Road Trippin' Mindanao

March 18-22, 2015

I was over the moon when I received an invitation from a good, old friend living in the southernmost part of the Philippines. I know it will be one heck of a 5-day road trip.

On flight day, I was supposed to travel with a buddy but she cancelled the last minute with the reason of her parents being "skeptical" about the town's safeness, I am too, but I boarded the plane anyway.. 

It was a very fine day when I landed at Francisco Bangoy International Airport. I instantly saw this gorgeous lady waving at a distance, widely smiling. =) My friend, welcomed me with open arms. I'm finally at her beloved hometown... I tagged her "Road Princess" mainly because at an average of 5 hrs of travel a day, visiting their business branches around the province, she doesn't seem to get tired at all. She is just one amazing lass.

And then, the adventure begins!

Going places around Mindanao means getting your butt sore. Sitting for long hours in a car until you reach your next destination, it was a bit tiring but was all worth the soreness and boredom. =D 

DAVAO

When you're at the city proper, you should not miss to dine at Bulca Chong and try their specialty Bulcachong Buffalo Stew! (not pictured). It was, according to my friend, manginginom's favorite. They eat it after the inuman session to help them sober up.

Samal Island would be a no-brainer  if you want to go beach-bumming. You can choose among the many resorts to stay in. If you're not in a tight budget, check into Pearl Farm Beach Resort, it is one of the famous resorts in the island.

Gretch planned to bring us there overnight but since, we're only 2, we just settled in at the nearest resort, the Paradise Island, to indulge in some good food for lunch.

SOUTH COTABATO

I never imagined myself setting foot in one of the danger zones of Mindanao (or at least what we've been thinking all along). I was also in doubt when Gretch sent me the itinerary but she's been here and she assured me that we'll be safe. I'm glad I did trust her, I love the thrill and the experience! =D

I love ziplines! when I learned that we'll go ziplining over Lake Sebu falls, I was overjoyed, like a kid given a lollipop! =) It was 600 ft above the ground, the first one was 700m long and the shorter one was 400m.

We had lunch on Punta Isla Lake Resort's floating restaurant, which had cruised along Lake Sebu's fish pens. It was hosted by a group of T'boli's. While having our meal, they treated us with some entertainment featuring their traditional music and dance. We also got to know a bit about Lake Sebu and T'boli tribes' history from the host's story-telling.

Punta Isla Lake Resort's floating restaurant.

SULTAN KUDARAT

My heart raced when I was told about the highway going to Maguindanao. As we know, Maguindanao is where the brutal Ampatuan massacre took place and it wasn't that far! I was scared to death at that moment and I'm wearing an Army shirt! Stupid me! 

During the night, check points are all over the place, inspecting vehicles one-by-one. It's just so uncomfortable, you will feel the tense and that, threat is just somewhere waiting to happen. 

The grand Provincial Capitol. It is beautifully lighted at night but I was just too tired to take pictures (a regret) the first time we passed by. We stopped by the next day before we head back to Davao though. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we didn't had the chance to see the interior.

The Golden Sultan

If you also happen to be in Isulan, you should try Bidz Inasal and buy some cakes and pastries at Le Gre' just beside the resto.

SURIGAO DEL SUR

Tinuy-an falls is located in a humble town of Bislig, Surigao Del Sur. 

We took a raft and plunged into its refreshing waters right after eating our late lunch. We then climbed up for the second tier falls and it was lovely! There are affordable cottages you can rent and bathroom for shower.

My aqua shoes over the falls

And the best one yet, was perhaps, the Enchanted River. Underwater pictures just doesn't give it justice, you have to see it first-hand to truly appreciate this hidden gem. But I do hope it won't get abused by the local government and the tourists as well.

Feeding time occurs at exactly 12 o'clock in the afternoon. A bell ring signals the visitors to get out of the water and the start of fish feeding. A relaxing music plays at the background. And when all the fish comes altogether, they throw in the fish pellets. 

I stayed at the shallow part near the cave opening. It is just unbelievable! you're like inside a huge aquarium only there's no glasses surrounding it. I took photos and videos to my heart's content 'til my camera's battery dies on me.

Mindanao have so much to offer. I do hope our Government will do something to boost tourism in places such as these, ensuring as well, the visitor's safety.  

It was a thrilling 5-day summer vacation. All thanks to our Princess! =)

I would love to try paragliding in Saranggani next time. =)

Micro Summer Vacay 2015

February 19-22, 2015

Off to Baguio City to make most of our time with the Alimodian family who are, in less than 7 months, migrating to Canada.

Sitio Pungayan, or also known as La Presa, becomes an instant popular destination especially among the avid followers of ABS-CBN's favorite telenovela, "Forevermore". People flock the said shooting location most of the days.

 Souvenir Shirts were available at the site and we also met this charming little local in traditional Igorot costume. You will be charged of a fee on taking photographs with the "La Presa" banner (not pictured).

There were just a few group of people when we arrived at about 7 in the morning, so we got to enjoy the location and had extra time to explore. Walk further and you'll get to see this panoramic view.

