Ugu Bigyan's Secret Pottery Garden: The Food

Mini Huts

     We made reservations before going to Ugu Bigyan's Garden and Restaurant. We thought we won't be able to have lunch there since a minimum of 5 persons was required according to blogs we've read. Fortunately, he was kind enough to entertain us, even if it's just the two of us. :)

Saying our graces before the meal

     We were seated at the kubo at the back. It was an al fresco dining expereince, with matching soothing background music, a bit of rain, and the sound of chimes handmade by Ugu himself.

     After saying our graces, we then feasted on such delectable dishes! ^_^

Made from clay

     The food served were all very enticing and scrumptious! Some we've never tried before, others - better versions! We were given 9 different dishes -- what a full, heavy lunch! Haha! :D

SOUP

Soup

     The soup, served in handmade pottery, was warm, tasty and perfect for the rainy weather. It had bits of chicken, onion leaks, pork and was just so filling. It was the perfect start to our late lunch.

Ugu Bigyan's Secret Pottery Garden: The Place

House of clay

     This is our third destination in the Viaje del Sol, along with Casa San Pablo and  Lake Pandin/Yambo, and we braved the storm to get here! It was well worth the trip and effort. The place was so awe-inspiring and relaxing! :)

Bronze sculpture

Non-traditional huts

     As the name suggests, it is both a haven for pottery and a serene garden with luscious greens. It is a perfect place to appreciate the simplicity and beauty of nature.

     Mr. Bigyan is a master both in ceramics and culinary arts. He designs and makes various earthenware, with unique themes like bamboo, birds and leaves. He is also good at the kitchen, creating dishes perfect for the Pinoy palate. He opened his home for others to appreciate and share in his wonderful works! :)

Peaceful haven

     Before heading to their store, we decided to look around first. The huge garden had mini huts, about four of them - good places to lay back, relax, and eat. One was big enough for a group of 8 while others are just right for 2. :p

Viaje del Sol: Lake Pandin and Yambo

     Pandin and Yambo are twin crater lakes, part of the Seven Lakes system in San Pablo, separated by a narrow strip of land. And since its location is just a few minutes tricycle ride away from Casa San Pablo, we decided to include it in our Viaje del Sol tour. :)

 
     We made prior arrangements with Mang Tano, president of the Samahang Mangingisda ng Lawa ng Pandin (SMLP), before our Pandin Lake tour. You can contact him at 0929 978-9565.

Welcome!

 
     We were dropped off at the parking lot and we were greeted by Mang Ato who led the way to the lake.  Pandin Lake itself is a few meters away from the main road. We had to trek roughly 15-20 minutes to reach it, good thing we were ready with our umbrellas. No sweat! Hihi! :)

 Follow the Leader =p

 
     After the 15-minute walk, we were greeted by the beauty of Lake Pandin. 'Twas so picturesque and serene! Out of the seven lakes, Lake Pandin was dubbed as the "the cleanest and the least disturbed". This tour was kept alive by locals who make a living out of the fish and the produce they can get from the lake.

By the lake

Bamboo rafts :)

     We were then ushered to the bamboo raft, paddled by 5 friendly women. Women-paddled rafts is part of the eco-tourism experience that is uniquely Pandin's.
 

     Pandin has an area of 20.5 hectares and an average depth of 60 meters. Lake Pandin is an ideal tourist destination for those who have the heart and energy that can trek up the tough path and be rewarded with a spectacular view of a small lake surrounded by coconut trees. Time to cross the beautiful lake! :)

Viaje del Sol: Casa San Pablo

     For our fourth anniversary, we thought of going to somewhere special where we can relax and enjoy. We first considered trekking Taal Volcano but since there was an alert level, we researched for other places. We came upon Viaje del Sol, and we loved its concept - doing a popular art and culture tour! :)

 Viaje del Sol - The Way of the Sun

     Literally translated as “The Way of the Sun,” Viaje Del Sol references a traveling route map that treads from Manila to Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon. It features 18 places which consist of a wide variety of commercial abodes, gastronomic finds and artist havens.

 Viaje del Sol Map

     Viaje del Sol offered various tourists spots but we had to choose from the 18 places since we would travel by public transportation. We chose to visit and explore Casa San Pablo first and we don't regret it! The place was very homey, relaxing and serene.

     We took a bus to Lucena and got off at San Pablo Medical Center along the highway. We then rode a tricycle (30php) to Kay Inay Resort where Casa San Pablo is.

The Spot

     "Casa San Pablo is a country inn surrounded by Baguio-like pine trees and sprawling lawns. Avid art collector and hobby enthusiast Boots Alcantara and his wife An Mercado-Alcantara, writer and magazine editor, are the innkeepers. The inn reflects their pursuit of contemporary and eclectic junk-turned-art and literary collections." - from Casa San Pablo's website