Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort : An Honest Review

A few days before our early summer family trip, I started searching online for a beach resort in Laiya, Batangas. One of my criteria is that it should have a nice pool and should be beach-front property.

We ended at Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort.

About Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort

Situated at Laiya Ibabao, San Juan, Batangas, Estrella de Mendoza Playa Resort is a Mediterranean-inspired resort sitting on Laiya Beach. 

The Entrance Gate

 Price Points

We booked the premier room (39 sqm) for 2 adults and 2 Kids (below 12 yo) for 6,800, but we ended up paying an additional of 1,000 since my 15-year-old daughter is considered an adult already. It comes with a free buffet breakfast for 4 and the use of amenities including the pool and the beach.

I think that the rate of 7,800 per night for a family of 4 is too much if we consider the room and the buffet breakfast only.  It is a little expensive for me since the room is not that well-maintained. I can find a lot better 5-star business hotel in Manila for a price of 7,800.

The Facade

Rooms / Accommodation

Pros

-  Has a veranda facing the pool and the beach which we love. 

-  Spacious room

-  Good parking space

The view from our room

Cons

- Aircon too noisy in Room 309 (wahhhh!!! hirap matulog). They should replace it with a new unit immediately. I am not sure with the other rooms if ganun din. 

- The rooms are quite old and not well-maintained

-  Yes they have TV inside the room but you cannot use it. (pang props lang ata!)

- No wifi inside the room

The Beach

- We love the beach. We love it during high tide and low tide. I find it nice that I was able to walk about 300 to 400 meters first just to be able to swim during low tide. :-)

- Clean beachfront

- Kayak, Banana Boat, Jetski, Boat ride are available

- kid-friendly beach

High Tide

Low Tide

The Pool

Pros

- nice blue infinity pool

Cons

- sharp pool flooring. 

The Restaurant

The buffet breakfast includes standard Filipino breakfast such as bread, eggs, tinapa, corned beef, chicken adobo, sopas and congee. The breakfast comes with an unli coffee as well.

The food is so-so and nothing to rave about.

You can also order snacks and have it delivered in the poolside and beach area. 

We had our PM snacks delivered here.

Estrella de Mendoza Playa Resort is ideal for families, especially those with young kids. During our stay, we saw toddlers playing at the beach (during low tide of course!) and they were really having lots of fun playing and wading in the water.

More photos

 How To Get There

1. The best way to the resort is to drive via SLEX which connects to Star Tollway. This will cut your usual travel time by approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by skipping the traffic in San Jose, Turbina Highway. This will be approximately 132 km from Magallanes to resort itself, and will take you about 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

2. Take SLEX all the way to where it connects with Star Tollway.  

3. After exiting, veer to your left for a 2.5 kms drive to reach an intersection with sign pointing to Rosario, then turn left at this intersection, while on this road, you will notice the municipal hall of Ibaan on your right, while the church will be on your left. After passing the church, you will reach a forked road. Turn right at the road sign poining to the town of San Juan. This will be an 8km drive on this road going to Rosario town proper.

4. At the town proper of Rosario, you will notice a Jollibee outlet. Drive past it and the road will lead you all the way to San Juan town proper which is approximately 23 kms away.

5. At San Juan town proper, you will notice a Dunkin Donut sign in your right and proceed straight  until you reach the Municipal Hall of San Juan. There is a road immediately to your right. Turn to it because this is now the main road to Laiya. This is a concrete road of about 20 or so kilometers going to Estrellas de Mendoza Playa Resort.

6. When in doubt, use waze :-)

It's the Climb : Mt. Maculot Traverse (Grotto, Summit, Rockies) for Newbies

20 January 2018 - Hubby and I started our 2018 with a bang. Instead of going to Baguio or chilling in Tagaytay, we started our 2018 with a hike.

ABOUT MT. MACULOT

Name: Mt. Maculot or Mt. Macolod
Location: Cuenca, Batangas
Height: Grotto (510 MASL) Summit (930 MASL) Rockies (706 MASL)
Trail Class: 1-3
Guide: Mandatory/Required

THE CLIMB

The climb kicked off at 6am going to the Grotto and is definitely harder than I thought. All the while, I was expecting that this climb is ideal for first-time climbers with a difficulty level of 2/9. I am not a newbie but I am not a hardcore either. All I just was is to enjoy this climb, meet new friends and more importantly, to get that IG worthy photos at the Rockies.

