Buhay Bahay-Bahayan

(Photo Source)

I echo my kababayan’s plea for bayanihan.

This is NOT the time to point fingers. It was unexpected. The government was overwhelmed with calamity issues and cries for help and rescue, as I’m sure you and I were. It all happened so fast. Nobody expected it to be of this magnitude.

It is NOT the time to gossip or accuse anybody of doing something selfish or politically motivated or of selectively rescuing people. You weren’t really there. You don’t know the true story. The best you could do is formulate theories. It’s so easy to criticize.

We’ve all seen the pictures. Our hearts go to those whose suffered lost of a loved one, property damage (either partial or total destruction), and other inconveniences.

At a calamitous time like this, we have to DO something. If you are physically here in the metro (which was most heavily hit) and very much able and have the means, GO and make yourself useful.

Ikaw, ano na ba ang ginawa mo?

Here’s HOW!

YOU can HELP! Here’s HOW!

Note: Photos NOT taken by author.

I have to admit, the first time I saw that picture, I was smitten with her beauty. How could something that can only be seen in Grecian vistas could exist right here in the Philippines. It was surreal. Only after reading a review in one of the premiere local magazines did I fully realize that this was something real, that it really exists.

Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa is situated off the south west coast of the Marinduque province. Characterized by seaside cliffs, valleys, hills and sparsely dotted plains across this heart-shaped region, therein lies even more impressively hot springs, waterfalls and underwater flora and fauna. In addition to these, there are caves that await exploration by adventurous travelers.

Get a load of this. Your very own private villa! What a perfect honeymoon getaway.

With your own pocket garden, infinity pool, jacuzzi, and this amazing bathroom.

Their Hotel Deluxe Rooms aren’t so bad. Not at all. They actually look so luxurious. The bathroom with glass panels right beside the bed reminds me of The Spa and Lodge in Tagaytay Highlands, albeit the latter being more rustic.

All rooms and villas have their own plasma TV with DVD player and home theater stereo, satellite TV, iPod dock with Hi-Fi sound system, and complimetary Internet access with cable in rooms/villas or via Wi-Fi in common areas.

Marinduque is but a short flight from Manila via Zest Air.

Of course, if I could have it my way, the resort can arrange for a direct private flight via helicopter. Siguro kapag mas mayaman na ako.

I tried booking online via Zest Air, which is the online airline that has commercial flights to Marinduque, and the round-trip fare for two people came to just around Php2700. And then from the airport, the guests are picked up by private vans for a 40-minute land travel to a little town called Lipata, Buenavista, where a port to the island is located. From there, it’s just another 5-minute ride via speedboat or yacht. And then prepare yourself for

breathtaking vista

panoramic view of the surrounding islands

dramatic sea cliffs

turquoise waters of the Sibuyan Sea.

Since they are still in their soft opening, they are currently offering a 40% discount on their published rates. Their Hotel Deluxe Rooms, the cheapest one they have, is now only at USD252 per night from its regular rate of USD420 per night. Mahal pa rin! This does not include any meal, even breakfast. Meals are reported to be quite costly too, at around Php2,000 per head. Pang mayaman!

Don’t fret! There’s hope for us yet. They have this Bellissima Package that’s only Php15,500 per person on twin sharing basis  that includes a three-day two-night stay with full-board meals. Pwede na, hindi ba? So if my wife and I will consider staying there, that’s about Php31,000 for food and accommodation plus around Php3000 for air fare. Ang tanong, meron ba kaming ganung pera pang bakasyon?

Contact: Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa, Marinduque, Philippines

Note: The photos were taken from the website. I haven’t been there personally. Invites are very much welcome.