The departure was around 9am and we arrived at Tagaytay City proper at around lunch time (there was a traffic due to high density of tourists prolly because it's Valentine's day). So instead of going straightly to the hotel, we changed our plans and decided to dine for lunch first at Leslie's Restaurant - one of the highly recommended restaurants for people visiting the area.
                                                           Leslie's Restaurant's Dining area
                                          Of course, our favorite main dish - Beef Kare-Kare



So after having our scrumptious lunch, we took the advantage of taking pictures because of the restaurant's view of the Taal Volcano. And when I say "we took the advantage", we really took the advantage. lol Here are some proof:


                                                                  The Taal Volcano ♥


Picture taking's done!!! Time to go to our accommodation. ☺

As I was searching for a not-so-expensive hotel in Tagaytay, I tried looking in Metrodeal. I haven't bought anything yet from the said site but I took the risk (knowing that we only have few days left before our anniv). I was hooked by this hotel named The Mediterranean House because of its affordable price. When I checked their website, I found out that the facilities were good. I also read some reviews and a lot were positive ones. That's why I called the hotel immediately and after a minute or two, we're already booked! ☺

About The Mediterranean House

This place is ideal if you really want a tranquil spot. It's kinda far in the city itself because this is already part of Nasugbu, Batangas. According to them, the place is just a 20-minute drive from Skyranch, Tagaytay.

                                                Entrance of The Mediterranean House

To be honest, I didn't expect that much when I saw the facade. The only thing that entered my mind during that time was, "Ooohhh, eto na yun?". Yup, I was such a meanie that time but I've proven myself wrong. There's so much more inside the hotel.


                                                              Poolside Area with Jacuzzi

Too bad I wasn't able to take pictures of every area/facilities. :( Anyway, you can refer to their website (linked above and detailed below) and I can assure you that what you see is what you get. ☺

Btw, below are our FREE breakfast c/o the hotel.


                                                                        Asian Breakfast


                                                                     Continental Breakfast

Likes and Dislikes about The Mediterranean House based on my observation:

Dislikes

• The room that we've booked wasn't big enough for 2
• There was a build up of water inside the bathroom (due to poor drainage)
• Unusual setup of room. Normally the television sets are placed at the foot of the bed, but here it was placed at the side of the bed (it's kinda hard to watch lol)

Likes

• The staff and the owner were really polite and courteous. They really attended to our concerns immediately. (I would like to commend Ms. Annalyn, the owner and Sir Nelson, the staff who accommodated us) ☺
• Stable Wifi connection :p
• Ambience
• Cozy place
• Good food!! ☺☺☺

January 31, 2016

Together with my high school friends and some friends of friends, we were able to produce a group of 12. Mind you, we were comprised mostly of first time hikers.

Our group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan. After all they say that it is an ideal mountain to do as a dayhike for beginners. In addition to this, we took into consideration the fact that we don't need to spend too much time (and money, of course lol) for traveling since it is just about a 2-hour drive from where most of us came from (Cainta, Rizal).

Mt. Daraitan is located at the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It is bordered by Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon. The height of the mountain is 739 MASL with 3/9 difficulty according to some of the mountaineering blogs/sites that I've read. This place offers several activities but we just opted for hiking in the summit of Mt. Daraitan and swimming in the well-known Tinipak River.

We have decided to meet each other in Cainta Junction by 5AM since Tanay, as I've said, is just a 2-hour drive from our meeting point. Some of us rode a public transportation, while others rode a private vehicle going there.



            And here comes the welcome sign to Mt. Daraitan! Yaaaayyyy!!! I can already smell the summit! lol





Our hike experience was a different story. The weather was not that fine as we started out our adventure. But of course, we still prayed for a good weather and safe hike before starting. But due to the rain shower that caused the trail to be muddy and very slippery, it took us a little longer than expected - especially going down. With a normal and chill pace, it took us almost 3 hours to reach the summit. On the other hand, because we had encountered some "troubles" descending, it took us almost 5 hours. We really had to be extra cautious while getting off since the trail started to get wet and unsafe.

After that muddy descent, we went our way to the Tinipak River. Definitely looking forward to a one refreshing swim.


The current of the river was too strong. On the other hand, the river water was ice cold. It's like you've been in an ice bucket challenge. Lol. Nonetheless, it was definitely a refreshing reward for all of us after that muddy and slippery experience during the trek. Dipping into the cold water was just way too perfect.
                                    Me with my sister at the rock fromation in Tinipak River ♥

A lot of blog/reviews would say that this climb is for beginners - a 3/9 actually. All I can say is that even for me who exercises almost regularly, this had still been a challenge. It's not really the usual beginner's climb that you just do a lot of regular walking. It's a LOT of uphill trek. Yes, a lot. I admit that Mt. Daraitan was a hard beginner's climb for me. But it's of course, achievable. I'm just saying it's a no walk in the park.

Fortunately, being sleep deprived on that day didn't become a problem for me during the hike itself. But please, if you can, get enough sleep and rest before the hike. It is really a must to be prepared beforehand, most especially if it's your first time.

There were lots of unexpected turn of events!! It was very tiring, yet really worth it. After the hike, all I can say at the end of the day is, "Solid 'tong first climb ko. As in!" Even though this hike is a first time to most of us, I'm glad that our group were able to cross out that day hiking off our bucketlist!

WE CONQUERED MT. DARAITAN!!! *insert confetti*

Thank you Lord for the guidance and strength, for without You, I wouldn't be able to do all these. Your creations are one of the reasons why I would love to go as far as this. ♥

I'm definitely sure that this would not be my last summit to reach. *wink*