last vacation for 2007

When was the last time you laid your head on the sand? I hope not too long though - it's one activity we shouldn't deprive ourselves of. For a couple grand, we can afford to wallow on the sands of Laiya Aplaya, in San Juan, Batangas. One of the new favorite hideaways now is the Kabayan Resort. It's one of the newest and most affordable escapes from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. Crystal clear, emerald waters, an "almost white" sandy beach, and the majestic view of Mount Lobo awaits you at this premier vacation spot.

Kabayan offers a variety of accommodations - whether you are bringing your special someone or taking the whole family. For starters, there are daytime cottages where you can just relax and enjoy the view. A grill is available and you can use the common shower areas. Condo-style rooms are also available for two to three guests per room. Single or twin-sharing beds are standard for these particular rooms and you're provided with your own bathroom. But if you're bringing the whole baranggay, there are separate cabanas for rent. Each one has single or twin double sharing beds and individual bathrooms with hot showers. There is also a mini kitchen in each cabana - a stove and standard kitchen utensils are also included. A five-gallon purified water complete with hot and cold water dispenser also comes standard. Parking is never a problem within the Kabayan Resort grounds. There is also a 24-hour security watch all over the resort so security is not an issue either.

The resort has facilities not found in the other resorts within the area of Laiya. It has two swimming pools, one for the kids and a bigger, deeper pool for the adults who don't fancy dipping in the salt water. There is also a cafeteria and a snack bar. A small chapel that hosts anticipated Sunday masses are also within grounds. Couples who want a beach wedding can have the best of both worlds here, as the chapel is just a stone's throw away from the beach. An aviary houses a dozen or so native birds endemic to San Juan as well as imported macaws. For the really athletic, there is a basketball court and a billiards hall. After all the hectic activities you can do around the resort, you can relax and enjoy a full body massage right on the beach itself. The resort can also arrange an island hopping tour around Sigayan Bay, where you can explore the different snorkeling spots. Just don't expect the loud music and all-night partying in Laiya, such as those found in more popular tourist destinations as Boracay or Puerto Galera. Peace and tranquility are the name of the game here. Drinking is allowed, but only in your own rooms or cabanas.

Getting to Kabayan Resort is easy. If you are bringing your own car, you can take two routes. The first is the "old" route, via the South Luzon Expressway, exit at Canlubang and head towards Sto. Tomas all the way to Candelaria, Quezon. Then you make a right at the Sambat Junction to San Juan. Or you can take the Star Tollway after Canlubang, exit at Lipa City then proceed to Padre Garcia towards Rosario, Batangas. San Juan town proper will be next and then take the road beside the San Juan Municipal Hall towards Laiya. If you'll ask me, it's a lot more fun to take the Star Tollway and Lipa route - you can avoid much more traffic and the big buses headed for Bicol or Lucena.

Rates are affordable but they are constantly changing due to the volume or guests according to the season. Generally, as with any other resort in the Philippines, Kabayan's summer rates are higher, especially on the weekend. The resort has a website (http://www.kabayanresort.com.ph) where you can check their rates and post your reservations. It's time to stop staring at your computer and start treating yourself to a well-deserved vacation.