One weekday during my 2-week leave, I went on a random road-trip with Oliver. For some reason, I enjoy long drive trips with him. Hours inside the car become our time to talk about everything under the sun, from ‘sabaw’ topics to serious issues about life and God. It was Thursday brunch, so traffic along SLEX wasn’t an irritation for drivers. We had a smooth and safe trip all the way to Tagaytay.
The Puzzle Mansion became our choice of destination after our Bulalo brunch at Ming’s Garden, along Silang, Cavite. Oliver has been mentioning Puzzle Mansion several times to me. This was the only time we finally decided to drop by for a tour at the museum.
From its name, my imagination took the place literally. I was imagining a castle made out of puzzled bricks. Somehow like pieces of bricks that aren’t shaped proportionally.
Driving to The Puzzle Mansion was like a maze for us. From the main road, we turned right as we saw the arrow sign pointing to the mansion. That road to Puzzle Mansion was really narrow and maze-like. If it weren’t for the signs starting from the main road of Tagaytay, we would lose out of track. If you are planning to drive your way to Puzzle Mansion, keep your eyes on the signs and the road.
The Puzzle Mansion is owned by Gina Gil Lacuna. Her 1,000++ puzzle collection is the main attraction of this place. But before you see that, a fee of Php100 is collected as your entrance fee. I couldn’t say exactly how much puzzle collection she has because she never stops on adding since she started, which was around 25 years ago.
By the way, she recently was given the title “Largest Collection of Jigsaw Puzzles” by Guinness World Record for her 1,028 puzzles.
As you enter, this is what you will see. A room that will puzzle you on where to start. I was overwhelmed with her collection, I couldn’t believe someone will spend time building her puzzle mansion. It’s easy to collect things you can buy at stores or off the rack, but to collect puzzles, which you have to build is really impressive. Oh, if you are having doubts, I kind of validated by asking her while she was gardening, she was the one who finished the puzzles. It’s her hobby to put puzzle pieces together.
One of her famous and expensive pieces at the museum.
Out of all the puzzles, this was the hardest for Mrs. Lacuna. (Source: our tour guide)
3D puzzles of world’s famous architectures.
Photo above: Sydney Opera House
Cubed Mona Lisa
St. Basil’s Cathedral in Russia
This Keith Haring Double Retrospect set seemed to be her latest project when we visited. She was trying to complete this 32,000-piece puzzle. Just imagine how much patience, perseverance, focus, and concentration you need to get the puzzle pieces fit perfectly. One wrong piece ruins the entire picture already. This masterpiece is now known as her largest puzzle in her museum.
Puzzle Mansion is not simply a museum of Mrs. Lacuna’s puzzle collection but also a site for bed and breakfast. Puzzle Mansion offer their guests facilities where they can stay overnight for relaxation. Over 10 flower-inspired rooms & suites to choose from and a swimming pool included, which is just a doorstep away from the rooms.
Coconut Cream Pie (Php 50)
Do you think The Food Scout will leave The Puzzle Mansion without tasting their best-selling Coconut Cream Pie? Of course Not, CocoNut! For only Php 50 per slice or Php 350 for a whole. Thick cream with light coconut flavor and sweet crumbs used as base that balances the right amount of sweetness.
More than gazing through the puzzle collection, I was more inspired by how Mrs. Lacuna reached her goals. Her passion for puzzles created a name for herself, and even known to the world. That’s where I see how passion can drive you to attain what you want. Not only for yourself, but to inspire others as well. As a Filipino, we should be proud of what The Puzzle Mansion has accomplished. Having your name as part of the Guinness World Record is no joke. As a support to Filipinos who made it internationally, the drive to The Puzzle Mansion was definitely worth our time!
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Pray, Eat and Love.
Cheers,
The Food Scout

Location: Purok 4 Cuadra St. Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City, Philippines

Website: http://www.thepuzzlemansion.com/
Budget: PHP100++

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