Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Sonya's Garden, Tagaytay


Time was when rumors of a secret garden tucked in the gentle rolling hills of Tagaytay inevitably sneaked into conversations of Manila’s inner circle on what is new and exotic. Stories were told in awe and delight about a flower garden planted in “organized chaos” yet soothingly pleasing to the eye, as if choreographed with artistic perfection. And then there is the simple yet incredibly filling country cuisine with fresh and organically grown ingredients from the garden, served in fine tableware that complements the idyllic setting. Then there is Sonya herself with her memories of growing up in her grandmother’s country garden in the Philippines, her life as an expat in Europe and the US, and her dreams of carving out a place in the country where she can live her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”. This was supposed to be Sonya’s private paradise, open only to family and friends and eventually, friends of friends. But after much prodding from all who have enjoyed the country living experience to share with more people what otherwise would have been her retirement lifestyle, she finally but reluctantly relented. In February of 1998, she opened the doors of her secret garden to the public in time for Valentine’s Day.





From then on Sonya’s has been host to a bevy of visitors; the tourist from a far off land who looks beyond the beaten path; the balikbayan looking for a familiar sketch of a memory of home; burned-out city-dwellers seeking respite from the din of the city; and practically anybody who is looking for something different yet strangely familiar. Of course, as a wonderful haven of romance, love blooms in Sonya’s garden like flowers of an eternal spring. Many romantics have found it to be a popular spot to disarm, to court and to propose. Some have even returned to say, “I do.” And with that, Sonya’s Secret Garden earned the reputation of being the worst kept secret in Manila. Perhaps Sonya’s most generous gift yet is the opportunity for her guests to stay awhile in her private world thru her Bed and Breakfast facility were one can retreat to a charming cottage of their own. Families or friends who wish to bond, couples on their nth honeymoon or just the tired soul longing for solitude and a bit of pampering - all have found their way to Sonya’s B&B. And to continue her quest for creating more spaces of serenity, Sonya also opened the SPA, a pampering salon where harried city folks are reminded to be kind to themselves once in a while. ---

BED AND BREAKFAST All the Bed and Breakfast cottages are named after herbs, which, like her garden, reflect Sonya’s love for aromatic things. Inspired by her simple country lifestyle, the Bed and Breakfast facility was born out of insistent pleas from guests to stay awhile longer in Sonya’s private sanctuary. In the short time that it has been open to the public, many have already vowed to return for a myriad of simple joys, like waking up to the smell of flowers, languishing in bed from last night’s soothing massage, contemplating in the undisturbed solitude that surrounds each cottage, relaxing by the charming bay windows that opens into a view of nature in its entire splendor, the warm hospitality of Sonya and her staff—and other delightful discoveries that has made a stay at the B&B a unique experience for every person. The B&B has welcomed all sorts of people into its uniquely styled cottages. From the tired urbanite just longing for an escape from the city, the couple on their nth honeymoon, the traveler searching for a different kind of journey, the balikbayan who’s just glad to be home, and the curious who is perpetually intrigued by how Sonya’s lives her philosophy on “the art of doing nothing”—all have made the path to Sonya’s a well-traveled road. There seems to be something inexpressibly powerful about the restful setting at Sonya’s B&B that it has drawn families together for reunions, inspired bonding sessions among friends, even lured colleagues to conduct teambuilding activities here. Guests have rediscovered the lost “Art of Conversation”. Perhaps it reminds them of simpler times, when instead of watching television there would be long conversations that lasted well after dinner, when time was an excess rather than a luxury. Another long-forgotten art that Sonya hopes to revive is the art of letter writing, which she encourages by leaving guest books in every cottage. She has even provided a rose-scented ink, a concoction she made from scratch, and a notebook of hand-made paper. This has prompted many who have been moved by the country living experience to leave her personal thank-you notes while some pages are even filled with poetry and illustrations inspired by her garden. One of the best times to spend the night at Sonya’s is during the hushed nights early in the week, when the garden is quiet save for crickets singing a lulling melody, or the sound of soft tinkling from glass chimes that signals the passing of a breeze. The damp months of June to October beckons the hopefully romantic who are seduced by the rhythm of falling rain and the aftermath of a sparkling garden scene of dew-like droplets. Ever the haven for lovers, the B&B has become a popular destination for a romantic getaway. There have been quite a number who have even made the place their wedding venue of choice, where they would also have their bridal shower and spend their honeymoon. While receptions and wedding ceremonies have been held at various corners of the garden the most unique is a twilight wedding setting at Sonya’s Herb Greenhouse. Guests have described the experience as something out of a dream, specially when the pebble-stoned pathways of the B&B are lit with colored glass lanterns. 

Home-cooked meals are also included in the accommodations because Sonya treats guests as family. Her braised chicken with carrots and baby potatoes might trigger memories of a sunny kitchen always smelling of mother’s cooking. Guests on extended stay may expect a variety of dishes (try the callos!) to perk up their appetite. 




