labor day getaway

Tired of the usual Labor Day happenings in Manila (empty protests and more empty promises), I decided to get away from it all and spend a day in the shoes of a traditional Filipino employer way before the birth of yetties—a haciendero.  The thought alone is blatantly pompous, and it is. But what the heck, it’s Labor Day and a middle-class worker like me occasionally deserves a little pampering, ala-haciendero. 

 

So off I went to Hacienda Escudero in San Pablo, Laguna yesterday with fellow proletariats. We arrived at the place greeted by a vast plantation of coconut trees, and being a buko fan, I almost jumped off the van to get myself some fresh buko juice. Then I realized I was role-playing a haciendero, who perhaps wouldn’t climb a coconut tree, and so I restrained myself; I controlled the timawa in me.

 

 

Hacienda Escudero reception area 

 

Women in Filipiniana attire greeted us at the reception and gave us a cup of cold sago’t gulaman each. It was a sweet foretaste of good things to come.

 

 Aera Foundation Museum 

 

First stop was the Aera Museum housed in an old chapel. The combination is eerie enough, but wait until you get inside: a claustrophobic showcase of religious icons, preserved animals from insects to leopards, black and white photographs, antique wares, replica of Jose Rizal’s merit cards in Ateneo, period costumes from the bahag to baro’t saya, even the inaugural attire of Philippine presidents from Emilio Aguinaldo to Joseph Estrada. There’s literally too many to see for a small museum, where picture-taking is prohibited. 

 

Lola Charing’s Playground 

 

Outside the museum, on its right, is Lola Charing’s Playground. I didn’t ask who Lola Charing is; I’m sure she isn’t as trivial as her name. The playground is not only small, but it also looks sad. And sad-looking playgrounds mean no kid had been there, played there, for a long time. Even the kid in me felt something strange about the playground. 

 

 

Escudero Mansion 

 

A few steps away from the museum is the private residence of the Escudero family, which is off limits to guests. I took the photos from outside the gate like a paparazzi.

 

 

 Carabao Cart Ride

 

Next adventure was a Carabao cart ride from the museum to the resort area. Our carabao was Mutya, who showed prima donna instinct by having us wait for her as she takes a quick dip in her jacuzzi. We were all sweaty and dying from the scorching heat of the sun and there she was, wet look and all, walking sexily towards her cart; didn’t smile, didn’t even say her mooo. Oh I forget, do carabaos mooo? Anyway, the ride was enjoyable because we were serenaded with folk songs throughout the short trip. 

 

 

Lunch at the foot of Labasin Falls 

 

Then we ate buffet lunch at the foot of the man-made falls, which at first glance, looks like an avalanche of fine sand. I liked the experience because it was unique: you have cold water rushing through your feet while you eat your inihaw and pansit. And of course, I ordered fresh buko juice like a haciendero would have it.

 

 

 

Pinoy lunch buffett 

 

After your meal you can stroll around the resort, and most likely you will meet the chatty Tita Rona and this animal (they have no relationship with each other):

 

 Iguana

 

Daytrip cottages 

 

You can also take a dip in one of the pools, two of which are designed for children.

 

 Main swimming pool

 

Kiddie pool 

 

The most enjoyable experience was the bamboo rafting at the Lawa ng Labasin, where you could also do fishing for a fee. The tranquil waters made the rafting easy; the lush green trees and the sound of chirping birds added the perfect touch to the experience. You really feel far away from the toxic life in the city.

 

 

 Lawa ng Labasin

 

Bamboo rafting 

 

Hacienda Escudero is a good place to experience the hacienda lifestyle, although some facilities (like the shower rooms) stand some improvement. Prices at the Coconut Pavillion could feel like a rip off for timawas like me, especially for a 70-peso tuna sandwich that’s really just a pair of malnourished slice bread cut into two to look hefty. Good thing I ordered for myself pork tocino with rice and two sunny side up; at 150 pesos it was enough to satisfy the obrero in me—for snacks. :)

 

Role-playing a haciendero on Labor Day did nothing to change my perspective and attitude on the great divide in this country between the rich and the poor; I still believe it’s a bitter third-world reality no protest can change. But the experience did make me understand what it is I really want from working hard: to deserve the good life I want to live.