The Story of my Life

My title sounds creepy, I know. Makes you think about the end of the world.

But in contrary, I have some exciting news. Something that gives 2012 a different meaning.

We're going to...


Yes, we're going to Europe! My big european dream will finally come true. This trip was supposedly scheduled this year, but something or rather someone BETTER came along so we had to postpone it.

A few months after this trip, we're going on a cultural trip to...

INDIA!!!! We're going to see Taj Mahal and explore the other cities of India.

The only sad thing about these two trips is that Kara will be left behind. Wanted to bring her with us to Europe but my in-laws advise otherwise. Don't worry baby, we'll go see Mickey and Minnie when you're a year older.

1 May 2008: Visit to Mayon

Arrived in Guinobatan Town around 5:30 am. Then we headed straight to Tita Judy's (Jom's mom) house for breakfast. We were served various suman and tsokolate, Bicol delicacies, for breakfast. Slept for two hours, freshened up then went to Tito Roy's house (Jom's dad) to visit some relatives. After some hi's and hello's we were off to see Mayon Volcano.

Mt. Mayon is taken from the word Magayon, a bicolano word which means maganda. It was shortened to Mayon siguro for recall. hehehe. To see the enchanting view of Mayon, we went to Cagsaua ruins. Cagsaua church was buried by lava when Mt. Mayon erupted in 1814. Historians said that about 1,200 people died during that time. What's left of the church is the Bell tower seen in this picture. Unfortunately during our visit, parts of Mayon were covered with clouds. We just contented ourselves by taking pictures choreographed by one of the tour guides. Please check my Multiply for more pictures.

For lunch, Jom took us to Lets where we ate two of the famous Bicol dishes. Pinangat and Bicol Express. Pinangat is the local name for Laing. But unlike the tagalog Laing, their Laing or Pinangat is all vegetable and gata. No meat nor fish. And the gulay was tender and juicy. You only need to chew a few times and it will slide down your throat easily. Bicol express was ultra spicy, para syang siling nilagyan ng meat! I had a small bite and man, it was really hot!!!!! I'm not a fan of spicy food so I can't describe it to you first hand. I can only tell you that Archie liked it so much that whenever we ask where we're eating he'd say, "sa Lets"

After lunch, we went to Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. Hoyop means ihip in Tagalog. It is called as such because they say that when you're inside you can hear the blow of the wind. Inside the cave (and just like in any cave), are several stalactites and stalagmites. There was also a man-made dance floor inside the cave (okay diba!?). They said that during Marcos' time, the locals built that dance floor so they can party despite the Martial Law. Maabilidad ha! hehehe

Our last stop was the Mayon Resthouse and Observatory. It's situated a few feet from the foot *(that sounded funny!) of Mt. Mayon. From the resthouse, you can see Bicol province. :-)

We were all tired, nanlalagkit at amoy araw so we headed to our resort after Mayon Resthouse. Jom got us one night stay at The Black Sands Resort in Sto. Domingo town. The resort looks fine. It's clean and the furnitures are okay with native look. But the service crew are not that efficient yet. I heard it's a year-old resort so I hope in our next visit, we can rate their service excellent.

2 May 2008: Interaction with the Butanding and Bigg's

This is the part I've been waiting for. Ever since I heard of the Butanding, I kept bugging my friends to plan a trip to Bicol. Good thing I have a Bicolano boyfriend who so willingly arranged this trip for us. :-)

We checked out of the resort around 5:30am as we were told that there are more sightings of the Butanding from 8:00-10:00am. Towards noon, when it's hot, the Butandings go deeper into the water so you won't see as much Butandings.

The drive to Donsol from Legaspi took about 1 and 1/2 hour, its a long and winding road. When we arrived, we already got in for 2nd batch. Which means the take off would be at 10:30. But we were only able to take off a little past 11:00am. I was getting both excited and worried. Excited to see them, but worried that I won't get to see a single Butanding.

The drill was, when the Spotter signals to the guide that there is a Butanding in sight all passengers should (1) put on their mask; (2) ensure their lifevest is tightened; (3) sit on the lower side of the boat; and (4) jump into the water-- all this you have to do quickly. In the water you have to wait for the cue of the guide to look down. When he says look down, it means you're either swimming side by side with the Butanding or you're right above the Butanding.

