Rediscover Being a Filipino at Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

Calabarzon area is known for the coconut haciendas. And growing up in Southern Tagalog, I was a little exposed to villa life. Coconut trees and hacienda festivities are part of our identity in this region. Having to visit Villa Escudero made me rediscover being a Filipino in Southern Tagalog.

As what we all grew up with, Villa Escudero Waterfall Restaurant is a place where we all can gather at a foot of a waterfall, soak our feet in the cool water of Labasin River and eat sumptuous Filipino buffet lunch with people we consider family. It still is, but with added perks that are somewhat ​nationalistic as Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort depicts post colonial life of the Tagalog.

On August 15th, got a chance to witness a captivating performance by Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group [ROFG] at the Coconut Pavillion in Villa Escudero. Ramon Obusan was a beloved National Artist for Dance, his passion in Philippine dance and cultural work are pretty much alive in every performance of ROFG.  And Villa Escudero is the perfect venue for such cultural showcase.

On board, their BLTB Co. bus or a carabao cart (and or an e-jeepney), learn about history thru art installations, artifacts around the resort also its in-house museum.

Even restored houses like Casa Consuelo and Cafè Indigo.

“The museum’s facade was modeled to the defunct San Francisco Church in Intramuros.” 

“I borrowed the blue print from the architect, who’s a friend of mine then changed it a bit.” Don Conrado “Ado” Escudero explained to us when asked why it looked like a church while having afternoon snacks.

Since most of the artifacts are religious ones, the church was a fit.

And it’s not all work at the Villa, guests can go biking, rafting and swimming.

Now, if a day is not enough, feel free to stay a night or two. They have cottages that can sleep in 2-4 in a room or a group villa with full board meals. Well, I stayed for two nights.

I admit, only knew little about Villa Escudero before setting a foot in this 40 hectares resort. But in my three days of stay, I learned and re-discovered a lot. The place, the food, and the people are genuinely Filipino.

So, how to go here?

Drive: Take Maharlika Highway bound to Lucena City then the Villa’s entrance is on the left side of the highway right after the Welcome to Quezon arch from San Pablo City. ETA 2 hours from Metro Manila.

Commute: Take a bus from either Cubao Terminal or Buendia Terminal bound to Lucena City then advice the driver or conductor to stop at Villa Escudero’s gate entrance.

Disclaimer: My visit was sponsored by the said company. All views and opinions are my own. Received freebies and only reimbursed for transportation expenses, no other monetary compensation involved.