 For those who want to renew their inner selves there are therapeutic and creative activities such as cooking with herbs and gardening lessons, flower arrangement and wreath-making sessions. When she is available, there’s also a yoga class for beginners taught by Sonya herself that sets the mood for a surreal restorative experience. These are only a handful of ways among a multitude of possibilities that guests of Sonya can experience at her B&B to nourish both body and soul. 



SPA At the core of Sonya’s advocacy on “the art of doing nothing,” which she encourages all to practice, is allowing the self to indulge in relaxing activities that ultimately becomes one’s vehicle for self-rediscovery. For Sonya’s visitors, the word SPA translates to Secret Pleasures At Sonya’s , a leisure facility intended for guests to spoil themselves with a little bit of pampering. Many tired and harried city folks have long considered Sonya’s private sanctuary as their own refuge from the hubbub of life in Manila. Here, guests can choose from a variety of rejuvenating body treatments rendered by the courteous and well-trained staff while relaxing in an environment that stimulates the senses. An atmosphere of Zen-like comforts is ever-present, where simple pleasures such as watching water cascading down the window are created. Outside, an eyeful of nature’s bounty makes one feel almost immediately soothed. Services at the SPA are a fusion of European and Asian traditions merged with some modern techniques. The most popular of all is Sonya’s Signature Massage, which is a compendium of Sonya’s favorite massage strokes that maintains pressure and focus typical of Shiatsu while executing relaxing Swedish strokes that improves blood circulation combined with stretching movements of a Thai massage. Another favorite is the Four Hands Massage, a unique body treatment designed to double one’s pleasure with synchronized strokes. Guests will discover the experience to be a sensual quest that spoils the body , one that can also be shared with partner in the Couple’s Room. The SPA also offers reflexology (Shiatsu for the foot and hands) and facial treatments, even a special session dedicated to aromatherapy, which by way of steam bath, calms the body with refreshing Lavender scents. For a complete head-to-toe indulgence, Sonya suggests the Wet Pampering Treatment, which starts with hair spa, followed by a facial and full body scrubs, then capped off with a foot spa. This is how Sonya regales her guests with secret pleasures that create avenues to be kind to oneself.




Friday, June 19, 2009

88 Spa Hot Spring Resort - Calamba, Laguna


The resort is developed around the base of centuries old dormant volcano - Mt. Makiling. Its perimeter is covered with wild forest. Experience the unwinding tranquility of deep nature, and a breathtaking view of Laguna Lake, known as the biggest lake in the Philippines. 






 The source of hot springs originated from the underground of Mt. Makiling volcanic geological springs 300 meters deep, at 99°C known as “Miracle Water” for hundred of years. It is odorless, clear bicarbonate water, and tested rich in organic minerals, which is believed to cure variety of illnesses. The property spreads approximately 100,000 sq. meters. At present, it provides 20 rooms, with more than 10 outdoor swimming pools and hot spas, banquet room, outdoor bars, massage parlors, horse back-riding ranch, kid's Zoo and other amusement facilities. The resort was honored by Department of Tourism as “The best resort of Laguna”.














Sunday, May 17, 2009

Taal Volcano


Taal Volcano has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila in the middle of a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano unique is the fact that the volcano itself forms an island that has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the "Crater Lake", thus, it is a lake within a lake. How to go there. Manila to San Nicolas via Cuenca: From Manila, take the South Luzon Tollway from Nichols or C-5 entry all the way to the south end. At the end of the tollway, take the exit that points to Lucena and drive along this National Road for about 6km until you reach the Calamba boundary. About 1.5km from the boundary of Calamba, turn right and take the Star Tollway (Batangas Expressway) up to the Batangas/Lipa exit. Upon exit, head westward towards Batangas City. 1.2km from the tollway exit is the Fernando Airbase and about 2.5km from the airbase, there will be a junction the leads to Cuenca. Turn right at this junction. Head for Cuenca then Alitagtag then Sta. Teresita. At Sta Teresita, head northwest towards Lemery/Taal. About 3.8km from Sta Teresita, there will be a junction to bypass Taal and Lemery with signs that point to Agoncillo. Take this bypass route on the right, and about 2.5km from the said junction, there will be a small road on the right side that leads to San Nicolas. This small road will be about 5km and will end straight into the Town Hall of San Nicolas. There will be a Y junction midway, just take the left road on this junction. Right behind the town hall of San Nicolas is the majestic Taal Lake. The boats that can take you to the volcano island are docked on the pier behind the town hall. 


