TARAMINDU BEACH GARDEN INN

Laiya Batangas has been a regular destination for my family all year round. Anytime we want to go to the beach considering a great amount of privacy and a white beach, Laiya is the best location near Manila. But for the past year, as I was looking on booking at the very same resort we're we always go, I found out that they've "ridiculously" increased their rates. Imagine, the php5,550 overnight room rate went up to php10,700 with a maximum of 4 people. Exceeding heads will be charged php1,500 each.

Our first adventure this summer was still in Laiya. We didn't make any reservations, hoping that we will find a resort along the way  that offers more reasonable room rates. And we found one...

TARAMINDU BEACH GARDEN INN

Location: Laiya San Juan, Batangas

Taramindu was named after an 80 year old Tamarind Tree which is located within the heart of the resort.

Tamarindu is even more peaceful compared to those expensive resorts within the area. We love Laiya because even with a crowded beach, we still get some privacy. Considering that summer has already started, our visit to Laiya mid-March of 2012 was very unusual, finding an empty beach when we arrived.

The trend in Laiya goes around the no outside food allowed and cooking policy. With this, they add the food costings per head aside from the entrance fee. For an overnight stay, a room, inclusive of food will cost around php8K-11K for a family of 4. In Taramindu, we spent php5500 for a room, overnight stay and an additional php600 per head for our food, which I still find way cheaper.

Our room:

• Php5500
• 1 queen- size bed and a double deck bed.
• Hot and cold shower
• WIFI

The Taramindu Restaurant

 All we have to do is go to the Taramindu restaurant which has a relaxing view of the ocean. They'll hand you their menu and you can order anything within the price range of 600. Anything that goes beyond is additional cost. But again, even their restaurant menu is packed with delicious choices that are well priced. Over-all,  we spent a total of php7,500: a nice room with food included and our +++ spent in the restaurant.

Taramindu was a quick answer that offers same high level of comfort. If we're going to talk about having privacy, Taramindu has it. I suggest to make reservations ahead, they have a limited no. of rooms.

Whether you paid for Php10-21K for an overnight stay, it doesn't matter, because you will still walk along the very same shoreline, swim in the fresh waters of Tayabas bay and cherish the very same sunrise in the morning. I mean, do we go to the beach just to sleep in a more luxurious room? We go to the beach to have fun under the sun and even under the moonlight.

More info here: http://www.batangas-philippines.com/laiya.html

Of Fireworks,Floating Lanterns and The Beach

You know what's amazing? FIREWORKS and Floating Lanterns on a relaxing night at the beach.

Our first HURRAH! for Summer officially started with a visit to Laiya Batangas. It was just a one night stay, but boy, it was the most memorable among the trips we made to Laiya. It just so happen that in a nearby resort, a beach wedding took place. Later in the night, fireworks lighted the sky and the floating lanters made everything vibrant. It's an event that made an impact not only to the newly weds but also to the people around them. It was a fantastic night and I thank the couple who shared this amazing experience with us.

At The Blu Bar

Check how magnificent Canyon Cove is by night... So relaxing right? Just a walk around the pool and hearing the waves from the beach makes everything perfect.

Night of June 5, 2010 my husband and I decided to take a walk around and along the pool and the beach area. After, we spent the rest of the night At The Blu Bar. It was empty when we got there. It's my first time to see a cozy bar empty. I guess it was really meant for us. My husband brought his guitar with him, we chose a good spot over looking the pool then we ordered our first round of drinks.

At The Blu Bar we called some friends to join us. It was really cool to have the place all to ourselves.

 With Dave, Tess, Ria, Rowny, Frances, Aris and Master Alvin

It's very seldom that my husband and I have moments like these. We took the opportunity that somebody was available to look after Franky. It was great, fun, and exciting. My husband ordered 8 rounds of beer and 3 Mojitos for the 2 of us, some ordered food and we shared it all. We had Buffalo wings, Calamares, Gambas and to end the night, some burger and clubhouse sandwiches.

My first Mojito for the night

We talked on some things, some realizations as a couple and as individuals. Turning 6 is just like a tiny dot in the lifetime we're going to share for the next years to come. A tiny dot yet so big and full of accomplishments and milestones. We're very thankful to have this people around and shared a spectacular night with us. It's been a long time since we last had a drink and without rushing. Don't worry, after everything we took, we're  still standing and laughing.

