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Sassyzeal

One of the most important things to pay attention with is the venue hunting. During our planning stage of venue hunting for our big day, we asked ourselves what are the considerations we have in mind and here are the things we considered.

1. Vicinity/ Accessibility: Within or near Manila. Considering that most of our guests will be coming from Manila and we don't want to cause them stress on going to far just to attend our special event, we decided to conduct our wedding just within Manila or near Manila (Although we know that they can make it even outside manila if they really want to be part of the special day). Plus the fact that if we choose far venues like Tagaytay (the place we love a lot), there would be additional cost to us like transportation, additional nights for accommodation and the effort of going back and forth for the preparation alone.

2. Affordability /  Cost: Whose couple doesn't want their wedding to be the best? I don't know but for us, of course we want the best wedding because we really waited for it for so long. However, most of the featured weddings on TV and on web seems to be so expensive. Of course, celebrity and high profile couples can afford it. Over rated fairy tale wedding venues like Fernbrook is really awesome yet pricey. So we played around different venues and options to make a venue look sophisticated yet affordable. How can we consider a venue expensive or not? Well, it will vary not only on couple capability and budget but how they look into it. A venue worth 100 thousand sounds expensive, some can really afford it and some really worked hard just to reach this aim. But no matter what, the thing is, the venue which the couple would choose is worth once in a lifetime.

3. Ambiance:  Since we will having a Christian ceremony, we don't have to look for a church. And so, what we want is either garden ceremony + an indoor reception set-up or an ALL-IN -ONE venue for ceremony and reception.

Originally we want a garden wedding but, that is a BIG RISK when it rain. We can push that through bu adding a budget for clear event tent plus consider several air cooler to avoid the guests from sweating. Another option is to look for a covered garden. Last option is to hold the ceremony in an indoor place, a pavilion, a clubhouse or hotel maybe. You'll see my full venue combination option here.

Wherever it will be, we prefer our wedding to be conducted in a fresh, light and romantic atmosphere where elegance is a must and facilities are complete.

4. Value: Another thing that came into our mind is the value of the place. Do we have a place we treasure the most as a couple? A common place of interest? Where  we met? A place where we usually date? A remarkable place we can consider the best place to marry?

5. The X factor: The best consideration of all for a lady!!! The X factor thing. Well, I really don't know how to explain but this is the best explanation i can give. X factor, the unknown factor. I know soon to be bride can relate to me more than the soon to be groom. Well, this is the feeling when you first stepped into that place and you said "Wow, I want here!". Or the moment you walk on the isle during your ocular and you feel teary. The feeling that brings you to the actual day of your wedding. That's it!

I know we may not get them all but at least we set expectations to guide us what we really want for a venue.

Happy Hunting! :) Congrats soon to be Mr. and Mrs!
Monday, May 18, 2015 1 comments



Villa Escudero’s Humble beginning



Villa Escudero is an 800 hectares coconut plantation which is privately owned by Escudero clan.  The founder is Don Placido Escudero. It was originally a sugar can plantation and was converted to coconut plantation by the founder’s son Don Arceno. By 1981, Don Arceno’s children opened Villa Escudero to the public as a resort showcasing the Philippines rich cultural heritage, history, custom, dress and cuisine and lifestyle.


Villa Escudero as Prosperity and Generosity Land



While on a Carabao shuttle ride going back to the Villa Escudero’s exit, the man driving the carabao offered us to tour around the village. He told us stories about the village. We saw group of the Villa’s employees going out. He then started his story…
He said that Villa Escudero have approximately 500 employees, most of them are living inside Villa Escudero. When Villa Escudero started, there were seven pioneering families who were working for the Escudero. They have been provided by 300 square meter each family for their home lot. And oh, I was so amazed! Until now, the following generations of the families are still living and working in Villa Escudero. We saw houses with gardens within the Villa, they have been told to make the best garden for their houses and award will be given.
By this tour, It feels like I was in a movie of Haciendero/ Haceiendera story where there is a huge property, hundreds of workers and wide open privately owned nature! Well, this is real! So real! But then, what amazed me the most is the generosity of Escudero clan. The over flowing glory that they have is being shared to the people of San Pablo Laguna and Tiaong Quezon. These are the things that touched my heart.

