The municipal government of Tanay, Rizal has cited the contributions of the tourism sector for boosting the town’s tourism industry.
(A daytime view of the Laguna Lake and its surroundings from Barangay Plaza Aldea. Photo by Nel Andrade/Manila Bulletin)
Mayor Rafael “Lito” Tanjuatco, during his recent State of the Municipality Address to the people of Tanay, said the sprouting of resorts, recreational facilities, camping sites, restaurants, food hubs, and coffee shops, have contributed to the increase in tourists arrivals in the municipality.
Most of the resorts and camping sites emerged during the easing of the pandemic, majority of them are located in the town’s upland villages including Barangay Cuyambay, Barangay Sampaloc, and Barangay Laiban.
Although considered as part of the town proper villages, Barangay Plaza Aldea also has some resorts that are equally rich in scenic spots and nature-rich surroundings.
One of these areas is the Casa de Robles (Casa), a garden resort rich with flowering plants and fruit trees including cacao trees, is located on Sampaloc Road but is near the town proper. It has an overlooking view of the Laguna Lake and the tall buildings of Pasig and Quezon City from its two roof decks.
Casa’s owner, Juliet Montague Robles, said that she sees to it that each and every guest will enjoy their stay in the resort, which used to be a family resort before it was opened to the public.
The resort has the so-called White House Room, which has several modern air-conditioned rooms with bath tubs for visitors wanting a modern feel in the midst of nature.
Another spot across the flowering plants is a glamping area with two tepee huts with electric fans for those who love the native ambiance surrounded by ornamental plants and fruit-bearing trees.
The sound of crickets and cicadas during the late afternoon and the chirping of birds all throughout the day make the entire garden resort the best place to relax and unwind, according to some guests who were interviewed by Manila Bulletin.
Mrs. Robles said the entire resort can accommodate both large and small groups of guests. However, during peak months and long weekends, a reservation or advanced notice is required to ensure the availability of the room and other facilities.
There are other resorts in Barangay Plaza Aldea that also offer the relaxing ambiance of the trees and the mountains, but some visitors find the Casa unique as the Robleses themselves are the ones managing the resort with each of the family members taking turns in each task, making sure that the needs of their guests are well attended to.
Mayor Tanjuatco said the natural beauty of the environment in the town, which was the result of the residents’ concerted effort in preserving its state, has made the municipality a multi-awarded tourism town in the province.
The tourism boom also gives more jobs for the residents, including the members of the indigenous communities in the upland villages where some of the camp sites and recreation facilities are located.