When I started having regular work hours last year, squeezing in a quick trip to somewhere was quite a challenge.
When I was still in media, I was so used to having a flexible work schedule and the perks of travelling for work. Some of the reasons why it was easy for me to go to places.
However, on the upside of things, I now look forward to rest-day weekends and holidays. Yay!
Just this month, my colleague Ms. Sapphira invited me to go visit a botanical park in Alfonso, Cavite. She usually arranges these day tours every now and then and asks people from work if they want to go. Since I was itching to go somewhere, I went along.
Now, let's talk about where we went—Preziosa Botanic Park and Farm Resort.
Preziosa is an almost three-hour ride away from Manila. If you're familiar with Tagaytay, it's easy to locate the place.
I was in awe when we finally got there. The place is a well-maintained 16.5 hectare land with a scenic view and it immediately gives you a homey feel to it once you step inside.
Plus, every corner was definitely Instagrammable.
The Pavilion, where we stayed most that day, features European-inspired interiors but still with a striking Filipino identity.
Preziosa also has amenities and outdoor activities perfect for spiritual retreats, team building activities, family outings, and camping. Guests can try their zipline and wall climbing facilities—free of charge.
After walking around the said campsite, we were toured around the farm and the villas.
Of course, it wouldn't be a botanic park and farm if it doesn't have plants, right? Well, Preziosa has a wide variety of plants, ranging from fruits, vegetables, herbs, flower-bearing plants, and many more. They even grow some through tissue culture, closely monitored by their in-house agriculturists in a controlled environment.
The farm resort even has its own livestock. We were able to feed goats and ducks while we were there.
The villas, on the other hand, were inspired by three popular tourist destinations—Japan, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia. We were told that it's suitable for couples, especially those who will be having their wedding receptions there, but a villa can also accommodate 10 occupants.
(Sorry, no villa photos. Only this one outside Japan:)
But what I enjoyed the most was Preziosa's food. We had the best Chicken Binakol and Fish Fillet for lunch, and this mango and sticky rice combo for afternoon merienda.
I wasn't able to take photos of lunch because we indulged right into it. Haha.
Overall, we had a wonderful time in Preziosa. Surely, will go back whenever I can and whenever I need a quick weekend getaway.
For more visuals, you can check out this montage of the trip I made:
Looking forward to my next weekend trip! Where to next?