Ciudad Clemente Resort

for theme photo shoots, documentaries and drama anthologies, the Ciudad gained fame when it was made backdrop to the famed soap opera " Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako" The first Teleserye of PIOLO PASCUAL and KRISTINE HERMOSA - at the time soapies were making a comeback. it now graces coffee table books, calendars and stand proud in big billboards along the North Luzon Express. But there is more to this historic town of Bulacan than its deliciously-sour vinegar. Located within its lush wooded areas are countless beautiful and charming resorts that could rival Los baños' in number. One of them is Ciudad Clemente Resort. Its owner, fashion designer and antique collector Jo Clemente reports that Bulacan competes with Laguna as far as the number and quality of resorts are concerned. Presently, Bulacan boasts of more than 65 resorts. As a founding president of Bulacan Association of Resorts Owners (BARO), Clemente comments that, "traffic-wise, it is more tolerable coming here to Bulacan than to Laguna. Moreover, the fresh air and the lush greenery keeps the resorts business standing out in the competition ." It is no accident therefore that Bulacan has of late become one of the favorite honeymoon hideaways for its lovely resorts. While most still opt for the cool chime of Baguio or Tagaytay, or the white-sand beaches of Boracay a number of newly couples are discovering the beauty of Bulacan. And why not? It's proximity to the city make it ideal - and far more economical - destination after the wedding. Consider Ciudad Clemente. Unlike the majority of resorts in Bulacan which features the typical native cottages built around a swimming pool, Ciudad Clemente looks more like a turn-of-the-century colonial manor with a salakot-shaped roof than an ordinary weekend refuge for city folks. The resort opens to an elegant two-storey wood-and-brick pavilion building which uses late 19th century machuka tiles, noted for its geometric signs. The three-storey white mission church-style hotel looming at the backdrop looks more like a movie set for a period movie. indeed, the place has become the favorite venue for telesine and movie shootings. A huge swimming pool and two giant water slides act as the resort's centerpiece. It is tastefully landscaped and adorned with assorted old Spanish lamps, glass buoys, artworks, antiques, colored window panes, jars, dated knickknacks, religous icons and wooden columns. It also has a covered kiddie pool. Daytime entrance fee for the of swimming pool costs P120 (weekdays) while night swimming is pegged at P180 (weekdays) Picnics tables with gazebos and outdoor grill range from P250 to P4,000, depending on the size. It also boast of a big parking area. Seven lovely rooms with individuals toilet and bathroom, and complete with aircon have been created for a relaxing and pleasurable stay. The rooms come in different sizes to accommodate the different numbers if visitors like seminar attendees, friends, families and couples or newlyweds. The price of an overnight stay ranges from P280 and up. aside from these wonderful facilites, Ciudad Clemente also offers a rare gourmet treat of authentic Bulacan cuisine such as pinalundag na dalag, kare-kareng dagat, inihaw na bagus sa putik ng palapa, sinampalukang pala and Paombong's owd delicacy, Tagalog na manok na niluto sa tuba. However, for the less adventurous, the restaurant also prepares all time favorite dishes sush as adobo, sinigang, bulalo, pinakbet, rellenong bangus among others. meriendas and light snacks are also available. All these must be ordered in advance. Indeed, with Ciudad Clemente, paradise is just a short ride away.