Alluring Anvaya

Summer is just around the corner and typically as with every company I've been in, we have the annual company outing or what we call Employee Appreciation Day in this company. This year, it was a little bit early because we will be celebrating this together with the company's 6th year anniversary. So come March 30 we trooped ourselves to the office at 4:00 in the morning (goodness!) since Anvaya Cove (Bataan) is a good 4-hour drive away. Our team (SDG Acctg) boarded the last bus (because as with typical outing tradition we have another team emergency - Lawson went down, and we had to attend to it before we while the day away at the beach). We had our breakfast at the bus (Sausage McMuffin with egg and Vitwater) and then we promptly took a nap.

We arrived at the resort at around 10am (4am departure became 6am). Of course everybody is there already. So we checked out the resort while TMG preps the crowd for the program. The rest of the morning was spent on games (teambuilding activities). I tell you doing games at my age is not that fun anymore especially when the beautiful waters beckons. Nevertheless, I still joined and was tasked to go around the resort and capture each area (pardon the pictures, we were running around at the time since the game has a time constraint).

Seahorse Kiddie Village

Pools of Anvaya

Beach Front

Pawikan Beach Bar and Grill

Main Pavillion

The Bath House

We lost the game but who cares anyway. After the games, lunch was served. And since we were the last to arrive, we're the last to line up in the buffet as well. Food was so-so, nothing spectacular. And with the wind blowing some sand and whatnots into our food, it wasn't much of a pleasurable experience.

After lunch, we're free to explore the resort by ourselves. There's a spa right by pool but I couldn't comment on it since I wasn't in the mood for some massage right then. Oh man, the place was scorching hot! And since I didn't bring my suit, I just lazed beside the pool baking in the sun (I came out well done, haha). The pool looks inviting though but I really can't take a dip. We had a volleyball game after (it was hard playing beach volleyball, with the heat, sand and all so after a few hits, we decided to call it quits). One gripe about the place though is that you had to buy or avail of services using script money the lowest denomination that you could buy is P200. It sort of worked like a gift check so the change won't be returned plus you have to buy it at the Pawikan Bar and Grill which is a long trek from the poolside. But I was sweaty and I wanted to take a bath so I bought some script money and rented a towel (for 50 bucks). Afternoon snacks were served then, and then it's time to go home. The day was a waste for me, not so much because of the place (it was a beaut!) but because I wasn't able to take a dip and the day was really, really hot so there!

Some guy I pickep up at the resort. Kidding! He's my best bud from the team.

Independence Day

For the next two months I will be staying at my friend's place in Pasig. Ok, commute would be hell, riding the cab alone would cost me most of my lunch money. But reconnecting with my friend would be all worth it plus she says she needs me there so enough said. Plus, I get to practice some independence and learn to do household chores to boot.

So yesterday, I eagerly packed my things and went over. The place was even more far than I expected and so... provincial. You cannot go anywhere without forking over at least 50 bucks for the trike. Oh well, I guess we can't just have it all. On the other hand, my friend's place looks awesome - just big enough for us and cozy. The place is tastefully decorated, with just enough furnitures so as not to overpower the rooms. We have one bedroom (which we will share), a living room, a dining room and kitchen, a wash room and t&b - not bad for a 40sqm something unit. Palmdale has it's own laundry shop, convenience store and water refilling station, pretty much everything we need (except for gas which we forgot to order so we had to live by fastfood and bread and canned goods for a day or two). We could also take a dip at their swimming pool but that's for another day as we still have some preparing the house to live in to to do.

So after eating lunch and resting for a bit, we went back to the mall to get some groceries and industrial fan (both of us not used to airconditioning when we sleep). This is when we found out about the trike fare btw. Cab fare from Megs was P110 - a lot cheaper than the trike fare definitely. After a long, tiring day, welcome to our humble abode.

Sex and the City (And now there were four...)

