laiya...

Laiya Beach is a 7-kilometer stretch of white sand beach in San Juan, Batangas. Sure it doesn't compare to the sands of Pagudpud or Boracay, but for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, this can be paradise.





As with all coastal areas in the country, Laiya is still a fishing village. So outrigger boats still dot the landscape which can seem an eyesore on some days. But resorts try to clean up the shore during daytime so just look at the clear part of the beach and enjoy the view.




My first trip to Laiya was on February last year. It was a good trip because it was oh so relaxing. However, the sun limited its appearance on the days we were there. We stayed on the beach with jackets on. My friends tried to confess all their wrongdoings in the past to try and get the sun to come out. It only worked a little. Maybe the sun was waiting for my confession? I can't be sure. But food was great-- which is a very important part of any travel, I'm in the company of good friends, I've got nothing to worry about, the wind was cold but not anywhere close to a typhoon, and I'm at the beach. Nothing left to do but enjoy.



I came back to Laiya a couple of weeks ago. We stayed at a different resort than from last year. This time we had to cook our meals, which took away some of our precious time to enjoy the beach. And it made our dining experience unforgettable. But the weather was beautiful this time. And I'm still with the company of good friends. And I still got to go and enjoy the beach for a couple of hours.


I'll probably go back for a third stint at Laiya. Maybe even a fourth, and a fifth, a sixth... you get the idea. As much as possible, I'll stay somewhere with buffet meals, lounge chairs or cabanas, and nice, big beds. Oh, and I won't skip out on the massage.