GOSHEN RESORT: one-day trip to Rome? Yes, please!
Tarlac is not really one of the most-listed go-to places for Pinoy travel enthusiasts. Mainly because except from historic Death March marks and classic museums, what else are we visiting here? Well, here’s one – a resort inspired by one of the most-listed places in our bucket lists: Goshen Resort.
Many people are not aware of how beautiful Tarlac is. And that’s why I put it in my travel bucket list for this year. Discovering places and sharing my unusual experiences are my travel goals this 2020 and I’m happy that I started my year visiting this beautiful province of Tarlac.
Hey there! My name’s May and you can view more about me here. I travel a lot for both work and leisure. Thanks to being an auditor and a content creator and, of course, to my love for travel, I barely feel I’m actually at work when traveling. And if I’m actually off work, I usually am with friends or family, discovering places and trying out new food. I’m juggling three jobs – the two mentioned + being a single mom. You think it’s easy? Of course not! But what glues me together is my passion and love for these three. More about my story here.
I love sharing what I know and how I do things, so if you haven’t read these yet, visit the following pages to view:
When I was still planning and building my itinerary for this trip, I luckily discovered this photogenic resort where famous landmarks in Rome were displayed. Inspirations from the famous Colosseum, the Forum Romanum and Michelangelo’s David, (which the original sculpture is now located at the Accademia Gallery of Florence) are there for you to enjoy even for a day tour!
About Tarlac
Tarlac is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Luzon island. Its capital is Tarlac City. Tarlac borders Pampanga to the south, Nueva Ecija to the east, Pangasinan to the north, and Zambales to the west. It is a part of Central Luzon, which is composed of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Tarlac’s name is a Hispanized derivation from a talahib weed called in Ilokano word “Malatarlak”. Tarlac was originally a part of the provinces of Pampanga and Pangasinan. It was the last Central Luzon province to be organized under the Spanish administration in 1874. During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, Tarlac was one of the first eight provinces to rise in arms against Spain. It became the new seat of the first Philippine Republic in March 1899 when Emilio Aguinaldo abandoned the former capital, Malolos, Bulacan. This lasted only for a month, as the seat was moved to Nueva Ecija in Aguinaldo’s attempt to elude the pursuing Americans.
Source: Islands Properties
About Goshen Resort and Hotel
When I first posted a photo of Goshen’s replica of Michelangelo’s David on my social media wall, I was surprised a loooot of my friends haven’t heard of the place yet. “Where is that, May! Ganda!” When I decided to include this to my weekend itinerary, I sure was excited. I was supperrr thrilled to witness this place of beauty sitting just 2-3 hours away from Manila (yep, considering the awful weekend traffic)!
Goshen Resort and Hotel is located in Bamban, Tarlac, Philippines. This underrated resort brings the feel of Rome perfect for all kinds of travelers. I mean, you don’t even need a passport nor visa to have a nice picture next to David. And imagine the fun if you enjoy the place with your loved ones, friends, and fam?
Goshen Resort Day Tour
Upon entering you’ll easily spot their biggest feature. As the main attraction in Goshen Resort and Hotel, “Dambana ni Yahweh” lures more people eager to have a picture in. Inspired with the Amphitheatrum Flavium building in Rome, or famously known as the Colosseum, the structure is indeed a perfect spot for your IG gaming.
Before reaching the Dambana, you’ll see David beautifully posing on front of these ruins that resembles the ancient building ruins of Forum Romanum. This is actually one of my favorite spots, see. I am a fan of Michelangelo myself, and these ruins are undeniably one of the ideal backdrops for every travel photos worth bragging about.
At the left side of David sits Cafe Roma, where you can take cup of coffee or any drinks of your choice while enjoying the outside Colosseum view. Aside from a wonderful cup of coffee or tea, also offer rice meals, pastas, and pastries. View their full menu here.
What to do in Goshen
Roam around “Rome”
As mentioned above, and shown from my photos, roaming around Goshen Resort and Hotel is worth the travel, the time, and the money. In fact, I paid only P150 as entrance fee just to witness this picturesque view. Check their updated rates here. To make the most out of your visit, spend the whole day and explore the whole resort area and be amazed on how they perfectly replicated famous attractions.
Go for a swim
Source: Goshen Philippines
Satisfy your cravings at Cafe Roma
Partnered with Dark Macadamia frappe that is just perfectly sweet, I really enjoyed the red velvet cake recommended by one of the staff at Cafe Roma.
I don’t want you to think I’m just having a sweet talk here, so here’s another honest comment – I’m not sure if it’s meant to be that way, but I didn’t like the Goshen Cheesy Burger that much. It’s kind of dry and not juicy at all. If the patty’s a little bit juicy, I may have listed it in my fave burgers.
Relax and spend the night at a luxurious hotel room
View more of my photots: Tarlac-Angeles 2020
How to get there
Via Private Vehicle:
If you are from South, like Manila Area and nearby Cities and Province (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, etc.):
From Balintawak take NLEX going to STA. INES EXIT (end part of NLEX). From Sta. Ines, go straight to MABALACAT TOWN PROPER, upon reaching the intersection TURN RIGHT and drive straight along Mc-Arthur Highway going to Bamban until you reach the “Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine” or was fondly known as BAMBAN GROTTO.
NOTE: It is located right after the bridge that has post (WELCOME TO BAMBAN).
Upon reaching the street pointing to LOURDES GROTTO, TURN LEFT AND GO STRAIGHT the paved road, you will be guided by the signages from the street or if you overlooked the signages, asked bystanders or people around and they will help you through. As you reach a narrow street, (TAKE NOTE: a little sari-sari store is the landmark) TURN RIGHT and drive straight. From that narrow street, a minute or two, you will reach Goshen Resort.
Via Public Transportation:
Ride a bus (VIA DAU Terminal). Drop off to Dau terminal. Ride a jeep heading Capas or Bamban route (fare: 25pesos/head). Tell the driver to drop you off in BAMBAN GROTTO (“Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine”). Take a tricycle straight to Goshen Resort (70pesos one way).
Travel tips
- There is expansion on going, so be mindful of where to stay at during your idle times, especially if you’re with children.
- Goshen Entrance Fee is P150/head (Adults and Kids); 0-3 years old – Free of Charge.
- There is additional charge for entrance to resort/pool area ranging between P50-100.
- There is “NO RESERVATION” policy for any kinds of cottages, so better be there early because it’s first-come-first-serve basis.
Rates mentioned are as of January 2020. For updates, more info, and detailed reminders, visit their website, http://goshenphilippines.com/.
Wrap up
Goshen Resort and Hotel is indeed beautiful, my friends are also planning to spend a weekend there!
For inquiries or reservations call +63926-785-7787 (GLOBE); +63943-228-1608 (SUN); or +63922-701-8747 (SUN) or you can email them at goshenresortandhotel@gmail.com. Their lines are accepting calls between 8am-5pm.
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