It's been so long since the last time we've been together - the last one was a very short one at that. We used to spend every day together just hanging out - sharing memories and laughter. Ten years past, and here we are together again. We still enjoy each other's company, we still like the same things, w still talk like there's no tomorrow, laugh at each other's silliness. And yet somehow we are different.

There are only four of us now instead of the original six (GIRLYS combined from the 3rd letter of our first names). One of us just got back from Singapore for good after living there for a good two years. She has one kid, a smart girl who's getting prettier by the day. It's also good to know that after years of searching, she's found someone whom she could spend the rest of her life with. Another just gave birth to a cute, little boy. Although the love life's a bit turbulent now, I'm sure (and she confirms it) that the kid was all worth it. Now she has someone whom she could love fully and be loved back unconditionally. One has a nice, little family of her own already. A fully reformed husband and three adorable kids (two of whom share the same birthday and no they're not twins). Although life has been difficult, I'm glad that they were able to survive everything intact (sorry you missed this). And then there's me. Coming from a bad breakup with my college sweetheart recently, I'd say I bounced back prettily. I now have a loving honey who mean the world to me. No, I don't have a kid yet, but my friends' kids are enough for now. We are all still the same - the charming one, the mother figure and the baby.

"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."~ Richard Bach

Eating ExotiK (and Paete Church)

Facade

We were at Caliraya Lake over the weekend jsut twiddling our thumbs. With nothing to do and almost at our wits end, we decided to go out and brave the highways. There are a lot of things Laguna is famous for - Liliw for its pretty slippers, Paete for its woodcrafts, Pagsanjan for the falls, but since we were just commuting we chose Paete being the nearest one. We got lucky this time since we were just walking along the highway for a few minutes or so when a jeep going to Sta. Cruz passed by. We got off at Lumban and boarded a jeep going to Siniloan asking the driver to drop us at Paete Church , one of the famous landmarks in Paete.

The Church

Again, when we arrived here, we were disappointed as the Church was camouflaged in a residential area. A pity because this is the only church that has character that I’ve ever seen so far (and I’ve seen quite a few) but the atmosphere is pretty much wasted when you can see laundry hanging’s protruding from its walls (they were not the priest’s clothes, mind you, but there’s a house just behind the church which pretty much destroyed the mood).

The Painting

Wooden Image

The Friar's Pulpit

Domed Ceiling

The Altar

We were also expecting woodcrafts displayed right outside for sale but there were none. Sad to say, this is one tourist spot neglected by the local government. It would have been nice if the place was hyped up just a little to attract tourists. It could have generated additional income for the municipality. Oh well, we’re hardly in the position to do that anyway so moving along.

Enlightened

Next stop is Exotik Restaurant along Kalayaan Highway . Fortunately, this one was near enough that we could ride a tricycle instead of waiting for a jeepney (boy, jeepneys are so rare this side of Laguna and commuting was really, really hard). A quick glance at the place and our spirits immediately lifted. This is what we were looking for – some place where there are people aside from the locals. Landscape is great, ambiance is great, tourist hype great! Just at the entrance is a gift shop where you could buy pasalubong. Things are a little bit pricey, but what the heck, we missed the places where tourists are welcome, so we indulged in a little bit of shopping. One thing of note are the cute bags being sold at P3,500 and up (wish I could post the pics - I didn't buy any coz I'm not into bags and they are a little too girly for me).

Peek-a-Boo!

I was a little hungry by then so I pulled my boyfie from his shopping to look for a free table. On the way up were animals on display, different kinds of birds and fishes but hunger calls so we just passed them by. This restaurant is known for its exotic dishes, hence the name, so we decided to try one

Adobong Palaka sa Tuyo

(frog adobo sa tuyo). We also ordered gatang kuhol and pako

Ginataang Kuhol at Pako

(no not the nails. Pako is a fern as I understand which is not available so we had it replaced with kangkong instead).

Exotic Feast

Coolers

How to eat kuhol

1. coax the meat out of the shell by sucking

2. get the meat with a toothpick

Burp!

