The Golden Sunset Resort PRIME TOURIST DESTINATION RISES FROM CALATAGAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGGINGS

The Golden Sunset Resort: Batangas province’s newest and largest tourist destination gets its name from one of its main attractions – the spectacular view of the golden sundown. Unlike any other sunset, sundown viewed from the resort changes its color from silver at mid-afternoon to bright orange, and then to golden color until the sun finally disappears.

Owned by famed hairdresser Ricky Reyes, the beach resort was built on a 20-hectare property in Barangay Uno, Calatagan, said to be the marketplace for transient Chinese traders during the pre-Spanish era.

In 1958, during extensive diggings made by Robert Fox and National Museum personnel in the same place where the resort is now located, it yielded Chinese potteries, heirloom, and human relics indicating their stay in the area. The discoveries now known as the Calatagan diggings collection are kept today at the Ayala Museum.

"I bought this property which was left barren by that extensive archaeological diggings with no sign of life except for a lone tamarind tree in its middle. If not for the magnificent view of the Golden Sunset I would not have bought it," Ricky Reyes told the Bulletin.

But today, like the phoenix, the legendary bird, it rises from the ashes (wasteland and an abandoned fishpond) to become a prime tourist destination with all the facilities and amenities of a resort of international standard.

Very soon, in support of the medical and beauty tourism program of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, the Golden Sunset Resort will put up an Operating Room (OR) to cater to the health and beauty needs of balikbayans, particularly from the United States.

In this project, the resort will tie up with the New Life Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery Center based at Borough Medical Care Institute, 6th flr. Cybermall Bldg. Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C., headed by Dr. James B. Joaquino, a diplomate in Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as chairman; and Dr. Romeo Vergara, Jr., as president.

Dr. Joaquino and Dr. Vergara’s medical group specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, nipple repair, body sculpting, power liposuction, tummy tuck, arm lift, face lifts, brow lifts, eye bag removal, nose lift, nose trimming, botox and leg veins.

A two-and-a-half drive from south of Manila or about 121 kilometers in distance will bring you to Calatagan by taking South Superhighway and getting off at the Sta. Rosa exit no. 40. After the market of Tagaytay when you reach Tagaytay Ridge, turn right. At the Tagaytay Rotonda, go straight and follow the direction of Nasugbu and Lian. After the gas station, turn left to Lian and Calatagan continue through Calatagan until you reach Barangay Uno.

We reached the Golden Sunset Resort at high noon under the bright sun and clear blue sky. Ricky Reyes and business partner Cris Aquino warmly welcomed us as pretty hotel staff put leis around our necks. On board resort jeepneys we were treated to a view of some of its facilities: a big screened butterfly sanctuary; a large swimming pool complete with tall slides and a kiddie pool beside it; fish ponds, bike lanes, volleyball court – all surrounded by ornamental flowers and lush gardens.

According to Calatagan Mayor Peter Oliver Palacio, there are around 10 resorts in his town including the popular Lago de Oro Beach Club in barangay Balibago under combined German, Australian, and Filipino management; and Punta Baluarte, a property of a member of the Zobel de Ayala family who once owned the entire Calatagan Peninsula. It recently ceased operation except its golf course component.

The next day, before leaving the resort we had a town and resort tour along the Calatagan beaches.

We made a brief stop also at the Punta de Santiago Lighthouse, located in Calatagan which was built in 1890. It is one of the earliest lighthouses that still function up to this date. Since it was constructed, no running ship has ever run aground.

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