Two and a half hours south of Manila is the quaint and historic Villa Escudero; set amidst a pastoral grove of coconut palms, verdant fields and mountains to bring one back to the days of the old plantation life.

Highlights of the tour are a museum of historic, religious, pre-Hispanic and World War II artifacts. Carabao-drawn carts transport picnickers to a man-made waterfalls where lunch is served on tables set over a flowing stream.

Then it's off to the pools for a refreshing cool down.

On weekends, a cultural show of dances and songs which incorporate the different geographical cultures in the Philippines is presented to stunned visitors.