Out! Archives
July - September 2007
Vol. 1.1

Finding Solace In Tagaytay
By Veigh Hernandez

Last February, a friend offered temporarily work for a restaurant that is about to open in Tagaytay. It meant that I must spend a few months there. The workload was light and so initially, I dreaded to find that I had so much free time in my hands. That was not advisable for someone who should not wallow anymore.

But like always, time heals wounds. And the universe takes care of correcting our mistakes - the universe I discovered in Tagaytay.

SECRET IN THE GARDEN
At Sonya's Garden, I found it was easy to forego all kinds of meat and become a vegetarian.

Tagaytay is known for a wide variety of organically grown vegetables and fruits. And at Sonya's Garden, they grow almost everything they serve.

I was actually able to harvest some vegetables and fruits, which they later served me so enticingly. Crisp and fresh lettuce together with juicy, sun-riped pineapples made a great salad delight.

After nourishing meals, I took strolls in flower gardens that could inspire a thousand poems. I ran free, chased butterflies -- the smell of flowers would stop you.

By purifying the body, my healing began.

CROSSING THE LAKE AND THE CROSS VOLCANO
One day, in search for a supplier of maliputo (a native fish that grows in abundance at the lake), I went to the nearby town of Talisay. There, I saw the rental boats that took tourists across the lake. It included a guided trek to the peak of matandang bulkan (ancient volcano). So instead of gazing at Taal volcano day in and day out, I decided to explore the view that made Tagaytay famous.

Being so used to the impression of its stillness, crossing the lake made me realize that it was only deceptively serene. For all its tranquil beauty, one of the world's most temperamental volcanoes sat on it.

The trek towards the volcano took about forty minutes. The path was covered mostly by five foot high cogon and brambles sprouting from ash. Finally reaching the peak, I was stunned by the sight: a vast lake settled inside the crater, gilded by lush vegetation. According to my guide, there was absolutely no marine life existing in its murky depths. It water was of sulphuric acid.

Locals believe that the lake and the volcano are inhabited by spirits. Those who find their way to the spirits' unsettling, mysterious abode are worthy and favored. They are allowed to throw into the lake their anger, hatred and pain. And in return, the spirits will proffer upon them a blessing: great beauty and great peace.

So, empty my heart I did.

FLOWER POWER
During days that I chose to be alone, I tried to lose my way on a borrowed bicycle. That was when I stumbled upon The Flower Farm.

Just picture being in a place surrounded by flowers - passionate red roses, virginally white anthuriums, felicitous chrysanthemums, gerberas and mums in all possible colors. In a place like this, it is easier to remember how beautiful life is, still.

Thank heavens for the power of flowers. Beautiful and engaging, flowers continue to heal and assure happiness, nourish the senses, soothe the heart, and transform our spirit.

And here I filled my heart.

COFFEE LOVER
The only lover that do not break my heart is coffee. Although posh coffee joints has already invaded Tagaytay, the original little coffee places try to keep up the good fight. For my daily dose, I go to Bag of Beans during the siesta hours.

Though situated right by the road, its lush garden creates a noise barrier. The cozy ambiance induces me to curl up on the couch. Whether in the company of a book, my thoughts, or a complete stranger, a conversation always goes along with every cup of coffee.

Being a regular and knowing my love affair with coffee, the staff found a way so I can visit a coffee plantation in nearby Amadeo, Cavite. Imagine waking up to and sleeping over the aroma of coffee. Indeed, it was like being in a little piece of heaven.

I remember someone who once lost her way in life. In finding her way back, the first sensation of life coming back to her was the smell of coffee.

Let thoughts wander freely and think more of happy thoughts.

ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS
On this particular crisp and chilly night in Caleruega, a retreat center near Tagaytay town, I went up its highest view deck for a quiet moment.

Fresh breeze blew steadily, and the heavens were carpeted with stars.

In the stillness, as the moonlight danced in the quiet cool air, I sat as much out of reverence as to a desire to catch my breath. The meteor shower took place at around midnight.

There is a theory that all organic life on earth came from that same meteor shower. I wonder if we will ever know. But the soul knows. It is already given from whom all love and life came from.