Serene CaSoBé and New Gateways

During low tide the waves were a few hundred meters off shore and the Crusoe Cabins; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus Bautista

Waves crashing onto a sandy beach. The wind blowing a soft breeze. There’s nothing like being at land’s end, where the sea begins. What can be more relaxing?

Creatures in the sand during low tide; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

When we arrived at Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé) at 2pm, the waters were distant. Low tide exposed the grassy bed underneath, with various creatures. Starfish, sea urchins, sea weeds and small fish, all signs of a healthy marine life.

By the time we woke up the next morning 6am, it was high tide. The waves were lapping at our cabin’s concrete foundations. And yes, sometimes, close up it looked violent and swirling. The repetitive nature of it was still calming and soothing. None of us had taken to the water but we were all relaxed just being there.

The next morning, the waves reached the concrete steps of our cabin; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

DongYan’s – JOSE AND MARIA’S BONGGANG VILLA

While waiting for them to sanitize our accommodations we had another ‘late’ lunch at THE SANDS restaurant at CaSoBé’s board walk. Their pizzas and sandwiches almost makes the whole trip worthwhile. The resort has several good restos along with a legit RIB SHACK.

Before finishing up our meal, we were informed that Ding Dong Dantes and Marian Rivera were shooting an episode of JOSE AND MARIA’S BONGGANG VILLA. The GMA Network produced sitcom had a cast and crew of 100 with them.

Ding Ding Dantes and Marian Rivera were shooting GMA Network sitcom JOSE AND MARIA’S BONGGANG VILLA in Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

True to the info, we caught a glimpse of the shoot two doors down our cabin. By the time I snapped a couple of photos, the director called it a ‘wrap’. To the applause of the crew, soon after they all disappeared.

You can convert your Mabuhay Miles to SM Advantage Card points (and vice versa). To find out how log on to:
SMAC site
https://smac.ph/

Thank you, Chris Lizo

Before anything else, I’d like to thank my cousin Chris Lizo (NLEX CFO) who generously sponsored our two night stay (accommodations) at CaSoBé. It was Chris’ gift to my brother George Bautista and his wife Hazel. George is here on vacation from Auckland, New Zealand after a 2 year hiatus, post pandemic. My mom and I, just tagged along with Rose Lizo (Chris’ mother) and Beth Javier (my mom’s sister).

From left: Pulmonologist Dr. Jen Alix, NLEX CFO Chris Lizo, George and Hazel Bautista. Lizo Residence – Aug 14, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Recently, Chris announced another prospective successful infrastructure project in connecting Manila Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) with Kawit interchange, leading to Sangley Point. The schedule of construction will depend on the government’s plan to pursue the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite.

Metro Pacific Tollways official website:
https://www.mptc.com.ph/

In an interview with Myla Iglesias of Malaya Business insight: “It depends on the opening of the Sangley airport. By the time they sign the contract, we can start the construction,” Lizo said. Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.(MPTC), through Cavitex Holdings Inc., submitted to the Toll Regulatory Board the proposal to construct a 5-km spur road that will connect Cavitex to Sangley Airport in 2019. The project will pass through Kawit to Noveleta, going to Sangley and from Sangley to Tanza, Cavite.

Cebu Pacific Air official site
https://www.cebupacificair.com/

Early this year, the local government of Cavite awarded the original proponent status to SPIA Development Consortium, composed of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, MacroAsia Corp., Cavitex Holdings Inc. and three renowned global firms for the $10 billion development project of SPIA. From Malaya.com: MPTC still keen on pursuing Sangley link

Macro Asia official website
https://macroasiacorp.com/

CALAX and CAVITEX

People don’t usually think of the impact of infrastructure projects in their lives until they experience it (including me). Because of this particular trip, we did. The travel time from where we live in the heart of Manila (Paco) to Tagaytay was a little over an hour. Thanks to the completion of CALAX (Cavite-Laguna-Expressway), time on the road is far more efficient. Admittedly we did leave on a weekday. Travel time may depend on traffic conditions leading to Tagaytay and going into CALAX from Manila.

Metro Pacific Tollways official website:
https://www.mptc.com.ph/

ABOUT MPT SOUTH

CAVITEX also provides a route to Cavite, this time from the Roxas Boulevard side. The riding public has seen how both of these projects have created wider, more efficient routes to the south. The local government of Cavite would do quite well in approving the MPT South proposal for the SPIA extension of CAVITEX. Given the stellar track record of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. MPTC, handing the project to anyone else would be risky.

Metro Pacific Tollways official website:
https://www.mptc.com.ph/

The new administration, hopefully, will be aggressive in pursuing vital infra projects like the Sangley Point International Airport. So it can provide a much needed alternative to the aging Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

George and Hazel Bautista – balcony of BAG OF BEANS resto in Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Tagaytay area, Batangas – Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Tagaytay

Halfway to Sta. Ana, Calatagan (location of CaSoBé), is Tagaytay City. If you’re pressed for time you can skip it and go straight. But with the wealth of choices of excellent restaurants, Tagaytay has become a must see destination by itself. Not to mention the cooler climate because of its elevation. On our way we had brunch in BREAKFAST at Antonio’s which had very generous portions and their own house made ice cream. I would personally pit against any Italian Gelato.

You can convert your SM Advantage Card point to Mabuhay Miles (and vice versa). To find out how log on to:
Mabuhay Miles site
https://www.mabuhaymiles.com/en/home

Manilans have their own cherished memories of Tagaytay and Calatagan. Mine was when an old friend drove me up there: Kulwant Singh. It took an Indian national who enjoyed Bulalo to drag me up there to have the famous beef bone marrow soup. There are even more Bulalo restaurants roadside today than I remember. We met playing badminton and he passed away from cancer a few years ago.

