0 SUMMER GROOVE AT CANYON COVE IN NASUGBU

Summer Fiesta! Whew this year I’ve been in to different summer activities, really is a fiesta bonanza. It started from climbing the highest vantage point in Bataan, then grabbing the roads with fun run activities, and of course it will never be complete without visiting the beaches. And so, Batangas would be the perfect and the closest place to escape the summer heat. It started in Lemery Batangas, with my team but I never thought the entire department will go back there for another beachneering spree.

So this time, all plans and itineraries will not be posted here. All decisions were coming from the team leads. We were just waiting for their emails about the details. Then I learned that it will be Canyon Cove. I heard this place but I still asked Mr. Google about it.

Logistics is also provided by the company, they hired buses that will bring us up to the place. However since one of my colleagues brought his car, so I decided to hitch with them. We left at the same time but on a different route. What funny was the five us doesn’t know how to get there, but thanks to my Google Maps we were able to locate the place thru GPS.

The bus took Tagaytay route via South Luzon Expressway; but we decided to take Cavitex as it is much shorter than the bus route.

HOW TO GET THERE

So if you are using private vehicle, you can follow this route. Take Cavitex then exit via Centennial Road, and then you will be passing EPZA Diversion Road. Continue with your driving until your reach Antero Soriano Highway, it will be a long drive until you reach the Governor’s Drive which is also a lengthy highway. You will then arrive in Ternate Cavite. You know if you are in Ternate if you are seeing a mountain range. You will be passing uphill road traversing Mt. Palay-Palay, exit in Nasugbu, Batangas via Nasugbu-Ternate Higway, and continue driving until you reach the Canyon Cove. Please refer to map. Just check the blue line below near the, seaside route.

I suggest taking this route so you will have the chance the see the now becoming famous Kaybiang Tunnel. Most of the private cars passing this tunnel got time to stop and take picture as background. And if you continue with your road trip, reaching the Nasugbu-Ternate Highway, you will have also the chance to see the Batangas Best Coves and Islands nearby that can be seen up from the foot of the mountain. And once again it has panoramic view where most of the motorists got time to take picture of themselves.

Afterwards we just continue our journey as we near the Canyon Cove. Obviously we arrived early, so instead of coming inside we decided to stroll around while waiting for them and look for something to eat. We would like to taste some flavors in the province, we found a small eatery and decided to take brunch. And the taste is so perfect, we ordered some fish and beef, the ingredients, and the taste is so natural and fresh. It turned out that I consumed three cups of rice. I can’t help it.

We then received message from the team that they’re already inside so we packed up and followed them. I’m so amazed with the place; they have large pools with stunning landscapes. And the beach is just few meters away from the pool so you’ll have an option to either go on the pools or party in the beach.  

The beach is not as fine as other beaches and not as white as Boracay, there are parts that are rock-strewn and few types of seaweed that’s why we were wearing flip-flops that is also perfect for summer style when we get to beach. But it still tolerable, they have also activities like kayaking, banana boat, pedal boats, etc.

Since this is a company outing, we don’t have problem with the food, Canyon Cove serves us with buffet style. I’m not sure and I don’t have the nerve to ask how much the catering and even the entire expenses so I can’t give you that details. I heard that they have corkage but guards are not strict so you know how to use your charm. I don't have pictures to post about their rooms because we were only on day tour. But you can check their site below for the amenities and rates.

Overall, Canyon Cove is one of the best places for some beach loving. It’s just two hours away from congested Manila. You can also drop-by at Tagaytay for some Bulalo and pasalubong before going home, or they usually say back to normal life.

*Thanks to my Concur Family! And the entire Client Support Team.

CANYON COVE RESORT

Far East Road, Piloto Wawa, Nasugbu, Batangas, PH

Website: http://www.canyoncove.com.ph/

8 REVISITING JARDIN DE DASMARIÑAS FOR SWEET SUMMER ESCAPADE

Summer is not yet over! I was again invited friends from Deltek to be part of their sweet summer escapade. I think this has become yearly so thank you Contacts People. I don’t feel like drenched from the season’s heat in Metro Manila so I should join. This is not the first time I visited the place so I’m quite familiar already but every stay is absolutely different story. Jardin de Dasmariñas is the perfect place for quick summer escapade, just an hour away from congested Manila. You can spend day or overnight stay for your swimming cravings with family and friends in affordable rates.

