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.

Budget Party Venue at Fairview, QC: Mt. Sinai Heights

Mt. Sinai Heights is a building along Fairview, Quezon City. It is about 15 minutes away from SM Fairview. Coming from Quezon City Circle, Mt. Sinai Heights is about 30 minutes away. This is at the opposite side of Puregold North Fairview.

I discovered this place when we were looking for a place for the baptism of my niece. It was a challenge to look for a place in the area. Either we have it in any of the available clubhouses or in a restaurant. Clubhouse rental is a bit expensive. For three to four hours, they cost P5000. This is without sound system which could amount to another P5000. Restaurants in the area are limited in space. Time limit is also an issue.

lanai

In Mt. Sinai Heights, however, we were able to rent the whole place for just P4500 with sound system for four hours to five hours. They also rent their projector for P1500. The place is good for 60 to 80 guests. They have two large airconditioners with four ceiling fans so heat is not a problem. Ceiling is also high giving a spacious impression.

the events area

Seminars and trainings can also be held there. They can provide white boards should you need them. There's a mini garden overlooking the glass doors. The washroom is also clean and they provide tissues! Il Padrino Coffee which is on the same building can provide food. They also rent monoblock chairs and tables.

The only thing I didn't like about it is it's literally high. The function hall is located in the third floor. They don't have elevators and the steps of the stairs are steep. The entrance to the function hall is in the back of the building.

As for parking, Mt. Sinai's parking seemed secured enough since the space is in the back of the building. They also have a guard to make sure of security.

Consider this place if you're on a budget. You have a venue with sound system for P4500. All you need to think about is your budget for food!

PHOTO CREDITS:
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/1038789/Function+Hall
http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/1038789/Function+Hall