For those looking for an inexpensive venue for trainings and conferences which location is not

to far from Metro Manila, you may want to check out Tanay, Rizal's many resorts and
conference centers. One of those I would recommend you visit for ocular inspection is the
"Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center located at Sitio Balimbing, Bgy. Plaza Aldea, in
Tanay, Rizal.

As the name implies, Bakasyunan is an authentic 'vacation place.' Its abundant flora and fauna,
its back-to-nature ambience and breathtaking panoramic vista — all have a calming effect on
the soul. At Bakasyunan, one gets to harmonize with nature, and to liberate one's spirit . The
forest appeal has a strong impression. Its cool climate is a big attraction. Windy mornings make
one oblivious to the summer heat.

Traveling to this resort from Pasig takes more than an hour by coaster considering taking a trip
quite early in the morning. It's a bit far but the scenery once you get to the outskirts Antipolo,
the suburban scenery is truly refreshing. It's entertaining to travel the long routes of Rizal than
be stuck in traffic going to Tagaytay or Laguna.

Since Bakasyunan Resort is in higher ground, as in overlooking the mountainous area of Tanay,
the view is beautiful. The main building housing the conference rooms and some
suites/dormitories is actually the ancestral house of the proprietor. the restoration maintained
the old, rustic and classic design of the house.

The main building currently house two (2) function rooms, one at the ground floor and another
at the second level. Breakfast was served at the dining hall/restaurant adjacent to it. The meal
consisted of tocino for day one and daing na bangus for day two, along with fried egg, and fried
rice. The tocino was too sweet, the daing na bangus was okay. The other meals were good but
nothing extravagant.

The dormitory room was good enough to house more than twenty people. The dorm room was
simply decorated with double bunk beds and a table in a corner. There was a huge toilet and
bath facility with multiple toilet bowls and showers to accommodate multiple numbers of users
at the same time. Outside the dorm is a lounging area with comfy sofas and tables that is good
for bonding activities.

The suite used to be the masters' bedroom of the ancestral house, therefore, it's heavily
decorated with a huge walk-in closet area and very spacious toilet and bath. The private cottage
was designed in minimalist, zen look. It was a small room with a double-sized bed good for two
and a toilet and bath that is too basic in design but clean. The cable works though but with
limited available channels.
Two big swimming pool, not an eternity pool, are in front of the big mansion with a big
inflatable donut-shaped balloon that is free for use by pool loungers.

The Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center in Tanay is still expanding. A number of new
villas and a very big conference hall were being constructed when we visited. There are facilities
too for outdoor sports and activities such as horseback riding, zipline, ATV, mudslide, rappel,
and wall climbing.

In summary, Bakasyunan Resort Tanay is a pretty nice resort. Rustic but modern. I believe the
management does an excellent job at keeping it all well-kept and clean. It shows a love of
nature and it’s really refreshing to see a place where the trees and gardens are very well-
groomed. The place is very relaxing, despite the exercise going in and around the place. But the
air is fresh so I don’t mind getting tired and working my lungs to get a dose of clean air. The chill
breeze at night is something to look forward too. Yes, we'll come back to the resort. Anything
negative about the resort? The room amenities could use some improvements. Price-wise, well,
maybe it’s pricey considering the limited room inclusions.