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| View from Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa |
Dubbed as the "The City in the Sky", the city gives generous views of mountainous terrain and Metro Manila's skyline. Antipolo City is located in the nearby Rizal Province, nestled on a high elevation with temperate climate and natural cool environment. The city lies on the foot of the country's longest mountain range, Sierra Madre -- no wonder the city offers tranquility and back-to-nature experience.
Another reason why I consider Antipolo City for relocation is its artistic feels. The city is currently a location for aspiring artists and haven for art collectors and enthusiasts.The Pinto Art Museum is located in the city.
The City Is A Place of Experience and Relaxation
Antipolo City is now becoming a go-to destination for its diverse offerings for all types of spectators. The laid back city is home to growing numbers of hotels and accommodations. The city is now hosting to numbers of tourist coming from the bustling Metro given its proximity.
One is Boso Boso Highland Resort and Convention Center. The resort-convention center offers wide array of facilities to all walks of life given that it has the largest number of accommodations in part of the city and being a pioneer resort-hotel in the Province of Rizal. What I like about the resort is its location. It lies on a 10-hectares property on top a hill with overlooking views of lush greenery and low-lying villages of both Tanay and Antipolo with the picturesque backdrop of the mighty mounds of Sierra Madre. The resort has also restaurants, pools (both kid and adult pools) and sports facilities.
Children's pool are dotted with colorful accessories to make look more appealing to kids.
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Address: Sitio Cabading, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City
Facebook: Boso Boso Highlands Resort and Convention Center
Website: www.bosobosohighlands.wixsite.com
E-mail Address: paradisehotel.bbhrcc@gmail.com
Landline: (02) 703-5048, (02) 701-7535
Mobile Number: 09988619435, 09989573740
Another hospitality facility in Antipolo City that every tourist must consider is Loreland Farm Resort. A 8 hectare land resort that is ideal for both business and leisure venues located amidst the green rolling terrain property. They say, you never explore Antipolo if you don't know about Loreland. I need to say that because with its more than 10 years of operation, the resort already become part of people of Antipolo's lifestyle. Even for Manilenos, this place do really deserves a visit.
They have numbers of facilities to offer for all, they have pools for both kids and adult. I see it also very good spot for reunions of tropas, barkadas, weddings and events and even for families, name it and they have it.
For a whole day and overnight stay, the resort has its food facilities to cater the gastonomic needs of its clients. Verde Restaurante offers locally cooked typical Filipino favorites. Their pansit and sisig is a must try.
They have playgrounds for kids and truly a family-friendly amenities. And for millenials, this resort is definitely a good site for photo ops.
This function hall is a good venue of events for all types.
Inside the Entertainment Lounge, where one can spend time for just relaxation due to its isolation from the main facilities like pools and events hall. This is where you can enjoy watching movies with lot to choose from. I like how it was designed in reference to vernacular styles.
Typical two bed accommodation. The earth tone of the interiors will make you feel a countryside ambiance.
For large group, the resort has also multiple bed villa. This villa suits to a family trips or even barkada getaways.
Typical interiors of villa. Truly defines a homegrown architecture showcasing the use of local materials like bamboos and coconut.
Design wise, I love how the designers (ehem ehem Ramon!) created themes for each spot. Some areas adapted local scenes like the the Rice Terraces of the North as design inspiration. For me that's kinda genius, I must say!
For religious clients, Loreland also has provision for prayers but only for Catholic Devotees.
The site may also be a venue for pilgrimage as they provide stations of the cross along the way to another facilities of the resort complex which is Camptipolo Adventureland.
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Address: Sitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City
Facebook: Loreland Farm Resort
Website: www.loreland.com.ph
E-mail Address: inquiry@loreland.com.ph
Landline: (02) 696-0101 to 03
Mobile Number: 09178532000, 09088734220
Within the property of Loreland Farm Resort is Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa. I believe, this is the gem of the entire facility. Upon entering the spa area, it's like we're transported to a different place in the middle of developing city like Antipolo. A commune-to-nature feels that will surely be felt by its visitors, therefore precious memories will be made. Each edifice was harmoniously constructed altogether with other amenities. A real definition of a hanging garden as we imagined, lying on a cliff with majestic views of the nearby Metro and landscapes of Antipolo; perfectly blends to lush vegetation that was delicately preserved.