We revisited the usual attractions in the City of Pines over the course of two days: Rollerblading with the kids at Burnham Park, Strawberry-picking at La Trinidad, Hot choco tasting at Choco-late de Batirol, Thrill-seeking at Tree Top Adventure, and just goofing around at The Mansion.

Team Alimodian enjoying some corn and sunshine at Mine's View Park. We will surely miss the company of this wonderful family. 

Gandara getting caught on camera by ABS-CBN crew for our Music Video =D

Calamansi-picking and veggie-harvesting at the farm. And the icing on top of the cake, a boodle fight! =D

Island-Hopping Zambales

April 12-13, 2014

Summer isn't complete without throwing yourself into the beach! So, let's hit the road...

Good thing, one of our colleagues, invited us in his home, accommodation and food is free! =)

San Antonio, Pundaquit Bridge

 A simple stone-balancing art(?) at Camara Island

The mandatory group jumpshot at Capones Island 

Other tourists 

 Enjoying the black sand at Anawangin Cove's long shore

Calm waters is calming... =) 

The Simple Life: Just waiting for the sun to set beautifully.

PS&MIS Team Palawan Tour 2013: Day 2

From El Nido, we traveled back to Puerto Princesa for Underground River Tour (It is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World! -a must-see!)

We were in a convoy of 6 vans and I'm on Van#5. I just love my Van mates! We had a great time together and there are some unforgettable moments along the way. =)

We took a break from the dusty, rough and curvy road. Had a few minutes of picture-taking at the Karst Mountain.

While waiting for our turn, we ate our lunch while others bought halo-halo, shakes and cold refreshments to fight off humidity. We also had an opportunity for a photo shoot! 😄

When we're about to go on a boat, it began to rain which made some of my peers worried for their non-waterproof cams. We bought disposable rain coats which cost us P50 each just to see the rain stop as we took off.

After 20 minutes or so, we finally reached the island where the underground river is. It is nice to see  some foreigners - most of them old, visit the famous tourist destination. 

The Cave's Entrance. 

Everybody is required to wear a life jacket and protective hat when entering the cave. When looking up at the cave's ceiling, close your mouth because as the tour guide says, there are only two things that could drop from there: holy water or holy shit! =D

Inside, you will admire the formations of stalagmites and stalactites along the 1.5 Km cruise. The weird sound made by bats and birds that inhabits the cave echoes. The tour guide's way of showing the formations is also fun! It's just amazing how they knew where the formations are exactly at, considering the darkness throughout the tour.

Before our flight back to Manila, we stopped by at a souvenir shop then our heads treats us for dinner at Kinabuchs Restaurant, just 5 minutes away from airport.

To sum it all up, the whole team enjoyed the camaraderie and the opportunity to have a good time with each other's company in one memorable outing.

Our team would like to thank Joy and her sister, Ann, for the assistance in organizing this event and for taking good care of us during our stay in Palawan and of course to our drivers for the safe, fun and fast ride! =D

PS&MIS Team Palawan Tour 2013: Day 1

MSI-ECS PS&MIS Teambuilding 2013
Puerto Princesa & El Nido, Palawan
April 12-14, 2013

Before it happened, we've gone through a series of meetings just to make this ambitious team building a reality. Spearheaded by our AVP, everyone agrees to join in the summer fun. It's not easy because firstly, it is expensive and secondly, with the compressed itinerary, it seems really exhausting. We had doubts but no matter what, we made it happen!

Behold, the convincing power of Sir Tom! =)

From rented Jeepney, Coaster, Bus...  now, a Plane!
The 41 of us took Zest Air, while the remaining 16 takes Air Phil.

There were delays on both flights due to runway/air traffic at the airport. But finally, we all touched down safely at Puerto Princesa! We traveled straight to El Nido. The road is dark and bumpy. And there sure are lots of curves! It's a roller coaster ride!

We gather up at Robinson's Palawan by around 10:30 PM.

We don't supposedly have an accommodation but at the last minute, our heads decided to rent a transient house. Thanks to our travel agent, we found one! But the challenge is, there are only 3 rooms and 1 CR! It's impossible to accommodate everyone but it's better than having nothing at all...

By 9:00 AM, we began our Island Tour. Our first destination: Small Lagoon. 

The rock formations are majestic and the water is calm and clear. It's better to rent a kayak when exploring the small lagoon.  

Our second destination: Big Lagoon

The Big Lagoon's exit...

Next up: The Secret Lagoon

You have to pass through a small hole to get inside the secret lagoon.

You might not get in if the tide is high.

  

We had our lunch at Shimizu Island, on the buffet table: rice, sliced tomato, cucumber and onions, buttered shrimp, chicken adobo, grilled fish (of different varieties), pinakbet, banana, sliced red and yellow watermelon.

We also shot some clips for our team building official video here. 

We spent the rest of the day snorkeling and bonding at the Helicopter Island
(the island can be seen at the end of the movie "Bourne Legacy")

Marvel the beauty of Helicopter Island!

Aqua shoes, snorkeling gear and underwater camera is a MUST-HAVE when you take a tour around El Nido's magnificent Islands =) Enjoy your visit!