The first sighting was quick. I didn't get to see the full figure of the Butanding because I was fixing my cam. The next thing I know it was gone.

The second sighting was unsuccessful. The guide, Randy, grabbed my hand and we tried to swim with the Butanding. Napagod ako kaka-swim sa sobrang bilis nung guide. Sa sobrang pagod ko, hindi ako naka-concentrate. When we got back to the boat. He asked, nakita mo ba? I said, hindi eh. Tawa kami ng tawa. Sabi nung guide, "kala ko naman nag-eenjoy ka na dahil ang tagal-tagal natin syang sinundan yun pala wala kang nakikita." Super comedy. Jom and our friends were all laughing. Super napagod lang ako pero wala akong nakita. Randy said I don't have to swim the next time kasi hawak naman nya ako.

The third sighting was clearer. Randy grabbed my hand and Shawie's. This time we saw the full figure of the Butanding. Pero medyo malayo pa din. Then when we got back, we told the boys, who were still unsatisfied with their sightings, that they should go with Randy so they can catch up with the Butanding.

The fourth sighting was super fun and successful. Randy jumped with Jom and Archie. Shawie and I stayed on the boat as we wanted to rest. Then Randy got back and asked me to jump, so I did. When Randy asked me to look down, the Butanding was right beside me! It was huuuuugggeee!!! Sobrang laki nya. Grabe! I was overwhelmed by its size. And sobrang galing ni Randy because eventhough the Butanding was flocked by people, he still managed to bring me closer to it. Sobrang laki talaga, they said it was approximately 9 meters long. Width? I have no idea. I was really this close. Then we moved closer to the mouth, which was open. I got a bit scared cause I felt it was going to swallow me. Super galing! Super fun experience.

We called that last Butanding a show off Butanding. Because it stayed there, motionless. We didn't swim. It just stayed there for people to see him/her.

After that last sighting, we went back to shore. We were more than contented.

We ate late lunch at Bigg's Diner. When Jom was planning the itinerary, there was a time for Bigg's. I wasn't that excited because I thought, it was just an ordinary burger tapos Bicol pa. I wondered what would make that burger special if it's locally made. But when we tried it, we were all satisfied. It tasted different because of the dressing. And the burger patty also tasted good. We wanted to bring home a few burgers nga sana pero baka masira.

We spent the night at Tita Judy's house. Had a few drinks then dozed off with smile on our faces for a very fun day.

May 3: Kneeboarding at CWC

After lunch at Tito Roy's house, we headed to Camsur for the much anticipated Wakeboarding. Though, I'm not that confident I could do it. Andun na rin naman kami, so why not try it.

We only have one hour to do it so I have to do good on my first try. I tried kneeboarding first and what do you know?! I almost finished the track. :-) If it weren't for my helmet, which was blocking my sight, I would have finished it. On my second and last attempt, I completed the track. Woohoo!!! Not bad for a beginner. I'm so proud of myself!

The trip was more exciting and fun as I've expected. I am so happy (thanks Hon!). It was definitely worth my time and money. And it is one experience I would recommend to my friends. So, tara na! Biyahe na tayo!

We're off to Bicol tonight...

All my bags are packed...

All my cams are ready...

I will finally get to meet the whale shark...

Got to strike that one out from things-I-want-to-do-before-I-die list...

My mind is shutting down...

Don't want to work...

Cler on vacation mode...

Will see you when I get back....

Ciao!

My last trip was a blast! It was so much fun we hardly recognized the time. In fact, we felt we should have stayed longer to enjoy the site and the food. I've been to Cagayan de Oro several years back. But it was a business trip so I didn't have time to go around the city. I was not, in anyway, impressed with CDO so I never planned to go back. But when my friend told me her thrilling experience white water rafting, I had a change of heart. That's one of my motivation, second to Camiguin of course.

White water (actually, I don't know why they call it as such when the water is brown...yuck corny!) rafting takes about 2hours as you have to tackle 14 rapids. We were charged for Php700, inclusive of a sumptuous lunch and transportation to and from the river.

