I Miss Tagaytay

I miss Tagaytay. And, who doesn't? The cool crisp air, the views, and the food. When Tagaytay was closed due to the pandemic,  not only businesses were affected. Everyone, not only those in Tagaytay, felt as if there was a very important missing piece on the chessboard.  

Tagaytay is that place you go to when you can no longer bear the stress that is Metro Manila.  With its close proximity to Metro Manila, Tagaytay is a good choice to bring your relatives or friends who just arrived from abroad.  With several restaurants along the Tagaytay ridge, there is always a chance you would satisfy your cravings. Instead of the usual "bulalo" however, I suggest going plant-based when in Tagaytay. Try "Sonya's Garden" or "Nurture Wellness Village". They serve healthy and fresh vegetarian and vegan meals. 

Covid 19, required (or not) travel pass, and the RFID confusion all contributed to whether or not you could actually travel to Tagaytay. Finally,  it was a relief that the authorities decided to allow visitors to Tagaytay provided that health protocols are followed. 

Everything, sooner or later, will fall at the right place at the right time. We got to spend Christmas 2020 in Tagaytay! With all the unprecedented and unexpected events happening in the world right now just being able to experience Christmas in Tagaytay is a welcome break from all the chaos and stress brought about by the pandemic.  In fact, wherever you may be in the world,  Christmas is the time when you can again hope reassured that everything will be okay next year. Again, hopefully.

The seemingly endless lockdowns have made people long for freedom outside their homes. Tagaytay,  for most people in Metro Manila, is that place where for a fleeting moment, you can escape a very unpredictable situation brought about by the pandemic.

2020 has indeed been a very difficult year for Tagaytay. Taal Volcano erupted then Covid 19. These events affected businesses in Tagaytay. Hotels and restaurants closed. Many lost their employment. Tagaytay has endured several eruptions of the Taal Volcano. But, the challenges brought by Covid 19 is its first time. In fact, it is the first time that the Philippines has experienced a pandemic as widespread and as destructive as Covid 19. The economic and social impact of the pandemic on Tagaytay will be felt for several years. I am confident however that Tagaytay will endure. The city will conquer as it did through the years!