Pop Talk Review: Three Rizal resorts for a family getaway

Don’t put away your swimwear just yet! The Holy Week break may be over, but “Pop Talk” host Tonipet Gaba found some places where you can still spend a quick weekend getaway with your friends, family, or officemates. Lifestyle blogger Jillian Bantang, father and son tandem Noel Comia Sr. and Noel Comia Jr., and Kapuso actress LJ Reyes went with “Pop Talk” to review three resorts in the accessible province of Rizal.



Green Nature Resort and Leisure Park
San Mateo, Rizal
Daytime rate: Adults (P150), kids (P140)

Start your stay at Green Nature Resort and Leisure Park with a sightseeing train ride around the resort.  Aside from its nature-inspired cottages and rooms, Green Nature Resort and Leisure Park has a covered court and an outdoor climbing wall. Visitors older than five years are welcome to try the resort’s bungee fun facility, while those who simply want to relax can stay at the fish spa. Meanwhile, people who want to spend their time swimming can try any of the resort’s five pools.

LJ noted that having too many facilities could make a place feel cramped. Even so, she still marveled at how much she could do at Green Nature.  Jillian agreed. “Gusto ko ‘yung hindi ka limited lang sa swimming pool. Nag-enjoy ako nung sumakay ako sa train, naikot ko ‘yung lugar.”

Final verdict: 7 pop points



Noah’s Leisure Park Hotel and Resort
Rodriguez, Rizal
Daytime rate: Adults (P180), kids (P130)

Situated near the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains at Rizal, Noah’s Leisure Park Hotel and Resort opened in 2009. One of the first things that visitors notice is the mini Noah’s ark replica at the entrance. Climb up the resort’s hanging bridge for a great view of the colorful cottages and pools.

The best features of the place are its teambuilding facilities, which include the trampoline, the rappelling and wall climbing area, the playground, the swimming pools, and the garden maze. There’s even a zipline for people who want to try something more adventurous. “Yung concept ata nila is for team building na lahat nung parang playground nila, yung maze, yung hanging bridge for mga groups na gustong mag-bonding. Fun naman yun,” LJ commented.

Despite this, the reviewers feel that the resort should improve the safety of its facilities. “Fun siya but that doesn’t mean na sobrang okay lahat ng facilities niya,” Jillian said. As an example, she suggested that safety personnel should always be on standby.

Final verdict: 6 pop points



Momarco Resort
Tanay, Rizal
Daytime rate: Adults and kids (P250), 2 year olds and younger (free)

After many of its facilities were damaged by Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, Momarco Resort was renovated to include a hotel and sports center. Momarco’s hotel has several affordable bedrooms. Their sports center has basketball and tennis courts, as well as facilities for billiards, darts, and even table tennis. Outside, Momarco had a kiddie pool, an Olympic-size pool, a waterfall pool, a mini zoo, and a bike park.

The reviewers fell in love with the place even before they knew about its facilities. “Maganda po lahat ng place kahit saan ka pumunta sa resort,” Noel Jr. observed.

Meanwhile, Jillian loved how relaxing, picturesque and clean the whole resort was. Noel Sr. agreed, “Pagpasok pa lang dito, parang nasa ibang lugar kayo eh. Maluwag siya tapos malamig.”

Final verdict: 9 pop points

— Lara Gonzales/PF, GMA News

Looking for more summer getaways? Check out other “Pop Talk” reviews:
Pop Talk's summer adventure in Boracay
'Pop Talk' reviews 3 summer parks: Nuvali, Crocodile Park and Scream Park Manila
Pop Talk’s summer adventure in Bicol