Cooling It Down at Grotto Vista Resort, Bulacan

         From Manila, my two cousins and I went to Bulacan to meet another cousin and to take a swim in a popular pool situated there. It was scorching hot in Manila that we just wanted to dip our bodies into the cold water and release the accumulated heat that was waiting to burst out from our sweltering systems.

          From Quiapo, we rode an FX that dropped us at SM Fairview. My guy cousin, who is battling mood swings and pimples due to adolescence, decided to buy a board short from the mall’s department store.  We searched by the racks as well as by the tables where a lot of shorts were stacked on. Nothing caught his fancy. If there was, it would either be too big or too small for him.    Luckily, the statue wearing a board short which according to my instinct, would be the perfect fit, caught my attention. We then asked the salesgirl if we could try the one that the dummy was wearing. She did agree, stripping off the short from the mannequin and when my cousin tried it, it was exactly the one he’s looking for.

          What I loved about SM City Fairview was that it closely resembled SM City Iloilo that visiting the former made me feel I’m home again. Plus, Fairview had boutiques I couldn't find from other SM branches.  You’ll just love to drop by Jewels and Chemistry for awesome fashion finds. The mall also offered fun rides and exciting arcades at the top floor.

          Before we could head to our main destination, we first dined at Mang Inasal located at the Robinson’s Mall just right across SM. After we filled our tummies with unlimited rice, yummy chicken inasal, and sizzling sisig, we excitedly rushed outside for a transportation that would drive us to Grotto Vista. We found a jeepney labeled with “Grotto” that brought us directly to the resort.

          For a fare of 17 php each, we had arrived at Grotto Vista Resort,  Bulacan’s Premier Resort and San Jose del  Monte’s Pride. I was awestruck by the numerous people going to and fro the resort. When we get there, a show was going on right in front of what seemed to be their largest pool.  The show  was led by funny hosts who entertained the visitors through cracking a lot of jokes and who facilitated activities audience get to participate into.

          We paid 160 php each for the entrance fee since we decided to do night swimming as it was getting dark anyway. We were also given a key for a locker where we stored our bags and other necessities like our cellphones and wallets.

          The resort comprised of many pools but some only operate through private reservations such as the Covered Pool, Scenic Pool, and the Private Pool which could be rented for 12 hours.  Two pools were opened that day, the Galleon Ship and the Island Kiddie Pool. The first one, I guess, was the widest. Right in its middle, a huge archetypical ship complete with sails was built for swimmers to play into. Long, curvy slides descended from the top of the ship and from the rooftop patio located at the side of the pool. This pool was just right for the whole family to bask into especially for the kids since it only reached about  4-5 feet. Most of the deep pools were only open for reservations.

          We also tried the Island Kiddie Pool.  Just like the Galleon Ship, the height of this pool’s water also just reached to about 4-5 feet. But what’s special about this pool was its showers that fall from the pillars and from the Mushroom-like structures which could be your perfect spot to just sit down under its shade while letting the water pour upon your tired feet.

          A long, winding slide was also situated at the edge of the pool while shorter slides are built in a tree-like structure in the middle where a bridge connected to the foot way.

          We took most of our time swimming in the Island Kiddie Pool because I just loved the downpour of the showers and although smaller than the Galleon Ship,  it wasn’t that crowded compared to the latter. I enjoyed dipping with my cousins and how could we not take pictures, right? Summer with a splash of cool water on your skin has always been this ecstatic!

          There were also a line-up of food stands right at the entrance. Rooms were also available for overnight stay. There were large and small cottages to gather a family or a barkada. Videoke machines were also ready to function for those who love to belt out.

          After my cousins and I felt as if the heat within our bodies had completely vaporized, we then packed up, ready to leave for our next stop- meet another cousin and chat the night away.