J. P. Resort

Can't believe it_ we're almost at the last lap of June and the heat is still exhausting. Despite of sudden rains every other day, the weather remains to be as hot as the recent summer nights. This particular month of June here in our country is definitely strange. Usually, on a third week like this , Filipinos are already counting series of floods, heavy rains, even typhoon. Not that I'm complaining ! Hello, better dry this way than wet season with super typhoon like last year's monster Ondoy ! God forbid!

So when my bff Icor called up for an impromptu weekend getaway to their family owned resort in Laguna, without hesitation I said yes!






When I said Icor, I meant to mention the Macalintal clan. Members are close friends since birth as we grew up practically together having houses across the street from each other. My girls are now good friends with their kids and our husbands are cockfight mates (only in P.I.)

It's not unusual to join a convoy of 5 cars when we go out with them.

The resort is called J. P. Resort. Named after the initials of my friend's parents. Location is such a winner in proximity. It's in Calamba , Laguna where beautiful hot spring resorts are nestling.

Ofcourse, not our first time here. But actually it's the first time after summer season the resort became available for the family. It's by the way a private resort for rent and quite popular now to those hot springers regulars.



One thing that sets J.P.'s apart from hundreds of others, is first of all it's a three storey.

Beautiful sceneries of Laguna de Bay and Mount Makiling come easy and free from the uppermost floor of the resort.





A nipa hut on top is waiting for close chitchats with the members of the family/group while enjoying a bbque party and sight seeing on the side.




Going down to the next level, play area can be found. Your choice_ billiard, mahjong, dart or any table games you bring along with you.



Otherwise, the party peps can enjoy the videoke while drinking your fave bar drinks.





On the same floor, at the left wing, facing the sun, the rooms are waiting for those who seek total rest. Sleep.Sleep. Each room has queen-sized bed, a pull out and a double deck bed. Each has also a private shower room.



The icing of the cake is not on top but can be found at the ground floor_ the swimming pool. A hot spring sure to relieve aches of the body and the heart.



Lil' ones could enjoy the kiddie slides and the shallow pool especially intended for those kiddos.




For the sporty ones who can't get enough of basketball even while swimming, there's a ring and a ball awaiting to give you fun in the pool

Interested ? Click this for contacts and details of the place.

A Family Beach at Agdangan

On our way back to Manila, my friend Icor insisted that we must dropped by to their beach location_ somewhere in between Agdangan and Padre Burgos ( in Bondoc Peninsula). We were coming from Catanauan, around 1.2 hours drive away and sure we were dropping by. It was on the way anyway.

Bff (& the clan, 20+ members) spotted the beach in random. The plan was they would follow us to our location but made some changes on the road. They took the right turn to Agdangan and a local had suggested the resort.

It was almost nearing dusk when we arrived and joined them.

The beach resort was humble , clean and had nice sand & sea. Seemed to be a common denominator among beach resorts in this province. Agdangan is the next town after Padre Burgos, entering Bondoc Peninsula from Manila.

The resort suited a big clan like my friend's, with toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents _ the place was just fine for every member.

Water here was calm and safe especially for kids.

Beautiful colors of dusk appeared when the sun set to rest for the day.

Villa De Oro, Tagaytay

Another random trip to Tagaytay made me discovered a beautiful place to stay. A trip with my forever childhood friends_ the whole clan of Macalintal.
Led by my bffs Icor and Raisa (from the clan), it was spontaneous with no specific direction to hit when we left Manila at 10 am. Four cars convoyed to nowhere.
Majority won. Our children outnumbered us, the parents, the unwilling victims /adults. We spent the whole day trekking the minors trail. The zip lines ride, horseback riding, cable car_ all for these spoiled creatures of the day.
Parents loved their children. Unconditionally. drama effect.
Until the sky turned dark and nobody, adults and kids alike wanted to go down to Manila. The decision was unanimous. We were going to stay overnight.
But hey, big problem with capital C (cash?? hehe!), we didn't have reserved accommodation. It was peak season. The hotel were full. Besides, we were a big bunch. Loaded on three cars, we were quite a number to behold.
Ting*. An angel Raisa saved the moment. She knew a place that would accommodate us. It was a tad late. It was after we had our late dinner. She made a call (the place was ran by nuns and priest ) and got positive reply.
The place was called Villa De Oro.
We entered a big gate which was dark . We went straight to our assigned room and slept the rest of the long day.



When the sun brightly smiled to us in the morning, everyone was surprised by the beauty of the place.




The kids were nowhere in sight inside the house. Someone said, all of them woke up earlier than us adults and ran to the pool.




As for us_ the moms, we checked each rooms of the house. And got fascinated by the antiques.








This is the master bedroom. One of the only three rooms of the house and the only one that has airconditioning. The other two are dormitory like rooms with five double decker beds that each room can acommodate up to ten pax. Both are non- aircon and have electric fans only. The rooms are all neat and span. Beddings smell good. Notice the age and materials of the room.

The old century detailed attitude is consistently evident all throughout the house. Old chairs with antique intricate designs, sit pretty along the corridor.












Side and coffee tables adorned with century old sculpture creations.




There are three living rooms in the villa, adjacent to each other. Each has a character of its own. I wish I could remember my Art history lessons so I could identify to you the age and description of each item. But sorry, my Art brain storage is no longer active at this point of my existence_*raised one eyebrow , wink*












There is a quarter sun room which cuts the other living room from the other one. Don't be deceived, the bird is fake and is just a statue. The girl? She's my daughter playing mannequin.

All three living rooms are accessible through the dining room with working kitchen.
















We stepped out of the house and started to explore the rest of the resort. From the entrance, the house where we were staying was just right beside the gate. The drive way led to a pagoda.




The pagoda is multi purpose and can hold a number of people. We had our breakfast there.








Villa de Oro was one beautiful garden, adorned with grottos, huge jars, colorful flowers, interesting plants and trees. It is after all well known as wedding and other events venue




There's a chapel for Catholic weddings and for non-Catholics, they could opt to have an open garden wedding ceremonies.








There are two pretty reception halls which I think can be turned as one depending to the number of guests.




I surely want to go back for a longer stay next time :D