CASA SAN PABLO: A Feast for the Senses in the Heart of Laguna through Coconut Cooking Tour

Right in the midst of the busy hinterlands of San Pablo City in Laguna, Philippines, Casa San Pablo is more than just a bed-and-breakfast; it is a gateway to the rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions of the city. Among the many experiences it offers, the Casa San Pablo Native Cooking Tour, featuring the Coconut Module and Laguna Province Cultural Product and Heritage Showcase, stands out as one of the captivating journeys into Laguna’s heritage and cultural heart and soul. You have to get Ms. Ann Alcantara, the Innkeeper of Casa San Pablo, as your guide as she would provide you a seemingly theatrical storytelling that truly resonates with every guest.

A Taste of San Pablo’s Heritage: The Coconut Cooking Module

San Pablo, often referred to as the “City of Seven Lakes,” boasts a rich cultural history deeply intertwined with the coconut. The Casa San Pablo Native Cooking Tour takes guests on a gastronomic adventure that explores the significance of coconuts in the local lifestyle and cuisine. This is one of the best experiential tourism activities in San Pablo City.

We arrived at Casa San Pablo’s doors with a pleasantly loud banging of music and colorful whimsical flicks of hands – a colorful carnival style of energetic performance that truly raved the beginning of the tour. Lined usherettes with the iconic Mabuhay gesture safely steered us along the labyrinths of the preceding resort until we reached the very gates of Casa San Pablo. Right in front of the ARTBarn, a lovely bamboo orchestra serenaded the group with their festive rendering of popular folk songs and music.

At the ARTBarn, various Laguna products are on display right beside the entrance. The attractive display truly caught the attention of the guests as it was the busiest section of the event. As the program formalities began upon the arrival of the DOT Sec Frasco, we were led to the sweet and spirited storytelling of Ms. Ann Alcanatra, bringing the crowd through the history of how coconut defined the industry, cuisine, culture, and heritage of San Pablo City.

Ms. Alcantara also discussed to the big audience many ways to enjoy coconut. Understanding that the coconut is the tree of life, she is able to connect this cliche to every product or yield from each part of a coconut tree. From tree sap, the flowers, and the different stages of a coconut fruit – there is a counterpart yield that can be used for cooking and creating scrumptious recipes from it. In every part of the tree discussion is a counterpart recipe – like the coconut flower sap turning it into the iconic “Lambanog” liquor. The different flesh stages of the coconut meat to being a tasty edible macaron topping and many more. Surely after the presentation, everyone got their tummy filled with coconut goodness.

Following is the animated and live demonstration of different ways to enjoy the coconut, and culminating the program is showing how the local delicacy “Kulawo” is done. From live preparation of burnt coconut meat to prepping the ingredients – the awesome show certainly delighted the guests. After garnishing, the majority were excited and tried the dish and were mesmerized by the great flavors unexpected from the mix of grilled eggplant meat and coconut milk.

A Culinary and Cultural Extravaganza

The Casa San Pablo Native Cooking Tour is more than just a culinary experience; it’s a journey that captures the essence of Laguna’s heritage. It showcases how the coconut, a humble fruit that floats idly from the sea and flourishes to the highlands of San Pablo, has shaped the lifestyle, cuisine, and traditions of San Pablo City. From coconut processing to cultural immersion, the “Ann Alcantara” way of storytelling offers a well-rounded understanding of the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

Casa San Pablo’s commitment to preserving and sharing Laguna’s cultural treasures provides travelers with an unforgettable and profoundly enriching experience. For Art lovers, this will be your serene nook in the CALABARZON region. Allow the natural beauty of Mother Nature and the touch of rustic and eclectic stay to awaken the artist inside you. So, whether you’re a food lover, a history enthusiast, an artist, or a nature explorer, Casa San Pablo promises a feast for the senses and an opportunity to discover the heart of San Pablo, the “City of Seven Lakes.”

Aside from the cooking tour, the Casa San Pablo is a bed and breakfast in nature. It has its in-house cafe and restaurant serving its homegrown dishes and recipes. We encourage you to experience a staycation in an art haven facility where you can learn about clay modeling from the Innkeeper herself, Ms. Ann Alcantara. The Casa San Pablo has different room categories fitting solo travelers, couples, families, or large barkada. They also cater for Corporate Events like Executive Teambuildings, Strategic Planning Events, and Formal Meetings. With the large hall existing and spacious garden, you can hold personal and intimate events like weddings, birthdays, or christening celebrations.