Romancing the Spirits of the Valley

By Carol Tanjutco, J.D.

Hidden Valley Springs is a forest resort complex preserved by four generations of Roxas family, further developed after it was discovered by Apocalypse Now director Francis Ford Coppola.

Deep into the woods, a not so distant ninety minute-drive from Manila, one of Philippines’ best kept secret remains in the hands of one family. Home of the mystical waterfalls guarded by 300- year old towering Amlang trees, this hide away serves as a romantic respite for those seeking to commune with nature’s spirits.

During the shooting of Apocalypse Now, director Francis Ford Coppola fell in love with the natural setting of the place that he stayed for 6 months in 1977 while his wife wrote a book. According to Raffy Roxas, his family was then prompted to build a helipad at the rim of the property surrounding the valley, where the cell site tower is now located.

Coppola’s daughter was a little girl when she used to play in the forest resort. One of the actors, Martin Sheen, was pictured by the soda pool while filming the part where they were looking for mangoes and they met a tiger. From the few cottages that were discovered by a noted film director, Hidden Valley Springs slowly mushroomed to a midsize natural resort complex teeming with bubbly pools.

Cascading hot springs and bubbly cool soda pools abound at Hidden Valley Springs, a ninety-minute drive from Manila to Alaminos, Laguna.

Walk leisurely past the endless falls, across grassy paths and bamboo laden bridges, one will feel the spirit that suffuses the air. The sound of water trickling soothes the senses, inviting a romantic rendezvous with mystical nature. Hidden pools of warm springs and cool soda abound. Solo travelers will find solace meditating, simply communicating with nature.

A walking trail is lined by massive boulders and fallen trees. What used to be the tallest Amlang tree fell after the typhoon in 2014 hit the valley, her majestic trunk remains and continues to amaze visitors dwarfed by humongous roots grown out of proportion. A childlike feeling of lost in the woods, guided only by fireflies, create a scene from fantasy wonderland.

What used to be the tallest Amlang tree fell after the typhoon on July 16, 2014 hit the valley, her majestic trunk remains and continues to amaze visitors dwarfed by humongous roots. Photo by Carol Tajutco

The legacy of the 250- year old Amlang tree that went down with typhoon Glenda on July 16, 2014 continues, its fallen trunk now serves as a bridge that links the rest of the rainforest to the hidden falls. The giant Amlang trees indigenous to the forest continue to grow through centuries.

The reward to a fifteen minute walk further down the valley leads to a pristine waterfalls, a sight to behold. Nothing beats the endless stream of soothing cascades. Getting an actual dip into the hidden falls may pose a challenging trek between slippery boulders. Visitors are usually content just sitting on top of a rock, and feel the magic.

Rebecca Roxas, 82, stayed in the resort all her life overseeing the kitchen, while grandson Luigi Roxas manages the property operations. All-inclusive 6-course buffet breakfast at the garden, sumptuous lunch, native merienda and dinner buffet with local entertainers, are offered daily.

This hidden gem was preserved by four generations of one family. In 1918, Eufrocino Roxas bought the 110-acre tropical forest, and kept this as a secluded paradise accessible to the discriminating public. His daughter-in-law grand matriarch Rebecca, now 82, still lives onsite overseeing the kitchen. Great grandson Luigi manages the 90 employees responsible for the upkeep of the resort and the newly minted 9-hole golf course.

The short 9-hole course is a welcome challenge to golf aficionados who want to spend weekends with their families in a secluded forest setting. A putting green, mini-golf and a netted driving range is also available onsite.

Luigi’s dad Willy is himself an avid golfer, and he understands that golf and family fun can mix together. So, he throws in tee time for free for those staying overnight. Uncle Raffy Roxas takes care of their Makati booking office which accepts day trips and all-inclusive hotel stay, ranging from $50 to $300. Further information can be obtained directly from their office at(632)8404112-14, or through the website hiddenvalleysprings.com.ph

It is hard to believe that nature in its unspoiled condition is just a ninety minute drive away via South Super Highway and Sto. Thomas Batangas, leading to Alaminos, Laguna and the small town of Calauan. This is the same amount of time one can spend sitting in the traffic of metropolis. As soon as you enter the heavily secured property, the warmth of a rustic home, exotic flowers and abundant foliage will greet the visitors. Hidden Valley Springs remains to be an icon from the days of Apocalypse Now filming to the modernized resort golf complex it has become.