Smallest Volcano in the World - Taal, Tagaytay, Philippines

Growing up in Manila it was the closest highland we could spend our weekends, holy-week, vacations, with family and cousins. Hence, I was excited to re-visit this place after 10 years.

Given a chance, I should have went straight to Tagaytay upon landing in the Manila International Airport - just to escape the heavy traffic jam in the metropolis. Using the Sta. Rosa exit from SLex (South Luzon Express Way), we also encountered slow traffic-flow due to road maintenance works near the Nuvali area. Once we reach the highland, along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway, the familiar Taal lake welcomed us.

Surprised to see the the newly built shopping mall complex and condominiums at the right-side of the road - Robinsons, SM, Ayala, all got their share of the scenic Taal lake view; with their commercial and residential developments I just hope this wont mess up the cleanliness and balance of natural environment in this place.

We had our lunch stop at Leslie's, which is famous for their Beef bone soup - Bulalo. Our foreign visitors enjoyed the live band which was really good and can sing almost all the song requests by the diners. The scenic view of the Taal lake is the main charm of the place. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).