Fat Choi Getaway

  While the rest of the Chinese world celebrated their new year, I never had the slightest thought of basking on the warmth of my room. I wanted to see mountains and feel the coolness of water. Of course I would never find that at the beach. Only one place crossed my mind. Panibasan - the place I visited when I was still a college student.

Boracay Experience: A Profound Gift

From a student's perspective

        It was once a dream, far from becoming a reality. But it did.

       The moment we received the DepEd advisory announcing the venue of the 4^th National English Jazz Chants Festival, our heart never stopped the rush of beat. Maybe from excitement, maybe from fear of the competition, or maybe from the series of endless and exhausting rehearsal ahead. Our efforts have finally paid off. Here we go to the best travel of our lives.

            I could still remember moments when I pointed my finger on the sky and tried to imagine what it feels like being there. Now I could feel it the moment I stepped on the air plane. Chill ran through my spine. I grasped the hand of my co-performer as though it was the last moment of our lives.  The “fasten your seatbelt” sign was on and there went the surge of force as the machine moved forward with all its might. We did not breathe until it lifted itself, until the distant houses looked like candies, until the highways looked like thread, until Mt. Apo was on the level of my altitude.

Britania Islands, San Agustin: On My Pace

It was during the morning time that we can say that God brought us at the right resort. It was so beautiful and remote. The sand was white and you could enjoy amenities such as swimming pool. They have also a natural cave within the resort where one could explore though it may not be so big.

Enchanted River, Surigao Sur: On My Pace

Waking up in a room with a window overlooking a hundred year-old trees with a breakfast served at a table was a reason enough to celebrate for yet another day. The pools were inviting but we didn't had much time then. Destination this time: Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao Sur.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao Sur: On My Pace

        I have gone to this place last two months ago but so many places were left unexplored since I couldn't deviate from the my group's itinerary. This time I will rediscover the treasure on my own pace. This time I have all the freedom to stay and seize the moment.
       Though the weather may be a little angry with its endless showers, still we continued with our journey. Departing from Tagum City at 7:00 A.M., we arrived at Bislig City at 11:00 AM and took our lunch. Afterwards there went our trail towards Tinuy-an Falls. If the seven falls of Lake Sebu boasts of its powerful gushing water, this Tinuy-an declares its dominance when it comes to its expanse. This is appropriately likened to Niagara falls. Dongon falls of Lake Sebu's expanse could be multiplied into six falls. That's how wide it is. 

Discovering Lake Sebu

Hearing news and watching documentaries about how rich my land is not enough. Living by its promise as it is called the Land of Promise doesn’t enrich my soul to the fullest. Discovering its treasures with my own naked eyes and tiresome feet is the only thing that can satisfy my longings. So I set to travel the often-neglected gems by my fellow Mindanaoans.

Lake Sebu as I heard it boasts of its culture. So I started my one-day travel to that place not with luxurious car or public vehicle but with just a single motorcycle. Excitement begins here.

A treasure trove called Mt. Apo

          Nature’s beauty is so vast to behold yet only few ones were given the chance to witness its beauty. Being one of the lucky ones, I cannot contain the richness of my experience so I have to share it with you.

            I once imagined myself bathing on a sauna luxuriating together with the elite of the society and rejuvenating myself in the artificial warm vapor. But as I did, reality set in. My fantasy is still far from where I am now.

            Good news from a friend came to me that a natural sauna lies in nature. That was when I embarked on a journey early in the morning, expecting to arrive at the foot of the Philippine’s highest peak, the Mt. Apo, before noon.

            Traveling with just motorcycle with the hours running fast, I watched the rolling verdant mountains on our way to Digos City. Anxiety filled my heart because it was almost noontime when we passed Bansalan and I asked myself, “Where could that sauna be? Is it still far?”