Confetti please? Yes! I made it. Yahoo! Before I start, I would like to thank the people from Shercon Resort and Ecology Park for reposting my last article on their facebook page. It was another record-breaking! It gained more than three thousand views in just less than 24 hours from the time it was reposted and the traffic is still increasing everyday. Sadly, they needed to post this again when I messaged them the next day and asked why the article was no longer there. I was a bit shocked and felt annoyed when they replied that it was reported as "abusive". I was grateful that they did post it again. The article was made merely to share my happy experience and to help readers how to get there. I guess the problem with facebook is they created a tool to detect fake news or link spam but it doesn't detect if netizens are honest enough to categorize which is wrong and right. Like what happened to my article. Let bygones be bygones and all I can say is there's no cure for insecurities. Let us now move on to my 54th article and continue blogging.
Muscle pain attack! It was not a hangover but aches all over my body woke me up the next day after that insanely fun team building activity. Nobody to blame but me because I don't exercise regularly. Sadly, the result is muscle soreness. I felt like I was tortured because my muscles were stretched so much. I guess the lesson here is always do a proper warm up before you do any physical activity. You may be wondering what I've been up to lately or where did I go? By the way, don't worry I'm already okay. It was last week when we went to Talisay, Batangas. For what?
They say that Sunday is a Family Day but how about if you're single with no siblings and your parents are out of the country? How are you going to spend your weekend? Maybe your colleagues or friends can help you. If not an eat out after night shift, maybe a team building can be a perfect suggestion to overcome your loneliness even just for a day. This almost what happened to us when we had our team building in Club Balai Isabel last week. Our team building somewhat also became a Family Day to some of my teammates who brought their kids and other halves. Because of it, the phrase is really proven, "the more the merrier". For almost a year of working in our company it was also my first time ever joining an out-of-town trip with them. I was thankful that the month-long plan became real and got a chance to know my co-workers more.
Aside from the stunning view of Taal Volcano and its Lake, one main reason why we chose here because we want to try their new Aqua Park. It is the first and only inflatable water park inside the Taal Lake.
While I'm writing this article, just to share to you that the southern Philippines is under Martial Law due to ongoing war between the military and Maute terror group. I don't even know where to begin. There are no words to describe my worries and sadness. To my fellow Filipinos in Mindanao especially in Marawi City, keep safe always and love one another. There are a lot of negative events nowadays. During these difficult times we really need to pray more and donate extra money to nonprofit organizations that help war victims like Save the Children, UNICEF, Islamic Relief, Red Cross and War Child. Majority of my viewers are also Filipinos and to thank them I'm including these thoughts on my article. This is also to give local and foreign tourists peace of mind that generally speaking the country is still safe and sound. Literally, like the laid-back picture above. This war shall pass and like the old cliché "there's a rainbow always after the rain".
You usually read articles about beach or mountain on my blog but this month everything is about resorts in the province of Batangas with many swimming pools and breathtaking views. After Shercon Resort, next on the list is Club Balai Isabel. There are different options on how to get to this hidden gem inside Taal Lake. Definitely for a team building the best way is to rent like a 15 passenger van or jeepney and for overnight we paid 6500 pesos (roughly 130 US Dollars). It was Sunday noon and there was no traffic when we drove to Talisay, Batangas. It took us less than two hours to reach the resort. It was a smooth yet bumpy ride when we passed the long and winding road that led us to paradise.
Our check-in time was three in the afternoon and since we went there early we decided to go out and find fast-food restaurant to feed our hungy tummy. It was like a pot of gold when we found a local eatery (aka "Carinderia") and ate fried "Tawilis". It is a freshwater sardine found only in the Philippines. Totally way better than the usual fast-food meal deals.
Welcome to Club Balai Isabel! This is it! That's what I said when I went out of the van. I couldn't hide the excitement on my face amid humidity. I thought I was showering in my own sweat. Ever since I was a 3rd grader I've always dreamed to see Taal Volcano up-close. It was like love at first sight when we had our school field trip in Tagaytay way back in elementary days. I remember, while finger pointing toward a beautiful lake I asked my mom "what's that?". On that day, I learned that it is the "smallest active volcano in the world". Finally! It's a "dream come true" because of this resort.
