The Pililla Wind Farm

Windmills are on the rise in the Philippines.  I thought I will only see one if I visit Europe/Holland :-) . But now, we have a wind farm just an hour away from my home in Antipolo.

The very first time we have had a wind farm was in 2005 in Ilocos. A second wind farm has recently been set up in Pililla, Rizal to provide additional energy to Luzon, particularly Metro Manila, which is in dire need of energy. 

The Pililla Wind Farm, as they call it, is located on top of hills overlooking Laguna de Bay and the other nearby town of Rizal province.  The plan is to set up 27 Wind Turbines.  When we visited last May, they are still setting up some of the wind turbines.

The wind mills or wind turbines are a source of clean energy and unlike power plants, it does not pollute the air. It relies on wind energy, and not fossil fuels. It is also said to be cost effective. I hope the cost effectiveness would eventually translate to lower power cost for the consumers.

Setting up of more wind farms in other locations is being looked at. Well, I hope so.  In a country like ours, we need more clean and cheaper electricity.

Sulyap Bed and Breakfast in San Pablo

Sulyap (noun)- glimpse; glance. 

True to its meaning, Sulyap Bed and Breakfast, gives us a glimpse of the old Philippines. The hotel rooms are in Casa Alitagtag and Casa Obando.  Both casas are restored old houses. These are two storey, "bahay na bato"  , a typical house of the rich and famous during the Spanish time. It has a veranda and a garden at the front. To add to the ambiance, old Filipino songs are being played in the garden.   Staying there gave me the feeling of being in the Spanish-time Philippines.

The Casa de Alitagtag

We stayed at the ground floor of Casa de Alitagtag.  There were 4 of us, and we paid Php5,800 for a room, good for 5 persons. The room is spacious with 5 beds, including 1 day bed and  a very spacious ensuite toilet and bath.  There is TV in the room and the fee includes free wi-fi, bottled water and breakfast.

At the Casa de Alitagtag

They serve popular Filipino breakfast : Steamed or garlic fried rice, egg, pickled papaya with choices of longganisa, tapa or bangus (milkfish).  This comes with coffee or tabliya (Filipino hot chocolate), tea or canned juice. Americal breakfast is also available. 

Breakfast is served at the Sulyap Gallery Cafe, amidst the many antique displays. The Gallery Cafe is another restored house.   

Filipino Breakfast at Sulyap Gallery Cafe

There is also a small museum in Sulyap-which unfortunately, we did not have time to look at.

For those with kids. the can play in the garden which is planted with rambutan trees and with chicken roaming (and running) around. There is also a swimming pool at the end of the garden. 

The pool and the pathway leading to the pool

Definitely a good place to stay- specially for guests who wants to experience things that are Filipino.  And I would have to say that this bed and breakfast has very hospitable and helpful staffs!