After our wonderful experience in Davao last week, Mahal and I packed our bags to experience the allure of Philippine country life atVilla Escudero Plantations and Resort.
Based on the history of this resort,it is originally planted to sugarcane and the crop was converted to coconut by Don Arsenio Escudero, son of Don Placido Escudero and Dona Claudia Marasigan in the early 1900s. Then in 1981 they opened it to the public and it became a prime tourist destination of Filipinos and foreign visitors to the country.
After my evening shift, my partner and I met in Alabang and took the bus going to San Pablo, Laguna. After 2 sleepy hours, we arrived at the waiting shed and a tricycle brought us to the villa.
Upon arrival at the hacienda, the receptionist in 'baro at saya' attire (traditional Filipina dress) welcomed us cheerfully. We have made our reservation weeks before our trip and presented it to the receiving area.
A 'kalesang de kalabaw' (carabao cart) was already waiting to bring us to our accommodation. It is one of the resort's means of transportation which brings us back to the conventional Filipino lifestyle. During our ride, staffs wearing traditional dress serenaded us with 'kundiman' and folk songs. The carabao trip may be slow and bumpy but the sight of tall coconut trees, mountain from afar and colorful garden was very relaxing.
Some says that most coconut farmers, staffs and their families have worked and stayed in the hacienda for generations. They even have their own houses built and a community in the hacienda too.
Away from pollution, city lifestyle and gazillion of work loads, it was indeed very refreshing to be at Villa Escudero. The gentle breeze and the unique scent of the place reminded Mahal of her childhood vacation in the same province. It is indeed an amazing place which brought us back to an old era which can only now be seen on pictures and movies.
Dona Rosario Adap de Escudero
The rooms in the resort are native nipa hut cottages and apartment type units which are more comfortable version of the traditional Filipino homes. Some nipa huts or 'bahay kubo in Tagalog were also built close to the lake, set against a backdrop of mystic Mt. Banahaw and misty clouds.
scenic view at Villa Escudero , overlooking Mt. Banahaw
Our apartment unit type room's furniture, walls, bed and stairs are made from bamboos, coconut lumber and anahaw leaves which are still common to some homes in the provinces. While windows are made of capiz shells and bed is covered with mosquito net.
room's balcony
bamboo materials used in the room
windows made of capiz shells
At 12 PM, we had our buffet lunch at the man-made waterfalls dining area. It was fun and a memorable experience to eat at the table right next to the falls while its' water is running over our feet. By the way, the water from the falls was quite cold and the floor was slippery so be careful.
man-made waterfalls
lunch at waterfalls restaurant
walang himala!
The food was overall good. There were varieties of Filipino dishes served in buffet table - such as lechon manok, inihaw na baboy, kalderatang baka, seafood, pinangat na isda, piniritong isda, pancit, ginataang kalabasa, chopsuey, fresh steamed vegetables and more - eaten in a plate with banana leaf on top and coconut shells as soup & dipping sauce bowls. And for our drinks of course, fresh buko juice it is!
food galore! yummm!
In the afternoon, we explored this large hectare of resort and had the time for another photo op :). We also enjoyed rowing at the river on a bamboo raft. They also have recreational areas and facilities for big events (some famous celebrities held their weddings here).
bamboo rafting and at the pool
carabao ride and 'senti' moments
We had the chance to refresh with their their halo-halo. Yipee!
just fooling around :))
At night, the Villa offered a wonderful ambiance by its shimmering Christmas decors and chandeliers.
Everyone was enjoying their dinner while listening to the performers singing 'kundiman' and latest Filipino love songs on stage. After our dessert I asked Mahal if I can dance with her. And she agreed! That was the first romantic night we have ever had!
Mahal with the two very talented performers
It was already dark when we returned to our room. A group of male staffs came to each room to serenade. 'Harana' (serenade) which we called in Tagalog - is Filipino's customary courtship to show man's interest and affection to a lady through love songs accompanied by a guitar and male friends. Today, as far as we know this custom is no longer applied, unfortunately. (Once they are done with their 'harana', giving them a small amount or 'tip' is not necessary but it will be appreciated).
But just like in the old times when technology is not yet available, there are no WiFi, television or radio in the room. That is why visitors in the resort had the luxury to bond with their love ones or friends by sharing their stories and funny moments. And the only song you will hear at night apart from the serenade is the chorale music of 'kuliglig' (cicada) and 'tuko' (gecko) ♪♫♯ ♪♫ ^_^
The next morning, we had our morning buffet breakfast before attending the first mass at Villa Escudero's chapel.
daing na bangus, puto, dilis at sinangag for breakfast :)
mainit na 'champorado', puto and pandesal for breakfast
the facade of Villa Escudero's chapel
inside the chapel
Before leaving the place, we have also visited Escudero family's remarkable collection in a grand & colorful museum. It feels like we were warped at a different time zone while looking at the numerous display of ancient Philippines and world history - Catholic relics and statues, portraits, books, weapons of war, potteries, coins & paper bills, native dresses, Filipiniana gowns, muebles, old family rooms, toys and a lot more. Nostalgic indeed!
in front of the museum
they even have war planes too!
We really had a wonderful time at Villa Escudero and we hope that you can visit here too. 'Till our next trip!
We have also compiled our 'amateur' videos while in villa. Enjoy! :)
For more information about this place, rates and accomodation, please go to their official website at http://www.villaescudero.com/. *Note that taking photos in the museum are not allowed.
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