If you're not the adventurous type, fear not because the Guides are well trained. During our batch, there were a total of 6 rafts. In one of those, there was a 7-year-old or less, and she enjoyed every bit of it. No tinge of fear on her face. Several weeks before us, they had a 10-month-old on board. If a child made it, what more for an adult like me? You just have to listen to your guide, do as you are told and you'll finish it with flying colors. If ever you get so unlucky and you're thrown out of the raft, your life vest will keep you floating. Promise, it's a piece of cake.

One thing that made it memorable for all of us was when our raft went under a rock formation. We were asked to back paddle, to back paddle is to put on brake, as we were moving too fast and was about to hit under that rock. But since we were enjoying the ride and we were too thrilled, the next thing we know Ritchie was doing ala matrix-bending backwards almost breaking his back bone. Wilson got scratches on his left hand. From then on, Ritchie started counting so we would all paddle.

After the white water rafting, which ended around 2pm, we went straight to Balingoan pier to catch the ferry to Benoni, Camiguin. Land travel to the pier took about an hour, but that's because we rented a van, it might take longer if you take the bus. The ferry ride took another hour, and from Benoni it took us an hour and a half to get to the resort, that's inclusive of all the stops we did to get food and drinks. By the time we reached the Paras Resort, we were all starving and exhausted. After dinner, it was good night to all.

Day 2 - Camiguin Island Tour

The next day was rainy, and my cold was getting worse, yes I was ill again. The night before our trip, I had fever but since I waited for this for so long, I can't just back out because of this pesky illness.

The hotel has a ready map for tourists who want to tour the island so after breakfast the following day we were off on our road trip. There were 9 destinations in the itinerary, most of which were hot/cold spring. The part I liked the most was the waterfall. We didn't get to swim though because the water was murky, because of the rain, and the fall was gushing. So we contented ourselves by taking pictures with the waterfall.

Lunch was super. We ate at Kinamot, a local version of Kamayan Restaurant. I love their Calamares and Halaan soup, and their sweet pineapple. One thing I love about these two provinces is their sweet pineapple, I don't get a lot of that in Manila, especially in ADB. Our pineapples are pale yellow, genuinely sour. hehehe

If you're planning to go to Camiguin, you have to allot 3 full days to see everything, that's exclusive of travel time. We were there for two nights and two days and we didn't get to see the nicest destinations in the island. What a pity. It would have been more fun if we have set foot on White Island, Mantigue Island and Mt. Hibok-hibok. The weather didn't cooperate and there wasn't enough time so we had to delight ourselves with what we could get.

We were back at the resort in time for dinner. Our objectives were to get to White Island, buy Pastel and catch the last ferry to CDO. We were planning our itinerary for the following day when I asked one of the waitresses for travel time:

Me: Miss, alam mo gaano katagal ang biyahe from here (resort) to pier?
Waitress: Mag-vavan po kayo Ma'am?
Me: Oo.
Waitress took a deep breath then clasped both hands.
Waitress: Hindi po ma'am eh.

While I was controlling my laughter, I could see Ritchie from my peripheral doing the same. When the waitress left, we all burst out in laughter. At some point there, we all thought she knew the answer. So if I answered "no, we're taking public transport" would she have answered differently? hahaha

We downed one bottle of Absolute Mandarin that night. As usual, Ritchie was the casualty. It's not obvious with the pictures, is it?

Day 3 - Bumpy ride

It rained again the next day so we were not advised to go to White Island. How sad...As I said, abot tanaw na hindi pa rin napuntahan. Towards noon, the rain stopped but the rest of the day was gutsy. Our boat ride to Camiguin was very bumpy. The ship was swaying intensely. The ship behind us had to re-route because it couldn't stand the wind. I was getting uncomfortable, imagining the worst things that can happen to us. I couldn't sleep because I could fall off from my seat. Some passengers were beginning to become restless, standing, walking back and forth. Then we saw a rainbow. Living in the city deprives us of natural wonders such as this. It was beautiful and we were pleased with the site. Our fears vanished and the next thing we know, we were back. Haaayyy...thank God for rainbows.

Day 4 - Last hurrah

We started our last day in CDO early, early as in 5:00am as I got a text from Cebu Pacific informing us that our 1:30pm flight is cancelled. It was a for-your-information message, no explanation why they cancelled, nor an option. When we called, the option they were giving us was to take a flight the next day. Wow! What a great option. When we agreed, but on the condition that they'll pay for all the expenses we'll incur for having to stay an extra day, they booked us on the 5pm flight on the same day. Which we all thought was a good schedule because then we don't have to rush. Case closed.

