The Park in the Sky

MF and I went for a walk early whilst the rest of the family were asleep.

We had breakfast in one of the restaurants in the gated community we were staying at.

After checking out, we headed off to the Park in the Sky. 

This is an unfinished mansion from the Marcos era, discarded when Ronald Reagan cancelled his Presidential trip to the Philippines in the wake of the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Marcos’ opposition leader. Reagan cited the demands of a busy legislative week in Washington but actually his advisors urged him to cancel the visit to the Philippines because of what was perceived as an inadequate investigation by Marcos of Aquinos’ death.

One way to reach the top. These are called ‘jeepneys’: usually stuffed full of people, with some even standing on the back bumper-bar.

We walked. There were throngs of people. 360 degree views of Tagaytay.

Then: the drive back to Manila in the incessant traffic.

Home, unpack, and go to the local park (finally! After urging the kids to go for hours as they are clearly stir-crazy!).

Amazingly we have walked 8 kms today.