Affordable Resort at Nasugbu, Batangas: Maryland Beach Resort

Nasugbu, Batangas is a well-known weekend spot for families and friends. With its proximity to Manila, resorts along the beachline of Nasugbu are quite overpriced.

Maryland Beach Resort is one of the most affordable resorts along the Nasugbu shoreline.

The sand in Nasugbu is fine black. The water is actually clear although its not obvious due to the sands' color. Waves are soft and ideal for families with small children.

Nasugbu beach

Cheapest room is their economy room worth P1200. The room is meant for two but with the available space, even 6 to 8 people can accommodate the room. The resort management allows additional guests during peak season.

economy room (without TV and private toilet)

Downside of this room is the lack of private toilet and no TV. The common toilet is not very clean.

They have other rooms which, I think, are more comfortable and presentable. Tents can also be rented for about P 500.

beach tents

Maryland Beach Resort also has a medium-sized pool. The water is okay but the pool looks a bit old. The tiles are old-fashioned and there's some molds at the bottom of the pool.

swimming pools at Maryland Beach Resort

An area for beach volleyball is also available.

Sunset is a sight to look forward to.

sunset at Nasugbu

Horse back riding and island hopping are also available from other nearby resorts.

Maryland Beach Resort has a small variety store but they don't have a cafeteria. However, there are a lot of restaurants near the resort where you can order your food. Jolibee and Mang Inasal also deliver food.

I recommend this place if only for the affordability of the place and considering that you'll also swim on the same waters for a cheaper price!

By the way, make sure you place your reservations during weekends and peak seasons since the place is jampacked!

Photo Credits: All pictures were taken from Maryland Beach Resort's multiply website.

Team-Building and Retreat Venue Near Manila: Sierra Madre Resort

Lying along the mountains in Tanay, Rizal, about 2 hours away from Manila is the Sierra Madre Resort. This place is perfect venue for team building, camping & retreat or just a quick weekend family getaway.

The best thing about Sierra Madre Resort is the sweeping view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. Every corner of the place is filled with the majestic view of mountains- slopes, steeps, peaks & valleys.

Sierre Madre Resort has an overlooking al fresco dining overlooking the mountains. It makes the place a relaxing venue for picnics.

on top of the Sierra Madre

Hanging bridges, ropes and zip lines are also provided for team- building activities.

my sister on the hanging bridge

Along the slope of the resort are camping grounds, obstacle course and a jungle trail.

making an attempt at a web bridge

A spacious Grecian garden makes it a romantic venue for prenuptial shots along with a function hall for events.

posing at the Grecian-themed gardens

Sierra Madre Resort also has three medium-sized pools catering to both children and adults. However,  with the cool water and the cooler weather, summer is the best time to swim in the resort.

taking a dip at the cool pool

Budget rooms are also available for those seeking affordable accomodations.  The cheapest is about P1500 good for 2. There are also rooms overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains.

An attraction of the place, but also a disappointment, is the so-called Sto. Nino waterfalls. There's nothing spectacular about it. Personally, it just looks like an high bathroom shower.

the Sto. Nino waterfalls

The place also has a cafeteria. Food tastes good but you have to place your order at least 30 minutes before you think you'll get hungry.

Also, the common toilets are dirty. I hope the management can do something about them.

So if you're just around the Metro, take time to breathe the air and be inspired at the Sierra Madre Resort.

How to Get There:

The best way to get there is through a private vehicle since there's only a handful of jeepneys that travel along that road.

From Aurora Boulevard, Cubao

1. Drive along the road going to Cogeo.
    You'll pass by SM Mariking, Robinsons Metro East.
    Just drive straight ahead. No left or right turns.

2. Drive straight upon reaching Cogeo Market. The Cogeo Market is on the left side.
    You'll pass by resorts and subdivisions. Just follow the highway.

3. Sierra Madre Resort is on the left side of the highway. The area going to Sierra Madre seems so far because you're literally driving on the mountain tops.

