Viaje del Sol in the Philippines

The Way of the Sun is the way to South Luzon's history, art, nature and food. It brings together all the good things the region can offer.

Travelers from within and outside of the Philippines can enjoy this road trip cum food trip that will bring them to different points south of Manila and to different eras and ambiance the various tourist spots will offer.

There's Kusina Salud, Villa Escudero, Ugu Bigyan's Potter's Garden and Carlitos' Workshop, to name a few. So, to embark on this journey, buckle up and enjoy the landscape of the Philippine countryside.

Quick Tips:

The road trip is not only a travel plan but also a meal plan. If you start early, you can opt to have a breakfast in one of the restaurants, then have buffet lunch at Kusina Salud or Villa Escudero and coffee or dessert along the way.

Sunday is the best time to travel because of the Sunday buffet that are being offered in the menu. On the other hand, many families and groups take the opportunity to be on the road on a weekend. Better to try traveling on a weekday.

Start early and end early. There's nothing much to be seen at night and the trip is best taken while the sun is up. Anyhow, it's the way of the sun.

ATMs are far in between so take some extra cash with you. If you are traveling in a private car, there's no worries with carrying cash but if you will be taking the bus, better be careful with your belongings.

Since one day is not enough for the Viaje del Sol, you can spend overnight at Villa Escudero or nearby resorts. Check and make reservations ahead of time.

Best Way To Get Around:

Although there are public transportation, like buses, jeepneys, and tricycles, plying the route, it is still best to take the journey through a private vehicle. It save on time and makes traveling more convenient.

Well-known fashion designer Patis Tesoro is associated with Kusina Salud because this fast-becoming popular restaurant is her country home. The homey and artistic ambiance, coupled with its delectable food menu, entices Manileños to Kusina Salud.

The buffet is only P400 and already fills one's appetite.

Art pieces are displayed everywhere and the creativity of the place adds an encouraging feel to one's palate. Every corner is very intricate and well-thought of. A gallery and a day spa is also available in the compound. The trees and the aviary seem to welcome every diner to Kusina Salud.

A red clay house greeted us as we parked just outside Ugu Bigyan's Potter's Garden. Vehicles were filling the front yard, a testament that more and more tourists are discovering one of the jewels of Quezon Province.

Huts were scattered all over the place. Jars, kitchen stuff, plates, glasses, and other pieces, all made of clay are displayed everywhere. The Potter's Garden seems to be more of a resort where people can just sit back, relax and listen to the music of the clay chimes as the wind breezes through.

A cup of delicious coffee and some apas made the visit more relaxing.

Ugu Bigyan has transformed the earth into a masterpiece with his creations. We were able to meet him and his summer workshops are already full. His passion and love of the art through clay is slowly spreading to would-be artisans and aspiring potters.