Date: December 9, 2025
Location: Puzzle Mansion Museum, Tagaytay City
Tagaytay in December usually brings to mind cold winds and steaming bowls of Bulalo. But for my wife and me, this trip was about something deeper—a pilgrimage to see the life’s work of a woman who proved that with enough patience, any picture can be made whole.
We spent our day at the Puzzle Mansion, a place that stands as a breathtaking monument to the late Georgina “Gina” Gil-Lacuna.
A World Record Kind of Love
Walking through the galleries, you don’t just see puzzles; you see the discipline of a Guinness World Record holder. In 2012, Miss Gina was officially recognized for having the largest collection of jigsaw puzzles in the world.
Looking at the photo of us in the main hall, you can see the scale of what she achieved. Behind us are hundreds of thousands of pieces—each one hand-placed by her. From the intricate 3D globes to the massive recreations of Renaissance art, every frame tells the story of her dedication.
Highlights of Our Visit
Seeing the sheer volume of puzzles (over 1,000!) that earned Gina Gil Lacuna the Guinness World Record is mind-blowing.
We saw everything from classic Van Gogh recreations to pop culture icons and even wooden 3D puzzles.
Since it was early December, the museum had that festive, quiet energy. It wasn’t overly crowded, allowing us to take our time and snap some great photos (like the one of us by the main gallery!).
Travel Tips for Couples
If you’re planning to visit this December, here are a few things we learned:
-
The Road In: The path to the mansion is a bit narrow and tucked away. Don’t worry, your GPS isn’t lying to you—just keep going!
-
The Famous Coconut Cream Pie: You cannot leave without trying a slice of their signature pie. It’s the perfect reward after a long walk through the galleries.
-
The Gift Shop: We couldn’t resist looking at the sets. It’s a great place to pick up a “couple’s project” to work on during the Christmas break.
Final Thoughts
Our trip on December 9th was the perfect “calm before the storm” of the holiday season. It reminded us that beautiful things are built one piece at a time. Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or just looking for a unique date spot away from the usual crowds, the Puzzle Mansion is a must-visit.