1.       Having a very OWN lot for your home means a real hard work. We need to sweat blood and spend years working to buy one. But then the workers of Villa Escudero were given their  OWN 300 sq. m. lot (though im not sure if ALL of them). Given the fact that they are working for Villa Escudero. (We’ll then, even I work for my company for decades, they won’t give me a literal lot. Yeah, but I can buy one out of my earnings, lol).

2.       Can you imagine how big the Villa Escudero is? So how many employees does it need for the maintenance, management and operation? In any spot of the Villa, we can find staffs assisting us at every point just to maintain the best accommodation they are giving to the guests. The Karaoke operator, the carabao drivers, the package counter staffs, receptionist, walking tour guide inside the museum, guards, cultural dancers, restaurant staffs and many many more.. And so, just imagine how many jobs it opened for the people within the vicinity? 500 jobs are fair plenteous enough for a rural community.

3.       One of the clear evident of Escudero’s generosity is the stunning pink museum (sometimes mistaken to be a church) Preserving the history and the treasures of the Philippines culture. The cost of every tiny little memorabilia in the museum up to the largest and most valuable treasure of those great images. The price of the centennial value and how it was preserve and retrieved. The treasure of the remnants of its story to tell to the future. Escudero spent a lot for this.


 Villa Escudero Attractions, Amenities, Activities and Accommodation and how to get there


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Is there any experience you want to share with me or you want to seek any tips or ask questions, I will be delighted to hear it!
COMMENT on below because I am interested! Ops! Don't forget to add your email address so I can get back to you!
Monday, April 27, 2015 1 comments
Craving for sizzling hot foodey? But you are still confuse because you want grill too? Well, don't worry much! Consider your craving solved! Here is a buffet restaurant that combines shabu - shabu and grill! Tonyang Shabu-Shabu and Grill !


 

  




Each table has two stove, one for shabu-shabu and one for grilling. The waiter will ask you to choose two flavors of soup for your Shabu-Shabu.

If you are too hungry to wait for your grill and shabu-shabu to be cooked, there are ready to eat dishes at one corner of Tonyang.

On the other section is a wide variety of fresh seafood and meat. They are readily cut and sliced.

 

It has a array of meat for grilling. Barbeque of all kinds. 

  You can choose among their promos:
399 pesos (Monday-Friday Lunch Buffet)

515 pesos (Shabu-Shabu only. Lunch/Dinner) 
585 pesos (Shabu-Shabu and Grill. Lunch/Dinner)


If you find this post helpful and you appreciate it, Come on! please do SHARE on social media and let your friends know as well! 

Or want know more about my sassy experiences? Subscribe on the right pane of this site! I'll be happy to spread the enthusiasm to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST SMARTLY!


Is there any experience you want to share with me or you want to seek any tips or ask questions, I will be delighted to hear it!
COMMENT on below because I am interested! Ops! Don't forget to add your email address so I can get back to you!

Monday, April 06, 2015 No comments




It’s time for relaxation and what we were looking for is a place away from stressful work and busy city. First option was to go to Subic but we've realized that our day will be consumed by travel time going there. Second option; go beachi’n in Batangas. This wouldn't work as well because we don’t want to get tan and we don’t want much of swimming in a beach.

What we want is to find a place where we can have the following criteria:


1.       A place where we can really feel the nature. Relax, calm and very rural.
2.       A place where there is no crowd and only limited guest will be with us
3.       A place where we need a shorter travel time
4.       A place where we can also try out a new taste of foodies. Food Tripping!
5.     A place where there is a heated pool so even if it rains, we won’t feel cold. Hot Spring Pool!
6.       A place where we can do photo shoot

I had an idea in mind but I hesitated because that place is pricey. Luckily, we saw a deal in Metrodeal.

