The Lake Hotel, Tagaytay

It was a spur of the moment decision to head to Tagaytay for sister dearest's birthday, last October 2025.

So we booked an affordable yet conveniently located on the main ridge hotel.

Now it has to be told that this hotel was featured in the news in 2024 because three guests were murdered in their room by a disgruntled former employee who robbed them of their belongings.

It was a gruesome crime in a city that is known for tourism and a low crime rate. 

Nevertheless, we enjoyed their small but tasty buffet spread breakfast, the friendly hospitality of the staff, the room itself was basically clean with a large shower area. The parking area was big and spacious. The view of Taal volcano and lake was instagrammable.   

We had a lovely time. =)

On our last day before heading back home, we had lunch at RSM Restaurant which is one of our faves for their tasty food and the lovely scenery.

Pink Sisters Convent, Tagaytay

The Pink Sisters Convent is one of our must visit places in Tagaytay. Located in a tree lined hilly environment, it is a very serene and ideal place for reflection. You can write your prayer intentions on a piece of paper (naturally I prayed for my marriage!!!) and the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters will pray for you. Known for their rose colored (pink) tunics/habits and perpetual adoration, the cloistered nuns are also called the Pink Sisters.

The order was founded by Arnold Janssen (founder of the Divine Word Missionaries) to provide spiritual support through prayer for missionaries. Officially known as the Adoration Convent of Divine Mercy, it was established in 1991 by seven nuns, evacuees from Baguio who came to Tagaytay to create a foundation as thanksgiving for surviving the devastating 1991 earthquake in the city of Pines, Baguio.

A slight but short drizzle made the visit more contemplative as it added a misty vibe amidst such tranquility. 

Picnic Grove, Tagaytay

In the 1980s to early 1990s, we would go to Picnic Grive in Tagaytay, frequently. It had wooden cabins which you can rent per hour for picnics and also huge cottages for staycations. There was also a playground for kids. It was rustic, great way to commune with nature with densely populated tall trees, and a fantastic view of Taal lake and volcano.

So imagine our pleasant surprise when we visited Picnic Grove again but this time in October 2025. It seems smaller and more refined with fewer cabins and cottages, scattered within the dense forest. A better constructed viewing deck and an observation deck to see the majesty of Taal lake and volcano. It was really windy with a cold breeze from the slight drizzle and soft rainfall. Perfect weather for October.

Entrance fee is ₱75.00 per pax and ₱50.00 per car.

I will just let the pictures speak for themselves. 

Tagaytay: October 2025 - Day two

Second day started with a small but nice breakfast buffet spread at our hotel. It was great to feast on some authentic Tagaytay fare with a stunning view of  Taal volcano and lake.

Lunch was at a very aesthetically pleasing restaurant. One of the newer restaurants located on the ridge. It is located right in front of the Ayala Malls Serin. The place is called Bahay ni Maria at Marta Restaurant. The food was delicious and I like that their bulalo has a peppery taste.

After that sumptuous lunch, a slight drizzle that turned into soft rain didn't stop us from further exploring Tagaytay. Cooler climate with hovering light mist/fog was perfect to venture into Our Lady of Manaoag at Tierra de Maria. H.O.M.E (haven of meditation and enrichment) of the majestic 50 foot statue of Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth.

An intimate chapel featuring a replica of Our Lady of Manaoag (Pangasinan) inside the chapel. It is a serene, quiet sanctuary located on the main Calamba -Tagaytay roadm fronting the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and near the Picnic Grove. In fact, one needs to park at the Picnic Grove then walk a short distance to the Tierra de Maria. 

The gates are open from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. There is a garden wall vine of murals depicting the joyful, luminous, sorrowful and glorious mysteries of the Holy Rosary. As well as the life of Jesus, the Stations of the Cross and the suffering of our Lord.

Tierra de Maria is a haven for the searching soul, a refuge for the weary traveler, a sanctuary of peace, and a threshold for healing. It is truly a spiritual experience, a piece of heaven and earth, feels like being HOME.