Bale Miguel: A beautiful hideaway that exudes solace, warmth
Sometimes, it’s the unexpected journeys that tend to weave our most cherished memories.
And it’s something that happened to me recently.
Last minute
We really had no plans to go out of town. We were celebrating a birthday then, and the idea was just to stay in the city, have dinner somewhere nice, and enjoy the company of our family and friends. It was only at the last minute that we thought of packing our bags to get out of the metro.
Regrettably, it was a peak period—two holidays that followed a weekend, offering us a chance to relish a few days of vacation whether basking under the sun on a serene beach, immersing ourselves in calming landscapes, or embracing the refreshing coolness of the highlands. Needless to say, many of the resorts we checked were either fully booked or can no longer accommodate our large group.
Warm, cozy hideaway
It was serendipitous, I think, that we would stumble upon this cozy hideaway in Angeles City, Pampanga, about a two-hour drive from Metro Manila.
Situated in a gated compound just 10 minutes away from Nepo Center is a wonderful three-bedroom villa that sits on an expansive 1,200-sqm lot. Bale Miguel welcomes you to a gorgeous modern tropical home that is as warm and inviting as its gracious host and owner, Melissa.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the thoughtful design, furniture and accents of Bale Miguel—it was perfect for my taste. Actually, it got me to thinking that if I were to ever own a summer retreat, I would model it after this villa.
Beautiful surprise
As we entered the premises of Bale Miguel, a well-manicured verdant garden with mature trees welcomed us to a beautiful surprise.
When you stand in the middle of this garden, you’ll be treated to a captivating sight: a refreshing swimming pool beckons to relieve the summer heat; a sprawling, airy living area perfect for unwinding with the fam and friends; a dining space boasting an exquisite natural solid wood table that can accommodate 14 guests, complemented by stunning solihiya chairs; and a fully equipped open kitchen, featuring a central island table and stools.
On the left side are three spacious rooms, each with their own bathroom, and with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow you to enjoy the lush scenery. These can comfortably fit 20 to 22 people, but you can actually accommodate up to 26 guests for an additional fee.
For me though, one of the standout features of Bale Miguel is the convenience of having full standalone bathrooms, situated on the right side. This ensures that after a refreshing swim, guests won’t have to traipse back to their rooms dripping wet.
Plus, the villa boasts of inviting cozy nooks, perfect for stealing away moments of solitude to immerse oneself in a good book, lose oneself in music, or simply enjoy a moment of peace.
Culture immersion
But what truly resonated with me in this spontaneous trip was the remarkable hospitality extended by the owner of Bale Miguel. Her genuine warmth felt akin to a cultural immersion, as she introduced us to the essence of Kapampangan hospitality, cuisine, arts, and culture.
During our check-in, Melissa warmly welcomed us with a delightful spread of local delicacies, including palabok, akay akay (Pampanga’s version of mochi), and tibok-tibok, a renowned Kapampangan dessert made from carabao’s milk and glutinous rice. As she guided us through the villa, Melissa proudly showcased the locally sourced furniture, highlighting Pampanga’s reputation as home to some of the nation’s finest furniture makers and exporters.
Her own family is into arts, too. A little trivia: the paintings hanging on the walls of Bale Miguel hold sentimental value as they were painted by the family. As she explained, it was a collective effort involving her uncle, siblings, husband, and children.
She noted that these artworks, which were all completed in just one day, “add a special touch of color to Bale Miguel’s natural finish style, reflecting the unique spirit of my family.”
I’m grateful that we stumbled upon Bale Miguel. While we may not have left footprints in the sand or dipped into the sea, nor were we surrounded by majestic mountain vistas, we found solace and contentment in the embrace of this hidden haven. In the tranquility of its gardens, the comfort of its well-appointed interiors, and the warmth of its owner’s hospitality, we discovered a different kind of beauty in Bale Miguel—one that gives us cherished moments to last a lifetime.
