It was one fine day when we visited Marian Orchard. Although it was raining in the morning, it didn’t stop us from exploring this beautiful garden situated at Balete, Batangas. Yup, South. And thanks to Ian, it was an instant road trip with him, Rae, and Atheena. Like I would always mention, South is so foreign to me that if you ask me to go there alone, I would probably end up getting lost. No exaggeration.
And since there are many visit worthy places now in the South, I should at least try and memorize some of it to the best of my capabilities. You know, impromptu Tagaytay? Sounds familiar? Yeah. it happens. What I haven’t tried yet in South I think is climbing mountains. Mt. Batulao sounds interesting. Calling all my adventurous friends! HAHA. So yeah, until all my other South itineraries push through, let’s talk about this not so secret garden anymore but a hidden gem nestled in the province of Batangas.
Ian fetch us at around 7:10 am and we arrived at Marian Orchard past 9. It was a Sunday so there was no traffic and it was just a combination of chill and a relaxing Sunday morning (cue in Sunday morning by Maroon 5). For some, Marian Orchard is their side trip after visiting Cintai Corito’s Garden (known as the Bali of the Philippines) but for us, it was our main destination for the day. Cintai Corito is just a few blocks away from Marian Orchard so no wonder why people visit this 2 places at the same time.
It’s just that you know, when you’re broke as hell but itchy feet is itching, you just have to choose which one you’d like to visit. So we stick with our budget and let Cintai Corito pass.. We can come back if we want to (and if we already have budget for this. lol!) so no worries.
So yeah.. after a short morning drive, we arrived at Marian Orchard. First impression? It’s so girly.. and calm. Entrance is 50 pesos (swak na swak sa budget!*). Flowers would welcome you to the garden (obviously!). There are already a lot of people taking pictures. I guess this place gets really crowded during weekends especially on Sundays when the mass is held. Some having their mini photoshoots. I love how pinkish the flowers are because I’ve never really seen a garden like this with flowers that looks so nice.
Marian Orchard is also known for its Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel where people can attend mass. During our visit, it was 4PM and so we weren’t able to attend. If you know Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer, then you would probably notice its mini replica here which is called the Sacred Heart Tower.
I admit, it was an enchanting garden. It also houses a prayer garden where it shows the different stations of the cross. Being a Catholic country, it’s not surprising to see stuff like this anymore. I am just in awe on how they made the garden more beautiful. I can’t really explain how lovely are the flowers but it just makes everything so picture perfect. Like you just can stand in front of it effortlessly, take the shot then ta-da! instant profile pic. Lol!
There’s also a viewing deck 3 to 5 storeys high where you can see an overlooking view of the Taal lake. I don’t know if people visiting this place notice the viewing deck but if you visit this place, make sure to go to the viewing deck! You will miss a nice view if you won’t. I’m telling you.. :) It was indeed a nature trip. The breeze of the air plus the surroundings, it was a great Sunday.
If you’re a fan of lowers and gardens, then I am sure you will really love this place. As for food, they have a mini sari-sari store inside but there are no restaurants. You can probably visit this first then have your lunch somewhere else. Just like what we did (see this post). If there’s one thing I probably didn’t like during our visit is the bipolar weather in the morning. Aside from that, it was a nice day to appreciate the beautiful flowers surrounding us.
And since I’m not a South person, I really don’t know how to go here using public transportation. But I swear, if you happen to visit here, I’m sure you won’t get disappointed. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, you might want to consider this. There are a lot of food restaurants opening in South so you can make an itinerary and just plan on which places you want to go. It’s a nice road trip. And to make it even better, curate a road trip playlist to make the vibe more chill. :)
I am very happy that trips like this that doesn’t require a flight is now becoming famous. I always see Facebook post related to destinations and guides that are very easy to go to plus really affordable and can be visited just by 1 day.
This year, I am planning to tone down travelling a little bit so you might not see me going to different places that require flights. My last flight for this year will be on April going Malaysia and after that, I will try to focus on other things. But like I also said, the urge to travel is still there. Probably would still do but just like trips like this. Day trips or weekend trips that’s just near Manila.
I am still asking myself on what made me think to tone down travelling when it’s the best thing I always want to do.. maybe quarter life crisis? Lol! But in this era of travelling millennials, it feels like I have to set my priorities straight and know what I really want to do. They say travel while you’re young and able, and I believe that.. but I don’t think life will just pass if I don’t travel now or it’s not like those places will vanish if I don’t visit them right now. Let’s just say it like this: Travel slowly but surely. :D** Let’s just say that I’m in the stage right now where I want to know if what I’m doing right now is what I really want long term. Life goes by so fast and if you let it just go by, you will probably get lost too.
I am the type that just goes with the flow. I have a lot in mind like right now I want to do this, the next day, I want to do different things.. You see, I don’t know what I really want to prioritize so I’m trying focus my energy on different things. I’m hard to understand, no? Well, you don’t have to.
There are days when I want to work abroad but there are more days that I want to stay here and build my career. With all the things I want to do and accomplish, I myself gets pressured and overwhelmed with such stuff I want to achieve in a short period of time. Guess we all want to be ahead.
I’ve also come to realize that if one day I just woke up and very much certain that what I’m doing right now is not what I really like, I should have plan B or plan C. I should be ready for the consequences and the life after some massive changes. Of course I won’t just take decisions without thinking. I’ve made lots of bad decisions before and I don’t want to do stuff wherein I’m not really sure of what lies ahead without thinking critically. There are just some stuff that we ought to think twice or thrice.
This year should be the year I decide on what will be my plans long term. Whatever decision I make, I hope it goes well. :)
Here’s to day trip weekends. And to people who want to skip the planes for now. If I have new places to share that you can visit over the weekends, I will most definitely post it here in my blog so stay tuned. ;)
Brgy. Malabanan, Balete Batangas
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