Backpacking Trip in Tagaytay: Review of Famous Inn

It's my first time to stay overnight in Tagaytay at my own expense (previous trips were care of my company where we had team building and planning sessions).  My first choice was actually at Keni Po since this is the same hotel I recommended to my friends which unfortunately I wasn't able to join them.  I recommended it due to good reviews and very affordable accommodation.  Since Keni Po was fully booked on my chosen date, we opted to stay in Famous Inn after several search on cheap accommodations in Tagaytay.  You can read them here.

As what the name implies, Famous Inn is a small hotel providing lodging and food for travelers.  It has 2 floors with about 15 rooms.  They offer fan and air conditioned rooms good for 2 up to 8 persons.  True to what they've posted on their website, the hotel is painted in bright yellow and their rooms were well painted in bright color as well.  (As of this writing, they've already changed the design of their website but you can still view their rooms from here).

We reserved for a fan room since it'll be cold in Tagaytay on our travel date due to the rainy weather.  The rate is Php 800 per night.  The room offered double size bed, small tv, fan, small table with 2 chairs and a bathroom with hot and cold shower.  They have a small restaurant and parking space is provided.  I was surprised that the room they gave us has air conditioning unit.  I thought maybe all their rooms have it.  I just learned upon check out that the room they gave us was indeed for an aircon room when the receptionist was charging us Php 1,000 for the aircon room.  Well that's no longer my fault.  And besides, we never used the aircon due to the cold weather (we even turned off the electric fan).

Now for my review... To get to Famous Inn, you still need to walk 300 meters from the main road.  But from the main road, it is about 5 minutes away from Picnic Grove.  I didn't expect the room to have big mirrors beside the bed as it was not in any pictures of the room I've searched.  It was like motels in Manila.  It felt awkward and it really didn't seem like a romantic room (honestly, some motel rooms in Manila were better than this).  The headboard of the bed have some black ants crawling that it can get to your bed.  Towels were provided but it was really thin as if it shrunk due to frequent wash.  Good thing we brought our own towels.  No toiletries were provided except for toilet paper which were half consumed (see, motels in Manila were better! haha!).  The receptionist told us that blankets will just be delivered to our room.  It didn't came so we just use their thin blanket on a cold night.  The water from the shower is strong and you can adjust the temperature.  The only problem is that the bathroom can get clogged but the water subsides after a few minutes.  Wifi is provided up to the room though there are certain areas when the signal is weak.  We were not able to try their food but their prices are quite cheap.  By the way, breakfast was not included in their rates.  Even if the inn is walking distance from the main road, it's not scary to walk there at night as there were lights alongside the houses.

If you don't mind sleeping in a motel-like lodging and if you will just be sleeping there, then Famous Inn is ok.  It's cheap and somehow clean.  Just bring your own towel.  Overall, I'll give this small hotel a 6 rating out of 10.  I personally didn't like the mirror and the towel.  All the rest are ok.

Backpacking Trip in Tagaytay

While having second thoughts of pushing through with my Tagaytay trip with my boyfriend, the trip still went well with no private vehicle to use, just commuting by bus, tricycle, van/shuttle and jeepney.  It isn't my first time in Tagaytay but I am not so familiar with all the places to visit and restaurants to eat, only a few of it.  Although it is my first time to commute from Manila to Tagaytay, more like a backpacking trip to Tagaytay.  And of course, it's my first time to have this trip with my boyfriend.

It has been raining  for the past weeks and reading from forums, it's raining also in Tagaytay.  That made me think twice in pushing through this backpacking trip.  Nevertheless, we still push through with it since the typhoons were mostly headed north of Luzon.  Because its raining, we opted to stay in a fan room.  I've researched various budget and affordable accommodations which I also posted in my previous blog.  It's a good thing that there are a lot of accommodations to choose from that's why there are still a number of available rooms on my chosen dates, considering it is a long weekend. 

On this blog, I will post mostly the fares and transportation in various destinations in Tagaytay.  The reviews and other details will be posted in the next blog.  

GOING TO TAGAYTAY

Backpacking trip in Tagaytay, we obviously bring along just our backpacks.  We were suppose to ride the bus but I've read that it will take you more than 2 hours travel time since it will pass by Cavite and with lots of bus stops.  My officemate suggested that we ride a van located in a street before Metropoint mall along Edsa-Pasay Rotonda.  The van is going to Batangas but I'm just not sure exactly where and it will pass by Tagaytay City via Sta. Rosa exit.  This will shorten our travel time to just about an hour to 1 hour and a half.  So we chose to ride the van to shorten our travel time.  We arrived at the van area around 11am.  Travel time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  The route was through Southwoods exit then to Aguinaldo highway, Silang, Cavite.  Fare is Php 180 per person going to Tagaytay.  But I learned that same fare going to Batangas.

