Summer Getaways in Tagaytay: A ‘Pop Talk’ Review

Looking for an affordable, accessible, and fun summer getaway? The GMA News TV review program “Pop Talk” reviewed some of the best tourist activities in ever-so-accessible Tagaytay.

 

Tagaytay is less than two hours away from Manila, making it an easy escape from the daily grind of the metro. Its cool temperature, beautiful scenery, and numerous establishments make it one of the most popular vacation spots in the country.  “Pop Talk” host Tonipet Gaba, child actress Elijah Alejo, travel blogger Sai Montes, and internet sensation Kimpoy Feliciano reviewed three vacation destinations in Tagaytay:

 

Taal Volcano Adventure


 
 

Package fee: P3,500 for a group of ten people (P350 per head)

 

The Taal Volcano adventure lets tourists get up close and personal with the natural scenery of Taal Lake. The adventure starts with a 10-minute boat ride along the Pansipit river, where people can enjoy sightseeing and bird watching. After that, tourists can ride a floating restaurant and enjoy local dishes like tulingan, tawilis and maliputo, a fresh water fish found only in Taal Lake.

 

Once at Taal Volcano, tourists go horseback riding or see lava left behind from Taal Volcano’s 1965 eruption.

 

Mommy Cecil said she always wondered what it would be like to see the volcano up close. “Sobrang happy ako, grabe. Kasi ‘di ba before ‘pag pumupunta kami ng Tagaytay, picture picture lang, makikita mo na siya. Sabi ko, ‘Paano kaya ako makakapunta diyan?’ Ngayon nandito na ako sa bunganga ng Taal.”

 

Kimpoy Feliciano commented, “Ang daming parang surprises na naghihintay sa’yo doon. Habang papunta ka doon ang dami mo nang nakikita, nabubusog na yung mata mo. Tapos pagdating dun, ang dami pang bago.”

 

Final verdict: 9/9 Pop Points


Residence Inn Resort


 

Entrance fee: P249 inclusive of all shows and attractions except for the zipline and cable car that cost P150

 

Residence Inn Resort offers various activities for the enjoyment of young and old visitors. They have a mini zoo where people can directly interact with some of the animals.  The ‘Pop Talk’ reviewers all enjoyed petting the zoo’s tiger Romina.  “Although sobrang natakot ako doon sa tiger, iba yung experience. Proud din ako na nagawa ko siya,” blogger Sai Montes happily states.

 

Child reviewer Elijah, on the other hand, said she had lots of fun during the magic show. Kimpoy loved the cable cars, zipline, and wall climbing facilities. “Sobrang pop na pop. Parang sobrang daming entertainment pag pumunta ka doon,” he said.

 

Final verdict: 9/9 Pop Points

 

Sky Fun Amusement Park



 

Entrance fee: P50 entrance fee; ride fees range from P50-P150

 

The brand new Sky Fun Amusement Park opened to the public just this March. Even though only half of the park is accessible to the public so far, the place is still a tourist-magnet.

 

Sky Fun boasts having the highest ferris wheel in the country. Also called ”Sky Eye,” this 63-meter-high ride offers a gorgeous overlooking view of Tagaytay. Sky Fun also has a pendulum ride called “Super Viking” that can angle up to 90 degrees.

 

Reviewers Cecil and Sai were both nervous during their “Sky Eye” and “Super Viking” experiences, but child reviewer Elijah enjoyed both rides and even rode a second time! For the less adventurous, Sky Fun also offers mini-rides like the “Mini Viking,” the “Nessi Coaster” and the classic carousel.

 

Final verdict: 9/9 Pop Points

 

–Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News