I really don't have any idea that the traverse part of the mountain has a difficulty level of 4/9.

Mt. Maculot is considered to be a minor climb but for first-timers, I suggest to start with a 2/9 trail difficulty level especially if you are not prepared and physically fit. Or you may opt just to the climb the Rockies and not do the traverse.

E paano na pag mag-tra-traverse pala kayo ng grupo?

ASSAULT, ASSAULT AND MORE ASSAULT

  

Going to the Grotto will test your endurance. With barely no sleep and no breakfast at 6am, san ako pupulitin ngayon? Just during the first assault, I started to felt dizzy but thanked God I still managed to continue. So I pretend to pray every Station of the Cross just to take a quick rest while the younger ones continued with the hike as if they were just walking at the mall. 

We had our breakfast at the store near the Grotto and finally, I was able to recuperate.

Our guide mentioned that the hardest part is the trail going to Grotto compared to the trail going to the Summit. Maybe I need to ask him his definition of hard and easy or we may not be on the same page. I still managed to get a lot of photos during the assaults going to the Summit, so I guess he was right.

Finally arrived at the Summit at 11am. We took some photos, ate lunch and rest while enjoying the beauty of Taal in the background.

Hubby and I were happy to find new friends who are fun to be with. Dami kong tawa, mga tatlo! :-)

Photo Credit: Jethro Salamo of www.jethrosalamo.wordpress.com

TO THE ROCKIES

For me, the trail going down the Rockies was the hardest part. I am glad that my little knowledge of rappelling and wall rock climbing came in handy.

Photo Credit: Jethro Salamo of www.jethrosalamo.wordpress.com

I am really excited about the Rockies. Ang totoo nyan, sa Rockies ko lang gustong magpunta. I am really looking forward to that one photo at the Rockies.

And finally, with determination, this hike ticked off the bucket list.

Presenting.... my buwis buhay shots at the Rockies.....

Despite being the eldest in this group composed of young professionals in their mid 20s, I still managed to catch up with them and victoriously finished this Level 4 of 9 hike without any harm.

Only 3 out of 13 had the courage to have this buwis buhay shot and that includes yours truly, while the others were trembling by just watching us posing for the cam.

Nakakatakot naman talaga, lalo na paglumalakas ang hangin. One wrong move and you're dead. Pero buo ang loob ko doing this. Di ko din alam bakit di ako natakot, slight lang.

Ako si JLo a-tapang a-tao!!!

Check out our video highlights of our Mt. Maculot hike.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery : The Only Underground Cemetery in the Philippines

“It’s creepy. It’s eerie. And why would I like my photos taken underground with the dead? Pang- IG ba?”, my daughter asked me.

“Then let’s see”, I said.

My daughters stayed inside the car while hubby and I together with some friends crossed the street from the gasoline station where we parked. “Ayaw talaga!”

Greeted us is the baroque arched gate and stoned walls embellished with iron grills. There’s this “Intramuros  feels” in it and I said this is a good spot where I can I have my photos taken. “Finally, mapapalitan na ang Cover Photo!”

It’s 9 am and there was no other tourist except us. Somebody approached us, which I believed from the tourism office because he acts as our tour guide and lead us inside the church which is a chamber.

After death.

A photo gallery entitled “Recuerdos de Patay” is strategically located inside the church. Reading at the information about the “Recuerdos de Patay”, it says that the photos are a good source on reconstructing the people’s mental template on death and afterlife. The photos show not only the culture’s valuing of afterlife (ie. kabilang buhay), but also the deep perception by Filipino about life as whole.

Napaisip ako dun.

Underworld.

Domed ceiling, bricks, adobe and river stoned walls in complex patterns can be seen inside the chamber. And yes, from the stairs going down the chamber made me chill a bit.  I feel like I am a character from a movie about underworld, occult, and exorcism. My husband has been telling me, “mabigat ano? na-feel mo yun?”

I guess he was referring to that creepy feeling. It was dark, and the thought of being inside a cemetery with the remains of dead people in the 18^th century is something not fun, but scary. “Pinoy eh!”

After a test shot from my mobile phone, the lighting is just perfect. “Picture-an na!”

Not your ordinary cemetery.

