Paradise in Pangasinan

Nestled between the lush mountains and blue-green waters of Northern Luzon is the new Triple-A resort, Puerto del Sol in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Indeed, paradise can be found in Pangasinan.

If paradise for you means unparalleled tranquility, solitude amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature, then Puerto del Sol is the place to visit.

While other summer revelers are crowding in such common destinations as Baguio, Boracay, Tagaytay, and Subic, Bolinao, Pangasinan beckons with its historical, cultural, and natural treasures, particularly its unobtrusively friendly people and the golden-white sand and crystal-clear waters of its famed beaches. (As bonus, you can reach it by land–only six or so hours away from Manila.)

Bolinao also outshines other summer spots because it was blessed with "a cocktail of wonders and other interesting places to discover": from the centuries-old lighthouse, three caves with spring water pool (Enchanted Cave, Wonderful Cave, and Cindy’s Cave), a Spanish-era church made from coral rock (St. James), explored and unexplored waterfalls (Tara, Bolinao, Agno, Aguada Falls), the cleanest river in the country (the Balingasay River), the shells of prehistoric giant clams and the tusk of a mammoth elephant (in the Bolinao Museum), the 14-Mile Reef, among others.

On top of these natural and national treasures, Pangasinan now can offer first-class accommodations, courtesy of Puerto del Sol Beach Resort and Hotel Club, which was rated Triple A (the equivalent of a five-star hotel or a De Luxe resort).

Truth be told, Puerto del Sol can rival the finest hotels and resorts in the country (if not the entire region), in terms of style and substance.

It presents 28 well-appointed, fully air-conditioned rooms (that come in three distinct styles: the bahay kubo, the casita, and the mansion villa), with all the modern conveniences and comforts (individual toilet and bath, hot and cold showers, television sets, and refrigerators) a globe-trotting visitor has come to expect.

The resort’s centerpiece is a 250-square meter, Zen-influenced swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and wading pool for children.

It is also capably managed and operated by Genesis Hotels and Resorts Corp., which boasts well-trained staffers (from the F&B to the management) that have worked and trained in the best five-star hotels in the country.

"To complement the beautiful resort and scenery, you must offer just as impeccable service," affirms Miguel G. Cerqueda, president of Genesis Hotels and Resorts Corp., the pioneering Filipino hotel management company behind nine other first-class hotels and Triple A resorts in the archipelago. "It goes hand in hand."

The Genesis team has left no stone unturned in ensuring that each and every guest of the resort would thoroughly enjoy his or her summer holiday. The strictest attention to detail applies even to the food (which is prepared by a chef who once worked in the fabled Manila Hotel). The entire staff makes sure the food is not only delicious, but piping hot and succulently fresh. Confirms Renne R. Isidro, Lifestyle Membership head: "Our meat and poultry are sourced from neighboring farms and the seafood comes straight from the nearby ocean!"

Genesis is extremely grateful because they’ve found pro-active, committed partners in the owners of Puerto del Sol, Lucero and Amor Bona, also the innovative tandem who built the popular clothing company Pink and Blue Soda. It helps that the business couple are bona fide beach aficionados.

"We really grew fond of the place because of all the interesting historical, cultural, and natural marvels you can see here in Bolinao," Amor attests. "The University of the Philippines even set up a nursery for endangered giant clams."

"I also love the peace and quiet in Bolinao," Lucero says.

Moreover, the place is steeped in religiosity and spirituality. "The first Catholic Mass was celebrated here in Bolinao by Blessed Odorico who came with Italian explorers en route to China in 1324, centuries ahead of Limasawa," the Bonas chorus with pride.

Indeed, if you yearn for serenity in paradise, Puerto del Sol is the destination to beat–the resort not only to visit, but to experience. Highlight of the Puerto del Sol experience is relishing a soothing massage in one of its floating balsas (bamboo raft). As you are gently rocked by the gentle waves and lulled to sleep by the wind chimes and the cool sea breeze, Puerto del Sol’s expert masseurs and masseuses knead away the stress and tension of urban living from your tired body. The balsas can also substitute as an ideal venue for romantic, intimate, candle-lit dinners for couples on their first or nth honeymoon.

In Puerto del Sol, you can commune and celebrate with Mother Nature in high style.

Puerto del Sol is in Barangay Ilog Malino, Bolinao, Pangasinan. Reservations may be made through the Puerto del Sol office at #1 Malvar St., Kalookan City, tel. no. 364-7874 and 364-5656.