PUNTA DE FABIAN: View to a thrill
Photos By Fernan Nebres
Good to know that more and more Filipinos are flocking to local destinations. Now it is commonplace to hear of actual friends and acquaintances who would travel around the country, explore its natural wonders, soak up on the local culture, and come back feeling more proud of themselves as Filipinos.
We think it’s partly because of local tourism becoming more accessible to everyone, from transportation to prices. It used to be that one had to be coaxed to tour his own country.
Now, Filipinos’ eyes literally light up whenever an opportunity to go on local travel is offered. They now have choices. Indeed, it is so much easier to move around, find a place to stay in, or pick a mode of transport.
A place like Punta de Fabian in Baras, Rizal is further proof that Filipinos will have more confidence touring the country. A three-hectare private resort that brings together the luxurious amenities of a hotel, Punta de Fabian promises to be a complete destination.
Within its hilltop enclave is a specialized café and restaurant, poolside and scenic deck-bar, fully equipped function rooms, garden reception area, and a videoke bar.
Visitors can choose from among the 27 lakefront rooms in Punta de Fabian. All of these rooms are equipped with TV, deluxe bathroom, vanity area with a full set of organically made toiletries by Bath Origins, tea- and coffee-making facilities, private sitting rooms, and terraces.
The scene gets better with a lagoon-shaped swimming pool and a Jacuzzi; basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts; white-sand kid’s playground; and recreation room with billiards, table tennis, darts, PS2, and game-boards.
Yes, it does sound like a large-scale resthouse, and that should not surprise you. Fact is, Punta de Fabian began as a resthouse for the Pamintuan family.
Sales and marketing manager John Pamintuan shares, “When my mother had cancer, she had this built. It used to be a simple place where she would relax during her tough times as a patient. She just fell in love with the view and developed this property from scratch.”
The family decided to open the place to the public upon the prodding of friends who were highly impressed by what they saw and experienced. John adds: “We renovated the old rooms, added new ones, built a basketball court, a restaurant, and a recreation room. We launched Punta de Fabian in July 2005.”
“What makes us different from the rest is that we provide exclusivity to our guests, giving them more privacy,” he says.
To achieve a sense of relaxation in Punta de Fabian, the resort is decorated in “Filipino-Zen” style. John says, “We wanted a Filipino theme for the rooms and gave them a modern touch. We used a lot of dark wood for the rooms, and put a lot of big windows for natural lighting.”
Punta de Fabian, overseen by general manager Theresa Joy Pamintuan, is proud of its main attractions. Guests get to enjoy the view of Laguna de Bay, as well as nearby hills, and glimpses of neighboring towns such as Pililla and Tanay. Yes, it is only 90 minutes away from Manila.
Staying guests can look forward to many interesting sites in Baras, among them the Baras Church, completed in 1686. Art appreciations tours abound, as well as nature-tripping activities, which Punta de Fabian’s staff will help arrange for guests.
John says things will get even better in Punta de Fabian. “Early next year, we will have an infinity pool and a team-building campsite. The latter is a 2,000-square-meter maze with different obstacle courses. Corporate teambuilding clients will enjoy themselves here.”
Right now, Punta de Fabian is offering an early bird discount: 10 percent off for bookings before Dec. 6. “And with the Christmas season, there will be fireworks displays here as well as other exciting holiday-related activities. If they stay here for the New Year’s celebration, they will enjoy the full view of the fireworks from the different towns below,” John declares.
Needless to say, Filipinos will be happy to know that a place like this, so near and truly beautiful, complete with the magnificent view, will make it to their own must-visit lists.
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Punta de Fabian is located along Manila East Road, Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. For reservations, call their Manila office at 433-1995 or 9292920, e-mail at puntadefabian@yahoo.com or log on to www.puntadefabian.com.
