A perfect spot for two or the entire family

MANILA, Philippines - What’s Google’s second most researched destination in the Philippines? If you guessed Boracay, you might soon be right, before you know it. But for the moment, it is Amana Water Park.

This magnificent, nature-rich retreat is located only an hour-and-a-half away from Manila. And it has elevated Pandi, Bulacan, from obscurity to ongoing prosperity. The fact is throngs of Filipinos and foreigners alike now trek with increasing regularity to this tropical water resort.

Credit businessman-founder Enrico Roque, now mayor of Pandi, Bulacan, for this transformation. His brother Gary Roque has taken over the reins of the amazing water park.

Yes, the water park is named after an ancient Syrian river called Amana. But there’s nothing at all ancient about Amana Water Park. The venue of the Miss Earth pre-pageant and swimsuit competition last year, Amana Water Park boasts 21st-century amenities which include a spectacular 3,500-square-meter wave pool. Yes, towering, computerized man-made waves — all 13 of them — rock the pool from time to time, much to the exhilaration of excited swimmers and spectators. You have to experience it to believe it, most famous of which is the Diamond Waves.

For the more sophisticated bather, there’s an ultra-modern Jacuzzi. Don’t worry about the kids; leave them to their own fun at the Shrek House or, if they’re younger, at their own 500-square-meter kiddie pool with life-size Dragon Ball characters.

Park here: Amana Water Park is a dream nature resort, thanks to businessman-founder Enrico Roque, now mayor of Pandi, Bulacan.

Of course, you can choose from several cottages with themes like Tagaytay, Calatagan, and Boracay. There are VIP rooms, too, plus a Japanese-inspired convention hall where weddings can be held. And don’t forget the souvenir shop.

A true entertainment complex, Amana also offers such recreational facilities as billiards, videoke, horseback riding trails, and fishing.

E-mail amanawaterpark@yahoo.comor call (044) 661-2383, (044) 661-2384; telefax 299-66-12.