Cavite, the province along the southern fringes of Manila Bay, is not only the most populated province in the country, it is also a historical capital. It was the center of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers, which eventually led to the declaration of Independence by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898 in Kawit.
Another significant event in Cavite’s history was the execution of three Filipino martyr- priests, Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora, after they were erroneously pointed to as having organized the Cavite Mutiny in 1872.
The site where Andres Bonifacio was sentenced by a court-martial is another historical landmark in the province. He was the founder of the Katipunan, a secret revolutionary society he put up against the Spanish conquistadores. The place has been restored many times, to maintain its original design.
When the Americans took over the reins of power from the Spaniards, the province was the site of a base for the US Naval Forces, giving the Americans a strategic geographical advantage in their war against the Japanese during World War II.
These days, Cavite’s proximity to Metro Manila has made it one of the most industrialized and fastest growing provinces in the country. Its accessibility to the metropolis through well-paved wide highways, coupled with the fresh natural setting, which this picturesque province offers, has attracted many of the metro’s workforce to establish residence there.
Consequently, Cavite’s high percentage of working class population has attracted many large industrial companies to set up operations in the province. This development has further boosted its economic and social growth, putting itself ahead of the other provinces in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Region.
Taking into consideration this upsurge in the province’s economic activity, the management of the highly successful The Bayleaf Intramuros decided to put up its sister hotel, The Bayleaf Cavite, which opened its doors to the public a couple of months ago. Located along Governor’s Drive in General Trias, it is the only world-class hotel in the area. It has 148 guest rooms and suites, including rooms with four beds in them, making these ideal for small families or barkadas travelling on a weekend holiday.
Designed for business, social and leisure events, the property boasts an elegant, high ceiling ballroom, four meeting rooms, all of which have direct access to a landscaped garden. The hotel also offers an exclusive VIP Meeting Lounge.
What I really like about this new hotel is its large sky-lit Atrium Lounge, which reminds me of the spacious atrium lounges of some luxury hotels I’ve stayed at in the US. The venue gives a most enjoyable dimension to any food or beverage item ordered either by a group or by someone who prefers to be alone.
The Bayleaf Cavite also has an all-day dining cafe, Fields, located on the 8th floor which offers a panoramic view of the major thoroughfare, Governor’s Drive. Its name is derived from the beautiful verdant fields that one sees from such vantage point, a real stress reliever for those who are constantly on-the-go. The restaurant is also a showcase of the region’s fresh produce served on its generous buffet among regional and international culinary favorites.
There’s also the Bar On The 8th, a multi-purpose venue for unwinding or simply catching up with friends over choices of tapas, pizzas, samplers, nachos and other bar favorites expertly prepared to match your favorite drinks. The bar also provides entertainment, varying from acoustic, themed, or lounge music, or a full band performance on weekends. What makes this venue unique is that it can be blocked off for a private function and the menu can be tailor-made to the requirements of the guests.
What also caught my attention was the hotel’s outdoor Wedding Park, for couples who prefer to solemnize their romantic wedding vows inside a beautifully constructed gazebo, followed by a wedding reception al fresco, with the gentle and soothing breeze blowing from all directions.
Of course, physically active individuals will enjoy the 45–meter long, free form swimming pool, as I did, because it also features a Jacuzzi on one end, adding a special touch to the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere. A pool bar completes the guests’ poolside experience.
Building on the brand’s success in the industry, with The Bayleaf Intramuros reaping Trip Advisors’ Travelers Choice Awards and the Certificate of Excellence every year, plus Agoda’s Gold Circle Award, the management of The Bayleaf Cavite is very optimistic that this new property will equal, if not surpass, the achievements of its sister hotel. With history and industrialization propping it up, there’s no doubt this jewel-of-a-hotel will be another success story.
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YOUR FRIDAY CHUCKLE:
It was only 8 p.m. when husband and his blonde wife, both tired from a full day of activities, decided to sleep early when, suddenly, the phone rang. The blonde wife picked up the phone and, in her sleepy, low, husky voice, sounding like a man, said, “Hello? (pausing for a few seconds) How the heck do I know? What am I, the weather man?” and slams the phone down. The husband rolls over and asks, “Who was that?” The blonde wife replies, “I don’t know. Some stupid woman wanted to know if the coast was clear tonight.”