Swept away in Matabungkay
December 15, 2006 | 12:00am
A storm can sweep anything away, but not the promise of weekend splendor. Because here at Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel in Lian, Batangas, a mere two-hour drive from Metro Manila, people have learned to weather any and every storm.
"If it’s raining, you should go swimming," Robert Crespo, in charge of Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel’s marketing, sales, and public relations, tells members of the media spending a stormy weekend at the resort, much to their puzzlement.
Robert grew up in this resort, loving it and living it up here, come rain or shine. Today, he finds it even more enjoyable that he is able to work with his childhood friend Maria Cecilia "Charley" Leviste Antonio. Then, Charley was just a little girl running around the resort. Now, she is running the show.
Perhaps it was simply tradition, a family undertaking passed on to the eldest daughter. Perhaps it was born out of love, a love she nurtured for the beach and the undersea world. Either way, Charley has formed her own vision of Matabungkay Resort, something that marries the old with something a bit new.
"It’s really all about rediscovering tradition," says Charley as she takes us around this updated resort.
The truth is, everything feels traditional – the cozy Filipino design with accents of wood, bamboo, and other native materials. The rooms carry the same native touch, complete with a veranda that lets in some sea breeze. Everything speaks of letting nature in. Everything is meant to be enjoyed in great company. For Charley, it would most likely be family. Family was foremost on Charley and Robert’s minds when they dreamed up the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel. The resort assures guests there’s plenty of room for all members of the family with its 57 superior and executive guest rooms, 12 suites, and 16 villas, which can comfortably accommodate six to eight guests. Indeed, it is a place where families and/or friends can make and remake memories together.
This year, Matabungkay Beach Resort adds to its album of memories as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Thus, the resort recently invited some of the country’s leading artists to come and share their own creative views of Matabungkay. The artists who participated were Al Perez, Andy Cubi, Greg Bolanos, Jun Martinez, Angel Jacinto, Jess Gellada, Romulo Olazo, Tong Raymundo, Rudolf Gonzales, Cee Cadid and Ephraim Samson. For one afternoon, they painted Matabungkay’s seascapes and landscapes using charcoal, chalk and paint. And at the end of the day, their works reflected two sides of the resort – one forges on to the present while the other keeps alive a part of the past.
Adventure and relaxation can both be yours – simply choose whatever you want first. Here, adventure comes in various guises, be it by land or by sea. There’s a court ready for some beach volley action. Not so far from this is a mega-sized chessboard, too. Billiards, table tennis, tennis, basketball, and a mini golf course give you plenty to do besides loaf around. And the pool is always there if you want to get wet. Getting wet and wild, though, is a whole other adventure, one that takes you and your company out to sea.
Rowing around with a kayak is the way to start while some jet ski action will kick up some thrills. Then go ahead and dive into the depths of the sea. Make a certified diver out of yourself with PADI.
If you’re coming with your own gang, it might be some playful fun to give the resort’s Rope Course a go. After all, Matabungkay Resort is known to host some of the best teambuilding events, making sure the experience is as memorable as it is fun.
Meanwhile, if you think you’ve got some strength in you to "hash" it, you can join the Hash Harrier on one (or more) of its runs. A hash is actually an outdoor activity that takes people out into the jungle, running, walking or trekking across a long trail. There is no competition here, just a finish line to reach – with loads and loads of cold beer. Here in Batangas, the Hash Harrier gathers at the Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel. In February 2007, the resort will play host to its national run and everybody is welcome to join.
Once you have done all the sports and activities you can handle, it’s time to wind things down a bit. Start with a foot spa or back massage by the shoreline. You can hang out in a bamboo raft or balsa throughout the day, too. Better yet, go into the Floating Spa. Here you’ll meet Glory (short for Glorina), one of the resort’s best masseuses with a true healing touch. You have a choice of Swedish, therapeutic and traditional Filipino massage to soothe your tired muscles and ease body pains. Oriental foot reflexology may also be something that you need. All this you can enjoy will drifting out to the sea.
The Floating Spa is actually housed in a bamboo raft that cruises along the waters during the treatment. Being carried away from it all relaxes the mind and soothes the soul, something us city slickers could use once in a while.
Back at the resort grounds, you can also discover a whole new you. It could be a matter of getting your hair done at the Aqua Salon and picking out a new outfit at The Wave, the resort’s souvenir shop.
So, you’ve done your hair, gotten dressed up, and have had your share of adventures and spa for the day. Now, it’s time to eat. Cafe Caballero is where you can sample the resort’s take on local cuisine. While you fill your tummy with food, serenading musicians fill your heart with heartwarming songs.
Always a meaty offering is the famous Batangas beef. Other meaty delights are the beef burger steak and roast chicken. For an afternoon snack, there’s the Kalderetang Pizza, baked to chewy-crust perfection and topped with vegetables, cheese and chunks of tender beef. Around this time of the year, the resort also offers some good old holiday staples like its moist and creamy bibingka, topped with salted eggs, desiccated coconut, and a sprinkling of sugar; and its puto-bumbong, purple in all its sticky and slightly sweet glory, topped with desiccated coconut, sugar, and crackly pinipig. Wake up to the smell of freshly cooked tapa for breakfast, always a favorite. Near this cafe is the Cogon Bar, where guests can have their favorite cocktails or all the cold beer they can handle.
Soon, guests will be able to try some authentic Japanese cooking with the opening of Inakaya that boasts the expertise of a Japanese chef.
To double the Christmas fun, the resort offers a sensational yuletide package. For only P2,800 (net), two persons can enjoy executive room accommodations, set breakfasts, and unlimited use of all the resort’s indoor and outdoor facilities. To ring in the New Year, the resort is throwing a special Brazilian-themed New Year’s Eve party.
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