KOTA KELUARGA (PHILIPPINES)

Location: Laiya Ibabao, San Juan, Batangas, Philippines

Kota Keluarga has a pristine beach where beachcombers would love to spend a great weekend or holiday escapade. Guests who wanted to hold their shindig in this resort are assured of exclusivity as this private cove is only available to a select few. That is, for the club members and their friends. However, the non-members can still avail of the resort packages thru its Manila and Batangas Booking Offices. The best of Kota Keluarga is its Klub Keluarga Resort which is on the coastal edge of Costa de Madera - a 380-hectare sprawling estate development that is transforming into a premiere self-contained, high-value leisure community in near-perfect harmony with nature.

The beachfront white sand stretch of Klub Keluarga Resort

Costa de Madera has two beach resorts on its beachfront, namely: the Klub Kelaurga Resort and the Parasol Beach Resort. The former has its cabana-type accommodation while the latter has the container-van type accommodation. Parasol is closer to the massive cliff walls.

A highly-secured estate main gate

Kota Keluarga is a minimum of 2 hours drive from Manila wherein its residential and commercial complex estate development is owned by Costa de Madera Corporation, a holding company jointly owned by the Gualberto family and the Metro Pacific Corporation and it is being developed by Pueblo Niño Development, Inc.

Part of the main entrance facade

Its impressive architectural design of its main gate would reveal much that this residential estate is really for the rich and famous secured in a very serene milieu.

Developed roads and pavements of Costa de Madera

As one enters the Nirmala Grove, roads, lamp posts and pavements can be seen which is evident that millionaire’s rows of elegant villas are soon to rise forming a community on a lap of luxury.

The Naisha 2-storey Model Unit with 90 sq. meter floor area

A model house showcases what it takes to be a real estate owner at Costa de Madera which is partly located in the barangays of Laiya Ibabao and Barualte of San Juan town of the province of Batangas. The Naisha villas have practical features of a Southeast Asian architecture. Naisha is just one of the eight models of villas to choose from that mix aesthetics and function in a seamless elegant style. Other model units as per the estate master plan are: Ananda, Poonam, Amiya, Vamana, Santoso, Kimaya and Sovanna. The villas let in cool ventilation and allow space flexibility that gives in to your tropical paradise whims.At the backdrop of these soon-to-rise luxury houses is a refreshing scenery of a mountain which provides a cool mountain breeze most especially at night.

The air-conditioned cabana accommodation

After passing thru Naisha model unit is another 10-minute drive cutting through a dusty road where along with it is a coconut plantation. Finally, to reach the beach resort, the car has to trail with a road with a deep drop leading to the cove. After parking, guests are given a welcome drink and they are accompanied to their respective reserved accommodation.

Thick and large sandbags serve as resting pillows and chairs for guests

Cabana is a good choice of accommodation good for three persons but can accommodate a maximum four people. Its location is just a few steps leading to the beach. Aside from sandbags, beach tables are also provided where food and other stuff can be placed. By the time, our group has arrived, it was a searing afternoon and so we decided to stay under the shades of the beach huts.

Early afternoon group socials

After a refreshing swim from the resort's pool, our group started to have the early socials fueled with a slight boozing. I do not drink alcohol but I can get along well with drinkers very much engaged in light conversation. Boozing continued until 6:30 P.M. where we had our dinner.

Scenic sunset conveniently visible from our cabana

Sunsets turned people to be romantic and it did not spare our group where we also patiently wait from where we are from our cabana. In between chatting and boozing, we delightedly waited for the sunset to set on its complete rest. As the sun dramatically sets on its rest, our camera grinds unsparingly just to get the best shot.

The resort's dining hall

Food served thru buffet was great and was really worth for the amount we paid. The staff were quite accommodating and polite giving us the best service. A glass of soft drink or ice tea was served by the attending waiters. Distilled water for drinking was also served to us upon request. Dinner was served starting from 6:00 until 9:00 P.M. and so guests do not crowd at the dining hall.

The Juice and Spirits Bar

After a delightful dinner, we stayed at the Juice and Spirits Bar just along the poolside over a long chat and very casual conversation. The dimly lighted pool was quite inviting for a night swim. This silent invitation is oftentimes irresistible for the guests.