Affordable Team-Building Venue: Rizal Re-Creation Center, Laguna

Rizal Re-Creation Center is located at Rizal Laguna, an hour or two away from Los Banos. Its wide space of rolling terrains and serene atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a retreats, team-building activities and family gatherings. 


Aside from family outings, another event that employees look forward to is team-building events. Rizal Re-Creation Center in Laguna offers an affordable place where you can relax amidst the coconut trees and lush greenery, hold physical/ sports activities on its wide grounds, convene meetings in their function halls and enjoy sumptuous meals plus hear God's refreshing message through Rev. Joe Mauk, the director of the place.

Going with a group of Christian families, we rented a dorm room which can hold 10-12 people. The dorm room has its own basic toilet & bath and veranda. It's not airconditioned but with the abundance of trees, there's actually no need for that. There's also an option to set up tents if you're feeling "campy" but you have to use the common CR which are in poor condition.

Decks at the Center's Dorm Room

The Center's grounds are idea for volleyball, badminton, basketball and other games. They even have a sand area for physical activities. You can borrow sports materials such as balls, nets and rackets form the administration office for free. You can even ask if you need to have a particular set-up.

Sweating for a basketball game

Pushing that big ball around the sand area

For those who are mentally-inclined, Rizal Re-Creation also has an area for chess games.

Trying to play chess

To cap off a tiring day, the place also has a pool where you can wade along its cool waters.

Night swimming at Rizal Re-Creation Center

There's no need to bring meals since the Center offer buffet services at very affordable prices.
We only paid P800 per pax to enjoy the facilities, food and accommodation.

For a refreshing yet serene summer outing, visit Rizal Re-Creation Center.

Affordable Resorts Near Quezon City: List of Places to Beat the Heat 2

Here are possible inland resorts near Quezon City that you can visit for a swim. 

There's no doubt that it's summer. The heat is on and there's no escaping it unless you take a refreshing dip in cool waters. Here are possible nearby places that your family can visit. These places are just about two hours away from Quezon City Memorial Circle.


1. Grotto Vista Resort

photo credit: http://samcasuncad.i.ph/blogs/samcasuncad/2010/04/07/grotto-vista-resort-in-bulacan/

This is San Jose del Monte's prime inland resort. It has about 5 (or more) big pools which makes it ideal if you're a big group. The pools are also creatively and uniquely designed so the place is an interesting place to visit. Grotto Vista also has private pools should you wish to have an exclusive outing. The resort doesn't have overnight swimming.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Tungko or Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Jollibee Tungko (This is the town's center)
• Ride a jeep going to Grotto Vista 

2. Tierra Fontana 12 Waves Resort

photo credit: http://tierrafontana12wave.multiply.com/photos/photo/8/13

Tierra Fontana is relatively new compared to Grotto Vista. What's attractive with this place is their wave system. The place is quite spacious but there are some pungent odors since it's located inside Paradise Farm.

How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Paradise Farm
• From the farm's entrance, follow the short walk towards the resort

3. Pacific Waves

photo credit: http://bulacan-resorts.blogspot.com/2011/08/pacific-waves-resort-in-sto-cristo-san.html

Pacific Waves is one of the newest resorts in San Jose Del Monte. Because of this, the place is clean and the facilities are in good condition. But compared to the first two resorts, Pacific Waves' grounds is not that spacious.


How to Get There:

• Ride a bus or jeep bound for Sapang Palay
• Drop off at Pacific Waves

4. Villa Celadonia

photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/akohnga/3438073835/lightbox/

This is a small budget resort with about 3 large pools. If you're around Caloocan City, this resort would be okay for a simple dip. The resort is clean but you wouldn't enjoy the place if there are too many people. It would also be better if you have your own ride when you visit this place since its in the interior of the city. 

5. Gubat sa Ciudad

photo credit: http://wendyfajardo.blogspot.com/2010/06/gubat-sa-ciudad-resort.html

Gubat sa Ciudad was once a well-known inland resort but due to negligence, some parts looks dingy and old. I wouldn't really recommend this place although this is more spacious than the nearby Villa Celadonia. 

