Sometime 1998 I almost had a breakdown of sorts. Nothing was going well: Half of my staff has been pirated by a competitor who used to be my boss' business partner; I also separated from my husband earlier that year and he was making things difficult by threatening suicide and using other emotional blackmail methods; I jumped into a semi-rebound relationship that didn't end well too and I didn't know where to go and what to do.

My friend, Billie, decided to invite the gang to a secluded resort that her family owned. The property has been with their family since the Spanish period [1800s]. Her Great Grandfather developed the place that had a spring running through the property. He made three pools from the rocks and materials in the area. He preserved the hundred year old trees and decided to plant more. In his will, he told his sons and daughters that the place shall always be open to the public and since the water flowed freely from a mountain nearby [Mr. Banahaw which is sacred to the mystics], they should only charge a minimum fee.

The water from this used to be so strong, you wouldn't be able to see the people inside.

The huts can be rented for $40 a day. You can put your things there... eat.. then leave at the end of the day.



Man-made waterfalls.. ice cold water...




Another view of the same waterfalls. This time showing the trees. This is the second pool. These are clear cold mountain water. In fact there's another part of this place where people actually collect water for drinking. That's how safe and 'clean' the water is.



My friend's great grandfather used organic and natural materials that were available in the area. So that should any of them break down [like the huts' roof, these steps], it would be easy to replace and maintain them because the property is full of stones and  coconut palms etc.

Another view from another type of cottage. This cottage you could rent should you decide to stay overnight. They charge $80 for this one and it is good enough for 5 people. There are cottages with air-conditioners that you could rent for  $100 a night.

This is the original hut at the edge of the second pool. 12 people can stay here and they rent it out for $100 a night. At night it gets a bit cooler. The only thing you'd hear are the cicadas. That is if you are lucky enough to be able to come during off season and you would be the only one staying overnight in the place.

The water would be so strong at times that it would form smaller pools around the main area. This is a glimpse of the main pool. They covered the place with a fine green net to catch the leaves and insects that would fall to the pool below.

The path to the main pool.

The long way out. Yes, that electric post has been in that position for...oh... 30 years? The entrance to Bato Springs is $2 per head if you will just stay for a day... and $3 per head... if you decide to stay overnight.

When I returned, I sold my shares in my company, broke off my dysfunctional relationships and decided to focus on my son.. and be completely independent from my parents [it is a bit unusual   in my country for a daughter to be independent of her parents]. I also decided to live in another city, in a more secure location where my ex-husband cannot find nor reach me.

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