Hey, Haeja: Tagaytay

Tagaytay

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T-House Tagaytay

Last March, my family and I went to T-House in Tagaytay for an overnight R&R. It was our birthday treat to papa and ate Mariko. It was a beautiful place, without a doubt, but we had mixed feelings throughout the trip.

One of our favorite part about T-House is that it's right beside our favorite coffee shop in Tagaytay, Java Jazz. But coming from the road, the driveway was so steep, it was slightly heartpounding. And the guard stopped us right at the point where we were inclined by 45 degrees. My father was pissed because it felt so dangerous for him.

T-House Tagaytay

But he calmed down once we were inside because it really was soothing inside. In fact, he was really impressed by how T-House Tagaytay grew to his relaxing room cluster.

T-House Tagaytay is divided into three clusters. The voucher and room was only for four people, but I called ahead of time and paid extra to include ate Apple for an extra bed and the set breakfast.

They presented two rooms for us. I liked the first room because it had a bath tub, and I love bath tubs because we don't have one at home, and it always signifies relaxation for me. I spend at least forty minutes to an hour in bath tubs when my hotel room has one.

Bedroom at T-House Tagaytay

However, we had to choose the bigger room, the Serenity room, with only a shower so we can fit five adults and one adult. Our room had three single beds plus one queen mattress on the floor.

The beds were okay. The room was clean, and the pillows were soft enough. If you're looking to relax, this was definitely the place.

Our room also had easy access to the garden/patio outside. We were a little nervous that our room had two doors (see that door in the photo), but the room locked just fine, and we had a good night's sleep. The room also has a TV and a small living area, plus a huge wall and dresser with a water heater. If you're travelling with kids, they will let you refrigerate your children's milk in their kitchen -- just label it properly and ask the front desk.

T-House toilet

We were pretty relaxed until my father used the toilet and it clogged. We had to call for a plumber (well, the hotel's in-house plumber), but it was a bit of a hassle and discomfort for us. However, after fixing the toilet, we didn't have any more problems throughout our stay. Also note that they don't provide slippers and toothpaste, so you have to bring your own.

But one feature of the shower that made my sister and I laugh uncontrollably was when I was taking a bath, and she was using the toilet, and we realized the only partition separating the toilet and shower was a glazed glass wall. I think it took me ten minutes to finish showering because I just kept making funny faces through the glass. We also had fun imagining scenarios where friends would book this room and one uses the toilet while someone is taking a shower. I can just imagine the surprise, especially if they're two straight guys!

One detail that surprised us when we entered were the rose petals on the toilet and shower areas. It was a nice little touch, though.

Since guests at the T-House had a discount for their spa services, we were all quite excited to try out their massage. Ate Mariko was especially excited because she was looking for a massage as good as the one we had at Injap Tower Hotel in Iloilo.

However, their massage roster was full for the day until Sunday afternoon, at the time we were leaving Tagaytay. Apparently, they also accept clients who are not checked-in at T-House. So if you're planning to stay at T-House and want to book a massage, calling ahead is definitely a must. That was such a buzzkill.

My niece Aj had a lot of fun with all the space, though. We kept taking turns throwing around a soft ball. Afterwards, my sisters and I relaxed in the huge sofa with netting and watched a movie and read books. With all the trees and plants around us, it didn't feel so hot and while we stayed there.

Cool and breezy but had a lot of mosquitos!

Also, we were so excited to enjoy their infinity pool, but they had a party being held in their pool area, and hotel guests were not allowed to swim. We felt so bad, so we just went to Starbucks at Robinsons. But for dinner, we went to Java Jazz because it was a rainy and cold night, and we knew their tsokolate-eh was just the thing.

Family time at T-House Tagaytay

When we got back to T-House, it was already dark out. I played a quick game of sungka with ate Apple (they have two at the reception as well as some books guests can borrow for the duration of their stay). Afterwards, I ordered a cocktail for me as my parents brought out the wine they brought. T-House also gave us free tasty chocolate brownies. Relaxation was definitely the agenda of the day.

It was such a relief to have that netting. We were safe from the mosquitos. The bedding just felt a little damp, but that must be because of the slight drizzle. I ordered a cocktail from T-House's restaurant, but the bartender delivered it straight to where I was (I told him where I'll be, of course). The cocktail tasted weak, though, and not as delicious as others I've drank. But the food of the other diners looked and smelled good when I passed by. Our set breakfast the next day was okay; nothing to write home about but nothing to sniff at either.

The next day, my parents went to Sunday mass at 8am. We were right beside a Catholic church, so T-House's location was definitely convenient. My sisters and I went swimming instead, since we were going to mass when we went home to Manila.

