“IN Mindoro, there’s Puerto Galera.”
Often, it is easy to link cities and provinces with destinations that are frequented by tourists, just like how powdery white-sand beaches and pristine waters became synonymous with Boracay, or how Baguio always comes to mind when you think of cool and crisp weather.
So for Mindoro, there is Puerto Galera, which generates the biggest tourism draw in the island. But somewhere between the mountains and the sea are the quaint quiet towns that dot the province—little treasure finds tucked hidden in its vast expanse, like Calapan.
Boracay, Baguio and Puerto Galera are the go-to destinations in their respective regions for good reason, and that is because their hospitality industries thrive. So for a port town with plenty of potential for tourism, the question is: “Where would tourists stay in Calapan?”
For entrepreneur and movie producer Dr. Carl Balita, the time was ripe to open an integrated resort in his hometown.
Called Mahalta Resorts and Convention Center, this sprawling 1.5-hectare estate overlooks Calapan Bay on one side, while it looks up to the rolling hills of Parang on the other. Mahalta is short for Mangyan, Halcón (the mountain), and Tamaraw, three symbols that define Mindoro life.
In an interview with the media during the resort’s opening recently, Balita said: “The resort is my humble attempt to establish a first-class facility, from bidet to bed, in this part of Mindoro.”
Consequently, Balita has opened up jobs for local residents and opportunities for local craftsmen and artisans. Local boatmen have also been trained to serve as tourist guides for additional livelihood. According to Balita, this is just a small way of giving back to the community where he was raised. Each of the 14 rooms in the resort has a specific theme—from a room featuring a lovely boudoir, to a room with board games and cards for some afternoon leisure. Other amenities include an infinity/glass pool, convention center, café, and vegetable and herbal farm garden named after his mother, Siony, and his wife, Lyne.
Additionally, the resort has a sister company in Mahalta Eco Farm, conceptualized to make the resort self-sufficient.
A life-sized marble sculpture of a Tamaraw stands guard in the front garden. A marble statue of a Mangyan prince welcomes guests on their way to the gazebo that serves as function hall. Another notable piece in Balita’s sculpture collection is that of miraculous healer, Saint Padre Pio.
Activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, jetski rides and banana boating are offered by the resort. If the weather and ocean current permit, one can also try going around the famous Three Islands by boat.
“Mahalta has a lot of things to offer to our guests, and activities that they can engage in here, including swimming lessons, island-hopping tours and watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Our concept caters to those looking for a comfortable getaway in nature with all the facilities of modern living. I blend it with a quality lifestyle,” said Balita.
The continuing development of Mahalta is in three phases. The first phase is comprised of the hotel, restaurant and pool. Under construction is a convention center that will accommodate 500 persons. The next phase of the development includes construction of single detached villas in the style of log cabins going up the hill.
All these are currently in the works, and are part of Balita’s vision of strengthening the tourism growth in the city, especially now that Calapan serves as an economic hotspot in the region.
Balita concluded, “I want this paradise to grow as a place where moments and memories become one.”