People’s Park in the Sky a.k.a. “Palace in the Sky” is known for its soaring elevation that gives its visitors a 360 view of Tagaytay City and nearby provinces. An astonishing view of the green mountains, lake and the Taal volcano can surely be enjoyed in this site. Its refreshing cool breeze and its sweet smell of lush green plants are simply rejuvenating.
Gazing at the entirety of Tagaytay from its viewing deck will make you realize that it has a rich province atmosphere—despite being labeled a city. Nature lovers will surely admire the sight of its dense forests and other natural elements. This would encourage more visitors to explore the other ecological attractions of Tagaytay.
History of People’s Park in the Sky
During the time of then-president Ferdinand Marcos, the former U.S. president Ronald Reagan expressed his interest to visit the Philippines. This prompted the Marcos administration to give him a grand accommodation which brought about the construction of Palace in the Sky in 1981.
The presidential visit was later canceled so the government abandoned the construction of the Palace in the Sky. The place was later converted to a tourist attraction and was given the new name of People’s Park in the Sky.
Exploring People’s Park in the Sky
During my first time to visit this place, my father referred to it as “Palace in the Sky” so my expectation was really high. A pearly white grand palace with towering pillars came to my mind as we were getting close there. Then I saw that its name is People’s Park in the Sky already but it didn’t change my expectation.
After paying for our tickets and going up its steep road, we were finally there. The first thing that I saw is the rusty roof of their viewing deck which was a total disappointment. We later explored further but found no sign of a magnificent palace-like building. The restrooms were even dirty and the paints of most of the structures are already faded and cracked.
As we were in the middle of our exploration, I can’t help but joke that “I thought that there’s supposed to be a palace here. This should have been named as Ruins in the Sky instead.”
Melancholic Beauty
So the new name of the place finally sank into my mind after realizing that the “palace” portion of the name was totally abandoned. The “Sky” part of the title definitely lived up to its name. Its immense elevation gave it a wide breathtaking view of Tagaytay City. Everything looks small up there and you can really see how most parts of Tagaytay City are still lush green.
The park’s wide terrace and long walkways can accommodate a great number of visitors and allow everyone to enjoy the view. There are so many angles to choose from where you will see the varying landscapes of Tagaytay City.
The unfinished buildings, abandoned amphitheater, dry pond and gloomy bridge left a melancholic beauty that is dark but elegant.
People’s Park in the Sky Rates
Entrance Fee: P30.00
Jeepney: P10.00
Photo with Horse: P20.00
Picnic Table: P100.00
2 thoughts on “People’s Park in the Sky “Palace in the Sky” – Tagaytay City, Cavite”