First on the list “eat”, we came by Nai’s house in Lipa, Batangas to pick her up. While waiting for her to dress up, we were served with Batangas luscious “puto” (white bread like pastry) with sweet coconut sauce, home made healthy hot “pandesal” and cookies (all products from Nai’s popular bakeshop, Pan de Lipa).These foodstuff, however, gave us a perfect teaser. To further satisfy our craving, we went slow trip to San Jose, Batangas for a parochial stop over to Café Casa Rap. Advocating to Slow Food philosophy, Casa Rap promotes healthy eating, preserve ecology and rediscover culinary heritage. Owners, Sister Elma Albay, former good shepherd nun, and, elder sister, Sonia A. Alampay, conceptualized Casa Rap’s lush plants-a-bloom with tropical flowers that protect the garden café from noise and pollution of San Jose, abundant nature allure and rustic look. This provided unique dining experience, next to the scrumptious dishes they served – crispy shrimps, beef “caldareta” (stew), fish “sinigang” (tamarind soup) and “halo halo” (local dessert with fruits, shaved ice and milk). With Casa Rap’s perfect ambiance and delicious food, for me, it was worth the wait even how slow they cook.
This then showed the way for us to “pray” at Carmelite Monastery Lipa, Batangas. Managed by nuns and monks, this monastery is well known for the miraculous shower of rose petals with face of Mary Mediatrix mounted on every petal. We offered prayers, petitions, thanksgiving and lit up some candles for special intentions. I relish silence and “me” time, I thought it is important to every individual especially for a working mom like me. Thus, being able to spent it especially in a sacred place like Carmelite Monastery was truly a blessing and heavenly.
Few minutes drive to our final destination, gave me the appreciation and “love” for Mother Nature by just watching the view, wide array of coconut trees, mountains, different fruit trees, Taal Lake and farm ranch of the rich and famous including well known equestrian Tony Leviste’s ranch. Couple more minutes gone, we entered a huge antique gate, lavish exquisite landscape came to our surprise. This amazing place started out as a private weekend house of the popular Palma Gils family. Many good memories, family bonding and significant events transpired in this abode including Corito Consunji-Palma Gils (owner Ramon’s wife) spent her healing, battle for illness and until her untimely demise. With much frustration and undying love for his wife, Ramon transformed the weekend house to a “labor of love” resort and named it after his wife called as Cintai (Indian word for love) Corito’s Garden. With no architectural and interior design background and formal education, Ramon successfully constructed Corito’s as a Balinese paradise and haven for self discovery, intimate moment with loved one, and quality time with family and friends. It also stongly advocating love and care for environment and animals. Structures are creatively done with intricate Bali inspired furniture and finishing. It houses 2 pavilion (good for big function), 17 villas, garden area, terrace, villa with Jacuzzi, swimming pool, coffee shop, restaurant and mini zoo comprises of unique animals like alpacas, spotted deer, mini horses, peacock and many other. In Corito’s Garden, I nurtured and found greatness in love for my dear God, love for my husband and children, love for my family and friends, love for nature and all living things, love for my work and most importantly I found joy, peace and love for myself.
So if you are looking for a perfect place, I suggest you take the unfamiliar but the best option, and maybe create your own version of eat, pray, love just like what my sisters and I did.
For reservation call Corito’s Garden thru 0917-8331508 or 0922-8286789.
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