| Casa
San Pablo is a good take-off point for what is getting to
be San Pablo’s popular art and culture tour—or
more collectively known as Viajes del Sol—which is a
brainchild of designer Patis Tesoro and includes 16 establishments
in Laguna and Quezon. Among Viaje Del Sol’s members
include Patis Tesoro’s Cusina Salud, Pillar’s
Plants and Novelties, brass sculptor Carlitos Ortega’s
workshop, Collette’s bakeshop, Patio Verde, Soriano
Fiber, Hacienda Escudero, and pottery artist Ugu Bigyan’s
cafe and studio, and Kinabuhayan Café to name a few.
Viaje del Sol is an itinerary suggestion for those who would
like to explore our area. It is not a packaged tour. At Casa
San Pablo, we can assist you in scheduling your trip to the
different destinations.
We can help arrange the itinerary for you. However, we do
not provide transportation or tour guides. Please note that
the rates quoted below are subject to change without prior
notice.
DOWNLOAD VIAJE DEL SOL MAP
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CASA SAN
PABLO
San Pablo City
Casa San Pablo is
a country inn surrounded by Baguio-like pine trees and
sprawling lawns. Avid art collector and hobby enthusiast
Boots Alcantara and his wife An Mercado-Alcantara, writer
and magazine editor, are the innkeepers. The inn reflects
their pursuit of contemporary and eclectic junk-turned-art
and literary collections.
Activities:
Stay overnight or come for lunch. They accommodate workshops
and seminars for groups of up to 100 people.
Directions: From Manila, after the San Pablo
border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. You will see
a Caltex station to the left, right before a fork in
the highway. The right side of the fork heads straight
to Lucena, the left leads to San Pablo city. Take the
left road, this is Colago Ave. Watch for the Community
Hospital on your left. Shortly after the hospital, to
the right, is Kay Inay Resort. Turn into the resort
gate, Casa San Pablo is inside.
For Reservations: Prior reservations must be
made. Please call 0917-8126687 or visit www.casasanpablo.com |
SAN
PABLO-TIAONG DESTINATIONS:
CARLITO’S WORKSHOP
San Pablo City
Carlito Ortega is a sculptor who works in welded
steel and brass, as well as with old hard wood. He creates
figurative works in both intimate and monumental scale inspired
by Philippine folk art and lore. Come and visit his artist
workshop and garden.
Activities: Watch the artist at work, relax
in his workshop and sip his unique blend of rice coffee.
Directions: Coming from Manila, after the
San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. Watch for
the kilometer marker 88 on the right side of the road. Turn
right on the road a few hundred meters after the marker. This
road leads to Barrio Sta. Ana. Follow this road for 1.4 kilometers
and you will see a gate to your right with the sign Carlito’s.
Rates: Entrance fee is P150.00 per head.
For Reservations: The workshop is open on
Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 5 PM. For weekday visits,
please give advance notice.
Contact Information: Call Carlito at (0919)
8377755 or (049) 5620351
EARTHKEEPER’S GARDEN AND RESTAURANT
Tiaong, Quezon
Having started as a commercial garden, selling
houseplants and landscaping materials, Earthkeepers now has
a restaurant which serves organically grown products cooked
in the traditional Quezon way. While dining, you can enjoy
a good view of the garden’s various tropical and native
plants. In support of the communities around Mount Banahaw,
Earthkeepers also sells native products by aspiring local
artists.
Activities: You may come over breakfast,
lunch or snacks. You may also look at and buy plants, as well
as native products.
Directions: From San Pablo City, follow Maharlika
Highway to Tiaong. Proceed until Km 101, Barangay Talisay,
Tiaong, Quezon. It is on the left side.
For Reservations: Earthkeeper is open from
6 AM to 6 PM. Call Tere at (042) 5457112.
KINABUHAYAN CAFE BED AND BREAKFAST
Dolores, Quezon
In the historic town of Dolores, Quezon, is
Kinabuhayan Café and Bed and Breakfast. Inspired by
the majestic Mount Banahaw, the rustic, homey accommodations
and personal service are complemented with a mélange
of Asian and European cuisine.
Activities: Stay overnight or come for lunch
or dinner. Kinabuhayan Café is a jump off point for
trekkers of Mount Banahaw. Picnic lunches can be arranged
at Kubli Springs. They offer massage services. And sometimes,
they also hold community theater performances.
Directions: From Manila, after the San Pablo
border, stay on the Highway up to Km 86 where you will see
the Meralco Compound to your right. Shortly after Meralco,
turn left on the road leading to Dolores. Go passed Bato Springs
and turn left after the gas station. Stay on this road until
you reach Bejarme St. Turn left, after a few meters, Kinabuhayan
Café will be to your right.
Rates: P500 per meal per person.
