is a cat cafe where you can spend time with the different breeds of cats and dogs. Located in Brgy. Lumil, Silang, Cavite, accessible to the cities of Santa Rosa, Laguna, and Tagaytay City, this cafe offers not only pets, but also cool beverages and sumptuous food, as you mingle with these furry animals. 

The facade to Tabby Town Cat Cafe.

Cats are excited waiting for their food as well with bonding with their visitors.

The cafe where you can buy milkshakes, coffee, tea, and drinks. 

There are different breeds of cats found in this cafe such as Scottish Fold, Scottish Straight, American Shorthair, Persian, Siamese, and other foreign breeds. You can also enjoy your stay here as you take milkshakes or coffee while feeding and cuddling cats and dogs.

Cats are enjoying their sleep in their napping areas while visitors are roaming around the place.

A cat with heterochromia or a condition with difference in eye colors. 

Feeding the cats is one of the best experiences in this cafe.

Right after the Taal eruption and the pandemic, the cat cafe closed as they faced challenges in their business. Hence, their Facebook page is still active, as they are selling and giving their cats and dogs for reasonable price. Therefore, they are still looking forward to reopening once again, as they find business partners to support the establishment. Lastly, this cafe is the place that I really missed so much after the pandemic because of the cozy ambiance and the relaxing mood of playing with cats and dogs - a perfect place for pet lovers.

Date of Travel: January 02, 2020

The Sweet, Childhood Feeling at the Gingerbread House

One of the most unforgettable fairy tales written by the Brothers Grimm was "Hansel and Gretel." It tells about a story of two siblings who were abandoned by their father and they lost in the middle of the forest where they found a gingerbread house made up of sweets which was built by a witch. 

If you want to have a sweet escape from the busy life in the Metro, you may visit the Gingerbread House.

In fact, there is a cafe in Alfonso, Cavite which has a fairy tale setting - the Gingerbread House. Few minutes away from Tagaytay City and located in the forest-like area in the rural town, this cafe also serves as venue for parties and events. The place also resembles in a fairy tale setting of "Hansel and Gretel" where in the gate, you can see a marker which looks like a cookie because of its chocolate-brown color topped with white cream and the pastel colors of the signage. You will pay P 50.00 entrance fee and once you entered the cafe, you will go on a mini-forest trail where you can see a wishing well. After that, you will see a light brown gingerbread house with a snowy, white roof, candy cane post, and colorful candy dots in in the window. 

A closer look of the Gingerbread House

The interior of the cafe.

Candies and sweets are available. 

Their breads and pastries which are the specialties of Gingerbread House. 

Life-sized teddy bears are seated on the sofa and you may take a selfie with them.

My family and I decided to visit this cafe because my younger niece would like to create her own gingerbread house which was featured recently in a magazine show. So, we decided to make a gingerbread made up of biscuit, whipped cream and colorful candy toppings. While preparing, we also tried their pastries especially the cinnamon bread and chocolate crinkles. Therefore, with the help of my sisters and her father, they finished their personalized gingerbread house.

Left: The gingerbread house made by Korina Sanchez in her magazine show "Rated K."
Right: An example of a gingerbread house topped with candies. 

The finish product accomplished by my niece together with our family.

Visiting this cafe makes me feel that I was on a sweet escape and the childhood feeling that I visited a house made up of sweets and bread where I can eat a lot of candies, cakes and pastries. The perfect time to go there is during the summer and Christmas season. Definitely, I will come back to this place and enjoy more time in the Gingerbread House.

Have a sweet and sumptuous stay in the Gingerbread House. 

From Olivarez Plaza, you may ride a bus going to Nasugbu and then you will go to Barangay Upli. From there, you may ride a tricycle going to Gingerbread House. The fare is worth P60.00. It is located along Matagbak - Palumlum Road, Alfonso, Cavite. 

Date of Travel: April 1, 2018

Visita Iglesia: Pilgrimage at the Highlands

I always have my Visita Iglesia or Pilgrimage in my home town, Cavite. This year, I decided to explore the churches in the highlands. In fact. I went to seven churches located in the upland towns of Cavite namely Alfonso, Mendez and Tagaytay City. 

The belfry of the church.

The facade of San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church located in Alfonso, Cavite

San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church

Alfonso

The first church that I visited this year was the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church located in the poblacion or town center of the highland town, Alfonso. It became a town in 1859 and the church was established in 1861 where Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Maria was the first parish priest of the town. It is one of the oldest churches in Cavite which is depicted in its architecture. 

The facade of Saint Augustine Parish Church in Mendez.

Saint Augustine Parish Church

Mendez

The next church that I visited is the Saint Augustine Parish Church. It is located in the center of the small yet peaceful town of Mendez, Cavite. Its notable feature is the twin bell towers and the only one in Cavite.  It was established in 1881 and it celebrated its 300th anniversary last 2015. 

