Batangas is a favorite tourist destination to many during holidays and weekends. It's proximity to Manila- just less than 3 hours by cars and bus- makes it super accessible. It is home to beautiful beaches, fun resorts, great food and rich culture.
I was recently back in Batangas for a quick weekend getaway and an enjoyable team-building activities with my blogger friends. We visited Sorosoro Spring Mountain Resort.
So we left Makati around 8.30 AM. Before 11AM, we were already at the resort. I immediately fell in love upon entrance. Plump greens adorn the area- and it was relaxing in the eyes. We also had a glimpse of some of the pools. You can tell I'm so excited to jump and dip in the pool already.
Before anything, we went to our rooms first. We passed by several pools and the air bike and hanging bridge. Walking towards our rooms had us a glimpse of how immense the whole place was. In no time, we were in our CASITAS. It is a small hut- but air-conditioned, mind you, and is equipped with things needed for a good night sleep. It has a bunk bed- perfect for two people. We also had our own T and B and we were provided with towels and toiletries. Ours was just some steps to the pool.
BOODLE FIGHT
By lunch time, we were treated to a boodle fight. I can say it was one of the best boodle fights I've had to date. I mean, who includes baby back ribs in a boodle fight? Aside from that, we had bangus, tilapia, whole chicken, mussels, shrimps, veggies, pansit and hefty rice good enough to feed 8-15 people! It was a gastronomic feast! We also had banana split for dessert.
THE ROOMS
After lunch, we explored the area. We had a chance to see some of the rooms- the dorm type can accommodate 10-18 pax; the standard family room accommodates 4; the Chalet houses 4 and 8 pax, and the cabanas are ideal for couples.
The family and dorm rooms are very near the pools. You can literally jump from the door to the pool. The casitas, as I've mentioned, are some steps to the big pool.
You will have to pass by the hanging bridge to get to the pool if you're staying in the Chalet. If you're not afraid of heights, then this would not be big of an issue. Or maybe it's high time you conquer your fear of heights. I love that the Chalet is in an area surrounded by trees. I bet it would be lovely to wake up with the chirping of the birds, the soft breeze of morning air touching your face, the sun beam glittering- while you sip your morning coffee.
The cabanas are best for couples since the room has a bed that would fit two. It is some flight of stairs though before you reach the cabana. I had myself catching for breath- but a little cardio is good for the heart, right? In front of the cabanas are an infinity pool and a magnificent view of mountains and trees and skies. I imagine a very lovely night there with a partner, the moonlight reflecting on the water of the pool, glistening like threads of gold. The stars at night sure are glittery like a swarm of fireflies tangled in a single braid. I also think this is the most Instagram-worthy area of the whole place.
SAMPLE ITINERARY (OVERNIGHT TRIP)
SAMPLE ITINERARY (OVERNIGHT TRIP)
DAY 1
8AM-Departure from Makati
11AM-ETA Soro Soro Springs and Mountain Resorts
11.45AM- Check- in
12NN- Lunch (Boodle fight)
1.30PM Explore the area (try the hanging bridge, air bike, swim, more pictures)
5PM- Free time
7PM- dinner
8PM- Socials (and inuman)
11PM- Bed time
DAY 2
7AM- Wake Up
7.30AM- Breakfast
8:15AM Wash Up
9AM- 11.30AM- Team Building
12NN Check out
WHAT TO DO
The place is ideal for some rest and relaxation. If you're also looking for a team building venue, the place is also highly recommendable.
1. GO POOL HOPPING. Soro Soro Springs and Mountain Resort has 5 pools with water from natural source. The best thing to beat the heat is a dip in the waters and all their pools are equally inviting. It is perfect for cooling off after the tiring but fun team building activities.
2. ENJOY NATURE. The whole place is adorned with trees and it's a nice retreat away from the noisy city. Connect with the nature- feel the breeze soothing and gentle, like a whisper of child murmuring it's happiness in its sleep. Hear the rustling of the leaves moved by the west-wind. Watch the setting of the tropical sun - passing like a phantom into the shadows signaling the night. Gaze at the stars, unhasting and unresting.
3. TRY THE BOODLE FIGHT. Let the photo had you drooling. :P
4. HAVE YOUR TEAM BUILDING. No one can whistle a symphony. It takes the whole orchestra to play it. If you're company, organization or school are looking for a team building venue, this resort had you covered. They facilitate activities that will foster teamwork, collaboration and other values needed to cement a team.
I went on this trip with fellow bloggers and while I know most of them already, some of them have met others for the first time. It was a great opportunity to know my blogger friends and others on a much deeper level.
We started with some indoor activities. We were divided into two teams. The first activity was to look for a partner from our team- someone we met for the first time. We then had to ask questions to know them better- after which, we shared the info we gathered to the whole group.
The next activity was poster-making. We shared our personal dreams, visions and goals. The last one was building a tower using materials such as BBQ sticks, straw, strings and newspaper. We found this ultra-challenging because we had to make a sturdy tower from materials that don't meet those criteria. It was fun collaborating with my team. By the time ended, we had two straw towers inspired by the Petronas Towers. :P
The outdoor activities were mostly relays. We had wood plank, a ball-relay (ping pong balls and marbles had to be transferred from the starting line to a pail at the end line via a cut plastic pipe) and a relay at the people. Our team, mostly had it during the first minutes of the game but eventually lost in all outdoor challenges. It's OK, really. We had fun doing all the challenges. We were sweating and have our game face on and laughing at the same time. I personally enjoyed the whole activities.
