We usually don’t make a fuss over Father’s Day, and just like anyone else, we just celebrate it with a simple dinner in our fave resto. But last Sunday, June 17 was different. As part of the #bloggersfamph I was privileged to join the 1st collaboration of the group at Lily’s Vacation Farm House, which by chance happened to also be Father’s Day. So I decided to say Yes, after all the organizer agreed to let me bring my family. Searching through the farm’s facebook page I became excited and very eager to join and see for myself what the farm has to offer. But wait, location checked — Jala-Jala, Rizal —hmm, i had second thoughts — its too far I thought – but the images of the farm on their fb page (@LilyVacationFarmHouse) enticed me to explore and go see for myself.

Come explore with me the Hidden Paradise of Rizal — Jala-Jala featuring Lily’s Vacation Farm House.

Usually when I think of farm stays and vacation the few provinces to come up into my mind are – Tagaytay and Batangas – we’ve already visited two farm tours just early this year. When I heard of Lily Vacation Farm House located in Jala-jala. I was surprised! I wondered, “a vacation farm in Jala-jala? will it ever be possible. The last time I visited Jala-jala was 19 years ago, let me continue how I found the place now after those long years.

Jala-Jala, the last town of Rizal is seldom heard of when it comes to local tourism. In fact, when you heard of Jala-jala maybe you wouldn’t mind going. Me and my family lives in the South (Cavite) and we were excited to explore the East. We went there by car, and exit through SLEX – C6 also known as the Laguna Lake Highway, wherein you will be greeted by the site of Mercado del Lago (Market by the Lake).

It took us 3hrs. by car from Cavite and used waze to search Lily Vacation Farm House. This road will guide you through Tanay up to Jala-jala. Here’s the link at waze – https://waze.com/ul/hwdw33n5cg
But just in case, you can also refer to this map:

For those who will commute to Jala-jala, you can take a ride at Starmall Edsa Terminal going to Tanay, a van ride costs P70. Then via Sampaloc Terminal you can ride a jeep going to Lily’s Vacation Farm House Jala-jala.

Our family enjoyed the long drive, sceneries of green and the view of the lake accompanied us. We also saw the office of the Gatas ng Kalabaw Coop Dairy Delight – a must visited place for “pasalubong” of pure Carabao’s milk.

Finally, we are here. The town’s welcome arc greeted “Maligayang Pagdating, Bayan ng Jalajala Paraiso ng Rizal.” I, then wondered why it’s called a Paradise.

We arrived 30 mins. earlier than check-in time, the staffs ushered us in while preparing the house and some welcome snacks.

We were welcomed with a cool, homey feel of the farm house, dominated with white colors and minimalist design.

It has a wide backdoor frontier which faces the infinity pool and Laguna lake.

The farmhouse is an exclusive get-away good for 25 persons. It overlooks Laguna de Bay and Mt. Banahaw & Mt. Makiling. It has 3-bedrooms, 2 of which have 2 beds with pull-out. It has complete kitchen utensils and equipment so you don’t have to bring cooking paraphernalia —Just bring the food to cook or visit the market nearby. The farm house staff can do the cooking too for a minimal fee.

Let me tour you inside the Lily Vacation Farm House (LVFH):

We were greeted with welcome snacks and drinks while having a talk with the owner Ms. Sharon Guanzon.

LVFH is a property owned by Ms. Sharon’s father-in-law, it is the family’s resthouse which later the Guanzon’s developed and opened to the public who wishes to appreciate a beautiful, yet private scenery where all the members of the family can truly enjoy. It is a place for reunions, friendly gatherings, bridal photo shoots, or simply a family get together, or if you just want to relax away from the Metro.

Here are some of the activities that we enjoyed during our stay at the farm;

1) Say hello to the farm animals!

Guests are allowed to feed them, just ask assistance from the farm’s staff (Jayson, John or Jose)

2. Ride the ATV!

Yes! If you stayed at Lily, you’ll get to enjoy a free 1-hour use of their 2 All terrain vehicles.

3. Kite flying! – Enjoy father and son bonding at the farm!

4. Take a jump shot!

5. Stroll along the nearby lake

But make sure you’ve got the company of any of the farm staffs.

6. Play Basketball

7. Swimming!

After the exhausting activities, we decided to go for a swim to refresh and relax. Every kids favorite!

Oooopsss, let me take a pause for a dinner break…

We were served with a boodle fight style dinner – prepared and made with love by the staffs and Ms. Sharon herself.

On our menu – tinolang manok with buko, grilled bangus, tilapia, chicken feet, isaw, pork, chicken, and crabs. An early dinner to satisfy our hungry tummies!

Ok, now we get back to the activities 👉

8. Sing your heart out!

9. Burn your negative thoughts at the bonfire ceremony or simply watch the fire glow!

10. Enjoy movie night under the stars while munching on your midnight snacks

11. Glamping – camp out in style (4 to 6 persons may share in a tent)

12. Simply hang-out and spend the night with friends (pajama party, social drinks and other indoor games (just ask Kuya Jayson)

On our 2nd day, June 18, I woke up to this amazing view of the lake..

I would love to give Chelsea a bath, but was afraid I might get kicked, haha. So I prefer to just take photos of her.

We enjoyed a special breakfast beside the pool, prepared by Kuya Jason

We still did so many activities on our 2nd day, including fun photo shoots for our instagram feed, in here, you feel like a pro, whatever angle surely you’ll get an amazing shoot.

We truly enjoyed our stay in this amazing place not so far from home. After LVFH, we checked the nearby places in Jala-jala, and have passed along the Dragon Wellness Farm, just 10 minutes away. After less than an hour drive we passed by Pakil (where the Panguil River Eco Tourism Park is located, then stopped at Pagsanjan, Laguna where we tried to check how to go to Pagsanjan falls. We did have a limited time so decided to set another date for these adventures, at least we know where we will stay — of course at Lily’s Vacation Farm House.

We will surely include Lily Vacation Farm House in our highly recommended places to stay on our next Rizal or even Rizal-Laguna Tour itinerary.

Now, I do not wonder why Jala-jala is Rizal’s Paradise, truly barely untouched and waiting to be explored – a paradise indeed!

This is an “instant” Father’s day celebration worth remembering.

For more information and inquiries about LVFH, please directly contact:

Ms. Sharon Guanzon Mobile: 09399210165 E-mail: lily.vacationhouse@gmail.com fb page: #lilyvacationfarmhouse

P.s. Many thanks for these wonderful angels on earth – #bloggersfamph