Monthly Archives: May 2019

Pasayahan sa Lucena (Quezon)

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Pasayahan sa Lucena 2019

The Pasayahan sa Lucena, a mammoth gathering of colors, outlandish costumes and symbolic floats held during the merry month of May, is a sea of frolicking humanity reminiscent of Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro (minus the women’s skimpy outfits) of Brazil and New Orleans (Louisiana, USA), but imbued with the Lucenahin’s local culture.

Politicians and their families join in the fun…..

 

No festival is complete without a marching band ……..

The festival had its beginnings on May 28, 1987. It was conceptualized during the administration of the late human rights lawyer and Lucena Officer-in-Charge Euclides “Ed” A. Abcede (a former congressional fellow at the United States Congress), and former Bureau of Internal Revenue local office chief, Aguinaldo L. Miravalles.

….. and majorettes

Both wanted to correct Lucena City’s image as a haven of the Communist New People’s Army and to promote it as a great tourism and investment haven.  Pasayahan is a Tagalog word for “merry-making.”

Initially started as a three-day celebration, the first festival ended on May 30, the feast of St. Ferdinand, Lucena City’s patron saint but, as the years went by, it became a week-long celebration that is usually held during the last week of May.

Judges and emcees at the competition

The main highlight of the Pasayahan is the Grand Parade or Mardi Gras, a parade of huge and colorful floats of the participating companies and organizations, along with street dancing (and marching bands, a Pandong (hat) completion and the gay-friendly Carnival Queen competition.

Parade of Carnival Queens

The usual starting point of the parade is at Pacific Mall Lucena going to SM City Lucena or Perez Park. The best float, best in street dance, and best in costume would be given some awards and cash prizes.

Street Dancing Competition

The parade, starting at 2:00 PM at Quezon National High School, went through M.L Tagarao Street, then turned right on Quezon Avenue and extended until Perez Park, then turned left on Merchan Street (Philippine Tong Ho Institute) and right to Gomez Street going towards SM City Lucena.

The Float Parade, the main event of the festival, featured the floats of the different companies, fast food chains, shops, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, commercial outlets and service organizations.

As always, the themes of the colorful floats were based on any of the three products of the city, all reflecting aspects of local culture – pansit chami (a native delicacy of egg noodles sautéed with soy sauce, pork and vegetables), coconut or tinapa, a smoked fish made from tunsoy (sardine) and galunggong (mackerel scad).

IPI 60th Anniversary Float, the  grand prize winner in the Float competition, featured a giant carabao laden with farm produce

Each float, celebrating the products of the company and the entity involved, tried to outdo the others in vying for the approval of the judges.

Manuel L. Enverga University Foundation Float – fourth place

The 60th Anniversary Float of International Pharmaceutical, Inc. (IPI) of Cebu City, makers of Bioderm Soap, with Advertising Manager Angel “Tito” dela Merced with wife  Litlit on board, was the grand prize winner.

Raquel Pawnshop Float – second place

M Lhuiller Float – third place

Second went to Racquel Pawnshop, third to M Lhuiller, fourth to Manuel L. Enverga University Foundation and fifth to Nallas Talent and Entertainment; all from Lucena City.

Quesinhayaw Street Dancers – second place

Each participating group (open to all organizations, companies, schools and barangays in Lucena City and each with a minimum of 50 members) in the lively street dancing competition performed to the music of the Pasayahan jingle, their execution and style each exhibiting the flamboyant and flashy carnival look.

SK Dalahican Street Dancers – third place

The Barangay Gulang-Gulang dancers won the grand prize while Quesinhayaw of Quezon National High School was second and SK Dalahican  Street Dancers were third.

Candidate No. 1

Candidate No. 2

Candidate No. 3

Candidate No. 4

Candidate No. 5

Transgender women and gay men were afforded stellar participation in the Carnival Queen Competition, an extravagant drag segment that showcase ostentatious and heavy costumes that featured elaborate headgear, capes, brightly-colored feathers, gigantic flowers, fans and masks. Drum majorettes and little drummer boys announced their arrival.

