The Eccentric Buddha

This is the look of a good holiday.

Wishing this is my Monday morning.

Wish this was my lazy Sunday afternoon.

A hidden Spring in Amadeo, Cavite: Poniente Spring Resort

The only thing I knew about Amadeo, Cavite is that it is close to Tagaytay and This close proximity results to a similar nippy weather which makes it a perfect location to grow good quality coffee. This is evident through the different coffee bean plantations around the area. And that’s the only thing I know.

Until my friend, David, dragged me out of the house to accompany him to do some occulars for his company outing. In pursuit of something special and obscure, we wanted to visit Balite falls. Though, due to turmoil between the government and the private owners, it was closed. Dang. So we asked around and were directed towards a spring resort in a town called pangil in the middle of Amadeo.

"It has a spring that spouts the cleanest waters", the locals said. "It is beautiful there", they said. 

And those things it were. 

The resort is an estate which descends into a swimming pool with natural spring waters. There are a lot of kubos and cottages around the area that can be rented for a fee. But, what the resort boasts of is it’s natural spring pool with clear cool waters that is designed to blend in with the environment filled with lush trees and rich soil and rocks.

Entrance fee is minimal. Approximately 200 Pesos per adult. They are open for overnighters. Although one con that really is a dealbreaker is that the establishment lacks a clean bathroom. If you are not too choosy and used to roughing it toilet-wise, that wouldn’t be a problem.

Burot Beach: not a secret anymore

A secluded stretch of sand and water off the coast of Calatagan, Batangas. My friend just showed it to me and i was not aware of this destination. The place is filled with lush trees and dotted by beautiful rock formations that really creates a unique scape. The place is so rich with the surrounding mangroves here and there and clean waters with a little marine life that really adds charm to this calm watered place. It is quite a surprising find so close to Manila. A perfect go to place for urban dwellers in search for isolation R&R.

Since it is an undeveloped property recently purchased by SMDC. There are no establishments around save for makeshift bathrooms. What you can and should expect are tents, ample parking space for roadtrippers, lots of space. The caretakers are SM security guards and will allow you to enjoy the place for a minimal fee as entrance fee.

Expect big crowds on weekends and holidays. I hope people can preserve the place by leaving no filth and trash after them.

Be wary of dogs. There was a beautiful secluded area where there were dogs looking after something and we unknowingly wandered too close to their territory and chased us down with rabid fervor. We panicked and ran several meters just to get away from them. Har har. 

When one is on a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Manaoag, one has to pay a visit to the candle room where devotees offer candles and prayer in exchange for their intentions. This shot is taken from one of 2 pools of water that offers a novelty option for children to offer floating candles to our lady.