When we got there, there was only a couple of guests enjoying the place. The pool is pretty small, and if you like to take laps, make sure you'll be alone in the pool. The other half of the pool is dedicated to a jacuzzi that was also small enough for kids. The other 1/4 was dedicated to three tiled beds where you can sunbathe, literally, because your back will be slightly soaked in the pool water as you take in the sun.

Infinity pool at T-House Tagaytay

If you're using eyeglasses while swimming, make sure they won't fall out of your head! My sister's eyeglasses fell off while we were leaning over the edge, and it fell down on to the slightly dirty run off from the pool.

Even though there's a patio and small kitchen in the pool area, there was no server. The bathroom was on the path towards the pool, but they were locked when we were there so we had to run to our bedroom.

We didn't use the changing area in the pool room, though, because it was a little dusty and we were the only ones there.

Our stay in T-House Tagaytay was a mixture of relaxation and slight exasperation, but we definitely enjoyed the vibe of the place. The rooms are a little pricey, but we were able to get a huge discount because of a Dealgrocer voucher.

T-House Tagaytay
3195 Calamba Road, Tagaytay City, Philippines
Tel: (02) 788 7354

Mobile: +63922-8846-875 / +63939-9039-587 / +63917-5413-584
T-House Tagaytay website
T-House Tagaytay Facebook page
T-House Tagaytay Twitter page

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post.

Me praying on a pew laid out in the middle.

As I mentioned in my post about Java Jazz Coffee Shop and Lodging House, we went to Tagaytay specifically for Caleruega. This was our first time to travel together as a group, and coincidentally, this year marks the tenth year that we have been friends with Chichi and Faye. Everything just seem to came together for us that June, and we all needed that getaway for some peace, quiet, and meditation.

I have read up a lot about Caleruega and found out there's a hidden chapel that not everyone knows about way out on a "hill". In my previous visits to the place, I only went as far as the part overlooking Tagaytay, so I decided to persuade the rest to go up the hill in search for this hidden chapel.

How we got there:
This was a commute galore kind of trip. From Java Jazz, we rode a tricycle back to the Tagaytay circle. The fee should only P50. If they say it's more than that, try to haggle or tell them you know it's only P50. When we got to the circle, we rode a jeep bound for Batangas, and specifically asked the jeepney driver to drop us off where we can ride a tricycle to Caleruega.

When we got off the jeep, we rode the tricycle. Don't forget to get the name and number of your tricycle driver as you need to contact him again when you want to get back to the highway to ride a jeep again back to the city.

Ate Mako and Chichi on the way up to the Church.

Once we arrived in Caleruega, we paid the entrance fee at P30/person. You will get a brochure about Caleruega, and their room rates (with food) if you want to go on a personal retreat. It also contains details on how to go about if you want to get married there.

While there is food being sold inside and outside Caleruega, we decided to just buy packed lunch from Java Jazz before going to Church. They were kind enough to pack it in carton containers with plastic utensils. That being said, don't buy anything with sauce to avoid spillage if you know they won't give you plastic containers.

Before going up the Church steps, which is kind of steep and be prepared to do some walking (or hiking), we took a few moments to enjoy the scenery. Caleruega is one of those places where almost everywhere you look, it's beautiful, with brick steps, green plants and trees, and clean surrounds.

After we all prayed for a while, we went down the brick path again in search for that hidden chapel. I honestly have no idea how to get there and where we were going. But the important thing is we enjoyed every minute of it. We walked down a concrete road on the side of the Church, and we were greeted by wood carvings of Jesus' death and resurrection. It must be pretty popular during Holy Week! There were also wooden swings where you can sit or eat. Past that, we came upon the beautiful pond, and there were also plastic tables on the ground.

Picnickers on the search for...salvation?

We kept walking and found a hanging bridge! It wasn't very high up, but we got pretty dizzy anyway since we kept walking back and forth because of a dog at the other end that wouldn't budge. We almost went away in fear until a group arrived and told us the dog doesn't bite.

So cross the bridge we did and we came upon...land and grass and a hill. We didn't know where we were, but since there was nowhere to go but up the hill or back through the bridge, we just decided to soldier on. Thank God ate Mariko and I bought Sandugo sandals and wore them! We had no problems climbing the slightly muddy slope, although halfway there I was panting and out of breath already.

So, okay, we still haven't found the hidden chapel, and we were all so hungry as it was lunch time. We continued on until...

My panoramic shot of the hidden chapel, but I don't know its name.

We finally reached the secret chapel! It definitely felt like salvation since we finally had a clean spot for our picnic, rest from the lunch time heat, and meditate for the next few hours. It was quiet since there were only two other people at the time we arrived.

It actually reminded me of stone henge, since there were just stone walls, with three mosaic panels. Only a huge tent served as the roof, and there were no chairs in sight. While we were there, various groups arrived and took lots of jumpshots around the place.