Jardin de Dasmarinas Resort and Restaurant is located in Barangay Sabang, Dasmarinas, Cavite. It is seated along Sabang Highway near Parklane and just few minutes away from Dasmarinas Bayan. Since the team brought car so we didn’t have any problem getting there. But for those taking public transportation – if you are coming from Manila, you can ride bus going to DASMA Bayan.  Jasper Jean Bus Lines passing Ayala in Makati and in EDSA fare is Php 55. Another option is UV Express, there are terminals in Pasay Rotonda and MOA fare is Php 60. Alight at Dasma Bayan (which is the end point) then ride jeep with “Imus” signboard, or best option is to take trike for Php40 and it will bring you straight to the resort.

The resort opens at 8 AM, and we arrived an hour earlier. While waiting for the gate to open, we walked outside the resort looking for some breakfast. If you have car, you can bring it inside the resort compound and park it for free in spaces intended for the guests. But I would recommend during summer days better to commute unless you want to pay your parking.

Though we arrived early, there were plenty of people already piling outside the entrance and waiting for the gate to open. It's just a sign that everybody needs refreshments against the sizzling summer heat. You can get the tickets at the small window near the entrance. And in our case, we had no problem because the team is already reserved month before.

Swimming Rates:

Day Tour Swimming (8AM - 5PM)/ Adult - Php150 / Child 3ft. below - Php120.

Overnight Swimming (6PM - 6AM) / Adult - Php250 / Child 3ft. below - Php200. 

Cottage Rates:

Day Swimming - Php400 / Night Swimming - Php500.

Like I mentioned, this is not the first time I visited here. Nothing's changed and the place is still charming as it is, cleaned, and well-maintained. The resort houses 5 pools, 1 is for private. There is Olympic-size pool for the adults with 6ft. the deepest, three pools for the kids with slides in waist line deep and dinosaur miniature that would let the kids experience extreme and memorable summer adventure.

The landscape is well planned, really utmost strategic. You will surely experience the resort and a garden like, there were plenty of plants and trees around the area. It makes the place really beautiful and attractive as the area covered with green and blue pigments. 

Guest can also bring their own food, and grill if they want to..there are spaces anywhere in the resort for grill. Although they're quite strict when it comes to alcoholic beverages, there is a corkage. But you can sneak it as they do not check your backpacks, beer inside is fairly expensive. It's just a matter of diskarte, use your best charm. You can also bring your music box, huge speakers or anything if you wish to have some party like escapade, they're not too strict.  

We maximized our stay and I guess we are the only group stayed for 24 hours. The resort is still alive up until 4 AM. The guests are quite decent compared to any public resorts. And I would recommend this place if you wish to experience perfect summer getaway as it is near from a crowded Manila cities. Summer is not yet over and come check the place. For more inquiries you can call (046) 416 0037 / 0917 - 5028614,  or you can visit the Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/jardindedasma

2 TAGAYTAY | Beat the Summer Heat 2014!

Hello April. It’s officially Summer Fever and I’m sure each and every one of you posted already on your social media accounts with hashtags #Summer2014. And I’ve been seeing loads of pictures on my social feeds posing under the scorching sun, sizzling beach sands and clear blue sea waters. Apparently beachneering is the top choice to beat the decisive heat.

Nonetheless another option to escape the summer heat aside from beaches is visiting the Baguio of the South – Tagaytay City. It’s only a few kilometers from Manila and it will give you perfect panoramic view and a little bit cooler than in metropolis. As the city tagged as the second summer capital of the country, one thing also comes on mind about Tagaytay is Bulalo.

Aside from its specialty, SKYRANCH is popular place to check out while in the southern highlands. I have posted already about this newest theme park and during that time, construction still on going. Last weekend, we revisited this place and I saw the development with new added rides.

I have tried the heart-rending Super Viking already, so this time I tried the Sky Eye to check how this City looks like atop in 360 degrees. Please check the photos below.

Prices are still the same, no change except with the new rides. Entrance fee still at P50. The newest attraction is the towering zip lines for P400 back and forth. Check the prices below for your reference.

