My Earth Weekend Getaway

Hi.  How did you spend last Saturday's Earth Hour?

In previous years, I would spend Earth Hour in our driveway with eyes aimed on the moon while humming aimlessly  the tune of Dancing in the Moonlight. This year, I spent Earth Hour  a notch higher.  

Earth Weekend Getaway would more likely be an appropriate name for the bonding activities the family and I  did amidst  the greens  that  continually thrive in Villa Escudero. 

Being there  had revived my dream of  owning my little piece of land in a countryside someday.  Definitely not vast like Villa Escudero (the whole property covers 3 towns – San Pablo, Tiaong and Quezon), but rather quaint in size and easy to manage.  I did imagine and dream too much while on this getaway.  For one moment, I wished that by some chance I would be lucky enough to meet an Escudero so I could quickly ask a couple of questions.  I did (at the cultural show), but not a single question came through.  (Read: Shy).

I have long planned to pay Villa Escudero a visit. It was my top choice for the Pharmacy’s Teambuilding last year because of its countless coconut trees. I planned of mounting a race that involved climbing a coconut tree. I'm sure everyone would have turned their backs on me if this had pushed through.  So we landed here. 

Despite my frequent attempts and having in fact taken a one day Viaje Del Sol tour with friends a few years back (Villa Escudero is listed as part of this tour), I would often find myself elsewhere.  But this time, there is absolutely no way I would have skipped this chance.  It was J. Bond’s cousin who planned and organized our  weekend getaway from start to finish.

Villa Escudero houses a 2-level museum which displays quite an array of collected historical artifacts. I won’t get into details. I assume most of you have seen the place way before I did. But I was ecstatic with particularly two displays: the beads of centuries ago and original tambourine necklaces in various styles. How I wish museums would lift their strict rule on no picture taking. Though images of the antique beads and tambourine necklaces are pretty much still safe and saved in my head, I know one day I’ll forget. 

We had fun playing super heroes.  Why ride a plane if we could fly. I’m dreaming.

J. Bond played soldier.  I love how he dreams too .

While little girls played angels.

Hanging loose on a bus.

Then a jeepney ride.

Back to basic mode of transportation named Luningning, the carabao. 

Dining by the falls.

I thought of these colorful souvenirs more amazing than the falls.

Beautiful discoveries by the Church.

Fickle weather was by our side.  A cycle of rain and shine.

The cottage colors in and out were inspiring.

  

Lovely and peaceful view of the lake.

J. Bond, a cousin, and nieces paddling along the lake on bamboo rafts.

With no television, radio, nor wifi connection, we bonded over endless stories while listening to serenades.

Then, we turned our lights off in observance of  Earth Hour.

Perhaps, you and I should seriously consider celebrating Earth Hour this way.  No gadgets, No lights, With family, and Around NATURE...truly meaningful.

*To know more about Villa Escudero, click here.