Last March, I had the chance of spending an overnight stay in a cozy little farm in Pagsanjan, Laguna. Knowing that this town is famous, dubbed as the ‘Tourism Capital of Laguna’, led me to seek for another place to visit without dropping by at the most famous of its tourist attractions which is the Pagsanjan Falls. Though I must admit the latter has been within my radar for quite some time now. After some time ogling their old houses, straight I went to this resort to spend a perfect weekend.
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| Welcome to Villa Socorro |
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| Wake up to the different soothing sounds of nature |
I was looking for a cheap and nice place to stay. I did not want to spend thousands just for an overnight getaway. Since I have not really explored the farther towns of Laguna, I readily searched the net. Finding Villa Socorro was a blessing. First, it is near my hometown and second it is right within my budget.
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| Children can roam freely in a large and quiet playground |
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| Balanac River flows at the end of the resort properties. One can hang out with cows resting lazily at the river banks |
Villa Socorro lies at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain range with the Balanac River just at the edge of the resort. I swam a bit in this gentle-flowing river. I was really glad that provincial activities are still alive. Women washing their clothes the old palo-palo style. Men fetching their cows, letting them wander and eat in the abundant grasslands. Children either fetch water or swim in the river. I envy them since they are fortunate enough to spend their childhood in a very peaceful place like this.
The general manager of this resort, Mr Raymund Aaron, was very nice and accommodating in answering all of my questions during my reservation process. Unfortunately, I was unable to personally meet him since he had to tend to an important event in Manila. Since the resort is family-owned, I wasn’t really surprised by the just-arrived-at-home feel I had upon getting there. We were the only guests at the time and I was actually kind of shy from getting special treatment from the staff. 🙂
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| As featured in a local publishing |
We were free to set up camp anywhere we like. However, since we were the only visitors, I chose to set up mine near the shower room, near the lights, sandwiched in between the dining hall and resort rooms. We had the opportunity to star-gaze. The skies were clear even though the promise of rain was seen earlier.
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| Dining Hall |
 Dinner is served! Ginataang Manok na may Papaya, Inihaw na Talong, Rice, Softdrinks and Minatamis na Saging |
Ate Rowena, the resort’s resident master chef, was very prompt in serving our dinner and breakfast. If I had not had my braces, I am sure I will be able to fully enjoy these one of a kind delicacies. Masarap!
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| Rows and rows of Banana trees! |
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| Costs P 30 each, can be bought at the resort store |
Villa Socorro is also home to one of the tastiest banana chips I have, well tasted. :-). Their secret? From harvesting, to cooking, to packing, the process is done all in one day. As they say: From the tree to a pack in one day: Amazing!
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| Resort rooms are either named after fruits and vegetables |
The resort also accepts weddings, corporate outings, team buildings and similar activities. A small but very private nature-themed wedding can be held here. With its spacious amenities and laid-back vibe, gatherings will definitely become more intimate here.
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| Resort grounds |
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| Tummy-filling breakfast Daing na Biya, Egg, Fried Rice, Pritong Saging and Coffee/Tea |
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| Villa Socorro proudly and conscientiously promotes what I call ‘green tourism’ |
I am very glad that they promote what I refer to as green tourism. They are not just in existence to provide a comfy place to stay. Promoting environmental awareness is really a plus factor for nature-lover guests like me.
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| This room is good for group stays |
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| On the trail to Balanac River |
For nature lovers like me staying here was an enjoyable experience. Anywhere I look I am surrounded by trees, serenaded by chirping birds and greeted by little hopping frogs of different sizes and colors. It is a perfect place to be one with Mother Nature and commune with God’s wonderful creation.
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Contact Information
E-mail: villasocorrofarm@yahoo.com
Website: www.villasocorro.com.
Landline: (02)8526484
General Manager: Mr. Raymund Vincent Fernandez Aaron
** Book Here for discounted rates! *
Rates*
Entrance Fee: Php 150 per pax
Overnight camping fee: Php 300 per pax (entrance fee inclusive)
Tent rental fee: Php 200 – tent good for two persons; Php 400 – tent good for four persons
Meal inclusions: should be advised upon booking
Activities*
Villa Socorro also offers various activities for their visitors. These tours must be booked in advanced.
