Casa San Pablo in Laguna, Philippines is, like most bed and breakfast inns, a place where you can stay overnight and get to know the owners. But when gathered around mealtimes, it feels like home, sharing good food and stories with an extended family. And that’s no wonder, since this 6-hectare plot used to be the family compound of the Gomez clan. It was opened to the locals of San Pablo 17 years ago, and patrons flocked to swim and spend time away from city life. It was then converted a day resort called “Kay Inay”, named after Sinforosa “Inay” Azores Gomez, but that didn’t last long. Boots Alcantara, one of the grandsons of the original owner of Casa San Pablo and an avid art collector and hobby enthusiast, decided to put up his own country inn inside the compound. That was the beginning of Casa San Pablo in Laguna.
He wanted it to be cozy, earth-owned, eclectic and at the same time have a vintage Filipino ambience. Out of his natural artistic skills and resourcefulness, Boots made use of papier mache figures called taka, which are famous in Laguna, as decor on tabletops and all around the compound. He and his friends also bought an old house in Quezon and dismantled it piece by piece, and use the antique items — doors, windows, wooden beams, and old flat irons — to give character to the bedroom in Casa San Pablo. Also in the rooms are Boots’ painting collection from different artists, his toy car collection, and “junk art” pieces. Aside from trying to make the guests feel at home, they also want to give them a unique experience at Casa San Pablo, Laguna. It’s a place that’s just full of creativity.
Looking around Casa San Pablo’s sprawling green lawns, one couldn’t help but admire the pine trees that looked like they came straight from Baguio. The wide-open spaces are great for picnics or just laying a mat at night and stargazing. They also have hiking and trekking activities at Mt. Banahaw and a tour to Sampaloc Lake arranged. A meeting hall for company team building or brainstorming sessions is also available for rent. And at the end of the compound, within walking distance from Casa San Pablo, is San Roque Church, which could be perfect for weddings. Boots also organizes acoustic concerts here from time to time. As for he food, it is served buffet style at the dining hall. We’re talking traditional, delicious home-cooked meals here, and would you believe that Boots is the one who cooks them?
But what is much better at Casa San Pablo in Laguna are the hammocks. Once you lie there, you won’t even notice yourself falling sleep until someone wakes you up. The peace and fresh air in the green surroundings, the wonderful art, and the warm welcome of the people in Casa San Pablo makes it one of the best places to see in Laguna, Philippines.
Casa San Pablo is located at Gomez Compound, Barangay San Roque, San Pablo City, Laguna.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:54 pm
How much did it cost for staying at Casa Pablo Inn?