Discovering Meteora

the View

If you think that you have seen and been to all the nicest places on the ridge of Tagaytay overlooking the Taal lake and its caldera, think again. This unassuming BNB place with a naked white façade from the main road leading to Talisay with a small humble sign that say “Meteora” will surely surprise you in more ways than one.

literally means “middle of the sky”, “suspended in the air” or “in the heavens above”

Meteora, from its Greek origin, is a monastery complex built on top of rock pillars made up of sandstones that gives the place the feel of being “suspended in the air”. This maybe the reason why Dr. Joven Cuanang, the same man who owns Pinto Art Gallery in Antipolo named the place after. Built over a decade ago and serves as the owner’s retreat place in Tagaytay, soon the place was converted to a luxe bed and breakfast place. If you have been to the art gallery in Antipolo, you might say that Meteora is very much reminiscent of the architectural aesthetics of the art gallery.

Sabel, the gate greeter

Meteora may it be, but the color scheme – is screaming Santorini!

the view from top

Following the road that leads down to the town of Talisay, you might not give this white washed house, a garage with a dome, a second look. The façade of the house is teeming with agave plant and cactuses. Right past the wooden door you will reach the rooftop that gives a non-obstructive, commanding view of the Taal lake, Mt. Makiling, Banahaw and the surrounding environ. Right before you enter the stone stairs that leads down to the two-storey glass and stone house you will notice a life size sculpture of Sabel, an enigmatic woman whom appears on various artworks of the National Artist Ben Cabrera. In fact, the one in Meteora is one of its kind as it is the only authorised reproduction with permission given by the National Artist himself. It was created by the artist Salvador Alonday whom works are scattered all around the place making it like a gallery of all his masterpieces.

the dining hall and the landing that leads to the master’s bedroom to the second floor

the fireplace and the love sofa

the view from the inside

Inside, there is a monastic feel on the simplicity from its furnitures, fixtures and color scheme of the place. The entire area is almost white with accents of blue, inspired from Santorini. When it comes to the artworks and decors, its an interesting mix from souvenir items and memorabilia of the owners from Turkey, Santorini and Morocco, furnitures and windows from Ilocos region, and interesting assortments of sculptures, murals, paintings from Dr. Cuanang’s resident artists from Antipolo.

blue and white

the Grecian stairs

stone and glass

The place is very popular for prenups and other location shoots. With its temperate climate, the place is very romantic to say the least. The main building is a two storey stone and glass structure that has a loft, master’s bedroom complete with bathroom and a jacuzzi. Downstairs you will find a another room, a dining area, a fireplace within the living area and kitchen. The window panels are very functional and can closed and folded depending on the weather. Everywhere you look there is the fusion of classical Greek and Ilocano flavor. There is a small garden at the side of the building thats is a very good spot if you want to commune with nature.

the other building serves as servants quarter, in case you wanted to bring your yayas or driver with you.

the passage to the garden

the garden wing

Getting there and Away

The easiest means to reach Tagaytay is via SLEX. Exit at Sta. Rosa then turn right after the tollgate. Follow the road until you reach the ridge of Tagaytay. Turn left and follow the road the will bring you to the Picnic Groove. Turn on your right to the road heading to Balai Taal. That same road will lead you to Talisay town proper. Meteora can be found on the right side few minutes after passing Balai Taal, watch out as the house is hardly visible from the street.

the master’s bedroom

how can you watch attentively when this colorful ceiling painting is grabbing your attention?

the other bedroom

Accomodation

Taken on Meteora’s website, here are the standard rates:

PhP 10,000 / Night for 4 Guests or Less; Maximum of 2 Additional Guests at PhP 2,500 / Night each Driver’s Quarters at PhP 750 / Night Accommodation with Breakfast (Strictly 7:00 – 9:00 AM Only) Check-In at 2:00 PM; Check-Out at 12:00 NN; Cooking of Meals strictly not allowed Pets are not Allowed

Ground Floor Bedroom (For 2 Guests): 1 Queen-size Bed and a bathroom with hot and cold water facility

Second Floor Bedroom (For 2 Guests): 1 Queen-size Bed and a bathroom with hot and cold water facility

Family Room (For Additional 2 Guests): Spacious Room with a bathroom and Cable TV

PHOTO SHOOT: Mondays – Thursdays Only (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) PRENUPTIAL: PhP 10,000 / Day (Maximum of 6 Guests) COMMERCIAL (Print): PhP 40,000 / Day COMMERCIAL (Video): Upon Arrangement

Meteora Ligaya Drive (Talisay Road), Sungay East, Tagaytay City, Philippines Email: sitio_manager@yahoo.com ; sitio_remedios@yahoo.com Mobile: +63 917 332-0217 Website: http://meteoratagaytay.com/

the hallway

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