Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Photo Memories of Chateau Du Mer and Bellarocca Resort in Marinduque

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Photo Memories of Chateau Du Mer and Bellarocca Resort in Marinduque

The Front Gate of Chateau Du Mer, 2010

Eleven years and six months ago, I took the following photographs of Chateau Du Mer (CDM)-our second home and vacation compound in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines when daily maintenance was routine.

One of the Many Orchids in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer


Orchids Galore on Driveway from Main Road


Front Yard of the Main House

Driveway of the Main House and Servant Quarters

Front Porch of the Main House( there is a Back Porch Facing the Ocean)


Back Porch of Main House with Sea View


Living Room of Main House showing Marble Floor

My Computer and Desk in Master Bedroom

Hand Carved Head Boards Locally Made

My Lucban Tree( Chinese Grapefruit)-one of more than a dozen fruit trees in the Compound

The Conference Hall-Available for Private Daily Rental

The Conference Hall-South View

Conference Hall-Front Decorated for Wedding Reception

The Beach House-At the Back of the Conference Hall

The Bridge over the Creek-Focal Point of the Beach House Landscaping

The Beach House-Seaside View( West)

Beach House Lower Level with Bunk Beds

*************************************************************************************************

The second set of photos were memories of our private tour ( with Annie Miles and Aquilana Rivas) of the Bellarocca Beach Resort and Spa in Buenavista, Marinduque. At that time the resort was rated 5 Star and one of the best in Asia. https://asiangrandlegacy.com/portfolio-items/bellarocca-island-resort/

On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010


Macrine enjoying the view of the Main land from one of the Rooms at the Resort

View of Mt Malindig from the Resort

Meanwhile, enjoy this video of Chateau Du Mer

https://youtu.be/qLr3m6WjvXw

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my front yard this year

Orange Ice Plant in Front Yard of Residence- April, 2021

No comments:

Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.