The facade of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Tagaytay City.

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church

Tagaytay City 

It is known as the healing church, it was established in 1940 by the Order of Friars Capuchin. The place is very ideal for weddings because of its beautiful landscape and cool climate. The parish is located in the heart of Tagaytay City along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway.

The facade of Tierra de Maria with the image of Our Lady of Manaoag. 

Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria 

Tagaytay City 

The Tierra de Maria was established twenty years ago by the late Bro. Jiggers G. Alejandrino. The church now is run by his widow and their children and it is also a place of healing and worship for Catholic devotees of the Our Lady of Manaoag. 

Ina ng Laging Saklolo Parish Church

Tagaytay City

A few minutes away from Tierra de Maria, the Ina ng Laging Saklolo which is located along Tagaytay-Calamba Highway. The church is also operated with Order of Capuchin Friars, the same with Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. 

Angels Hills Retreat and Formation Center

Angel's Hills Retreat and Formation Center

Tagaytay City

It is one of the prayer houses located in Arnoldus Road and this is the sixth church that I visited. It is located near various religious centers including the Pink Sisters Chapel. 

The Pink Sisters Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy

Tagaytay City 

A few minutes walk from the Angels Hills, I went to the Pink Sisters Convent located in Tagaytay City. It is a very popular convent which was visited by tourists and religious devotees, the place is known for nuns who are wearing pink uniforms and a relaxing place filled with trees and plants. 

I also want to visit the Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Amadeo, Cavite but it was already late due to the approaching evening. Therefore, it is always a pleasure and religious practice to do the Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches even in our hometown in order to profess our faith and reflect to all the things that we have done that God saved us from challenges and the fact that we are blessed with opportunities in life. 

You may also read Visita Iglesia: Historical Churches in Cavite 

Date of Travel: April 12, 2017

A Tickling Yet Relaxing Experience in Tagaytay Fish Spa

In the highland city of Tagaytay, there is a place where you can experience healthy relaxation which tickles your feet in a cold water. Your pedicurists are numerous tiny fishes that will suck and bite any dirt in your feet which make you feel relaxed for twenty minutes followed by ten minute foot massage by our expert therapists. Recently, fish spa has become a popular trend in our country like in Manila Ocean Park. Here in Picnic Grove, you may visit in Tagaytay Fish Spa.

You may enjoy the fish pedicure treatment for 20 minutes which was done by Garra rufa or simply Doctor Fish. You may pick between the sucking type where you can have a stimulating feeling in your feet, the biting type where the fish will remove some dead cells and dirt in your feet or you may try both types where you need to transfer to another seat for ten minutes.

These small fishes help to remove the dry skin cells. You may pick between the biting or sucking type. 

Interesting facts about Fish Pedicure,

For me, having a fish pedicure is a habit for me where I visit this place once in two to three months to feel relaxed and having a foot spa in a natural way. This type of foot massage is proven very effective and feeling pleasured in a sense that small fishes will tickle your feet and the staff of the Tagaytay Fish Spa are truly accommodating and friendly.

Tagaytay Fish Spa is located within the vicinity of Picnic Grove. The entrance fee for Picnic Grove is worth P 50.00 and Fish Spa is worth P 199.00

Travel Guide | Top Ten Interesting Facts and Exciting Things to do in Tagaytay City

"A wise traveler never despises his own country." 

- William Hazlitt

This quotation was proven true, Before you explore other places, you must learn to travel on your own hometown. I was born in Cavite and I grew up visiting one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province - Tagaytay. I always visiting that place every year with my family, friends and even I travel on my own in this summer destination.

The breathtaking scenery of the Taal Lake and Volcano Island overlooking from Tagaytay City.

The city is known as "The Second Summer Capital of the Philippines" because it is the city in the highlands with cool altitude and outstanding scenery which provides the view of Taal Lake in Batangas. It is an iconic trademark in our country where the Taal Volcano is located in the middle of the lake where you can see from different portions in Tagaytay. 

Tagaytay is relatively close to Metro Manila where the people took their vacation here in order to escape the urban hassles of city life and to experience relaxation. 

1. How Tagaytay got its name?

The view of Taal Lake from the ridges of Tagaytay City.

The word "Tagaytay" came from two Tagalog words "taga" meaning to cut and "itay" which means father. Legends said that there were a father and son who were hunting for a wild boar, but they were attacked by that animal. The son cried"taga itay!" where the phrase was echoed over the alleys of the ridge and it was heard by the residents, hunters and wood gatherers. Another version of the story where a daughter shouted in their house in the ridge because her father would not allow any suitor to see her. The father was driving away the suitors and the daughter participated with her father in discouraging suitors by shouting "Taga Itay!" Because of that, the place where the shouts came from is known as Tagaytay. In addition, it is a Tagalog word for ridge. 

