Are you looking for an alternative destination this summer? Why not spend it in the mountains? I don't mean camping out in tents while cicadas sing in the distance. Why choose to sleep outdoors when you can commune with nature while staying in a comfy bed?
Rancho Maria Lucas is a great alternative summer destination. It is located 30 minutes north of Tacloban City, beyond the San Juanico Bridge and just at the seams of the island of Samar. If you have your own transportation, you'll just have to look out for the Brgy. Dampigan sign at Sta. Rita. Right across it is Rancho Maria Lucas. However, if you don't have your own ride you can take a Sta. Rita bound jeep at the New Bus Terminal or else hire a motorcyle for 50 Php to take you there! (I prefer the latter because you can ask the driver to stop at the San Juanico Bridge for a scenic souvenir picture.)
On me:
Sunglasses Free from Firmoo
Brown Vest Thrifted
Spaghetti Blouse Thrifted
Black Pants Thrifted
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These two hand carved horses welcomes you to their snack house, the Coccina Rancho. Everything here is home cooked but has to be ordered in advance.
Here's a cool rocking horse for kids and adult alike.
These swings are old tires fashioned into horse. Yumi spends most of her time hanging out here.
With the panoramic views and excellent lighting, outdoor sketching and painting is another activity you can do.
Dante and I choose the footbridge to paint.
My painting looked dismal but here's Dante's.
These lily pad blocks will take you to the Black Nazarene Chapel. I failed to take photo's but I loved the meadow fronting it with its buttercup flowers. The chapel has two huge slabs wood hand carved with scenes from the bible.
Horse dung are a familiar site.
Here is Dante, Yumi, the Horse Whisperer and the Manager of Rancho Maria Lucas. (This place is owned by Lilibeth Solajes btw.)
These horses are safe for kids. Just don't stay too close to their rears or you might be kicked to the moon and beyond.
Oh, I forgot to tell you, you have to pass through a canopy of coconut trees before you find the ranch.
I want to go there and to see the San Juanico Bridge. Too bad, I'm from Pampanga and need to plan my vacation first. You had so much fun in the Rancho specially riding in a horse. I love all your photos.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit the place, it's more of a country side which I love about it. I bet the air is very fresh over there and also riding a horse is one of my fondest moment. I would love to do it again and maybe next time will visit Tacloban too!
ReplyDeletethat's a nice place to wander around and get some fresh air.
ReplyDeletewe were there few months ago.. it was my first time to ride a horse and feel like screaming.. the little one had fun that he wants to go back their
ReplyDeletewow this is cool.. actually I didn't know about this place ... thanks for your post will surely visit this place before the class starts
ReplyDeletei love horses. i wished to have one when i was younger.:)
ReplyDeleteThe horse ride must be the highlight of your adventure.
ReplyDeletehahahaha.... I laughed at the "you might be kicked to the moon and beyond". Looks like one great place to spend some time with the family and explore. Never been on a horse before and I am scared. I would love to get on a horse someday though and go for a horseback riding. :) Thanks for sharing these lovely photos. I miss Pinas na!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a nice place to visit - so many activities youc an do.
ReplyDeletelooks like you had a lot of fun!
ReplyDeletelooks like a very serene and quite place , i love to visit nature too.
ReplyDeleteNever been to Tacloban City and would definitely love to visit it soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for these lovely photos!
ReplyDelete