Pansol: Angel Springs Resort

Our company had a mini outing at Pansol in Calamba, Laguna this weekend. Man, was the traffic ever so bad going there. In any case, after leaving Manila at 7am, we finally arrive at our destination after 2 hours at Angel Springs Resort.

It's a private pool/resort just some walking distance from the main road.

There are 4 bedrooms upstairs; 2 rooms that had 2 double bed and the other 2 had 1 double bed each. All with air con, fairly thick mattress, very clean. Upstairs there are 2 bathrooms. The aircon was not that strong but if you'd like, you can just open the door to the veranda and you'll get a fairly good breeze. Sorry I forgot to take pics of the rooms ...

very clean sala

dining room, small kitchen, ref 

The dining room/kitchen and sala opens up to the lanai overlooking the pools. Karaoke use for the entire day is included in the fee. Beside the dining room/kitchen is a small structure that has 4 shower stalls and 2 bathrooms divided between men and women. 

Big table that can accommodate 15-20 people

There are two pools - one for adult and the other for kiddies. The big pool is about 5 ft deep while the small pool is about 2ft deep. The water looks very clean, not too hot (warm spring instead of hot springs :D) and they put in a small shade on top of the big pool. Wish they could have put in a bigger shade since all throughout the day, only a part of the big pool is shaded. No problem with the kiddie pool. 

pool shade at 9am

I like the fact that they build up the fence high enough so the neighbors can't see into the pool. 

kiddie pool

Just beside the kiddie pool is the "wet kitchen". This is where you can grill or cook some food for a fee (P200 for the use).

There is a caretaker (Sonny) who lives on the property and you can ask him to do all sort of errands for you. 

Pros

The place is very very clean and well cared for, plenty of bathrooms/shower stalls, spacious and airy. Enough space for parking. The place can accommodate about 30 people. You can park about 6-7 cars inside. The caretaker is very accommodating and even offered us to pick some mangoes from the tree inside the property for free. He was also kind enough to put 2 standing fans at the lanai. 

Cons

The shade on the pool is too small. So in the morning, it is too hot to use the entire pool. The best time to use the pool is about 4pm because by then, the sun is setting behind some hills and the entire pool is already shaded. Rough short road going into the resort from the main road (it was only a block away). 

Fee

For weekends, it's P10,000 from 8am to 5pm. For weekdays, its P7000 for the same time. If you decide to do an overnight stay from 8am-7am, it's P17,000 for the weekend. 

Verdict:

Very nice place to have a relaxing day. The place is very decent and clean which was a big plus.Highly recommend it for private gatherings. Good directions can be found in their website here. Ask for the Resort II since this was the newer place. They have not updated their website for a while so some of the facilities indicated were not applicable - we were expecting 1 bedroom but were pleasantly surprised to find 4. Bring additional plastic (for the garbage), dish-washing soap/scrub, tissue (for the bathroom) ice and beer.

Have a nice summer, guys!

Angel Spring Resort 

Km. 56 Don Lorenzo Barreto

Private Road, Pansol, Calamba

Laguna

Tel Nos.

In Laguna:   (049) 545-7403 or 0919-388-1667 (Sonny)

In Manila:    (02)  532-7556/ 532-3484 or 0918-959-7895 (Meda)    

Email: imelda_maiquez@yahoo.com

Inn Review: Keni Po Tagaytay

If you're looking for a decent yet affordable place to stay in Tagaytay, I highly recommend Keni Po. Although the name of this little inn sounds funny, they take themselves seriously.

eye catching bright yellow facade

Located beside the Ina ng Saklolo Church just a few minutes before Picnic Grove and on the main road, it is easily accessible by car or public transportation. There are ample slots for parking. A room costs P1,200 per night. No breakfast, though.

Make a reservation by phone. If there is an available slot, they would text you for the bank details so you could deposit 50% of the room fee at BPI.

back view of the lot

Their room, like the inn, is small, clean and no fuss. What I like about it is the mattress is super thick and firm. The also provide 4 fluffy pillows. Aircon was strong.

basic toiletries included

small table on the side

mini fridge, vanity table and small TV

There are a couple of hooks beside the vanity table but it was so flimsy that all I can hang is my bag. Unfortunately, they didn't think of putting some in the bathroom so you just put your towel and clothes at the edge of the sink and pray it won't slide to the floor. 

They offer DVD for free. Just browse through their list, ask for it at the reception and watch away. English and Tagalog movies available.  

The only disappointing thing in the room is the rest room. There is a tub but it didn't look too clean. There was no hooks to put your towel or clothes. 

Very good pictures of Keni Po from 18stones here.

The first day we were there, it was a bit early and our room was not yet available. So we decided to eat brunch at their veranda overlooking the pool. 

Tocino

Corned Beef

Surprisingly affordable. I spent P160 for the two dishes. The corned beef tasted like Purefood and was easily good for two. Same with the Tocino (which thankfully didn't taste like Mekeni). Did not regret not eating at Jollibee :D

Speaking of food, the second night it was raining and we decided to stay at our room and just watch DVDs. Around 10pm, we ordered room service. Trolling the other blogs, someone said Keni Po's Ribs was really good. Really? I was a bit doubtful since ribs would be the last thing I would order from an inn. But what's the use of looking for recommendations from others if I won't follow it, eh? 

Chopsuey 

Keni Po Ribs

Food was delivered after 30 minutes. 

Yes, the Ribs was really good. Just the way I like it; not too saucy with a good caramelization, sweet and the meat was very tender. The serving, like breakfast, can be good enough for two. The best part? Dinner only cost P170. Talk about a good deal. 

Final Verdict

Although they do no have any view of Taal, the rooms are clean and very nice, the food is great, and best of all affordable. They have a small pool (not heated) and 4 tables in the garden where it's nice to hang around. Most of their rooms are for 2 people but they do have 2 cottages good for 4-6 persons. 

Overall, one of the best budget accommodations in Tagaytay.

Keni PO

110 Calamba Rd.

Sungay West, Tagaytay City. 

046-4830977 

0910-7824444 for Smart & Talk & Text networks; or

0915-4765555 for Globe; or

0932-1847555 for Sun