2. Reflect on the different churches and prayer houses

A panoramic view of Pink Sisters Chapel taken from my mobile phone.

Because of the cool climate and the beauty of nature in the highlands, Tagaytay is also a home of various churches, chapels, convents, seminaries and retreat houses. As you entered the city, you may visit the Pink Sisters Convent where you can experience the solemn ambiance and the faith and devotion of the nuns who are wearing pink uniforms. You can also experience the beauty of nature in this place where you can see tall pine trees, verdant shrubs and lovely flowers as you go around the place. 

The facade of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church.

The old building of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church.

Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria

When you passed the Tagaytay Rotonda, you may take the Tagaytay - Nasugbu Highway and visit the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church which was established in 1940. In addition, when you take the Tagaytay - Calamba Highwat (going to Picnic Grove and People's Park in the Sky), you may also visit the Ina ng Laging Saklolo Church (Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church) and the Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria. Therefore, Tagaytay is also an ideal place for spiritual retreat and reflection because of the churches and prayer houses existing in the area.

3. Tour the Iconic Tourist Spots 

The people are flying kites in the rolling hills of Picnic Grove which also known for its cozy cottages.

If you are going to Tagaytay City, the first thing that is coming to the mind of the tourists is to visit the two popular tourist spots - Picnic Grove and People's Park in the Sky. I remember that I visited the People's Park in the Sky when I was a kid (maybe I was in third or fourth grade during that time) and the notable things that I remembered in the place were the bean-shaped fish pond and a bridge, the breathtaking scenerey of the verdant fields, tall mountains and the panoramic view of Tagaytay City and the huge pineapple in a playground. I will visit that place again one of these days.

Most of the time, I visited the Picnic Grove where you can enjoy horseback riding, walking in the canopy trail, buying souvenirs and spending time with your family and friends in cottages while you are enjoying the ambiance in the highland city. There are also other activities to be enjoyed in Picnic Grove which will be discussed in the next items.

4. Visit Sky Ranch and Try the Sky Eye

The Sky Eye is one of the newest attractions in Tagaytay City.

A new attraction in Metro Tagaytay, Sky Ranch is a leisure park which is a five hectare project of the SM Prime Holdings Inc., SM Group's real estate company. There are many thrilling rides to take in this park including the Sky Eye. one of the biggest Ferris wheels in our country. It lifts you up 63 meters above the ground and there are 32 air conditioned gondolas that can accomodate 3 - 4 passengers per gondola. It gives you a panoramic view of Tagaytay City and its neighboring provinces and towns, Taal Volcano and Taal Lake.

5. A Tickling yet Relaxing Experience in Picnic Grove

Doctor fish or Garra rufa

One of the new and interesting activities added in Picnic Grove is the Tagaytay Fish Spa. You may experience 20 minutes of foot spa with the help of Doctor Fish (Garra ruffa) and a foot massage for 10 minutes by the resident therapists. It's been a fun experience to stay in Tagaytay Fish Spa and actually, I prefer to have a fish spa as a form of foot massage.

6. Enjoy the Horseback Riding

Horses in Sky Ranch - Tagaytay.

One of the most popular activities in Tagaytay that you shouldn't miss is the Horseback Riding. It is offered in Picnic Grove, Tagaytay Highlands, Residence Inn and Skyranch. You may feel the life in a countryside by horseback riding while enjoying the view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in the cool highlands.

7. Thrilling Adventures on a Cable Car and Zipline

When a family relaxing inside the cable car meets a person who is enjoying the thrill in a zipline in Picnic Grove.

You may also experience the thrill in riding a cable car and zipline.  You may take these adventures at Picnic Grove, Sky Ranch and Tagaytay Highlands for an affordable price. These packages give you an exciting thrill while viewing the breathtaking scenery of Taal Lake and its neighboring towns.

8. Visit the Mansion with the Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles

Gallery of solved jigsaw puzzles with the different landmarks and artworks.

You may also visit the Puzzle Mansion located within Barangay Asisan where you can see thousands of jigsaw puzzle collections in any form like wooden, crystal and even artworks and landmarks. You may also buy your jigsaw puzzle and have a mind challenge in solving puzzles in the fastest time. This house owned by Gina Lacuna is the current record-holder for the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles which was recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records.

9. Have a Culinary Trip in the Finest Restaurants

One of the interesting restaurants in Tagaytay if you want to experience meals with mushrooms. 

Mushroom meals - Mushroom burger with cheese, Mushroom fries and Mushroom sisig ang patties - are good for our health.

