National Heroes Holiday 2015

Earlier this year I made a promise to visit at least one major attraction or destination every month; (January was an exemption since we were in Vietnam for our anniversary. I'm a Tourist: Vietnam. I had to pass up on July as well since it was my son's birthday and the office sent me to Dumaguete City.)

1. Hot Air Balloon Festival (February)
2. Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (March)
3. Staycation (April)
4. Labor Day 2015 (May)
5. Pico De Loro 2015 (May)
6. Independence Day 2015 (June)

Kids nowadays have very specific demands;

Spend a night at a hotel

Must have a pool

Must be in Tagaytay

But keeping true to our promise not only brought a huge smile on their faces, it also gave us a chance to explore more attractions within the Luzon area.

Having to find an affordable place especially during a long holiday weekend can be challenging since these destinations usually bump up their prices and availability is close to nil. Luckily, we found Hotel Dominique which was just located along Aguinaldo Highway in Tagaytay.

With a party of 8, you would usually have to get at least 2 rooms. But Hotel Dominique offered what they called a Casitas; having two floors, with a huge Queen size Bed (with a pullout bed), and 2 twin size beds, extra mattresses, 2 bathrooms and a balcony. And of course, the most crucial thing nowadays…the free Wifi. All of these for a low price not exceeding Php 7,000.00.

We then tried to maximize our time by checking out new places in the area. 

(With the exception of the Bee Farm.)

Lunch at Balay Dako

Ilog Maria Bee Farm. The need for honey for allergies.

Dinner at Caffe Sant’Antonio for some Four Cheese Pizza, Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino, and a Strawberry Banana smoothie.

And one the highlights of the trip, which is one for the books; the Guinness World Record holder, Puzzle Mansion, for having the world's largest collection of jigsaw puzzles.

Biggest Puzzle in the World (With I think 32,000 pcs)

2nd Biggest Puzzle in the World (24,000 pcs)

And of course the best part...