Reminiscing Laiya on our First Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary last December 18. It was a Saturday. I thought, what a great day to spend our anniversary out of town! A few months before December, we planned to go to Tagaytay. But unfortunately, on the last week of November, our Frankie (old computer) died on us. So we spent most of our budget in buying a new laptop.

The plans changed, but definitely, we'll be going out. Where to? We just really don't know yet. A few days before our anniversary, I was already researching for restaurants in the metro because I have closely given up to the thought that we could go out of town. Then, with God's goodness, we can make it out of town? But where? We tried searching for rates in Tagaytay. However, the rates were a bit high since it's already peak season. Also, we just came from here a few days ago when my mom and sister was here in Manila. Then I thought, why not go the beach? I searched on Laiya.

Balai Laiya is where we spent our first anniversary as girlfriend-boyfriend. I can vividly remember how I gave him our his and her watch. When I read upon Balai Laiya's homepage that they will be closing temporarily this December, I couldn't let the month pass without paying a visit to this  beautiful place.

We love Balai Laiya. It's a simple resort; no fancy furniture, appliances, etc. It doesn't even have a TV! It just simply lets you enjoy the nature. But what we really love about this place is the food. Once you checked in to this place, you are required to pay for their buffet meals. But you don't have to worry. The meals are in buffet and very delicious. And oh, their service and staff are superb! They always smile and greet you.

Friday morning when I emailed Balai to have a reservation to on of their seaside rooms. I checked their terms and it is their policy to deposit 50% of the accomodation rate to confirm our booking. Unfortunately, we were busy that day. We asked Edith (sales personnel) if we could just pay the whole day tomorrow, and she refused as expected. But it did not stop me with my plans. I asked Edith if we can go on walk-in guests and she replied that we could but with the disclaimer that they can't guarantee rooms for us since they are on first come, first serve basis. We totally understand.

December 18, 2011, Saturday. Aldrin picked my up at my office after our shift and headed straight to Cubao. At 10am, we boarded Jam Transport Bus on our way to Lipa. The journey was long and tiring since we have to deal wth traffic and transferring from bus to tricycle to jeep and to another jeep to get to Laiya. Not to mention, it rained when we reached Laiya. At the resort entrance, the guard greeted me but told me they have no vacant rooms upon knowing that we don't have a reservation. I told them "bakit sabi ni Edith meron pa?", then the guard said "sabi ba ni Edith? teka lang maam", then he escorted us to their reception area. Ate Susan (admin) greeted me and asked if I am Melissa Saldua. I gladly said yes. She said, Edith had informed them that I am checking in on that day. I am impressed!

                                                             bus on our way to Lipa
And so we checked in. We rested for a while and had our snacks in nearby restaurant because Laiya doesn't have a restaurant.

Tiramindu

Then we strolled. We just witnessed a wedding!

 at Acuatico's infinity pool

Then our dinner. We were so tired from our trip that instead of having cocktails in Acuatico, we fell asleep at around 9pm after we took a bath.

 veggies, chicken barbeque, inihaw na tanigue

  this mangro crepe is so delicious that other guests asked how much it is because they wanted to  order  some more. this was only served once as a dessert. the syrup was home made dark chocolate.

Hello sunshine! Our Sunday greeted us with a warm morning from last night's rain. It felt good. Then the breakfast.

the view from our cottage

the breakfast buffet

my favorite tuyo

Then we swam.

that's our cottage at my back

Then we ate again. Our last meal was a lunch.

Then we bid Balai Laiya goodbye.

Going back to Laiya felt like the same as it was six years ago. The staff are still very friendly. I even asked Susan if the sampaloc that fell in our cottage is already ripe enough to eat, she said yes and talked to kuya Alvin (another staff). When she came back to us she said they will give us more of the bunga of the sampaloc. How cool is that?

It's just sad to know that it was tehir last day in that resort. And yes, we were their last guest. We found out, the just  leased the land and their contract has ended and that Acuatico bought the property. I was so sad to find about this but hey, no need to worry. They still get their jobs. They will have a new Balai. They said it will be in Puting Buhangin (or was it Bato?) and they will just be transferring there. Unfortunately, they will have to wait for a while since it is still just being constructed.