Pina Colina, Tagaytay

At PINA COLINA driveway 

 

 

 

 

After our stop over at Picnic Grove, we checked in at Pina Colina Resort located on a Pineapple hill, just a few minutes away. After tiresome and sweaty experience at Picnic Grove, we were welcome by a very inviting small pool, nice and relaxing venue with good ambiance, refreshing breeze, beautiful villas and accommodating staffs.

The small swimming pool with a kiddie pool

The 2 bedroom CASITA Good for 8-10 pax
Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Holiday rates    Php 6500
Weekdays (Mondays-Thursdays)                                      Php 5850

The Log Cabin,Good for 15-18 pax
Weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and Holiday rates    Php 8500
         Weekdays (Mondays-Thursdays)                                Php 7650

We rented 1 Log Cabin and 1 Casita. Both are spacious. The log Cabin has 3 rooms, 2 of it has 2 double deck beds which can accommodate 6 person, the other room has 1 queen size bed with a pull out bed which is good for 4 people. The sala on the first floor has a day bed with pull out bed, and there is a sala on the second floor too with the same day bed and pull out bed. The Casita, has 2 bedroom both with double size bed and a pull out, with 2 day bed and with a pull out also. If there is no maximum limit of occupants, we would be just fine with the Log Cabin. But since they have set a maximum number, we reserved for a Log Cabin and a Casita. With only 22 pax in our group with kids older than 5 but younger than 12, we were left with three vacant beds. Take note that there is a 10% charge for using the kitchen, whether you cook or not, as long as you used the plates and utensils, you must pay additional. ALSO, there is an additional charge for using the airconditioning unit. Additional 1,300php for Log Cabin and 1,000 php for Casita. Using The Jacuzzi will also cost you an additional 1,200php per hour. Additional person beyond their allotted number of occupants per unit will also be charge an additional 500 per pax. Actually, I was dismay because upon checking out, they were charging us an additional 10% for using the kitchen wares. As we brought cooked food with us already, some are left over from Picnic grove, and others were bought from Olivares, we decided not to use the stove not to incur additional charges because I was reminded by friends who had visited the place that they do charge a 10% cooking fee. I didn't know using the plates, and utensils were included in that. If I knew, we should have just used the stove and do the cooking there. Anyway, after talking to the staff and a call to JAMES MAHUSAY (Mobile Numbers: (Globe) +63927.576.545(Sun)+63923.996.6682), they made adjustment on our bill. Nevertheless, It's a hassle to a good day, talking your way out of paying additional 10% just for using the plates,utensils etc. I even overheard them talking on the phone, the staff to put a lock on the drawers of the kitchen next time (they were dead serious about charging the customers for using the kitchen wares).

Pineapple Hill

at the sun deck, at the back is the Jacuzzi

 The Place is really nice, spacious and beautiful. I personally like the ambiance. The swimming pool is small and the water's very cold but it's very inviting to us who loves to swim,specially to the little ones who loves getting wet. There is no lifeguard, so you better watch for your little kids.  The view of the pineapple hill is an added attraction. They have a wide, grass coated play area for badminton/ volleyball or for kid's just running around. Actually, I love the place. For a mommy like me, I could let my kids run around the area without the fear of them getting hurt. I like the accommodation, except for the clogged sink on the kitchen and slow draining sink on the bathroom of the Log Cabin. Unlike other Resorts and Hotels, there were no towels and toiletries. But its fine, i still Love the place. Their website says "Welcome to Piña Colina... your affordable Tagaytay hideaway! Experience the serenity of Tagaytay with our excellent accommodation and quality service at a very affordable price." but the thing is, unlike other Resort namely PURA VIDA, there is an additional charge for using the kitchen wares and additional charge for using the aircon. If you add it up, it's not really affordable, maybe even higher than other resorts. But then again, I still love the place.
 
It's really a Beautiful place, I just hope they will make a revision on their policies and make the rate upfront and all inclusive. Otherwise, I will still visit the place maybe recommend to my peers, but always with a reminder to bring extra money, just in case they decided to charge you additional.

Our Group of 22pax with 6 below 4yo toddlers,at the backgound is the 2 units of log cabin and 2 units of 2bedroom cabin

 

 For more information: http://www.pinacolina.com/index.html
 For Location Map: http://www.pinacolina.com/contact.html

Picnic Grove, Tagaytay

Picnic Grove, overlooking Taal lake

We are 22 pax plus 6 below 4yo, we stayed in 2 huts

the hike up was fun, we did a lot of picture taking

It was a family outing we never thought would push through. The news keeps on flashing about typhoon "Chedeng" and we were hesitant about long driving through a typhoon but nevertheless we went through with it and we were glad we did. As we were traveling, we noticed all the billboards down and tarpaulin folded. I was amazed at how much preparation the Government is doing for the expected typhoon but I also took noticed of how high the rate gone up at SLEX (South Luzon Expressway), it is now 157php from C5 to Sta. Rosa exit. Just imagine those who use SLEX everyday, they must be in dilemma. With the high price of gasoline and toll gate fee, anybody going places who can afford it is lucky enough.

at the hanging bridge

Anyway, It's my Nth time visit to Picnic Grove (50php per pax,4yo below are free), this time, it's a bit different because of the zipline attraction. As usual, we brought cooked foods and drinks, we had 2 big cooler which was heavy carrying down to the 2 Huts we rented (cost 150php each). The weather was HOT, I had a terrible tan line only after 4hours of stay there. Next time, I will remember to put a sunblock lotion. Aside from the zipline, nothing much has change. It's still the same, with vendors swarming like bees, trying to offer boat ride (1,800php for 7 people), horsebackriding (200php for 1 hour), hawaiian mangoes (20 per piece, masarap naman), duhat (100, 3 small plastic, don't buy it! tasted too sour), sinegwelas (50 pesos per small basket). 

The Zipline

The zipline cost 200 per pax, one way with free picture. It's my 3rd time doing a zipline, the zipline in Tagaytay was the only place where helmets aren't a necessity and kids can ride on the back of their parents, free of charge. Of course, it was a safe ride, we wouldn't expose our children to harm if we knew it isn't safe. It's a short 30 secs or so zipline, but it was fun, more thrilling than the zipline at Club Manila East but lesser than the kick you'll get at Bohol Zipline.

the Tree my 3yo son specifically ask to have our picture taken

Me and my Husband and Taal Volcano

Overall, It's a great bonding experience for a big family. Having breakfast and Lunch overlooking Taal lake was fun. We all had a wonderful time. It was also a great exercise. Going down and up is not for the weak, I suggest you just use the huts at the top so as to skip the hike.





For more information zipline: http://tagaytayzipline.com/

For location map:
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=picnic+grove&fb=1&gl=ph&hq=picnic+grove&

For more information on the area:
http://www.tagaytay.gov.ph/

Club Manila East

New Era University-HS batch of 1993

April 30,2011: It's my 2nd visit to Club Manila East, Taytay Rizal. First time with my family just early this year, this time with my kids and my High School Friends and their loved ones. Entrance fee is 350php, for adult and kids more than 3ft. Cabana rate is 1,500php with 300 key deposit. March-May are the busiest month because it's the summer season so i suggest to make a booking before your visit to have a hassle free day. Or go as early as 7am, to skip the long lines and crowded reception area. Zipline is also available for 150php. Foods and drinks are not allowed, they have many stalls inside and an airconditioned restaurant which offers affordable menu.The waves are fantastic, your kids will definitely enjoy it.

visit their link for more info : http://www.clubmanilaeast.com/

Cabana where we stayed

My 3yo little boy

my 2yo princess