cavite Archives | Meghy Was Here

Mt. Marami: Overnight Hiking Guide

Meghy — Sun, 03 Apr 2022 06:23:22 +0000

Mt. Marami may not be the word of mouth for some frequent and new trekkers but I assure that this mountain will squeeze out your desire for adventure. The said mountain is being compared to the more famous Mt. Pico De Loro located also in the province of Cavite as the two shares the same attributes. Being less visited makes this mountain more beautiful and a perfect place to ponder. Located in Maragondon, Cavite and jump-off can be reached for about 2.5 to 3 hours from Manila.

Knowing Mt. Marami

Mt. Marami is located in Maragondon, Cavite but jump-off lies in Brgy. Ramirez, Magallanes, Cavite. Please take note that there are two jump-offs going to Mt. Marami: one is located in Brgy. Ramirez and the other one is located in Brgy. Talipusngo. On our case, we opt to take the Ramirez trail and as advised also by our guide this trail is easier and shorter than the other one. As a running joke for some hikers who climbed this mountain the reason why it’s called “Mt. Marami” is because it requires “maraming lakad” (many walk) to reach its summit. Stands 405 MASL with difficulty level of 3/9, trekking may take around 3-4 hours to reach the summit where the rock formation also known as “Silyang bato” is stationed.

How to go to Mt. Marami

From Manila

Ride a bus from PITX bound to Naic, Cavite. From Naic, make your way to jeepney terminal and ride a jeepney bound to Magallanes, Cavite. Tell the driver that you’re going to Mt. Marami and drop you off at the Brgy. Ramirez junction. From the junction, charter a tricycle that will take you to the registration.

Our Mountain Guide

We reached Brgy. Ramirez at around 10:00 AM and went straight to the house of our tour guide Kuya Jeff. They own a small karinderya managed by his wife Ate Veron where we took an early lunch and prep ourselves before we start our trek. We first contacted Kuya Joel since his name is all over facebook when we searched for a recommended guide but due to a schedule conflict, he was not able to meet us that morning but instead assisted by his recommended guide Kuya Jeff. I highly speak of these guides as they are one of the best on their craft. We were assisted the whole time by Kuya Jeff but was able to meet also Kuya Joel along the way twice: one during our ascend and second during our descent the next morning. What I noticed with these guides, they are not merely guides who do it for a living but they are guides who are passionate on their field. They climbed series of mountains aside from Marami, gave us advices about overnight camping and talk about trekking aids.

You can contact these recommended guides here:

Kuya Joel– Joel Vince Custodio

Kuya Jeff– 09650612594

Start of Trek

After taking our lunch and logged our visit on the registration booth on their barangay hall, we started our journey to the summit. Initial trail is quite easy as it’s composed of many flat courses with few ascents. Good thing that the weather cooperated with us, though it’s almost noon, weather was just cloudy and not too hot. Almost half of the trail were actually just a track going to the foot of the mountain which is mostly made up of flat trail, river crossing, skyward slopes that are manageable. You will be greeted from time to time by the mesmerizing summit as it can be seen on some parts of the trail. There are also few huts and a sari-sari store where you can buy stuffs and rest.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, this is where the more challenging part of the trail starts. You have to climb steep paths that might be exhausting for people like me (haha!) We actually took series of rest but it’s still a good thing that it is not hot and it’s slight windy during that time that eases our weariness. We reached our camping site at around 2:30 PM and took a rest first.

Take note that there are three camping sites available where you can pitch your tent for an overnight stay. First is located beside a sari-sari store and near a water source but it is still located 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on your pace) away from the summit. Second camp site is located for about 200 meters away from the first site. Third camp site is the nearest to the summit and with the most beautiful view as the peak can be freely seen from here but the area is open, far from the water source and can be too cold during the night. It’s up to you where you wish to stay for the night.

After taking a rest, we setup or tent and decided to just go to the summit that day (initial plan was to climb the summit by next day for the sunrise) and watch the sunset from there. As we go nearer the summit, the view was becoming more spectacular. It took us another hour to reach the summit and we were greeted by the view one would surely fall in love with and no one can resist. We were the only group on the summit during that time. And that’s what I love most in the places less visited, you can enjoy the moment without the distraction of the crowd.

