The mountain ridges of Tagaytay, a scenic paradise with its magnificent beauty, cool mountain breeze and lush gardens. Where the postcard - perfect view of the enchanting Taal Volcano, one of the world's amazing natural wonders, rejuvenates the mind and uplifts the spirit.

The City of Tagaytay (Filipino: Lungsod ng Tagaytay) is a third class city in the province of Cavite, Philippines. Only 55 kilometers (34.18 miles) away from Manila via Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, it is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tagaytay City provides a good view of the Taal Volcano. The city is a popular summer tourist destination because of its cool climate due to its high altitude. According to the 2000 census, Tagaytay has a population of 45,287 people in 8,590 households.

 

HISTORY

Legend has it that the word Tagaytay came from "taga" meaning to cut and "itay" which means father. A father and son were said to be on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were chasing turned and attacked them. As the boar charged towards the old man, the son cried "taga itay!". the boy's repeated shout reverberated in the alleys of the ridge. Heard by the residents, hunters and wood gatherers, the cries became subject of conversation for several days in the countryside. In time, the place where the shouts came from became known as TAGAYTAY.

 

During the Philippine revolution of 1896, the ridges and forests of Tagaytay became the sanctuary for revolutionaries including those from nearby provinces. The passage to and from towns via Tagaytay added the word "mananagaytay" to the native's vocabulary. It means "to traverse ridges."

 

At the outbreak of the 2nd world war, the 11th Airborne Division of Lt. Gen. William Krueger's 8th Army airdropped military supplies and personnel at the Tagaytay ridge prior to the liberation of Manila from the Japanese on February 3, 1945. To commemorate this event, a marker was installed in 1951 at the junction of Silang, Canlubang-Nasugbu roads by the city officials in coordination with the Philippine Historical Institute.

 

GEOGRAPHY

Tagaytay City lies on top of the Tagaytay Ridge, which, at 640 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Cavite. The ridge provides a spectacular view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano in Batangas. This view supports Tagaytay's main industry, which is tourism.

 

LOCATION

Tagaytay City is located in the Province of Cavite, on the island of Luzon, approximately 56 kilometer south of Manila. It lies within 121° 56' longitude and 14° 6' latitude and overlooks Manila Bay on the North, Taal volcano and Taal lake on the south and Laguna Bay on the east.

 

The City is linked by the national highway to the Metropolitan Manila Area and to the Province of Batangas. It is also connected by the roads to the adjoining municipalities of Amadeo, Mendez, Indang, Silang and Alfonso in Cavite towards the northwest, to the municipalities of Calamba and Sta. Rosa in Laguna in the northeast and to the town of Talisay in Batangas in the south.

 

CLIMATE

Temperature and precipitation

Tagaytay City's climate is characterized by relatively low temperature, low humidity and abundant rainfall. The City is endowed with a cool and invigorating climate with an average temperature of 22.7 °C. Situated approximately 600 meters above sea level, the city is misty and is relatively cooler during the months of December, January and February. Like most areas in the Province of Cavite, the city has two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The climate has made the city very ideal for sports, picnics, conferences, honeymoons, country homes, and spiritual retreats.

 

Humidity

Tagaytay has an average humidity of 78% which makes the city cooler than Metro Manila where relatively humidity exceeds 81%. Northeasterly winds prevail in the City from October to April. winds come from southwest from May to September. The cool Tagaytay breeze has made the city ideal for leisurely kite flying and competitions.