The area of Tayabas in Quezon Province is a quaint town which most tourists just pass by on their way to the more popular Lucban. Of course, the Pahiyas Festival (which I will write about in the coming days) in Lucban is one of the main reasons why tourists flock Quezon. But last year, we went to Graceland Resort in Tayabas. And that trip convinced me that in the neat future, Tayabas will be a tourism hub because of the resort.
I was able to go to Graceland through Nathan, whose father is a member of the exclusive club that runs the resort. I've been there thrice and I know I'll be back again.
As you drive into the parking area, gigantic vegetable replicas welcome you. Immediately, you will see a "bahay kubo" that serves as a waiting area for guests who do not have private transportation and wait for the resort shuttle. I saw two quaint hotels and thought its where we will stay just like ordinary out of town trips that last for 3 days or more. But I was surprised when Nathan's dad drove farther, only to find out that we are staying in the campsite area. Great. Outdoor fun! But I suddenly worried when I remember we didn't bring provisions for the night. Geez, where will I sleep? All of a sudden, a staff approached us with a handful of tents, linens, blankets and pillows. In due time, we were inside comfy tents complete with 6 - inch matresses and crisp smelling linen. It was 8 in the evening and so we decided to cap the day off and sleep with the sound of whistling grass and splashing brook. The chilly wind coming from the overlooking Sierra Madre mountains lulled us to sleep.
As dawn breaks the next day, I felt revived and enthusiastic. I slept the night under wood canopies, inside my quaint tent. The shower area surprised me as it has a modern water - heating system. Something I least expect in a campsite. The coming days' activities were already planned. The big Graceland resort catered to my every whim. Adjacent to the campsite is the mini - putting area for golf enthusiasts. We went straight ahead to the nearby basketball court for early morning hoops. Nathan's kiddie cousins were thrilled with the playground big enough for all of them. Nathan's dad challenged us to catch our own meal in the lagoon. I caught a decent sized tilapia and ate it in the gazebo, right at that very lagoon. Afternoon siesta came and I dozed off under an acacia tree when I heard gallops. There are horses around? (to be continued...)