Travel bloggers enjoying the infinity pool.
Bali-inspired infinity pool.
Infinity pool as seen from a higher spot. This specific spot is my favorite of all the locations around the spa. Just savor the moment of dipping-swimming in cool waters while staring the provincial views.
Hydro-massage where guests can stay to get a relaxing massage from jet-powered water or just stay for cool dip.
The Fish spa area is an instagram-worthy location in the spa. Have your feet tickled by these friendly little creatures.
Buddha Lounge is among the spot that every visitors must experience when they get in Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa.
One of the spa's cabana where you can glance at the breathtaking views of the rolling terrain of Antipolo. Best time to stay in the area is during sunset, definitely a romantic place for couples.
For our accommodation, we were checked-in at Luljetta's Hanging Garden Suites. The suite that was reserved for us was the fully furnished Senator's Suites. The suite has 2 levels that can cater maximum of 5 person (2 person at the ground and 3 at second level) The above photo is the typical ground floor which Iperfecyly fits for a couple.
Typical second floor which can accommodate maximum of 3 person, just request for another mattress. Both level has A/C unit which works well; beds were comfortable and smells good. There's mini-refrigerator and flat screen TV provided at ground floor; also ample number of bottled water and even a water heater in case you crave fora coffee break. Everything was well prepared-of for a relaxing stay in the spa.
Typical toilet and bath of each unit. Again, the design was manicured by earth-tone colors; were clean and supplied by complimentary toiletries; with all the towels and robes.
They say, when you visit Luljetta's its like you reached Bali in Indonesia. I can't give judgement about that, but base on my firsthand experience, the place is truly unique and a must-go destination in the country. Forget about the cost because what Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa will make you experience is one of kind.
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Address: Sitio Loreland, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City
Facebook: Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa
Website: http://www.bienvenidotours.com/luljettas-hanging-gardens-and-spa.html
Landline: (02) 570-2532, (02) 695-1965
Mobile Number: 09175444432, 09286278897
On the foot of resort complex was, Camp Tipolo Adventureland. This part of the resort complex were created to cater team building activities for companies and corporations.
Just a short trek from Loreland Farm Resort, you can reach the place.
Trekking for at least 20 minutes, I guess, is part of the adventure.
Need not to worry because the trail was well established and more of that, it is safe. I assure you.
Trekking in the middle of forest is part of the preparation of Camp Tipolo to each participants that great activities are ahead of them.
In Camp Tipolo Adventureland, camaraderie and leadership will further develop along with the facilities that the camp has provided, i.e. the Tarzan Jump and monkey bridges.
Although the place were made for quite extreme activities, what I like about it is, it still observed the serenity of the place. Accessories like Nipa huts and an Igorot house created a more homey-countryside vibes.
Part of the activities conducted by the facilitators were cooking our own lunch meals. The meal were prepared by two teams on a "boodle fight" set up.
Everybody has enthusiastically participated. We cooked a course meal of liempo, chicken barbecue, grilled tilapia, a local style salad, salted egg and sliced tomatoes, arranged on banana leaves. It was truly a good way of bonding to all.
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Address: Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City
Facebook: Camp Tipolo Adventureland
Instagram: @camptipolo #capmtipolo
Instagram: @camptipolo #capmtipolo
Website: www.camptipolo.com
Landline: (02) 5734-2517, (02) 586-4764
Mobile Number: 09328667282, 09178676205
Just meters away from Loreland Farm Resort is Callospa Resort. The spa is considered as a 'pioneer of its kind'. It is a Garden Spa in simulated part of Antipolo amidst the rain forest setting and truly an oasis for your exhausted soul. As we enter the compound, like typical to other spa, we were welcomed by a relaxing peppermint scent mixed with rose scent. From that early moment, it was already relaxing.
Lushes of greens surrounds the spa and at its middle is the view of pea-shaped swimming pool.
The staff generously received us with their complimentary signature drinks, the cold sweet lemon grass tea. That was refreshing!
On the sides were the rooms and accommodations. Same with Luljetta's Hanging Garden Spa, Callospa has a Balinese theme for their rooms.
Earth toned color dominates the interior of the spa. Brown and whites beddings accented with batik prints that made it more a Bali ambiance.