It was too windy when we reach the rock formations of the summit so we were too careful when we were taking pictures because one misstep could lead into danger. The scenery from the top was breathtaking and the sunset made it even more beautiful! Kuya guide is also good in taking photos.

After taking enough photos and when the cold breeze of the strong wind started to gave us chills, we decided to start our descent back to our camping ground. It’s becoming dark so we were in a bit hurry to go back. We set foot back on our camp at around 7:00 PM and put out our camping cooking sets to prepare our food. It was our first time to cook during our climb since we usually bring cooked foods but by this time, we want to have the full experience. Kuya Jeff even taught us how to use the butane, he’s not just a guide but more of a climbing mentor to us. We just talk anything about life while waiting for our food. After taking our simple dinner, we decided to take a rest and sleep as we were very tired.

The Next Morning

We had cup noodles for breakfast that we just bought on the sari-sari store located on our camp site. While taking our breakfast, Kuya Joel (our original contacted guide) came with another set of trekkers. We just talked for some time and we started to pack our things. It took us another 3 hours to go back to the jump-off. We had our lunch again to the karinderya owned by our guide’s family. They also have clean comfort rooms where we took a bath.

Other Things to Know:

Overnight guide fee is 1000 Php for 1-5 persons, additional person needs to pay 200 Php each
Registration fee is 80 Php per head
If you were not able to contact a guide prior going, tour guides are available upon registration

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Surugin Ramen House: Hidden Ramen House in Alfonso, Cavite

Meghy — Sun, 17 Oct 2021 22:42:32 +0000

I am not really into Japanese foods but lately I’ve been craving to taste Ramen. I tasted few Ramens before but was not able to finish a whole bowl so when I read and heard about this Ramen House in Alfonso, Cavite that serves authentic Ramen I eagerly decided to visit it. Surugin Ramen House is located in Brgy. Sulsugin, Alfonso, Cavite just around 20-minute drive from Tagaytay City. So, if you’re already on the area, you could drop by to this Ramen house as a side trip.

How to go to Surugin Ramen House:

From Olivarez (Tagaytay) ride a jeepney bound to Alfonso, Cavite (look for jeepneys with Luksuhin sign) and tell the driver to drop you off on Luksuhin Public Market. Upon drop off, make your way at the back of the market where tricycle terminal is located. Ride a tricycle that will take you directly to Surugin Ramen House.

Surugin Ramen House:

Right after stepping your foot on the grounds of Surugin you’ll already feel the Japanese vibe that the place depicts. The bamboo trees on the parking space, the path walk with Japanese signs, the Japanese-inspired houses and its alfresco dining will really make you sense visiting a tiny Japanese town at the middle of somewhere. The owner’s house is also located on the compound which is the first house at the right upon your entrance.

You have to register first on their receiving desk before you can start a dine-in. As per the staff, there are days that the waiting queue is too long that the waiting time could be 2-4 hours! This usually happens during weekends and holidays. For our case, we only waited for an hour before we can finally take our seats because there are some guests who already cancelled their reservations due to long wait. Many people wished to visit this haven due to the authentic Japanese food they serve and the Japanese ambiance they would give you.

I ordered the Hakata Ramen which as per the staff is the basic ramen perfect for Japanese food starters. I decided to have it as I am just starting eating Japanese foods. We also ordered a serving of Curry Ramen and a serving of Gyoza. The servings didn’t disappoint me and it definitely tasted good! A bowl of Ramen is full of flavors that will savor your mouth for such an experience. You could easily finish a bowl of their ramen and will definitely back next time. Their gyozas are also too good and became my personal favorite.

They also have rice meals that I’ll certainly try on our next visit. Foods on their menu are reasonably priced and worthy of their servings. Another thing I noticed here is their staffs are the nicest I ever encountered. From the guard to the registration staff to the person who’ll serve your food, they are all accommodating, superb and the kindest. They all deserve a commendation for the excellent service that they do.

