Lago De Oro

            When somebody says…adventure...one thing that comes to mind is Lago de Oro in BaliBago, Calatagan, Batangas.  This place is situated on the shore of South China Sea and a 115 km South West of Manila.  Its more than 2 hours drive from Mandaluyong City.  Here's where you can try and enjoy the now-famous cable wakeboarding/water skiing.  For those who don't know yet, Lago de Oro is the first in the Philippines who offered this kind of sport.  You can also relax from the hassle and bustle of the city because its situated in a non-noisy neighbor in Zobel highway.

You can watch first the pro-players show their spectacular stunts and rode their boards to the max before you will be ask by  the operators and trainers to ride.  They will teach you all you need to know as a beginner.  It's kind of scary at first and embarrassing especially if it’s your nth try and you still can't manage to stand up on your own (ha!ha!ha!).  But it’s mind-boggling and extremely satisfying if you finish the first round without kissing the water.       If you're a beginner, you will be asked to try the knee board first to grasp the strength of the "cable system” and the different obstacles around a four hectare lake followed by the water skate or the wake board.  Beginners ticket (P500) includes ski equipment and life jacket.             If you're not into that adrenaline-rushing sport yet, you can try diving or snorkeling in the ocean facing South China Sea.  It’s clear and quiet.  It’s very relaxing especially the green view due to several mangroves surrounding the seashore.  You can also rent a balsa (floating bamboo) to take you away from the shore - feel the peace and serenity of the environment.  Enjoy the natural beauty of the resort from afar or enjoy your meal on a balsa.              If you're an animal lover, you can visit their mini sheep farm and oyster farm where their menu is sourced.  The restaurant and bar also offer pizza, pasta, seafood and delicious Northern Italian Cuisine and a variety of Filipino dishes.              If you want to get a tan or go night swimming - the swimming pool is big enough for you and it’s with a spa and sauna bath convenience.               Though I was not able to take advantage of their massage, manicure, pedicure and foot spa but they also offer it. You can enjoy these after the tiring day from various tiring outdoor sports.             We were not given a chance to try their sightseeing tours to a sugar farm and sugar mills due to restricted schedule.  But you can inquire about this from the receptionist.                You may ask what’s in it for indoor tourists.  You can also enjoy various indoor games such as billiards, darts or table tennis.  They also have volleyball and basketball.  And they have cable TV so you're not too far away from home to update yourself about your favorite movies, news, sports.             At the end of the day, you can take a walk on their one kilometer track around the lake to get fresh air and enjoy the beautiful sunset.              Now you know why Lago de Oro is synonymous to adventure!