P349 instead of P700 for a day pass
P2170 instead of P3100 for an overnight stay with breakfast
P3930 instead of P5600 for an overnight stay with breakfast



The place? 88 Hostpring Spa Resort. I already went there before, a year or two ago on a regular price rate of P 5,600 per night. This place is worth of second visit or more. Let me walk you through this paradise.


88 Hostpring Spa Resort Background


88 Hostpring Spa Resort is a haven for Korean tourists as well as for Filipino and other nationalities. The Department of Tourist awarded this resort as one of “The Best Resort of Laguna”. This resort is 7 hectares wide situated at the very foot of the Legendary Mount Makiling located in Calamba City Laguna, Philippines. For 100 years now, the water that comes from the spring is very clear bicarbonate, odorless, tested and proven to be rich in organic minerals which believed to cure several skin diseases and is known as the “MIRACLE WATER”



88 Hotspring Resort is owned and designed by a Korean national.


Facilities and Ambiance


There are seven pools scattered equally to this very huge resort excluding the numbers of Dip Pool or Jacuzzi which can be seen isolated on the second and third level of the mountain resort. There are also two set of interesting octagon dip pools at the ground. All of them have different water temperatures and purposes. It sourced and streamed from natural hot spring water of Mount Makiling. Some of the Pools are just NEW. Last year, they don’t have these yet when I first went there. They also have Firing Range, Open cottages, Mini Bar, Snack Bar, Mini Concert Stage, Locker Rooms, Karaoke, boating and wide open area for your desired activities such as picnic.

Among all the criteria I have in mind, ambiance is the highly considered thing to me. We’ll 88 Resort Spa satisfied me with the quality of ambiance they served me.

Aside from the variety of pools they have. What I love the most in this resort is the majestic view of Mt. Makiling in front of our Nipa Cottage. It really feels like I was living in Hacienda. The old location of lagoon was replaced by wide greenery soon to be situated by cottages or pool maybe. The Lagoon was adjusted nearer the Mt. Makiling. There is combination of modern and native dwelling place for accommodation. Nicely designed landscape and artistic figures are everywhere. You won’t even notice that you are getting tan of the hot sunny weather because of the cool breeze. There is no crowd and most of the guests you will encounter are Korean. It seems like we’ve rented a private resort. I just don’t know if it is the same during weekends. We went here weekdays. It is also the best place for Photo shoot!




Entrance



When driving along National Highway Calamba, you will find this resort easily, as a large banner of the resort is displayed outside. You will be asked to provide an ID upon entering the gate for overnight guest. There is an ample parking inside the vicinity.

Upon entering the reception area, there will be personnel who will assist you on your reservation and will accompany you to your desired accommodation.

If you just want an All - Day pass, there will be a designated locker for you.

Common shower room and comfort room


There are rooms which do not have its own comfort room. For day travelers, they need to use this more. I did not expect that I’ll be comfortable to use common shower room. It is neatly maintained and it smells good.



Variety Pools, Dip Pools and Jacuzzi


If I am not mistaken, there are seven pools scattered equally to this very huge resort excluding the numbers of Dip Pool or Jacuzzi which can be seen isolated on the second and third level of the mountain resort. There are also two set of interesting octagon dip pools at the ground. All of them have different water temperatures and purposes. It sourced and streamed from natural hot spring water of Mount Makiling. Some of the Pools are just NEW. Last year, they don’t have these yet when I first went there.

(Note: Proper swimming attire is required)

The main pool is located between Villa and Bamboo Deluxe. A few step from Mini Bar. This pool is a long pool and has an umbrella-like in the middle part which serves as a water fountain. This pool seems to be the dividing entity between the rural and urban community. On the other side of the pool are the Villas which are mini modern houses with a very nice landscape and on the other side are the Nipa houses which seem to be lovelier to me. It expresses the interesting culture of Filipino native community. Simple, relax and truly nature.

NEW: Kiddie Cold pool located in front of the new Club House near the big and cold spring with water slide.


