Inspired by the protective Holiness of Pope John Paul II, Atty. Melvin A. Arquillo and his spouse Jovy, with the acquiescence of their loving daughter, Ma. Jomelle T. Arquillo, fondly called by her friends as “Johm”, proudly announced three years ago that they will call their Rest House situated in the aroma laden Aplaya in Brgy. Bignay I, Sariaya, Quezon, as ROMA Beach Resort, Rome being the home of the Holy Father. Because they have made the resort under the protective custody of his Holiness, the facilities of the main resort were named after some famous saints and Mother Mary, the loving mother of Jesus. Thus, the main pavilion with the videoke lounge-dining hall of Roma has been dedicated to the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. The rooms in the rest house were known as the Our Lady of Penafrancia, Antipolo and Manaoag rooms, conspicuously named after the miraculous Mama Mary appellations. We have the Mother Francisca terrace of the main beach house which was appropriately dedicated to Saint Joseph, the good father and protector of Jesus. The bamboo cottages on the river were named after Saint Peter, Ignatious Loyola, Thomas, Vincent, Augustine and Dominic, among others. The rustic attic house is protected by the nimble Sto. Nino which is right beside the replicated Tower of Babel. On the calm arching river is the Pier which is actually sitting on top of Wawa River with it’s nostalgic natural surroundings of gushing waters and lush tropical green forests, vegetation and gray-orange mangroves at the other side where the colorful yellow blue and green birds lay their nests and wild big lizards (bayawak) and crabs (alimangos) still roam around. One can actually enjoy a ride on a flat boat along the river or content himself with catching hungry fishes on his fishing rod. For the reflective and meditative type, there is the huge Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes right beside the flower- studded lovers lane right under the shade of coconut trees, all facing the blue waters of the Tayabas Bay, which is home to the now endangered Capis Shells.

This strip of sandy foreshore land is actually sandwiched between the warm Tayabas Bay and the shallow waters of Wawa River where the sea and fresh waters merge. This semi-salty water breeds another edible shell known locally as “Tapalang”, a cousin of the tasty “Tulya”. The rare Capis Shells which could be literally picked- up close to the swimming area on certain season of the year is actually a cross- breed of our sweet “tahong” and the delicatessen “talaba” of Cavite- exquisitely delicious, ready to be grilled for a hearty meal or as a mouth-watering pulutan for the “Lambanog” thirsty patrons. The delicate Capis shells themselves were used in the olden days as window decors and can be collected to adorn our homes and terraces.

The sometimes placid Tayabas Bay boasts of the Government protected corals in its bosom declared as a fish sanctuary, found about a kilometer from the shore for occasional viewing on cold misty mornings by nature lovers on a boat-ride that may be provided by the Resort where the dainty Lapu-Lapu fish abound, swimming side by side with several varieties of translucent squids playing around the beautiful corals. Large crabs (alimasag) could still be found at the sandy bottom of the marshy sea. On occasions, rare stingrays and other endangered marine life can still be caught by patient fishermen. Walking distance from the resort is the so- called “Comission” where one can actually bid or “bulong” when buying a really fresh catch of fish, crabs or pusit – still breathing their gills out – for a song.

On the second anniversary of the resort was born Roma 2 and Roma 3 which were filled up with more cottages, shower rooms, rest areas and beach tables. For the shy and the reclusive, the resort may better be remembered as “ Johm’s Hideaway” from the madding crowd of Metro Manila, which is actually the registered name of the Roma Beach Resort. Parking is no problem and there is no entrance fee. Children can swim their hearts out in the shallow waters of the bay in front of the resort or just play and frolic around the fine sand of the beach, where the rare female tortoise (locally known as Pawikan) usually come to lay their soft- shelled eggs after the mating season. Alert life guards are strategically posted for the security and safety of the guests. Prices are reasonable for day and overnight excursionists.