Reservations: Call Winston at 0917-3271106
or call Jay at 0917-3680054 or 042-5656828. Visit www.klar.us/kinabuhayan_cafe
 KUSINA
SALUD (Kusina Salud is temporarily closed to visitors)
San Pablo, Laguna
Patis Tesoro, renowned fashion designer and
advocate of indigenous fabrics, has thrown open the doors
of her enchanting country home. Chef Paul Poblador, formerly
of Salud! Bistro in Baguio City (nominated one of the best
restaurants in the country by Tatler magazine) creates a memorable
menu of favorite Filipino dishes with a contemporary twist.
Activities: We offer find dining services
set in a verdant environment. We accept bookings for private
parties and corporate gatherings.Visit the garden and mini
aviary (accredited by the Feathered Friends Foundation and
the DENR). Look at the latest art exhibits at Galleria Esperanza.
Directions: From Manila, after the San Pablo
border, stay on the Maharlika Highway. Follow the signs to
Kusina Salud along the Maharlika Highway.
Rates: Lunch buffet every Sunday for P400++/adult
and P250++/child. Yaya and driver meals at P70++/head.
For reservations: Please text Jerome at (0921) 7726985 or
call (02) 699-5035 or (049) 246-6878. Open everyday for lunch
from 11 am to 3 pm and for dinner from 5:30 pm to 9 pm. Reservations
are recommended so we can serve you better. Visa and Mastercard
are accepted.
SAMPALOK AND PANDIN LAKES
San Pablo City
Visit two of San Pablo’s seven lakes—Sampalok
and Pandin, the two most picturesque lakes. Sampalok Lake
is the largest among San Pablo’s seven crater lakes.
There are now 16 lovely parks along the shore all created
by private groups. All the parks look out to the lake and
the majesty of Mount Cristobal.
Pandin Lake is San Pablo’s best-kept little secret.
Away from the main highway, this beautiful 20-hectare lake
has retained much of its natural beauty.
Activities: At Sampalok Lake: Environmentalist
Mandy Marino welcomes visitors to his veranda overlooking
the lake. He tells the story of the lake and its rebirth.
Visitors are then taken for a half-hour walk to view the parks
and the mansions along the lake’s “magnificent
kilometer.” At Pandin Lake: You can take a 20-minute
guided hike along a winding footpath leading to the serene
lake. A ride on a bamboo raft and fresh buko juice are provided.
Rates:
For Sampalok Lake Tour: P100 per person.
For Pandin Lake Tour: P180 per person.
Reservations: Prior arrangements necessary.
Contact information: Call Mandy Mariño
at 0917-5016694.
SITIO DE AMOR, FARM/RESORT
Sitio de Amor is a 4.5 hectare orchard nestled
between Mt San Cristobal and Mt Banahaw, traversed by the
Balanga River feeding a huge lagoon meant to entice the visitor
for a cool dip or simply be soothed by of the water's murmuring
sound. Landscaping is an interplay of solid rocks and luxurious
greenery expertly done by Igorots, the architects of our famous
Ifugao terraces. In August, during the Rambutan Festival,
visitors can pick and eat rambutan free and buy more to take
home.
Activities: Visit for a quiet time--reading
in a hammock, unhurried walks or jogging around. Also available
for garden weddings, anniversaries and reunions, corporate
planning, team building, educational field trips, camping
Rates: Day tour with lunch is P600/person
Directions: Take Maharlika Highway from South
Superhiway heading towards Lucena. We are on your left side,
7 kilometers after San Pablo City proper and 3 kilometers
before Villa Escudero. Turn left at the signage, its about
600 meters in. We are about 1.5 hours from Manila.
For reservations: Prior reservation required.
Call tel no: (02) 552-7340 or cell No: 0918-927-4346.
Email: sitiodeamor@yahoo.com
 UGU
BIGYAN: POTTER’S GARDEN
Tiaong, Quezon
For potter Ugu Bigyan, home has always been
in Tiaong, Quezon. His artist’s workshop is a cluster
of quaint huts, connected by brick paths, and surrounded by
a lush garden. Ugu’s works are on display and are for
sale. Lunch is served at his garden. Meals are served on his
beautiful ceramic plates and bowls.
Activities: View his pottery and buy bowls,
plates, chimes, even jewelry. Take pottery lessons.
Directions: From Manila, head towards Tiaong,
Quezon. Drive past the Tiaong Public Market and watch for
the Tiaong Elementary School. Five minutes from the school,
watch for a sign pointing to Lusacan National Highschool,
to your left. Turn left on the road near the sign. Follow
the road and turn left on Alvarez Village. The house is the
red clay house to your left.
Reservations: Reservations for lunch must
be made with a minimum of five persons. Telefax (042) 5459144.
 VILLA
ESCUDERO
Tiaong, Quezon
Villa Escudero has preserved the lifestyle and
culture of turn of the century hacienda living. See the grand
mansion of the Escudero family, the nipa cottages perched
around the Labasin Lake, and the amazing collection of Philippine
history and culture kept in their family museum.
Dining at Villa Escudero is unforgettable. Lunch is served
by the waterfalls of the old hydro-electric plant. Guests
enjoy their meal while their feet are soak in running water
from the falls. This is pampering the haciendero way.