Panoramic shot of the mosaic walls inside the chapel. It was beautiful. That's Faye in the photo.

For the next four hours, we had lunch, ate chips, listened to music, and talked quietly. Since it was one of those days when I barely slept at night, I fell asleep under the gentle sunlight on the hard floor. Well, for me it was gentle. At the end of the day, Faye got a little sunburned and looked like she went to the beach! Me, I felt so refreshed. Maybe it was because I slept right by God's feet?

By four in the afternoon, we decided to call it a day. I think we all found what we were searching for that day. Faye said it was the most relaxing day she's ever had for quite some time; I got to rest without anything bugging my mind or feeling sad; ate Mariko got her quiet time after finishing her final thesis draft; and Chichi was able to get some time to sit still, read, and talk to her friends.

Since we were too focused going up, we didn't particularly look around on our way up the hill. But on our way down, we definitely took notice of this beautiful view. I know it's not to everyone's taste, but it was the perfect serene view and ending we needed.

Manong tricycle driver arrived 5pm on the dot. We asked the jeepney driver to drop us off Carlos Pizza for dinner. Songs about love and heartbreak were blasting from his speakers and Faye and I had a heck of a time singing to each other the songs we thought were appropriate for us at that time. Ate Mariko and Chichi just looked on, laughing. We actually seemed to be high because we kept singing out loud and laughing. We quickly sobered up when other people started boarding the jeep.

After dinner, and a visit to the Cliffhouse for dessert, we went back to Java Jazz. They close at 10pm, and we wanted to be able to get a cup of their famous tsokolate-eh!, which was perfect since it was cold and slightly raining.

By the time we got there, I thought we were all pretty darn tired to get a cup, but we all ordered one and brought out our chips and cards.

Oh my gosh. After one sip of the famous tsokolate-eh!, we were all angling for a second cup. Too bad they were already closing. And that was also good because we already went on a sugar rush. Oh my, we couldn't stop giggling and playing cards. In fact, we played until almost 2am. We had so much fun with Madam's pretend fortune-telling (that would be me) about our supposed future love lives, and playing several rounds of tong-its, cargaboro, pusoy, and pusoy dos. I'm proud to say Chichi finished the night knowing how to play pusoy and pusoy dos. Want another round, Chi? :p

How we got home:
After having lunch at Army Navy (same way: tricycle to the circle, then a quickstop at Bag of Beans for Faye's pasalubong shopping then jeepney to Army Navy), we trooped over to the Cliffhouse again for crepe courtesy of Faye 'cause she's awesome like that. After that, Chichi and Faye rode a bus right outside the Cliffhouse, bound for Manila. Ate Mako and I had to go back to the terminal where the shuttle/vans were parked for the ride back to Alabang.

All in all, it was a great weekend for us, no matter how tired we were. I think the fact that we struggled through the commute to get to the places actually added to our whole bonding experience. Caleruega was just what each one of us needed. :)

Group shot in Caleruega.

Till my next discovery,

Unassuming, quiet, cozy, and perfect for us peace-seekers.

Last June 22, my friends and I went to Tagaytay for some much-needed de-stressing and relaxation. One of my friends, Faye, and I were kind of in the same boat and we needed to get away; my sister just finished writing her thesis for her MBA; and our friend Chichi also needed the time to unwind from her stressful job.

We were supposed to stay in Caleruega the whole weekend, but when I called them up to book a room, they said they were fully booked, but we can still visit. Thus ensued my harried search for cheap lodgings for four adults in Tagaytay. And when I say cheap, I mean a place where we can all stay in one room, with each person paying less than a thousand (or less than p500 if possible!).

After calling up so many hostels, B&Bs, inns, what have you, I stumbled upon Java Jazz Coffee House. I read up on the meager reviews about the place, but most of what I read just talked about the food and the friendly owners. I also tried calling their contact info, to no avail. I found their Facebook account and contacted a mobile number posted in one of their events, but it turned out to be the number of their friend! The friend offered to text me the number of Java Jazz's owner, Red, but she wasn't sure if she could send it since she might have no load already. I didn't realize my sister's phone already beeped (I was using her phone) until I was already feeling a little desperate. Hurray, the friend came through!

I called up Red, but he cannot be reached. The friend gave me the number of Red's son, but the son didn't reply as well. Okay, I thought I wouldn't be able to find a cheap place anymore, and I was getting my pitch ready to argue to my friends that I cannot find affordable, clean, and safe lodgings on such short notice, when Red suddenly replied. I was ecstatic! We got the room for P2000 in total for all four of us, with air conditioning in the room and breakfast for two. I forgot to ask if the bathroom was private; we found out it's shared between two rooms, but since we were the only ones booked for that night, we had the bathroom all to ourselves. They also have another bathroom just a few steps outside our room, but we all made do with the one inside.

