Aside from bloghopping and watching movies online am also fond of checking out various travel deals online. Who knows I might bump into a nice package for Hawaii or Europe, hehehe wishful thinking. Bena, Kathy, Rich and I are going to Davao next week and I cannot wait. Another escapade for me … weee. We got our tickets at a very cheap rate, good thing one of the airline companies here had a promo back then. Davao here we come!!
Beautiful Sumilon - was there with Kathy and Rich sometime last March of this year and I can’t wait to go back. As planned me and a couple of my close friends at work would be celebrating my birthday there … I love the place and am looking forward to turning a year older.
A friend of mine called up and said he’s in need of a getaway, a luxury holiday for that matter. Feed up with work like I am he has been looking forward to a relaxing luxury travel anywhere outside or inside the country. So since he was the planner of our previous escapade, I did my best of planning the next and being the net freak that I am I searched only for any possible destination that is both affordable to our pockets and something both of us would like. The beach is something we both love so its just a matter of searching for that right resort. Run across Only Exclusive Travel, a site offering tour packages in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Far East and the Indian Ocean with offers that include Honeymoon Destinations at a very reasonable rate. Am definitely recommending the site to another friend whose getting married next week, who knows they might find something exotic and romantic from the site.
Haven’t decided where we might go next but m picking out a couple of options here and hopefully one of them would suit out budget so am just gonna go ahead send him the link to the site and let him see for himself so he can take a pick. Afterall its him who needs this getaway so badly.
So this blog is all about our laags, supposedly that was the plan but then again we havent been able to go to places lately due to some circumstances but should we go out and travel next time I’d definitley go for Paris and seek a nice travel guide to show us around and not give us the run around.
I got drowned when I was 5 years old, to the point where I turned blue and they have to apply mouth to mouth resuscitation to revive me. This is the reason why am scared of the sea or any major bodies of water and of swimming in general, that’s why up till now I never learned how to swim. Don’t get me wrong but I love the beach, the view and all especially the sunset and sunrise, I love taking photos of the views here and there with or without me, but it’s the thought of swimming, of drowning that scares the hell outta me. When I was with Vic in Bantayan, he knew am scared of the waters but still we went island hopping … now … I still feel like am floating, guess this is what people call sea sickness … the four of us (Diva, Penni, Vince and Moi) still feels that way as if we’re still on the boat in the middle of the sea with the big waves crashing … hanging on to dear life. I’ve never been that scared my entire life, the transfer to the second boat was already a tremendous thing for me, I knew I was scared with the act because I did something I don’t normally do … and that’s bit on the edges of my thumb. We were s’pose to go island hopping, but due to who knows what, the pump belt (dunno what that is) got ripped/broken that we were literally floating in the middle of the sea … stranded … no panic whatsoever as everyone was having fun and there were still food and drinks in the boat. When the rescue came after a good deal of waiting (the second boat) arrived we have to transfer, I had to summon the nerve to “climb” to the next boat, grasp one of the proffered hands and settle safely on to the second boat. What was my reason for joining this island hopping when I don’t know how to swim, when I’ve promised myself that I won’t ever ever drink alcohol again, when I’ve just been to the beach and has grown terribly dark …. Simple … the people, my team or should I say my previous team, I fell in love with the team, and am sure gonna miss it, but just as my team lead said, I’ll always be his agent … he’s definitely one of the reasons why am staying. Now I sidetracked, when we transferred to the second boat I thought we’ll be visiting at least one of the many islands around us but I was disappointed, never did we land on an island and all I saw was the sea, the waves, and other boats. Since I don’t know how to swim I was amongst the people who stayed in the boat, photo sessions were rampant here and there, talk, talk and all talk were scattered from one small group to another. At one point I was talking to Eds and then tried to get some sleep, next I was off to talk to Mitchy … then later on the narcissistic in me took over and I was busy taking pictures with my cam. When we started to head home the sea was okay but when the moon takes over that’s when the waves started getting bigger and the sea was not as calm as before. Everytime a big wave comes up, the people sitting at the front got wet and I was one of ‘em … I didn’t intend to get wet but there I was, wet and shivering and scared. When those waves crashed in, and you can hear shrieks and curses from all side there was only one thing on my mind; “Ma, mag-uban na jud ta ani” …. It was a possibility I willingly accepted, after all it wouldn’t be so bad, miserable as I am now, what could be worst? Penni was starting the headcount to make sure no one’s missing, people were cursing and others must have been crying, I hugged Mitchy and like a lil child said, “Mitchy, am scared”; it took her a couple of seconds to finally respond, “don’t be” … I know she was scared to some degree but she summon the nerve to reassure me that things are gonna be okay. Am not sure what effect it has on me but when D said he felt genuine fear, I was struck … When we knew we were “officially safe” and was about to dock at the back of Hilton hotel my next problem was crossing to the other side. I mean it was dark, and one misstep could mean falling down to the sea, not to mention it was slippery. Was able to cross successfully but darn I hate the feeling, tears of relief did fall down …. The next thing I had to think of would be our shift at 9PM, it was close to 8PM already and this would be our first time to go “Live Via Satellite w/ No Commercial Break” for TR … Diva, Moi and Penni resolved that no matter what happens we’ll never go absent (though the thought crossed my mind millions of times); went home to shower and change clothes then head straight back to work … and begin one working shift without any sleep.
