Rain did not stopped me last September 20, 2017 when I reached People's Park In the Sky in Tagaytay City, province of Cavite. It is considered the highest peak in Tagaytay City and sits atop Mount Sungay (aka Mount Gonzales). This is the first time I came to this place. I was longing to see this People's Park long time ago and I got this chance to go there since it is only over a 1 hour ride from Imus, Cavite where I live (41 kilometers from Imus to People's Park, Tagaytay City). It is considered a must see place for every local and foreign tourist because it is where you can see and view Taal Volcano and Taal lake, the vast greenery of the area, the panoramic and majestic view of Tagaytay City. There is an old unfinished mansion at the top of the hill, known as the Palace in the Sky built during the Marcos era. According to reports, then First Lady Imelda Marcos commissioned to build the mansion as the guesthouse of US President Ronald Reagan for his planned visit to the Philippines, unfortunately the visit was cancelled, so the unfinished mansion.
The moment I drop off on the jeepney that I rode, drizzling rain began to fall. Its good that I had this folding umbrella on my backpack which I used to shield myself from the drizzling rain. Honestly, I was not able to enjoy my solo tripped because of this situation. But I was able to take pictures in any way I could. I'm planning to go back there in December with a friend to enjoy the colder temperature and hoping it will not rain. I like the park because of its cold climate and the panoramic view of Tagaytay City especially the Taal Volcano. The only cons I encountered during my visit is the thick fog that enveloped some areas of the place. I had some suggestions to the city government of Tagaytay to make some improvement of the site. I had noticed that there are some signs of neglect of the park especially the "signage" of People's Park In The Sky, where you can find it dilapidated and the missing letters of the signage which is considered an eyesore to the visitors. They should also trim down some grasses to make the place pleasing to the eyes. I believe, the unfinished mansion should be renovated as well be painted to preserve its design so visitors will appreciate the site.
The long and winding road to People's Park in the Sky
Going up to People's Park in the Sky
The foggy view of Tagaytay City from the peak of People's Park
Uphill battle to People's Park In The Sky (this is a very good exercise for us)
The lone waiting shed going up to the People's Park in the Sky.
It is a favorite place among tourist to take selfies and groupies
It is a favorite place among tourist to take selfies and groupies
Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love and statue of Jesus Christ
The small chapel of Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
The incomplete and abandoned mansion at the top
of the hill, known as Palace in The Sky during Marcos era
of the hill, known as Palace in The Sky during Marcos era
View of Tagaytay City, it was enveloped by thick fog, and you can't see Taal Volcano
The side view statue of Jesus Christ at the top of the chapel of
Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
View from the small chapel of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
Thick fogs enveloped the area below
The unfinished mansion and the Doppler Radar station of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration)
The relic of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love, and its landmarker
The landmarker beside the relic of Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
The altar of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
Stairways going to the Shrine of Our Lady, Mother of Fair Love
The entrance ticket (30 pesos) of People's Park In The Sky
The neglected "People's Park In The Sky" sign. There must be efforts to improve the place by the city government of Tagaytay. Proper maintenance of the place is a must, so people who paid 30 pesos as entrance fee could enjoy the site, not only the panoramic view of Tagaytay City
How To Go There:
If you are coming from Buendia LRT Station you can ride an air conditioned bus at DLBT bus terminal going to Nasugbu, Batangas or any other bus which has a placard sign of "Mendez" and "Tagaytay" route (these busses will pass through Emilio Aguinaldo highway). Drop-off point in Tagaytay City is the Olivarez Terminal (before reaching Tagaytay Rotunda) where jeepneys are located going to different spots of Tagaytay like Picnic Grove and People's Park In The Sky (ask the jeepney driver to drop you at People's Park, 17 pesos per pax).
