When we arrived, the staff welcomed and assisted us inside the clubhouse. We settled down first, had some snacks that they prepared and proceeded to the pond for our first activity, feeding the ducks. Yes! You read it right, we can’t keep our giggles seeing how they run and bumped with each other just to get fed. Cute was the only word I can think of to describe how they run together while swaying their tails. Besides, how often do you experience feeding a group of ducks in your lifetime?

After that fun activity with the ducks, we were assisted back to the clubhouse for our lunch. The staff served us their specialties like the ones I showed below.

After that sumptuous feast. They showed us the hotel which is also located within the clubhouse to check their rooms, the spa and other amenities they offered to their guests and members.

Just when we thought we were going to stay in their hotel, the staff told us that we were going to Marina. It is the area where you can find the Amihan Villa

When we arrived, we couldn’t keep our excitement as we noticed the water-based obstacle course and zip line. At the back of my mind, this calls for a friendly competition.

The resort is located near the lake. Aside from the rooms in the clubhouse, they also have big nipa huts.. And that’s what we preferred. Two big nipa huts are comfortable enough to accommodate the eight of us overnight.

After settling down and some rest, we were called by the staff to try some of the activities they offered. First, we went to the dock and hopped on a motorized boat and strolled around the lake. There were islets with guesthouses which according to the staff was a private property and was already abandoned.

After sightseeing, we were supposed to do horseback riding but we went on fishing on the nearby pond instead. I can’t remember the last time I did this. My father and I used to do this in the lake in our town with our home-made fishing rod. Here, we were taught how to use a mechanical fishing rod. At first, I thought it’s easy but it wasn’t. The nylon string kept on dangling around the rod. Thanks to the staff who quickly assisted me to fix it and then taught me how to use it correctly. Sadly, I wasn’t able to catch even one, I thought maybe because of my location so I changed spots. I walked along the narrow stilts to go on the other side of the pond. Thirty minutes had passed and still I wasn’t able to catch a fish. I guess that all the fish there were trained to not bite or go near the bait. So I gave up. haha!

We went back to our nipa hut to rest and freshen up while others lounged beside the swimming pool and watched the beautiful sunset.

That night, they prepared a perfect set of dinner which included bulalo and hainanese chicken. Just right after that good dinner, we gathered outside for the bonfire party with cold beer. We had fun talking and sharing stories and banters. Just what a typical barkadas do. It drizzled so we transferred again to the covered area where we had our dinner. The night even got happier when we started singing as they also have videoke. I can’t recall how and what time we ended as I was so sleepy and tired.

The next morning, just when we thought the weekend was over, they toured us around the facilities/amenities inside the resort with a golf cart. We even had the chance to try that sport. Even if it was quick, we still had fun especially whenever we missed hitting the ball. haha!

Photo by Chino of juanderfulpinoy.com

You can also go biking, do it tandem or by threes. Like kids allowed by their parents to play, we took our time to pedal along the golf course.

Right after biking, we went back to the resort and tried the zip line. But the most exciting part was the water-obstacle course. Carla tried it first. Then we teamed up. The battle was between Chino and Kirk versus me and Marx. It looks easy when you are just watching the others but it’s quite tiring when you are already doing it. It was really fun and we enjoyed it very much especially when the battling teams were distracting each other just so they could win. But we never let them and still did our best. Unexpectedly, we won over the other team. haha!

Photo by Chino of juanderfulpinoy.com

The remaining time was spent in the swimming pool with a very nice view of the mountain lake. We had ice cream and beer, enjoyed every minute with laughter and never ending banters. Well, that’s how our barkada becomes more alive, guess that’s also the right “ingredient” that makes our friendship happier and stronger.

Caliraya Mountain Spring and Resort is a perfect place to spend your weekend with either your families or friends. It’s a few hour drive from Manila and offers various activities that you can all enjoy. Thank you also to all the friendly and helpful staff for laughing and riding with all of our craziness, for taking care of us and for exerting extra effort in providing our needs especially when we ran out of beer to drink. :p

Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort
Address: East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Contact Number: (02) 723-0781 | (0998) 555-8394