Part 2 of my unexpected laags with the same person; we’ve spent one whole day together and that was on a Sunday, had dinner with him on Tuesday … didn’t expect to spend more days with him but then again he never fails to surprise me. A simple text message asking me if I can possibly go absent on my Saturday class coz we’ll be going somewhere. So I was contemplating the whole time, plus the fact that he had food poisoning the night before we’re s’pose to leave made me think it’d be better if he’ll just stay at home. Like the child that he is sometimes, he insisted and since I don’t get to spend time with him often, I decided to go for it … last time I was with him was April of 2007, so who knows when I’ll see him next.
The original plan was to go to San Remegio and spend the night there, we’ll leave the city Saturday morning and come back Sunday afternoon (so I’ll be absent from my masteral classes). We’ve never been there so this would be our first and we have no idea as to where exactly its located, what landmarks to look out for … all he knew was the name of the towns before it, during the stop overs he called the resort for instructions and we thought we’ll reach there in due time. When we reached the town of San Remegio, we saw one beach resort we’re both familiar with and thought that next to it would be our destination. We we’re both disappointed when we ended up at the port of Hagnaya without seeing any sign for the beach resort we’re both looking for and with all the other passengers leaving the bus. So we followed suit, laughed at each other and decided to buy tickets for the barge that would take us to the next island. Bantayan Island. We have no contacts there whatsoever, and he was busy texting people, even calling some for names of resorts that we could stay in. He apologized for the mishap and it made the whole thing funnier, told him you dont have to apologize … this is what I call adventure and am loving every minute of it.
On board the barge and off to Bantayan Island … we were laughing the whole time at the turn of events. Since my team has gone to Bantayan previously on an outing (I wasnt able to go with them), I knew they stayed at Sugar Beach and told him that. He was texting someone and told me what his friend recommended was Cota so we decided to see both resorts and go from there. The houses for rent in Sugar Beach are a bit far from the beach itself … a good walk should I say and they dont have airconditioned rooms available, the pedicab driver (Don Don) suggested a newly established resort called Tickety Boo, the distance from the restaurant to the beach is very minimal, plus they still have airconditioned rooms available (exactly what he was looking for).
The place was awesome and was definitely worth the rate and more, though it would take them a bit to prepare the food but it was worth the wait. Had lunch there at around 4 pm (is that still lunch? hehehe), had a look around the place and slept … I slept that is, he went for a swim and told him to not wake me up till later coz I was dead tired. The water was nice, not as salty as the waters in Bohol (the unexpected part 1 : my trip to bohol), around 8 pm, he woke me up (grrr…so much for asking him not to) for dinner. On weekends they have a live band performing and we were quite surprised to see quite a number of people, even saw one colleague though we didn’t acknowledge each others presence, he was with someone and am with someone so better pass it off as complete strangers.
Sunday Morning ——-
Had breakfast and I did found a good book in their shelf, one that I’d definitely look for when I visit Powerbooks or National Bookstore, both of us were reading while finishing our food … when he was done, (it took me forever to finish eating) I saw him talking to two people from the resort … I pass it off as casual chitchat, was able to hear bits and pieces of what they’re saying … and was surprise to hear him mention about the time. He looked my way and asked if I wanna go … must’ve looked stupid coz he smiled and said island hopping, we still have time and we’ll make it by 11:30 to the port. So impromptu off we went, on board the pumpboat and into the sea (it scares me coz I don’t know how to swim … hehehe). We took photos of everything and he had to remind me to be careful coz he won’t dive for my camera and everything else should they fall to the water … grrr …
It may seem unbelievable to most people, but our relationship … platonic relationship is just amazing. We share the same room, the same bed with no malice at all just as we’ve done when we went to Bohol, the easy camaraderie is what amazes me the most, we talked about anything under the sun … and there was no awkwardness whatsoever when we were in bed talking. People who knew I was going with him overnight had malice in their eyes and easily pass us off as lovers, exactly the same thing when we arrived at the resort and everywhere else we go. We let them be as we’re just done explaining, not that it makes any difference. For these people … a guy and a girl together … would always be a couple. Funny how even our friends tend to question our friendship … I was at one point in doubt of where were at but this recent laag proved to me that what we share as friends is special and unique of which am ever grateful.