Candidate No. 6

Candidate No. 7

Candidate No. 8

Candidate No. 9

Candidate No. 10

The regal and beautiful “queens,” looking like the real thing, walked confidently along the streets, moving your hips from side to side, in a way that attracts attention, before pausing before the jurors where they were introduced. In spite of the intense summer heat and heavy costumes, they all maintained their poise and smiled bravely.

Candidate No. 11

Candidate No. 12

Candidate No. 13

Candidate No. 14

Candidate No. 15

The less spectacular Pasayahan Pandong Contest featured contingents wearing creative hats.  DepEd Lucena won the grand prize while the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP and Barangay Ibabang Iyaw were second and third respectively.

DepEd Lucena

The winning pandong of Barangay Mababang Iyaw

Quezon Provincial Tourism Office: 2/F, Quezon Convention Center, Quezon Capitol Compound, Lucena City 4301.  Tel: (042) 373 7510.

Balesin Island Club: Toscana Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Toscana Village

Toscana Village, which draws inspiration from the world renowned and quaint Tuscany (the Italian region renowned for its lush vineyards, olive groves, rolling hills, old-world traditions, and art masterpieces), features many hallmarks of Tuscan architecture and design—arched doorways, shallow tile roofs, terracotta accents, textured stone walls, tiled finishes, curved pediments, classical cornices and the generous use of natural wood; all used in the overall design.

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L=R: Bryan, Kyle, Cheska and Grace

The 32 suites (all with balconies) and the common areas in Toscana Village are decorated with rich yet simple furnishings in soft, opulent fabrics.

Cheska, Kyle and Bryan

Toscana, the main clubhouse of Toscana Village, is visually reminiscent of an Italian country estate.

Interior of Toscana, the main clubhouse

It features an open-air courtyard that looks up to a third floor terrace which has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

The courtyard

Fronting Toscana are three oceanside swimming pools (one saltwater and two fresh), with loungers and parasols, and the sea beyond.

Swimming pool No. 1

Swimming pool No. 2

Swimming pool No. 3

Toscana Village is home to several dining areas where guests can choose to dine for their à la carte meals – Trattoria Toscana, La Nena, Da Ventura, La Meridiana, Al Foghér, Anghiari, Sezzano, Antico Posto, Molinello, and La Terrazza.

Trattoria Toscana

Their specialty dishes include antipasto Toscana (assortment of Tuscan salami and prosciutto) and spaghetti alla vongole (with fresh baby clams and whole garlic).

Da Ventura

At Un Rincón de Chile: Colchagua, the Chilean wine bar, in Toscana, you can enjoy the finest Chilean wines and sample a selection of typical Chilean tapas.

Al Fogher

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

 

Balesin Island Club: Bali Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Bali Village

Bali Village, located along the same beach as Balesin Village (but at its northernmost end), has unique villas, set away from the beach, that draw their inspiration from the salakot (the traditional Asian farmer’s hat). This is the only village with two swimming pools, one on each side of the clubhouse.

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White sand beach of Bali Village

The villas, traditionally Balinese in form, have peaked roofs and long, graceful eaves. Though the villa’s layout is the same as Balesin and Phuket Villages, it has a wraparound porch that provides a relaxing ambiance. The bathroom also has a huge, additional outdoor shower that occupied almost a quarter of the back area.

 

Warung

The author at the main entrance of Warung

Bali Village’s two water villas, the hottest place to stay in Balesin Island Club, are always the first to be booked.

Swimming pool

They provide members and guests a more romantic and secluded experience as well as the most captivating panoramic views on the island. Each villa can comfortably sleep 4-5 and costs PhP10,000.

One of two water villas

The Warung, Bali Village’s signature clubhouse/restaurant, has an authentic Indonesian ambiance, thanks to the Indonesian decorative objects and intricate friezes adorning its walls. Its carved main door came from a real Balinese house.

Interior of Warung

Its specialty dishes include traditional Indonesian and Malaysian fare such as laksa, nasi goreng, beef rendang,  sambal udang, nasi lemak and satay ayam (chicken skewers marinated in lemongrass and is served with sambal and peanut sauce and Indonesian yellow rice).

