Yes! After several years I was back to
full-time work. My little boy is now in
grade school, he has become independent (yep! I trained him to be one). It was my desire to keep my mind up and going
again, amidst work stress and braving the metro traffic.
And so after quite sometime, I think I
need some relaxation. So today, me and
my little boy Ivan headed further south for our weekend staycation at Club
Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas.
Club Balai Isabel is located right on the shore of
Taal lake, overlooking the world famous Taal volcano of course, and its less
than an hour land travel from Calamba City via the South Superhighway
extension. Coming from Metro Manila,
including the usual traffic, maybe add another one hour and half travel time.
It used to be a private subdivision but over the
years, it was developed and expanded into a resort community. So now it has become one of the favorite
tourist destinations in the south, more so, within the Taal Lake area. The resort now offers amenities and
facilities to suit corporate events, family holidays or any special occasions,
and its just perfect for our mother-and-son staycation.
It was my little boy’s first time here and he was
really excited with the inviting atmosphere running back and forth along the
lake shore feeling the cool breeze of the wind at mid-morning. But you know,
when I myself got here for the very first time some years back, what I did look
for? Where did the videographer hang the wedding gown of that famous celebrity
actress when she was wed here.
Before heading to our room, we had a quick
breakfast, afterwhich we explore the different facilities of the resort. Oh by
the way, I have some friends who are also here so we had time to bond with them
as well.
Our accomodation is a 5-bedroom villa that’s good
for 10 or more persons. It has 2 toilet
and bath, a mini-kitchen with fridge, dining and living room area and a balcony
overlooking the lake. There’s also a
flat screen TV with cabled programs, cabinet, dresser, and a writing
table. Accordingly, we can have the
option to cook, but we just forget about it.
Instead, we indulge ourselves with the resort’s food buffet and those
other delicious and tempting items on their menu.
After the late lunch, we headed to the lake area
where we tried their water sports activities.
Yes, one of the reasons we’re here.
Need not go to Boracay to enjoy jet-skiing, kayaking or the banana-boat
ride. Accordingly, they will soon open for para-sailing and the flying. Ha! Ha! I am not familiar how its being done
but it seems exciting as well.
Ivan was sad because he too small and young to try
these activities nor was he allowed to board the speed boat. But anyway, isn’t he cute in his pink floral
life vest.
During the night, we were able to watch some
fireworks display at a wedding event happening here at the same time. Also spent some time chatting and catching up
with one another while listening to their acoustic singer Ms. Cath Manansala,
calls herself a one-man band. She’s really good doing all those yesteryears
songs like the hits of “The Carpenters”. It was almost midnight when we retire
to our room for the much-needed rest after a long enjoyable day.
Next day, we attended the Sunday mass at the Spousal
of Mary and Joseph Chapel inside the resort.
Then we took time to enjoy the swimming facilities, Club Balai Isabel
has three swimming pool areas. At the Kumintang Pool, you need not bring towel,
its provided. Just leave it there after use. Ivan rented a bike to explore more
the area, which is so tiresome because I need to follow him around (ha!ha! why
didn’t I rent my own bike?).
Its time to go after a hearty buffet lunch.
It was a short stay and we wish we had more
time. But anyway, my little boy liked
the idea of going back here some other time.
Maybe next time we can tag along his cousins if they are not so busy at
all.
For me it was a relaxed weekend. I had time to unwind, think not much of my
duties at the office. Yes! Hopefully we’ll
come back.
So if you’re planning some staycation, relax
moments, Club Balai Isabel is it. Check
out their website at http://www.balaiisabel.com. They are also
on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
More photos here.