While waiting for our order, we decided to visit Samantha, the famous black snake that is said to be the lucky charm of the owner. Boy, it was huge! And the color makes it real scary.

Scary Samantha (sorry, wrong python)

After eating, we decided to check out the rest of the place.. There are a few more animals upstairs - monkeys and a couple of rabbits.

Exotik

Bridges

It was great going out for a little bit. We were starting to feel a little bit gloomy and the visit to Exotik Restaurant brought us back to our vacay mood. Hurray to Exotik!

Sunset along the way

Starting Summer at Caliraya

Lagos by the lake

Stop number 2 is at Lagos del Sol Resort in Cavinti, Laguna ( Caliraya Lake ). We were there last weekend (3days, 2nights so we won't be "bitin" this time). Going there was a lot more challenging. We went to LRT-Buendia to board a bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna (Greenstar Express). It was a long ride to say the least (Sta. Cruz was a good 2 hrs away from Calamba, I think). Then we went to the terminal to ride a jeep going to Lumot (that's another 1.5hrs wait for the jeep to get full aside from the 30min+ travel again to Lake Caliraya ). So we should have brought our own transpo instead, but both of us (me and my boo) barely knew how to drive so we pretty much have no choice but to brave the waters (or the heat as the case may be).

Blue Skies

We arrived at the resort all sweaty and sticky from the long ride. We were promptly given a room at the far end of the resort. The place was eerily quiet and empty. We saw a couple of families staying there with us (both of which we didn’t see again until the last day of the weekend). We pretty much stayed at the room on the 1st day. We rested our weary souls and ordered some room service (grilled tilapia and plain rice). But first things first, there’s no signal for sun cellular there so were pretty much incommunicado while we’re at the resort which to our dismay only emphasized our isolation from the world – a fact which both of us don’t find appealing. Needless to say, we called it an early night.

Hanging Out at the Recep

Lonely Tree

(view from our room)

Lagos at dusk

We woke up early next morning to the sound of the rain outside. Swimming early in the morning is out (yes, we can swim thru the rain but we’re pretty much up a mountain and the breeze was a little cold especially in the morning so we decided to skip it). Breakfast was tocino, daing na bangus (milkfish), scrambled egg, garlic rice, coffee and pineapple slices. Serving was good enough for 4.

Breakfast in bed

By noon, we were really bored out of our mind so we decided to brave the outside and do a little bit of sightseeing just to pass the time (we went to see Paete church and had lunch at Exotik Restaurant). It turned out to be a good decision since we enjoyed our mini DIY tour. We returned to the resort with raised spirits. We wanted to swim but alas! It rained again. Nevertheless, we weren’t as bummed as before about that since we already had our fun outside so it’s all good.

Clear Skies

Tricycle Ride

For dinner we were to choose from their menu, 1 soup, 1 vegetable dish, dessert and 2 main courses. We picked mushroom soup, pinakbet, buco sherbet, grilled tilapia and Lagos chicken (fried chicken dipped in ketchup – sounds ordinary? it is.) This was supposed to be our lunch since the package includes breakfast and lunch or dinner. We were also served our welcome drinks (sago’t gulaman).

Under the shade

Looking Up

On our last day, well, you guessed it; there was rain again in the morning. And since it was our last day at the resort and we went there to cool down from the heat of Manila, we went ahead for a swim anyway after breakfast of tocino, pork and chicken adobo, scrambled egg, garlic rice, coffee and a couple of bananas. We had the pool to ourselves.

Inviting waters

The pool wasn’t quite cleaned up – maybe because there were only a few of us staying at the resort at the time and cleaning it up regularly would be a bother. It wasn’t that bad anyway. This is when we saw the other families staying here as well – all of them doing water sports which we cannot afford because they’re frightfully expensive. Oh, what a relief! We were starting to think that this is an abandoned resort or something. Anyway, pretty soon it was time to pack our things. We requested for a late checkout (‘til 2 pm) which they accommodated easily enough (probably since there’s nobody to occupy to rooms at any rate). We ordered lunch. Same choices, we picked chopsuey, grilled liempo and crispy chicken (which we packed for baon) this time. And then it’s time to go.