Don't miss to have a gastronomic trip in Tagaytay. You may try their hot, appetizing bulalo from the affordable eateries of Mahogany Market to the stylish restaurants along the highway. There are also various coffee shops from Starbucks franchises to local cafes which offered brewed coffee from Amadeo. You may also experience the rondalla singing while having your meals and experience international delicacies. In addition, you may experience healthy meals in Sonya's Garden and Mushroomburger. Therefore, Tagaytay is an ideal place for culinary excursion to experience different kinds of food.

10. Experience Nature and Wildlife

You may explore wildlife and nature trip in Tagaytay from walking in the canopy trail in Picnic Grove and visiting animal farms and zoos in Residence Inn and Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite.

Nowadays, Tagaytay made recent innovations in the place especially in establishing condominiums and tall buildings in the highlands. Real estate companies picked the city because of its cool climate and panoramic sceneries. I missed the cool, green ambiance of the city when I was a kid while my family is having a picnic in viewing decks along the highway. Therefore, Tagaytay is still a beautiful place for me where I am proud of having the Second Summer Capital in my province, Cavite where I can travel and enjoy here anytime.

Date of Travel: A frequent visitor in Tagaytay, so I can explore more about the place :) 

Travel Throwback: A Visit to the Puzzle Mansion

Have you experienced to visit a house full of jigsaw puzzles? If you experienced that, do you want to have your own collection of jigsaw puzzles? Can you collect and solve thousand of jigsaw puzzles? 

Last summer, I visited the Puzzle Mansion, the house which holds the record of world's largest puzzle collection by the Guiness Book of World Records. It is  located at Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City. which can be found in a hilly terrain the midst of pineapple fields.

The Puzzle Mansion has a puzzle museum, a puzzle store, an infinity pool, a ten room Bed & Breakfast, a function room with capacity for 400 guests and a garden.

The mansion is somewhat hidden and you can enjoy the view in the midst of pineapple fields.

If you are traveling with groups, you may ride the customized Puzzle Mansion jeep where the fare is worth P10.00

In order to get there, you need to take a bus going to Tagaytay City. After that, you will stop on the arch of Barangay Asisan where you can ride a tricycle going to Puzzle Mansion. The curved roads going to the mansion are thrilling and when you get there, it is your choice to ride on their customized jeep created by Sarao Motors, one of the leading jeepney makers in the country.

When I get there, I decided to try their shuttle service to the mansion and it feels good, but it is better to have my friends in riding their customized jeepney. Then, when I get there to the mansion. it was very overwhelming to see a collection of puzzles. There are approximately one thousand jigsaw puzzles which are collected by Gina Gil Lacuna. She was awarded in 2012 by the Guiness World of Records with her 1,028 puzzles.

Inside the Puzzle Museum, you can see solved jigsaw puzzles of different artworks, famous personalities, landmarks and tourist attractions. In addition, you can also see wooden puzzles, spherical puzzles, and 3D puzzles in the museum.

One of the largest jigsaw puzzles in the mansion.

The section for Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles.

Different landmarks around the world are featured in 3D Puzzles.

Spherical puzzles from cartoon characters, underwater life and fruits.

Aerial views of the cities such as London, Tokyo, New York City and Paris in a 3D Puzzle. 

Putting Puppies

The jigsaw puzzle of "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo Da Vinci is one of the most favorite attractions in the museum.

Coca Cola Puzzle from collected small leaflets

The portrait of Pope John Paul II in a jigsaw puzzle.

The forty-four presidents of the United States.

Wooden dinosaur puzzles

"The Watchers"

In the second floor of the museum, you can see the largest jigsaw puzzle with 32,000 pieces created by Keith Harring. This puzzle has vibrant colors but it is gigantic and a massive challenge for puzzle lovers. In addition, there's a puzzle shop where you can buy jigsaw puzzles or even spherical, wooden or crystal puzzles in which you can assemble in your home. You can also enjoy assembling puzzles in the Puzzle Station.

The largest jigsaw puzzle in the world with more than 32,000 pieces with its pastel colors.

Puzzle Mansion Store

In 2016, I want to come back in the Puzzle Mansion to get to know more about the Puzzles as well with different artworks. I realized that Puzzles are considered as a big help in improving your intellect and academic performance. It will serve as an aid in Geography and to enhance assembling and logical skills. Before I left the place, I bought a  Jigsaw Puzzle with 300 pieces featuring a Kitten on a picture. One of these days, I will come back again in the Puzzle Mansion and I will try to visit more than three times next year or if possible, to have an overnight stay with the family or friends.

My Instamag collage of the Jigsaw Puzzle that I bought in Puzzle Mansion.

Puzzle Mansion is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday) and 7:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday). They are located at Purok 4, Cuadra St., Brgy. Asisan, Tagaytay City. Entrance fee is worth P100.00 including kids.

Date of Travel: April 11, 2015