Porch of Warung

Bali Warung also has two, comfortable, 8-pax private dining rooms (Ubud and Sanur) for intimate gatherings.

Nusa Dua

The bar at Nusa Dua

At the open air, scenic Nusa Dua Bar, a pavilion set above the water, members and guests can enjoy the signature Warung cocktail (made with Galliano, rum and fresh pineapple and orange juice) or ice cold beer, while nibbling on appetizers such as the kropok dan sambal with dilis and assorted satay sticks of pork, beef, and chicken; all while enjoying the sunset.

Couches where you can view the sunset

Its comfortable couches are perfect for lazing around and reading a book while enjoying the 360-degree view and sound of Balesin’s sparkling waters on all three sides and twinkling island lights.

The author (left) with Jandy , Grace and Kyle at Warung

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club: St. Tropez (Polillo, Quezon)

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St. Tropez

St. Tropez, offering members and guests a French Riviera experience, has a long, date palm-lined driveway leading up to the village. Their rooms, with large, high ceilings and 4 color themes, all have their own balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The Presidential Suite has an outdoor whirlpool tub.

Check out “Balesin Island Club“

Sun loungers and parasols large dot the terrace beside the tiled swimming pool as well as the white sand beach.

The terrace looking out to sea

‘Les Restaurants de St. Tropez’ has several small dining areas for lunch or dinner – Le Girelier, La Voile Rouge, L’Escale and Place des Lices.  For added privacy, there is the striking, 12-pax Le Neptune, an enclosed dining room that looks out to sea.

Le Girelier

Specialties of the house include pissaladière (a French type of pizza with olives, onions and anchovies on a flaky crust), escargots de Bourgogne, a traditional French onion soup, a light and healthy salade nicoise, croquet madame or monsieur; boeuf Bourguignon; lobster bisque and entrecôte au poivre. For dessert, there’s signature la tarte Tropezienne, a soft brioche cake with custard cream.

Place des Lices

The Crêperie, at the second floor, is a popular breakfast spot for all Balesin visitors with views of the swimming pool and the beach and sea.  They offer sweet and savory crêpes with café au lait (or any way) and fillings of bacon, eggs, gruyere or the ubiquitous banana and Nutella combination plus coffee, tea, cool juices and shakes.

Jandy with Le Neptune in the background

The Nirvana Lounge, the little hideaway on the main floor, is an intimate backdrop for cocktails or a post-dinner tête-à-tête.  It has hexagonal ceiling mirrors and exotic yet cozy furnishings  and draws inspiration from the sophisticated French bar scene.

Nirvana

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol (Polillo, Quezon)

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Costa del Sol – one of two swimming pools

After our swim at Mykonos Village, we again boarded a jeepney for the short drive to the charming hamlet of Costa del Sol, which literally translates to “Coast of the Sun.”

Check out “Balesin Island Club” and “Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village“

Entrance arch

This village, drawing inspiration from the quaint, coastal towns within the province of Malaga of Southern Spain, features handsome Spanish colonial architecture with arched thresholds, imposing stucco walls and manicured courtyards.

Entrance driveway to Casa Grande

Our jeepney entered Costa del Sol’s serene, palm-lined driveway and dropped us off at Casa Grande, the main signature dining facility, where Jandy and I were to have a late lunch. Upon entering, we were welcomed by its warm and cozy classical Spanish style interior.

Interior of Casa Grande

Its menu features Spanish favorites,  Their selection of tapas includes tortilla de patatas (traditional Spanish omelet), callos a la Madrileña (ox tripe and chorizos in tomato sauce), tortillas de chorizo (Spanish omelet with chorizo) and  beef salpicao.  There are three types of paella – Valenciana (mixed seafood, chicken, ham and chorizo), Mallorquina (seafood on saffron rice) or arros negre (with baby prawns in squid ink).

