Lake Island, Binangonan, Rizal

This is not your typical travel adventure. This one's work just like the many other travel opportunities I have had and shared with you in the past. I am sharing this beautiful place perfect for those who wants to experience some peace and quiet, greens and simple living. Only the luxury of custom-prepared food, professional service and prayers at night.

Not too far from the city, accessible via the C6 Road from Bicutan where I reside and work, Lake Island Retreat and Seminar Center, in Binangonan, Rizal is a great discovery in the office for our planning session this year.

The main purpose of our activity was to come up with a strategic plan for 2012 and beyond.

We did not only accomplish our goal but enjoyed the food as well. The menu was personalized and took the influence of my boss who was a fish lover and vegetarian. So we had all the vegetables and fish that are lutong-bahay (home cooked) made world-class. We enjoyed every meal and all the health benefits that came with it. It was wonderful how a simple home cooked meal came out the way I cannot describe up to now. Just see the interest and motivation on the faces of my office mates as we lined up the buffet table.

Anna, Jeff and Cindy smile to the camera before digging in.

It was a fiesta atmosphere in the dining hall adjacent to our seminar room.

We were satisfied with these services, including our living spaces in huts that extend to the lake water. No television and music at the rooms. You could of course bring your music players/phone and/or laptop which we did because of work but after our sessions, we really felt rested and refreshed. They automatically keep the rooms, no need to put that sign on the doorknob, plus they included sheets of prayer before you sleep. I think they included that because mainly the place is supposed to be a retreat place.

Enjoy each step you take on these walkways that lead to all the amenities of the resort.

It features some swings. A lot of them actually. Children like Allan, will like it.

Another swing and a walking Kuya Bernie.

Enjoy all the flowers you can, no picking though. Photograph them. Adore them with thy eyes.

Appreciate some art too.

We liked almost everything about the resort. It was simple but elegant. Filipino but world-class. But if I may, my only request, fix the shower knobs. At least in our room (2B), we had a hard time figuring out how to operate. On my last day, I had to use the pail and dipper (water conserving though) because I cannot anymore turn the shower on. Travel advice: please ask and if possible ask for a demo on operating the shower, hehe.

But still, I would recommend the place. I think I have said all the needed to be said. I have given Lake Island what feedback/comment and suggestion it is due. For those wanting an escape from the busy city life but cannot go very far, this is a must try.

If you wish to see photos of the place, please see their website linked on the second paragraph. The website best describes the place the way it did. I think I did mine here. There, you got to meet some officemates of mine. Find them on my facebook (wala lang).Our first day photos full of other/maybe more beautiful pictures was erroneously deleted either by someone or the camera daw. Technical problem daw. Sige na. Ginalingan ko na lang pagsusulat. Hehe ulit. =)