Summer leads to Punta de Fabian
MANILA, Philippines - In the Philippines, there is a tourist destination for every point on the compass. If you happen to be heading east, about 90 minutes from Manila, you’ll hit one of these points. Right on a hilltop at the heart of Baras, Rizal is a splendid vacation alternative with a magnificent view of Laguna de Bay. Aside from the country’s largest body of water before you, a luxury resort welcomes your stay where you can enjoy your weekend or holiday in peace.
I say “alternative” simply because most people focus too much on the usual tourist traps in the country. It’s time to check out smaller, quieter places where you can relax and have fun at the same time. All of these things you can do at Punta de Fabian.
One of Rizal’s premier resorts, Punta de Fabian offers an exclusive and sophisticated getaway for you and your family, friends or co-workers. The three-hectare resort was built for groups of people who want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company. Complementing the magnificent presence of Laguna de Bay are water facilities such as an infinity pool — which stretches out to a view of the bay — and a lagoon-shaped swimming pool plus a Jacuzzi.
General Manager Joy Pamintuan says they are very much into inviting corporate accounts this summer. Function rooms and teambuilding facilities are readily available. One of the newer additions, a genuine maze for your friends to lose themselves in, is sure to excite those who dare solve its mystery.
Owned and managed by the Pamintuan family, Punta de Fabian is also a reflection of their personal tastes. The minimalist style — which the Pamintuans dub as a mixture of Filipino and Zen designs — gives the place an aura of sophistication and class. All superbly appointed lakefront suites and bedrooms are equipped with first-class features and amenities.
No one will blame you if you opt to stay all day in the rooms. Specially made hypoallergenic pillows, bigger-sized beds and linens in off-white, peach brown and mustard gold color themes will help you relax. Bathroom amenities, specially made by Bath Origins, consist of all-natural ingredients.
There are various room types to choose from — standard, deluxe, loft room, suite, junior suite, family suite, and honeymoon suite. All have your basic TV, deluxe baths with separate shower and bath, vanity area, and private sitting rooms and terraces where one can enjoy the beautiful view. Most rooms also have Dream Cable TV and Wi-Fi Internet access.
When you do venture out of your room, a specialized café and restaurant will attend to your gastronomic needs. By the pool area is a scenic deck bar and there’s also a garden reception area.
Recreational facilities include a room where people can play billiards, table tennis, darts, and board games and enjoy some videoke. Right beside that is the lagoon-shaped swimming pool kiddie pool, Jacuzzi, multi-purpose court for basketball or volleyball, and a kid’s playground with white sand.
Punta de Fabian is primarily a place to relax and unwind. Of course, the easy atmosphere makes it doubly conducive to having work done. There is a full complement of business facilities that corporate groups can take advantage of for their seminars. One such meeting facility — overlooking the bay — is designed with large, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in natural light, taking advantage of the spectacular view outside. A full range of audio-visual equipment is available to assist in various presentations.
Recognized by the Department of Tourism, Punta de Fabian is the perfect hub for Rizal’s tourist attractions. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Tanay Church and marveling at this 17th century example of Renaissance architecture. There’s also Baras Church, one of the oldest in the area having been completed in 1686. Nature lovers also have quite a number of places to visit like Daranak Falls, Batlag Falls and Calinawan Cave.
Joy says, “Punta de Fabian is much improved now compared with previous years. We learned through experience and developed our operations side.” This summer, Punta de Fabian offers many corporate and group packages to suit different needs.
This year, the Pamintuans plan to develop more of the property to make it the ultimate vacation spot in the east. And after years of being the alternative, the resort is that much closer to being synonymous with anyone who wants to visit Rizal.
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Punta de Fabian Resort is located along Manila East Road in Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. For reservations or inquiries, call (632) 401-4771 or its Manila Sales Office, 2nd floor, Lexington Condominium, 65 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City at (632) 433-1995, 710-3153 or telefax (632) 929-2920. Visit its website at www.puntadefabian.com.
