Tagaytay has always been a common destination for me and my family and friends. I can’t count the numerous special occasions that I have spent with family and friends there. I guess that for us from the South, Tagaytay offers a quick respite from the Metro Manila busyness!

So what do I love about Tagaytay? A LOT, if you ask me!

First off, of course, is the weather. Tagaytay is the closest thing to cold weather that people from Manila can get, next to Baguio. And it’s always nice, during a hot spell, to go to Tagaytay and feel the cool air there.

And who would forget about the food? Tagaytay has some of the best restaurants in the Philippines, like LZM, Antonio’s, Leslie’s, Bon Giorno [one of the best Italian restaurants!], and Bag of Beans. This mocha frappe from Bag of Beans is one of the best I’ve tasted! I’ve actually become addicted to it. And don’t even get me started with one of the best buffets in the world [and I'm not a buffet lover!]!

Tagaytay also has some of the best hotels. And for me, more than the accommodations, what makes these hotels extra beautiful is the view that comes with them. Some of the hotels serve also as golf courses, so just imagine the view. The above picture is the view from our room in Evercrest. Diba ang ganda? The scene is sooo calming!

But I guess the most important reason I love Tagaytay is that it is where my beautiful sister, Angeli, and her handsome boyfriend, Aris, got married recently. And for that, Tagaytay will now truly hold a special place in my heart.

Biases aside, it was truly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended. It was an event full of laughter and tears [as in bumaha ng luha!]. As the wedding coordinator told me after: “It was a very beautiful wedding. Not a dull moment, at ang families nyo, super kwela.” [Yes, both our family and the groom's family are the most crazy and kwela families there are. Pag nagkasalo-salo nga, chaos talaga!] She further said, “And your families are two of the nicest families we’ve ever had.” It was so nice to hear that! More importantly, it goes to show how happy I am with Angeli’s husband…not only is he nice, but his entire family is. And I can’t be happier because our family gained more members, and I know that Angeli is in very good hands. Ours is a close-knit family, and so is that of Aris, and that’s why Aris is like a brother [even then], and his parents and siblings, even to me, are like family already.

My sister is not a crybaby [as my mother and other sister pointed out in the reception program]. Among us three sisters, it is I and my other sister [the bunso] who cry over McDo commercials and Maalala Mo Kaya trailers. Even when our mother got sick, she rarely cried. But during her wedding, she might as well brought pail for the tears she shed [tears of joy of course]. Even before her march started, she was already crying. She was hardly able to enjoy her “walk”  because she stopped every now and then to compose herself because she can’t help but cry. My mother even “made sundo.” In the end, a 10-meter march by the bride took 5 minutes [but we're not complaining, really], and after, everyone else were crying! It was such a tender, heartfelt moment! Love was overflowing, and the joy goes deep to the heart!

The reception was as beautiful as the ceremony. The food was delicious, and the program was engaging. Everyone had fun. The wedding was a collaboration among many people, including myself. And it so fulfilling to see it as a success. I really enjoyed this special occasion, and it is one I will never forget. Kung baga, unless I suffer amnesia, it will be forever in my heart.

I really thank God that my sister found a loving and kind husband. I do pray that their marriage vows will hold until they leave this world. To you both, I love you so much and best wishes! And as Mommy Rose [Aris' mother] said, bigyan nyo na sya agad ng apo!