Dubbed as the only underground cemetery in the country, the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery or the Libingan sa Ilalim ng Lupa ng Nagcarlan is a national historical landmark and museum in Brgy. Bambang, Nagcarlan Laguna supervised by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Built in 1845 and was established as a public burial site. But despite of its being a public cemetery, its underground crypt is exclusively for Spanish friars and elite Catholic family during that time.

There are no entrance fees to pay. The Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery is open on Tuesdays to Sundays 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Pwede bang magpicture? Yes. You may take photos but these should be for your personal use only. No flash photography allowed.

  

The Breath-Taking Highlands of Bukidnon

If you are traveling from Cagayan de Oro to Davao or vice versa via Bukidnon-Davao route, you couldn’t ignore this area along the highway.

Located at Davao - Buda National Highway, Quezon, Bukidnon, the Overview Nature and Culture Park is worth your time to stop over, take a rest after long hours of driving and enjoy the breath-taking view of the mountain ranges of Bukidnon.

Walk a few more steps and you can see statues of indigenous people which show their way of life.

The main attraction of this park is the view of the mountain ranges, beautiful rolling hills, and plains of Bukidnon. How can you not be mesmerized by its grandeur?

Go down further in order to see the long and winding road. Seeing the 360 degrees view of the horizon while feeling that gentle and fresh Bukidnon breeze is indeed another validation that the Philippines is truly blessed. I am in awe. "Nakakawala ng pagod!"

About The Overview Nature and Culture Park

The Overview Nature and Culture Park is a public park maintained by the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH). No entrance fee, free cottages. What else can you ask for?

How to Get There (via Public transport)

From Cagayan de Oro, take a bus bound for Davao City. The park is along the highway so you can see it right away as you're approaching from either point. Or simply tell the driver or conductor to drop you off at Overview Park in Quezon, Bukidnon.

More Photos from our trip

Cintai Corito's Garden : A Balinese-Inspired Haven in Batangas

If budget is a problem for you to be able to tick - off that "Vacation in Indonesia" on your bucket list, then wait no more. You don't need to go to Indonesia to experience Bali, all you need to do is visit Cintai Corito's Garden in Brgy Balete, Batangas.

Cintai (pronounced as "Chin-Tai") is a two-hour drive away from Manila. It is a perfect way to unwind, relax and meditate. Feel revitalized instantly as you walk into the manicured and lush garden of Cintai.

Lifestyle in the city is adding stress in our lives which may weaken our health and well-being. Traffic, pollution and "crime" makes you just wanted to disappear and transport to another world. And that is the reason why husband and I took a day off from the city and head to this vast garden in Batangas.

We were really amazed on the tranquility of the place and how it is a perfect backdrop in your next Facebook cover page. Yes, nag-photoshoot kami!

Bali is known as Island of the Gods that is why statues of different Gods can be seen around the garden. 

We had our buffet lunch at the Tresna Pavilion which is one of the three pavilions in the garden. It can accommodate 180-200 guests and is a perfect venue for corporate events and social functions. During our visit we had Sinigang na Baboy, Fried Lumpia, Ginataang Sitaw and Kalabasa with Shrimps, Bangus Belly, Beef Stroganoff, Roast Porkloin, Grilled Chicken, and fruits in season and assorted kakanin for dessert. The food was great and we are giving it a 4-star rating. 

There is no entrance fee as long as you will avail the Weekend Lunch Buffet package for 600 pesos. You can avail the Weekend Lunch Buffet every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm with access to all pictorial sites.

Day Trip in Paradise 
with welcome drinks, set lunch, PM snacks, use of open cottage and access to all facilities 
Adults : Php 1,850 
Kids 4 to 12 years old : Php 880 

Family Fun Time
overnight stay in a Terrace Villa with welcome drinks, dinner and breakfast (good for 4 persons)
Sun-Thurs : Php 10,000
Fri-Sat & Holidays Php 11,550

Cintai Corito's Garden offers eighteen Luxury villas with Bali-inspired designs and elegantly-carved accents where guests can relax and be energized. The accommodations are furnished with air-conditioning, a mini bar, bathroom, and terrace while select lodgings have jacuzzi and pocket garden.

Getting there

You can book the Bali-Inspired Batangas Day Tour at your trusted travel and tour agencies like RedMark Travel and Tours. The tour also includes side-trip to Marian Orchard, Shercon Resort, and Honey Bee Farm.

