Running dry on weekend getaway ideas and since my original itinerary had to change, I tried my chance booking an overnight stay at the Greenery in Baliuag, Bulacan on a non-working holiday and surprisingly, one room was available.
The Greenery used to be known as TGI Pavilion during the early 2000s. It was renamed when its offerings expanded from a mere venue place to a full-blown resort.
The Barn
Lighthouse
More Photos of The Greenery – Bulacan here
Upon reaching the place, the grand building’s exteriors where the Reception area was located reminded me a little bit of Kasteel Gravenhof in Dworp, Belgium as it also faced a huge yard, only that the Greenery has a train while the Gravenhof would have tables and chairs for cocktails.
Strolling around the entire resort, you’d realize that every place, every facility and amenity is picture-worthy. No wonder the Greenery is among the favorite photography venues of the Manileňos for any occasion, but most commonly pre-nuptials and weddings. When we checked in, two of our neighbors in this resort were about to get married and were there for photo shoots.
Floating Gazebo – given a fine weather, the site is perfect for the bridal entourage and the bride walking down the aisle amidst the lake (where kayakers also use), while the gazebo is a great spot for the ceremony itself
The Lighthouse, Open Garden & Pavillion – take your pick; you don’t go wrong having these sights as a background
Train – most appreciated by children, a driver can tour you around along with your friends and relatives after breakfast; again this is also picture-worthy
Poolside – this is my favorite spot in the Greenery; it has an infinity pool and Thai-inspired cottages with sockets, making it possible for you to charge your smartphone long after you have over-used it on selfies. This spot is also great if you want to spend the afternoon in solitude especially on non-peak season.
The Country Storage Barn – tourists who love museums will appreciate the vintage car and collectibles of antique items inside the Barn.
Inside the Barn
The Villas – this has an American concept, complete with American flag in its biggest unit. Inside, a 2-bed unit is comfortable because it consists of a king-sized and a single bed in one room. My favorite part of the room in the villa is the bathroom, because it’s spacious, has high ceiling and clean.
Grand Villa
Single Villa
More Photos of The Greenery here
While the resort is modern and obviously influenced by foreign countries in terms of the overall design, the staff is composed of locals from Bulacan. To me, this is a relief because the presence of their personnel reminds you that you are still in Bulacan, and Pinoy hospitality is still alive.
For instance, we arrived at the site two hours ahead of our supposed check-in time because we were planning on taking lots of photos. What we didn’t expect, however, was that the staff allowed us to stay in its biggest room for free until our reserved Villa became available. Now that’s what I call very good customer service.
Staying overnight also felt like you spent it with relatives because someone would ring up the phone on your room to inform you excitedly that breakfast was ready.
The Greenery During the Night
More The Greenery Photos here
What compensated for the limited food offerings in the restaurant was that the staff was accommodating of our preferred viand for breakfast after I informed them why my family couldn’t go for their usual offering which is pork-based (which we don’t eat for religious reason). Apart from replacing the main viand, they also served fried eggplant, fried tinapa, hot rice along with coffee and juice, plus a plate full of fruits. So Pinoy amidst a foreign country-inspired resort… how cool is that.
The Greenery Official Website here
- The Greenery
# 80 Rio Vista Subdivision
Sabang, Baliwag, Bulacan - Tel Number: +044 766 6325
Telefax: +044 766 6326
Sun Mobile: +0922 827 5122
Email:info@thegreenery.ph
How to get there: Map