A warm swim in the pool

As the evening grew, the water in the pool retains its warm temperature embracing more guests for a swim. Others would prefer to have a night swimming on the beach while others stay under the beach huts, beach decks and their accommodations for casual chat and boozing for most of the groups who stay in the resort.

An endless evening socials

It was not really the booze that made the socials interesting to our group but rather the great company which made the socials get going unendingly. Exciting card games with truth and consequence punishment, or drinking a sip of liquor as a punishment made every part of the group be highly active and widely awake to avoid ourselves from being punished.

An early morning walk by the beach

An early morning walk by the beach is definitely rewarding. While it is not hot, the sea breeze is refreshing and the sun which is about to shine is therapeutic. I was the earliest to sleep at 11 P.M. while the rest of my group went to bed at 2:00 A.M. and so I was alone to do the morning walk since everybody was still sleeping.

Yoga by the beach

As I approached the massive rock wall at the end of the Parasol Beach Resort, I saw a group of ladies who had their yoga session. Their eyes were closed while they do their yoga session and I was watching them with envy in my heart. I wish I was one of them who can freely do the yoga exercises.

Beyond the massive rock wall

Not contented of what I saw, I trekked beyond the point where I saw the group of ladies having yoga and I saw a green paradise enclosed in massive rock walls and I suppose, this will also be good for a camping site.

Preparation for a beach wedding ceremony

Walking back to our cabana, I passed through resort's personnel of Parasol putting on decorations and designs for a beach wedding ceremony which will be held early afternoon of that day. Indeed, celebrities and other top personalities prefer to have their shindig in this resort for they are assured of privacy.

The reception hall of the beach wedding at Parasol Beach Resort

I suppose, a grand wedding was to be held as evident from the set-up I saw. I identified then a famous interior designer and a florist giving instructions the resort's personnel. As far as I can recall the beach wedding of the celebrity Aiza Seguerra and Liza Dino was held in this same resort.

A morning swim at the pool after a beach swim

A beach swim was very much inviting early in the morning until our group decided to have our buffet breakfast. We were not in a hurry anyway as the usual schedule of the breakfast is from 6:00 to 9:00 A.M. Still wet coming from the beach, we had our breakfast and immediately after, we proceed to the pool for a more refreshing swim.

The tropical-inspired cabanas of Klub Keluarga

Indeed, our group's stay in the resort was quite fairly good and worth coming back. The food was really great. A two thumbs-up for the facilities and amenities of the resort.

The following are the resort's amenities:

Juice and Spirits Bar
10 Beach huts
Shower rooms and toilets
Restaurant
Halo-halo station
Adult and kiddie pools
Grilling stations
Beachfront decks

Guests can have the alternative to enjoy the following activities:

Kayaking
Beach volleyball
Swimming

Other Concerns:

Guests should know that there is no signal from all networks. Secondly, cabanas do not have TV or Video Player. Thus, you can have the option to bring your own laptop with downloaded videos. Anyway, there is electricity and cellphones or any electrical gadget can be charged. Thirdly, guests should equipped themselves with necessary things they need so that they will not buy inside the resort as they are too expensive. However, bringing in wines and liquors have corkage fees as well as bringing food may have its own corresponding fees.

Below are the current rental rates of the resort



For more information, use the following contact details:

KLUB KELUARGA: http://www.pndi.com.ph/klub_keluarga_page.html
PARASOL BEACH: http://www.pndi.com.ph/parasol_page.html

KLUB KELUARGA and PARASOL BEACH RESORTS

MANILA (PHILIPPINES) BOOKING OFFICE:
02-801-9890 / 0918-959-2596/ 0917-885-8887
(Monday-Fridays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm)

BATANGAS (PHILIPPINES) BOOKING OFFICE:
02-514-2819/09994774239
(Weekends and Holidays)

GRACELAND ESTATE AND COUNTRY CLUB

Location: Barangay Camaysa, Tayabas City, Quezon Province, Philippines

One of the two pools of Graceland Country Club (photo courtesy by Graceland homepage)

This 22-hectare lush and naturally-landscaped paradise embracing on its midst the 11-hectare real estate development is gaining much mileage in terms of eco-tourism attraction considering its location between the famous tourism gems of the province of Quezon (Philippines) which are Lukban Municipality and Tayabas City. Touring around the stretch of the estate is such a refreshing and rewarding experience as you see the modern amenities blended with nature at its best. Indeed, the whole of it will make one feel a lifestyle in the truest sense of luxury.