The Blu Bar, thanks to you too...  the ever accommodating people at Canyon Cove. Even if their Cafe was already closed, the chef  was made available just to prepare food for us. Thank you...

Glimpse and Pieces Of Our Vacation

Location: Canyon Cove Beach Club Nasugbu Batangas

June 5 and 6

• Last Hurrah for Summer 2010 and 
• in Celebration of our 6th Anniversary

Most couples would choose something grand or something outstanding as a celebration. Looking back at our wedding day itself, the event was as simple as the couple. All we wanted was to celebrate our bond with our close friends and families. Simplicity will always play a big part in our lives as husband and wife. Moving on, as long as we are at the very comfort of each other's arms....How and Where doesn't matter.  It's Who and What  is important.

This trip was never planned, it was a surprise from my husband. If you're going to ask me, the cake he bought on our anniversary itself was enough. The greeting I received at 12 midnight was something to cherish. When I found out that we're heading to one of the most beautiful beaches in Batangas, I was totally speechless. I didn't ask questions anymore, I packed whatever we have and most of all, I'm very happy because our son will have another memorable experience at the beach.

This year's trip to the beach wasn't about de-stressing. It's 100% pure fun and leisure with the family. To add, I invited my sisters to join us. But Les couldn't go. Still, Ella made us happy by coming along. We don't mind paying for the extra head and a little for our room. Like I said, family will always be part of our journey. From the very beginning, they (family) are the people who's been there for us anytime, everyday.

Canyon Cove is a Residential Beach Resort. They cater to weddings, conferences and day tour visits. We have plans of going back for Frank's, my birthday or Dolf's and to apply for a membership. I fell in love with the place in an instant. It's a 2 hour drive from Metro Manila, good roads, the people of Nasugbu are very nice, no vendors to bother you,  it's a private beach with crystal clear water and white sand. It's the mother in me working--- everything I'm looking for to fit a perfect vacation is in Canyon Cove. Not to forget, Tagaytay is along the way. (wink!)

We originally plan for our wedding to take place in Caleruega. Registering and accomplishing requirements at the main parish of Nasugbu Batangas... This province has been in our hearts eversince. Our plans as a couple didn't push, but we're very pleased that now, Nasugbu's been playing a big role for us as a family. 

Related Post: What Is It About Sunsets?

Life's A Beach

First stop:

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. - Psalm 139: 9-10

photos from my sister Ella

We're getting closer... Excited na ako!!!
Smiley Face

What Is It About Sunsets?

Family Adventure 2009 Part 2--- Nasugbu Batangas!
First of all, what is it about sunsets?

We have been blessed with beautiful sunsets every now and then. The sun setting is our only chance to be able to appreciate how close we could ever see the big star with the naked eye.

Our trip this year made a big effect to our bodies and minds.

My shoutout: Rejuvenated!

My first jump shot ever. It was perfect to just let go, even there was no reason what to let go of. Being carefree, selfless and at peace with nature... unexplainable.

As we were nearing night fall, instead of checking-in a hotel in Tagaytay, we thought that the beach would be nicer. Anyway, Lian and Nasugbu is just less than an hour away.

We chose Matabungkay as our next destination. Another road trip started. We went to Lian Batangas first to check on beaches that will fit our budget. Matangbungkay was swimming with trash from the recent typhoons. It was really sad to see the beach that way. And to add, the process of cleaning, nah-ah--- bad. They were piling up the trash then they burn it. Talk about taking care of our planet, saving it from further destruction.

The highlight of our family adventure ended in Nasugbu Batangas. Trash and trunks of trees and branches were also seen in the shores of Nasugbu, but not as bad as Matabungkays. Most parts of the beach was already clean.

Anyway, we had a good time. We were able to rent an air-conditioned room for 1000 bucks, bought liempo, bbq and pork binagoongan near the town proper.

The beach is just 5 mins. away from the town proper. How good is that! They have Jollibee if you wanna go fast food. Another fun activity we had was horse back-riding by the beach. We are very happy that Franky enjoyed his first horse ride.

Nothing beats a horse ride by the ocean. Cool wind, sun rising, great view!

Horse ride @ 50 bucks for each horse. We wanted to go on a boat ride too. But we thought of maximizing our vacation at Enchanted Kingdom, so we left before lunch.