TAGAYTAY PROPER

Mahogany Market

We were not sure where to drop off but I know the van will pass by Tagaytay Rotonda or near Olivarez.  Since its already lunch and we planned to eat bulalo in Mahogany Market (which I'm not familiar with), we thought of just dropping off near that area.  But we were not sure where the van's route is.  So when we saw Mahogany Avenue we already asked the driver to drop us there.  The problem is, how do we go to Mahogany Market?  That's the fun in backpacking trip style.  You just get to ask around on how to go to your destination.  From Petron, we just rode a jeep going to NBI.  We asked the driver to take us to Mahogany Market.  Fare is just Php 11 per person.

Famous Inn / Picnic Grove

One of the cheapest accommodation I found is the Famous Inn, located at Barangay Sungay West, Tagaytay-Calamba Road.  You can read about my review on this accommodation here.  According to my research, this inn is located near Picnic Grove.  From Mahogany Market, the jeepney driver told us to ride any jeep across the market and ask them to drop us at the Terminal.  From the Terminal, there are jeeps going to Picnic Grove and People's Park.  Fare from Mahogany Market to Terminal is Php 8 per person.  From Terminal to Famous Inn/Picnic Grove, fare is Php 11 per person.

People's Park in The Sky

We rested for a while in our room then off we go to People's Park.  From Famous Inn, we rode a jeep going to People's Park.  Same jeep from the terminal is traveling in front of the Famous Inn.  Fare is Php 9 per person.  After People's Park, we'll have our snack/dinner either in Olivarez or near the restaurant row that are famous in Tagaytay.  From the park, there are no longer jeeps available going back to Picnic Grove or Olivarez at 5pm so we just rode the tricycle.  It will definitely be more expensive so we just ask the tricycle driver to take us to Picnic Grove.  Fare is Php 60 per ride.  From Picnic Grove, we just waited for a jeep going to Olivarez.  Again, Picnic Grove to Olivarez, fare is Php 11 per person.

Restaurant Row / Magallanes Square
We had dinner beside Magallanes Square.  We were told that jeepneys are only available until 8pm.  But we finished our dinner at around 8.30pm.  We still are able to rode a jeep from Magallanes Square to Terminal.  Fare is Php 8 per person.  From the terminal, it was only 1 jeep or the last trip waiting for us.  I guess the last trip is around 9pm.  From the Terminal to Famous Inn, the fare is again Php 11 per person.

FROM TAGAYTAY TO MANILA

My boyfriend and I decided to just ride the bus on our back to Manila.  Although at the Terminal, there are vans available going to Calamba and Festival Mall/Alabang.  It was quite hard to wait for an air-conditioned bus going to Pasay MRT/LRT.  Those in the bus stops were ordinary buses and some are going to Baclaran.  After about 20 minutes, we were able to ride an air-conditioned bus going to Pasay MRT/LRT.  Their route is via Cavite, Baclaran, Roxas Boulevard and final destination at Pasay MRT/LRT, at the back of Sogo Hotel.  Fare is Php 78 per person.  Travel time is about 2 hours.

On this backpacking trip to Tagaytay, we don't get to see a lot of tourist destinations since we don't have our own vehicle and our trip is just overnight.  We just visited People's Park in the Sky, Picnic Grove, Our Lady of Manaoag and eat near Magallanes Square.  The fares posted were as of August 2012.


UPDATE: From Manila To Tagaytay

I've mentioned in some comment/reply post that we tried riding a van in Alabang going to Tagaytay.  When we went back to Tagaytay last Dec. 30, 2014, there was no more van there going to Tagaytay.  The vans there were going to Dasma.  So we just went to Festival Mall and ask around for van terminals going to Tagaytay.  The van terminal was located outside of the Pixie Forest exit (Goldilocks).  Van fare is Php 75 each and you will be alighted at Olivarez (along Aguinaldo Highway).  This same location is where the van terminals are going back to Laguna and Alabang.

Budget Accommodations in Tagaytay

In search for a very budget friendly accommodations in Tagaytay, I found these inns, hotels, apartelles, room for rent that are less than Php 1,500 per night.  All rates indicated are good for 2 pax.

