Memory Lane Monday: Whale Shark Encounter

What made this trip unforgettable is that this was my first out of town adventure for this year. Our whale shark experience with family made it extra special! Though I've had some encounters with other sea creatures like sting rays, but this time I swam with them—the whale sharks! It wasn't scary after all. :) 

We left Talisay at exactly 4 AM on that day because it takes more or less than 4 hours to get to Tan-awan, Oslob, and the whale sharks usually show up only in the morning and we can't afford not to see them!! So despite the sleepless night due to excessive bonding with the long-time-no-see relatives in Cebu, we managed to get our sleepy butt up and prepare our things all for the love of whale sharks! :) We rented a van for 5k good for 10 people (back and forth). If you only want to see the sharks but don't want to swim with them, you only have to pay Php300 but if you like to see them in action underwater and take a SEAlfie with them (Nyehehe), it's Php500, inclusive of snorkeling gears.

This became controversial because of animal rights but actually they have set several rules for the guests to follow and also to protect the aquatic resources. Guests are discouraged to put on whatever kinds of lotions, are not allowed to touch the whale sharks, and are advised to keep a certain distance from them. They have some professional divers hired to check on the whale sharks from time to time as well.

I therefore say that we have special family ties with sea creatures to go back to. Hahaha! They all love water and I'm actually no longer as fond as they are. I'm now conscious with my skin. Charos! Hahaha! Seriously, I've just started taking care of my skin. I now use body scrubs, papaya soap, moisturizer for my face and lotion after I take a bath. I'm gonna be using facial scrub soon. Lelz. ;) For those who are very fond of soaking their bodies into the waters under the heat of the sun, I think it's advisable to use skin care products. There are a lot to choose from at Zalora. I have just stumbled upon that page while window shopping over the net. ;) Patty herself as a lot of advices on her blog too you might want to take a look. :)

January 3, 2014

Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu

A Mixed-themed Rest House

Even though I'm a tambay now, I'm still blessed to have lots of rakets. Haha! (1) I'm a driver of a nurse and a high school student, and sometimes of a bank employee, (2) I'm an assistant/travel buddy of a medical rep, (3) I'm an assistant of an appraiser, and (4) I'm an on-call secretary of a priest. In other words, best in logistics ta ani! Bigyan ng award please. :)) Because I am number 4, I was asked to go with my cousin on a teachers' retreat, not as a retreatant but his technical officer and liturgical reader in a mass he presides. I do simple computer stuff, sounds legit. Hahaha! And of course, I invited my dearly beloved sister and brother. Anyway, we went to a rest house where the teachers and the nun stayed at. The owner lets others use the house for religious purposes. The view is so nice and the environment so peaceful and quiet. A best place for reflection. :)

I'm done with my initial Indochina tour a few days ago. This time I feel like I've traveled back in time. Here's a little 'Pontus feels', where the legendary Amazons in Greek mythology believed to live, and 'USA feels' where everything seems to be so modern. :) I also want to add, the religiosity of the owner is very evident as well. How amazing they are!

Uso na mga theme sa balay diay run. Makaisip na nga ng ideya. :)

Excursion at Malagos

When I found out my father's going to Calinan (Puentespina) for a field work today, I first thought of the famous waling-waling sold at Abreeza. I thought he was going to the orchidarium so I took the opportunity and went with him so I can also see it myself. I didn't know where we were really headed. I just assumed everything. :)) We stopped at Malagos Garden and found no orchids. Sa chocolate factory diay siya paadto. Naay na disappoint gamay diri na side. Hahaha! 

From cacao tree to chocolate bar

The factory started operating 2 years ago and they are still trying to produce regular chocolates. Tried the dark one and dark jud diay siya. :)) 

Took the chance to stroll around the place for FREE. My eyes sparkles when I encounter that word. Woooh! Haha! And also a little REMINISCING, my kind of therapy. ;) I was still in my early years in grade school when I last stepped foot in this place. I remembered how astounded my sister and I were with the giant ostrich egg they displayed at the front desk. Those were the times when my only concern in life is to see the ostriches run as if they were racing, and when I do I just instantly get happy. Good ol' days. This time, it's no longer the ostrich that runs but things of various levels of importance, not on the ground but through my mind. Achichi. HAHAHA!

