Rizal is a neighboring province of Metro Manila, and it is very accessible for commuters. Aside from the Maytime Festival, kasuy, and local delicacies, the province is also well known for its resorts with a gorgeous Manila golden skyline, which others call "overlooking." So, if you're planning to visit Antipolo, the province's prime city, and looking for a place to stay, Cattleya Resort is the perfect place for you.
This time, it was not about history and backpacking; I was invited to join a team-building exercise with more than 20 participants. Since an invitation came from friends, who am I to reject them, right? Masakit kaya ma-reject nang paulit-ulit. So, from BGC, the first part was overcoming the slow-moving traffic on the streets because it was Friday. Second, it was after work, so our Katawang Lupas were already tired, and most of us were sleepy.
We got Isabel swimming pool, one of the best spots at the resort because it faces the vibrant lights of the metro. I love the ambiance here; the breeze is cool, the air is fresh, everything is calm, and it has a homey feeling. The area is also surrounded by plants with an artistic landscape, and the pool has a unique shape filled with crystal-clear waters. The sound of the lashing water on the pool added a relaxing feeling during our stay. Click here to check the Cattleya Resort price list.
Our check-in time was around 7PM. While waiting for the others, we started exploring what this private resort has to offer. We walked on the streets looking for sari-sari stores by the gate, and the area was secured. I think the area was designed as residential, and then the houses were converted into resorts with swimming pools and other facilities. Not sure about it, feeling ko lang, minsan mahilig lang talaga ako gumawa ng kwento. Pero feeling ko talaga residential eh.
What I really love about Antipolo, aside from the mode of transportation, is its geographical location. It is situated on a higher point with a gorgeous overlooking. If the weather is good and you're into star gazing, you can definitely catch a photo with the stunning skyline of the Metro. Also, the sky sets a perfect backdrop as it showcases a golden light, perfect spot to reminisce your past and plan for a happy future.
When the others arrived with our supplies, "they" started preparing for our late dinner. Napansin nyo ba yung: "they?" as in most of them were busy, but some of us were like mayodoma - making utos, making tikim the putahe that they were cooking, and then providing our recommendations and suggestions about what they can improve with their cooking.
Anyway, the next part was the best - dinner! A lot of food choices were served on the table; first, the fresh grilled milkfish and liempo marinated in a special sauce with herbs and spices. For our side dish: fresh eggplant suited in olive oil and served with red tomatoes, a plain fragrant rice harvested by the farmers in Nueva Ecija, virgin chicken adobo in a casserole, and many others nalang, hirap gumawa ng menu. After dinner, the remarkable games and socials. What happened during socials? Next question please.
After the rain shower, early in the morning, the breeze became colder, and the crystalline dew was dropping as the cold wind blew the leaves of the trees and plants. While the others were sleeping and we were preparing our sumptuous breakfast, we had more time to do chika about different things in the world, the universe rather! What happened in the evening is comparable to a bomb explosion in Hiroshima, Japan - that's all I can say.
Cattleya is a suitable accommodation for a family gathering, team building, and other events that need privacy. Local ordinances like too much loud videoke should be followed. Security personnel roaming around the resort and checking every house is outstanding.
How to Get to Cattleya Resort Antipolo: From Cubao and other points on EDSA, you can ride a jeepney or FX bound for Antipolo and alight by Shopwise's entrance. Then, ride a tricycle to the resort. The tricycle fare is 50 pesos for a special trip; it might change without prior notice.