Just as always, he has made me feel special ever since we became friends that at times it made me ask what have I ever done to deserve this. Despite what I lost, am happy and thankful that people like him exist and are a part of my life … that though he’ll be far away (with me in Cebu and him in Manila) it would’nt change anything and we can easily pickup where we left off the moment we’re together.
Doi, wafa, mykers, moi and lil gurl …
Doi, the cute ever mykers, the creepy one and moi
Doi, wafa and moi
The cute ever mykers, the creeepy one, Doi, wafa, moi and our new FC: D … sounds like ABCD .. wahehehe
the freaky one and the creeepy one … what a tandem!
lil gurl, the creeeepy one and moi
The sports fest was held at Cebu Beach Club under the cold november rain … which caused me my migraine, flu and fever … it was fun nonetheless … and though I wasn’t in my bestest … what with no sleep the night before and a raging headache … I still look dashing (wahehehe … so love my own lol!) These shots were taken from Creeepy One’s camera … had to grab them from his multiply so I can have a copy … for memory’s sake.
Aisa’s post b-day celebration and Nikko’s despedida party at Pod5 BTC and at City Grill.
There were a few people only, moi, lil gurl, Aisat, Nikko, Eds, Jake and his gf. Sang my lungs out at Pod5 and got tipsy at City Grill. Talked about issues here and there … chikkas here and there. Sad to see Nikko leaving for Japan but happy in a way as he’s venturing out of the country to try his luck and test the waters. Kinsay sunod?
Many people from our wave are leaving, Jake already confirmed that he’ll be gone first thing next year, Griz is also rumored to follow suit and so is Herbie … whew. Talk about moving on to greener pastures.
Anyways … headed to City Grill to talk and talk over a few bottles of RH. Ended up tipsy but sane. Went to jobbe after had to eat to clear my mind out otherwise I wont be confident to make it home. Keep reminding myself that things have change and there’s no one else to look out for you. Unlike before where I can get wasted all I want and still know that am safe and that I’d get home safe and sound. Tsk tsk …
I’ve always wanted to go to Kawasan and since I was on leave and the original plan was postponed I asked A to go with me to Kawasan. Sunday morning after A’s shift we met at Gaisano Metro’s grocery section, shopped a few items then we had breakfast at jobee. We talked non sense w/c was normal and waited for what seemed like an eternity for them to deliver my “pancake sandwich”. Nahuman na lang si A ug kaon la pa japon maabot ako order. To make the story short, naabot jud xa ug nahurot then we went to citilink coz I thought the bus that would take us to Badian is stationed there. It was then we found out that ang citilink diay terminal sa mga v-hire ug katong other terminal na duol sa emall mao ang terminal sa mga bus. Hahay faet!!! Nagpaila lang jud nga wala katultol, anyways nanakay mi sa v-hire na para Badian…A was texting someone na naka-adto na ug Kawasan ug ako sad I was texting a friend nga taga Badian jud for guidance kunohay charot!!! Didnt know that travel time is around 4 hours jud..hastang kalayo man diay, pero the view was breath taking pud…lost count of the places na amo naagian, nakatulog ming duha off and on while travelling, naguba ang aircon sa v-hire ug pwerteng yaw-yaw sa mga tawo hehehe pero ang manag-uyab sa amo atubangan walay paki loving lang gihapon maski pwerte nang inita hehehe…pag-abot na namo ug lungsod nipalit jud ko ug tsinelas kay unsaon na lang kabugtu-on naman to akong gisul-ob. Nangutana dayon si A sa tindera kung unsay sakyan padulong Kawasan, since daghan man jeep ga parking ingon tong tindera kung asa mi sakay…pagka lingkod na gyud namo sa jeep, nagsugod na dayon ang krimen nyahahaha … ug kay wala man pud mi kabalo kung pilay plete, aw si A japon ang nangutana sa amo kauban na pasahero…layo-layo sad from the lungsod hangtud na jud sa Matutinao Church where the entrance to kawasan is. Once naa na ngadto its not difficult nah coz there are people man sad na padulong pud sa falls so sunod-sunod ra gud mi nila hehehe mo stop once in a while kay magficture-ficture.
Pag-abot sa first na falls daghan kau ang tawo as in..makabungog nalingaw pud si A kay daghan man laki hehehe … nanaka mi sa second na falls pwerteng ka steep sa agianan, faet!!! Pero lingaw man japon bahalag lay lami ang amo gipani-udto hehehe….
He texted me monday morning inviting me to go to panglao with him that very afternoon and I was like..what the?! told him I got work that night and replied half-heartedly that we can do so on thursday as its my rest day and am on leave the following day. He was persistent bout going then and there and I held my ground, after all I got work that night and who is he to asked that of me anyway.
