Tourists head to Tagaytay, Batangas for long weekend despite high fuel costs

Several tourists headed to Tagaytay and Batangas to spend the long weekend despite the high cost of fuel. 

According to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, while fuel prices for both gasoline and diesel remain high, unwinding has become a necessity rather than a luxury for tourists. 

“Kahit mahal, kailangan mag-unwind konti. Para sa barkada rin,” one tourist said.

Some visitors traveled long distances, including a group of teachers who drove from Pangasinan to Lemery in Batangas.

Despite spending on full tanks of fuel, one of the teachers said the trip was worth it for the experience and chance to enjoy time together.

Traffic along the Tagaytay–Nasugbu Highway became heavier at times due to motorists making stopovers for meals before heading further to Batangas, where beach destinations remain a top draw.

However, Tagaytay is still far from reaching its normal tourist arrival numbers, based on observations from those waiting along the road for tourists.

“Noong nag-roll back ang gasolina, medyo dumadami po ang mga turista na umaano po sa mga pasyalan,” a vendor said.

Another vendor said her daily earnings have dropped to P500, far from the P1,500 earnings she would make on good days. 

By late afternoon on Friday, foot traffic picked up in popular spots, such as Palace in the Sky and Picnic Grove.

Many visitors came from nearby provinces like Cavite, taking advantage of the holiday to spend time with family.

Among those spotted at Picnic Grove was student “Jeddy the Wizkid,” who recently went viral for earning 65 medals at his moving-up ceremony. 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News