NEW: This is new. Part of the expansion is a big cold spring swimming pool with slide in front of the New Club House. This is near the Volley Ball and Badminton Count across the Lagoon.


NEW: Hot Spring Swimming Pool in front of Executive Rooms across the Lagoon.




Two High Temperature swimming Pool in front of Restaurant with easy access to Snack Bar and Locker Room. I love how it feels soaking in warm water while hearing the songs from the band stage and seeing beautiful scenery.
 


 This is the admin swimming pool in front of Mini Concert Stage and there old dining restaurant on the third floor. The water is not too hot or too cold for us to enjoy. The unique part of this area is that, while enjoying swimming, you can also enjoy listening to the live band performance in front of you. Cool!







Hot Pool with 41’C up cures eczema, itchiness, rheumatoid, nerve pain and relieve stress. It is recommended to stay in the hot pool for only 5 – 10 minutes.

           


Jacuzzi and Dip Pools


There are Dip Pools or Jacuzzi which can be seen isolated on the second and third level of the mountain resort. There are also two set of interesting octagon dip pools at the ground. Warm pool temperature is 37 – 39’c which regulate blood pressure, Improve blood circulation, relieve pain, improve atherosclerosis, arthritis and prevent heart diseases, stroke, paralysis and insomnia. Recommended stay is 20-30 minutes.

“Chi is an ancient Chinese concept which teaches that there is energy constantly flowing everywhere. This Energy symbolizes life, health, prosperity and everything that is positive to us. The Nine main energies which are different according to direction and time are called flying stars. It is believed that these nine flying stars are arranged in such way that they can affect and relate to each other constantly. The diagram has been studied for thousands of years by many scholars since it first appeared in a turtle back these pools strictly follow the core concept of such Fengshui theory to achieve the best ehabilitation effect and absorb the best chi, the energy, for better blood circulation and metabolism.”
– 88 website information

There are 8 pools with the temperature of 37 – 43’C which improves better blood circulation and metabolism.




         




Accommodation



88 Hot Spring Resort offers us different types of accommodation according to our need and its capacity such as Standard Room, Small Kubo, Kubo Deluxe, Bamboo Suite, Villa, Nipa Hut and Executive.




Standard room
Php 3,000.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 3 Pax
2 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 1 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00
Fully furnished with 1 Queen Size bed, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom, Cable-TV, WIFI-nternet

 Small kubo
Php 2,500.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 3 Pax
2 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 1 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00
Fully furnished with 1 Queen size bed, Air-conditioned, Common Toilet and Bathroom, WIFI-Internet.
This room is really small which only a queen size bed fits in plus a small space for your things. It has native walls a small air-con and two small windows good enough for guests who would like to spend their entire day outdoor and will just use this accommodation just to sleep. There is no TV and comfort room. You may need to go out and use the common bathroom near the pool area.




Bamboo Deluxe
Php 5,000.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 3 Pax
2 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 1 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00
Fully Furnished with 1 Queen size bed, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom, Cable-TV,
WIFI-Internet.
This is a huge Nipa with Veranda in front of the main pool. There is cabinet and blower as well. There is a bathroom which the upper part is open. At the price of P 5,000, I can say that the price is expensive. I would rather settle for P 2,500 small Kubo room for a night. I am being practical now unlike a year ago, we paid for Bamboo Deluxe which we didn’t make the most of because we spent a lot of time outside this P 5,000 Bamboo Deluxe.



Bamboo Suite
Php 5,500.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 5 Pax
2 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 3 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00/Head.

Fully Furnished with 1 Queen size and 1 Single Bed, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom, Cable-TV, WIFI-Internet





Nipa Hut

Php 9,000.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 10 Pax
4 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 6 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00/Head.

Fully furnished with 3 Queen size beds, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom with Jacuzzi, Cable-TV, WIFI-Internet


Villa
Php 6,000.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 5 Pax
2 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 3 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00/Head.
Fully Furnished with 1 Queen size and 1 Single Bed, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom, Cable-TV, WIFI-Internet




EXECUTIVE
Php 10,000.00
Min. of 2pax / Max. of 7 Pax
4 Adults are included in the basic charge up to 3 extra adult can be accommodated with entrance fee of Php 600.00/Head.