I had to commend the resort manager, Sir Mark for facilitating our team building. His words and wisdom were informative and enriching.
5. CONQUER YOUR FEAR OF HEIGHTS. The resort has two hanging bridges. Again, if you're staying in the Chalet or the Cabana, it is mandatory to pass by the bridge. It is the only way. Lol. I actually don't mind passing through a hanging bridge- a word of caution though- one bridge is a little wider and the other one is narrower-and shakier. It was a bit scary. I had to admit, at one point, I was going to and fro like a frightened sheep.
They also have an air bike. If you're in for more adrenaline rush and feeling a little dare-devil then this is something you should not miss.
6. JOIN THE ROCKTOBERFEST. We were lucky to be at a time when their Rocktoberfest was happening. It's their celebration of Oktoberfest. It's a rock band competition and yes, there were booze. I was surprised how great the competing bands were. We had the best night- we painted the town red and we were singing along, head banging and dancing on our feet. It kind of brought me back to my hang out days in Timog.
The Rocktoberfest is an annual event celebrated every October. Make sure you check their calendar next year.
7. TAKE PLENTY OF PHOTOS FOR YOUR IG.
RATES
Entrance Fee
Day Tour (8am-5pm)
Kids below 3 feet- Php 75/head
Adult- Php 150/head
Night swimming (2pm-10pm)
Kids below 3 feet- Php 100/head
Adult- Php 200/head
Function Rates:
Gazebo (50 pax) Php 3,500
Function Hall (130 pax) Php 8,000
Tent Hall (200 pax) Php 15,000
Team Building Rates:
Team Building Facilities (100 pax) Php 10,000
w/ use of event ground and Facilitator (100 pax) Php 10,000
Resort Exclusive Use (220 pax) Php 150,000
* prices are pro-rated according to number of pax
Cottage Rates
Picnic Hut (5-9 pax)- Php 700
Open Cottage (10-20 pax) Php 900
Room Rates
Standard Family Room (4 pax) Php 4,599
Dorm A (10 pax) Php 5,999
Dorm B (20 pax) Php 6,499
Casitas (2 pax) Php 2,299
Chalet A (4 pax) Php 2,899
Chalet B (8 pax) Php 3,499
Cabana ( 2 pax) Php 2,599
All rooms are air-conditioned, with bath towels, have own toilet and bath. It also comes with a plated Filipino breakfast.
HOW TO GO THERE
SOROSORO Springs and Mountain Resort
Sitio Silangan, Sorosoro Ibaba, Batangas City
Via Commute
- Ride a bus to Grand Terminal Batangas. (There are several buses in Cubao and in Buendia.)
- At the Grand Terminal, ride a bus going to 'Bayan'. Alight at Hypermarket Balagtas.
- From there, you can take a trike going directly to Sorosoro Resort (however it cost around P200- P250) or take another jeepney going to Soro Soro then alight at SIDC Main Office.
- From SIDC Main office, ride a trike going to the resort (P80 fare).
Via private car
From Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati
- Get on Metro Manila Skyway from Yakal
- Take S Luzon Expy/R-3 and Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway to National Road/President Jose P. Laurel Hwy in Batangas
- Take San Jose - Ibaan - Batangas Rd to your destination
- Get on MCX in Poblacion, Muntinlupa from Molino Rd and Daang Hari Road
- Follow S Luzon Expy/R-3 and Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway to National Road/President Jose P. Laurel Hwy in Batangas
- Take San Jose - Ibaan - Batangas Rd to your destination
- Follow Molino Rd and Daang Hari Road to Emilio Aguinaldo Hwy/R-2 in Imus
- Continue on Emilio Aguinaldo Hwy/R-2. Take Tagaytay - Nasugbu Hwy and Diokno Hwy/Payapa Rd to C Laqui in Alitagtag
- Continue on C Laqui. Take Batangas-Balete Rd to National Road/President Jose P. Laurel Hwy in Batangas
- Drive along San Jose - Ibaan - Batangas Rd
via Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Rd and Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway
- Get on S Luzon Expy/R-3 in Cabuyao from Santa Rosa - Tagaytay Rd
- Take Calabarzon Expy/STAR Tollway to National Road/President Jose P. Laurel Hwy in Batangas
- Take San Jose - Ibaan - Batangas Rd to your destination
WONDERFUL STAY
If you're looking for a place that is close to nature, then this is the best place to be. Tranquillity, peace and fresh breeze await its guests. Sorosoro Spring Mountain Resort is an ideal location for anyone looking for a fun time without having to travel far. Treat yourself to a fun and relaxing getaway to refresh and calm your senses. We had a wonderful stay and I'm sure you will, too.
Allan works full time as a Recruitment Head for an IT Solutions company in Makati and juggles blogging along side. He’s fond of travelling, a certified beach and nature lover and would want to explore more of Earth’s riches. A former community theater director, a pre school teacher and a frustrated Star In A Million contestant, Allan hopes of conquering the big stage for a spotlight one day. Conversation and people are his passion..
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