A Family Road Trip to Tagaytay and Batangas

Tagaytay Sunset Drive
Tagaytay Sunset Drive

(This is an advertorial). A slew of reggae music blared through my portable speakers at the front seats of the van. It was Deng, our driver’s playlist, interplay of songs from Indio I, Coco Jam, Tropical Depression and Popong Landero to keep him into his driving groove while we head to Batangas coast from Tagaytay. At the back my cousins, mom and brother were amused by the two toddlers own song performances during the drive. We were already mid-way through our 6-day vacation and everything was going well.

The Blue House We rented in Tagaytay
The Blue House we rented in Tagaytay

It was a vacation planned weeks ago with a couple of my cousins from Guam before coming over here for a few weeks stay in the Philippines. I took the liberty to plan the vacation, finding the accommodations, places to go and what to see. It’s a challenge to plan for a group especially with kids coming along unlike doing my own thing but as it progressed, it turned out to be fun.

Up close with a shetland pony at Residence Inn
Up close with a shetland pony at Residence Inn

Tagaytay was our first destination for three nights. We rented this beautiful Blue House in country homes with picket fences, lots of rooms and very spacious. And the kids had fun running around. During the days we visited a couple of Zoos from Residence Inn and Paradizoo. Went to Mahogany Market for those fresh fruits and veggies. The commercial complex near Summit Ridge for some food, supplies and groceries.

Tagaytay would not be complete without dining while viewing Taal Volcano
Tagaytay would not be complete without dining while viewing Taal Volcano

On our way to Batangas we had to load up on our dwindling fuel and we easily spotted a Caltex Station along the main road of Tagaytay. Getting refueled was a breeze with the ever alert staff on deck. We also checked the air on our tires there to make sure they are firm. From Tagaytay road we took a right to the treacherous zigzag road down to Talisay. It has wicked twist and turn and seeing a sign “Be careful! We love you daddy!” on a road where an accident happened was not that comforting. But we did reach safe roads thanks to our driver’s navigation prowess.

A Caltex Branch conveniently located along Tagaytay Road
A Caltex Branch conveniently located along Tagaytay Road
Relatives enjoying time at the beach
Relatives enjoying time at the beach

We reached San Juan Batangas safely stopping by Lipa for lunch and supplies before finally settling on the beach in Laiya Batangas. The sand here is pebbly and cream colored but the water was really crystal clear and inviting. And that night the moon was big and full and could clearly be seen rising from the east. This road trip turned out really well and most of us had a good time.

 

bilog na naman ang buwan (buwan ng ka-bilugan ng ka-bilugan ng buwan)
ilabas nyo na ang kalokohan (wag nyo ng pigilan baka sumakit ang tiyan)
wag nyo ng pipigilan pa (sige na sige pa sige na)
ang toyo nyo’y lalabas din lamang (whhyyyy)
pag bilog na bilog na bilog na naman ang buwan

 

The moon over at Laiya Beach
The moon over at Laiya Beach

Caltex Philippines is currently running a 75th Anniversary National Promo. For a minimum purchase of P500, customers are entitled one physical raffle coupon which qualifies you to win one of the following prizes:

  • 5 Toyota Fortuner
  • 20 winners of 75,000 worth of fuel
  • 210 winners of 7,500 worth of fuel
  • 2,250 winners of 750 worth of fuel

Promo Period is from July 15-October 25, 2011 with Raffle Draw dates at September 5, October 5 and November 7. Formore information check out the Caltex website or Facebook Page.