My dear family has started a new tradition right after I finished my first degree. We are not rich, we only have enough for a good living. However, my parents suddenly had this urge to explore wanderful places together after graduation. My sister and I were puzzled at first because we barely travel as a family since it is costly. I do not know their exact reasons, but maybe, since we have no extracurricular Saturdays anymore and less finances to worry, our oldies want to invest in more sensible and intangible things like this. Our parents said that aside from education, it is the memories spent with the people you love which are the gifts you would going to treasure forever -- and oh God, that hit me hard. As a welcome for a happy 2019, the whole fam bam had a quick getaway weekend at Batangas. We went to Fantasy World and Marian Orchard on Day 1. Then, we explored the Taal town for Day 2. This post is the first part, so without further ado... FANTASY WORLD Have you ever imagined yourself being stuck in a fairytale come true -- with big, majestic castles that are surrounded by lush, verdant foothills -- hidden in a quaint, little town in our country? Yeah? Yeah! Because that is not just a dream. It is real! We have this charismatic kingdom in the Philippines called Fantasy World. Nestled in Lemery, Batangas, this used to be a majestic amusement park, but has now turned into a favorite photo park. Fantasy World was supposedly the grandest theme park in the Pearl of the Orient Seas, envisioned to be the Disney World of the Philippines. However, it was never opened to the public, except for film and teleserye shootings. Due to financial problems, the said owner was forced to leave the construction undone -- as if it lived up to its given name and remained everything in fantasy. Left Manila by 8 AM and arrived at Fantasy World by 12 PM. We did not mind it though. The four-hour drive was worth it because it is an amazing sight to behold! Fantasy World’s medieval-themed castle, serene chapel, breathtaking views, displayed rides, and all the other leisure attractions are totally picture-worthy! But let me tell you honestly, this abandoned fortress is for your eyes only… For now. Some people would say that this barren place is hopeless. Haters gonna hate always, huh? But for me, going inside this enormous park made me feel otherwise. I believe we can still make Fantasy World alive if the management would be able to allocate enough money to run it again! As of the moment, you can come to see the extravagant structures and admire the green vistas of the town. Fantasy World is a combination of a vigorous garden and a fun park at present. Seeing the group of castles along the highway is wayyy bigger and wayyy more amazing than you see outside. But again, like what I said, the place was never finished, so you would not see much when you go inside. If you see little joys in an intricate facade, even with empty walls and nothing more, you would love it here! Guests are allowed to climb the highest tower with a 100+ steps where you can see the bird’s eye view of the whole premises. I like it there because for some moments, I felt like the princess Rapunzel. Heehee. Been abandoned for more than a decade or two, do not expect that the rides are operational. You can spot the supposed park rides such as a mini-ferris wheel, rollercoasters, and big swings. It’s just that, you are not allowed to ride any. Near those rides, you can see the treehouse. It is one of the highlights in Fantasy World. Make sure not to miss this because breathtaking views await! From there, cross the hanging bridge where you would enjoy the wind and views of nature, too. Truly, Fantasy World is Instagram-worthy in every turn! I even read that there is a royal throne with complete regal wardrobe, accessories, and crowns to put the IG game a notch higher, but it’s so sad, we were not able to try it. Maybe the couple who were having a prenuptial photoshoot used it? Because yes, you can shoot your creative pictures here. Even I, pretended like royalty with the charm of this rustic fort. Though I did not pay the photoshoot fee. Awra awra only! lol! Fantasy World can be a photobomber-free location that is perfect for your feed and OOTD (outfit of the day) goals. The amusement park is really big, it would take you a lot of time to roam around. Everywhere is picturesque and worth the upload, so going around is just like walking in the park. For non-peak days, which are usually weekdays, visitors are asked to pay PhP 1,000 that is good for ten people already. If you are a complete group of ten, then good, because that makes PhP 100 per person. If you are only a pair, it is still a thousand, so you have to split the fee. Unless you are willing to wait for other bigger groups to reduce the cost, that is the management’s rule for the entrance fee. However for us, we visited on a weekend where there are a lot of people who went. From the entrance gate, we were asked to pay PhP 100 per adult and PhP 80 for senior citizens, instead of the maximum fee. Not bad for a short break, right? Got a chance to live a fantasy for a while anyway! :) Please be reminded that professional cameras can only be brought inside for a fee of PhP 5,000. There are fees for photoshoots as well. Also, you can buy meals and quenchers in their stalls because outside food and drinks are not allowed. Side trip: Marian Orchard We know that Tagaytay is the usual side trip when coming from Fantasy World. However, my folks and I went there already a lot of times, so we wanted to visit and discover another spot instead. Mama really hoped to go here in this pilgrimage site: Marian Orchard in Balete, Lipa, Batangas. It was almost five in the afternoon when we arrived. Papa beat the traffic in order to grant our queen’s wish. Lucky us, we were still able to enter, right in time for sunset! Hashtag blessed! From its moniker, Marian Orchard has sprawling, reminiscent gardens. Its yard is actually compared to the ones in Europe. Marian Orchard is a spiritual oasis that is perfect for Catholic renewal or for personal reflection whether you are a Marian devotee or not. It has a peaceful chapel, huge rosary, life-sized apostles' statues, and stations of the cross. This serene pilgrim park seeks in promoting stronger faith and more loving devotion to the Most Holy One through Mother Nature. Marian Orchard is still conducting improvements regarding their structures. The place may still be a work in progress, yet guess what, it is definitely worth to visit! It is more than just a garden or an orchard -- Marian Orchard is a sacred site that inspires propagation of God’s goodness and love. I heard a quote that says, "it is not about how big the house is, it is how happy your home is." This trip made me realize that money is important. However, time is too, and family even more. I immortalized happy moments with my fam and it feels nice. As long as we are together, I am enough. Already enough 💖
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THE BLOG-GIRLE L A M A N I L A Ela Mones, a Filipina girl,
is a passionate lifestyle blogger who loves to express her unforgettable life experiences and best moments through words, photos, and videos 💖
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