If you wish to go the famed Pahiyas festival of Lucban, Quezon, but are discouraged by the idea of joining the similarly minded mass of humanity headed there on May 15, why not ensconce yourself a day or two before the event in a place that is close to nature and just a couple of kilometers away from the town center?
You no longer have to travel far to participate in the many events of Lucban’s traditional thanksgiving feast for a bountiful harvest. And having had your fill of the celebrating, you can retreat to a quiet room or cottage far from the crowds the Pahiyas usually draws.
The Batis Aramin Resort in Barrio Malupak brings you as close to nature as you want and yet near enough to the hub of Lucban. It is also just across from new Lucban crowd drawers like the Grotto of Healing and Way of Purification and Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church, where the “healing priest” Fr. Joseph “Joey” Faller holds regular Sunday afternoon masses.
At the resort, you literally walk and sleep under the watchful eyes of Jesus as the towering image of the Christ atop the grotto towers over the landscape.
Owned by husband and wife Filomeno and Teresita Valde, Batis Aramin sits at the foot of mystical Mount Banahaw. Its two large swimming pools, children’s pools, ponds, a lake for fishing, and two or three small waterfalls are all fed by the Aramin spring from the mountains.
You can go swimming, fishing, camping, boating or simply relax and enjoy the clean, fresh air; lush vegetation and the quiet with only the sounds of nature to disturb the peace.
Picnic spot
Originally called Piknikan sa Lucban, a spot for local residents, the Valdeses decided to have a full-fledged Batis Aramin resort for people who want to commune with nature for more than just a few hours.
They built thatch-roofed huts and a two-story modest hotel on the side nearest the highway, pretty much keeping the old trees and greenery intact.
The results are enchanting, with misty green corners screened by thick foliage, the tips of gnarled old branches and roots of ancient air plants dipping delicately into the various pools.
You almost expect to see fairies and nymphs gamboling about as you explore the hidden nooks and crannies connected by wooden bridges and mossy stone paths.
And if you have a craving for some of the delicacies Lucban is famous for, the restaurant at the hotel’s ground floor offers you the local longganisa and pansit, among others.
To get to Lucban and Batis Aramin, you can take either the Batangas or Laguna route. The Batangas route takes you through about five other Quezon towns before you reach Lucban. If you choose to go through Laguna, the Pahiyas town becomes your gateway to Quezon province.
