eagle point resort

05-06 july 2008, anilao, batangas

named after the white-hooded kites that play and hunt in the area, eagle point resort nestles on the tip of the calumpang peninsula in mabini, batangas province, about two and a half hours from metro manila. once a privately-owned vacation villa and dive camp, the property is now the premier resort in the anilao-mabini area. (website info)

our 2008 company outing was held here. we were given welcome drinks upon arrival, and also a necklace made out of small shells. the staff were really accommodating. then we went to our respective rooms to have rest.


our activities were held at sepoc island for the whole day, so we stayed at the resort just to rest and have our social night.  

accommodation and rates
we stayed in their so called terrace hotel (P6,200/night), where there are spacious rooms, overlooking the bay. all rooms are airconditioned, with bathroom and television. 

besides this terrace hotel, they also have:

• suites - airconditioned two-bedroom unit. perfect for families and small groups (P8,700/night).
• cottages - suited for couples, has a large veranda overlooking the sea (P5,200/night).
• cabanas - ideal for large groups on day tour (P3,600/night).

sepoc island
about a 20-minute boat ride from the resort, eagle point owns a stretch of white sand beach.

sepoc beach is on the small neck of a peninsula that faces the distant mindoro coast on one side and on the other, sepoc wall, one of the best dive spots in the vicinity. sepoc is ripe for discovery. go where nature beckons: follow trails, explore caves, turn every stone. (website info)

contact
makati sales office
lower ground, cancho gonzalez bldg.
101 aguirre cor. trasierra st., legazpi village,
makati city, philippines
(632) 813-3553 | (632) 813-3560
e-mail: eaglepointreservation@yahoo.com

mobile number: 0917-562 5223

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enchanted kingdom

sta rosa city, laguna

enchanted kingdom is a theme park in the philippines. it is located in santa rosa city, laguna, about 29 kilometers (16.1 miles) from manila. it has a land area of 17 hectares (41 acres). The park is managed and operated by enchanted kingdom inc., formerly named amtrust leisure corporation.

enchanted kingdom is a member of the international association of amusement parks and attractions.

entrance to the theme park

*******page is under construction. these are wiki stuff (temporary content)

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trekking taal volcano

26 july 2009, talisay, batangas

unlike mayon, taal volcano is a complex one. it is not just a standing conical volcano, but has formed its compound parts because of the changes of its eruptive activities throughout time. it is known to be the smallest active volcano in the world. it is more than 50km south of manila, and being famously viewed from tagaytay city.

the whole taal volcano island lies within the province of batangas. it is being shared by the town of talisay and san nicolas.

the trek
we were at club balai isabel during our company outing, and before checking out at noon, we wanted to trek taal volcano first. so we woke up early and have ourselves prepared.

balai has a trek package so we needed not to find a boat to hire ourselves. if i remember it correctly we paid P3,000 for the group, and we're good to go. we have to pass through taal lake to reach the volcano.

taal lake is a freshwater lake, considered as the third largest lake in the philippines. it is home to the endemic species tawilis (peborit daw ni rizal), to trevally, and to the world's most rare sea snake - hydrophis semperi (ano daw?? ;p). the lake also has a sulfur content.

upon reaching the volcano island, we were greeted by some locals, offering us services to guide us on our way up. but we already have one from balai. they will also offer you for a horse ride, they said it will be very hard to trek up. it will be more convenient if you'll just be riding a horse, for P350. you trek for adventure, so why ride a horse? the trail is very easy to follow. and there were others who also trek and you will all be following the same path. the scent of the surroundings is very uninviting (because of the horses' poops), but you will eventually get used to it. entrance fee is P50, but in our case, it was included in our package.

the main crater of the volcano is actually not in the little cone-shaped mountain which we always see in photographs. it is on the other part of the whole thing. while trekking i was wondering how can we get to that little mountain, we seemed walking to the opposite direction. oh well, hndi pala kasi doon.

and finally, we reach the crater! the climb is all worth it, it was so beautiful. the crater lake is greenish in color - a lake within a lake. there are sulfur smoke in some areas of the lake. a really breathtaking view. perfect photo opportunity.

