Chicas Chikka-Chikka, Pica-Pica @ Pico

Before Mr. Sun says bye-bye, our barkada decided to have a vacation. So after 2 months of planning and preparation, we decided to escape to breathtaking Pico de Loro at Hamilo Coast, SM Land's premier, sustainable leisure destination in Nasugbu, Batangas. Look forward to a variety of leisure lifestyle options among a network of leisure communities to be built, offering residential condominiums, villas, residential lots, and hotels. Recreational facilities such as exclusive and members-only club will also offer an immediate escape from the city all year-round. Land- and water-based activities providing an interactive nature experience completes the distinctive Hamilo Coast leisure lifestyle.  Hamilo Coast will be an enduring leisure destination for those who seek a genuine sense of escape and retreat into nature, building a tradition and reputation for world-class leisure living. Well, how to get there? Hamilo Coast is currently accessible by land via the traditional tagaytay-nasugbu rout, which is roughly 114 kilometers of 2.5 hours travel. But since the road was under construction, and the driver sucks, it took us almost 3 and a half hours before we arrived on the venue.

            Moreover, upon arriving at the 1^st club house, we saw a breath taking Mediterranean-inspired interior design and construction, clear pool near the beach. Moving on, as stated above, it is a country club, meaning, you cannot enter unless, you’re a member, so luckily, my friend’s father is a member so we’re able to enjoy the leisure life inside Pico. Non-member will pay 500pesos, wherein 400pesos from that 500 is consumable for your food inside. Well, no foods brought outside are allowed. They cater Italian cuisines that day, the buffet costs 680pesos, so we need to pay additional 280pesos. The foods were mouth-watering and everything were delicious, unluckily, since I’m a food critique, I tasted that the milk used in their potato soup was overly cooked. And they only used sardine for the lumpia, anyway, the lumpia tasted good when you dipped it in tartar sauce.  The desserts were heavenly! There were rum cake, raisin cake, fresh fruits, and what I like most is their make your own halo-halo corner! So, after our stomach was filled by yummy foods, we decided to take a rest for couple of minutes and jumped in the pool. By the way, before I forgot. The country club is consisting of 2 club houses. On the 1^st club house, it consists of 2 pools, the beach, kultura store, a restaurant where you can order Ala carte and a bar. The 2^nd one consists of 4 pools, then the amenities such as videoke bar, bowling center, billiard center, gym, children play station, video game station (where you can play PS3 and Wii),badminton, tennis and basketball courts. We 1^st stayed on the 2^nd club house since there were still lots of people at the 1^st club house when we arrived. The pool on the 2^nd club house was warm and it’s only 5’3 feet. So no worries for those who are not gifted in height, you’ll not be drowned. And there are life guards in case you’ll not be able to handle the water. Since the sun that time was scorching, we decided to rest and go to the 1^st club house to dip into the beach. That time, it was low tide so we're like already in the middle but still the water was just on our chest level. The water is too salty! No fishes, no shells or what-so ever marine thingy. There are lots of Chinese and Caucasians. Lots of good looking Guys (whew! What a sight! ^^) . By 6pm we decided to take our bath since the pool closes by 7pm. The people went gaga and so super agawan inside the bathroom. 2 of the cubicles were barado. Thank God, I got a cubicle for my friend Krizza to share with. Inside the cubicle, there’s free liquid bath soap and shampoo, so you actually don’t need to bring or panic if haven’t brought one. Towels are free to use. And there are blowers and make-up section where ladies can fix themselves. By night, you’ll be delighted by the blue-light effects of the pool, the jazzy and bossa nova songs and cold wind.

            I will definitely go back to that place and try some water sports like kayaking and snorkeling next summer. If you’re interested, Do visit http://www.hamilocoast.com/hamilo/index.php?p=1016 for more information and inquiries.