If driving, follow the directions below:
From Manila, take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Alabang-Calamba-Sto Tomas Expressway (ACTEX) until it connects to STAR Tollway. Drive 17 kms to Balete Exit. From the toll gate, turn right to Gen. Leviste Highway. Drive approximately 4 kms until you see Cintai Corito's Garden on the left.

So if you are still dreaming of Bali but can't affor it yet, then visit Cintai Corito's Garden.

For more information, visit their official website at www.coritosgarden.com 

Thank you for reading this far.

- JLo

Marian Orchard : A Secret Garden that will Inspire A Renewal of Faith

I really don't have plans of going out this long weekend, but friends and families keeps on asking me where will I be this long weekend. They have been texting me "San kayo?", San destinasyon nyo? Hindi ba kayo lalabas?" Bilang isang taong marupok at nagpapadala sa aking emosyon, ako ay nagpadala sa kanilang hamon. Talking about peer pressure huh!. :-)

So my husband and I took advantage of this long weekend and plan for this Batangas road tour just few days before the trip. We just wanted a day tour so I can still work on with my business the next day and help the kids with their upcoming Quarter Exams.

Our first stop is Marian Orchard which is located in Barangay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas. It is a Catholic-themed park built on a 5-hectare land surrounded with trees and plants of various kinds. You can also see different colorful flowers and fruit bearing trees surrounding the garden which makes it ideal for meditation. Sometimes all you have to do is to commune with nature, pray and meditate during those moments in our lives when we feel empty.

Mary Mediatrix of All Graces Prayer Hall

The mission of the Marian Orchard is to serve as a spiritual oasis that will promote Catholic religion through the propagation of Marian devotion and other religious activities that will inspire a renewal of faith. This is evident in the rows of statues of saints in the Promenade leading to the Mary Mediatrix of All Graces Prayer Hall.

Twin Hearts Promenade

One of the main feature of the park is the Sacred Heart Tower which reminds of the Christ the Redeemer in Rio, Brazil. They say that if you climb the tower, you can see a view of the Taal Volcano. We head to the lush garden instead of climbing the tower.

Sacred Heart Tower

One of the main garden is the Via Crucis Garden. Via Crucis, also known as the Station of the Cross or the Way of the Cross refers to a series of 14 images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. 

Meditation Garden

I would like to end this post with the Traveler's Prayer written at the  back of the ticket.

Almighty God, may the angels of heaven guide and 

protect us from our setting out until our return.

Clothe us with your cloak of protection to keep us from

all danger of collision, fire, explosion, of fall and bruises.

Preserve us from all evil, especially form sin, 

to guide us to our heavenly home. 

We ask through Jesus Christ,

our Lord. Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________

Operating Hours 
Barangay Malabanan, Balete, Batangas

www.marian-orchard.ph

For inquiries - 09156042566

Entrance fee : 50 pesos
Opening Hours : Tuesday - Sunday 7 am to 7pm
Gate closes at 5pm

Mass Schedule (Sacred Heart Chapel) - 4:30 to 5:30 pm every Sunday and 1st Friday of the month

Sacred Heart Chapel

How to Get There

Drive through South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and on to Batangas Star Tollway. At the Star Toll way, take Lipa-Tambo Exit, turn right and follow the road (JP Laurel Highway) going to Lipa/Tanauan then turn left at Lipa-Balete road. Marian Orchard is around 10 to 15 minutes drive from junction.

___________________________________________________________________________

Book your Bali-Inspired Day Tour in Batangas with RedMark Travel and Tours 
Joiners Fee : 1,700
Reservation : 700 pesos per head, balance on day of travel

• with FREE Buffet Lunch at Cintai Corito's Garden Resort

Places to Visit :

• Marian Orchard
• Cintai Corito's Garden Resort
• Honey Bee Farm
• Shercon Resort
• DreamLand Arts and Crafts Cafe or Hugot Cafe

Package Inclusions :

• Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila-Batangas-Manila)
• Entrance Fees
• Buffet Lunch
• Cottage/Pavilion
• Drivers' Meal/Toll/Gas

Exclusions :

• Foods at Dremland Cafe or Hugot Cafe (own account)
• Any incidentals not included above

Red Mark Travel and Tours
Contact Details : 0917-8092571
Email Address : redmarktravelandtours@gmail.com