From Manila, take bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna – Greenstar Bus Line in Buendia, Php 112 per head.From Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal, ride in any jeep bound for Pagsanjan town proper. Advise the driver to drop you off at Iglesia Ni Cristo Church in Brgy. Sampaloc, fare Php 8. At the road facing this church, ride a trike towards Brgy. Dinggin where the resort is located, Php 50 per ride.
Nice! very relaxing…hope I will be able to get there soon…. 🙂 nice job Paula!
Thanks Pao! Yes I'd recommend a visit here!
'coz you said comment muna ako haha –> I think this place is great for pre-nup pictorials… their affordable rate's also a plus!
Hahaha!ikaw talaga joker! yep maganda sya for engagement sessions actually! 🙂
This is so cool! I love places that are not only beautiful but also promote ecotourism and/or local livelihood. You mentioned that they "promote environmental awareness." I'm curious – what are their ways? 🙂
What I noticed was that they use native materials in building the structures there. There used to be mini-zoo inside the resort but there were no more animals. I didn't had the chance, but they allow visitors to plant trees and you can put your name there as well. 🙂 Some of the ingredients for the meals they serve are harvested right at the resort.
Ain't that cool?
🙂
helllo pao imiss your blog ngayon lang nakapag blog hop ulet …. 🙂 ganda ng header ha! kipsafe always sa mga trips mo 🙂 babalik ulet me dito …
Hello Kulapitot! Wow nice to read your comments again! :-). Busy ba sa nga travels? Hope we could meet one day soon! God bless rin sa trips mo! 🙂
This is a great escape from the metropolis' harshness. Few hours only from Manila going to Laguna..ganda ng place. Alam ko na kung saan pupunta pag gusto ko nang KATAHIMIKAN! Haha.. Kudos Paula.
Hello Arnie, yeah you should try this resort, just camp para mas mura! 🙂
And malamig sa madaling araw ha!
This is a really great write-up about Villa Socorro Agri-Eco Village and Farm Resort, Paula! Your pictures are so nice too! I'm sure this blog entry will help readers know more about us and what we do. Thank you very much!
Hello Sir Raymond,
Thank you so much for your compliments! ^_^.
God bless to the farm. I'm gonna visit Pagsanjan soon again and I'll drop by to buy more of your Banana Chips.
BTW, here in RCBC plaza canteen your Chips are proudly for sale! 🙂
This is a really great write-up about Villa Socorro Agri-Eco Village and Farm Resort! You have really nice pictures of the farm too! I'm sure this will help readers know more about us and what we do. Thank you very much, Paula!
You're welcome po! 🙂
Nice blog Pwinzess! Very helpful tips on planning practical and memorable getaways. Just reading your posts already provides relief from the stressful urban stuff that I usually see. Refreshing.
Keep blogging! 🙂
Ron – Emas
Wow Ronelsky thank you so much for the kind words!
It's More Fun In the Philippines! 🙂
Pao when are you going to take us there? Hehe
Hello Jherson, naku, dates na lang naman ang hihintay naten eh. 🙂
Everything is so picturesque and very refreshing. Your blog is such a relief keeping me away esp. from our stressful world. I love every single story you post from all your travels, Looking forward to travel with you soon. Keep it up =)
Thank you so much cat-lover Cindy! :-), Sure hope we could travel soon too!
Lovely place! Parang ang quiet quiet nung place 🙂 Pwede ako ditto on my emo moments sesh haha
Ay oo girl super tahimik puro ibon at frogs lang kausap mo! 🙂
yey timing! planning to go to Pagsanjan then Mabitac next week.. thanks for sharing this
Oi pasalubong ng Sabanana Chips ha! 🙂
Wow a very close to nature place. Perfect for those who want to relax and run away from stress.
Yes Adrian it indeed is! 🙂
Nice. Very rustic and peaceful…
Yes Filipino Food it is very relaxing to stay here, try it! 🙂
Amazing and very refreshing pics.Thanks for such a wonderful post.
Regards,
Ecovillage 1
Thanks!