Konted's Make My Day: Where The Free Wind Blows From The Ridge

Where The Free Wind Blows From The Ridge

Baguio City, about 250 kms from Manila, used to be the number one destination of tourists or travelers with its cold weather as its primary attraction. Situated in the vast Cordillera highlands amidst tall Benguet pines, Baguio City was, hands down, the place to go to in a bid to escape the scorching summer heat in the lowlands. It was the best place for owning or renting a vacation house where long holidays could be spent. Until tragedy struck in 1990.

An earthquake of devastating magnitude toppled buildings and houses, caused heavy damages to infrastructures and brought about untold misery to residents and transients. Not only did it move back the city's timetable of progress and development, it exposed the city's vulnerability or susceptibility to natural disasters. Fear gripped the residents as well as thousands of would be visitors.

An aftermath of this disaster was the quick rise to prominence of another city in Southern Luzon which has, since then, become the alternative to the City of Pines. Tagaytay City boasts also of cool and crisp weather and offers a breathtaking view of the world renowned Taal Volcano. Like in Baquio City, there are fine hotels and inns in Tagaytay. Restaurants offering good food and drinks are clustered near the ridge along Aguinaldo Highway. And with the continuing price increase of gasoline, its proximity to Metro Manila really makes it the premier destination.

With these developments, it is no wonder that vacation houses have sprouted in Tagaytay. Real estate developers are fighting it out for prime locations as prospective clients continue to increase by leaps and bounds. We now see beautiful vacation houses near the ridge, atop a hill, on mountain slopes, on a flat terrain and even in places which are outside city limits.

While spending some time in the city, one may opt to travel down to Talisay and buy fruit tree seedlings such as mango, guava, santol, chico or rambutan where they are much cheaper. Or euphorbia, bouganvilla and orchids if he is using a pickup or van. Or he may want to buy a bucketful of tilapias freshly hauled from the nearby Taal Lake. Or hire a boat. One may also like to have some coffee at the various gardens in the city such as Sonia's Garden and Teresa's Garden. Or try the sumptuous meals in any of the restaurants near the Ridge.

One may also drive around the city looking at beautiful vacation houses, most of which are located in first class subdivisions. Most of these villages have "open house" promos, making it easier for one to gain entry. There are model houses which a visitor may view for personal assessment. And he might be inclined to invest.

The last time I was in Tagaytay, I chanced upon a nice vacation house located in one of the plush subdivisions near Magallanes Drive, right in the very heart of the city. It is really a place to relax, unwind, refresh or recharge one's aching body and soul. The house owners, Boy P. and his wife Tess, turned out to be my close relatives. Thus, I was free to take photos of every nook and cranny. But, up to now, I do not know if they will allow me to post the pics. But I am taking my chances and posting them just the same. Anyway, blood is thicker than water !!!

- Konted