Villa Escudero Documentation

I. Introduction
II. Travel
III. Registration
IV. Museum
V. Carabao Ride

VI. Balsa/Rafting
VII. Salo-Salo

VIII. Cultural Show

IX. Ending Statement

Introduction

Villa Escudero Plantations is 800 hectares (2,000 acres) of working coconut plantation and hacienda located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of the city of San Pablo, Laguna province on the border with Quezon province in the Philippines.[1] Since 1981, the plantation has opened its doors as a resort offering village tours, museum tour, food and accommodations. It has developed a worldwide reputation as a focal point to experience Philippine culture and history in a beautiful rural setting.

This is for the completion of requirements of Seminar 99c under the supervision of Prof. Villy Espago dated March 12, 2016. Proving that college activities can be fun and educational and not as stressful as we see it. God Bless!

II. Travel 

We started of meeting in front of Golden Oasys at around 4:30 in the morning. And by 5:00 am we rode of to Villa Escudero by rented van. Excited we were to the, however clueless, of the new endeavors we are about to discover in our country which, unfortunately, we are foreign of. Irrelevant of the early time, we were wide awake. Our travel went fast and smooth and in about an hour and three-quarters, we arrived at our destination. We filled our eyes with the new scenery and move on to the next part of our escapade.

III. Registration 

We arrived at our destination an hour earlier than the opening hour. The wait wasn't that boring, as we were all jolly and lively in this excursion of ours. We studied the environment which we realized is not as different from home. Aside from unfamiliar and foreign faces we encountered in the reception hall, everything seem not so peculiar. The place, however, is surrounded by tall trees and the morning breeze is fresh. And the Filipino concept of the designs is perfect for the barrio-like atmosphere of the place. 

At 8:00 am, Villa Escudero opened its doors to visitors. At a cost of P1,150 per head, one can experience a very relaxing adventure while learning.

IV. Museum 

This is not the museum, but a house in front of it which we caught sight of. 

The museum of Villa Escudero provides shelter to many valuable artifacts of the Filipino history and culture. Some remains of animals endemic only in the Philippines are preserved by taxidermy and displayed for the visitors. Amazing species of insects are also displayed. Some foreign artifacts which came from other countries during the ancient times and some fossils of early human remains can also be seen. Military equipments from the Second World War are also kept. The entire collection gives knowledge of the Filipino culture from the ancient times to the modern era.  

V. Carabao Cart Ride

After the museum, we are on our way to the Pavilion to get ready for rafting. And  to complete our barrio-like adventure, we rode on a cart pulled by Maganda, a native carabao under the employment of the villa. The experience was worthwhile since it's not very common for us who live in the city. While we were astounded that most people living in rural areas have this way of transportation. The immense strength of Maganda enabled her to pull the cart with a maximum capacity of 16 people. No wonder why our carabaos are a big help to fellow Filipino farmers. Throughout the ride, two musicians sang a medley tune of folk songs.

VI. Balsa/Rafting

After the ride, we were able to go rafting at Lake Labasin. Each raft is made of bamboo and has a capacity of at most two persons. The lake's borders were tall trees with underwater roots and some resthouses at the banks. The lake has green and clean waters, as a product of strict protection of the administration of the villa. 

VII. Kainan sa Talon/Waterfalls Restaurant

After a tiring bamboo rafting, we were served with savory Filipino dishes in the Waterfalls Restaurant where we ate to our heart's content. Among of these dishes are Inihaw na Baboy, Inihaw na Isda, Kaldereta, and other lutong bahay served with tropical fruits and buko juice. 

After eating, we freely enjoyed the cool waters of Lake Labasin. 

VIII. Cultural Show

Performers of the Cultural Show performed several Filipino folk dances in the melody of Filipino folk songs. They were dressed in traditional Filipino wear like the Barong Tagalog and Baro't Saya. Among the dance presentations are the Tinikling, Cariñosa, Pandango sa Ilaw, and others with some scenes of Filipino daily lives like the Sabong. The dancers varied from childrens to adults, who also worked at the place. The music were played by traditional instruments. The audience, including foreign tourists, enjoyed the show. 

IX. Ending Statement

Our Villa Escudero trip showed us the rich Filipino culture and the amazement it brought to us made us realized that our traditions are something that we should be proud of. We must keep the fire of our own nationality and preserve what we had. We Filipinos are the ones who should appreciate these gifts the most.