MANILA, Philippines - The long, winding roads of Rizal province stand as metaphor to the birth of the area’s premier resort destination. It was a journey fraught with uncertainty but, ultimately, resulted in a successful and beautiful endeavor. Thousands have come to know this place as the perfect vacation and seminar destination — however, for one individual, it is a labor of love and true inspiration. That is the story of Punta de Fabian.
Nestled peacefully on three hectares of a hilltop in Baras and Tanay towns, Punta de Fabian overlooks the magnificent Laguna de Bay and the majestic Sierra Madre mountain range. It is a place most have described as “where land meets the sky†and has become well-known throughout the entire province — and to many corporate accounts — as the perfect place for family vacations, weddings, social events, summer outings, corporate events and seminars, and team-building activities, and for anyone wishing to escape the rigorous demands of city life.
Amid an environment of lush flora and wide open spaces to breathe, up to 150 people can stay overnight at Punta de Fabian’s 40 oversized Zen-inspired guest rooms. For daytour stays, up to 250 people can be accommodated. The place naturally lends itself to revitalizing the senses and creating inspiration. It makes sense owing to the story of how the resort was born.
It was Tess Fabian-Pamintuan who first discovered the spot in early 1994. At the time she was battling stage 3 breast cancer and this spot gave her solace from the war that waged inside her body. Last July, she celebrated her birthday with not a sign of the ailment that afflicted her over a decade ago. Punta de Fabian has come to represent her legacy as a cancer survivor, a beacon of hope and courage to many that continue to fight for life and family.
Punta de Fabian rests on the same spot where Tess first found her inner peace. In 1995 she bought the property intending to build a vacation house for herself and her four young children. That early structure evolved into a family compound until finally, the resort came to be with its grand opening in 2005, providing a quiet, peaceful and rejuvenating place for travelers and vacationers to enjoy.
With Tess’ daughter Joy running the resort as general manager and son Michael overseeing development, Punta de Fabian has welcomed visitors throughout the years and pleased many who have come to seek relaxation and productivity in their lives. The various functions rooms, some featuring large, floor-to-ceiling glass windows which provide spectacular outdoor views and abundant natural light, inspire and provide a stress-free environment for meetings and conferences. Rizal Hall is the all-glass window function room that accommodates 50 to 100 people; Francisco Hall can also hold 50 to 100 people; and the Gazebo room can accommodate 20 to 50 people. Each function hall has Wi-Fi and a complement of audio-visual equipment to aid in conferences and events.
All luxury guest rooms have cable TV, hot water, and a full set of organically made toiletries by Bath Origins. Some rooms have a private sitting area and terrace where you can enjoy the hillside view. Each room features a warm design, with clean, simple earth hues. Special hypoallergenic pillows adorning large beds assure you of a good night’s rest.
Many recreational facilities will keep you entertained throughout your stay. A basketball/volleyball court, a lagoon-sized swimming pool, playground, maze, and Jacuzzi keep things fun outdoors, while billiards, table tennis, and videoke are available indoors. Punta de Fabian’s large property makes many team-building activities possible. If all you want is a little quiet, lounge chairs, hammocks and an al fresco area by the pool give you that. Afterwards, dine at the resort’s Manansala Restaurant for some Filipino and Asian cuisine.
Punta de Fabian is the perfect place for groups, families or companies to break away from the daily grind. However, for Tess and her family, the resort will always represent a family investment, built with a labor of true love, hope, peace, fulfillment and inspiration to others.
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Punta de Fabian is located along Manila East Road in Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. For reservations, call 710-3153, 929-2920, 433-1995, 994-9546 or 994-9560. Visit its website at www.puntadefabian.com.