 You can inquire about boat rides from the people in the town hall. The boats can take you to either of two destinations on the island. One is to a point where you can start a hike to the crater's highest point called the "ridge" where you can get a bird's eye view of the crater lake and the other to a point where you can start a hike to the crater lake itself.The volcano island can be reached by taking a half-hour boat ride from practically any town on the the shores of Taal Lake. The more popular jumpoff point is from the town of Talisay. Total hike distance from the boat landing point to the crater lake and back is about 6.2km. Because of the steep terrain and soft (and hot) nearly powder-like ash surface, the hike takes nearly 4 hrs (four 10-minute rest/stops included).






you can hire a horse and save yourself about 4.5km worth of hike. But even on horseback, you have still have to hike 1.6km as there is a portion of trail down the crater where the terrain is too steep for horses to pass. Tips Bring lots of drinking water. Probably double the amount of water that you would normally take on a hike of similar distance. It is one hot hike, very little shade, hot ground and steep climbs. 
-waypoints.ph 













Taal Volcano is located on the island Luzon, south of the Philippines' capital Manila. It has been selected as one of 15 Decade Volcanoes. There is currently no Taal-homepage by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology's (PHIVOLCS), hence this is only an unofficial home-page (PhiVolcs' "blessing" is indicated by a link from the PhiVolcs-www-page to this site). Aside from information on Taal, this site provides information on and translations of 19th century work of German/Austrain scientists travelling the Philippines and exerpts from the famous work of Fr. Saderra Maso, who summarized the pre-1911 activity on the basis of historical ("hard-to-get-to") accounts. Taal Volcano is located about 60 km SSE of Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It is a complex volcanic system composed of a small volcanic island (Volcano Island), which has been the site of almost all historic activity, located within a 20x30 km lake-filled complex caldera(?) (Taal Lake, in older texts also called Lake Bonbon), one of the great volcano-tectonic depressions of the world. The whole region surrounding Taal is at considerable volcanic risk. Taal Volcano is situated in a highly populated and rapidly growing agricultural and industrial region. Five towns are located around the lakeshore and 2 cities and 8 more towns are lined up along the caldera rim. Two large power stations are located 15 km and 17 km, respectively, from Taal Lake. The geologic setting of Taal, and the variability of eruption sites and magnitudes, generates a diverse range of volcanic hazards, such as base surges, lava flows, ballistic fallout, ash and scoria fallout, toxic gases, acidic flashes from crater lake, lake tsunamis and seiches, lakeshore flooding, earthquakes, ground fissuring and subsidence, landslides and sectoral collapse, turbulent ash flows, and lahars. Base surge eruptions in 1911 and 1965 blasted the villages to the west of the vent at Volcano Island, travelling 3 km across Lake Taal. In contrast, the aa lava flows erupted in 1968 and 1969 were confined within the embayment created by the 1965 eruption in the SW flank of Volcano Island and, apparently, did not pose a significant threat at that time. However, lava flows could be a serious hazard at Taal if erupted from a lakeshore vent and accompanied by violent hydrovolcanic explosions resulting from lava-lake water interaction. The presence of a scoria cone at Boot, located east of Volcano Island, also suggests that eruptions along lakeshore areas are highly probable, although without historical precedence.


Thursday, April 9, 2009

Club Balai Isabel, Talisay Batangas


Club Balai Isabel is a haven from the city without being too far away. More than a lakeside residential resort, it is also a community where you can relax, connect, be with nature, and have an active lifestyle with all the comforts of city living.Building quality homes and communities since 1983, Techno-Asia Construction and Development Company bring you yet another gem of a site - Club Balai Isabel. A haven for those who needs to unwind, Club Balai Isabel offers a tranquil setting fit for rest and relaxation.




At Club Balai Isabel, you'll enjoy the comfort and pleasure in the tranquility of Batangas, it's genuinely good-natured folks, the cool temperature year round and magnificence of the world-famous Taal Volcano. Nestled on the shores of Taal Lake in the town of Talisay, Batangas.





Location Just a short drive from the Tagaytay ridge, Club Balai Isabel is situated on scenic Taal Lake in Talisay with a 400-meter shoreline.

The Lake






As beautiful as Taal Lake is, there is more to it than meets the eye. When the conditions are right, wakeboards and catamarans add splashes of color to the lake as they race around it. The fresh catch of tawilis is also something that Taal Lake is known for. This delicious variety of small fish can only be found on Taal Lake. Best served crispy or inihaw, you can sample them at the club houseYou can spend the day relaxing in the two infinity pools

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2014


(2009)
First in the Philippines - MobiDeep!!! Club Balai Isabel Floating Pool Invented by a Frenchman, it is the first of its kind in the Philippines,. Its features include adjustable depth (it is used for diving lessons in Thailand), low maintenance and environmentally-friendly, the water in this pool is actually clean enough to drink. It is distributed exclusively by MOBIDEEP PHILIPPINES. 

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An invention by Rafael Micieli, A Frenchman now based in Thailand, it enables resorts a way for resorts to maximize use of the lake without the usual swimming hazards. What is MobiDeep? In the simplest terms, the MobiDeep is a cluster of floating pools. It is ingenious in the sense that it filters the water around it to fill the pools, and it filters the water to up to 6 microns--clean enough to drink! Even if you're not actually IN the water, the MobiDeep is a great place to relax and enjoy the lake.Is Club Balai Isabel the only place in the Philippines that has MobiDeep? Currently, the answer is yes. MobiDeep Philippines is a subsidiary of Club Balai Isabel and is the exclusive distributor of this unique product. The resort serves as a showroom to demonstrate the possibilities of this product.