A showcase of well-planned and architecturally-rich designed estate development

The place is intended to offer the best to the guests equipped with an array of sports facilities for basketball, tennis, archery, putting green, air soft and simulated beach volleyball courts; swimming pools; boating and other water-fun activities; function halls for all occasions like garden wedding, receptions, conferences and other corporate functions, team-building, retreat and simply for a vacation for family or two to chill-out from the hustle-bustle life from Metropolitan Manila. Guests can avail of its overnight accommodations like the apartelle rooms, two-storey/two-bedroom villas, or campsite with bonfire area

Almost everywhere offers a park-like amenity to enjoy and relax

Outdoor amenities like wooden benches and swings are almost everywhere to pamper the guests as they endless stroll around the fresh environment of Graceland Country Club. One can enjoy to jog or do the biking trail around the 2.2-hectare man-made lagoon. There are available bikes for rental. An alternative for biking is horseback riding.

The place to satisfy the guests' cravings

Dining on its restaurant will offer guests a gourmet of different cuisines to satisfy their gastronomic cravings as it has the best chefs ready to give the best service. They can have it partly from the Memphis Garden Cafe and Grille.

The bridge connecting the man-made islet nestled in a fresh-water lagoon

Picnic and parties can be held in this man-made islet where state-of-the-art cottages can accommodate guests who can enjoy the scenery of lakeview-like ambiance.

Graceland anchorage on the northwest tip of the man-made islet (Model: Letty Uy)

The country club's anchorage is a busy point to host disembarking guests to engage in various water-fun activities like boating, kayaking and skiing. Fishing is even an option in the man-made lagoon.

The Anchorage: A Lovers' Lane

Most couples and lovers enjoy the double-kayaking and end up romantic as they paddle on the scenic and tranquil man-made lagoon. Model couple here is a close friend of mine in the name of Janna Del Fonso-Cabrera and her husband, Jorge.

Spacious parking lots, wide roads and pavements are evident

Other services they offer are: Day Tour, 24-Hour Front Desk, In-Room Massage, Room Service, Pool Side Cafe, Banquet and Catering Services. In addition to that, the place is child-friendly as it also provides Children Playground for them to enjoy.

This link can help you to contact them and to reach the place, you may refer to this link.

TYPICAL PALM SUNDAY IN MANDALUYONG CITY (PHILIPPINES)

Worshippers at the Main Door of San Felipe Neri Parish Church

This year, the celebration of Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday in the Philippine by the Catholics was on March 29, 2015. It is usually observed one week before the Holy Week. In the biblical history, Palm Sunday includes a procession of the assembled worshipers carrying palms, representing the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem. The difficulty of procuring palms in unfavorable climates led to their substitution with branches of native trees. In the Philippines for example, worshippers use the coconut leaves as a substitute for palm leaves.

The imposing structure of San Felipe Neri Parish Church

This post is the celebration of Palm Sunday in San Felipe Neri Parish Church in particular located in the corners of Boni Avenue and Rev. G. Aglipay Street of Mandaluyong City. San Felipe Neri Church is one of the oldest churches in Metropolitan City of Manila. It was run by hostile Spanish friars. For sometime, it was the site of bloody encounters between Filipino revolutionaries and Spanish soldiers. Its facade has a semicircular arch main entrance flanked by niches and twin bell towers with pyramid roofs.

Outside the church at 4:30 P.M.

It was still 4:30 P.M. and the sun was still searing hot outside the church and the rest of the Worshippers were waiting for the next mass at 5:00 P.M. for the blessing of the "Palm" Leaves (actually made of coconut leaves) was to be done before the next mass starts.

Worshippers outsie the church just opposite the main door

Most of the churchgoers while waiting for the next mass stayed outside fronting the church but some preferred to stay outside because it was already crowded inside the church and the electric fans can no longer give a cool and refreshing air.

The 4:00 - 5:00 P.M. Holy Mass was almost over!