Other things to know before going:

Surugin Ramen House is open from 11 AM to 7 PM daily except Wednesdays
They are open for walk-in dining and pets are allowed in alfresco area
Due to changing covid restrictions, guidelines can change anytime so you can visit and message their official facebook page for queries
The waiting queue might get too long during weekends and holidays so it will be better to go here as early as possible
If you get here through public commute, you don’t have to worry about going home as they can contact a tricycle driver that will take you back on Luksuhin Market where you can ride jeepneys bound back to Tagaytay proper

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Torres Farm and Resort: Getting Around the World in Naic, Cavite

Meghy — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 18:41:10 +0000

If travelling the world is one of your wildest dream but money and time won’t allow you for now, visiting Torres Farm and Resort would pretty much give you “the same” excitement as they showcase replicas of the world’s famous landmarks. Torres Farm and Resort is a private resort in Brgy. Sabang in the town of Naic, Cavite and it’s just an hour or two away from Manila!

How to Go to Torres Farm and Resort:

From Manila

Ride a bus bound to Naic, Ternate or Maragondon (Cavite) and tell the driver to drop you off on Mcdo Naic. These bus terminals bound to Cavite are on Coastal Mall in Parañaque and in Pasay. Upon reaching Naic, look for a tricycle that will take you directly in the resort. Fare will be P30 each.

From Dasmariñas

From Pala-Pala, ride a jeepney bound to Tejero. Jeepney terminal is beside 7-Eleven Pala-Pala and fare is P32 each. Upon reaching Tejero, ride a bus or mini-bus bound to Naic. Fare will be P25 each. Drop off on Mcdo Naic and charter a tricycle going to the resort.

Getting Around the Resort:

Upon reaching Torres Farm and Resort, you have to pay a P180 entrance fee (picture taking only) and a bracelet will be provided as a ticket. From there, you can start your little journey around the globe.

Windmill of Amsterdam

Windmills are icons of the landscapes of Amsterdam.

Eiffel Tower of Paris, France

One of the world’s most famous structure in the most romantic city, Paris.

Moai Structures of Easter Island, Chile

Moai are human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people of Easter Island between 1250-1500.

Stonehenge of England

Prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire, England.

Arab Pool

One of my favorite spot on the resort. Who would not love to swim with an Arab Palace as the background?

Statue of Liberty of New York

Iconic structure in New York Harbor which is a figure of Roman liberty goddess.

Pyramid of Egypt

Egypt is known for their pyramids that were built as tombs for their ancient pharaohs.

Santorini, Greece

The building is inspired by Santorini’s Cycladic architecture. Known for their white-painted walls and blue dome.

Garden of Morning Calm of South Korea

A botanical garden located in the East of Seoul.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

A freestanding bell tower known for its nearly four-degree lean.

Merlion of Singapore

A symbol of Singapore with a body of a fish and a lion’s head.

Philippine Villa and Pool

Castle of Disneyland Hong Kong

Aya Sophia Temple of Istanbul, Turkey

This resort is perfect for family outings and barkada trips. Choose from their series of themed-pools and enjoy a dip on it. Check-ins, check-outs, and other hotel queries can be done on their tourism office which they set as an airport. It really looks like a boarding area on an airport with screens that flashes boarding gates!

The resort has their own food hub called “Garden Cafe” so food would not be a problem. It’s such a good place to eat as you can have a fresh air, a relaxing garden ambiance while eating a sumptuous meal.

Here are the current rates of the resort:

The resort is open from 8am-11pm everyday but make sure to check their page because there might be announcements regarding resort’s availability. For inquiries and reservations, you can directly message them as well on their Facebook Page. Here’s the link.

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Gingerbread House PH: A Must See Spot in Alfonso, Cavite

Meghy — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 08:04:13 +0000

Let’s get back on the pages of our bedtime storybooks and live through again our childhood fantasies by visiting Gingerbread House PH in Alfonso, Cavite. The place was conceptualized by the famous story of the siblings, Hansel and Gretel, who lost in the middle of the woods and found a gingerbread house full of sweet pastries without knowing it is owned by a witch.

It is a sweet oasis in the middle of Alfonso, Cavite every kid and kid at heart will surely delight in. Though it is located in Alfonso, Cavite it is just few minutes away from Tagaytay City so it is a perfect side trip on your Tagaytay itinerary.

How to get there?

