Hidden in the highlands of Barangay Codcod, San Carlos City, is a sleepy, serene place nestled between hills and natural rice terraces was a simple yet classic coffee place, D ‘Veintiuno Cafe and Resort.
It was one of those unexpected trip that comes as a surprise. My friend wanted to go out for a while and just chill out, “Just a day to loaf around,” as he called it. So together with other friends we have, we set out to this hidden place which took us more than an hour via the Eco Tourism Highway, it was approximately 69.5 kilometers from the heart of the city.
As we cruise going to our destination, we decided to stop by and investigate the so-called magnetic field along the highway, which according to some, when you stopped on that spot and you put your car in neutral, your car will start to move reverse on a steep area. Of course, we tried it and we all have a different opinions, yet none of us could substantially explained the phenomenon.
We stopped at one of the coffee shop along the highway, just to rest for a while. Here the locals have different fruits being sold in the roadside and some delicacies.
We also have the opportunity to met riders going out for a ride.
The journey was quite interesting and exciting because we enjoy the scenic views along the way, we arrived at the Cafe around 10 o ‘clock in the morning. We occupied our villa and have the opportunity to explore the resort.
Our villa was a two-storey rest house, overlooking a vast expanse of natural terraces and green fields. The vast, clear blue sky added to a spacious feeling, and sense of freedom, the terrace with a wide patio, and a rattan hammock was a nice place to rest.
There is also a nice coffee shop, if you are a coffee addict, you will surely enjoy this place. They have a display of Batangas coffee beans such as Barako, Robusta and Arabica.
The shop furniture's were made of hard wood and bamboos which added to the quaintness of the place. You can have all the brewed unlimited coffee you want. Hot steaming coffee would be nice to have at the pool side overlooking the natural terraces or just sitting on a rattan chair while watching the birds lazily circling overhead or those chasing insects on the paddies, like a ballerina pirouetting midst a gawking audience.
In the adjacent area, there were also cottages and villas, it seems that you are transported into a different time and place. The area has a Chinese theme with a long winding bridges and stairs, the unique features of the place adds a nice touch on the feeling of being transported into a Chinese village. Following the winding stairs from one villa to another could be a tedious thing, but you will be rewarded with a different view of the Mount Mandalagan and the wide expanse of green fields extending towards the horizon.
You can take a dip in the cool pool, lounge and just watch the world goes by, sip an aromatic coffee, listen to nature’s symphony and sounds, or just do bird watching or star gazing at night. One can also just laze on a hammock or under a shady tree to read one’s favorite book.
But for me, what I enjoyed the most was the time when everyone of my friend, even myself, take part in the challenge of singing our old songs on Videoke. It was indeed a great time for bonding and just relaxing without a thought of the morrow. Such was the memorable and unforgettable experiences we have at D' Vientiuno Cafe and Resort.
And if one day, you can pass this way, don’t miss out the hospitality, beauty and serenity offered in this place. Enjoy your day. Live life to the fullest! Life is beautiful!