Activities: Villa Escudero has several fresh
water swimming pools and a lake for rafting. There are cultural
shows on weekends. It also has facilities for workshops and
conferences. They also accommodate wedding receptions and
parties.
Directions: Coming from Manila, after the
San Pablo border, stay on the Maharlika Highway until you
reach the boundary of San Pablo and Tiaong, Quezon. The entrance
to the resort is on the left right after the welcome arch
to Tiaong, Quezon.
Rates: Overnight stay is P3000 per head.
Day visit is P800 per head with free lunch at the waterfalls.
Museum visits are free for day guests.
For Reservations: Call (02) 521-0830.
LIPA,
BATANGAS DESTINATIONS:
CASARAP
Batangas
Run by Sr. Emma Alday and Mrs. Sonia Alampay, CasaRap is a
greenhouse café, art gallery, and organic garden. Casa
means house and RAP stands for Restaurant and Alternative
Products. “Kasarap” is a Batangueño expression
meaning very delicious.
They serve Batangueno comfort food.
Activities: Dine and relax in the garden
and visit Sr. Emma’s workshop, where she recycles “junk”
into furniture or home accents.
Directions: From Manila take the Star Toll
to Lipa. Take Tambo Exit to Batangas City. CasaRap is just
20 minutes away from Wan Fernando Airbase.
Rates: There are 5 sets of menus (bottomless
rice and pandan iced tea included), for P300 each. Rice toppings
are P85 to P100.
For Reservations: Open daily, 7 am to 5 pm.
For dinners, big groups and private functions, advance notice
is requested.
Contact Information: Call Emma at (043) 726-2873
or (0916)2126685
First Asia Institute
of Technology and Humanities
Tanuan, Batangas
Visit a world-class school campus right at the
heart of Tanaun, Batangas. The First Asia Institute of Technology
and Humanities is a five-hectare campus with fully air-conditioned
classrooms used for all levels of education. It also houses
complementary facilities for sports, extra-curricular activities
and school functions.
Activities: Visit the school just to relax
and see its different gardens. Hold seminars, conferences
and sports events. It also offers special courses on art,
sports (Chess and Basketball), computer, and Robotics.
Directions: Take the SLEX and exit at Turbina.
Go straight to JP Laurel Highway, passing the towns of Makiling,
Sto. Tomas and Tanauan City. The school is just along the
highway going to Lipa.
For Reservations: Please call the Office
of Planning and Development at (043) 405 2326 or e-mail inquiries@firstasia.edu.ph.
As an educational institution, First Asia Institute gives
priority to activities that promote education, culture, business
development and those that promote the Calabarzon region.
PANSOL-LOS
BANOS DESTINATIONS:
HERBANA FARMS
Calamba City, Laguna
Herbana Farms is an agroecological sanctuary
that makes its own organic fertilizer by using beneficial
microbes. They have farm tours and offer the experience of
living in their unique Mud/Cob Houses, the only one of its
kind in the Philippines. Gil Carandang, the man behind all
these is in the forefront of Organic Advocacy.
Activities: We accept apprenticeship, internship
and farm volunteers. We can accommodate 30 people in our dormitory
type quarters, or bed-in in one of our Mud/Cob houses. We
sell Organic Fertilizers, soil composts and specialty vegetables.
Visit our website www.herbanafarms.com.
Directions: Take the second exit after Calamba
tollway, Batino/CPIP, and follow the sign to Tagaytay Highlands.
Reaching km 59 to the left is a waiting shed and farm sign,
Herbana Farms. Enter the access road.
For Reservations: Herbana Farms is open 24/7.
Call Monina Carandang at 0920-5445439 and RT Gonzales at 09183527511.
 THE
FOREST CLUB
Bgy. Masaya, Bay, Laguna
The Forest Club is an eco-friendly conference
center amidst a nature sanctuary in Bay, Laguna. It strives
to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact
way of life by integrating various aspects of ecological design,
permaculture, ecological building, alternative energy, and
much more. We are built amidst a forest sanctuary that is
home to a collection of tropical forest trees, exotic palms,
and medicinal trees and plants.
Activities: Bird watch, swim in the hot spring
pool with jacuzzi, tennis and basketball, walk around the
estate and take a panoramic view of Banahaw from the lotus
lagoon.
Directions: At the end of SLEX, left towards
Calamba crossing. At Calamba crossing, right towards Los Banos.
Keep following the main highway, passed the UPLB junction.
Turn right on the road leading to the Geothermal Plant. The
Forest Club will be to your left, at the border of Barangay
Puypuy and Barangay Masaya.
For Reservations: Laguna Office: Call Ruben
Layug at (649) 249 49 85, Fax (649) 249 49 84, Mobile 0917
460 81 85. Manila Office: Call MAIEN CLARINO at (632) 911
35 71, Fax (632) 911 27 89, Mobile 0917 825 89 58. You may
visit our website at www.the-forest-club.com.
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