Old Woods by the Sea

Like the sun you come and go,

and like a lone cloud you drifted away,

but still I love you all the same.

 

Pretending that feelings aren’t there doesn’t make them go away. It’s been a while since the last time I saw you. And I admit my feelings for you haven’t changed, not a single bit. So many things have happened, but still I want to find you and perhaps tell you of my latest gem-find.

 

I received a wonderful present from a constant gardener I recently met - a coffee table book entitled Unlimited Horizons: A Photo Essay of Bani’s Scenic Wonders. The book chronicles the natural treasures and people of Bani, Pangasinan. It features coves and beaches, marine and bird sanctuaries, and unexplored caves. I guess what’s missing in the book was Old Woods, a charming seven-hectare family rest house turned into an eco-resort, undeniably and so far, the best in Bani.

 

 

 

 

The resort is owned by amiable couple – that gardener (who happened to be the Mayor of the town, Marcelo Navarro, Jr.) and his wife Dr. Elizabeth. They treat guests as if long-lost family members. Even the staff and the manangs were all maasikaso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was actually overwhelmed when they serve alimango, hipon, inihaw na bangus, hito, and star apple during lunch. Muntik ko na silang mayakap sa saya kasi mga favorite food ko lahat ng hinanda nila!

 

 

 

 

 

The rooms of the resort have a native Filipino-feel. They are made of old woods infused with modern amenities with a window view simply to die for - the disputed and deep blue West Philippine Sea. I completely forgot my stressful and busy city life the moment I smell sea breeze.

 

 

Cute puppies roam around the garden, and always begged to be belly-scratched. Certainly, the relaxing and rustic feel of this place will surely recharge tired and weary souls.

 

 

 

A 10 minute downhill stroll, will lead guests to Olanen Cove, a white sand beach with beautiful rock formations scattered along the shore.

 

Despite the alluring and unspoiled beauty of Bani, the $64 question was “Bakit hindi pinupuntahan ang Bani?” Mayor simply said it was because of lack of advertisement and marketing of the place. While that is true, I guess another factor was its unlikely geographical location. It is tucked between Alaminos and Bolinao, natural tourist magnets being the popular sites of the Hundred Islands and long stretch of beaches. But since I’m not “everybody”, I would rather spend a day in not-so crowded places like Bani.

 

If I follow the bandwagon, I will go no further than the crowd. But if I take the less travelled path, I will most likely find myself in wonderful places only a few has ever been before. And maybe, see you there one more time.

 

 

Oh summer, I’m glad we meet again.

 

Old Woods by the Sea

Olanen, Dacap Norte

Bani, Pangasinan

Tel. No.: 0917-5074488

Our prime purpose in life is to help others

 

But if you find it hard to help others, at least don’t be a cause of their pain.

Tierra Alta

Part of the reason why we hold on to something so tight is because we fear something so great won’t happen twice. But my adrenaline-rush adventure at Tierra Alta proved this otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

Cookies and cream shake

 

Baby back ribs

 

Creamy carbonara

 

Bacon-wrapped fillet mignon

 

 Mango crepe

 

 

 

  

Discover the heights of luxury in a residential mountainside resort subdivision, nestled on the slopes of Palinpinon in Valencia, Negros Oriental. Aptly named Tierra Alta (a Spanish term for higher ground), the semi-exclusive residential resort offers a panoramic view overlooking Dumaguete and neighboring islands.

 

In its Greek-inspired clubhouse, non-members could enjoy (for a reasonable fee) swimming in the Aquatica infinity pool, savoring fresh air and verdant mountain sceneries at the lighthouse view deck, fine-dining at Tierra Café, and letting go of the zipline while hanging upside-down.

 

Nice date place no?

Apo Island, Negros Oriental

Apo Island is a stunning volcanic island surrounded by rugged rock formations and vibrant marine life. My PPRD kapatids and I spent a day swimming with the turtles, exploring the typhoon-damaged marine reserve area, and touring the whole island by boat. Upon returning to the mainland, we resumed swimming at Bahura Resort and Spa.

 

 

 

After a whole day of (mis)adventure, I realized that the best way to live a happy life is still to be a child, no matter what your age.

Take every chance you get in life because some things only happen once

Consumated love starts with courage…  the courage to admit what you truly feel. That even in times of uncertainty, you forget the reasons why it won’t work out and believe for that one reason why it will.

Catanauan, Quezon

My idea of a good life is a collection of happy, quiet moments. Something you can find in a sleepy but bucolic town of Catanauan, particularly in Catanuan Cove and Tuhian Beach.

  

  

But change is all coming to this place soon, even if I just wanted it to stay just the same.