#wheninmarinduque

Alighting from the tricycle in front of a school, we were looking around for the gate of Balay sa Isok. Although we were sent an instruction guide to knock on a brown gate beside the school as part of the confirmation email for our reservation, I was still looking for some grand entranceway to our beautiful accommodation. I didn't think of finding such a gem behind a random roadside vegetable garden.

While looking online for a place to stay in for the mainland Marinduque portion of a 3-day-long birthday celebration of my boyfriend's birthday, I came across the listing of Balay sa Isok. Checking their FB page, I saw the wonderful pictures of their place and contacted the host immediately to make our reservation. During the course of our chat, the host sent me more pictures of their place which I then forwarded to a lot of my family and friends and proceeded to gush over the unbelievable beauty.

While finalizing our reservation, I took my chance and asked the host if they can help me set up a surprise for my boyfriend. Just cake and balloons, I said. The host readily said okay and ask me to contact his wife. His wife, Ms. Rodz, said she'll handle it and even offered to set up a romantic dinner for us.

She went above and beyond what I asked. Even I was surprised at how they set everything up: from the balloons and cake in our room to the romantic dinner spread in their garden beneath string lights. Just like how each and every part of their place is curated to perfection, every detail of both surprises was also on point. 

When you come inside Balay sa Isok, you will get overwhelmed because everywhere you look is literally picture-perfect. There is a lot to take in. But what's more overwhelming was how kind and accommodating their owners and personnel are.

A truly one of a kind experience. I think we were fortunate to be the only guests during our stay but it wouldn't be long until people would be flocking to their place to relax in such a haven.