Other well-known resorts are not included here for two reasons: 1.) I haven't been to those places yet and 2.) They're not near Quezon City and I don't really consider them affordable.  

For more updated information on these resorts, just click the names for their website to pop! :)

Affordable Resorts in Fairview, Quezon City: List of Places to Beat the Heat

Here's a list of nearby pools in the Fairview, Quezon City area. 

There's no doubt that the summer is here with the temperature reaching up to 34 degrees. The best way, for me, to beat the summer heat is to take a dip in a cool and refreshing waters. If you live around Fairview here are possible places where you can swim and be cool!

photo credit: http://www.markanthonyermac.com/2012/03/summer-2012.html

1. La Mesa Eco Park (North Fairview, Quezon City)

There's a large pool located inside the Eco Park at La Mesa Dam. You have to pay a separate fee for access to the pool aside from the park's entrance fee. The good thing about this place is that there are also other activities that you can do within the park's grounds such as wall climbing, kayaking, fishing, biking and zip lining(?) The park is only open until 5 pm.

How to Get There via Public Transportation: 

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to Fairview. 
• Drop off either at Winston or Pearl Drive. (Drivers know these places.)
• Ride a tricyle going to La Mesa Dam. 

2. Water Fun Resort (BIR Village, Fairview Dahlia)

This is a small resort with about a few pools for kids and adults. This is located inside BIR Village around Dahlia, North Fairview. For a simple dip, this place would do. As far as I know, Water Fun has night swimming. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to Fairview
• Drop off at Fairview Center Mall
• Ride a tricyle going to Water Fun. (The terminal is behind the mall.)

3. Casa Milan (Regalado Avenue, Fairview, QC)

Casa Milan is a prime subdivision. The pools are in their club house. The management allows outsiders to use their clubhouse unless there's an event in their function area. The pool area is only open until 5 pm. Recommended for small group of family and friends. This is about 5 minutes away from SM Fairview. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep/ FX or bus going to SM Fairview
• Drop off at the gate of Casa Milan. (This is along Regalado Avenue)
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. (It's quite complicated to explain it here.)

4. Patio Isabel 

This is also a club house inside Sacred Heart Village. This is way past SM Fairview and near Lagro Subdivision. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep or bus going to Sapang Palay or Tungko. (Both places are in Bulacan)
• Drop off at Sacred Heart Village's gate, just across Iglesia ni Cristo's church. 
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. 

5. North Olympus 

Opposite of Patio Isabel's way is North Olympus. This is another pool area located inside North Olympus' subdivision. Compared to Patio Isabel and Casa Milan, North Olympus has a playground for kids. 

How to Get There via Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep or bus going to Almar, Zabarte
• Drop off at the gate of North Olympus
• Ask the guard for directions to the club house. (You just have to follow the Main Street until you reach the club house. )

6. Dreamland Resort

See my post on this resort. (Click the link!)

These places are ideal for simple dips so don't expect spectacular sights and views. This is just to beat the heat! 

Dinner Cruise along Manila Bay

For my 26th birthday, my boyfriend treated me to a dinner cruise along Manila Bay. We availed the package offered by Sun Cruises. There's another company offering the same package- Prestige Cruises.

The yachts for the dinner cruise are docked behind the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The easiest way to get there is if you have your own ride. For our part, we hired a cab from SM Manila to CCP Complex. With light traffic, the ride cost P90.00. There are also some jeepneys from Taft that pass through CCP Complex.

docked ship for dinner cruise

Sun Cruises prefer prior reservations but they also welcome walk-ins as long as there are available spaces. It's a good thing that it was a Thursday when we had the cruise. There were less people and we're all in the upper deck. For peak seasons, try to arrive early so you can choose your place. The cost of the cruise is P550 per pax.

The best things about the cruise are the view and the experience itself. For more than an hour, you get a good glimpse of the Manila Bay shores- the buildings, the ships and the sunset. The trip starts from CCP to SM Mall of Asia. 

before the dinner

staring at the sunset

They have daily trips from 4:30 to 10:00 pm. They have three trips. If you're sailing to see the sunset, board the 4:30 trip. But I think the best time to sail is their second trip, 6:30 pm because it's just right for dinner with the darkness and light playing hide and seek. The third one is rather late but best for a romantic ambiance scheduled at 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

view from the deck

sunset view from the deck

There's also live entertainment.

