random trip to Tagaytay and Lucban Quezon - Part 2

Before it gets crowded for the Holy Week, we decided to visit the shrine of Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon. It's a 4-hour ride if you're coming from Manila, but in our case, we need to find the easiest and shortest way from Tagaytay to Lucban.

Landtrip from Tagaytay to Lucban Quezon: We took the van from Tagaytay to Calamba (travel time: 45 minutes; fare: Php70/pax). From Calamba drop-off point, we took a tricycle going to the terminal where Lucena bound buses are located. (travel time: 3hrs; fare: Php130/pax). Request for the bus driver to drop you off in Diversion. In Diversion, cross the road going to Jollibee. Beside it, you will find the jeepney terminal going to Tayabas and Lucban (travel time: 45mins; fare: Php20/pax). We arrived in Lucban at around 8pm and we dropped right in front of Patio Rizal Hotel. The hotel's location is very accessible since it is located in the town proper. Across it is the Municipal Hall, pharmacy and convenience store. It is also surrounded by different cafes and bars, and restaurants like Buddy's where we had our dinner.

Patio Rizal Hotel

We started early for the day. We immediately head to Kamay ni Hesus right after breakfast. It is situated at the foot of Mt. Banahaw and it's only a 3-minute tricycle ride from the hotel (fare: Php10/pax). Inside, you will find the Church, different grottos, the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, souvenir shops, and of course the steps (i did not count the steps so i'm not really sure how many there are) of the way of the cross leading you to the 50-ft. statue of the Ascending Christ. We went there on a Saturday and we were lucky enough to attend the healing mass by Fr. Joey Faller. We left after the mass without joining the individual healing due to time constraint. We need to be back in Manila before 5pm to catch our flight back home.

the steps and the way of the cross

the 50-ft. statue of Ascending Christ

We checked out and had a quick lunch of Pancit Habhab before we jumped into a huge jeepney. We took the Sta. Cruz route this time to make the trip shorter and to catch a glimpse of the other side of the road. We dropped off at Calamba terminal and joined the bus going to Buendia. We arrived in the airport just in time for our flight.

nn =)

random trip to Tagaytay and Lucban Quezon - Part 1

Summer is just around the corner and what better way to welcome it is to visit a place with a cooler climate. We planned to go to Baguio but travel time was quite long (considering we are from Davao City) so we dropped the idea and head to Tagaytay instead. From the airport, we went to Pasay Rotonda and took the cranky non-airconditioned bus going to Tagaytay via Cavite which cost us Php60/pax. The trip ran for like 3 hours because of heavy traffic since it was already rush hour. We arrived at around 7pm and alighted at the terminal in Olivarez where you can find tricycles that will bring you to your hotel. Tricycle fare was Php20/pax from the terminal to Keni Po Rooms. Jeepneys are cheaper at a minimum of Php8 but their last trip is at 9pm only, while tricycles are operating 24/7.

our home in Tagaytay

We started early for the day, had our breakfast in the hotel and visit the church beside it. First stop: Tagaytay Picnic Grove. It was only 5-8 minutes from Keni Po by foot. Entrance fee is Php50/pax. Numerous activities are available for the guests to enjoy, from horseback riding to cable car and ziplines, and of course picnic huts for those who want to enjoy the view of Taal Lake while enjoying food with their families and friends. Souvenir shops also abound the place.

Picnic Huts in Picnic Grove

People's Park in the Sky. Jeepneys are available from Picnic Grove to People's Park for only Php10/pax. Entrance fee is Php30. From the gate, you need to walk an uphill road for 3-5 minutes before reaching the grotto. I was quite disappointed when i reached the top. I looked for the Museum but the management already closed it according to the girl from the souvenir shop. Sayang...I think the park badly needed a renovation, the signage and other structures were dilapidated. Additional attractions could also be a welcome treat for the tourists.

People's Park in the Sky entrance

We only visited these two since we will be leaving after lunch for Lucban Quezon. After checking out, we went to Mushroomburger to have our lunch and proceed immediately to Olivarez terminal to catch the van going to Calamba.

quick lunch before we leave Tagaytay

nn =)