Sweet Escape at Casa San Pablo

Back in August 27th-29th, my set design team and I were able to spend three days and two nights at Casa San Pablo in (of course) San Pablo, Laguna.  We were assigned to work on this project for Casa's brochure and promotional video that showcases the place for wedding events.  Its theme is country and vintage, and our job is to accentuate the shots/scenes/location.  The shoot was moved consecutively last July due to the bad weather, and finally, we were able to push through.  But on our second day at Casa, rain poured and so there were several frames (set-ups) that were omitted from the story/creative boards.  My team were awfully excited on setting up floating candles on the pool then.  Oh, mother nature.. 

top left: Ms. An (owner);  top right: Shiela (marketing head), Sir Boots (owner), me, Angel (set design assistant);
lower left: my team (Mithi, Inna, Angel) with Ms. An;  lower right:  Mak-Mak (our setman) 

I sent my entire team back to Manila and I stayed till 8PM so I could set up another look for the gazebo and tables on the lower pavilion.  Sheila (marketing head), sir Boots and Ms. An (owners) insisted that I should stay for another night but I had this urge going back home.  I just don't know why.  Instead of taking the bus back to the metro, Sir Boots offered by dropping me off at Ayala since he needs to go back home too so he could look out on his children.

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Since my stay at Casa was fruitful, I encouraged my friends to visit the place especially if they wanted an escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro.  I even wanted to stay here forever because it's so peaceful and it's a great place to do some art and reflection.  They also serve great food!  I ABSOLUTELY MEAN IT!  I definitely gained weight after staying here for a number of days.  Oh, their hot chocolate really is lovely.

And so, on the first weekend of September, after attending a mass, my bff asked me to take her to Casa San Pablo since she find the place interesting and pretty based on my stories and the pictures that I took.  I instantly sent Sir Boots a SMS asking if we could spend the night there.  He quickly said yes, even knowing that it's impossible for our 'wish' to be granted since you have to make reservations at least three days before you arrive at Casa.  Add to our day's blessing was our stay was complimentary because of the great job that my team (AdFix) did and the additional day that I rendered.  I can't thank him and Ms. An enough because it's such a huge deal for me.  I never had an overnight stay at some place for free before, and with this kind of place?!  Come on!  :)  I'll be bringing and encouraging more friends and relatives to have a sweet escape at Casa San Pablo as my way of gratitude towards them.  :)

We drove from Greenhills to San Pablo by taking SLEX to Sto.Tomas Exit, turned right then straight.  There are a couple of fork roads.  Always take the left side.  Closest landmark to Casa San Pablo is SM San Pablo (5 minutes away from Casa) and Pure Gold (which is just right after Casa).  If you're commuting, take Lucena bus, then drop off at SM San Pablo.  Take a "San Pablo" jeep then drop off at Casa San Pablo just before reaching Pure Gold (both at right side).  For more detailed info on how to get to Casa San Pablo, click here.

One of the beautiful houses inside the compound.  Off limits to guests.

Dining area

Adfix (our team) headquarters.  Room where my team and I stayed during our set design stint for Casa San Pablo.

Top left:  Casa San Pablo's facade;  Top right:  inspiring steps;
lower left:  one of the room's facade;  lower right:  dining area's facade

one of the lovely trees around.  i love trees! :)

my room with betch (my best friend.. haha) :)

our room's facade

our breakfast :D

Besides their great food and accommodation, they happen to have great service too from their in-house staff!  :)  Justie is one of my favorites because of his cute, sincere smile and he's a very polite young man.

my ever favorite server, Justie!  <3 td="td">

betch, me and Justie :D

                                   

Casa San Pablo also caters team building activities.  For more info, visit their website www.casasanpablo.com.



set design by AdFix Production

Travelouge: Day Trip at Los Baños, Laguna

On the 16th of February, I apparently had nothing else to do, wanted to explore nearby provinces, and experience UP Fair, LB style.  Good thing I know someone who lives in Los Baños, Laguna.

Too bad I wasn't able to document (take photos) of where to ride etc.  I'll try my best to share it here in written form.

Anyway, we met up at Jollibee Buendia-Taft past 9 AM and crossed to the other side of the street where DLTBCO bus line is situated.  We hopped on the Sta. Cruz bus and paid Php 93 (?) each to Calamba (to have lunch at Pho Hanoi).  While my friend was busy watching "Real Steel" on our trip, I dozed off and woke up at Calamba.  It was a quick ride.  It took us an hour to get there.

lunch at Pho Hanoi in Calamba

As soon as we had our lunch at Pho Hanoi, we rode a jeep to Los Baños (take UPLB, San Pablo jeep).  I can't remember how much our fare was.  But roughly, it's between 14-20 pesos.

As we passed along these curves and hills, I noticed that there were a number of spring resorts, which reminds me of Crystal Springs (and had no idea, until this LB trip, that I already set foot in Calamba way back! haha).  I remember going there when I was around 10 with all the relatives.  It was a great place as I remember.  But much to my surprise, it closed down years ago.  Sayang.. tsk.  I really want to go back there and reminisce with my cousins, but there's no chance at all.  Sigh.