As for the food, it's a big disappointment. We were served with a salty watery bowl of soup, a plate with a cold cup of rice and two dishes. There was also a small serving of gulaman dessert. The worst thing is, drinks are not included. WTH! When is a dinner served without drinks?

The seamen aboard the cruise were friendly and helpful. Ironically, the waiters were not so friendly. They did not offer a welcoming smile. While eating, we also heard them talking about the guests aboard the ship. Tsk, tsk bad manners!

So in conclusion, it was a good experience for a first-timer with a few downsides that did not necessarily spoil the fun!

taking a shot on the open deck

 

Manila Ocean Park: A Destination for Kids

For the past 3 times I've been to Manila Ocean Park, it was always because of a field trip for my students. Hence, it was such a relief to visit the place this December as a mere visitor- without the numerous kids I have to take care of.

My family and I availed the Holiday Delights promo of Manila Ocean Park. For P600, we can take a glimpse of the various fishes at the Oceanarium and take the Trails to Antarctica. Personally, I had enough of the Oceanarium but since we have a baby with us, it seemed like a good idea to have her see the colorful fishes.

the gang visiting the Oceanarium

 The Ocenarium starts with fresh water fishes including an unmoving crocodile. 

motionless croc

Moving on are salt-water fishes enclosed in different aquariums. For first timers, it would be a surprise to see unimaginable fishes like the rock-like stone fish, the grandiose lion fish among others.

my sister posing with unknown fishes

the lionfish!

The highlight of the Oceanarium is the section named "Sa Ilalim ng Karagatan," wherein an aquarium surrounds the place- left, right and overhead.

 a friend "underwater"

The last section contains the big fishes underwater. There's a tank with sharks where visitors can swim with them for a fee. (Honestly, it's not worth it. The swimmers will just be dropped in the tank caged. It's not really swimming but a close encounter.)

What I was excited about was the Trails to Antarctica which is a new attraction that just opened this year. It has three parts- the Slide O'Fun, Penguin Exhibit and Snow Village.

my mom and niece posing against a snow-covered backdrop

Upon entering, the Humboldt Penguins can be seen already. This is the Penguin Exhibit. According to the Manila Ocean Park's website, Humboldt Penguins can thrive in warmer climates. The exhibit is a glass encased corner. There are several small penguins with large statues of big penguins.

the Penguins!

 Across the Penguin Exhibit is the Slide O' Fun is similar to sledding. The good thing about it is it's a new thing in Manila Ocean Park. And the rest is that it's not worth mentioning. For first timers, just try it to get your money's worth.

after sliding...at the end of the slide

Last stop is the Snow Village. This is similar to Star City's Snow World but it's smaller yet colder. According to the staff, the temperature is about 15 degrees Centigrade. The best thing to do here is take pictures! Just a friendly reminder, wear closed shoes and pants if you're planning to go to the Snow Village. It's really cold so after a while, your hands and other exposed skin will get numb. Free jackets are offered but beware that a lot of guests have already used them.

my mom and niece chillin' at Snow Village

trying to be serious amidst the cold

"choking" Santa at Snow Village

It took us three hours to go through the Oceanarium and the Trails to Antarctica. Manila Ocean Park offers other attractions such as the Sea Lion Show, the Musical Fountain Show, Birdshow and Jellies. They also have a swimming area. So I think, an entire day is needed if you're planning to experience them all.

The best way to experience the place is when you have kids with you. They haven't loss their sense of wonder yet and everything may seem new to them. And unless the park offers a new set of attractions, a visit to this place once or twice is something to look forward to. 

After visiting Manila Ocean Park, you can go for a historic walk at Rizal Park which is just across the park. You can also dine and shop at SM Mall of Asia, a few minutes away from Manila Ocean Park.