I don't have a photo of our bedroom, but it fits two adults comfortably. There was an extra pullout bed and an additional mattress. It was a little cramped but for the price, heck, we weren't going to complain. There was barely any 3G signal in the room for the Globe users, although our Sun Cellular phones were able to get a few bars, and Smart functioned normally. There was also a little TV, which we didn't use because we were out most of the time, and when we did stay at Java Jazz, we were in the coffee shop or playing cards in the room. You can also opt to use the electric fan instead of the air conditioning if you want to get a cheaper rate, but we opted for the air conditioning since the room was below the coffee shop, and the air might get too stifling for us during the night. The bathroom was not the cleanest bathroom I've ever seen. If you're not too finicky about it, it will do. Faye, as it turned out, brought her own bathroom cleaning supplies and scrubbed the place down - because she's a Girl Scout like that.

Java Jazz is actually a coffee shop + art shop + lodgings place. In the coffee shop, we were so happy to be surrounded by so many beautiful artworks by various local artists. Some of the paintings were for sale. One of the paintings quickly became my favorite, and I was tempted to buy it but it wasn't for sale.

My favorite painting. Isn't it beautiful?

But aside from the low tables (yes, you can sit on the floor with your legs crossed), there are also regular-height tables, so don't fret if sitting on the floor is not to your liking. The coffee shop has a lot of huge windows and electric fans, so it's not hot. It wasn't too cold at night, however, even though it was raining. They are open until 10pm, although if you're staying overnight there, you do have to let them know if you're coming back later than that so they can keep the door open for you.

They have tables good for parties of two or four or six.

Tsokolate-eh! with sugar.

Java Jazz Coffee Shop is most famous for its tsokolate-eh! (and their cheap prices, to boot). Me, being a real chocolate lover, didn't pass up the chance to taste this.

So, did it pass muster? Oh gosh, YES. We all sighed in rapture after our first sip. It was not too sweet, and yes, Faye, my fellow chocolate lover, and I would have been able to take another cup if it just wasn't too late. Even my ate Mariko confessed she would like another cup. I think we all would have, if we were able to stay a lot longer! Luckily, Java Jazz also sells tableas for cheap (they also sell pasalubong options and other various artsy-fartsy knickknacks).

They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options, mostly at P99 per plate (rice with viand), but there are also others food options that are slightly more expensive. The food was okay and satisfactory for the price. Aside from their tsokolate-eh!, they also had other hot drinks on offer, and even cold ones like frappes and shakes. We did not get to try their cold drinks since it was already a cold, rainy weekend.

Chichi enjoying the morning.

The next day, we went to mass at the nearby Church after having breakfast. We were all up a bit early before the coffee shop opened, so we enjoyed the gentle and wonderful morning sunlight outside the coffee shop. They had stone tables and chairs, with huge leafy trees overhead. Some coffee shop patrons opted to dine outside for the nice morning breeze.

How we got there:
This was a backpackers' trip and we commuted all the way! Faye and Chichi stayed over at our house since we lived in Paranaque. We left on Saturday morning at 6am and took a jeepney to Alabang.

From Alabang:
1) From West Service Road, we took the jeepney to Alabang, and got off at the bus station near Festival Mall. There are a lot of shuttle/vans there and they will take you to Tagaytay.

2) Ask the driver to drop you off at the public market in Tagaytay, or on the road to Picnic Grove.

3) Board a jeep bound for Picnic Grove, or ride a tricycle. We were only able to ride a tricycle, which charged us P50 for all 4. They know Java Jazz so you can just ask them to drop you off there.

The Cliffhouse, Tagaytay, at night.

How we got home:
We had dessert after lunch at Café Breton at the Cliffhouse in Tagaytay before going home. Chichi and Faye just rode a bus bound for Manila that passed right outside the Cliffhouse. Ate Mako and I went back to the public station and rode the shuttle/van back to Alabang, and from there rode the jeepney back to our village.

It was tiring, and my first time to go backpacking, but it was definitely memorable and one for the books. Ciao! :)

L-R: Ate Mariko, Faye, Chichi, and me outside Java Jazz Coffee Shop.

Java Jazz Coffee Shop and Lodging House
442 Tagaytay - Calamba Road,
Sungay West, Tagaytay City, Cavite
Landline: (046) 8602699
Mobile: +639174837399 (Red - the owner)
Java Jazz Coffee Shop and Lodging House website
Java Jazz Facebook page

Hey, Haeja

Overnight R&R at T-House Tagaytay

Picnic and Relaxation in Caleruega

Backpacker and Chocolate-Lover Haven: Java Jazz Coffee Shop and Lodging House

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