Other items in the menu include almejas a la pobre (baby clams with crispy garlic and gravy sauce), gambas al ajillo  (river shrimp in garlic and olive oil with paprika), bacalao a la Vizcaina, and the always popular cochinillo asado (a suckling pig with tender, juicy meat and the crispiest, tastiest skin, order at least six hours ahead and good for 6 to 8 people). Jandy and I tried out the beef salpicado (beef tenderloin cubes in garlic and olive oil with paprika).

White sand beach in front of Costa del Sol

All these can be enjoyed with a pitcher of sangria or with a bottle of Rioja from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.  You can dine in one of the four uniquely designed private dining rooms—Vista de la Playa, Vista del Mar, Marbella Club, and Puerto Banús.

In the afternoon, you can gather on the veranda for a plate full of churros con chocolate. Alternatively, you can spend the evening for after-dinner drinks in Alhambra Lounge, a decadent, Moroccan-inspired sanctum infused with a warm mystique that will allow your mind to drift away while you relax with a glass of fine Spanish brandy.

Room 12

Come evening, we all checked out of our villa at Phuket Village to check in at two luxurious rooms (11 and 12) at Costa del Sol.

Check out  “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Phuket Village” and “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol“

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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The author at Mykonos Village

On our third day in Balesin Island, Jandy and I decided to tour the island on our own.  Our first stop was Mykonos Village.

Check out “Balesin Island Club“

Mykonos Village beach

With its whitewashed walls, blue windows and doors, and winding cobblestone roads, it is an authentic recreation of the world-famous Greek isle, where we were dropped off at the Cove Deck at Mykonos.

Cove Deck at Mykonos

Built within a private cove, it sees regular use as a party spot or venue for large gatherings and is a great place to enjoy the cool sea breeze with a drink in hand.  Its four outdoor jacuzzis, all facing the Pacific Ocean, are popular both day and night.

Swimming pool

Adjacent to the the Cove Deck is Thanassis Taverna, the centerpiece of Mykonos Village. Named after Chef Thanassis Koumpiadis, it has several indoor dining options (including an upstairs private dining room) and a lounge area and  in a comfortable and colorful setting.  For al fresco dining, there’s a roof deck with outdoor seating.

Thanassis Taverna

It serves gyros, moussaka (made with minced beef, eggplant, and smothered with a rich béchamel that runs through its crevices), grilled lamb ribs, souvlaki, hummus, tzatziki, Greek salad (uniquely thread through skewers), a traditional tarhanas soup (not readily found on many menus outside of Greece), the simple, yet delicious meze and a delectable pine nut salad, served with warm and seasoned pita bread made on the premises, plus signature cocktail concoctions served with splashes of ouzo, a popular Greek aperitif.

Indoor dining area

For a large group, a succulent roast leg of lamb and vegetables can be ordered ahead. For desserts, there’s the award-winning, de rigueur, light and airy Thanasis chocolate mousse.

The Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas

On the adjacent stretch of beachfront are the 32 spacious, Greek-style Mykonos Beach Villas, ideal for families and large groups who want to stay together.

Spread out over six different buildings, each building is aptly named for the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology – Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysios, and Hermes.  Instead of an outdoor porch, each Mykonos villa has a rooftop that comes with a large lounge area and whirlpool tub.

Poseidon – the main clubhouse

We then walked the short distance to Poseidon, the main clubhouse area of the Beach Villas.  Here, we tried out its centerpiece – the infinity swimming pool with its unique indoor/outdoor configuration.

The infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi

At the second floor is an impressive wrap-around veranda offering views of the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Jandy trying out the jacuzzi

 

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club – Balesin Village (Polillo, Quezon)

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Balesin Village

Balesin Village, fronted by the best beach on the island, with its long stretch of pristine white sand, is located near the main clubhouse, the Balesin Spa and the Aquatic Sports Center.

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The private beachfront villas

Its private beachfront villas are modeled after the nipa hut, which showcases traditional Filipino architecture, but with all the modern conveniences. It is a short walk to the main swimming pool

The Sala

The Sala, Balesin Village’s signature restaurant, was where we twice had traditional Filipino  (beef or pork tapa, daing na bangus, corned beef or longanisa with egg) or Continental (ham and cheese omelet, bacon and eggs, French toast, pancakes, etc.) breakfast. 