Jacuzzi and sauna bath area has tropical feels along with the plant elements and accents like bamboo and drift woods. On walls were stone slates that made it more natural.
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Address: Marigman Road, Colaique, Antipolo City
Address: Marigman Road, Colaique, Antipolo City
Facebook: Callospa Resort
Website: www.callosparesort.com
Landline: (02) 570-1376, (02) 401-4621
Mobile Number: 09178243715, 09178334351
The City Has a Sense of History
As early as time of Dr. Jose Rizal, Antipolo was already part of our country's rich historic past. According to history data. Rizal along with his family, frequently visited the quaint town as his father is a passionate devotee of the City's patron saint. More of that, Antipolo's historical gems has played some crucial roles in the lives of its resident through times, just among these site is the Boso Boso Church.
The church was located in the Barangay named Boso Boso, hence its name. As per historical information, the site was the original place of were Antipolo was before. I believe that's a fact because during the hispanic times, churches were the center of each towns. The structure was built a hundred year ago by the the Franciscan Missionaries.
It used to be a garrison during Japanese occupation and bombed during the war that lead to its major destruction and been ruins for couple of years not until on the 1980's. The edifice have undergone reconstruction and restored fully on year 1995. What we've seen on the current structure is a combined work force of local and national agencies added to that is the great faith of its diocese.
Prior to our media tour, if I'll be asked what I know about Antipolo, what comes in my mind first is the Hinulugang Taktak Falls. Again, it's because of the much popular folk song.
Legend has it during 16th century, a priest has been forced to drop the towns bell in the river to its harsh and unbearably loud sounds when rung during Angelus. Thus, the name "Hinulugang Taktak", which literally means "where the bell was drop".
Currently the park is a fully functional recreational park manage by Antipolo LGU.
Address: Taktak Road, Antipolo City, Rizal
Operating Hours: 6AM to 6PM
The City is a Growing Gastronomic Hub
Antipolo City is very popular for its suman, mangga, kasoy and balimbing (star fruit) which were also mentioned on the song. But more to that traditional food that the city is known for, it is now becoming an eat destination. There are now plenty of restaurants to choose from.
To name one is Casa Nieves Bistro which is located in the new shopping mall built in the city. The restaurant is name after the late grandmother of the owner, Nieves Escobar Rodriguez-Lanuza to whom it originates some of the dishes offered by the said restaurant. On the menu are traditional Filipino dishes with hispanic influences with asian fusion style to adapt other popular international cuisines.
A must try is the paella. This version of seafood paella has a rich taste with all the ingredients they combined along with the citrusy taste enhanced by the lemon. After I tried this cuisine I would say, rice is truly life! No wonder this is the most sought after of all the menus. We had 2 sets of servings, actually.
Sweet and sour pork
Casa Nieves Buffalo Wings
We also had Kare-kare and Chicken Mechado which are also must be on your list of of order when you visit Casa Nieves. Just from the looks of the food, I know every dishes were meticulously prepared and were cooked with so much care to its customers. More of the food, the venue itself is inviting. I like the homey vibes of the place.
Japanese food is non-negotiable to me. It's a sort of bait whenever someone would ask a favor to me and the prize is a bowl of Ramen, then I would easily give in. So when I learned that Japanese food was among the menu we'll try, I was like kid offered with a box of chocolate. And we had some Japanese cuisine in Kampai Sushi Bar, which also own by the owner of Casa Nieves.
We munched some of the Japanese favorites like the Ebi Tempura (shrimp), California Maki, Sushi Platter and the best one for me their Gyoza. Kampai, definitely gave justice of what an authentic Japanese food is, I would say. This gave me a reason to dine in there again when I visit Antipolo one of these days. Totemo Oishi!
Costa Coffee is a new player in coffee service industry in the country. Many players means a good and healthy competition to this industry also to those coffee lovers. What is distinct to this cafe, it brought the British-style coffee in the country.
Feel the British ambiance when you have a coffee break inside Costa Coffee.
We were fortunate to have been shown the actual making of coffee and latte. The fun part was one of us had the chance to do it firsthand while being assisted by one of their barista.
When in Antipolo, one shouldn't miss SuMaKa which stands for Suman, mangga and kasoy dressed with coco jam. The sticky rice cake were fried that made it crunchy on the outside and still moist in the inside. We had this dessert in Luljetta;s Hanging Garden Spa as a complimentary snack during and after stay. Everybody was going loco for it -- we had not one but two more orders. Thank you Ramon for generosity!