Fully Furnished with 2 Queen size beds, Air-conditioned, Refrigerator, Toilet and Bathroom with bathtub, Wide Screen Flat TV with Cable, WIFI-Internet


Entrance Fee for DAY TRIP
Adult        P 600
Children - 13yrs old and below P 500
               - 3 yrs old and below FREE


Other Fee:
Mattress(per piece) P 200
Boat Rides (per hour)         P 300
Spa and Body Massage (per hour)   P 1000


Facilities and Amenities:
Hotel Room Accommodation 
Clubhouse(Conference and Meeting Room) 
Fine Dining Restaurant 
Beverage/Liquor and Fruit Bars 
Boat Rides 
Outdoor Firing Range 
Spa and Body Massage 
Mini Concert Stage with Live music 
Open Cottages (Regular and Swing type)
Fishing
Volleyball Court
Farm
Wifi Zone
Locker and Shower Room
Water-slide
Kid's Pool
Pavilion/Event Hall

***Prices are based on the published rates as of August 2014***



FOOD


Since 88 Resort is owns by a Korean and most of the guests are Koreans, the Resort's specialty of course is Korean Cuisine. If you will first look at their Menu, you might think that the price is a bit pricey. We'll that is true! But when the waiter served us our orders, Wow! we're surprised that one serving is big enough for the two of us. In that case, I can say that the price is reasonable. Aside from the full packed meal, you will have the taste of a REAL, authentic Korean food. (Real and authentic?, not redundancy because some restaurants says, they cook authentic Korean food, even if they are not).





They also serve complimentary appetizer and dessert (fruit).

Just a heads up! Filipino dishes are also available but limited. 

For Korean food lovers, SURELY you will enjoy this restaurant. For those who are not, well, I believe you will start craving for it after you tried. 




Here is my RATING for 88 Hot Spring Resort Spa



OVERALL:
So far, this is the most recommended all-in relaxation place I can recommend in near Manila. I was totally satisfied disregarding how expensive it is (not too much expensive) because the cost we paid for the accommodation is worth of how much fun it brought us.

If you find this post helpful and you appreciate it, Come on! please do SHARE on social media and let your friends know as well! 

Or want know more about my sassy experiences? Subscribe on the right pane of this site! I'll be happy to spread the enthusiasm to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST SMARTLY!


Is there any experience you want to share with me or you want to seek any tips or ask questions, I will be delighted to hear it!
COMMENT on below because I am interested! Ops! Don't forget to add your email address so I can get back to you!

HOW TO GET THERE 


88 Hot  Spring Resort is 53 kilometers away from Metro Manila and just an hour away from NAIA. To get there, you may ride any bus that has signage "Sta.Cruz Laguna" from Taft-Buendia like DLTB or JAC Liner from Cubao and just tell the driver to drop you off in 88 Resort Spa. A bus from Taft-Buendia to  ride will cost you P 91 at regular fare. 




Reminders:



Check-in time 1:30pm and Check-out time 11:30am of the following day.

Bringing-in of food is not allowed.

Appropriate swimming attire is required.

Take a shower before using the pool/s.

Please entrust all your valuables to our front desk for safe keeping.

Prices may changed without prior notice.


- BE SASSY - BE ZEALOUS -

Monday, March 16, 2015 No comments
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Time flies! and the truth is, we never know when life will end. So as long as we have TIME and LIFE, cherish!. Maximize the precious time with love ones and explore God's crafted wonderful world for us. Share your life with others who need inspiration and encouragement. Spread love, laugh and enthusiasm to humanity. Let not your limited budget hinder you to do whatever you want, go wherever your feet will bring you, taste whatever your tongue desires, experience what you haven't and discover the unseen. You can do anything through proper planning, budgeting and wise promo hunting! Remember that you can always...

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