Wednesday came and the whole day we exchanged messages bout the bohol escapade, what he wanted was to go to Panglao and I on the other hand whose never been there wanted to see the chocolate hills and the tarsiers. He was like okay so you want a day tour and I said yes of course, that being my answer he told me he’s gonna look for day tour packages and asked me how much my budget is, I told him look for the cheapest that you can find. I never really thought its gonna work, I mean I was only into the whole planning half heartedly after all, I was so sure that its not gonna push through. So he kept asking me if am sure and would really wanna go and I keep saying yes.
I didnt get any message from him for what seem like 4 hours and then the next message was already all about the details of when and where we’re s’pose to meet the following day right after my shift and I was like okay…so now Wena you can’t back out coz its there …not that I would want to anyway. So to make the story short I went to work that night not quite sure if the trip is gonna push through or not. But as early as 4 am I got a message from him reminding me of the time were s’pose to meet at Jollibee Gorordo and the time we’d have to check in. Went home from work, pulled my bag pack out of the cabinet placed in whatever item I could grab from my closet and keep repeating to myself so this is really happening. Went to jollibee, waited a couple of minutes and he was there, he ordered food for take out, hailed a cab told the driver that we’re going to pier 4 and thats it. Was about to slap my face to make sure am not dreaming but had to stop as the driver was glancing at me through his mirror from time to time. Conversation were made bout this and that and we finally arrived at the port, since its my first time to travel on board a craft he had to stir me to this direction and that.
When I travel either by bus or plane or whatever I always choose the window seat w/c is exactly what I did fully assuming that its my rightful place per indicated in my ticket, so took my seat and minutes later the cruise began, we chatted bout this and that and occassionally I’d have to look at the window and at the vast ocean that lies ahead. I must have looked and sounded stupid as he laughed and said I’m like the 5 year girl seating behind us who was also looking at the sea from her side of the window. Can’t help it, it was my first time to travel by sea and my reaction to whatever it is that amazes me is always very visible in my countenance.
I took pictures of the sea with my phone and I took a pic of him when he fell asleep, when we arrived in
Anyways the tour progressed and in the process, Carylle had some questions bout the arrangement of the tour and he answered them all, of course I had no idea of where we’ll stay, where we’ll eat or when we leave, worst I even had no idea at how much I owe him. Per agreement I was s’pose to pay him the moment we’re together but then he said that I can just pay him during payday and I was like okay. We had lunch while cruising the
After that we were driven towards Panglao to where the resort we’re staying is located. The place was great, had an awesome view to the beach, though he didnt really like it..he has always been picky. We shared the bed and I had to warn him that I’m not a peaceful sleeper..and he was like uh-oh, turns out that he was the one who does not keep his side of the bed. We woke up at like 11 pm coz he got hungry and so did I, went to the resorts restaurant and was informed that kitchen is close so no more food to serve, and since this is in the province we hiked I dunno how many kilometers in search of an open restaurant so we can dine, had to cross our fingers everytime we pass by an open establishment. Luckily we did find one and we ate off the grill dishes. It was fun for me I s’pose to be on such an adventure, we talked bout this and that, people on the floor most often and when were done went back to the resort and went off to sleep. The following morning he was already awake when I woke up and asked me if I wanna go swim or eat first, we went swimming..oh he did I didnt…just walked along the shore as I dont know how to swim. When the sun has fully risen we went back to the room and changed after that we had breakfast. When he’s done eating he told me he’ll be at the reception to check his mails (they offer free internet access) while I was sitting there taking pics with my phone. A couple of minutes after though I followed him through the reception, they were talking about the bill and all, I looked at him and he just said, “murag la pa to nimo nahipos imo butang mam” and he was smiling sheepishly. I was like bbleeehhh whatever, took the key from him went to the room and fixed things up. It was then I realized how lucky I was, I was able to go to
He was just so sweet and is a perfect gentleman..the kind of guy who opens doors for you, who’d graciously make way to make you pass first, who’d wake you up to see if you wanna eat, who’d encourage you to continue climbing more than a hundred steps so you can reach the top and see the chocolate hills below. The place was great but it was the company I enjoyed most, hope I can say the same is true for him. I’ve always been such a brat ever since we met on the floor and though I tried my damnedest to change that I’ve never been successful. He used to call me “makulit” and it sounds right coz I really am, even my mom says so toinks!!
What more can I say? It was amazing and am glad I said yes to his invitation. It might have caused him trouble at work as he was s’pose to fly back to
November 25 and 26 of 2006
- We found ourselves in Dumaguete, in time for the town’s fiesta and we stayed in Cuddly Bear’s house. FYI Cuddly Bear is a.k.a. tambok a.k.a. keithykat in short out Team Lead. When you’d see him in person or even his photos you’ll understand why he’s called Cuddly Bear. -
- David , Alrose and Wena -
- Alrose, Wena and David -
- David, Wena and Alrose -
- the whole gang -
