ALFONSO REMAINS A PARADISE

ALFONSO REMAINS A PARADISE

Two negative incidents do not convert a community into hell. They could only be two dirty stains in an otherwise immaculately clean sheet of linen. It should not be a reason to despair.

I am talking about two recently televised news reports about what happened in our town. First, the death of a young man by hazing and second the rape of a seven year-old girl. Yes, they are both disgusting news but they are isolated and do not substitute for the many good things that our town has to offer.

I am writing this in reply to many reactions of Alfonsinos abroad who are greatly disturbed by the two incidents. I don’t blame them because the two sad events generated pictures of disarray and lawlessness. It is really nauseating but as a permanent resident of our lovely town I assure you that the place you left whether temporarily or permanently is still the same old PARADISE.

You will still meet the same old superstitiously cautious but greatly hospitable compatriots. There are new comers from other places brought here generally by marriage but they are quickly absorbed and influenced by the lovable practices that we are all proud of. Our traditions and heritages are still intact and maintained.

A ‘Balikbayan’ or visitor who shall care to scrutinize the progress and the present pride of our town would be surprise to discover new frontiers in our midst. There are so many improvements.

To begin with, after passing Tagaytay’s ‘Thank You Arch’ if you decide to turn right to Brgy. Sikat you will immediately be met by “TAAL SILANGAN”, the Ambulatory Care Center built according to U.S. standard and have modern equipment using the latest technologies. It offers diagnostic services, Executive Check-up. Women’s Health Care, General Medicine and many others. There are available Residential Condominiums.

Next to it is “VILLE SOMMET” a ‘magical place where great food could be had, relaxation can be captured, momentous occasions celebrated and the abundance of nature experienced’. It caters for all events such as weddings, team building and social events. Just accross the street is the new Marcia-Adam;s Tuscany, a sophisticated place for fine dining. Not far after Ville Sommet is the ‘ACADEMY OF WORLD HEALING’ a “non-profit educational healing foundation established specifically for the purpose of addressing the issues that result from our unhealthy, un-natural life styles’.

Should you care to proceed towards Nasugbu, you will see ROYALE TAGAYTAY COUNTRY CLUB, INC. at Brgy. Upli with a nine-hole golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool. There are sports facilities and many other amenities. Nearby immediately after the grand entrance of Royale Tagaytay is located, ALFONSO HOTEL with its extension, the ALFONSO FARM RESORT at Brgy. Pajo. It is a Wedding venue which serves also as a place for Team Building and Horse riding lessons.

At Brgy. Buck Estate you will find the former SONYA’S SECRET.GARDEN (with Bed and Breakfast). It is intended to be a private paradise but due to much prodding from friends and some guests is now share with more people and is no longer secret. SUNRISE HOLIDAY MANSION could also be experienced as it is perfectly situated at the elegant Royale Tagaytay Estate. And so is the MC MOUNTAIN APARTELLE, a ‘highland vacation within reach’. Not very far from here, at Baranggay Palumlum you will find the Kampo Trexo, a place that offers events that promotes health and care for the environment.The former 100 hectare site of the Magnolia Dairy Farm is now Father Suarez' healing place. Plans are already being finished to convert it to a Little Jerusalem.

At Brgy. Amuyong is located SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION MANAGEMENT TRAINING CENTER. Not very far away at Brgy. Sulsugin can be found the ALFONSO FARM MONTESORRI. It has Eco-tourism facilities consisting of campsite, a pavilion, fishing huts, barbecue grills and picnic. Parking space is good for six buses.

At Brgy. Bilog could easily be reached the modern retreat center TALITA SUMI, managed by Italian Priests. nearby is Kampo Trexo at Barangay Palumlum where you can also find the popular Coffee Farm House. A quick trip to Brgy. Taywanak shall bring you to MOSQUEDA FARM where you’ll find the Air conditioned ACADEMY OF COCKFIGHTING. A little farther to the north is the ST. PAUL’S FORMATION CENTER. Back to Brgy. Luksuhin you will see the HILLCREST GARDENS, also a beautiful Wedding venue. At the Poblacion there is the new ALFONSO GRILL AND NATIVE FOOD RESTO at Palinta street. MICO'S RESTAURANT and LETT AND AJ RESORT are both very much around. There are still many new venues I have not yet visited.

The absence of big factories results to the absence also of Beer Gardens and Red Cottages. That is why there are many rest houses by important people coming from other places making the place a haven for retirees.

Alfonso is not considered CAVITE FLOWER CENTER for nothing. Here one will find the PHILIPPINES CUT FLOWER CORPORATION at Brgy. Buck Estate where one could find varieties of European Roses. PURIFICACION FARM at Brgy. Matagbac produces orchids, cacti and mini roses.

BLOOMS AVENUE at Brgy. Taywanak produces vanda, catleya, gumamela and bromeliads. VERSANO PLANTS AND FLOWER GARDEN is in Brgy. Pajo where you can find mums, gerberas and others. In Brgy. Marahan there is ALPIÑA’S FARM also producing mums, garberas, anthuriums and many others.

Aside from those mentioned above there are many backyard gardens exhibiting beautiful and fragrant flowers sometimes together with honeybees. There are also interesting private projects at almost every corner of the 32 Barangays making Alfonso truly a Paradise to behold. Some of these projects like that of DR. PANGANIBAN in Brgy. Palumlum and the nearby JOHN’S GARDEN have their own things to offer.

With so many beautiful places to experience I don’t give much interest to some petty bad news.They are mini serpents in the old Paradise.