Tagaytay Econo Inn
Location: perpendicular to Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road
Budget Room - Php 1,500 with breakfast
Website: click here

Java Jazz Lodging House
Location: along Tagaytay-Calamba Road (left side coming from Sta. Rosa), about 300 meters away from Picnic Grove
Standard Room (fan room) - Php 980 with breakfast
Website: Facebook Page
Notes: very responsive in text messages
(please see my updated blog post about Java Jazz Lodging House here)
UPDATE (2018): This was renamed to Balai Ma-yi

Top Hotel
Location: along Tagaytay-Calamba Road (right side coming from Sta. Rosa), about 100 meters away from Picnic Grove; opposite Southridge Estate
Standard Room (fan room) - Php 1,461 from agoda.com
Website: click here

5R Rooms for Rent
Location: not along the highway but on the left side coming from Sta. Rosa
Fan Room - Php 800
Aircon Room - Php 1,200
Website: click here
(please see my review on this accommodation here)

Crisanta of Tagaytay (Crisanta's Bed and Breakfast)
Location: in front of Tagaytay zoo
Fan Room - Php 800 with breakfast
Website: No longer listed in travelbook.ph but found contact number at +63 932 8657165

Overlook Inn
Location: Tagaytay Rotonda
Budget Room (aircon) - Php 1,200 to Php 1,500
Website: click here

Viewpoint Inn and Restaurant
Location: Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway
Non-aircon room - Php 1,200 (24 hours)
Aircon rooms - Php 1,500 to Php 1,800
Website: click here

Little Falls Inn
Location: along Tagaytay-Calamba Road, right side coming from Sta. Rosa
Couple's Room - Php 1,518 from agoda.com
Website: click here

Famous Inn
Location: in between Southridge and Tagaytay National Science High School but 300 meters away from the main road; 5 minutes walk to Picnic Grove
Non-aircon - Php 800
Aircon - Php 1,000
Website: click here
Notes: quick response in text messages
(please see my review on this accommodation, mentioned below)

Golden Rooms for Rent
Location: along Aguinaldo Highway, walking distance to Olivarez Mall
Fan room - Php 893 from agoda.com
Website: click here

Villa Julia Seminar and Retreat House
Location: along Aguinaldo Highway
Kubo room (Ligaya Kubo) - Php 1,500 with aircon
Website: Facebook Page
Notes: quick response in text messages but they will call you instead

Keni Po Hotel
Location: along Tagaytay-Calamba Road
Standard room - Php 1,200
Website: click here
Notes: gets fully booked quickly

Most of my references are from travelbook website and in agoda.  There are a lot more accommodations listed on those sites and you can search depending on your budget.  Agoda is also helpful as it comes with reviews from latest travelers.  We ended up staying at Famous Inn.  Check out my review on this small hotel.

Update (11/20/2016): Some links have been updated. You can also check more affordable Tagaytay hotels here.

I have another blog post on other budget accommodations in Tagaytay. You may read it all here.

For the Love of Accessories

Just sharing with you my various cheap finds when it comes to accessories. I found them on my photos app in iTouch so i decided to blog about it. I have more accessories than those posted here. Maybe I'll start updating this and blogging about it the next time I had a new purchase. Apologies on the pictures by the way as these were all taken from my iTouch.

crochet collar necklace from Landmark

another collar necklace from Landmark

Top: faux leather strap/bracelet from Strings Fashion Manila 
Bottom: scarf bracelet from Carrie's Closet

collar necklace from Carrie's Closet

black and gold bracelet (and shades) from SM Accessories

various bracelets: the black and gold from SM accessories (same as previous pic), blue and brown braided bracelet from Therapy Bags store in Glorietta, orange with charms bracelet from Tomato

multi function accessory from Therapy Bags store in Glorietta

Top: 2-in-1 pearl necklace (i thought) from Landmark
Bottom: 2-in-1 chain necklace from Therapy Bags store in Glorietta

My Sale Finds: Shoes!

Since July is really a sale season for most of the stores, of course I won't let this season pass without buying shoes!  Just like any woman, aside from bags, shoes is one of their favorite things.  I get to check out the shoes from Primadonna and Shoe Box.

It's my first time to buy shoes from Primadonna.  They've been on sale since May or June, I suppose.    Good thing there are still a few good finds at this time.  I've been seeing nice shoes from this store endorsed by Anne Curtis in her Instagram account.  But most of it are high heels and I'm not so fond of wearing them.  So when I visited their branch in SM San Lazaro, I really don't have intention of buying any shoes until I saw this pair, I immediately felt "the calling".

