The Philippines boasts a rich array of island culture that paints it as a jewel of the Southeast Asian landscape. Visitors to this splendid locale would experience warm hospitality and luxury settings at a fine Manila hotel such as the Heritage Hotel Manila. This well-appointed hotel in Manila expertly blends tradition and modernity for a superb experience in leisure or business travel. When you fancy a break from the grey confines of the concrete jungle, take a welcome break and venture out to the beautiful locale of the Villa Escudero Plantations, 2,000 acres of working coconut plantation and hacienda located south of San Pablo city. It is known worldwide as a hub of Philippine history and culture set in the midst of idyllic serenity. The plantation was built by Don Placido Escudero and his wife Dona Claudia Marasigan in 1872 and it was opened to the public in 1981, offering a glimpse into the traditional workings of plantation life. Take an intriguing museum tour that showcases the family’s eclectic private collection that features souvenirs from all their travels abroad. Marvel at various religious artefacts, antique furniture, Chinese porcelain, ethnic clothing, relics from WW2 and colourful butterfly collections, all of which are a must-see for history buffs. Or, hop on a carabao cart, which will take you to the plantation’s resort area embraced by verdant park-like surroundings while you are being sweetly serenaded by the locals. Enjoy a tasty treat at the al fresco restaurant, where the dining tables are set below the spillway of the nearby dam, and you can enjoy your lunch while dipping your legs in the cool, calf-deep waters. Or be entranced by a live cultural dance show with live music that highlights traditional Filipino arts culture. The Villa Escudero truly is a treasure trove of Philippine history and culture and is a must-see when visiting the area.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.