Just when you think San Pablo has only its resorts and seven lakes to offer its visitors, you'd be gob-smacked to know the province has hidden gems kept for the die-hard explorers. A group of us friends went to San Pablo on a whim. We got wind our friend and San Pablo resident, Mark Fule finished construction of his home in Bgy. Putol. And though his house was undergoing its finishing phase, close friends organized an informal house-warming and pot-luck to celebrate his birthday to boot.
We all pooled resources to hire vans and bring food to Mark's home as the designated lunch venue. Mark and Earl Gamboa and Tito Naning knocked heads to further enhance the experience by adding stops to the itinerary. Erico Brion Gapangada also pitched in with dessert. Mike Asinas sent an invite to visit his Bahay na Bato (Spanish era style) home/s for merienda (afternoon snack) adding that it would be nice for his guests to be in simple Filipiniana attire. Not one to let the opportunity pass, I donned a mint green guayabera, panama hat and checkered pants. I thought I was the only one to play dress-up. The "momshies" lugged their own Filipino outfits for the chance to have their photos taken as well.
We left a little later than usual and arrived at our breakfast stop at Casa San Pablo. We got lost along the way trying to find a short cut but found it as we turned back to the highway. We were warmly welcomed by ms Anne Alcantara at the dining area of the resort. It's at least five hectares of prime property where their own home is centrally located. Around the log cabin/Swiss chalet inspired home are various lodging areas for parties and gatherings and even some elevated dais for intimate weddings. The dining area was done in shabby chic and featured minute terra cota scupltures on each table and framed art work on its walls. Ms Anne spoke to us about the history of Casa San Pablo and the heritage cuisine they serve in the restaurant. Earl Gamboa showed an audio-visual presentation of vintage photos featuring San Pablo's golden years. It was mid-morning when we left for what was dubbed secret place.
As it turns out, secret place is Sitio deAmor. We were warmly welcomed by its owners George and Amor Bondad with suman generously drowning in what Maestro Jose Benigno Salvador calls sangkaka (syrupy sweet coconut cream and sugar) and cold dalandan (native oranges) juice. The suman was so good, a second helping was inevitable for some.
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| Tomas Morato mansion Sitio de Amor |
The seven hectare property has the former home of Tomas Morato in Calauag, Quezon as focal point of the bed and breakfast. Yes, it was virtually transplanted in Sitio Amor! It was an experience walking into the living quarters of the well-appointed home. High ceilings and wide wood paneling complement the wide expanse of capiz windows and ventanillas.
You would think it can't get any better... They have a lagoon fed by the flowing river at the back of the resort, a cabana for a poolside massage and an eternity pool, a gazebo that doubles as a venue for wedding ceremonies and parties and, get this - more heritage homes in the B&B!!! One of the homes was strategically positioned with its front windows framing Mt Cristobal when it's not hiding behind clouds. Sitio de Amor has plenty of well-thought out nooks and crannies that provide plenty of Instagram worthy photos.
Before the laughter and all the merry-making died down hunger pangs were creeping in. It was past noon. We proceeded to the highlight of the trip which was Mark's home. We were surprised that the veranda was decked out in greenery and foliage.
Faviola Torres Hidalgo spent the night doing the welcome decor. The ingenious use of fishtail fern and its bulbs cascaded from the ceiling and also served as centerpiece for the buffet that was served in the backyard. We explored the property that had a river running through it. Not privately owned, they river would have to be shared with residents outside the property. Some kids rush through when then the gates are opened to get access to the dike and have a refreshing dip on a hot day.
Lunch was spectacular! Adobo, tuyo, everlasting, steamed okra and eggplant, longganisa, prawns, milkfish, caldereta, mussels as viands complete with dips and sauces while dessert varied from Krispy Kreme donuts to leche flan, haleya'ng ube, brownies. there was so much food, so a lot were raffled off to a hilarious ending.
We went to visit the restored St. Paul church. For a history of the church, see my earlier post on San Pablo. We climbed up to the belfry and took photos of the bells. We were given permission to go up there and I took the chance to see the old bells and document them as we didn't get to do that on our first visit.
Finally, we drove over to Mike Asinas' old homes. More photo ops prior to merienda were taken. As if we were hungry, Mike served puto with cheese and ham, dinuguan (blood stew), pansit, and fresh from the oven pan de bonete which we downed with gulaman at sago. There has been more improvements done over his property. A second house transplanted and rebuilt adjacent to his home is now complete.
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| photo by Jonathan Hernandez |
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| photo by Jonathan Hernandez |
Costume change time! The momshies started to dress up and have their photos taken in their finery. Beautiful wooden furniture, heavy wrought iron railing, gleaming chandelier, wide doors served as the perfect settings for images worthy for posting on social media. A third home is in the works which belongs to a friend of his but it was also opened for us to view and admire. so many photos were taken I actually ran out of memory on my SD card. By the time we made our leave, the sun was already setting. That trip was just off the hook!!!
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| photo by Jonathan Hernandez |
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