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club balai isabel

25-26 july 2009, talisay batangas

last 2009, we held our company outing at club balai isabel. it is a resort in talisay facing the famous taal volcano, has an infinity pool, hotel rooms, villas and cottages. it covers a total of 9-hectares land area.

the resort's facilties are perfect for family affairs, corporate events, holiday vacation, summer and special occasions. good food will be served, you can go swimming in the pool, kayak and sail, ride a boat and trek taal volcano.

the place's setting is perfect for wedding and pre-nuptial events with nature as its theme. it also has function rooms that can hold up to 800 persons which is ideal for seminars and other corporate events. there is also a basketball and tennis court for those who are sports enthusiast. just roaming around the place will make you feel and appreciate nature.

club balai isabel is a subsidiary of techno-asia construction & development, inc.

rates (from cbi site)
hotel rooms
- inclusive of breakfast. person in excess - P825

sampaguita hotel rooms
     a stand-alone structure composed of 6 rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people each with two queen-sized beds.

     sampaguita manor - P5,544 (2-4pax)

ylang-ylang suites
     a stand-alone structure with 6 rooms, the rooms on the first level contain two queen-sized beds each, and can fit up to four people. rooms on the second level have a loft and contain three queen-sized beds each, which can fit six people.

     ylang-ylang suites - P5,544 (2-4 pax)
     ylang-ylang suites with loft - P7,392 (3-6 pax)

bayani suites
     named in honor of some of the favorite sons of batangas: mabini, malvar, recto, and agoncillo. The proximity of these buildings to the lake makes these rooms popular with guests.

     lakeside suites - P6,160 (2-4pax)
     lakeside suites with loft - P8,008 (3-6 pax)
     lakefront suites - P7,084 (2-4 pax)
     lakefront suites with loft - P8,932 (3-6 pax)
     two-level lake front suites - P11,825 (3-6 pax)
     family villa - P5,544 (2-4 pax)

spa suites
     best-suited for couples or a small family, the spa suites are club balai isabel’s most luxurious accommodations. with a private dipping pool and garden, it can accommodate up to four persons with one queen-sized bed and a pull-out single bed that doubles as a couch.

     spa suites - P10,780 (2-4 pax)
         * with two 1-hour full body massage

 

villas and cottages
- exclusive of breakfast. person in excess - P275

lake shore & orchard lane suites
     these spacious one-bedroom suites can fit up to six people, and comes with a fully equipped kitchen so that you can whip up your favorite recipes--perfect for families! the lake shore suites are for those who like to be near the lake, and the Orchard Lane suites are for those who prefer to be surrounded by greenery.

     lakeshore suites - P6,325 (3-6 pax)
     deluxe lakeshore suites - P11,825 (8-12 pax)
     orchard lane - P6,325 (6-8 pax)

villas
     experience home away from home in these three- and four-bedroom villas.

     family villa with pool (lower level) - P12,825 (5-7 pax)
     family villa with pool (upper level) - P25,625 (11-19)
     family villa - P14,784 (7-11)
     deluxe family villa - P16,500 (8-14)
     lakeshore family villa (upper level) - P18,480 (10-20 pax)
     lakeshore family villa - P18,840 (10-16 pax)

cottages
     self-contained in a quiet part of the resort, the cottages afford privacy for your family. With two queen-sized beds and two single beds, these cottages fit a maximum of six.

     cottages - P9,856 (5-7 pax)
     

how to get there (from cbi site)

public transport

1.    go to the bus terminal in buendia-taft, across atrium hotel. bus liners tritran and jam offers the trip going to lipa,tanauan, batangas city.
2.    take the bus with the sign board lipa, tanauan, batangas city. it will cost you around P70-P80 pesos per person.
3.    get off at tanauan town proper bus terminal. once you get off, you will see the tricycles beside the bus terminal.
4.    take the tricycle and ask the driver to bring you to the talisay jeepney terminal besides Mc donalds tanauan. it will cost you P8 per person.