All packed up!

By the fountain

Stairway to heaven

Under the trees

Feel the breeze

Right where we started

Hitchiking by the highway (waiting for a ride)

Overall, it wasn’t the best weekend and we were pretty much disappointed the whole time (only redeeming quality was the hospitality of the people and the food – huge servings and the best grilled tilapia). Caliraya Lake is romantic. The resort looked nice, landscape was awesome, and has lots of amenities. However, I can’t help but think that the place is a has-been already. It must have been wonderful once but now there’s the air of neglect surrounding the resort. From the big restaurant with no people dining in it, the fitness room with the equipment forming cobwebs here and there, the closed gift shop, closed pool bar, not operating Jacuzzi – one can’t help but wonder at the waste of it all. This place could have been great and with just a few marketing strategies could be revived. We truly hope that whoever owns the resort would come around and do something about the place and not save the beauty that is Caliraya Lake . IJM here signing out.

Watchtower

New Year at Island Cove

This is my long overdue post about our vacay to Island Cove last Dec. 2008.
We (me and my then-just-friend-now-boyfriend) availed of the Romantic Escape Package (P4,500 for an overnight stay*) at Island Cove in Cavite. Going there was easy. We rode a bus going to Baclaran (from EDSA), got off at Coastal mall then boarded one of the minibuses parked alongside the mall and voila!

To go to the reception, we had to walk over a rickety bridge where you can see tons of garbage dumped on the water. This is not a good start but well I don't suppose they'll make us swim in that water so we just ignored it. The receptionist was very accomodating. We were supposed to check in at 2pm but we got there an hour early.
After a little bit of rest, we headed to Animal Island. There's nothing much to see, there's some ostriches, wild pig, ostriches, birds, ostriches (so there were a lot of ostriches), tigers, peacocks and a butterfly garden (with no butterflies). After taking pictures of the more interesting animals, we headed to the crocodile sanctuary. Boy, there were a lot of crocodiles and they were separated according to age. It soon got pretty boring and there were no action so we soon headed out.

Honey at Animal Island

We didn't avail of the 15-min horse drawn carriage ride and the souvenir photo (it was supposed to be taken with the crocodiles but we're already out and too tired to go back). We boarded the electric tram and went to have dinner at the Fishing Village. We wanted to have a go at fishing but nobody was there to ask so we just went ahead and ordered some food.

Fooling around in front of the camera while waiting for food.

After dinner we went upstairs (Patron) to get our free cocktail (Weng-weng) before calling it a day.

Cocktails, anyone?

First thing the following morning, we went to Oceania Water Park (we went there to swim, after all). The pool was huge with tall slides.

Oceania Water Park

After swimming, we went to grab some breakfast (buffet at Sangley Point) but first we dropped by the giant chess on the way.

Prepare to fire!

Me at the giant chess

Breakfast sweets

After breakfast, we headed to Island Spa to avail of the free massage included in the package. We took a shower first (we haven't taken one after our dip in the pool) then we were ushered to the foot massage area for some foot scrub and then to our rooms for the massage (hilot). Massage was so-so, ambiance was great.

Me at the spa

After the massage, there was barely enough time to pack our things. Overall, it was great but it was also kind on "bitin". Overnight was not enough for the package itself, let alone if we throw in a few hours of just hanging out. Oh well, next time we'll just have to add another night then. Juice here signing out.

Happy!

*Romantic Escape Package includes room accommodation, breakfast for two, scented candles, cocktails drinks for two, entrance to the Animal Island, 15-minute ride in a horse drawn carriage, entrance to Oceania Water Park, use of hotel pool and jacuzzi, body massage for two at Island Spa, romantic gift, souvenir photo, complimentary bottled water, unlimited internet access to any of their wifi zones and use of electric tram.