Travel and Fun under the Sun: Summer Getaway at Palauig Zambales, Magalawa Island

Heat is getting deep into my bones and we've been working overload this season, so how do I save a lame summer? Beat my weekend and go on a trip with family and friends!

We decided to spend summer vacation somewhere north and we ended to an Island recommended by a travel geek, Magalawa Island in Palauig, Zambales. Travelling by a private vehicle, normally it's a 4 hours drive however we are not familiar on which roads to take. Guided by google map, it took our successful arrival for 6 long hours.

We've been fetched by a motor boat and we reached the Island for 20 minutes from the market port of Oslet. White sandy beach was waving from afar.

Noticed these sea plants, it was infront of Ruiz Resort. According to the care taker Mang Mulo, it was an advisory from DENR that plants should be maintained to preserve well balanced eco system.

The Island has 2 owners, and up to now the claim is still on hearing. We decided to stay in Ruiz Resort Magalawa Island because it was more affordable and considerate.

We availed their package 1, 400 php per head including the boat transfer, entance fee, accomodation, snorkeling and food; from lunch on the first day to lunch on the second day. its a deal worth closing.
Electric usage starts at 6pm to 6am. Nipa hut are known for its cooling effect, it freshens up the ambiance even in so much heat that is why energy issues are not a problem at all.

Other rates:

pitching tent: 100php
renting tent: 300php
entrance: 100php


We go snorkeling on the our first day.

Giant clams were 10ft below us

Exhausted from the days activity we decided to head back to the island and rest. There were sand flies mostly during late afternoon until morning so make sure to bring insect repellent lotion.

I woke up and surprisingly our breakfast were all set. Superb food and service as well.

We go exploring the beach stretch, passing these mangroves to the other side of the island, the Armada Resort.

The sand is not as fine as other white beach and slippers should be worn when taking a walk.

Strong current are being observed in this side of the island. There was a precaution and be sure to take this seriously.

Starfish everywhere, there were blue, red, and gray in color.

There's this dog too, her name is Amaya. She usually greets guest pleasantly by waving his tail and playing with them. 

How to get to Magalawa Island
by Private Vehicle
Take NLEX - SCTEX
Take Subic Bay Freeport to national rd
Follow Iba signs, head north towards Palauig Junction1
Then keep right towards Banlog Triangle Junction2
From Banlog Triangle keep right and then head north to Pangolingan bypassing mt. tapulao signage, Zameco Electric Cooperative and crossing Brgy Salaza bridge.

Brgy Salaza road going up to Barangay Pangolingan

After the Salaza Bridge you will see at the right side of the road the "Welcome to Pangolingan" signage. Slow down while going up to this road ang look for the rough road with waiting shed and tricycle todas at the left side. Turn left and take the veritas road going to Luan (approx 15-20mins)

DROPOFF POINT: BRGY. PANGOLINGAN, PALAUIG KANTO RADYO VERITAS ROUGH ROAD

by PUV
from manila, ride a Sta Cruz Zambales bound bus Victory Liner Terminal

Drop off point is Brgy. Pangolingan, Palauig (cor Radio Veritas Road).

Take a tricycle going to Oslet Armada Fishdealer Compound in Brgy Luan. Tricycle fare is 75/head.

Contact Mang Mulo for directions 09294670505

Passing by Hacienda Isabella

Why does old stuff gets to have so much attention? Is it because of its valued existence? or its the quality and durability of those things that fascinates people? It freaks me out to see old wooden chairs or old royal chest..it looks creepy and reminds me of the golden age (people that used to be around and uses those old stuff). These are my thoughts while I am browsing a web page of a private resort in Cavite. The site looks really old, looks quiet but when i was examining the photos, it doesn't gave me goose bumps at all. There is something in this place that tickles my interest.


