Palace in the Sky in Tagaytay

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The Palace in the Sky found in Tagaytay City was originally built to be the presidential mansion and guest house of former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. However, the supposed mansion was not completed because the Marcoses were overthrown in 1986 as a result of the People Power Revolution.

The palace was supposed to be one of the many architectural projects of the former president along with the Coconut Palace built for Pope John Paul II and the Golden Mosque built for Libyan Strongman Muammar al-Gaddafi. The Tagaytay Palace was said to be built in the 1980s to be used by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan during his state visit. However, it never materialized due to the Marcos’ political problems, which is why it was then converted into a park and served as a testament to the Marcos regime’s extravagant ways. It was eventually opened to the public and is now known to be the People’s Park in the Sky.

The park is built on top of Mount Sungay and is the highest point along the entire Tagaytay Ridge. It is the second most-visited place in Tagaytay City next to the Picnic Grove. Many would agree that the park is in dire need of a renovation instead of letting it rot to ruins as the park has so much potential than just being a vista point. Several souvenir stores are found at the ground floor of the palace, a few picnic tables dot around the park, a Marian Shrine and a well-maintained Japanese garden is all there is to see at the park. Although visitors of the People’s Park don’t usually go there for the park itself but rather for seeing the magnificent views that the park provides. It’s a common scene to see people strolling around the place enjoying the cool Tagaytay breeze while some people try to trek all the way up the palace since it is considerably steep.

The park provides an excellent panoramic view in every angle at 2,100 feet above sea level. To its north is the Manila Bay, to its east is the Laguna de Bay, South China Sea is to its west while a picturesque Taal Volcano and Taal Lake can be found to its south. It also has a vantage view of the famed and luxurious Tagaytay Highlands, Mount Makiling, Mount Banahaw, the Maragondon Mountains and the mountains of Lipa. On some days, you can even spot parts of Cavite, Lipa and Batangas and some claim even Metro Manila which is 60 kilometers away. The best time to go to the People’s Park is during a clear sunny day to get the best view of its surroundings.

Although most people can fault the Marcos family for their extravagant ways, some people just can’t fault them for their good taste in location. The Palace in the Sky is a historical proof to not only the excessive ways of the former Presidential family but also a testament to how blessed the country is when it comes to its natural wonders.