WELCOME TO THE VENTA SUITES. These huge fans pay homage to the history of the property where it was once used to push the heated air around the chambers to dry lumber.
GUAGUA, Pampanga — In the heart of the wood-carving village of Betis lies what could only be a masterpiece of its people’s renowned craftsmanship – old kiln-drying chambers transformed into a bed-and-breakfast haven, The Venta Suites.
Amid lush tropical foliage and a private fishpond, The Venta Suites brings in nature with all its rustic charm, blended with modern-industrial touches.
“I wanted a name for the place that has reference to its history – a component or a process of wood kiln-drying as air is controlled through the big fans or in Filipino “bentilador” and vent,” said owner Lieza Bituin.
“Incidentally, I later found out that “venta” is a Spanish word for countryside inn and humorously, that gives the positive vibe of “ma-venta,” she quipped.
Coming from a family with a furniture manufacturing company, Bituin also manages South Sea Veneer Corp., a furniture-making company based in Mabalacat City. Bituin shared that being a furniture designer and manufacturer gave her the opportunity to travel and work with people in the design industry, thus establishing The Venta Suites.
“Back in the early ‘90s, we were forced to relocate our facilities to Tarlac and Mabalacat due to the transportation difficulties brought about by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. This left the property unused and only functioned as a storage warehouse,” said Bituin.
With a growing market for local tourism, Bituin thought it was the perfect time for property to be repurposed towards the hospitality industry.
“The pandemic has people looking for staycation destinations plus the opening of new highways that makes transportation a lot more convenient for people from the city to venture outside of it. We are excited to contribute in making Pampanga not only a day trip destination for its local food cuisine, but also as a staycation destination,” Bituin noted.
Reviving an old property that was once inaccessible, The Venta Suites turned its chambers into three spacious rooms. Its details and artistic touches are in the hinges.
Chambers 1 and 2 can accommodate two guests with well-accentuated interiors from reused antique collections and customized furniture. Chamber 3 features a semi indoor-outdoor private pool area with a glass door partition and a bigger bathroom which can accommodate up to six guests.
Overnight rates start at P6,000 to P12,000 on weekdays and P6,500 to P13,000 on weekends with breakfast already included. Guests can also bring their own food or they can order at the nearby Souq restaurant.
The Venta Suites also has an outdoor lounge and a dining area with a small pool for guests to enjoy and relax. Bikes are also available to roam around the property, and Nordic macrame swing easily blends with greenery.
Bituin made a conscious effort infusing local crafts by providing Filipino-made products as she also hopes for her guests to feel inspired and add Philippine artistry to their daily lives.
“Aside from the local furniture and decorations, we use locally-made baskets in serving our breakfast packs. We also provide “inabel” blankets sourced from Ilocos and added macrame swings. We also serve specialty coffee drip bags sourced from a friend’s coffee shop in Bulacan,” shared Bituin.
With her love for plants and local crafts, her personal passion for travelling, and professional life in furniture design and manufacturing, Bituin was able to incorporate influences from her experiences in curating pieces to put up a masterpiece in The Venta Suites, evoking rustic memories far and away from the haste and noise of the metropolis.
Located in barangay Sta. Ines, Betis in Guagua, The Venta Suites is open daily. For bookings and reservations, you may contact Nikki Monterey at 0939 937 2420. You may also check their socials via Facebook and Instagram @theventasuites for updates and other details.
*All photos courtesy of The Venta Suites