When we've all finished breakfast, we went to Macahambus park for another adventure - canopy walking and zip lining. We were charged Php250 for both. With Canopy walking, you have to walk on a 154-meter-bridge that is 174 feet above the ground. This one is a no brainer. Zip lining, on the other hand, is quite scary. You have to go back to your starting point zipping. I zipped first, when the guide let me go I screamed my lungs out! It was liberating.
After all this excitement came a text from Cebu Pacific. "Good am. Please be informed that your flight today 5J386 bound for Manila will resume today, same time of departure." Don't you just love how easy they change schedules? We took the flight, nonetheless. Hehehehe

After hoarding Pastel and ham, we left CDO with a smile on our faces and an experience we won't forget. We will be back, but next time we'll do pinoy rafting.

I'm off to a new place tomorrow, at the same time, I'll be scrapping one item in my list of things-to-do-before-I-die.

We're going to Camiguin!!! I've been hearing wonderful things about this place, and thanks to Cebu Pacific, I'm finally going to experience all of it.

We fly via Cagayan de Oro. While in the City, we'll take up white river rafting and canopy walking. I'm never the adventurous type but I guess when as you get older you want to experience all the things that makes life exciting. I hope I muster enough courage to go on with the task because once I'm there, there's no turning back. I will also make sure I bring home their yummy pastel for my friends and family to taste.

After river rafting, we'll proceed to Camiguin for the beach and to visit the famous tourist spots there. We have one full day to stay in Camiguin, I hope that's enough to get acquainted with the Island.

Wat out for gazillion pictures from me in Multiply.

Things to remember when going to the movies alone:


1. Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking men. You wouldn't want to sit next to a weirdo. Hey, it pays to be careful!


2. Pick movies in guaranteed-seats-only cinema then get an aisle seat so in case you're seated next to a freak, you can easily runaway.


3. Buy enough chips and drinks to keep you munching the entire show.


4. Get in 5 minutes before the show so lights are dim. This was actually the part where I felt silliest. I got in 15 minutes before the show so I could watch the trailers of upcoming films, only to realize that the cinema is usually well-lit at this time. I didn't want people to recognize me and see that I'm by myself so I waited by the stairs, walking back and forth, until the lights go dim. The hell with trailers! I don't need to watch trailers. I was never really interested with trailers. While I was there walking back and forth, I saw a group making their way to the cinema. It'll be weird to be seen alone by the satirs, so I went to my seat fast, head down. On second thought, I love trailers! I hate missing trailers.


5. Be ready to laugh or cry by yourself. Jack Sparrow is hilarious so in between I couldn't help but burst with laughter and whenever I'd realize I was alone, I'd cover my mouth in embarrassment.

6. Bring a jacket. There's no human jacket at your disposal.

I made it and I'm so proud of myself!

Each player of this game starts with 6 weird things about themselves. People who get tagged need to write in their blog their own 6 weird things and state the rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

I tag RR, mama carms, vicky, meyj, ritchy, and riz.

6 weird things about myself:

1. I always feel someone is following me. Whenever I'd walk up the first flight of stairs to my house, I always feel I'm being followed. I look back then run up. I only get relieved when I'm actually inside the house.

2. Toothbrush. I bring my toothbrush anywhere I go. Sometimes when I feel I ate too much, I brush my teeth regardless of where I am...in a mall, in a bar, anywhere.

3. I panic everytime I gain a pound. I'm a gym buff and every two weeks I get my weight and body fat. When the scale shows me an extra pound, I panic as I feel I gained a lot.

4. When I pray, I repeat the first line of my prayer at least three times. I start my prayer with Lord thank you for all the blessings, and whenever I'd be distracted I'd say it again regardless of whether I finished my last sentence or not.

5. I want to go on vacation alone. I've always wanted to go on a 3 to 4-day vacation by myself. It's one of the things I want to do before I die. But I still haven't found a place to go to. I'm actually thinking of El Nido or Shangri-La Mactan. I'd like to do a dry run in Tagaytay.

6. I secretly wished I won the last lotto jackpot and made plans on how to spend it. I wish I win in the lotto some other time. But I don't bet so that would be far off.