Stunning beaches and resorts near Manila can be found in the province of Batangas in Southern Luzon; Manuel Uy Beach Resort is one of the must-visit places in the Calatagan, a 3-4 hours road travel from Manila. Travel time might be tiring but our journey to our destination was unforgettable. Our journey started after our respective shifts on a Friday. It was a bit challenging because all of us woke up early for work and passing on the roads of Tagaytay added a sleepy feeling due to its cool weather. There was a moment of silence, although most of the time, we killed that "sleepy ambiance" by talking about other people's life. If who those people are? hhmm. No comment. Aside from that, our musicality was also measured by the Whitney Houston and Celine Dion's songs played while the car window's open.
We arrived at the resort entrance around 9:30 PM. Settled the entrance fee (130 pesos for overnight), tent pitching fees (50 pesos) and environmental fee (30 pesos). The next part was passing on an un-concrete road to the parking area by the beach. It was dark but the full moon with the stars shining brightly like diamonds in the sky. A good sign that the next day will be a good one for us. Instead of setting up our camp near the parking area, we chose to occupy the area at the end.
Set set up our camp on a spot away from the other campers. Had our lights and electricity installed. Had our socials while grilling fresh tilapia and hotdogs for our late dinner (I forgot to mention we had our dinner at McDonalds in Nasugbu). Anu bayan, nahihirapan na akong mag English, bat ba ako ng iingles? Ako tuloy nahihirapan, anyways we had a very long night laughing, basagan, kainan, at kuwentuhan. Sayang nga eh, mas masaya sana kung kumpleto kami pero ganun talaga may mga taong biglang iiwanan ka kapag kailangan mo na sila. Naramdaman ko nalang ang bigat ng aking batok at tuluyang namahinga na habang sila'y dibdiban ang usapan. Nahiga ako sa asul na ground sheet at natulog.
English ulit tayo! I woke up at 5 AM and witnessed the gorgeous clouds that look like feathers floating in the sky while the moon playing hide and seek. From afar, I saw the golden lights sparkling from the cottages of Stilts Resort. Not only that, in just few minutes the grayish-blue-clouds changed its color to golden while its reflection changes the saturation of the water. I was able to catch a glimpse of a sunrise - a gorgeous sunrise. It was still early, but the other campers were already walking by the beach in barefoot.
THE CAMPSITE: has a wide and clean camping area by the beach. Visitors can bring their own tents and just pay the tent pitching fee. The area is surrounded by the trees that give a cool ambiance for the sunny day perfect for picnic by the beach. I noticed that there's no sea breeze at this area, so if you're looking for a fresh sea breeze then you can camp by the parking area but no electricity. At the camp site, you can cook your food or grill anything including your friends.
This part of Calatagan, Batangas has low water level. Can you see the photo above? It was taken like a 100 meters away from the shoreline but two thumbs up for its cool, calm and crystal clear waters. Underwater has rich-biodiversity and has colorful marine lifeforms; I saw fishes in different sizes, crustaceans like crabs and other tiny sea shells, sea shells by the sea shore are noticeable. And of course we can't hide those sun-drenched bodies in their swimming attires.
In my 19 years of existence, I can say that this team building is one of the happiest. Been to different places with different people but this escapade is really remarkable. I am positive that it's the first and will not definitely the last. Pengeng tisyu.. naiiyak tuloy ako, pero yung tulo ng luha pataas! It was tiring YES but journey was absolutely remarkable.
This beach resort has an amazing landscape and they are still developing the area. My suggestions are: maintain the area as natural as possible. On the and waters, there are sharp corals and stones that should be removed. Install a good and shoreline afe electricity connection (nagulat lang ako dahil yung live wire tinanggalan lang ng electrical tape tapos nilagay lang yung saksakan at ilaw gamit ang kamay). Lastly would be the good water system without a salty taste.
HOW TO GET TO MANUEL UY BEACH RESORT: I can't share any travel itinerary since we had a private car. Since data is a bit consistent in Batangas, you can use Google Map or Waze application for the routes.