By Marinel E. Peroy
City life got you drained? Recharge just a couple of hours away at Calatagan South Beach (CaSoBe)—your next dreamy hideaway.
As part of the #BiyahengSouthSummerTour2025, we found out why this beachside escape deserves a spot on your bucket list:
1. Fast track to Zen
Who said paradise had to be far? Just a 2- to 3-hour drive via CALAX’s Silang-Aguinaldo exit will have you trading your skyline view for crashing waves.
Expect shorter drives, fewer honks, and more “Are we there yet? Oh wait—we’re here!” moments.
Bonus: By mid-2025, the Governor’s Drive Interchange will slash travel times even more, making spontaneous beach trips the new normal.
“We’re proud to provide the expressways that lead to these adventures—and even prouder to promote the local tourism that gives our roads meaning,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, VP for Communication and Stakeholder Management at MPT South.
2. Go green or go home
Bikes over cars, breezes over AC—at CaSoBe, slow travel is the vibe. Pedal along scenic beachside paths and feel good knowing you’re leaving only tire tracks behind.
Meanwhile, CALAX flexes its green credentials with solar panels and LED lights. So you’re not just heading somewhere beautiful—you’re getting there sustainably.
3. Sleep in a spaceship (sort of)
Why settle for basic when you can stay in an Apollo Aeropod? These futuristic domes blur the line between sci-fi dreams and beachside bliss.
“It feels like entering another dimension—cutting-edge design fused with the peaceful vibes of the beach,” said Patrick C. Gregorio, Head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures.
If pods aren’t your style, choose from charming Cupola huts, Cocoon Pods, or the lush Premier Garden Cabins. Either way, it’s five-star comfort without the stiff formality.
4. Adventure within arm’s reach
Staycation? More like playcation. Just minutes away:
- Cruise Taal Lake at Island Dreamer Resort (₱3,000 for an hour-long front-row seat to volcano views)
- Sip Nutella pizza and specialty coffee at Kura Café
- Chase sunsets at Cape Santiago Lighthouse (₱50 for non-residents, ₱25 for locals)
- Grab lunch and rustic vibes at Chantilly by QEvents Café
- Channel your inner speed demon with fun-karting at Carmona Race Track (₱2,000 for 15 minutes)
- Shop for PWD-made crafts at Reciclar De Carmona or DEAFinitely Happy Store
Need a ride for all these stops? Hop into the Foton Traveller—a 16-seater van roomy enough for the whole crew and still comfy enough for naps between adventures.
5. Come for the beach, stay for the stories
Sure, the beach is a mood—but the people are the memory-makers.
Over three days, we laughed, swapped life hacks, and built bonds with fellow Ka-Biyaheros. A random beach stroll even led to a meet-cute with Elmer, a diver-turned-entrepreneur selling gorgeous Palawan pearls (custom designs available—yes, really). You can reach him at 09067911780 if you’re feeling fancy.
6. Make a splash and chase the sun
Compared to the first day’s chill vibes, day two amped up the adventure. The highlight? An island-hopping tour to Calatagan’s untouched beaches and secret sandbars—a tropical dream you don’t want to miss.
Then it was off to Aquaria Water Park, nestled along Calatagan’s sprawling coastline. Think giant three-story slide plunging into crystal-clear pools, cabanas perfect for lounging, multiple swimming areas, and sea breezes that feel like nature’s version of air conditioning. Instant favorite? Absolutely.
As the day slowed down, we capped it with a visit to the historic Cape Santiago Lighthouse, a 19th-century beacon overlooking the West Philippine Sea. Watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of gold while munching on local merienda was the perfect way to close our Batangas escapade.
Ready to swap traffic jams for sunset jams? CaSoBe is calling.
Time to hit pause and play at South Luzon’s dreamiest coast.
Editor’s note: Spearheaded by MPT South, the Biyaheng Summer Tour was made possible by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Calabarzon Office; Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) IV-A; Cavite Tourism; and Tourism of Calatagan, Batangas; Landco Pacific Corporation; Foton Philippines; and Kura Cafe.