5.    when you have reached the jeepney terminal, take the ride with the signboard 'talisay'. it will cost you P20 per person.
6.    you will reach the town proper of talisay, the jeep will stop near the church of talisay.
7.    take the tricycle at the terminal near the church where you get off. ask the driver to bring you to club balai isabel. it will cost you P8 per person, if you wish to take the trip alone and not wait for other passengers, be prepared to pay P24.
8.    the tricycle will bring you to club balai isabel.

private transport

1.     on south luzon expressway, simply go straight past the end of the highway and straight to the star tollway.
2.     go up the ramp at the tanauan city exit and turn right. you are now on the national highway.
3.     go straight until you see the entrance of star tollway. turn right at the star tollway entrance.
4.     turn right after the exit. follow the road going to talisay.
5.     when you reach the town proper of talisay, go straight ahead.
6.     club balai Isabel is 500 meters from the town proper on your left side. if you see the second bridge, then you have gone past the resort.

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club manila east, taytay

taytay, rizal

club manila east, a premier getaway destination has been operating for 12 years now. it is located in the municipality of taytay, rizal. it started in 1999 with what they call the funtasy lagoon which easily attracted tourists and visitors who are looking for some adventures especially during summer. cme is also in quezon and boracay.

as years went by, cme was able to add more and more water attractions - 25 meter lap pool, bean pool, beach waves, buzzy river and ocean waves. 

resort entrance

accommodations
there are two major villas that accommodate groups or pairs for an overnight stay.

doña luz hillsview villas - 40 units; furnished with 2 single beds, a sofa bed, hot and cold shower, bathtub, a mini-bar, a microwave oven and a dining area; perfect for large groups or families

don renato garden villas - 30 units; furnished with one matrimonial bed or two single beds, a dining area, hot and cold shower, a microwave oven, a huge mirror by the bed, and an outdoor mini pool; perfect for couples

doña remedios social hall - this one is perfect for seminars, receptions, big indoor events and conferences. it can accommodate up to 1,000 persons.

rates
day tour (8am - 8pm)
    adults - P350
    kids below 3ft - free

    cabana - P1,500
    huts - P1,000
    beachview cabins - P1,000
    pavilion - P50
    picnic area - free

overnight (2pm-11:30am)
    doña luz villas - P3,300
         2 pax with breakfast
         extra pax: P700
         max of 4 pax in a room

    don renatos villas - P3,050
         2 pax with breakfast

picnic area

food
usual to resorts like cme, food is not allowed to be carried inside. there are concessionaires available in the area. cme also has their doña nellia restaurant that offers filipino food at an affordable price.  

activities
swimming - there are lots of water attractions to choose from
kayaking - there is a big pool where you can do kayaking
high diving - try jumping from feet high! and spash yourself in a 14ft deep pool.
surfing/surf lessons - you can also do surfing on their wave pool. surf lessons are available for P1,500.
golfing - cme taytay offers a golf driving range with a maximum distance of 225 yards with a 9-hole putting green, bunkers, and chipping areas.

 

how to get there
i don't know  the exact direction, i mean the names of the street and all. my bestfriend was just telling me where to head or turn. we traverse in ortigas, at the back of megamall. that's all i know. haha! just see this map.

club manila east taytay map

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manila ocean park

city of manila

they say philippines is way far compared to other southeast asian countries. but in 2006, former president gloria arroyo announced that philippines is no longer a third world country, but already a second world - a middle class country.

i believe that this country has all the potential to match singapore or hongkong, or even be greater than them! hindi magpapahuli ang pinas. everything just comes in its perfect time. to prove that, i wanna show you what we already have. the philippines' pride - the manila ocean park.

 
it is definitely world class. it is often being compared to sentosa underwater world oceanarium in singapore. but guess what, in terms of floor space, mop is larger than sentosa - 8,000 sq m (86,000 sq ft), and has a 25-meter underwater tunnel. the park has several attractions that both kids and adults will definitely enjoy. it is owned by china oceanis philippines inc., a subsidiary of china oceanis inc., a singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in china.

the oceanarium
experience the wonders of the sea! it has more than 5,000 kinds of marine beings, coming from more than 300 species which all originated from philippines and other southeast asian countries. feel the underwater life by walking through its 25-meter walkway tunnel, with 220 degree curved acrylic walls.

oceanarium sections (source: wikipedia)
   1. agos (flow) – a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.
   2. bahura (the reef) – exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks.
   3. laot (fishing ground) – features big fish and eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.
   4. buhay na karagatan (living ocean) – the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-metre  long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls similarly seen in ocean park hongkong, underwater world in singapore, siam ocean world in bangkok, thailand and aquaria klcc in kuala lumpur, malaysia. the difference between mop's is a 220-degree curved tunnel as compared to the standard 180-degree curved tunnels seen in other asian countries.
   5. kalaliman (the deep) - showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of the philippine's waters
   6. pagi (sting ray)– variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique overhang tank.
   7. pating (shark) – features several species of shark.

