As we passed through the towns of Cavite, the road gradually sloped upward, indicating that we were approaching our destination, ternate. We finally reached the driveway of Caylabne Bay Resort when my attention was caught by giant waves splashing against rugged cliffs.
The water were deep azure blue, complementing the light blue hue of the sky abundant with fluffy clouds. Trees covered many areas of mountain with a refreshing shade of green, while the yachts docked on the breakwaters floated like white jewels. The landscape bought to life the portraits I see in exhibits. It was so animatedly fused with color that I felt my weariness, brought about by lack of sleep and the heavy traffic, immediately evaporate like mist under the glare of the sun.
Caylabne Bay Resort sprawls over 160 hectares. It did not resonate with modernity and sophistication, but it struck me as quaint and pleasant. The trees seemed to have filtered out the noise that has become associated with the metropolitan lifestyle, leaving only the rustling of the leaves and the sound of the waves that soothed me like a balm.
Photographer Teddy Pelaez and I spent most of our first day wandering through the resort’s vast premises. Most areas can be accessed by foot. There was a badminton, tennis and basketball courts; a park-affording glimpse of the sea; and a station by the beach where aqua sports equipment like kayaks and aquatrikes can be rented.
For the last two places we visited, though, we had to use the resort’s shuttle because they would have been too steep or far to reach without transportation. Marina Bar and Buenavista Café easily became my favorite sports. The former registered a rustic lounge where one can play billiards and chess, or sin videoke. In most distinguishing feature, however, was the view of the sea it offered. For someone like me who has always been captivated by water, the sight of the strong tides against rocky shores worked as magic would to a child – enough to hold my undivided attention and keep me transfixed. Guests can also try the new Caylabne Signature Massage there, making it even more conducive to relaxation.
The latter was situated on top of a mountain, giving an arresting view of the sea and the neighboring islands. The room itself was sparsely furnished, but this was okay, as I spent practically all my time there outdoors. The view lured to me to stay glued to the deck, forgetting that the heat of the sun was still oppressing in mid-afternoon.
After a good night’s sleep, we woke up refreshed and well rested. Our final day at Caylabne Bay Resort was dedicated to food, so we sampled the specialties that executive Chef Edgardo Matus and his team prepared. The food bespoke of authentic Italian cuisine as many, if not all, of the ingredients were imported from Italy. I especially like the wood oven used. There was something nostalgic about it, as if it was a symbol of bygone years.
When I think of Italian food, one of the dishes that inevitably comes to my mind is pizza – exactly the first thing we found ourselves tasting. We had the quarto stascione, which was topped with sun-dried tomato, artichoke, yellow bell pepper, and salami. We were also served the calabresse de salamino, which had fresh tomato and oregano mixed with olive oil, mozzarella cheese, and salami. After the pizza came the calzone de bruha, dough with mushroom, ham, boiled eggs, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce. It reminded me of empanada, and I found its flavors subtle but good.
Dessert came in the form of different ice creams. We had the after eight, which held a light mint taste; the tartofu, chocolate topped with dark chocolate and vanilla ice cream with gelatin bits. The first two were delicious, but it was the third that instantly became my favorite.
We were about tp head back to Mnaila when we were beset with a saddening image. I watched in dismau as waters carried some garbage to the shores. My friend was last there in 2003, and gathering from what she told me and what I saw for myself, three years ago seemed to have brought some unfavorable changes.
Still, I found Caylabne Bay Resort to be a very promising place. It was blessed with both mountains and sea, and the fact that it was only about two hours from Manila may spell out a weekend getaway many people can enjoy. As I was leaving, I wished that the environment of Caylabne would be preserved, for its views reflected the breathtaking portraits that Nature painted with her own hands.
