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Natatas is one of the 48 barangays in the City of Tanauan. Decades ago, it was once
a typical barrio characterized with rough road (dusty during summer and muddy during the
rainy season), old houses, native folks, old culture and tradition. A barrio by which the
livelihood of its people largely depends on agriculture. A barrio whose people are closely
related to one another, one community-one kinship (iisang pisa) in native tongue. Old
cultures and traditions specially many “pamahiin” are highly observed by the natives.
As time passed by, many things changed, from their means of living to mode of
transportation. Even the people itself change through the course of life. Through the
proliferation of technology and the unstoppable effect of such, people of Natatas nowadays
are aware of the opportunities waiting to be discover, explore and foster in and out of their
community.
And it is but the right time for us to discover within ourselves the true and promising
beauty of Natatas!
Location: Batangas, Calabarzon, Luzon, Philippines, Southeast Asia, Asia
Weather-wise, the best time to visit the Philippines is between January and May;
however, be warned that this is also the peak tourist season, and so accommodation and
flight prices will be higher. The country is particularly crowded during Easter. Travelers
should also note that weather has become less predictable in the Philippines in recent years.
To escape the hassles of the urban life, an hour drive in your private vehicle is all you
need to do come and see the beauty of this majestic suburban. When commute, Batangas is
only two to three hours away from Manila depending on which part of Batangas you are
visiting, which part of Manila you are coming from, and how heavy the traffic is. There are
airconditioned and ordinary buses to Batangas. Most common destination sign you will see
displayed in front of the bus to get to Tanauan where Natatas is located is: Batangas City —
most of which pass through Sto Tomas, Tanauan City and Lipa City. There are also vans that
take passengers to many parts of Batangas.
Upon reaching Tanauan City (Poblacion), one may take a tryke or take a walk from
the bus stop to the terminal going to Natatas. From the terminal, you can now go to
different places of Natatas and fill your heart’s content.
LIFE AND LEISURE
TARAWOODS
the chaos and pollution of the city. Just two hours away from Manila, with easy access
through Star Tollway, the place makes you feel serene and close to nature as rows of fruit
the patio. On one side, a row of wooden picnic tables dotted by colorful placemats faces the
pieces that adorn the house, as if each piece wants to tell its own story.
Next to the doorway stands a mini–shrine to the patron saint of the environment, St.
Francis of Assisi. Close by, two small angels flank the antique wooden doors that are similar
personally welcomes guests. They immediately direct new arrivals to the refreshments table
with choice offerings of brewed coffee, lemon grass tea, or fresh calamansi juice -- all
bottomless.
After getting your drink of choice, walk to the living room where you can sink into
the comfy sofas, put your feet up and relax for a while. As if you’ve just arrived home.
Originally a sugar cane plantation twenty years ago, Tarawoods was a nameless tract
of land that the Magsino family used as a chicken farm. Initially, they just planted fruit trees
along the perimeter to act as natural hedges.
The plantation expanded when Albert’s father planted more red lady papaya,
dragon fruit, calamansi, and mango trees that transformed the land into a wooded area.
Months later, they used split bamboo and old telephone poles to build a simple bungalow
rest house where they could unwind during weekends.
While the family farm was taking shape, Albert’s sister thought of opening it to the
public. “She wanted to make it more accessible to more people because, through the years,
our family’s friends have said that they always like staying here and they enjoy their
weekends here," Albert said. In 2006, the family farm was named Tarawoods and was
officially opened to the public as a venue for company trainings, family vacations and
weddings.
What’s in the name? Dan recalled, “My mother is a fan of old movies. Tara was the
name of the plantation in her favorite movie Gone with the Wind. Since our farm has an
orchard-like setting, we decided to call it Tarawoods."
Tarawoods has modest amenities: a conference room for seminars, two swimming
pools and a billiards table for recreation, and a karaoke for all-night singing sessions.
Accommodation consists of rooms with bunk beds, and guests need to share a common
bathroom, which may not be to everyone's preference.
But perhaps, its appeal lies in the simple joys that farm life offers: basking in the
serene surroundings, breathing in the fresh air, and eating good food.
A stay in Tarawoods means you’ll get to enjoy three home-cooked meals plus two
meriendas a day. Most are Pinoy dishes that you can wash down with the farm’s trademark
drink: bottomless, made-from-scratch calamansi juice.
“This is really the place if you want to do some downshifting, getting some quality
time with your family or really sitting down and doing a lot of work," Sir Dan said. “Our
clients said they can do more work here in less time. They can concentrate because of the
peaceful surroundings."
Mr. Dan Magsino is hands-on when serving the guests, and the farm’s staff is equally
just as remarkably efficient and courteous.
“We believe that part of quality service is the kind of care and attention we give to
our customers. Since they have chosen us, we want to give them the best possible
experience so that they will achieve the goals that they set for their stay here," Albert
explained.
For groups of 30, Tarawoods packages start at 1,000++ per person for an overnight
stay. The base price for a wedding package is P25,000. For those on a budget, Chari says they
are happy to work with clients on a package that fit their needs.
As city life gets more stressful and fast-paced, harried folks who want to de-stress
and slow down can benefit from a stay in Tarawoods. With its charming accommodations
and friendly staff, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a home away from home.
You’ll leave relaxed, recharged and refreshed. Or as Albert would put it, “We want
them to say that it was like going to a good friend’s place. They felt welcome and they left
with a smile on their faces."
An inviting friend!
HATS UP AND SHADES ON!
FOR A RATE SO AFFORDABLE!
E GAMES
RELIGION
BARANGAY CHAPEL
A place of prayer and worship for the Catholic people of Brgy. Natatas.
A place of worship for the Christian sector of Brgy. Natatas. Formerly, Door of Faith
Ministries Inc.
GNM Enterprises
These business / service establishments i.e. Vine Dresser, GNM Enterprises and other retail
stores along with other life and leisure establishments like Alon Resort and Tarawoods,
highly contributes to the socio-economic condition of the barangay. Not only they will help to
create jobs and the conditions of a prosperous society, but also create some sort of social
change. Through their unique offerings of new goods and services, people break away from
tradition and indirectly support freedom by reducing dependence on obsolete systems and
technologies. Overall, this results in an improved quality of life, greater morale and economic
freedom.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Sumang-yakap
Nicasia M. Macahiya
Oldest Living Person in Brgy. Natatas
102 years old
Born on September 21, 1914
Centenarian Awardee
A 100 year old house built in 1917. A true statement of solidity and toughness!