MANILA, Philippines - Busy lifestyles are making vacations quite the luxury these days. But that should not keep you from indulging in a well-deserved getaway — one that is short and sweet.
Tucked away in the hilly portion of the town of Baras in Rizal, just a little over an hour’s drive from Metro Manila, is Punta de Fabian which offers a quick escape for the city dwellers.
Punta de Fabian is making a name for itself as the top tourist drawer in Rizal, and with good reason.
The resort was really designed to provide an ample amount of peace and quiet for its guests, with its Filipino-zen architecture aptly accentuated by the natural beauty of the place.
It’s interesting to note how this resort’s story came to be: its owner Teresita Fabian-Pamintuan was a cancer patient and during her period of struggle, when she was not feeling well, she would go out of town. Her travels served as her therapy. Her trips brought her one day to Rizal where she uncovered an idyllic spot sitting on a mountaintop. She fell in love immediately with the place, thanks to the scenery and surroundings. Who would not, after all, when it overlooks Laguna de Bay and enjoys a vista of the Sierra Madre. Not long after, it became home to Punta de Fabian.
According to Pamintuan, visitors can stay at the resort for a day or more, with its variety of room accommodations (with breathtaking lakefront views!), food services, function rooms and basic amenities to choose from.
There are pools to swim or simply frolic in, the lagoon-shaped pool and the infinity pool, plus a Jacuzzi and a kiddie playground.
Also featured are activities sure to keep you entertained during your entire stay. There’s a multi-purpose court for friendly games of basketball, volleyball and badminton, while recreation rooms are available for those wanting to play darts and board games, or do some videoke singing.
With Punta de Fabian, you don’t have to look far and wide for that personal hideaway from the stress at work or elsewhere. And you can afford to be spontaneous, especially if you are based in Metro Manila, because it is one of the nearest mountain resorts around. You can also recommend it to friends looking for a venue for team-building events. (There’s even a maze to level up the group activities.)
When in Baras, make the time and effort to immerse in some local culture and heritage. According to Philippine historical accounts, during the Battle for the Liberation of Manila in 1945, the Camp Caparas in Baras was the location of the headquarters of over 15,000 Filipino soldiers and military artillery of the Philippine Commonwealth Army.
Make sure to also swing by the town’s picture-perfect church, the St. Joseph Parish, which has been the setting of various TV series, commercials, documentaries and movies.
And here’s another enticing treat from Punta de Fabian. Start your Christmas bookings now with the Dec. 15 to Feb. 30, 2013 promo, which covers a complimentary set dinner and breakfast plus five percent discount on room accommodations.
Pamintuan happily noted that the resort has generated positive feedback on travel sites online since operations commenced a few years back.
“So far, the business is doing well since we opened in 2005,” said Pamintuan. “We were able to develop the property each year. We have added rooms such as the executive, small deluxe and junior suite rooms. The guests enjoy in particular our scenic views, accommodations and amenities we offer. We look forward to seeing more guests in the days to come.”
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Punta de Fabian Resort is located at Manila East Road, Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal with tel. nos. +63(2) 994-9560 and 994-9546. You can also make inquiries or reservations with its Manila office at the ground floor, Lexington Condominium, 65 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City with tel. nos. +63(2) 433-1995, 994-1455 and 710-3153 or e-mail at puntadefabian@yahoo.com.