BAG OF BEANS resto in Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Tagaytay area, Batangas – Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Twin Lakes

On our way home, my brother George still insisted on having brunch in the Tagaytay area. We stopped by BAG OF BEANS, one of the famous restos there. Again, very generous sizes, great selection of Filipino and American dishes. I had a giant Roast Beef sandwich while we shared Pansit Canton and of course the classic Bulalo.

Robinsons Supermarket; Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Tagaytay area, Batangas – Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Immediately beside BAG OF BEANS, you can’t miss ROBINSONS SUPERMARKET. This particular branch has an array of wines you can peruse. Just in case you forgot that bottle, for a romantic dinner or need some extra C2 Green Tea, Jack and Jill snacks. You can replenish here.

Robinsons Supermarket’s wine selection; Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Tagaytay area, Batangas – Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

They are both a part of the Twin Lakes Shopping Village. From the balcony in BAG OF BEANS you can see a picturesque valley. The predominant castle-like structure is actually Twin Lakes Hotel and a bit further Twin Lakes Vineyard Residences. No wonder, everyone’s talking about it as the new hot property by Megaworld.

Once constructed, the new prospective Sangley Point International Airport will help raise property value in Twin Lakes. And boost the economy of not just Tagaytay City but the provinces of Cavite and Batangas as a whole.

Twin Lakes Hotel, seen from balcony of BAG OF BEANS resto in Twin Lakes Shopping Village, Tagaytay area, Batangas – Aug. 12, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Wild Calatagan

From the cooler climate of Tagaytay, it was another hour or so to Sta. Ana, Calatagan. Stirring memories during my college days. Chris Lizo’s brother Vincent Lizo, is currently Business Director at Energizer PH. Back then we had the same barkada, Reena Mangrobang who invited us to Calatagan. To us the place seemed wild, like Palawan. First of all, there was hardly a road, more of rocky, dusty path. And was privately owned land, with whom Reena asked permission from.

From left: NLEX CFO Chris Lizo w son Andrei, from right: Energizer S. East Asia Business Dir Vince Lizo with son Jalen. Lizo Residence – Aug 14, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

During low tide the waves were a few hundred meters off shore and the Crusoe Cabins; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

The sea was the same as it had ever been, white sandy beach, crashing waves, cool breeze. You don’t need much else. But we couldn’t stay there. Hardly inhabited, with only very few fishing huts dotting the shore. So, back then, it was another couple of hours in the bumpy, rocky roads and rough hillsides to where we stayed. We had the time of our lives though. That’s what the sea and nature does to you.

Giant water slide at Aquaria Water Park; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Wide Range in CaSoBé

These days, the drive was so easy I had a hard time recognizing if it was the same exact area. Now they are world’s apart. You drive up to a gate, check in registration, get your WIFI codes, and a whole huge resort opens up before you.

Official website –
https://casobe.landco.ph/

Calatagan South Beach is said to be the jewel in the eye of Manny V. Pangilinan among the properties of LANDCO Pacific Corp. Landco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

Metro Pacific Tollways official website:
https://www.mptc.com.ph/

CaSoBé is able to accommodate a whole range of travel budgets from backpackers to well-heeled families looking for some down time. They have their own waterpark, varied accommodations, several restos and a bar. Along with sports facilities such as a basketball court and multipurpose events place ‘Canopy’. There are even mountain bikes available for guest use.

Multipurpose events place CANOPY; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

During low tide the waves were a few hundred meters off shore and the Crusoe Cabins; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Cabins and Cocoons

Crusoe Cabins are for families, two beds plus a bunk bed and a pullout sofa. Has two separate air-condition units – bedroom and living area, Cignal Cable TV and a small kitchen. If you want to, you can ask for the beachfront cabins, that will have you waking up with the waves by your doorstep.

Crusoe Cabins are well furnished and perfect for families; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Then there are the Cocoons – for singles or couples on a budget. The round exteriors house an airconditioned bed, still with Cignal TV and fridge. I wouldn’t mind going for a Cocoon myself.

Cocoons are perfect accommodations for singles or couples on a budget. Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

IF you are in an even tighter budget, you can actually pay a nominal entrance fee and still be able to use the facilities, dive in Aquaria waterpark and visit the beach. CaSoBé, incidentally hosted the UAAP 3×3 basketball tournament last April.

Cocoons are perfect accommodations for singles or couples on a budget. Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Real Estate Opportunities

There’s a plethora of property choices you can invest in CaSoBé. Whether you’re in the market for a second home close to the beach, or considering a property investment. You can even choose to buy a property for a hotel or restaurant, benefitting from a safe, enclosed beach resort. Check out the details on their Official website https://casobe.landco.ph/

Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 11, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

We arrived there on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, in the middle of what is supposed to be rainy season. And yet we saw, several families billeted there. Weekends are even more busy. Who knows, with all the new gateways such as CALAX and CAVITEX and a prospective airport, land prices may just shoot up.

Pool in Aquaria Waterpark; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista

Smell the sea and feel the sky. Let your soul and spirit fly.

–Van Morrison

During low tide the waves were a few hundred meters off shore and the Crusoe Cabins; Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBé), Sta. Ana Calatagan, Batangas – Aug. 10, 2022. Photo by Jude Bautista (28)

Cebu Pacific Air official site
https://www.cebupacificair.com/

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