From Tagaytay Olivarez, ride a Nasugbu-bound jeepney or bus and ask the driver to drop you off in Brgy. Upli (right beside the Shell gasoline station). Upon reaching Brgy. Upli, chartered a tricycle that will take you to Gingerbread house (fare will be P70 one way).

Getting Around Gingerbread House:

Upon reaching the entrance of Gingerbread house you have to pay a P50 entrance fee. The bakeshop in left front where fresh breads and pasalubongs were being sold serves as the main entrance as well.

After the main entrance you have to pass through a mini forest-like tunnel with hanging vines. At the end of the trail, you will be greeted by a wishing well where you can bid your wishes.

The main structure of the place which is the Gingerbread house itself charmingly stands at the middle of the area. It will make you a happy kid wanting to taste its sweetened façade. It has candy canes on the staircase, artificial snow at the entrance and sweet pasties design on the walls making the building like a gigantic cake ready to be eaten! The main Gingerbread house is actually a Christmas-themed restaurant that offers mouth-watering pastries such as muffins, cakes, brownies, milkshakes, gingerbread (of course!) and even serves all day breakfast.

Right beside the gingerbread house is a fish spa that you can try for P50 per 15 minutes.

They also have as well a Candy Village where a lot of gingerbread house miniatures and playhouses perfect for picture taking.

You can also buy a dream board where you can write down your dreams and tie it on their dream wall. It’s fascinating how many dream boards are tied up on their wall! It’s like a wall of thousand dreams waiting to be fulfilled.

The place also has a small man-made waterfall, open air bed, swings, souvenir shop and even offers s’mores making session.

Gingerbread House PH also has their own Gingerbread Hall where various activities can be done and have their own museum where a lot of gingerbread houses are being displayed.

Contact details

Address: Brgy. Palumlum, Alfonso, Cavite

Operating hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Facebook Page: Click here

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Tagaytay Travel Guide: Places To Visit In (And Near) Tagaytay City

Meghy — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 15:08:56 +0000

Tagaytay City, a municipality in Cavite, is one of the most popular city to visit near Manila if you want to relax with nature and have a worthy leisure time. Due to the city’s cold temperature, it is being tagged as the “Second Summer Capital” of the country next to Baguio. So for those who doesn’t have enough time to spend in Baguio City, then visiting Tagaytay City is a good alternative option since the city is just 2 hours away from Manila. You can enjoy the cold gust of the wind, reconnect with nature or even eat a sumptuous meal with the Taal view.

So if you wish to visit this city, I listed some of the places you can visit in (and near) Tagaytay City.

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

Tagaytay Picnic Grove is one of the most known and visited tourist spot in Tagaytay. It is a popular place for family picnics and showcases a good lookout of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. There are cottages to rent in the park, you can also ride their zipline, cable car, try horseback riding and ride their newly built Ferris Wheel! Souvenir shops also flock the area. For me, this is a one stop shop that anyone would surely enjoy.

Entrance Fee: P50

How to get there?

From Tagaytay market ride a jeepney with ‘People’s Park’ signage and ask the driver to drop you off in Picnic Grove.

People’s Park In The Sky

People’s Park is the highest point of Tagaytay City. The place tends to be eerie at times due to its unfinished and rusty structures but you can’t resist the breathtaking view the park has to offer. Since it is the utmost point of the city, it is the perfect place for viewing the beauty of the city on a higher view.

Entrance Fee: P30

How to get there?

From Tagaytay market, ride a jeepney with “People’s Park” signage. It will be the last drop off so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.

Sky Ranch

Sky Ranch is a popular amusement park that both kids and adults will surely love! Aside from the usual amusement rides that you will be seeing here, you will be fascinated by the view it has to offer since it is situated on the highlands of Tagaytay. Who would not love an amusement park with a Taal Volcano view? There’s a lot of rides you can enjoy here but the most popular one is the “Sky Eye” which is said to be one of the tallest Ferris Wheel of our country! There are some souvenir shops and restaurants as well on the park if you wish to eat and buy pasalubong.

Entrance Fee: P80 (Weekdays) and P100 (Weekends) Ride fees differ on each rides

How to get there?