Even if this shoes have high heels, its design is wedge so it won't be too painful for my legs.  I really felt that this wedge is really meant for me.  When I first tried it on, I got quite hesitation of buying it since its a size 7.  I'm normally a size 8 for sandals and open toe shoes.  So I put it back on the rack after trying it on.  But there's really a calling.  When I saw the other girl is trying it on, I decided to get it once she let go of it.  Good thing she did!  So I tried it again, this time both on my left and right foot and tried walking.  It was really high for me and my toes are quite peeping out.  But it doesn't matter, it still look good on my feet.  Viola! I bought it on sale for only Php 600 and it was the last pair!  They have this also in white but I prefer this black and brown combination.  I guess it was really meant for me :)

Shoebox is another favorite store of mine especially for their ballet flats because its very comfortable and of course affordable.  I think I own more than 10 pairs of ballet flats from this store.  So when I drop by their store in Glorietta, they have a rack that is on sale.  The espadrille type shoes that caught my eyes before was now on sale.  I tried the red on and it looks good on my feet.  With just Php 500, I bought it without hesitation.

When I was about to pay it, the sales lady, out of nowhere, handed me another pair of flats and asked me to try it on as it was their last pair.  And because of that, its only Php 200.  And so I did tried it on and I somehow loved it too.  Besides, its super bargain so I bought it as well.  It wasn't as comfy as my other Shoebox flat but nevertheless I still bought it because of its trendy style.  Most of my ballet flats are common in design.  This somehow adds a new look on it.

I smell something fishy with this black and yellow flats.  It was taken out from a big black plastic bag.  If it was indeed the last pair, it should still have been displayed.  Also, when I asked if I could pay in debit card, she told me that it was only allowed on the red espadrille but not on this black flats.   Hmm... whatever their business are, I'm still glad I got a great bargain.

My Sale Finds: SM Supermarket

Who says you can only get bargains from clothes shop? Last week, when I was doing my groceries at SM Supermarket in Makati, I almost got a 50% off on a laundry item. I was browsing through the laundry/detergent powder rack specifically along Surf brand. I'm not really fond of Surf powder but eversince we've tried it about a month ago, I have been buying their detergent powder for the laundry. I just forgot which variant was the suitable type for our needs. I'm the type that tries all variants before patronizing one kind. I was about to pick the violet color of Surf freshness petals powder (relaxing lavander scent) when I saw that the yellow color variant (sun fresh scent) was cheaper. 800 grams was enough for us for 2-week use. It cost only 77 pesos as compared to the violet which is around 5-10 pesos higher. Then the promo girl started explaining about the Surf powder variants, how I can save better if I buy the bigger size (about 2 kilos) and which are on sale. Since I was looking at the yellow variant, she mentioned that the big size is on sale from Php 169 to just Php 141. Plus she told me that I can get a free item when I buy it. Without hesitation, I did bought it. And this is what I got as a freebie...

I'm not sure how much this cost but this is not an ordinary conditioner.  This is Sunsilk's Strong and Long treatment conditioner.  I'm thinking this cost about Php 140.  Almost a buy one take one treat when you buy big size of the Surf Freshness Petals! A really sale finds!

The King of Comedy: Dolphy

Everybody mourns on the death of the Philippines' King of Comedy, Dolphy Quizon last July 10. Even my sister and I got really sad and teary eyed when we heard the news. We were watching Walang Hanggan (a phenomenal teleserye as what they've claimed) and I was giggling on the love story that time when during commercial break, a flash news about Dolphy's death was announced.

Many people expressed their sympathy on his death, particularly in social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. This just shows how huge was Dolphy's influence to people and how almost every generation knew him.

I can say I knew Dolphy (not personally but as an actor) eversince John and Marsha days. I'm not a fan but I'm hearing and seeing the sitcom on tv when my family's watching. When I was growing up, I remember watching Home Along Da Riles and I know I got fond of it. Dolphy and Nova Villa's tandem was really funny. Well I guess Nova Villa was really a great comedian ever since her long running sitcom such as Chika Chika Chicks and Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata.  And yes, who will forget the comedic tandem of Dolphy and Panchito? My brother loves them.

It must be really fun now in heaven when most of the famous comedy actors are already there: Dolphy, Panchito, Redford White, Babalu, Rene Requestas and many others. This got me thinking. Will they be really be seeing each other there? Will they still know each other? How's life like in heaven? Well, I don't wanna know that now moreso experience it! Wherever they are, I hope they are happy same goes to their family whom they have left behind. And to Dolphy's family, my deepest condolences.