Stonewood Garden Private Pool Resort Angono Rizal Review

Aside from Pansol, Laguna, the Province of Rizal also offers private pool resorts that are perfect for team buildings, reunions, and other celebrations for a big group.

We rented Stonewood Garden Resort in Angono Rizal for 22 hours from 8AM to 4PM.
We paid Php 18k for the venue including one bedroom good for 10 persons.

There is a parking area that can house 2 cars. Vehicles can also be parked along the street just outside the house. The place was located inside a subdivision so I can say that the place is secure.

The place was big enough for us composing of 15 adults and 3 kids. 

The activity area was very wide perfect for team buildings, receptions and gatherings. 

They also have indoor venue located on the second floor.

The place had 2 pools, 1 for adult (4ft - 6ft), 1 kiddie indoor pool (thigh deep) with 1 extra jakuzzi pool. 

adult pool

indoor pool (3ft deep perfect for kids)

The whole place was clean and the water in the pool was well maintained. I did not get itchy after swimming which I usually do when I swim in dirty swimming pools.

view from our rooms balcony

The owners were very simple, kind and accommodating. Although cooking using LPG was not allowed, we were given consent to bring electric stove so we can cook our food which we bought from a nearby market. There was also grill provided. 

Although there are many rooms available, we decided to rent just one room good for 10 persons. It was only for securing our belongings and also for kids and adults who wanted to sleep or rest. 

Here's the contact number of the resort for inquiries. :)

         

Donsol Accommodation: Villa JoLee Affordable Inn for Backpackers

If you are looking for a nearby and affordable accommodations in Donsol while doing the whale shark activity, Villa JoLee will be one of your options.

Just two blocks away from Donsol Tourist Center, Villa JoLee offers affordable and decent place to stay. 

I rented their single bed room for Php 400 for one night during my solo backing trip in Donsol. Towel provided. The owner was so nice. They also offered flippers and snorkeling set rental to be used for whale shark watching.

single bed for Php 400

Here's the contact number of the Inn if in case you would like to inquire. You're welcome. :)

Clean toilet (no warm water shower)

If in case the Inn is already full or you would like to look for other hostel to stay, here's another picture with contact numbers as a bonus. Again, you're welcome. :)

BICOL's PINANGAT: My Pasalubong Recommendation

I consider Bicol as one of the best provinces I have been to in the country. In my experience, the people were so nice, the beaches were so good (see where I stayed in Donsol here), and the food was really unforgettable!!!

Indeed Bicolano Cuisine are freaking delicious! From coconut milk (gata)-based dishes to unique desserts (try Pili and Sili Ice Cream), almost everything is a must try.

Pili Ice Cream is the bomb!

So after the whole Bicol trip, I looked for something to take back to Manila to share the goodness of Bicol  to my friends and loved ones.

You can buy different pasalubong items in Ibalong Pasalubong Center located in Legazpi Grand Terminal. But if you want to take home a delicacy like I did, I recommend Bicol's Pinangat. It's Manila's version of Laing, made from gabi leaves,  dried fish, shrimp paste and maybe some coconut milk. You can buy it in local restaurants along Camalig, Albay but if you already happen to be in the terminal, you can go to SM Supermarket. They sell famous Dad's Special Pinangat in chilled packaging, perfect for transporting. They sell each pack for Php 45. I recommend getting the spicy flavor.

Pinangat sold for Php 45

Travel from Legazpi to Manila took 12 hours so prolonging the life of this dish was very critical. In order to keep it chilled, I bought a cooler box for  Php 150 and put some ice in it. Tube ice were conveniently placed beside the Pinangat's chiller.

Tube Ice

The icebox had to be sealed securely to make sure that the ice water would not spill during the trip. Thankfully the staff from the supermarket helped me seal it using packaging tape. (Bicolano's are sooo nice!)

Right after I went home, I immediately checked the package and still found some ice on top.
I put the Pinangat in the fridge and left one pack to be heated for dinner.