Oh My Gorgeous! For sure this will be your first reaction. Who wouldn't want to stay here. Tell me? This beautiful villa overlooking Taal Lake will give you access to worry-free and leisurely morning. Oh Wow! Imagine eating pancakes for breakfast with a cup of coffee on the side and your view from the veranda is like a "sleeping beauty" Taal Volcano. Priceless! There's a lot of accommodation that you can choose and reserve in Club Balai Isabel depending on how many people will be in your trip and since we are a big team we chose 3 Bedroom Villa with Attic. We paid 18,480 pesos (roughly 369.60 US Dollars) good for 10 persons and added 550 pesos (roughly 11 US Dollars) for each extra person (they only allow 8 extra persons after 10). Although we weren't able to book the same type of villa like the picture above I can still give two thumbs up to our villa because it has a spacious attic. We also got an easy access to the lake and to the two big swimming pools. Not only kids but everyone will enjoy these pools because of the shapes and sizes.
Do you see what I see? It's not a volcano but it's an Aqua Park! After checking in and putting our bags inside the room of our villa we strolled along the lakeside and saw this talk of the town inflatable water park. Can't wait? While walking, I also found out that the lake of Taal is not like the normal beach where you can swim. It is really deep and not so clean even if it's fresh water.
It was last April 29, 2017 when Club Balai Isabel officially unveiled their new and first "inflatable water park" attraction. It's like a steady small floating island in the middle of the lake perfectly complements to Taal Volcano. I remember when I saw this on a local morning show and I said right away "I wanna go there!".
Are you ready to take the challenge? No, I'm not? I guess it's normal for a first-timer in Aqua Park like me to feel hesitant and a bit scared. I honestly had a dilemma during our briefing that morning when the facilitator said to be extra careful for us not to fall since the water is like 32 feet deep and they only have limited lifeguards. That was a bit of a problem at first because I'm not a diver and I can only swim like a beginner. I was really afraid to get drowned even though I was wearing a life vest.
Let's get it on! I had no choice but to dare myself. It was almost half past eight in the morning when we started. We were part of the first batch and luckily got a promo of 1,250 pesos for 4 persons (roughly 25 US Dollars). For checked-in guests like us the regular price is 450 pesos per person (roughly 9 US Dollars). The price per person is good for 1 hour use of Aqua Park.
I didn't know at first if I really made the right choice. Most of the time I was crawling like a baby and couldn't even stand. I didn't want to fall but sadly it happened. I had a lot of struggles especially when people walked behind my back at one point and the inflatables became unstable. I almost shouted.
We were almost half an hour in the park and after falling twice I realized that it's fine to float in the water. I felt safe because of the life vest and later on I decided to challenge myself again. It was a fearless stunt for me when I slid into their tall inflatable slide. Totally worth it after that 1 hour. Sadly, it didn't brings out my whole inner child but this Aqua Park will surely test your patience and mind. It's a must try if you want to overcome your fear.
Time to relax! We only spent 2 days and 1 night in Club Balai Isabel. On our last day and before we leave, I made sure to go back to the swimming pool after Aqua Park.
This is the main swimming pool of Club Balai Isabel. The water is warm and perfect for all. Kids can safely swim the first pool. Few walks is the Terraza Café where you can eat Filipino Food like fried "Tawilis". It's a small fish that can only be found in the lake.
Hello again sun-kissed skin! They say that don't swim between 10am to 3pm. Sadly, I failed and also forgot to put sunscreen on my face. Actually it was a bit intentional too because I would want to bring back my natural color.
I am grateful. In reality, not all of us can have a memorable vacation right away. Even me, I can't go to the beach in just snap. There are reasons like busy at work, it's not on the budget and doesn't feel travelling. I'm thankful that I got a chance to go in this beautiful place. Good thing I had spare money and time. I fell in love!
See you again Taal! I went out of our villa before we check out to see the world's smallest volcano again. Do you know? The picture above is not the exact Taal Volcano but just part of it. It is one of the craters known as "Binintiang Malaki". A natural attraction to look forward when you stay here. Wet season officially declared in the Philippines last week of May. Rain or shine Club Balai Isabel is a best place for team building. Ready to get wet at their new inflatable water park and enjoy the relaxing view of the lake. Oops! Don't forget to take a selfie with the famous Taal Volcano. These activities can be done when you check their website. For inquiries please click this link http://www.balaiisabel.com/contact-us. Never forget to like my facebook page Supermarkymacky inc. too and follow me on instagram Supermarkymacky.