Daing na Bangus (P610)

Tocilog (P630)

It offers dining in the airconditioned dining room or on the outdoor verandah where you can watch the sunset.  Also offering light afternoon snacks, its menu also includes the famous Balesin binakol (fish fillet in coconut juice) or kinilaw (raw fish marinated in vinegar and spices).

The Relic Bar

The Relic Bar, the oldest existing structure on the island, is a 40-year old cabana (originally a poolside bar) that has since been moved from the Balesin Clubhouse to its current location right by Balesin Sala’s beachfront.

The white sand beach. Offshore is the MY Obsession

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph.  Website: www.balesin.com.

Balesin Island Club (Polillo, Quezon)

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Balesin Island seen from the air. In the foreground is Toscana Village

I’ve already heard about Balesin Island, off the eastern coast of Luzon, since way back in high school from my classmate Anthony Tordesillas whose father, the late Board of Investment head Edgardo Tordesillas, owned the island.  A chance encounter with Anthony after high school elicited an invitation to visit the island with him but, for reasons I can’t recall, wasn’t able to join him.  After Anthony’s passing in 2012, I thought the opportunity to visit this now members-only, private leisure getaway, now called Balesin Island Club, has finally passed me by.

Map of the island

That is, until lately when my wife Grace and her boss Engr. Loy Ganzon (Chairman of the Board of E. Ganzon, Inc.) were invited to a wedding there as godparents.  Jandy, Cheska, Bryan, Kyle and I gladly joined them.

One of the island’s banyan (balete) trees

The island’s name is a combination of two Filipino words – balete (local name for a banyan tree) and asin (local word for “salt”). Now Alphaland Corporation’s flagship project, Balesin Island Club is a 500-hectare, 5 km. long tropical island paradise with 7.3 kms. of pristine white-sand beaches. Around 10% of the island has been developed to create this award-winning luxury resort.

One of the island’s white sand beaches

The island was titled as a single property in 1926 (although the name of the original owner is unknown).  Immediately before and after World War II, the island was owned by the Pelejo and Jugueta families. In 1958, these families sold the island to the San Pablo Oil Company (now making Minola Cooking Oil) owned by 63 year old German expatriate and naturalized Filipino citizen Werner P. Schetelig.  After Schetelig died in 1962, Felipe “Baby” Ysmael (of Ysmael Steel) then bought the island from San Pablo Oil Company.

In 1967, Edgardo Tordesillas, business executive and amateur pilot, acquired the island from Felipe and set about building tourism facilities on the island, first building cottages (to house his family and guests) and, later, a nipa-roofed clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course. He also planted thousands of trees as well as many kinds of ornamental plants.  In 2011, Roberto V. Ongpin, Chairman of Alphaland Corporation (founded in 2007) acquired the island from the Tordedeillas family (Edgardo died in 2005) and developed Balesin Island Club.

Two offshore islands

Balesin, master-planned by EcoPlan of Miami, Florida, USA to optimize ecological sustainability, was meticulously designed to be in perfect harmony with its natural surroundings.  With the enhancement of everything in its environment uppermost in their mind without scrimping on luxurious, top-notch facilities, Alphaland adapted the “Three Pillar Innovation” – People, Planet and Profit.

Water reservoir

They reduced the amount of waste and ensured sustainable development via the island-wide rain water harvesting (runoff from the 1.5-km. airport runway provides over 100 million liters of water annually), 80% water recycling (for landscaping during the summer), a reverse osmosis plant, on-site eco-friendly transportation, organic farming, and alternative sources of energy.

Organic vegetable farm

The island’s coral reefs were also managed for diving and sustainable fishing. During the 14th United Nations World Tourism Organization Awards, the resort nabbed second-place for Innovation and Excellence in Tourism — the first in the history of the Philippines.

