Making a quick getaway to Tarawoods

Sometimes even if you want to get away, the place you are drawn to is somewhere just like home. Tarawoods in Tanauan, Batangas is a welcome respite if you want to escape from the chaos and pollution of the city. Just two hours away from Manila, with easy access through Star Tollway, the place makes you feel serene and close to nature as rows of fruit trees greet you right past its gate. In the heart of the 18-hectare farm is a Mediterranean–inspired country house embraced by vines and flowers.

You can’t help but be charmed by the antique wood panels, fixtures and accent pieces that adorn the house, as if each piece wants to tell its own story. A large bell hangs by the entrance while a traditional sorbetero cart is parked on the patio. On one side, a row of wooden picnic tables dotted by colorful placemats faces the green open space and fruit trees in the distance. Next to the doorway stands a mini–shrine to the patron saint of the environment, St. Francis of Assisi. Close by, two small angels flank the antique wooden doors that are similar to those found in churches. The husband-and-wife team that manages Tarawoods, Albert and Chari Magsino, personally welcomes guests. They immediately direct new arrivals to the refreshments table with choice offerings of brewed coffee, lemon grass tea, or fresh calamansi juice -- all bottomless. After getting your drink of choice, walk to the living room where you can sink into the comfy sofas, put your feet up and relax for awhile. As if you’ve just arrived home. The family farm Originally a sugar cane plantation twenty years ago, Tarawoods was a nameless tract of land that the Magsino family used as a chicken farm. Initially, they just planted fruit trees along the perimeter to act as natural hedges. The plantation expanded when Albert’s father planted more red lady papaya, calamansi, and mango trees that transformed the land into a wooded area. Months later, they used split bamboo and old telephone poles to build a simple bungalow rest house where they could unwind during weekends. In 2000, they built the Mediterranean-themed country house to accommodate the growing family. They brought in bricks and carved doors bought from old houses in Vigan. They also had a craftsman transform old railroad tiles into various pieces of wood furniture. While the family farm was taking shape, Albert’s sister thought of opening it to the public. “She wanted to make it more accessible to more people because, through the years, our family’s friends have said that they always like staying here and they enjoy their weekends here," Albert said. In 2006, the family farm was named Tarawoods and was officially opened to the public as a venue for company trainings, family vacations and weddings. What’s in the name? Albert recalled, “My mother is a fan of old movies. Tara was the name of the plantation in her favorite movie Gone with the Wind. Since our farm has an orchard-like setting, we decided to call it Tarawoods." Serene surroundings Tarawoods has modest amenities: a conference room for seminars, two swimming pools and a billiards table for recreation, and a karaoke for all-night singing sessions. Accommodation consists of rooms with bunk beds, and guests need to share a common bathroom, which may not be to everyone's preference. But perhaps, its appeal lies in the simple joys that farm life offers: basking in the serene surroundings, breathing in the fresh air, and eating good food. A stay in Tarawoods means you’ll get to enjoy three home-cooked meals plus two meriendas a day. Most are Pinoy dishes that you can wash down with the farm’s trademark drink: bottomless, made-from-scratch calamansi juice. “This is really the place if you want to do some downshifting, getting some quality time with your family or really sitting down and doing a lot of work," Albert said. “Our clients said they can do more work here in less time. They can concentrate because of the peaceful surroundings." Albert and Chari are both hands-on when serving the guests, and the farm’s staff is equally just as remarkably efficient and courteous. “We believe that part of quality service is the kind of care and attention we give to our customers. Since they have chosen us, we want to give them the best possible experience so that they will achieve the goals that they set for their stay here," Albert explained. For groups of 30, Tarawoods packages start at 1,000++ per person for an overnight stay. The base price for a wedding package is P25,000. For those on a budget, Chari says they are happy to work with clients on a package that fit their needs. Homey getaway As city life gets more stressful and fast-paced, harried folks who want to de-stress and slow down can benefit from a stay in Tarawoods. With its charming accommodations and friendly staff, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a home away from home. You’ll leave relaxed, recharged and refreshed. Or as Albert would put it, “We want them to say that it was like going to a good friend’s place. They felt welcome and they left with a smile on their faces." – GMANews.TV Tarawoods is located at Barrio Natatas, Tanauan, Batangas. For inquiries, call Chari Magsino at 02-9864399 / 0928-3189287 or visit http://www.tarawoods.net