rate:

Php 400 per head for adults
Php 350 per head for children 4ft & below

free for children 2ft & below

 

marine life show
this one's really cute. :) the south american sea lions will show you some cool tricks and will entertain you with their live performances - they dance, follow commands, clap, swim, etc. there is also a part of the show where they promote preservation of marine habitats

rate:
Php 150 per head (any day)

musical fountain show
too bad, i miss this one. this happens at night, for people to appreciate the light effects of the show. it is philippine's first musical fountain and laser show which uses thousands of nozzles, water, fire, music, lights and special effects.

rate:

Php 250 per head (wednesdays to fridays)
Php 300 per head (saturdays, sundays, and public holidays)

jellies - dancing sea fairies
before i saw this, i was wondering what is this all about. of course it's about jellies, but what about the dancing? can jellies also do some tricks? ;p but when i got into the exhibit room, i fully undertand it. they really seem dancing as they float into the water, accented by the light effects and the inviting music being played.

rate:
Php 150 per head
 

aquanaut voyage
if you want to experience a close-encouter with the fishes and stingrays, this one fits you. you will dive into their tank and play with more than 5,000 marine creatures, wearing a diving gear with a helmet so you can breathe. wet suite, aqua shoes and gloves will be provided.

rate:

Php 995 per head

glass bottom boatride
a boatride where you can sea the fishes swimming beneath you without the need to go into the water.

rate:

Php 150 per head

fish spa
allow the fishes to munch you dead skin! so that teh healthy skin will grow. how do the fishes know if they are eating the dead skin and not the healthy parts? o well...

rate:

Php 120 per head

swimming and fun
owkei, swimming time! be in your swimming attire and jump into manila ocean park's huge pool!

rate:

Php 180 per head (weekdays)
Php 200 per head (weekends)

packages
the park offers packages which gives you big discounts. if you will try others attractions besides oceanarium, it is best to avail these packages. visit their site for updated package offers.

location
the park is right behind quirino grandstand, which is accross luneta park.

manila ocean park map

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conquering mount tapyas

06 february 2011, coron, palawan

it was 8 in the morning when we decided to climb mount tapyas. our friend mandy woke up earlier and went there alone. hahaha. so the three of us still wanted to go even the sun is up, because we know we can't miss tapyas.

mountain's cross

we rode a tricycle to reach the entrance of the trail. it is just beside a basketball court where you will see the steps marking the starting point. the trail to its peak consists of more than 700 steps (whew!). we were glad to met a local boy who sells water and gatorade. he told stuff and trivia about coron. he was also our photographer when we reached the summit. :)

way up!

 

we regularly (define regular. haha.) take a rest because it was really tiring. but we even get more excited as the cross becomes bigger and bigger as we  reach the top. on our way up, we also saw the 'sleeping giant' of coron. and yeah, it looks like a sleeping giant! mejo creepy nga e. we wonder how is he related to maria makiling of laguna. ;p

whew, almost there

the sleeping giant

overlooking the port

after a long trek, a huge cross greeted us as we finally reached the peak of mt. tapyas - overlooking the town of coron.

back to coron main blog

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the living room

05 february 2011, coron, palawan

while looking for a place where we can have dinner and drink afterwards, we thought of subasco - it is a restobar just along the highway going to town proper. it was introduced to us by annie in our first day. we went there and inquired. we decided to find other place for dinner and just go back to subasco for a drink.

walking along, we passed by the living room. curiously, we hopped in and see what it offers. the place is really interesting because it is actually a real living room! it felt so homey and comfortable, and so we had our dinner.

food prices are affordable. it also offers beer and imported chips. the owner is a foreigner, and was so nice. food is great. board and card games are available. you can watch movie or listen to music kung sound trip ang gusto mo. this place is cool. :)

we spent hours in here and did not go back to subasco. we just played the very famous 'truth' game (hindi na sinama ang dare, puro foreigners andun e. hehe) and had a happy bonding.

back to coron main blog                                               next blog: mount tapyas

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