Day Trip to Villa Escudero

at the reception area, if you are taller than the boy with the
guitar,then you pay adult rate.

It took us about 4 hours to reach Villa Escudero on a Saturday morning even if we were already on the road by 5am. Traffic in SLEX from Bicutan to Alabang was bad, traffic in exit 50 was also bad. We also had a few many stop over after exiting SLEX to find a suitable restroom and end up having breakfast at Jollibee Sto. Tomas which cost us 30 mins or so. The road seems endless, finally we reach the Quezon Arch by 9am, and we finally felt the thrill of the trip upon seeing coconut trees welcoming us to the plantation and resort. Villa Escudero lives up to it's heritage. It felt like revisiting our culture. I didn't mind paying php 1,250 per adult (we were 5) and half price for my little boy (he is 3yo)... and my baby girl....she got in for free, because i knew it will be all worth it..and IT WAS!!!

the pink house is the residence of the Escudero's
we were off limit!!!

the souvenir shop

near the museum,infront of the pink house

my babies

Our Carabao ride

Our Day Trip started with a gulaman drink in the reception area, bought souvenirs, pose more for the camera and walk a little to the museum. Since my kids are not allowed inside, our group take turns in exploring the treasures and antiques inside the museum. My kids stayed at "Lola Charing's Playground" which is just a few steps away from the museum. My brother enjoyed it so much, he finished last among us. After the museum, we had our Carabao ride (a cart pulled by a carabao, with a singing driver, a guitarist and a lady singer). It's a very nice ride, though i get worried we will crush on the side of the dirt road a few times, the HARANA (singing) was relaxing..felt like i was living in the 50's.

overlooking the man-made falls

the lush greeneries on our background

We reached the man made falls where lunch will be serve 20 mins early so we had time to check the place and pose some more for the camera. The lush greeneries are amazingly beautiful. It's very relaxing even if there were insects hovering on us. We could see the bamboo rafts, trees and birds. The water was inviting and the atmosphere, a breather from the haste and chaos of a busy life.

The man-made falls

Lunch by the falls

By 11am, we were allowed to enter the man made falls which is the area for the buffet lunch. My kids are thrilled by the water on their feet. It's a bit slippery but the area is clean and forest like. The food was all filipino cuisine, fairly cooked and served. The waiters are very accommodating. But after a few bite, it started to rain. We have no choice but to move to a different place where there is a roof. But the roof is plastic and dirty water was dripping on our food. We decided to move again, this time we were told that the buffet was moved to the main hall where cultural show will later be performed. But i have lost my appetite.

the eventful lunch

swimming while raining

bamboo rafting

after swimming, my baby girl was exhausted she miss most part of the cultural show

After the eventful lunch, we went to the pool area. They have 2 kiddie pool, a 4ft pool, a 5ft pool and a Jacuzzi. The restroom and shower area are very well maintained. We went for a swim. My brother and Hubby was game enough they tried the bamboo raft. My kids love the water so much, we almost lost track of time. We didn't mind the rain at all. We stayed in the water a bit longer we were late for the cultural show. The cultural show was great. It's one of my favorite part of the trip. We all enjoyed it except for my baby girl who's sleeping most of the show. It showcased different dances and songs of the olden days. It was a performance you wouldn't want to miss when you visit the place. So make sure you schedule your visit on a Saturday and Sunday.

Over all, the trip was great. I would recommend it to all. Visit their website for information and reservation.http://www.villaescudero.com/.There are just few things you have to take note when you decide to come and visit the place.

• bring a sunblock, hat and wear very light and comfortable clothes
• the coconut drinks doesn't come with the buffet lunch, it will cost you 30 pesos
• you can buy and drink beer and liquor by the pool
• the locker in the swimming pool area cost 100, half of it you will be given back when you return the keys
• when someone takes a photo of you, make sure it's a group picture and you look your best because the photo finish will cost you 100 pesos.
• be very generous in giving tip, especially to the driver of the carabao ride. they frowned a big frown if you forget their tip.

Lastly, take the time to read the quotation below. I hope you will enjoy your trip to this place as much as we did. You will never know until you experience it yourself.