Weekend Whisk

If you're a sucker for airline promo fares, you always end up booking a trip to the capital just so it's cheap  thinking of that long overdue high school classmates reunion (which I am guilty), or considering CCP's controversial art exhibit, or the weekend concerts at the Araneta Coliseum and in Saguijo…whichever! Truly, there are a lot of weekend side trips to make your Manila trip worthwhile.

Here's an itinerary (inspired from my recent weekend trip to Manila) that'll take you on a road trip to the outskirts. You'll reach each destination in a jiffy. Give this set five hours, provided you have a ride. Rent a van or phone a friend and gas up his vehicle…and you're ready to roll.     

Idyllic Island Cove

If you have kids in tow, Island Cove Hotel & Leisure Park in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite is just the right stop for you before heading to Tagaytay, say if your flight is set past lunchtime.

This triple A resort didn't receive this distinction for no reason. Aside from the usual hotel frills, there's also the Oceania Water Park - Kiddie Cove, WOW Balls, target shooting, children's wading pool -- complete with four giant slides to excite the sun-worshipper in you, or better yet, dare to be extreme in their Adventure Activity Zone that features the country's largest Global Gutz Paintball Arena and an AEG Airsoft game site, or take an animalandia tour in Animal Island, the largest animal sanctuary in Cavite. And to have a better feel of the whole property, bikes are available for rent.

For your degustation, there are options, though I recommend you try the Fishing Village for a change. On the menu are regional dishes, set-up is interestingly huts on stilts; view is the Manila skyline plus a serenade of folk/novelty songs.

Fishing fee is P100 that includes use of a bamboo rod while P250 for rods with reel. Baits available are live worm, shrimp and flour. And if you get lucky, fish caught will be weighed and paid for; however, small fish ones should be returned to the sea. Diners may also opt to have their catch cooked, at a minimal fee.  

Island Cove's Daycation Adventure Package (one-hour use of bike, 30minute ride on a horse-drawn carriage, Island Cove shirt, entrance to Oceania Water Park, entrance to Animal Island and P200 food voucher) at P700 per pax is still ongoing until December 31, 2011.

Bbbbrrr Tagaytay

When the heat of Manila is intolerable, Tagaytay in Cavite isn't really a long drive. Aside from its cool, nippy, misty climate as it's sited approximately 600 meters above sea level, Tagaytay is best known for its spectacular vista of the famous Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.

The Tagaytay breeze is the best excuse to huddle with family members, friends and or your significant other; hence, a slew of lovers' lanes. Pine trees all over, of course. Cleaner than Baguio though. 

Although it was drizzling during the entire duration of our road trip, we still considered it a blessing since a thick fog rested in the city and weather was cooler.

The rain poured when we reached Sonya's Garden Restaurant & Country Bed & Breakfast in Buck Estate Alfonso. "Finally, Sonya's!" I giddily exclaimed. But we were not able to stroll around every nook and cranny of Sonya's used-to-be-secret garden because of the rain and we were also running late for our next itinerary…to my dismay. However, we were able to grab a few specialties at the Panaderia such as the "sweet and buttery" Spanish bread (truly to die for) and Chinese hopia. There are a lot of palate pleasers there.

One won't miss the Country Store when swinging by the Panaderia as it's just right across. Decorative ornaments, novelty and souvenir items, organic herbs (Sonya is an "organic farming" advocate), freshly picked salad greens, among others are on sale, ideal for take-home. (I shall be back to check-out their restaurants, spa and plant nursery!)

Two things to do while in Tagaytay is to indulge on a hot Bulalo and fried Tawilis, a fish endemic to Batangas. There are "bulalohan" all over Tagaytay…just choose the place with the best view of Taal Lake.

Getting there: From Super 23Highway, exit Sta. Rosa. Upon reaching Tagaytay main Aguinaldo Highway, turn right towards Nasugbu, Batangas. Go past rotunda proceed 10 kilometers. After Splendido Golf Course and Sunrise Hill, make a right turn on Buck Estate. Drive two kilometers. Left gate. (Source: Sonya's Garden)

Chapel on the Hill

Built in 2004, this is one of the facilities in Mary Help of Christians Center of Spirituality, Don Bosco, Batulao, Batangas where pilgrims make a spiritual journey through prayer and meditation - The Labyrinth: The Journey to Inner Peace as explained in an article posted at the foyer. The circular pattern of the labyrinth is noticeable at the flooring of this round chapel set on a hill. The labyrinth is a kinesthethic style of prayer that dates back to the Middle Ages in Jerusalem wherein the pilgrims walk on the labyrinth - Labyrinth Walk - and follow certain steps on how to go on with it. Start off by removing your sandals and proceed with the rest of the Four Movements of the journey…just between you and your God.    

Charming Caleruega

A bevy of visitors, mostly pilgrims, often fill up this retreat camp and reflection garden perched atop a lush hill in Brgy. Kaylaway, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. Caleruega was established by the Dominican priests way back in August 6, 1995. It is named after a town in Spain, the birth place of Saint Dominic, the congregation's founder.

This religious enclave, so serene and tranquil, is a weekender's soul chill-out space in modern context. Designed in rustic Spanish architecture, facilities include the Veritas Hall (conference venue for large gatherings), Gazekubo (conference venue for small groups of 70), Transfiguration Chapel (150-seater), Refectory Hall (dining area), dormitories - Catalina and Tomasino Halls, cottages, Kampo Arriba campsite for outdoor activities and Plaza de Aza roof deck for receptions/gatherings. Ideally designed to nurture one's spirituality, Calereuga imbibes an atmosphere of calm and relaxation; clearly a haven for invigoration as it is set amidst a vast landscape decked with blooms and varied trees, and integrated with well-manicured lawns.

While ascending to the sought-after wedding venue, Transfiguration Chapel, that sits at the highest point of the Caleruega property, via the brick-lined pathway, one will definitely notice a breathtaking view of the rolling hills, mountains, thick forests and open grasslands in vivid green beneath. This is how romantic it can get…add to that, a huge possibility of a thick fog hovering round the garden.

The chapel became witness to Christopher de Leon and Sandy Andulong's marriage vows. Interestingly, it's not only a significant venue for real-life couples but also a setting for local flicks such as the Sharon Cuneta-Richard Gomez tandem in the silver screen, horror flick Sukob wedding scene topbilled by Kris Aquino and Wendell Ramos, and a host of other films. In reality though, the chapel averages three weddings per day and is currently booked for the whole month until the yearend.   

Most schools in Manila hold their retreats in Caleruega in the belief of getting memorable encounters with the One.

Getting there via South Superhighway: Take Sta. Rosa exit. Proceed to Tagaytay, then turn right to Rotonda Via Coastal Road: From Roxas Blvd., proceed to Aguinaldo Highway all the way up to Tagaytay

Public transport: Proceed to ER-JOHN & ALMARK bus terminal along EDSA in Pasay. Board a bus going to any of these destinations: Nasugbu, Balayan or Calatagan. Get off at Evercrest, Batulao, Nasugbu, Batangas. Tricycle service is available at Evercrest entrance or it's two-kilomete hike to Caleruega. (Source: Caleruega brochure)

Next week: From Laguna (Enchanted Kingdom) then back to Manila (Manila Ocean Park) (FREEMAN)