The Hacienda Villa was founded in 1872 by Don Escudero. It's composed of 800 hectares of land within the boundary of San Pablo Laguna and Tiaong Quezon. It was a vast land of sugarcane converted to a coconut plantation in the early 1900's by Don Arsenio, the sole heir of Escudero. The first hydroelectric plant in the country was also built in 1929.
Thereafter, some parts of the hacienda was then converted to a self sustained eco-tourism destination known now as Villa Escudero.
A glimpse of the Villa:
AERA Museum houses the family's assorted collections. The museum was built from the likened structures of San Francisco Church and San Agustin Church. Ceilings and wall designs as seen in Intramuros. Its first floor consists of religious artifacts and huge religious images used for processions. Stuffed-dried butterfly collections, and other insects are available for viewing as well as some Philippine Endangered species. The second floor is composed of personal collections of dolls, love letters, housewares, clothes, jewelries, antiques, currency and Relics from the WWII.
There's a local village tour on a carabao cart while being serenated by the villa's local musicians.
Highlight is lunch at the Labasin Waterfalls with water coming from Mt. Banahaw. Dining tables are placed facing the waterfalls where diners enjoys a bare hand meal on banana leaf plates.
Go Bamboo Rafting at Labasin Lake, with fishing activity also available.
A much sought to watch is the Villa's Cultural Show every weekend and holidays. Guests are entertained by live cultural performance of traditional dances, songs and rondalla (string musicians). This has been choreographed and directed by the late Ramon Obusan, the country's national artist for dance.
Villa Escudero is a reflection of love for history, love for country and love for its people, passed from generation to generation. It's offered for the experience of genuine Filipino hospitality away from the city.
Contributed by Grace Vergara 2016.
To book Villa Escudero day tour, please contact
Shore 2 Shore Travel Services
Office hours Tel (63-2) 5796603-04
Mobile (63) globe 906 9003019, smart 999 6040017, sun 923 2880661
Email shore2shore.mlaofc@gmail.com
google shore 2 shore travel or visit
http://www.shore2shore-travel-services.com/