Egg → Caterpillar → Pupa → Butterfly

I went inside the butterfly sanctuary and found a table with caterpillars and pupa. I was reminded about the life cycle of a butterfly which was taught on the 4th or 5th grade. Good ol' days again. My tour isn't just educational but also therapeutic. ;) Pero nalingaw jud ko sa butterflies! ♥

Just a random thought: If I'm going to get married in the future, it'd be nice to have butterflies instead of birds, setting traditions aside. :))

Lake Agco

It took us about 45 mins to reach Lake Agco from Sudapin. The weather wasn't fine when we went there so the trail was quite scary to look at but it's still safe. It was worthy to think that we've reached the foot of Mt. Apo! :)) Had "mud pack" for Php10 only which costs more than a hundred pesos in a spa. Kana lang ikaw jud mukalot sa sulfur. Haha! But it was a fun experience though. :) Soaked ourselves into hot springs/jacuzzi and got to have some steambath. Thanks to Mt. Apo for being the source of "hotness". Sounds so wrong. :)))

October 19, 2014

Lake Agco, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

A Day in Gensan

I originally planned to just tag along with my mother last week to Gensan. I also invited my auntie and sister so we can go malling the whole day while mama's at work. We brought extra clothes and swimwear with us in case our mother will leave us at a resort though. ;) Who knew on an ordinary day we'd be spending most of our time swimming and a little malling? :)) 

All I can remember is that Mt. Sabrina is before Sarangani Highlands. I'm not really good at memorizing figures like how far it is from the city proper in kilometers. :)) And with a little more driving, you'll be amazed as soon you are able to spot some parts of the resort. With an entrance fee of Php100, you can already avail of the swimming pool. But you have to pay Php300 for a cottage, and also, bringing of food is not allowed.

Drove and walked around the whole area. Very nice scenery! From there we went straight to SM and Veranza. Then we called it a day!

October 14, 2014

Mt. Sabrina Panorama View & Resort

Tambler, General Santos City

Indochine House

Weeks ago we've been invited to visit our mama's former counterpart's bed & breakfast in Kidapawan City and finally got the perfect time to respond to this invitation. Of course we slept for free. Haha! What makes his place unique is that it is Indochina-inspired. Almost all of the furniture and ornaments are from Vietnam. Until now I haven't yet moved on from what I saw. We felt like we've already had our initial Indochina tour, where Buddha is found at a reasonable number of corners in the house and the dining hall. :)) Thanks to Tito Meong! I just find it really amazing how he meticulously planned, conceptualized and designed everything! From the lights, laces, color choices, curtains, bed sheets that consistently follow the Indochina theme. One must have the talent and great artistic skills to have it done very very nicely. Or should I say, one must be OC? :)) 

He's based in Vietnam for 7 years that's why he had a collection of paintings and carved stone figures. We asked him how he came up with such detailed designs and he said, because he frequently travels especially to Vietnam's neighboring countries like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Mynamar, he got lots of ideas on the locals' lifestyle. 

Because of this tour—tour around Indochine House Bed & Breakfast and his very own house—I've felt the urge to travel even more!!! On a side note, I think I'm now having second thoughts on planning for my dream wedding and creating my own family in the future. Why? Because just like him, he's single yet well traveled. In short, I can have the rest of my life to just focus on exploring the world if I decide not to marry. Anyway, it's a loooong way to go. :))

October 18-19, 2014

Sudapin, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato

Paradise

I've been to this island for a couple of times already but this one's something I enjoyed the most. Thanks to the weather it cooperated! My parents always need mini vacays in between stressful working days and Samal Island has been our escape since then because it's the most convenient and accessible beach resort to us. Practically, beach-wise, Paradise has it all. We don't need a Pearl Farm kind of environment because first of all, it's toooo expensive for people who only need a little break on a weekend. :)) Also, what they're only up to is the fish feeding which Paradise happens to offer. :)

October 4, 2014

Pradise Island, Samal, Davao City