Paradise regained

Puerto del Sol in Bolinao, Pangasinan is a paradise. It is a place where you can rest your aching body and relax your tired, stressed-out mind. I seldom travel to the North. (This year, I have been to Pampanga twice when I shot a video for The Lakeshore, a new upscale village with a lake in the middle of the property that serves as its centerpiece). I fly to Boracay every time the winds bring me there.

Land travel doesn’t excite me as much as it does to my beloved Nanay. But when Puerto del Sol owner Chin Chin Bona LaRosa invited me to go to Puerto del Sol, I gladly acquiesced. It was almost a five-hour land travel to Bolinao. But I prepared myself for the long travel — I brought with me books to read while on the road, expecting bumpy roads, rugged terrains and a jarring day. I have not even finished reading President Bill Clinton’s My Life when we reached Bolinao. The weather was cool and breezy, the sun almost hidden by the clouds, and you can see the panoramic view of the South China Sea.

Bolinao is a culturally rich town steeped in traditions.  It has century-old churches, historical landmarks and a multitude of natural wonders. At Puerto del Sol located in Barangay Ilog Malino, we were met by the resort’s amiable staff. (I learned later that the staff constantly undergoes training and seminars to upgrade its skills to provide resort guests with the best service). We were ushered into the beautiful reception hall where a beautiful relaxed feeling envelops the guest. Homeboy taped some episodes at the sprawling resort. Bianca Gonzalez, Mariel Rodriguez, AJ Dee are some of the celebrities who have enjoyed the amenities of Puerto del Sol. The trio visited the resort  when they did the pictorial for Pink and Blue Soda.

Puerto del Sol is an exclusive seaside resort which offers ultimate elegance and grace to weary travelers and visitors. It has been rapidly developing its world-class facilities to truly live up to its name as the Jewel of the North. The sprawling 10,000-square meter resort has function rooms perfect for small meetings or large conferences. Puerto del Sol’s latest addition to its development is the construction of Cluster 3 of Mansion Villas and Nipa Huts. Mansion Villas have queen and twin size beds on the ground  floor while the second floor is for single, twin or family occupancy.  Staying in one of the Mansion Villas or Nipa Huts, a visitor can feel a natural breeze, fresh air and a relaxed feeling permeates the air.

Puerto del Sol’s amenities include a fun pool at the center of the resort surrounded by manicured gardens, a jacuzzi, a coffee shop by the sea, and a souvenir shop. For meetings and banquets, Puerto del Sol has function rooms called Bahia and Riviera. For total relaxation of guests, Puerto del Sol has lifestyle treatments like full-body massage, foot spa, body milk spa, pedicure and manicure, among others. Sports and recreational activities are also available like kayaking, canoeing, billiard, hockey, darts, mahjong and videoke.

Puerto del Sol heads the Western Pangasinan Visitors Bureau (WPVB) in cooperation with North Phil. Visitors Bureau and Manila North Tollways Corp. along with 10 towns (Alaminos, Agno, Anda, Bani, Bolinao, Burgos, Infanta, Dasol, Sual and Mabini). It is also a member of the prestigious Resort Condominium International, a global provider of leisure travel services to businesses and consumers and is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange.  For details, call 635-2547 or 631-2861 or log on to www.puertodelsol.com.ph

Prince’s Planet Earth

Superstar and legendary musician Prince is back with the release of Planet Earth under Sony BMG Music Entertainment. It is the Grammy Award-winning artist’s latest full-length studio collection. Several cuts from the album are reminiscent of the classic Prince sound that captured fans all over the world. Produced, arranged, composed and performed by Prince and the New Power Generation, Planet Earth includes Guitar, Somewhere Here on Earth, Future Baby Mama and The One U Wanna C. Prince is ranked No. 28 by Rolling Stone Magazine on its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. 

Ang Ating Musika

Regine Velasquez performs the timeless classics of Pinoy hitmakers George Canseco, Ryan Cayabyab, Rey Valera, Basil Valdez, and Willy Cruz in the six-night concert Ang Ating Musika. 

Regine’s exceptional singing prowess, award-winning albums, and sold-out concerts have sealed her position as Asia’s Songbird. Regine is the first Filipino artist to have a solo concert at the Main Hall of Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of its centennial-year concert series. She has collaborated with foreign artists like Paul Anka, 98 Degrees, Brian McKnight, Mandy Moore, Ronan Keating, Stephen Bishop and Jim Brickman. Kyla is special guest. 

Ang Ating Musika is slated at the Aliw Theater on Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 24 at 8:30 p.m.