After the tour in the city, make sure to drop by in pasalubong center to buy something to bring home. As for my self, I bought suman and kasoy as I planned to make my own version of Sumaka when I get home for my family.
The City is Home to Genuinely Kind and Passionate Residents
If there's one thing that gave so much impact to me during our Tayo Na Sa Antipolo Tour 2017, was our visit in Secret Garden of Doris. I was so much inspired in so many ways by Mrs. Doris, an agriculturist who is the owner of the 1.7 hectare farm. Having her as our personal guide within the farm, she passionately shared her technical know-how about farming that promotes environmental preservation like container farming, pocket vegetable gardening, landscaping and organic farming techniques etc. We had a chance too, to see some of her rare collections of fruit bearing trees/plants like the peanut butter plant. Never, I imagined that there's a type of plant like that. All of us was astonished upon seeing it.
Mrs. Doris and her husband who's an architect too.
We're able to see the actual preparation of blue ternate tea. They generously let us tasted their sumaka, I went after the kasoy, mostly. I ate so much of it.
Mrs. Doris also showed us the amazing traits of blue ternate tea when she squeezed a citrus juice on it. Seconds after, it changed its color from blue to purple. Not just that, the citrus flavor enhanced the taste too. Everyone fell into amazement.
Having had the opportunity to talked to her and been shared of her wisdom, gave me more reason to value our living environment. Her advocacy is each of us must derive and should follow -- that we only have one home to take care for; and if we fail to do so, everything that we sow, we will reap eventually. Nature has it's own wrath. Further, she related that a giant mall mogul tried to acquire the property. With no hesitation they refused the offer. According to her, the amount offered was really huge in which she could buy more properties more than of what they have in SGD. Being on a real estate company for several years, I find the property a prime one -- for that reason, the developers are eager to get it.
Upon hearing those words she uttered, my faith in humanity grows out even more. She's one of a kind. I do really adore her.
Contact Person: Mrs. Doris Lee
Address: 8B Sitio Malanim, Brgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City
Address: 8B Sitio Malanim, Brgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City
Facebook: Secret Garden of Doris
Instagram: @dorisynthesis
Instagram: @dorisynthesis
Landline: (02) 2167126
Mobile Number: 09178201335, 09054462607Ms. Mich Elle Lucas
Ms. Mich Elle Lucas is the owner of the two restaurants we dined in during the first day of our Tayo na Sa Antipolo Tour 2017 -- Casa Nieves and Kampai Sushi Bar. We got a chance to talked with her and knew few bakcground about her. In that very short conversation, she related how much she was so dedicated to boost the city's both tourism and economic potential by creating businesses in the city. More than money she's making, is the job she provides to the people of the city, she related. From that words of her, I admire her instantly. She's more than just a pretty face, but a genuinely empathetic woman.
Ramon Marinas
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| Ramon at the center. Photo credit to owner |
I run out of words to say about this incredibly awesome man. Just a great gratitude for showing us Antipolo City on our hind sight; for being warm and truly dedicated person to his craft and all the things he does. You're an inspiration! Maraming Salamat!
Tayo Na Sa Antipolo Tour 2017 happened last July 22-24. Special tanks to Bienvienido Tours for making this event so memorable and perspective changing. To Ramon who is the managing director, for being hands on and very accommodating in the entire events and to his team. To Filmico, the 3-man team who documented the whole span of the trip. And lastly, to the group of bloggers I got chance to be with. This event is truly one for the book. Until next time!
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| Meet the bloggers. Photo credit to owner |
For more info, you may contact the details below.
Contact Person: Mr. Ramon Marinas
Address: Loreland Farm Resort, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo Ctiy
Contact Person: Mr. Ramon Marinas
Address: Loreland Farm Resort, Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo Ctiy
Website: www.bienvenidotours.com
Landline: (02) 570-2532, (02) 695-1965
Mobile Number: 09175444432, 09286278897
I wished we have given more days to just relax and sleep, and eat and sleep! Iba talaga pag near sa nature.
ReplyDeleteYes Pau. I know Antipolo still has so much to show. Bitin nga talaga. 😁😁😁
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