Alphaland Aviation Lounge

Our early morning journey to Balesin began at their cool, quiet and comfortable private terminal lounge at Alphaland Aviation Lounge in Manila, arriving there by 5 AM.

Our 68-seater ATR 72-100 at the hangar

After checking in our luggage and relaxing at the lounge while waiting for our flight, we boarded our 68-seater ATR 72-100 and were soon on our way.

On board and on our way….  L-R: Jandy, Engr. Loy Ganzon (Chairman of the Board of E. Ganzon, Inc.), Ms. Mamel Yap (E.G.I.), Bryan and Kyle

Alphaland operates two of these jets plus one 19-seater British Aerospace Jetstream 32 and two 9-seater Cessna 208B Grand Caravans) and took off for the island just before 8 AM.

Landfall at E.L. Tordesillas Airport

We arrived at the island’s aptly named E.L. Tordesillas Airport by 8:20 AM.  At the Welcome Center, we were briefed by the staff on the island’s facilities and, after picking up our luggage, were brought to our respective villas via airconditioned vans.  We stayed 2 nights at Phuket Village and another night at Costa del Sol. After checking in, we had a late breakfast at Balesin Sala in Balesin Village.

Check out “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Phuket Village” and “Resort Review: Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol”

Welcome Center

The beauty of the island was a world completely unto itself, with seven theme villages patterned and inspired from the most alluring, world-class luxury beach destinations where everything, from the architecture, interior design, landscaping and food, is authentically recreated – Balinese for Bali Village, Greek for Mykonos Village, French (Riviera) for St. Tropez Village, Spanish for Costa del Sol, Filipino at Balesin Village, Italian (Tuscany) at Toscana Village and Thai for Phuket Village.

Check out “Balesin Island Club – Bali Village,” “Balesin Island Club – Costa del Sol,” “Balesin Island Club – Mykonos Village,” “Balesin Island Club – St. Tropez Village,” “Balesin Island Club – Balesin Village” and “Balesin Island Club – Toscana Village”

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse has a reception area, a cigar lounge where you can light up a fine cigar (Tabacalera Cigar Divan),  gaming room (billiards, table tennis, a Wii console), a 600 sq.m. function area, a fully equipped conference room (for large gatherings and private meetings), seven 2-bedroom unit Clubhouse Suites, KTV rooms (Mike’s and Rannie’s), souvenir shop, music lounge, view deck, veranda, library, mahjong and poker room, internet gaming/business center, salon and barber shop, children’s indoor playroom, screening room, locker rooms, boutique and medical clinic.

The Clubhouse Lounge

It also has a number of bars (Lobby Bar, Coral Bar) and restaurants – Sakura Japanese Restaurant  (for sushi and teppanyaki dishes), the Dining Room, Balesin Dining Room and Han Gang Restaurant plus private dining rooms (Michelle’s and Anna’s).

Reception Area at Clubhouse

Outside are exquisitely designed swimming pools  (adult and kiddie) and 3 whirlpools, bars and private beach cabanas.    The Aquatic Sports Center offers waterskiing, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, wakeboarding, scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, boat rentals, deep sea fishing, Hobie Cat sailing, Frisbees, volleyball and paraw sailing.

The clubhouse’s swimming pool

Docked offshore for sunset cruises is Balesin’s new super yacht, the M/Y Obsessions, a sleek, 130-foot, aluminum-hull  vessel built by Heesen Yachts in the Netherlands.  Its decadent interiors were designed by Ann Van Der Kamp and Diaship, using sumptuous materials from Gianni Versace’s luxury Italian label.

The M/Y Obsessions

On our second day, after breakfast Jandy and I made a tour around the island. Aside from the airconditioned vans, jeepneys and buses, the resort also uses electric golf carts to go around the island to reduce its carbon footprints.

One of the jeepneys that transports guest around the island

We visited the Ifugao Village where an entire community of Ifugao woodcarvers lived.  The furniture on the island, both modern and traditional, was made by them and they also produce art pieces, sculpture as well as souvenir items for sale to visitors.

