PUNTA BALUARTE A rest and recreation haven in Batangas -2

In its ‘70s opening, Layug said, Punta Baluarte enjoyed its sunshine

years all throughout until it suffered a major setback from

1991-1994. They had to close shop to save whatever could be

salvaged out of a once flourishing business.

Hence, from solo ownership, PB attracted a core of businessmen with

Don Enrique giving up sizeable shares to Tonyboy Cojuangco, Henry

Sy, Willie Sung and FF Cruz. It reopened in 1995.

Since Punta Baluarte is one of the country’s tried and tested

properties, it managed to stay afloat amid the direst pre-millennium

economic strait. Bouncing back, the resort now enjoys a peak

season with mostly corporate clients on its list.

Lolou Z. Asia, PB’s director of marketing and sales, said their

corporate accounts prefer their reasonably priced packages as well

as the locale, as groups are holed up in the resort without unwanted

distractions.

“Our corporate clients say that Punta Baluarte is very conducive to

meetings, brainstorming and team-building sessions since we have

a not-so-crowded and very relaxing environment. They say that their

meetings here always yield positive results with full participation

from the group,” said Asia.

Part of Punta Baluarte’s appeal is its very casual environment, Layug

believed. The setting is tropical and guests are not forced to dress

up stiffly.

“They can move around in their most casual get-ups, polo shirts and

jeans or tank tops with shorts. Here, they can attend their meetings

and go about their leisure activities without the intimidating set-up

of a five-star hotel,” Layug teased.

Aside from PB’s sports and recreation facilities – freshwater and salt

waters pools, all-weather tennis courts, a basketball court, beach

volleyball, aquabikes, kayak, outrigger canoe, horseback-riding –

the property also takes pride in its banquet and meeting facilities.

“We have very modern audio-visual equipment for all sorts of

company meetings, seminars, workshops and social gatherings. Our

function rooms can accommodate from 20-350 persons, depending

on their requirements,” said Layug.

Layug said that they once tried to diversify their guests’ nightly

entertainment by offering ballroom dancing. They even hired dance

instructors for such occasions, but it soon fizzled out.

The guests probably preferred to relax or hit the sack early after a

whole day of meetings and other leisure activities that they didn’t

bother to rev up their nightlife here.

However, the weekend cultural presentations by Calatagan High

School students and the Les Cabases singing group are tops among

the guests. They perform regularly at the Pagapas Cafe. The outlet

serves local and international cuisine and guests can choose from

ala-carte and buffet set-up for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Punta Baluarte will soon be expanded. With a favorable business

climate, the owners are bent on developing an adjoining

175-hectare lot for a posh residential area, a condotel and a

sprawling sports complex that will include a yacht club, a tennis court

and a lap pool, among others.

Good news to hard core divers! To showcase Batangas’ awesome

and rich marine life, Layug said they continue to identify more dive

spots near the resort. Dive masters and instructors were also tapped

to assist guest divers and neophytes.

For those who love to swing along the links, Punta Baluarte takes

pride in its newly-opened Calatagan Golf Club. Designed by Resort

Trent Jones Jr., the 18-hole golf course will surely attract golf

enthusiasts from all over.

Meanwhile, why not make the most of your summer hiatus or

escapades – meetings or no meetings – at Punta Baluarte, and give

yourself on weekdays or weekends the luxury of relaxing, having fun

and sleeping.