It was my first time in LB.  We went to my friend's home but apparently no one's there so we decided to go straight to UPLB by foot.  It was a loooooong walk, but worth it.  My friend can be a local day tour guide, seriously.  We passed by these cafes, bakeries and restaurants but weren't able to dine on those shops since we were still full.  There's always a next time anyway.

Then, alas, we reached UPLB.  *insert angels singing*

Okay, angels singing was too exaggerated.  My expectation was set so high prior to my trip here in UPLB, and this was it?  Well, maybe I was exhausted from the long walk due to the extreme heat that's why I was grumpy (haha).  But we continued walking.  The place is very Diliman-like, so nothing new, except that LB is waaaaaaay wider than Diliman (I think).

I looooooove trees.  I love nature.  So that's why I chose to explore this side of Laguna since I know someone from this place and see the beauty of its surroundings.  It's indeed beautiful...

...like this huge tree!  You'll never fail to see this one along the road.  It looks way taller behind the lens.  

I take snapshots of everything I think is beautiful, and this is one of it.

And alas, I was able to see the fertility tree!  You know why it's named after it?  Funny story.  Well, they say that there were/are young lovers who conceive under this tree when it's dark.  LOL.  I don't know if it's true, but the heck.. it's funny. That's what they call kababalaghan.

Best way to quench our thirsts, mango shake with evaporated milk at the bottom for only Php 10.  ^_^

We looked sweaty and exhausted.  But, yeah, our mango shakes were gratifying!  So no grumpy mood after. :p

Since I didn't want to explore much of the fair, because there's nothing to do anyway and I'm not there to go shopping, I can't stop talking about wanting to see those students hugging trees!  My dear tour guide then brought me to this side of UPLB--the College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Oh, by the way, we rode a jeep inside the campus and just literally "point up" just to signal the driver if he's going to UP Forestry.  Php 8 for non-students.  The usual fare.

We dropped off Makiling Botanic Gardens.  Since we weren't able to see tree-hugging students, we went inside MBG.  Php 20 entrance fee.

We walked, walked and walked.  Went down towards the stream then up again since it's quite eerie with us alone at that point..haha.  Birds chirping, different chirps that is.  Most probably they are birds of different species.  Too bad I wasn't able to see them due to the bushy, tall trees around.  Very calming place.  Beautiful!!!

We then called it a day before reaching the topmost part of the botanical garden.  Will definitely go back here soon with a lot of friends and with extra shirts and bottled water.

If I can't stop talking about the student-hugging-trees all day, my tour guide can't stop raving about Cafe Antonio.  So we went there, tried one of their drinks and had a quick bite before I went back to Manila.  For my Cafe Antonio review, click here.

I was supposed to buy some kesong puti but wasn't able to see the authentic one.  Geesh.. I was looking forward to it and compare it to the kesong puti we have in Cavite.  Oh well... next time.  Now I'm craving it with pandesal then dipping it in a hot coffee.  *Homer Simpson mode*

The entire trip was indeed great.  Next time, I'll try visiting one of the spring resorts along Calamba-Los Baños since it's way too easy going to the other side of Laguna.  Pagsanjan?  Nagcarlan?  San Pablo?  Yep, I'll be there soon.

Pho Hanoi Calamba, Laguna

Last February 16th, my friend and I went to her hometown in Los Banos, Laguna.  But before heading straight to her place, we dropped off at Calamba, Laguna to have our lunch at her aunt's Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Hanoi.

Pho Hanoi Calamba, Laguna

The place was simple.  Menu prices were average.

Fried Spring Rolls

Our fried spring rolls were served in this small long plate and were just placed side by side.  My friend's cousin initiated on having our rolls cut into bite sizes.  He then served us mint leaves with bean sprouts for our soup, but I used some of the mint leaves for presentation purposes.  I then created a height on our spring roll plate by stacking the bite-size rolls and adding the leaves on the side.  And that's how busy I am.  I treat it as my ritual to do some artsy stuff (aka food photography) before eating.  :p

Fried Spring Rolls

Oh, by the way, we ate a couple of bite-size spring rolls before taking shots of this appetizer.  Hehe.

The rolls were good, especially when dipped on its sweet-chili vinegar sauce.  I loved it.  :)

Pho Hanoi Noodle Soup

The Pho Hanoi noodle soup was served in a large bowl.  It costs Php 220 but good for two.  It's very refreshing and filling.

On the photo above, I poured some soup and noodles on my small bowl, added chili, bean sprouts and a mint leaf to accentuate and to add flavor too.  Yum!  :)

a warm dessert.. i don't know what it's called

 And as for our dessert, we were given this warm dessert that reminds me of kutsinta.  Though the yellow paste in the middle is mashed munggo.  Simply delish.  Loved it.  It's on the house, by the way, so I don't know how much this dessert costs.

another take on a different angle..

Overall, I really loved dining in this place.  It really satisfied my palate.  I'm not a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, but Pho Hanoi changed my mind.  They're my favorite!  Now I'm craving for their fried spring rolls, Pho Hanoi noodle soup and the dessert!  ^_^  I'll definitely visit this place next time.

I'm loving Laguna!

For my Los Baños day trip blog post, click here.