If not with the persuasion of my curious self I would turn my back and go home. The place is not finder-friendly, it is located far inside Indang, Cavite. The resorts name is Hacienda Isabella owned by a famous filipino artist Ms. Kuh Ledesma. The 4.5 hectares resort was named after her only heiress.

The place was inspired by geriatric times, where Filipinos owned so much land than material things.

Awed by this entrance, I found my self wanting to get inside the house as fast as I can.

The interior was so makabayan. There were plenty of old artworks & antique furniture. Everything was made by local artists, no foreign hand has ever touched the designs within. It was all Pinoy talent contribution, as they say.

Everywhere I look, makes a wistful memory. I wanted to time travel. See how its like to live thousands of years. Old thick long dress and all, makes me feel vintage.. :)

The resort has also function room to cater events.

Said to be paintings of Ms. Kuh Ledesma her self, only shows that Filipinos are multi-talented.

Now they have 53 guest rooms and a swimming pool in front of the new building.

It has been featured in some TV series and films. I my self recognized the place as Vice Ganda's home in his movie Petrang Kabayo

Booking for an event can be made thru phone calls or via email. They don't entertain walk-in guest. You may reach them thru this info:

Address: No.8 CarasuchiSst. Brgy CarasuchiIindang Cavite
Tel nos: 6252453, 5310688
Mobileno.  09178139065
Email Add: verymalo@yahoo.com

This somewhat walk from the past journey of mine made me realized the answer to my question a while ago. Aside from its valued existence, old stuff gives us meaning and feeling about our culture. Despite magnificent innovation of the new, you can never replace things from the past, its a major part of history.

Heard Iron Man saying from the Avengers cartoon series, " There are so many good old fashioned things that are worth keeping" and i totally agree now.

Hill Top Paradise at Punta De Fabian

Me as a super wanna be everything fast, I prefer breath taking places via short travel and this resort in Baras, Rizal called Punta deFabian will definitely take your breath away for just an hour drive from Manila.

The 3-hectares resort is well known for its amazing landscape built on top of the hill 20ft below the ground. 

It was the height that gave us bad impression at first because we climbed hill top and I repeat it was 20ft from the road! When we reached the top, I really ran out of words. First, because im still catching my breath and second because it was a beauty I cannot describe by words. I may be over stating but that was how I saw it and felt it.

Imagine your self indulging  into the cool and relaxing water of an infinity pool overlooking the half side of Rizal Town and Laguna de bay. 

I felt the urge to sit there and watch... rest my climbing feet too.

SPOILER ALERT: you don't need to climb all the way up because there is a service van for the guest courtesy of the resort it self.

And so as I was saying, It was great for relaxation. 

With its astonishing sights,

 

amazing landscape;

comfortable, stylish, and affordable accommodation;

Double Occupancy

Terrace Doors

Terrace View

to delicious menu, which i failed to took a photo..=)

However I am not here for that, I'm in the middle of conducting ocular inspection for our Team Building Activity and guess what? This place can also be a team building venue, it was like hitting two birds in one stone huh?

They have this awesome 6ft walled maze and obstacle course for outdoor activity.

 The resort has 3 conference room that can accommodate 150 pax at maximum.

one that's in the middle of the resort

at the pool side

 They offer packages for corporate events even personal gatherings like Wedding, Birthday and the like. However if you want an accommodation of your choice the rate is ranging from 3, 000 - 6,000 or you can go to their website www.puntadefabian.com to learn about other offers ;)

How to get to Punta de Fabian:

By Private Vehicle
From Taguig we took C6 exited Taytay then from there we had this Map as a guide just take Manila East Road

By PUV

There is a Van/Jeep Terminal in Edsa Shaw that goes East route. Ask for Van going to Tanay. The fare is less than 100php. Some Vans goes to Bayan ng Baras, from there you can ride a Tricycle heading to the resort proper 50php if I'm not mistaken. If the Van will go straight Tanay, you will pass by the Resort, it's along the road, so you can get off from there.