By Carla Mortel-Baricaua / Photos by Jaypee Maristaza
Conveniently accessible right on the doorstep of Metro Manila, Antipolo is more than ready to welcome weary bodies and souls for some rest and recreation that everyone deserves every now and then.
So, if you had been overlooking Antipolo for that much-needed break from the city life, you’ve been missing out on the growing number of diverse attractions that the highland city has to offer. In the fourth edition of the Tayo na sa Antipolo media tour, Bienvenido Tours Managing Director Ramon Marinas curated a series of destinations far from the usual tourist staples, such as the Antipolo Cathedral, Hinulugang Taktak Falls, the scenic night time cityscape, and the cashew nuts and suman stores. This time, the tour showcased a more diverse list of destinations since Antipolo does have a lot to offer that answers different of interests both first time and repeat visitors.
Go for rest and recreation
Bringing your family members, or your group of friends to an out of town trip can a bit challenging. Aside from good food and accommodations, keeping a number of people entertained is also a must. Thus, a destination must be well-furnished with activities and possibilities of adventures to choose from.
The Boso-Boso Highlands Resort and Hotel sits on a 10- hectare lush property along the Marilaque Highway. The mountain resort is equipped with dorms and private rooms, function rooms, four swimming pools (two for kids, an Olympic size and a layered pool), sports amenities, and a convention center. All bedrooms have private verandas overlooking the lush greenery and grand view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and the Laguna de Bay. At Café Cristina restaurant, our group had a cool and refreshing experience as we watched the fog roll in while enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. There could also never be a dull moment at this resort since it also hosts an adventure camp with basketball court, trekking trail, obstacle courses and a zipline.
If you have your loved one, or your best buddies into some serious downtime, the Loreland Farm Resort is the place to be. This homegrown mountain resort has 50 room accommodations, five function venues, restaurants and five swimming pools. Inside Loreland compound, you can find the manicured gardens of Luljetta’s Place Garden Suites. There is also a café, spa treatment rooms, lap pool, children’s pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub for that total relaxation.
Just in a short distance is Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa, the first and only hanging gardens and spa in the country. With tropical themed cottages, water amenities (infinity pools, hydromassage pool, sauna, hot tub, meditation lounges, lush gardens on its natural setting, you and your companions are in for a real treat. Just imagine yourselves dressed in the traditional batik robes after enjoying Luljetta’s signature massages, then savoring a serving of its flash fried suman topped with caramel sauce, cashew nuts and mango while admiring the commanding view of the Laguna de Bay and Metro Manila.
Pursue your passion and interests
If you’re looking for a sustainable tourist spot in Antipolo, you’re in good company at Mount Purro Nature Reserve. Founded and run by Toto Malvar and his family, this 36-hectare eco park sustains the environment and communities at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Their farm-style accommodations are modest amid trees and lush greeneries and a mountain spring. Their facilities provide space for fun gatherings, while outdoor activities are mostly nature bound.
Part of Antipolo’s local heritage is the patahian (dressmaking) that gave livelihood to residents. A visit to Obra ni Juan gives visitors a glimpse of the local talent and ingenuity in manufacturing top quality clothing line. A family owned business, Obra ni Juan was first known for its resort wear sold in posh hotels, Duty Free shops, and the famous Amanpulo Resort in Palawan. A proud Filipino product, their line of wear from casual to formal is made up of local textiles with patterns and designs depicting local vibes and spirit. Due to popular demand, Obra ni Juan is now sold at major mall chains like SM malls and Robinson’s Department stores. Its showroom of its latest line is open for visitors.
From paintings, sculptures, and handmade dolls to its warm ambiance, Inday Cadapan Home Gallery will inspire the artist, or the art lover in you. This home gallery café provides a great setting to art lovers, or those who simply enjoy interesting conversations over freshly brewed coffee. Magel Capadan entertains guests with the artworks and anecdotes of her mom, the late Inday Cadapan, while Chef Liz Montealegre serves local delicacies with her own unique twist. Set an appointment first if you plan to visit this gallery café.
Another good example of Antipolo’s warm reception can be found at the Santiago Brewery and Malthouse. In search of beer best suited to his taste, James Gatlabayan ultimately decided to make a batch of his own. After research and much learning, he now takes pride in founding the first and only malt house in the country, in producing his own malts, and sourcing local ingredients for his own brewery. A visit at his home-based brewery will afford lucky visitors with a brief lecture on beer making, which is surprisingly easy according to Gatlabayan, and a taste sampling of his beer variants if they’re available. Santiago craft beers are known not only for their unique tastes, but also for their names, such as Amihan, Habagat, Ipo Ipo and Buhawi. Visits to Gatlabayan’s home-based brewery are by appointment only.
Try mixing business with pleasure
If you just can’t shake off work, then bring it with you at the Eugenio Lopez Center. It has venues for seminars, corporate training parties and meetings, as well as 38 well-appointed guest rooms with a relaxing atmosphere. Their in-house restaurant, Oscar’s, serves Continental and Filipino cuisines that you can savor as you unwind at the view deck, or at the lower terrace while sipping cocktails. Jazz tunes from a live band provide a nice touch while enjoying the company of your colleagues at dinner.
Another good venue for the same purpose is the First Pacific Leadership Academy, a premier training and development center. As the nation’s first corporate academy, it shares its leadership and corporate expertise with the private sector and government in its lush and refreshing 10-hectare campus in Antipolo, with the vision of becoming Asia’s gateway to the future of business and innovation. Having recently expanded its scope of services, the academy now accepts guests not just for team-building activities but for leisurely pursuits, as well. It’s also particularly proud of its dining facilities, Tipulo Restaurant and The Bolts. The Tipulo Restaurant’s modern Filipino cuisine is something to look forward to when dining in Antipolo.
Image credits: Jaypee Maristaza