rizal

So I just turned 27.

Scary? Hell yeah.

To celebrate this ~~dreadful~~ awesome day, I decided to visit a place that will surely give me a peace of mind. I have been planning to come here but it was only now that I got the chance (I got the reservation at 50% off too!)

This is Punta De Fabian in Baras, Rizal.

After getting lost (again), we arrived at around 1PM on a drizzly Sunday Afternoon. And as expected, we are the only people in the resort. Punta De Fabian is ideal for Team Building, family get together or some quiet time (but make sure you come here when its the “less busy season” like June- August) to really enjoy the place on your own.

There is really nothing much to do here but to swim, enjoy the breath taking view of Laguna Bay and sip coffee by the balcony. If this is not your thing – I suggest you consider another place. It is also abit expensive so I don’t suggest you come here if this is not your cup of tea. I got the reservation for 50% less so WHY NOT? I personally enjoyed my stay. I am obsessed with the view – the owners must be really lucky to get this property. I also didn’t know until recently that Rizal Province is such a gem.

The place is complete with modern amenities, 24-hour security, their own restaurant (closes at 7PM), videoke (really), and unlimited brewed coffee in the morning. We got complimentary breakfast for our reservation.

Directions: The place is less than a 2-hour drive from Manila going to Baras, Rizal. If you are commuting – take a Tanay bound van from Starmall (infront of Megamall) then tell the driver to drop you off at Punta De Fabian, Baras. Fare is P70.

For reservations, visit their website.

As far as I can remember – its always raining during my birthday. A bit ironic considering my blog name. But hey, storm is inevitable but you can always bring your own sunshine.

Not raining yet so lets take some cheesy photographs of ourselves!

On the morning of my birthday, I created a list of 27 goals I would love to accomplish this year. That includes me blogging atleast once a week. I am smirking now as I think of how Im going to suck in keeping up with this list. But I am going to give it a try!

Oh well, I wish I can say Im prepared for the future, but I’ m not (who is anyway?). And I wish I can atleast convince myself that I have plans – but that will be hypocritical. I have no plans and Im afraid. There. Felt better.

But what I have is hope and that is enough for now.

And I have short term goals (like 27 of them!), if that counts.

August, welcome back! It is constantly raining now and storms will come soon enough. May we all start “learning to love whatever skies we are under”.

I went into a pretty long hiatus right there. Im sorry. I’ve been so busy trying to make a brand new start at work and so far, everything has been amazing.
So, I think I owe you guys a blog post about a place that I hope you will consider visiting in the future.

Enter Luljetta Hanging Gardens and Spa.

Last September, Me and my friends (Joyce and Dred) realized we badly needed to go somewhere where we can just relax. Somewhere that does not require long travel time. So we stumble upon some amazing blog entries about this newly opened Hanging Gardens and Spa.

(We went there September, so this is one late blog entry that is worth writing nonetheless.)

Why go to Luljetta’s?
There are far too many spas along Manila, but if you are looking for a place that breathes peace and stillness in your veins, that makes you forget youre just an hour away from the city, that makes you wanna forget the rest of your worries back home – then this is the place for you. The entire spa was created as if out of grace. As if the owner had you in mind when she first thought of this place. It speaks of calmness. It also speaks of that undeniable joy whenever you commune with nature. This is definitely not your usual Spa.

The spa is carved along the mountainside, and it offers a gorgeous view of the hillside and a bit of the city skyline. Exceptionally beautiful during sunset too.

Almost every area appears to be well thought of. From the white classy tents, to quaint light installations. We met the owner, Ramon and he was beyond accommodating. Even the staff are all kind and just awesome in what they do. No doubt this place radiates happiness in every corner.

Some of the areas that I love:

1. The Fish Spa
We are fortunate to be the only guest at that time which makes the place really quiet. The staff kinda freak out when they started hearing screams coming from the Fish Spa area. Soon they realized it was just us shrieking as fishes started to nibble the edges of our feet and toes. Honestly, I didn’t like it. I kept thinking of the movie Piranha.

2. The Hydro Pool

3. The Massage Hut and the never ending stairs.

4. The Zen Room ( I don’t know what the room is called, I just made this up. Ha!)

5. Infinity Pool.

This is the highlight of the place and if you are planning to visit Luljetta, I strongly suggest you avail of the package that includes the use of this pool. This is where we spent most of our time. That day was insanely hot so we decided to just leisurely swim and talk and laugh. The view from the pool is so relaxing – all the more reason to just spend most of your time here.

I love the infinity pool but I would love it even more if the banana trees are not there. Obsessive Compulsive alert.

6. The Quaint Dining Area.

7. The Altar
Luljetta Hanging Garden is also a great venue for weddings and this area is use for the altar.

8. Some friendly reminders you can take home with you:

RESERVATION DETAILS AND TRAVEL DIRECTIONS:

We set up a reservation by texting their number. They do not require any downpayment for the stay. We availed of their 7-hours stay with full access to all their amenities. For the list of packages, check their website here.

How to get there: Take a Van that will take you to Antipolo Church. From there, take a tricycle to Loreland Farm Resort. Luljetta Hanging Gardens is inside the resort. Loreland is quiet famous around Antipolo so can find your way by even asking strangers. I think its even more fun if you do so 🙂

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Yet another long blog post. For those who stick up to this blog no matter how lazy the owner is and no matter how absolutely horrible my words are sometimes, I wanna thank you all. All I wanna do is to share all the beautiful things that I find, and I cant thank you all enough for graciously taking them in. You all are my guiding light.