From President’s to People’s Park

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With a fantastic blend of natural and man-made attractions, People’s Park is the highest peak in Tagaytay City. The park stands on a 4,416 square meter ground at 2,100 feet above sea level and is one of the most-visited sites around Tagaytay City.

Families often come here to have picnics but the park was originally built for one family alone, former President Ferdinand Marcos and his family. The park was formerly called Palace in the Sky during the ex-president’s era. It was built during the 1980s as the vacation home of the Marcos’ and was said to supposedly be used by former U.S President Ronald Reagan during his state visit at the time. As the Marcos family was popularly known for their extravagant ways, what better place was there to build their vacation home but on the highest point in the area? Unfortunately, construction was never completed due to Marcos’ political setbacks. Years later, its name was changed to the People’s Park in the Sky and was then opened to the public.

Sadly, today, the park has lost its once known glory as it has been left to slowly molder the years away. Many claim that the park is in need of a major renovation due to several years of neglect, but other people don’t mind its unpleasant appeal because they go up for one reason alone, the view.

During a nice sunny day when the horizon is clear, visitors will realize that they’re surrounded by four bodies of water, the Taal Lake to its south, the Laguna de Bay to its east, the Manila Bay to its north and the South China Sea to its west. It also makes a good vantage point of viewing of neighboring towns such as Batangas, Lipa and Cavite and sometimes, even parts of Metro Manila.

The park has several souvenir shops lined up with a wide array of items to choose from. From handmade bags, key chains, t-shirts, hats, and toys made out of wood, some visitors are enthralled with such unique souvenir items to choose from. Your haggling skills will be put to a test as you a try to negotiate with the shop owner or sales clerk the cheapest price possible for your desired item. Haggling is normal in Filipino culture so don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price that is still reasonable.

There is a 15-peso per person charge for entrance fee which is not much considering the beautiful view seen at the top of the hill. Families, groups of friends and couples are often seen roaming around the park just enjoying the chilly weather and its magnificent surroundings. Although the park doesn’t offer much in terms of inbuilt modern amenities, the view is certainly worth the trip to the top.

People’s Park may not have served its purpose of satisfying one famous political family but it has certainly brought joy and countless memories to even more families. Despite its festering stance, the park will always be open to welcome people to enjoy the extravagant gifts of nature.