Ocean View Kubo, San Teodoro

“Overcome space, and all we have left is Here. Overcome time, and all we have left is Now.” This insight of Richard Bach somehow prods his readers to always seize the moment. That here and now are the only moments in our lives we can ever control.  

I put down the book. I can’t think of any better way to spend a lazy afternoon than lying on a hammock with Jonathan Livingston Seagull, while enjoying the soft sea breeze and an occasional glimpse of the ocean that sparkles when hit by sunlight. I never underestimate the healing powers of good books, nature’s music, and the ocean. All three of these is a constant feature at Ocean View Kubo in San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas.

A small but quaint and charming treehouse set on a sloping hill amidst lush trees, OVK offers a picture-perfect hideaway and an unforgettable close-to-nature experience for those wishing to get away from the hustle and stress of a busy city life. 

It is owned by couple Eugene and Anna, who were vacationing in Europe during my time of visit. They met many years ago, when Anna was vacationing to the Philippines and Eugene served as his tour guide and dive companion when she was invited by a friend to explore the diving sites of Anilao. Anna fell in love with the underwater beauty of Anilao and eventually with Eugene. She decided to stay and eversince the couple lives happily in an equally beautiful kubo adjacent to OVK.

Coming from Manila, OVK is just three to four hours away by commute. When I reached Mabini market, I rented a tricycle going to San Teodoro. When I reached the drop-off point in San Teodoro, I took the stairs leading down to Lilom (one of my favorite places on Earth). Halfway is the OVK; its entrance is the conspicuous red wooden door.

The moment I entered, my heart melted right away. I can’t help but be amazed with the simplicity and rusticness of OVK. It was designed and built by Eugene himself, creatively using nature and native materials. It’s a modern-day kubo equipped with necessary amenities for the ultimate relaxation and comfort of guests.

It has a balcony with a hammock, overlooking the sea and Sombrero Island. The view from up there is simply breathtaking; the trees attractively framing the seascape.

OVK is also Bali-inspired with its Buddha stone statues that blend well with nature.

The room with queen-size bed is cozy and painted in bright pastel colors. The yellow orange wall matches with the forest green beddings and ocean blue pillows. The rest is toned with earth colors – from the wooden sliding door and window, bamboo floor, cabinets made of wood and bamboo, to tree trunks that serve as structural posts.  

  

I love every detail of the room, every furniture and art work. I could clearly see that they were made out of passion and love.

The room has an air-con and electric fan and mosquito net. There’s no wi-fi but there’s a book shelf with great titles that include The Little Prince, Unbearable Lightness of Being, and Life of Pi. There are also several novels in German, which are pretty sure brought by Anna from her home country.

The bathroom is lovely and adorned with different kinds of shells. Even the wash basin is a giant clam shell - truly one of a kind and a sight to behold.

Below the room is the kitchen and dining area that also overlooks the sea. Eye catching are the shell door curtain with a gecko design and a wooden utensil box with a sculptured gecko. I also found an inspirational postcard quote on the side of a refrigerator that says “Don’t be too hard on yourself, be nice to one another and enjoy every moment in life.” Hot tea and kapeng barako are provided complimentary to guests.

OVK has a strict “no cooking” house rule because the place gets easily attacked by ants, especially if there are food crumbs left on the table or floor. There are resorts nearby (Lilom or Arthur’s) where one could eat but they must be coordinated in advance. There are also sari-sari stores and small eateries along the highway, just five minutes away from OVK. I was planning to eat in one of the resorts but unfortunately I did not make any prior reservation (since the food being prepared is often good only for the checked-in guests). Buti na lang I was able to bring my own baon of roasted chicken, corn and fresh fruits.

I just hope I didn’t break Anna’s rules by eating chicken since it is a vegetarian-pescetarian household. 

  

There are cute pusakals roaming around the vicinity.

Anytime of the day, it is generally very peaceful and quiet. For yogis, it’s a haven for reflection and meditation. For anyone who has been broken, it’s a perfect place to be whole again.

For three days, I spent most of the time lazing and just enjoying the view, binge watching of my favorite superhero TV series on my phone, and reading Anna’s books and magazines. I felt rested and refreshed.

During late afternoon, I go down and take a walk on the rocky beach and swim solitarily at Arthur’s Rock, another beautiful spot close to my heart.

I chanced upon a lifeless puffer fish washed ashore. Oh today we are still here. But tomorrow, we may not be. It was a reminder to live life fearlessly, and start doing things that make us grow, fulfilled and happy. 

  

Sunset watching in Mabini is another spiritual experience.

  

Everything about light is so easy to love. Show me darkness so I could learn to love them too.

From Manila, take Batangas City/Pier -bound bus (bus stations in Buendia or Cubao) and get off at Batangas City Grand Terminal. Take a jeepney going to Mabini and get off at Mabini market. Take a tricycle to San Teodoro and get off at Lilom drop off-point. OVK is right before Lilom. 

Ocean View Kubo

San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas

Airbnb