My girlfriend and I planned a trip to Tagaytay weeks before her birthday. And when the day finally arrived, I thought we would no longer proceed with it. It happened a couple of times - planned trips turned into something else because the excitement waned.
But this weekend's trip is different. Gladys was very excited about this trip. But we were faced with delays.
First stop: Villa Belissa, SJDM Bulacan - our future home
We received a message from the community engineer that there was a problem with our electric application. It's been a couple of weeks since we applied for electricity, but there were a couple of delays. We had to deal with it first.
After that, we also went to PrimeWater to pay for our water line application. We were supposed to go to Tagaytay via commute as early as 6 am, but we have to deal first with the problems of our housing unit. We finished all our errands at 11:30 am, almost lunchtime.
Mode of transport: Jeep, tricycle, e-Jeep
Second stop: PNR Espana Station, Manila
Before boarding a bus heading to Quezon Ave, we first bought some snacks from a local convenience store to fill our tummies. We know we will not be able to take our lunch on time, so we have to deal with it. We bought bottled juices and sandwiches.
Our bus traveled from Sapang Palay, Bulacan, to Quezon Ave - and it took us until 2 pm to reach our destination. I began wondering if we could still make it to Tagaytay this late. I know how heavy traffic could be in that area. So I prepared myself in case of rescheduling.
If you happen to commute somewhere in EDSA, you'll know how confusing the new routes, terminals, and commuting terminals could be. We had to walk a few hundred meters before we could board a UV to Buendia.
But here's the best part. We overheard a co-passenger planning to go to PNR. We decided to go where she was going - PNR, Espana.
Mode of transport: Bus, minutes of walking under the heat of the sun, UV Express
Third Stop: PNR to Alabang Starmall, then to Nuvali!
We were both not familiar with PNR and its stations, so we had to ask around until we reached Espana Station. PNR stands for Philippine National Railways. We thought it had regular travels to Sta. Rosa, Laguna, but apparently, the trip to Laguna only happens on the train's last ride for the day. So we opted for the farthest the train could bring us - Alabang Station.
Unlike the other trains in Manila, PNR is a bit uncomfortable and too noisy. I don't know, but I don't feel safe while riding the train. And for the whole hour duration of our trip, Gladys and I were standing! Imagine how sore our feet felt!
When we reached Alabang, we searched for the terminal where we could find buses or UV that could bring us to Tagaytay until we heard barkers looking for passengers to Nuvali. Right then and there, we decided not to pursue Tagaytay and go to Nuvali instead.
Mode of transport: Train, a hurried walk, an enclosed jeepney passing through the expressway
Last stop: Nuvali!
It was a very tiring day - but a well-spent weekend. And as soon as we reached Sta. Rosa Exit, we hailed an odd-looking tricycle (the one with a passenger seat at the back of its body). We took that seat, facing the other vehicles. It was a fun, long ride!
When we reached Nuvali, we headed towards Bon Chon to take our lunch. It was already 5 pm! We were famished, but we still wanted to muster our energy so we could go to the Koi Pond.
After eating our Lunch-turned-dinner, we searched for the Koi Pond using Google Maps, as we were not familiar with the place. But unfortunately, Koi feeding was already closed for the night. We were a little bit disappointed.
It was already dark, and we decided to call it a day. We hailed a tricycle again to bring us to the terminal. There were no more buses to Cubao, but fortunately, there was a UV going directly to Farmers, Cubao. I believe we both slept while sitting due to exhaustion until we reached Cubao. Afterwards, we rode an e-jeepney to Marikina.
Mode of transport: tricycle, Van, e-jeepney
What a weekend that was! We were so tired, but it was fun! We were planning to do it again - this time, we're aiming for Tagaytay via commute!