From Tagaytay market, ride an Olivarez-bound jeepney and drop off in Olivarez near Rotonda then ride a jeepney bound to Nasugbu or Boundary and tell the driver to drop you off in Sky Ranch.

Dreamland Arts and Crafts Café

Dreamland Arts and Café is the perfect place for artsy individuals who has passion for arts and at the same time loves good food. This is an instagram haven food hub that has chic artsy designs. The main decorations of the place are dream catchers that comes in all shapes and colors. Apart from offering good food and Instagram worthy hub, they also offer dream catcher making sessions on the second floor of the restaurant.

Entrance Fee: None (You just have to order foods)

How to get there?

From Tagaytay market, you can ride an Olivarez-bound jeepney. From Olivarez Rotonda, you just have to take a 5-minute walk to your left towards Tagaytay-Calamba Road (the cafe is just beside Cityland). Here is the link for their FB page.

Caleruega Church

Caleruega Chruch is said to be the most popular wedding church near Tagaytay (it is actually situated in Nasugbu, Batangas). Caleruega Church got its name on one of the municipality in Spain. One would be amazed how the church was perfectly designed, it can be compared to those churches found in medieval Europe. Aside from the main church, there’s a lot of attractions that can be seen on the place such as the tent chapel, koi pond with walkways, hanging bridge, fountain, amphitheater plus the view of Mt. Batulao ranges.

Entrance fee: P30

How to get there?

From Tagaytay Olivarez, ride a Nasugbu-bound jeepney or bus and tell the driver to drop you off in KC Hillcrest Golf Course (it is the same jump off point of Mt. Batulao). From the jump-off point, chartered a tricycle that will take you to Caleruega Church.

Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is like an open shopping village situated on the highlands of Tagaytay-Nasugbu road overlooking superb foothills. Aside of having the most beautiful Starbucks, there are a lot of cozy restaurants and shops you can visit.

Entrance fee: None

How to get there?

From Tagaytay Olivarez, ride a Nasugbu bound jeepney or bus and ask the driver to drop you off in Twin Lakes.

Gingerbread House PH

Get back to the pages of your Hansel and Gretel story book and experience a taste of their Gingerbread house they found in the middle of the woods. Gingerbread House PH is a sugary escape on the mid of Alfonso, Cavite (it is just few minutes away from Tagaytay). Apart from the main Gingerbread house that has a Christmas-themed restaurant inside, they have other attractions such as fish spa, museum, Gingerbread hall and Gingerbread house miniatures perfect for pictorials.

(I wrote a more detailed blog regarding Gingerbread House PH. Here’s the link.)

Entrance fee: P50

How to get there?

From Tagaytay Olivarez, ride a Nasugbu-bound jeepney or bus and ask the driver to drop you off in Brgy. Upli (right beside the Shell gasoline station). Upon reaching Brgy. Upli, charter a tricycle going to Gingerbread house (fare will be P70 one way).

There’s still a lot of activities to try and places to visit in Tagaytay City and once you are tired of visiting these stunning places you can end your day by dropping by on Mahogany market to eat the Tagaytay’s famous Bulalo! A Tagaytay trip wouldn’t be complete without tasting this famous dish.

Have you been to Tagaytay before? Share your experience below!

The post Tagaytay Travel Guide: Places To Visit In (And Near) Tagaytay City appeared first on Meghy Was Here.

cavite Archives | Meghy Was Here

Mt. Marami: Overnight Hiking Guide

Knowing Mt. Marami

How to go to Mt. Marami

Our Mountain Guide

Start of Trek

The Next Morning

Other Things to Know:

Surugin Ramen House: Hidden Ramen House in Alfonso, Cavite

How to go to Surugin Ramen House:

Surugin Ramen House:

Other things to know before going:

Torres Farm and Resort: Getting Around the World in Naic, Cavite

How to Go to Torres Farm and Resort:

Getting Around the Resort:

Gingerbread House PH: A Must See Spot in Alfonso, Cavite

How to get there?

Getting Around Gingerbread House:

Tagaytay Travel Guide: Places To Visit In (And Near) Tagaytay City

Tagaytay Picnic Grove

People’s Park In The Sky

Sky Ranch

Dreamland Arts and Crafts Café

Caleruega Church

Twin Lakes

Gingerbread House PH