Casa San Miguel (Revisited)

Since Keith passed away I promised myself to support his art and music school in any way I can. Of course I would one day want to support them more than just visiting everytime I go home. But for now I guess it is enough that I find time to go there and remind myself that I don't need to go far to see culture and talent.

It took quite a bit of courage for me to go back because until now I still feel jealous everytime I see or hear a kid playing the violin. I can not help but think of Keith and how good he would have been if only he stayed a bit longer. I know I should not feel this way anymore, but I guess if you are a mother you will never stop dreaming for your children whether or not they are still with you physically.

The sound of the violin when we got there gave me an ambivalent feeling. I felt comforted at the same time there was still a feeling of regret. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching a boy and a girl making very good music together.

Although I have been to Casa San Miguel before, I still wanted to be shown around like it was my first time to visit the place.

One thing that I have been dreaming of is to watch the kids' recital at their auditorium. I am hoping that this will soon come true when Linus and Cxyrelle go back to Casa this summer. Bless them, they lost enthusiasm when their Kuya left. They said that it will never be the same without him. 

So Ate showed us around kindly and patiently. I was surprised how much the place has changed in the last 3 years. What used to be an open space that led to the residence of the Bolipata-Borlongans has now become a vision of Mediterranean country living. Called Pasilyo, it is definitely a haven for art lovers. It displays unique artworks of Madam Plet Bolipata-Borlongan, the sister of Sir Coke.

Giant cats welcomed us to Pasilyo.

I got excited when I saw this door as it somehow reminded me of Santorini. Of course the door I saw is not exactly the same, but the colour and how it was put together just gave me that ambience. 
The Blue Door

The big jars, the colours, the details and yes, the cactus gave me that Moroccan feeling. It was like being in Jardin Majorelle all over again.

Imagine driving around France in a vintage caravan like this one in spring or summer. It would really be amazing. Actually, this might be their bookstore. I was so engrossed in the beauty of Pasilyo that I forgot to ask Ate about it.
Vintage campervan (or caravan)

Looking at these photos now makes me wonder what inspired Madam Plet to create such a wondrous little place.
Pasilyo

Now, I have a thing for walls. For some reason I love either having my photos taken against a wall or just simply taking photos of them.  I love this particular wall at Casa San Miguel, although it has changed from the last time I was there. It didn't have a window before and the plant was on top of the white stand.

Also, the gallery and museum as far as I can remember was not official three years ago.

The building was under renovation when I visited  in 2012, but this time there was actually an exhibit in memory of the virtual artist Don Salubayba .

One of the many reasons why I wanted to go back to Casa was to try their Julian's Dream polvoron which was available at their Backstage Cafe. Of course that is not the only thing that they serve at the Backstage Cafe. They also offer rice meals,pasta, pizza, cakes and many others. 

Backstage Cafe
Julian's Dream Polvoron. 
At 40php each you get a real treat of flavoured polvoron. If I can remember it right, I had mango, ube, classic and I think it was either yema or cashew. And apparently, Julian's Dream polvoron was served during President Obama's visit to the Philippines.

With an entrance fee of just 100php, you get more than what I already mentioned above.

One thing that caught my eyes was a portrait on a wall. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was an artwork by the talented Geloy Concepcion. I don't know Geloy personally but I reached out to him on facebook few months after Keith died. I don't know why but I just felt that I needed to. We had a few conversations on facebook and in fact, I wanted to buy one of his paintings. I still do actually, but I need to save for it. :)

Casa Backstage Bed and Breakfast is also now open.
Walk in Room Rates, Fri to Sun
Family Room 
(Queen size bed, 2 single beds, LED Smart TV, Coffee Service, Bath Tub)
Room Only -P3000
Extra Floor Mat - P200
Breakfast - P3500
4 Consecutive meals - P4000

Deluxe
(Queen Size Bed, LED Smart TV, Coffee Service)
Room Only - P1500
Extra Floor Mat - P200
Breakfast- P1750
4 Consecutive meals - P2000

And then it was time to inspire the kids to go back to Casa San Miguel and continue what they (and their Kuya Keith) have started. It was hard for them to continue playing the violin when their Kuya left. Well, they both went back for a bit. Cxyrelle even took art lessons, but they both said that it was not fun anymore because Kuya was not around. We didn't think it was a good idea to impose on them at that time. So during our visit, Sir Coke talked to Linus  and afterwards, he took us to the room where the kids (Pundaquit Virtuosi) were rehearsing for an upcoming show at Casa. Surprisingly, some of the kids still recognised Linus from when he was playing the violin. Sir Coke asked Linus if he wanted to try on the cello instead of the violin. You have no idea how happy I was when Linus finally said, "opo". Hopefully he will not change his mind. 

As Sir Coke said, from Piccadilly Circus to Casa San Miguel. I last saw Sir Coke in London more than a year ago for the screening of Boses.

Maybe I have a different reason for visiting Casa San Miguel as it is more personal to me, but there are many other reasons why you should visit the place. Whether it is for educational purposes, or just a weekend getaway you can never go wrong with Casa San Miguel. The beach is only a few minutes away and they are also now offering Anawangin Tour for P2000 per head. This includes tour of Casa San Miguel, Round trip to Anawangin Cove, 3  consecutive freshly-prepared meals, tent accommodations with bedding, 24 hour security and first aid amenities.

I see Casa San Miguel as a perfect place to find solace. Imagine the sound of the violin amidst that peaceful place. To me that is an instant healer. 

Or maybe you are looking for a retreat. 

Or maybe you are a passionate artist or just love art. And music of course.

Or maybe you just want to try something new.

Or maybe you're just curious after reading this blog.

Whatever it is, go and visit this place.

Oh yeah, it's field trip season and if you are from Zambales, why go anywhere else when there is a treasure right at your doorstep?

CASA SAN MIGUEL
Barangay San Miguel
San Antonio, Zambales
2206
Tel No. 00479038657


If you are planning for your next summer holiday, think Casa San Miguel.


tintin x


Comments

  1. i love how you narrate this place from then and now. much feelings and thoughts for your son... can't wait to visit and stay here in a few weeks. thanks for your blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh! Thank you very much for dropping by. Please share your experience. It's an absolutely beautiful place. Enjoy your stay. :)

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