I didn’t know about Villa Escudero until I came across an article posted
online by Bored Panda about the 21 Amazing Hotels To Visit Before You Die. Spellbound by the
pictures of the regal waterfall restaurant in Laguna, we decided to celebrate my
boyfriend’s 23rd birthday there.
Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort is a rural getaway located on the
border of Tiaong, Quezon and San Pablo City, Laguna. It’s an independent
coconut plantation founded in the 1880s by Don Placido Escudero and his wife,
Doña Claudia Marasigan. The vast estate was opened to the public as a
resort/plantation in 1981. Since then, it has become a prime tourist
destination for locals, overseas Filipinos and a wide array of foreign
visitors.
Bus Ride
I wasn’t able to see road signs telling us that we’re approaching Villa
E. (Either there are none or I missed them.) The conductor dropped us off right
after the Quezon Arch. The gate of the resort is at the left side of the Arch.
It’s a long walk from this point to the welcome area so it’s advisable to ride
a tricycle which is readily available at the resort gate. We paid Php 50.00 for
the ride.
7:25 AM - Departure from Manila
9:45 AM - Arrival at Villa Escudero
Welcome Area
We registered in this huge hallway where we were greeted by
traditionally dressed men and women. We paid our balance for the day-tour (We
deposited Php 500.00 at BDO five days before the trip.) and we were given tickets
for the Carabao cart ride, visit to the AERA Memorial Museum, and buffet lunch
at the Labasin Waterfalls. No tickets are required for the cultural show,
rafting, access to pool, and use of other amenities.
Tickets for the day tour on weekends costs Php 1,400.00 each.
AERA Memorial Museum
We walked from the welcome area to the AERA Memorial Museum
which was founded by Spouses Arsenio and Rosario Escudero. Before going inside,
all our belongings (except our phones and money) were surrendered and we were reminded
that picture-taking is not allowed inside.
The AERA Memorial Museum is a replica of one of Manila’s
most famous churches, the San Agustin Church.