Hosting a family legacy
Weekend homes often begin as quiet dreams. Imagined places for slower days, family gatherings, and memories that unfold over time. What starts as an idea slowly grows into something more meaningful: a landscape of traditions, celebrations, and stories shared across generations.
Along the unspoiled coastline of Calatagan, Batangas, beyond the quiet gates of old family estates, lies Pithaya, a sprawling property of undulating hills covered with lush trees, right by the ocean. For Tanya Moreno-dela Paz, whose family is fondly known among friends as the Morenos, weekends have long meant returning to their farm. A place they affectionately call their weekend home.
The name itself, which means “lofty dream” in Tagalog, reflects the vision of Tanya’s father, Raymond Moreno, who purchased the land as a surprise gift for his lovely wife, Marrot de Leon-Moreno. At the time, she asked him to one day build her a chapel on the property, a reflection of her prayerful nature and a promise he eventually fulfilled.
Raymond would often sit for hours imagining what the place could become, not in grand architectural terms, but in the kind of joy it might one day bring to their family. And joy Pithaya has certainly brought. Not only to their family but also to relatives and countless friends who have shared in the life of the place.
‘A place to truly rest’
When the property was first acquired, it was remarkably simple. An original guest house stood on the land. A rustic four-bedroom structure with an open-air feel and a swimming pool. By today’s standards, it might seem modest, but for Tanya and her sister Ana Martha, growing up, it had a charm that made it special.
The family soon began spending weekends there, when their parents would regularly leave the city for Calatagan. Extended relatives soon joined them, and as Tanya, Ana Martha, and their older brothers Jose and Raj grew older, friends and schoolmates became part of those weekends as well. More than anything, the place felt like an escape.
“The fresh air, the quiet, and the feeling of being away from everything in the city made it a place to truly rest,” Tanya recalls.
Some of her fondest childhood memories revolve around the gatherings that unfolded there. Easter egg hunts that filled the property with laughter, and New Year’s Eve fireworks lighting up the night sky. Yet the quieter weekends were just as meaningful: afternoons by the pool, enjoying the breeze, and simply being outdoors with friends.
One feature of the property has always felt symbolic for the family: the balete tree standing in front of the main house, a silent guardian of the land.
Over the years, the farm gradually evolved. What began as a modest guest house and pool eventually grew to include a main house, a tower, a chapel, and several other structures. Yet despite these additions, the family has been careful to preserve the spirit of the place. Pithaya was never meant to feel overly developed; it remains a sanctuary that is natural, welcoming, and deeply personal.
Creating memories
Tanya’s earliest memories of hosting friends date back to high school. She would invite a small group from her barkada for the weekend: movies on a laserdisc player, chips and snacks, and hours of conversation late into the night. At the time, the property even had all-terrain vehicles, which made exploring the grounds feel like its own adventure.
“It was simple, carefree fun,” she recalls.
I remember being a guest at Pithaya when we took the boat out with our kids and nannies. We all jumped into the water, and my yaya floated right in front of the boat. Tanya immediately shouted for everyone to keep the boat still. In that moment, her attentiveness and sense of responsibility made me see her in a whole new light. She made us feel safe.
Years later, Tanya began bringing her own children to the farm. Watching the next generation enjoy the same place that shaped her childhood felt like a natural continuation of the family story.
For Tanya, hosting is instinctive, making sure everyone is having a wonderful time. Whether through the food, the drinks, or simply the experience of being there, she wants guests to leave feeling they’ve had a truly special weekend. Ideally, it’s the kind of gathering where no one wants to go home, and when they finally do, they’re already saying, “That was one for the books.” And in my experience, it truly is.
Today, entertaining at the farm is intentionally relaxed. City gatherings often follow a schedule, but at Pithaya, time slows down. Guests lounge by the pool, wander the property, or gather at the table for long meals that stretch into the afternoon. Food reflects this rhythm: comforting, familiar, and made for sharing. Over the years, a few favorites have become signatures like turon and siomai for merienda, their much-loved tinapa rice and grilled meats for lunch, and hearty Filipino soups like bulalo and sinigang. These days, healthier options are often added alongside the indulgent classics.
Essentials in entertaining out of town
Entertaining out of town, however, requires careful preparation. Bedrooms must be exceptionally clean and comfortable, with fresh towels, crisp sheets, and working air conditioning, non-negotiables for any guest. Beyond that, simplicity is key: low-maintenance spaces and uncluttered décor make the home relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.
Tanya shares that because the property is remote, every detail must be planned in advance—from bringing the right quantities of supplies to ensuring food is well prepared. Extra staff is often needed for larger gatherings. And one often-overlooked necessity? Ice. Basic, easy to forget, yet essential for any gathering.
Much of Tanya’s hosting philosophy comes from watching her mother Marrot, the original host in the family. She taught that simplicity paired with abundance makes guests feel cared for: generous portions of food, beverages for adults and children, and tables set with complete glassware and tableware. Nature itself becomes part of the table, with fresh flowers like bougainvillea and kalachuchi bringing the natural beauty of the farm in dining spaces.
Time to slow down
“At the farm, time slows down, we can sit talking for two, four, even eight hours,” Tanya says.
It’s in these long hours that friends, whether longtime companions of Tanya, her siblings, or their parents, gather simultaneously on weekends or holidays, creating shared moments that foster connection. Conversations deepen, stories are exchanged, and even small details about people emerge more fondly than in the city.
The ideal guest is relaxed and easygoing, someone who respects the space and those who care for it. Over the years, Pithaya has hosted many milestones such as birthdays, her sister’s Despedida de Soltera, which my husband Marc, had the honor of catering and most notably, the weddings of Tanya and her siblings.
Today, Tanya, with her husband Quad dela Paz, watches their own children, Diego, Andres, and Alvaro, explore the property, discover favorite corners, and create memories of their own.
“I hope they learn to enjoy the magic of the place while also understanding their limits and staying safe. I always remind them to be careful, whether it’s riding jet skis or exploring the property with friends. I want them to have fun, but always responsibly.”
She emphasizes that they must care for the property by maintaining the land, tending the animals, and respecting those who work there. The family chapel, where some members are buried, remains a quiet reminder of legacy and reverence.
Tanya has been especially proud of her brothers, Jose and Raj, who gradually took on the responsibility of managing the farm as their father gradually passed the role to them. Under their care, the property has been modernized with small improvements like reliable internet, while keeping its original spirit intact.
In many ways, this is the true legacy of a weekend home. It is not simply a place to escape the city, but a place where time gathers. Where each generation adds its own memories to the landscape, and where the quiet dream that began decades ago continues to unfold.
