Balai Isabel is named after the only daughter of Nelson Terrible, president and CEO of Techno-Asia Construction & Development, the resort’s developer. Opened in April 2007, Terrible says they originally had no plans of opening a resort, since his company specializes in inner city residential developments. But after big name companies like Pepsi Co and HSBC approached him looking for a suitable venue for corporate events and team buildings, developing Balai Isabel into a residential resort property seemed like the natural thing to do.

The resort now has several residential units, as well as rooms available for those looking for a short but relaxing stay. There is also a clubhouse (catered by Makati Skyline), an infinity pool, a wellness center, convention hall, recreation center with a videoke machine, billiards, game room, and Internet shop and lots more. But a definite prize amenity of the Balai Isabel resort is the Mobi-Deep, a multi-function floating bar and pool right on Taal Lake. Chill out and enjoy an unparalleled view of the majestic volcano, while your friends play around in one of the five pools with depths varying from 3 to 21 feet. Invented by a Frenchman, it’s the first of its kind in the Philippines, and is reason enough to spend an unhurried and restful weekend. Whether you’re sampling fresh-off-the-net tawilis or gliding over the waters of the lake on-board a canoe or catamaran the Balai Isabel experience is a unique and as memorable as the enchanting Taal Volcano and Lake.

Membership grants you exclusive rights to Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club facilities in Batangas. You can feast on Cafe Liberica’s exquisite continental dishes, San Trap Lounge’s Filipino treats, or Arirang’s exotic Korean fare. Pleasure-seekers can head to the sauna, steam bath, or have a relaxing massage. The sports-minded can go for a dip in the pool or seat it out on the badminton, squash and basketball courts, try their hand at billiards, darts and table tennis, or even fishing at the man-made lake. Of course, golfers can play a leisurely game at the 27-hole championship golf course designed by the J. Michale Poellet Design Group. Trips to nearby beaches or historical attractions in Batangas from Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club can be easily arranged, as well.

A vacation ownership puchase also entitles you to avail of the Vacation Exchange program, which puts the world at your feet. You may choose to spend your vacation at your home resort in Mount Malarayat or trade in your vacation with other resorts that are part of the Interval International exchange network. Therefore, you may spend your days wining and dining in Europe, exploring the sun-drenched African terrain. All these won’t empty your bank account, for the Interval International network grants members exclusive discounts.

Membership allows you a flexible schedule — you may choosefrom 12 time slots of resort weeks per season. All it akes is a phonecall to reserve a time slot within a designated season on a yearly basis. As soon as you hang up, all you need to do is run home and tell your family the good news.

For more information on The Mount Malarayat Privilege Circle, contact their Makati office at the 9th Floor ACT Tower, 135 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines.

The moment is tranquil, the sea calm, the sky a beautiful combination of violet and orange. Few people were at the shore and even fewer were in the water. I stared at the horizon, not wanting to blink and miss a second of that rare opportunity. Living and working in the city, watching the sunset was like rediscovering the amazing creation of God, reviewing all His wonders, and experiencing His power in a very big way. Then I realized that sometimes you have to rediscover things in life to know their worth.

Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel is the newly renovated famous Matabungkay Beach in the ’80s. Back then, it was the only resort located at the heart of Lian, Batangas. Now if you can pay this place a visit this summer, you’ll never go wrong. Aside from the award-winning beach resort, Matabungkay also takes pride in their accommodations, facilities, and other services.

Boasting of 57 combinations of superior executive rooms, 12 suites, and 16 villas, all are fully air-conditioned with private baths and verandas. For corporate events, weddings, and special functions, this place can hold up to 500 persons at any given time. As for the food, they serve Filipino as well as international cuisine at Cafe Caballero. But if you’re craving for fresh char-grilled seafood and sumptuous salads, you can head directly to Camachile Bar and Grill. For a taste of local as well as international concoctions, Cogon Bar is the place to go.

To complete your summer getaway at Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel, visit The Wave music lounge and experience live entertainment every weekend. For sports buffs, scuba diving, kayaking, rafting, fishing, and snorkeling facilities are all available, but if you’re looking for more adventure, special trekking and boat trips can be set up to your liking, too. Team-building activities also have its place here — they offer ropes courses at the Center for Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE).

Aside from the beautiful beach, Matabungkay also has swimming pools for children and adults. Other amenities include a basketball court, billiard tables, lawn and table tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, an indoor kiddie corner and a giant chessboard. At the end of a tiring but happy day, rejuvenate your spirits with a soothing massage at the Floating Spa and feel beautiful at the Aqua Salon. Most importantly, you can feel secure and looked after with a 24-hour security and a medical clinic. Transportation services are also workable.

But then more, more than the modern amenities made available at this resort, the magic of Matabungkay lies in the warmth of the people, its white sand beaches, and marvelous sunsets.

There are more beaches to explore in Batangas, in the Philippines, and all over the world. Too lazy to check them out one by one? Check out this free tool that allows you to search multiple hotel reservation websites.

Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel Location Address:
Brgy. Matabungkay, Lian, Batangas
www.matabungkay.net

Celebrating Mother’s Day is special way of thanking our Moms and there are so many ways to say “Thanks for everything Mom; I love you” with a hug and kiss on her cheek. Apparently surprises make mothers happy in line with that here’s a list of 5 Best Gifts to give on Mother’s Day.

1. Give a bouquet of flowers. Flowers are an all-time favorite. You can choose from wide variety of flowers. Remember Moms deserve the freshest and the best sweet-smelling flowers.



2. Give beauty gift sets that’ll help enhance her beauty. Give her best in skincare to take care of her precious skin. Be sure to find the right beauty and skincare products to keep those aging signs away.
   
3. Give your mom a break in cleaning the household chores, do the simple things- clean the dishes, remove the dust and vacuum carpets.
4. Cook her favorite dish. Try to plan this ahead so she will be surprised when you serve the food.



5. Treat her to a Spa; pamper your mom, spa relaxes the body and refreshes the soul to all the hustle and bustle and busy work days. Should one be interested in giving a full treatment spa on Mother’s Day, one can go to The Sanctuary Spa at Maya-Maya. The Resort Spa is located in Nasugbu, Batangas and offers total relaxation in clean, green and spacious surroundings. The Sanctuary Spa at Maya-Maya boasts on the services that they offer like Maya’s Bliss, Traditional Hilot, Head and Shoulder Spa, etc.

The Sanctuary Spa at Maya-Maya has 14 fully pleasurable rooms in native style but with modern comforts. The Spa has also other activities to choose from like Scuba Diving, Speed Boat rentals and local sight seeing trips to local historic sites.

Go and make your reservations at The Sanctuary Spa at Maya-Maya. A perfect treat for all Mothers. For details please visit http://www.mayamaya.com/default.htm