Summer 2019: pick your own vegetables in Tagaytay

TAGAYTAY – Whether eating a pie at the buko or enjoying a bulalo with a panoramic view of the Taal volcano, the people of Tagaytay who frequent the city may already have done everything. The question now is whether there is anything left to do in the already touristy city.

I may have found one on my last trip. And it's literally a breath of fresh air.

Located on the outskirts of the town of Tagaytay, just on the edge of Nasugbu, Batangas is the royal castle. It is a family resort located on 15 hectares, at the foot of Mount Batulao. The resort itself has its limits as a weak moving signal in certain areas, dated interiors and slow service due to the immense space it covers. But this has its own charm.

And although it has some modern additions like a wave pool, a zip line and an obstacle course for team-building activities, its true beauty lies in its open spaces and natural environment. Part of this is of course the station's own organic farm.

The fully functional farm is located at the end of the Royal Castle. The scene is calm, airy and lush, which is a real treat for Manileños, like me, who flees the urban jungle. You can admire a picturesque sunflower garden, befriend a resident horse and visit some of the greenhouses of the farm.

And yes, you can choose your own vegetables to take home. Available products include onions, labuyo peppers, lettuce, chives, tarragon, tomatoes and Baguio beans.

Prices are not as competitive as grocery stores or local markets, but are likely to match or beat those of other organic stores.

But who counts? If you add the novelty of choosing your own fresh food from the place where it was grown, then it is well worth it.