Jandy in front of the Ifugao Camp

We also visited the Sports Center with its fully-equipped gym, badminton courts, basketball court, tennis courts, martial arts studio, airsoft target shooting range, soccer field, running track, rock climbing wall, table tennis and refreshment bars.

Sports Center

A fenced part of the jungle houses tactical formations for paintball and war games, a stable for Segways, and Knockerballs. There’s also horse riding stables, an archery range, golf driving range and putting green.

Soccer Field

The island is also home to the Aegle Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art integrative health & wellness center nominated as Medi-Spa of the Year in the 2017 Asia Spa Awards.  It is the only place in the Philippines, and among the few in Asia, that offers thalassotherapy, a medical treatment for weight loss and detoxification that makes use of the components of seawater.

Pony Paddock

On our third day, scheduled afternoon tour, this time via an airconditioned bus, took us around the island, visiting each of the aforementioned 7 themed villages.

The Greek-themed Mykonos Village

Toscana Village

The French Riviera-inspired St. Tropez

Balesin Village

We also visited the Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farm where seafood and organic produce, for the restaurants, are cultivated at specially made fish pens and greenhouses, respectively.

Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farms

Bryan, Kyle and Cheska at the Family Picnic Grove and Organic Farms

At the Aviary (a joint undertaking of Balesin Island Club and the Tobiano family), we had intimate encounters with some exotic birds.

The Aviary

These include blue and gold macaw (Ara ararauna), African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), Victoria crown pigeon (Goura victoria), scarlet macao (Ara macao), Indian blue peacock (Pavo cristatus), among others.

The author with a pigeon

It is also home to a pair of African spurred tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) and rabbits.

The open-air chapel

The open-aired Chapel across the latter, with amphitheater-like seating and wooden altar, was where the wedding took place.  We also heard mass here.

The rustic chapel interior

The wedding reception was held at The Salon, the elegant function hall which accommodates up to 350 guests for sit-down banquets, at the majestic Balesin Royal Villa, facing Lamon Bay and its gorgeous sunset.  It also has an a bar facility, a 10-person elevator for easy access to the upper and lower floors from

Balesin Royal Villa

The Salon, state-of-the-art karaoke room as well as billiard and foosball tables.  The ten 120 sq.m. Royal suites located on the ground floor, each have a terrace providing direct access to the 2 swimming pools (with jet bubblers and 4 sunning decks) and private, white-sand beach.

Entrance to Balesin Royal Villas

The four 317 sq.m. Maharlika suites, on the upper level, have their own living area, terrace, and outdoor jacuzzi. All Balesin Royal Villa suites have magnificent views of the sea, and accommodate up to 4 people each.

Fish Fun

As we just stayed on the island for three days, we didn’t get to experience all the different cuisine the island had to offer but we did get to try breakfast at Balesin Sala (Balesin Village) and the Main Clubhouse (the centerpiece of the resort together with the state-of-the-art wellness facility), Spanish cuisine for lunch at Casa Grande (Costa del Sol) and, for dinner, Thai cuisine at Sawadee (Phuket Village) and Japanese cuisine at Sakura (Main Clubhouse).

Balesin Sports Bar

Bryan playing billiards at the Sports Bar

Sakura, the club’s most popular restaurant, is located inside the main clubhouse.  Led by chef Edo-san, it houses a teppanyaki counter and sushi bar, and serves everything from soba to tempura to prime steak.  Favorites include the much sought-after popped rice starter with its poetic presentation, the Edo-san maki of eel, cream cheese, avocado, tobiko and topped with baked crab, the spider roll, sea bass with miso, beef usuyaki, and the beef and seafood teppanyaki with fried rice.

Balesin Island Club: Brgy. Balesin, Polillo 4339, Quezon.

Metro Manila Corporate Office: Alphaland Corporation, Alphaland Makati Place, 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn., 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila.  Tel: +63.2.5337.2031 and +63.2.5337.2055 loc 271 to 274 (Reservations). Fax: +63.2.5338.1231,  E-mail: info@alphaland.com.ph. Website: www.balesin.com.