Nessi Coaster - P50 • Red Baron - P50 • Wonder Flight - P50 • Mini Viking - P50 • Carousel - P50 • Express Train - P50 • Super Viking - P100 • Sky Eye - P150 • Sky Cruiser – P100 • Snail Attack – P50 • Sky Jump – P80 • Bubble-O-Fun – P50 • Zip Line - P400

Address: Tagaytay - Nasugbu Highway, Tagaytay

Operation Hours: 10AM - 8PM

Contact: (02) 857 - 0100 Loc. 1450

7 Seize the Day, Summer Getaway 2014

In subsequent to Presidential Proclamation 115-A, March declared as Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines and the year thereafter. Arriving the third month of the calendar year is a sign that cold temperature is over and an indication that summer is yet to come. Henceforth we decided to set our team building as early as second week of the month. And it’s undeniably the perfect time to start summertime. So please join our team to Kick-Off Summer Party 2014! Summer, Summer, Summertime. Time to set back and unwind. :)

And how we delimit Summertime? Just like an ordinary way. As a quote say: Hair gets Lighter. Skin gets Darker. Water gets Warmer. Drinks get Colder. Nights get Longer. And of course, thou shall not forget that you are in the island where most of the best and talented singers are here. Pepede ba namang mawala ang videoke?! Laging kasama sa budget yan. So let’s Music gets Louder and Life gets Better. J

And knowing the Philippines? duh, here where you can only find the World's Best Beach. And speaking of beach, our team would like to do more. So we decided to sweep the sweetest island’s sand. It’s indeed the perfect escape from the four-cornered work station covered with thick blankets and sweaters. And I know there’s a lot of choices where to go, actually not to mention – there are thousands of options depending on your preference.    

And since we only have weekend for the opening salvo of summer escapade, we decided to just bowl nearby shorelines. Thus Batangas would be the place. It is only 2- 3 hours travel time from the capital city, Manila. This province offers different selection of beach resorts – black sand beaches in the northwest coastline while white and fine sand beaches in the northeast. Please click this site for some list of beaches in the province.

In our case, we went to Lemery, the town next to Cuenca Batangas where you can find the highest elevation at the hand of Mt. Maculot (Rockies). I’m thinking not to mention where we stayed but I guess I have to. We checked in at Heart of D’Ocean (http://www.heartofdoceanresort.com/), you gonna love the background scenes courtesy of their website. And when you get there, I would say it’s clean and spacious. You have the option to either go to beach or just plunge into the huge pools. I so love the place, however I don't like the way they treat customers when it comes to charges. It’s conflicting from their service mark – “Where your holistic well-being is d’♥of our service”. I dunno if the heart logo means love or just heart. Well either way, we feel like we we’re robbed. Everything is about money. They are thirst collecting money from their patrons. It’s like more on hidden charges. 

Okay going back, our summer escapade turned out worth remembering because it’s not really the place, it’s about the people whom you with. Sabi nga nila: “A journey is best measured in friends rather than miles”.  We arrived 2PM so we don’t have much time for outdoor activities, we just prepared everything needed for our ultimate adventure. We decided to schedule our island hopping the next day morning and just feel the sense of team building. Thanks to my company who shouldered some of the expenses.

Next day morning after breakfast everyone is geared up for Island Hopping, I think this is the only outdoor activity. I’m not sure though if there’s any, well aside from beach volleyball. Since shorelines in Nonong Castro are black sands so bankeros are pleased to say that there will be a white sands island that is part of hopping itinerary. Oh okay, pero hindi talaga ganun ka white and fine. Hehe.

Traveling time is 45 minutes (1 1/2 roundtrip) and there will be P30 entrance fee per head for the white island. Pero dahil nga hindi siya ganun ka white, we had an internal agreement with the bankero to just stay for snorkeling. By the way Island Hopping is included (I guess required) during our reservation so we only have 3 hours to go back and forth, otherwise we have to pay extra. As a result we settled to just go on snorkeling.

Aside from snorkeling, we have another sidetrip, the bankero brought us to a “cave”. Honestly I really thought of Palawan like underground-river. But it’s not what I expected. It’s just a big boulders sitting at the edge of shoreline where the sands and sea waters met. And there’s like tiny bowl-shaped that looks like cave. So we hopped in instead and went to tiny waterfalls. And to give justice of extreme-like outdoor activity we did some wall climbing. Overall, twas a great summer escapade and we opened the beat of the heat activity real time. Let’s go for more summer activity either by the sea or by the mountains.