Fun in the Fabian sun

MANILA, Philippines - Whenever Holy Week comes along, we map out our itineraries for the full seven days. Normally, we set aside a day where we can visit as many churches as we can. The entire thing is never done by one’s lonesome. It is a shared event for families, friends, and neighbors — indeed perfect for bonding.

How fun it is to go places with them, taking in the sights and engaging in spirited conversations. One such place that we highly recommend is Baras, Rizal. It is home to one of the oldest religious and historical pilgrimages, the Baras Church.

The town is also the address of Punta de Fabian, one of Rizal province’s premier resorts that sit on a hill. The good news is, Punta de Fabian is giving a 10 percent discount on rooms, accommodations, and day tour packages.

For that offering, guests can look forward to a trip that is both meaningful and enjoyable. Yes, we can say that the pleasure extends the entire summer at the three-hectare private resort. With the luxury of a hotel, guests can look forward to more new amenities and features at Punta de Fabian.

A new feature is the infinity pool where visitors can beat the heat in all its 160-square-meter lagoon-shaped glory. Children have their own pool area nearby, so their adult companions can easily look after them.

Even companies on a teambuilding spree have their place here. Punta de Fabian has built a 1,000-sqm maze, complemented with exciting courses.

“We have prepared a complete setup,” says Punta de Fabian sales and marketing manager John Pamintuan. “Aside from the physical arrangement, we also have well-trained facilitators who can assist companies and help make their events successful.”

Guests have their choice from among the 27 lakefront rooms. Those who choose to stay in the cool comfort of their rooms will enjoy their own TV, deluxe bathroom, vanity area with toiletries made by Bath Origins, terraces, and private sitting rooms.

Indoor recreation can be had, with billiards, table tennis, darts, PS2, and game boards. Those who would rather enjoy the summer breeze outside and sweat it out can use the basketball, volleyball, and badminton courts; and white-sand kid’s playground.

Or treat the entire group to meals at the resort’s café and restaurant, poolside and scenic deck-bar. Even families and companies would consider unwinding at the fully equipped function rooms, videoke bar or garden reception area.

Indeed, there is so much to do in Rizal. Make Punta de Fabian your residence and soak in the province’s rich culture and natural environment. Art appreciation tours abound in nearby Angono, Binangonan, Tanay, and Morong, where art houses display traditional and contemporary paintings and masterpieces.

Nature-tripping is likewise in full effect, with the Batlag Falls and Daranak Falls in the must-visit list, as well as Talim Island and Calinawan Cave in Tanay. Rizal’s food-tripping sites are just as aplenty, from Antipolo to Angono.

At the end of the day, home is Punta de Fabian, a place where fun in the sun is realized. Summer cannot get any better than this. As Pamintuan puts it: “We are fully prepared for the summer.”

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Punta de Fabian is located along Manila East Road in Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal. For reservations, call its Manila office at 433-1995 or 9292920, e-mail at [email protected] or log on to www.puntadefabian.com.