Castañas Spring Resort: A Perfect Weekend Getaway for Nature Lovers

Are you running out of options and having trouble deciding where to go next?

Are you tired of those beach trips or those man-made lagoons a.k.a. "swimming pools"?

Does your body need a breeze of fresh air and submerge in a clean, crystal clear cold water endlessly flowing from the mountains?

If this sounds like you, Castañas Spring Resort In Abuyog, Leyte, Philippines might be a great a treat to invigorate and zest up those tired body of yours.

How did I know this........

There was a great buzz in town as to this place and as such  I decided to go there with my family  to experience first hand what's the buzz all about.  Was I disappointed? No, no, but rather impressed is a better term.

Here are their good points:

1.  Ambiance:   I don't know about you but if you ask me, there is nothing more soothing or relaxing than to see those lavishly green mountains, breathe those cold, fresh mountain air and play in those crystal clear waters.

2.  Pool:   It's what set them apart from other man-made lagoons. The water is free flowing from the mountains meaning it's continuously changed. It's cold so it's perfect for those overworked muscles. Most importantly, it's clean.

3.  Safety:   Let's admit it, you may not be the best swimmer out there but no worries; they have subdivisions of their pools. They have pools for children (roughly 2 to 3 feet) , adult non-swimmer pool (3-4 feet) and pools for those with swimming prowess (4 to 6 feet). It would be great if they have lifeguard in but at least they have signs that "children must be accompanied by adults when swimming."

4.  Amenities:  They have a bar for those who just want to unwind and drink but not necessarily swim.  For the more adventurous ones, they have a zip line but unfortunately we didn't have a chance to try it because it was unavailable when we got there. They have two swimming slides for the children pool and the swimmer pool.  They have cottages to choose from. Great and "clean" comfort rooms.  For those talented folks who want to showcase their singing prowess, yes they have a Videoke machine at the bar for the regular price of Php 5.00 per song.

So is that it? Did I tackle it all? Hmmmm, let me think..

Of course, the most important part..

5.   Cost:  You may think it's pocket draining but you're absolutely wrong.  It's quite the opposite as it's very budget friendly.  If I recall it right, here are the things you should know as to the cost:

Entrance Fee:

• Adult:    Php 25.00 each
• Child:    Php 20.00 each

"They don't charge for children 1 to 2 years old and as for discount, you can kindly request the collecting lady for your driver to be free of charge." :)

Cottage Fee:

• Table only with chairs                               Php 150.00 (3 to 5 person)
• Table with umbrella and chairs                 Php 300.00  (3 to 5 person)
• Medium-size Cottage                                 Php  500.00 (10 to 20 person)
• Large Cottage                                            Php  1000.00 (20 to 25 person)

"They don't charge corkage fee so feel free to bring foods and drinks to your heart's content." :D

So that's it. It would be a spoiler if I give you the other details so feel free to explore it on your own.

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PaSaKa FeStIVaL: A Celebration of Life, Culture, Livelihood and Heritage

A Pasaka participant holding the Our Lady of Assumption image

Every once in a while, it’s great to go to go to a certain place and live their culture first hand.  Wouldn’t it be nice to mingle with a group that may have different upbringings but don’t hesitate to show their hospitality? Wouldn’t it be great to loosen up a little and just have some fun?

Does this describe you?

Well, I think you shouldn’t miss this…

PASAKA

"Pasaka" is derived from one of the vernacular languages of Leyte, Philippines, Waray-waray,  which means invitation to progress, health, and luck for the inhabitants for the coming year.

Pasaka is a yearly festival that celebrates Tanauanon's rich town history through a display of extravagant and colorful parade of indigenous costumes and street dancing to depict the town's livelihood, culture and origins.  Tanauan is a second class municipality that is home to an array of livelihoods from fishing, farming, bamboo crafting and so much more.  This is powerfully portrayed in the Pasaka Festival Parade and Competition where contingents represent their towns through beautifully choreographed dance drama and especially made indigenous costumes with a touch of modern fabrics.

Pasaka is very popular in Region 8, Philippines that it attracts local and foreign tourists and encourages expatriates to come back home to celebrate the fiesta and take a look at this well known event.  It is usually held every August 14 of the year as the main attraction of the Tanauan, Leyte's Town Fiesta. A must-see Pasaka dance-drama competition is held before or after the street dancing participated by different school contingents of Tanauan, Leyte in the town plaza.

The Local Government of Tanauan promotes this event as part of its Tourism Development Plan as this event is proven to attract local and foreign visitors.  Year by year, you can see the development of Pasaka as efforts are being put to enhance and develop this event.  From simple choreographies, you now can see a fusion of native and modern dance steps that are comparable to the well-known festivals of the Philippines such as the Sinulog Festival of Cebu.

Should you happen to be in Leyte, Philippines in the month of August, you shouldn’t miss this event.

Pasaka is a pride of Tanauan and a great merrymaking treat for those who want to experience a taste of local culture and festival.

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