Churchgoers for 5:00 P.M. Mass schedule were eagerly waiting to get inside the church as the 4:00 P.M.Mass was about to finish. Most of them were carrying their "palaspas". Palaspas is the vernacular term for the coconut leaves designed in varying forms to resemble the original Palm Sunday in Israel.

The 5:00 P.M. holy mass just started with the priest celebrant on the altar

At long last, the 5:00 P.M. Holy Mass started and the huge crown of churchgoers were inside the church waiving their "palaspas" waiting for its blessing by the priest celebrant.

The blessing of the "palaspas"

The churchgoers unendingly waived their "palaspas" as the priest had its blessing in every meter away, whisking the holy water so that these "palaspas" can all finally be blessed. After the blessing, the 5:00 P.M. Holy Mass started.

RIZAL PARK (LUNETA PARK, MANILA)

Luneta Park is a 58-hectare or 140-acre historical urban park in the city of Manila, Philippines divided into three sections, namely: the 16-hectare/40-acre northeastern section Teodora F. Valencia Circle adjoining Taft Avenue where the Department of Tourism and the National Museum of the Filipino People; the 22-hectare/54-acre central section or the park proper that extends down to Roxas Boulevard; and the tail-end southwestern section which is almost next to Manila Bay that includes the Burnham Green, open field 10-hectare/25-acre, the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Ocean Park.

The magical and dancing fountain of the park

Luneta is situated at the northern terminus of Roxas Boulevard. To the east of the boulevard, the park is bounded by Taft Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue and Kalaw Avenue. To the west is the reclaimed area of the park bounded by Katigbak Drive, South Drive, and the shore of Manila Bay.

The boardwalk which cuts through the giant raised-relief map of the Philippines in the middle of a man-made lake

This park is established in 1820 when the Philippines was still a colony of the Spanish crown. Formerly called Bagumbayan before Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero was executed here by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896. The park was renamed in honor to Rizal but is commonly known as Luneta Park.

The statue of Lapu-Lapu, as the center piece of the park's first section

Luneta Park has a marker called Kilometer Zero which is located within Roxas Boulevard side fronting the Rizal Monument where it serves the point from which all road distances from Manila are measured.

The statue of Philippines' National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal where in the same point his remains was buried

Its refreshing scenery and spacious playing and camping grounds continuously attracts local and foreign tourists to visit the place. Besides, there are many attractions here where tourists can surely be entertained. The cluster of magical and dancing fountains is just one of them.

This magical fountain is in the central section or park proper

The park plays a major significance to the Philippines for it was used as a venue for some political activities like staging a huge rally that toppled the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos and other major rallies against key political leaders and it was twice graced by two popes in the name of the Pope John Paul II now a saint as a venue for World Youth Day and in the January 2015 pastoral visit of Pope Francis.

This photo of Rizal Park in Seattle (Washington) was taken from this link

Dr. Jose Rizal is undoubtedly, one of the most greatest figures in history that even in Seattle, Washington there was a 9.6 acre (39,000 square meters) park which was dedicated to him in 1979 located on the west slope of Beacon Hills. This park consists of a grassy upper area with shelter and picnic tables, a wooded hillside, and an off-leash dog park at the foot of the hill.

HOW TO GET THERE:

This place is very accessible as its location can be asked from any commoner in the city of Manila. Using the LRT transportation system, one can lift at its United Nations (UN) Avenue Station. Various routes of public utility jeep (PUJ) pass through this part of the city whether along the Taft Avenue side in the northeastern section, central section or the Roxas Boulevard side and taxi cabs can take you here, too.

PANGASINAN WHITE ISLAND RESORT (PHILIPPINES)

REGISTERED BUSINESS NAME: Pangasinan Pacific Shore White Sand Beach Resort

LOCATION: Port Lamon, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

SIBADAN FISH CAGE AND RESORT (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: P-6 Port Lamon, Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur, Philippines

Sibadan Fish Cage and Resort is one of the tourist destinations of the Municipality of Hinatuan in the province of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Hinatual is one of the 71 municipalities in Region XIII which is known as Caraga Administrative Region.



