Frenz Fries: Cintai Corito’s Garden

Life promises only one thing. That someday it’s going to end. This sad reality must be hard for businessman Ramon Palma Gil and his four children when they lost their family matriarch Corito in 2007. But this episode in their life signaled the start of a fresh, new chapter – the birth of Cintai Corito’s.

Cintai is a lush and sprawling seven-hectare Balinese-inspired resort in Balete, Batangas. It was built in memory of Corito, a loving wife and mother, who died of cancer in 2007. She spent most of her remaining days in this once private family rest house. Her family said that being in the garden made her relax and temporarily forget her sickness. After Corito’s death, the family decided to recreate their weekend hide-away, and pattern it after one of her favorite places – Bali. For almost four years, the family worked hard to transform it into a garden paradise before finally opening it to public. They named the resort after the Indonesian word cintai (meaning love), as a manifestation of their love for Corito, even if she’s no longer around.

Giant Balinese-inspired sculptures, statues and colorful artworks welcome guests in Cintai.

Set in a hilly and beautifully landscaped garden setting, the resort mainly offers a place of serenity and relaxation. It has 18 villas classified as Deluxe, Terrace, Garden, and Executive, which could accommodate two up to eight persons. The Executive Villa which is the largest, has an outdoor Jacuzzi and a pocket garden.

Abadi, the in-house restaurant, serves a delectable spread of Filipino and Asian dishes.

There are four swimming pools for adults and kids.

Those who want a pampering massage could visit The Spa.

Tresna and Napas, the resort’s two pavilions, could be a perfect venue for intimate celebrations or big special events such as garden wedding or company team-building.