There are more places to visit in this part of Surigao Del Sur where I personally did where it included: Enchanted River, Tinuy-an Water Falls, Pangasinan White Sand Beach, International Doll House, Tinago Cove and Cambatong Fishing Village



Simply a fish cage where fish are cultured, tourists and guests can spend an overnight where there are few comfortable rooms to have a soundly sleep. The accommodation is a cluster of nipa houses on stilts in the middle of the fish cage and the entire place is bordered by fishing nets. The main cage is at the center and the dining area, sleeping rooms, the restobar (restaurant and bar) with huge TV (there is a signal also) and other amenities are lined along its rectangular perimeter.



Guests are served with fresh fish and other seafoods catch in the fish cage. Talking to the concierge, he told me that the cage are inhabited with stingray (for safety purposes its spike has been removed), baby sharks, talakitok, triggerfish and a few others I forgot to remember. In a separate smaller cages, lobsters, crabs and smaller talakitoks are cultured. The small fish catch in the fish cage are even used to feed the bigger ones.



There is enough space to roam around the resort. Guests are entertained watching the sea creatures inside the cage. Some can even see the live sea creature caught and cooked right in front in their dining table in the restobar. Beer is also available while you unwind in the restobar.



A few staff serve as lifeguard like in a baywatch to make sure the kids are safe and those who do not have a swimming skill. The place is good for photography. For those who wanted to hold a party most particularly a fine dining party, the venue can also be turned into one.



The place is really good to chill out for a magnificent sunset viewing. Guests can also enjoy fishing and swim inside the fish cages. I observed that most of those guests who visit the resort are groups or families. Some of them are even coming as far as Manila, Cebu and Davao. I had rarely seen a foreigner in the resort.



Most of the guests take with them their own cars and they just park it in the fishing village of Barangay Cambatong which is just 5 minutes off the coast.



The last photo is another fish cage just across 20 minutes away from Sibadan Fish Cage and Resort. The island at its background is the Pangasinan White Sand Beach which is just 10 minutes away.

HOW TO GET THERE:

You will reach first the Enchanted River before you can take a boat to Sibadan Fish Cage. The habal-habal or any other chartered vehicle after the Enchanted River will have its dead end at the basketball court of Cambatong fishing village where vehicles can safely park. To start with, take a bus from the Butuan Bus Terminal, then take a bus bound for Mangagoy (Bislig) but ask to be dropped off at Dugmanon Junction for Enchanted River. The Tagbina Terminal is your sign that you are close. If you reach the Hinatuan Terminal, you missed the junction. P189 non aircon bus, 4 hours. Take a habal-habal from the junction for P150 if you are alone or P75/pax with other passengers, 12 kms of dusty road until you reach Enchanted River in Talisay. Just tell the habal-habal driver to head further to Cambatong but you also have the option to go inside Enchanted River paying the P30 entrance fee and ask the staff where to go to take the boat ride to Sibadan Fish Cage. It's just a short walk. Don't worry as the enterprising kids at Enchanted River will offer to 'guide you' to the boat area and even offer to do radio calls to Sibadan Fish Cage. If you're not carrying heavy gear, there is no need to take this service. At the boat area, the dispatcher can radio Sibadan Fish Cage if there is vacancy. Take the boat for the 10 minute ride to Sibadan Fish Cage. P100/trip or P20/pax, one-way. If you are alone, chances are, you'll have to pay the P100 fee. But if you are to take a boat from Cambatong, the trip will be even shorter for 5 minutes and costs P50 per head. You can make arrangements with the fish cage staff when to call the boat to pick you up for the mainland.

RESORT FEES AND CHARGES:

Food price here is generally reasonable which is almost comparable to the market prices. They charge P200 for a kilo of Talakitok which are frozen but live ones or fresh catch range to P300 per kilo. The tiger lobsters are at P1,600 and native lobster is at P1,000 per kilo. The prices are inclusive of cooking. There are other seafoods available in the fish cage and they vary in price.

Lodging is charged at P400 for single room for fan only with common washroom while the double room with fan only and common washroom is charged at P800.

CONTACT NUMBERS:

For reservation, contact the following mobile phone numbers: 0916-9291-305; 0927-3936-207; and 0946-5634-927.

INTERNATIONAL DOLL HOUSE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Ocean View Park, P-6 Brgy. Cumawas, Highway Gamaon, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

CAMBATONG FISHING VILLAGE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Barangay Cambatong, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

TINAGO COVE (PHILIPPINES)

LOCATION: Brgy. Tinago, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines