{Holiday Recap - Day 9, 10 November 2008}

K and I had a great sleep, so waking up at 5am and prepare for the sunrise at the boulevard wasn't that hard to do. The sun wasn't up yet when we reached the boulevard, so we entertained ourselves by watching the group of people doing aerobics. I wanted to join but I was shy at the group, and I was shy at K.

The sunrise was so magnificent. K and I savored the moment and after which we walked back to the hotel. I asked K if we can go back to the park because while we were there last night, the place was jam packed with people. Now, I was able to get greater shots because there were less people. On our way back, we passed by the market just to see the sights, smell the scents, and hear the noises. =) As what I have told K, if there's one place that I consider paradise, it'll have to be the market place. I just love it!

I had cornsilog for breakfast (corned beef), and as I was eating it, I realized I should've had the sausages. Here in the Philippines, different provinces have their own blend for the sausage, and sadly I wasn't able to taste how sausages in Visayas were like (I also didn't have a taste of sausage in Bohol). K and I chilled out for a moment, watch TV and fix some our things, then it was roaming time again.

Since we've seen quite a lot already, it was only the Silliman University that was left on the list. As usual it was back to walking for us, and I got in the University pretty quick, however, K had to talk to the guards first. K said that as long as you have a sweet personality and a smile, you will always go a long way. Very well said. We first checked the church. It wasn't Catholic (it was a Protestant church according to the ex-bf), but I still admired the place. The amphiteather in front of the church was pretty interesting, too, and I asked K if we could sit down for a while because I know ex-bf's daughter studies in the school next to the church. I was just hoping I could see him - maybe to confront him, but we were eating so many time sitting there. We were able to see a quarter of the university, but it was one big university, you need to have a vehicle if you really want to see it whole. The sun was shining way too bright, and K was starting to have a headache, so we decided to take the tricycle back to the hotel.

I was able to see an ad in the university's bulletin board regarding a wildlife preservation parade happening on this day, so I sent a text message to the number on the ad to inquire. The owner of the number was kind enough to respond and tell details, so K and I just lounged at the hotel while waiting for the parade.

From the boulevard, we were informed that the parade will start at the Freedom Park (next to the capitol building). I was happy to know that because we still haven't seen the capitol! =) It took a lot of time before the parade started, but K and I had a blast watching them, especially that chicken mascot who danced and dance as K took a video of them. After the parade, we walked back to the hotel. We passed by the souvenir shop where I bought shirts for my brother and keychain for myself, then we headed to the boulevard. Surprise, surprise... I saw the sculpture of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres! Now, the city tour is complete. I asked K if we can stay at the boulevard until it's sundown, but after a while of lying on the grass K said that the headache is coming back. I let K go back to the hotel, while I stayed in the boulevard to savor my last few hours in the city. Tomorrow it was time to go home, and I am not sure when am I going to see this place again. K went back to the boulevard, and come night time, we walked hand in hand back to the hotel.

We had dinner, went online, and watched the Amazing Race on television before calling it a night. Good night, Dumaguete.

*** Jenn ***

{Holiday Recap - Day 8, 09 November 2008}

I had a hard time going to sleep because I felt so angry with my ex-boyfriend who was supposed to pick us up at the Dumaguete pier. Since the planning of this trip, he has agreed to drive us around town and take us snorkeling near the Apo Island because he's a licensed diver, but right before called it a night last night, the ex-bf said he can't pick us up because his family is on the road because they will be attending a wedding. It was like a ton of bricks fell into my head, and I cannot help but be angry, disappointed, and betrayed.

Day 8 started at 2am, when I heard distinct noises. K was talking on the phone, and I can hear that K was getting angry. I asked K, "Are you okay?" and I got a very cold, "Jennifer, just leave me alone" answer. Hurt at the response I got, I went left and stayed outside to cry. Gloomy has gone to worst - the ex-bf left me hanging and the travel companion didn't want me either. K and I had an argument and didn't speak to each other until the security guard of the resort knocked to tell that the driver was already outside to pick us up. When we were picked up from Dumaluan Beach Resort, we asked the driver to pick us up early this morning to the pier.

K and I remained cold to each other despite the little exchange of talks regarding the boat trip. K started feeling better after a cup of coffee, and although we didn't really talk about the argument we had, K and I seemed to be back in normal. There were still problems back home and K asked if my cell phone can make international calls. We agreed that the minute we arrive in Dumaguete we would have my cell phone loaded with enough credits so an international call can be done.

The windows of the small ship had this polka dot cover that hindered the passengers to get a full view of the sight outside, so I just slept throughout the ride. The fact that I was still irritated with the ex-bf made me disappointed setting foot in Dumaguete, and I am so close to snap, especially when the porters seemed to flock me to ask where were we heading from the pier. I pulled K to the side, put my hands on the K's shoulders, telling that I was feeling so agitated and my patience is running low, so I asked a big favor that K remain calm and composed, and not to go along with how I was feeling because I am about to snap any minute, and I am not really good once I lost all my patience. My siblings can attest to that - in fact, my sister said that she never really wanted to see me angry. Anyway, K agreed to it, and although the porter seemed to rob us by asking way too much money for pullling our luggages out of the pier, I was still able to hold on.

The tricycle driver who approached us telling that the hotel the ex-bf recommended was just near and it would be best to just take his tricycle instead of hailing a taxi was emphatic enough not to feed my emotions. Along the way I was telling the driver how angry I was about the whole situation with the ex-bf and the porter, and he was a good shock absorber (sorry, driver). Pouring some of my negative emotions on him somehow made me feel good, but I was still angry.

After making the call and fixing all the problems back home, K talked to me and asked for apology for the bad treatment. I gladly accepted the apology and we both decided to start on a clean slate and move forward. We ate lunch at the food shop located next to the lobby, and eating my favorite Chicken Inasal somehow fed my soul and made me alright. K and I slept the afternoon away, and went out around 5pm to roam around the city.

We first went to the church and although not a Catholic, K was sweet enough to come with me as I say my prayers and attend mass. After which, we carried on with roaming - checking the plaza and waited for sunset at the boulevard. The city was small and the spots are just near to each other, and although Dumaguete and I started on a wrong foot, I could say that early that I loved Dumaguete more than I loved Bohol. I guess the simplicity and smiles of the people in this city made me feel at home - but of course Vigan is still my most favorite place.

Staying in the boulevard for quite a long time made K and I see lots of interesting characters in the area. People in Dumaguete do value family time, that even if some of the families just sit on the grass area and look at the sea, they have the look of contentment.

We roamed around the city again after eating dinner, and because both of us still lacked on sleep, we decided to call it a night early for tomorrow we shall wake early in time for sunrise.

*** Jenn ***

{Holiday Recap - Day 7, 08 November 2008}

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Before calling it a night last night, K and I had a discussion as to how we were going to spend this day. The local news said that there was a typhoon in Bohol and it was heading Dumaguete. The news made me worried and disappointed a bit, because it completely changed our plans for today. There were two basic options for this day - either get up very early to do the dolphin watching / island hopping that cost 2,500 pesos or check out the resort after breakfast and do part two of the Bohol joyride that cost the same. Should we do option 2, we would ask kuya Ricky (the van driver) to take us to a hotel in Tagbilaran, so it would be easy for us to get to the pier tomorrow for the boat ride going to Dumaguete. K's concernes were, if we do the dolphin thing with this kind of weather, will there be an assurance that the dolphins will be out. Should there be no dolphins, is the resort willing to give back the money paid.

None of those options were realized, because we woke up quite late to start with, and as we walk along the shore to witness a "sunless" sunrise, K said it was probably nice that we didn't do the dolphin / island hopping thing. I thought so, too, although I was told that the island hopping was something one should not miss if you're already in Panglao, but what can we do on a gloomy day like this?

Gloomy might be the word of the day for it was indeed a gloomy day for K and I. While eating breakfast, rain started pouring in, and I just told K how sad I was that I haven't taken a dip at the beach yet! Say what? Oh yes, I still haven't done it, and now I can't because it was way too cold! Back in the room, K said it would be best not to do the joyride as well because it would be weird for us to be checking out tourist spots and have pictures with umbrellas or raincoat. Point well taken, but the problem now is, what shall we do?

K talked to the resort staff and was told that the resort only has room on the beachfront suite which cost around 5,000 pesos a night. We will be spending one more day here in Bohol, and K thought it was an outrageous way to spend a day paying that much. I asked if they have Internet, but was told that there was no connection. Hmmm... good thing K had the number of Paragayo Resort, and that this resort offers free calls within the province, so I was able to call them. I arranged a pick-up around lunch time because that's the check out time at the resort.

Paragayo Resort was a nice resort - very homey, but true to what the driver said when we got to Bohol, the Alona Beach was a few meters away, and we had to walk a few minutes to get there. I told K that I really needed to take a dip even at this beach to satisfy myself that I had taken a dip there. =) Alona Beach was nice, but I didn't like it. The water on the shore was a bit dirty, there were too many boats around, and one must wear slippers or any kind of footwear because there were so many sea urchins in the sea! It made me happy that we stayed in Dumaluan because had we stayed in Paragayo from the start, I don't think I would enjoy it that much. The ambulant vendors along Alona Beach was quite an annoyance as well!

A few minutes in the water, and I was out. K asked if I was hungry, and I said that I was getting hungry. We first checked this German food house, but was turned off with the expensive food they had. We just checked this food place in front of the Paragayo Resort (Powder Keg), and was happy to dine there, because their foods were not only delicious, it was affordable as well. K had the mushroom omelet, while I had the house specialty, the massive burger with strawberry shake. Yum yum!

K and I went to the Intenet Cafe afterwards to check mails and communicate with friends and family. We didn't eat dinner anymore and just slept early for we still have a boat to catch tomorrow.

*** Jenn ***

Inspired by my brother's street food series, I decided to do my own food series for my Food Friday entries. I am not doing street foods - well, not until he is done with it, but from here until I shared it all, I will show pictures of foods from my recent 10-day holiday with my friend K.

K decided to have a late dinner on our first day of holiday. I already had the microwave penne dish from 7-11 a few hours ago, so I just accompanied my friend to the dining area of Las Palmas Resort in Malate, Manila where we stayed at. K chose this dish - shrimp gambaretti because the menu said, "the hottiest shrimps in town." or something to that effect. The word "Hottiest" was what got K interested about it, and sarcastic as we may seem, we were laughing all throughout the meal.

I had a taste of the dish, and it was indeed hot, or I should say, "hottiest." It didn't burn my tongue, but it did make my throat itch and a little irritated. Nevertheless, it was a great tasting dish, perfect with rice!

*** Jenn ***

I was so surprised that it was already 5:30am when I woke up. I checked the view outside and it was no longer dark! I panicked a little because I told myself I will be checking the sunrise today! I hurried to wash my face, brush my teeth and comb my hair and in a few minutes I was already outside! =)

It's already clear, but the sun hasn't fully risen yet, so I was happy to be seeing the sun rising. It made me contemplate about how blessed I was to be in this part of the world, watching a day unfold. Typically at that time I should be in front of the PC blogging and checking tasks, yet on that day, I was seeing one of the best sights anyone could see - the sunrise.

I watched the television when I got back in the room because K was still sleeping. Upon waking up, we fixed ourselves, went to the resort's dining area to eat breakfast then walked along the shore to enjoy the view. This time we went to the left side of the resort, and we were able to reach another resort - Bagobo Beach Resort, I think. A very small and simple resort, if I may say, but looks very homey.

By 9am, the driver - kuya Ricky picked us up at the resort to start the tour. Along the way, we passed by the Our Lady of Assumption Church in the town of Dauis, then afterwards we headed to the capital city - Tagbilaran. While in the city, K asked kuya Ricky to park at the bank so he can have some money changed, but the bank had so many customers, we decided to just check a local ATM by the supermarket so we can also buy water. In the city, I was able to take pictures at the San Jose Cathedral as well as the parade for the Ready-Set-RORO Interisland Race participated by some celebrities. We also passed by the post office where K mailed the postcards bought in Vigan.

After which, we headed to check the Blood Compact Site, also located in the city. It was just in time to eat lunch, so after some pictures at the site, we headed to the town of Loboc, where we ate lunch at the Rio Verde Floating Resto. It was an eat-all-you-can lunch, with a 45-minute ride along the river. Some people doing this had seen monkeys, other checked the tarsier sanctuary, but the ride took us to the Ati Tribe. A nice experience, but quite commecialized, if you ask me.

Kuya Ricky then took us to the Chocolate Hills. There were two places where you can view the hills, and kuya Ricky took us the Carmen Peak, which had the best view of the hills. It was a nice experience, and despite sliding twice because of my slippery slippers which gave my digicam some scratches, I loved the experience. Going down the peak, I spotted some rain from afar, and I told K that we might be having a very wet rest of the tour. My hunch came true as while we were starting to take pictures at the man-made forest, the rain fell. Good thing we already visited the butterfly sanctuary after the chocolate hills. On the way back to the resort, we checked out the Tarsier sanctuary then bought some souvenirs at the Island Tour shop.

We weren't able to check the other sights as we told kuya Ricky that we might be getting his services again tomorrow so we can roam again and check out some more places that we haven't checked. But, seeing the rain falling made K and I skeptic if we would still continue the tour tomorrow. We just told kuya Ricky that we would send him a message should we decide to carry on with the trip tomorrow, because K and I are also planning to check the dolphins and doing the island hop. However, 2500 pesos fee for the island hopping on a stormy day made K cancel it and just stay in the resort the whole day tomorrow.

Something happened before we called it a night - K received a call back home that stirred things up. It was rather personal, but I was just happy that even though K said that the "magic" between us has vanished, we still slept in good terms. I told K that we were on the trip together, and regardless of what happened or what will happen, both of us would stick together and finish this holiday as good friends. K commended me for being able to handle certain situations, which I thought I wasn't able to handle. When we met on the first day, I told K that I am not a person who can handle sudden burst of emotions, so I requested K to be as nice as possible - not just with me, but with the people we will encounter along the way. K told me I was able to handle the situation good, and that made me feel a good friend. I know I didn't do much, but I hope K was able to feel that I am there as a good friend.

At the end of this day, I can only say a prayer of thanks to the Lord for letting me experience all these in one day. By the way, so many places visited but only a few pictures, the rest of the pictures will have to be in my posts for the travel blog, as this entry was just a recap.

*** Jenn ***

ps - The last picture of me at the Chocolate Hills was taken by K. I received an email with this photo and thought I might use it for this post. Thanks for the picture, K!

{Holiday Recap - Day Five, 06 November 2008}

Again, we welcomed another day in the bus terminal in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan. I really feel so sleepy and tired, that even with the loud TV volume, I decided not to come down anymore and just continue with my sleep. I think K was feeling the same way, too, because apart from the "How are you?" questions we always ask each other and the little grunts I gave because of the loud volume, the two of us pretty much didn't talk to each other and concentrated on how are we going to catch sleep.

Viron Transit has two terminals in Metro Manila, and since K and I will be going straight to the airport from the bus terminal, I thought it would be appropriate that we take a taxi from their Manila terminal. We arrived in their terminal around 6:30am, and immediately, we hailed a taxi going to the airport.

Traffic was building up, but we managed to get to the airport quick. K booked the flight at Cebu Pacific Airlines, so we have to be in the Terminal 3 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The terminal is separated from the main airport, and it would be both our first time there, so we depended on the taxi driver's knowledge to take us there. I have been in the main airport a few times, but this was the first time I entered an actual airport. We lounged in the main lobby for a while, and I was telling K how stinky I was because I still haven't changed clothes and K said that if people would complain about how we smell, then that's their problem. With that, I decided not to change clothes anymore. Come to think of it, this thing makes my first flying experience truly one of a kind.

I am starting to feel hungry, so when the janitor said we can check in our bags and get our boarding pass even if it's only 7am (our flight was noon time), we checked-in right away so I can eat my breakfast. I first bought a tuna turnover and a cup of coffee at Mister Donut, but the turnover wasn't enough to ease the feeling. I bought chickenjoy meal at Jollibee, and eating it made me feel better.

K caught up with sleep while I phoned person after person to ask for prayers. As excited as I was to fly, I still feel scared and paranoid about it. By 11:30am we went to the gates to check in for the flight and wait for the flight. I told K that I was happy to be getting a window seat, meaning I could take pictures from the plane. K answered with, "Not if you were seated by the wing." Oh no! By 12:20pm, the plane flew to Tagbilaran, Bohol.

True enough, I was seated by the wing. But it was just fine, at least I could still see the view. Cell phones and laptops weren't allowed to be used in the plane, but none of the crew talked to me about using my digital camera, so I just snapped and snapped. The flight wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. For one, the kids behind me were fighting who's going to sit on the window seat to check the view, and at times the parents were trying to check the view as well. A good bonding moment for the family, but they were really getting annoying! Add to the discomfort that it was high noon, it was quite hot, and the white, bright clouds made my head ache a bit. I wanted to have a drink, but my bag was in the compartment, and I cannot buy from the airline crew because my wallet was in my bag, too! I felt so jealous when K was gulping some water. =( There were also some turbulence when the plane cut through the clouds. It was shaky, and my head was aching more and more. The landing didn't help as well, I seriously didn't love the feeling as the wheels of the plane touch the ground. Despite that, I was happy to have survived my first plane ride. It was just over an hour ride, but I am so thankful to the Lord for letting K and I arrive in Tagbilaran safe and sound.

We had no choice but to get a taxi from the airport going to the resort of our choice. My head is still aching (it's like having its own "heartbeat"), but I was excited with the fact that I am already in Bohol. Our choice resort was the Paragayo Resort in Panglao, but the driver said that the beach was quite far from that resort and we still have to walk should we want to see the beach. He recommended that we stay in Dumaluan Beach Resort because it had a nice view of the beach and we didn't have to walk far. I asked K's decision, and we came to a decision to go with the driver's recommendation.

The scene at the resort's reception wasn't a good one because we didn't realize that the cheapest room they have (1,300 pesos a night) didn't have hot and cold shower, didn't have television, and there will be no free breakfast. The staff recommended that we stay at their deluxe room (2,150 pesos a night) so we can have the above mentioned amenities. Even before this trip, I was told that K will shoulder all hotel / resort accomodations, and I surely want to get the room with tv and all that, but I am not the one paying for it, so I asked K for an opinion. I got a "Whatever you want" answer, but I want to be definite because I don't want K to think that I am "robbing" some money for getting the much expensive room. There was a little argument of sorts and the staff had asked me to talk to K first and get back to the desk with the decision.

In the end we decided to get the deluxe room. I felt bad, yes, that halfway through the holidays, K and I are already having problems. But, I guess disagreements are part of every relationship and our friendship is solid enough to overcome that. Both of us had aching heads, and it made us a little weak to handle certain situations. After we refreshed ourselves, change into new clothes, K and I decided to move forward and forget the not so good episode that happened a while back. We walked along the shore talking about what happened, and it made us appreciate each other more. We are friends, yes, no amount of disagreements would break that friendship.

The Bohol Beach Club is just next to the Dumaluan Beach Resort, so K and I took pictures there as if we were staying at the BBC. A room at the BBC certainly cost so much, so we enjoyed taking pictures there as much as we want. K and I are different indivuals when it comes to photography, and although there were times that I would ask K for a shot or two, I either depend on myself or K's tripod to take my pictures. It was a cloudy day (brother said there was a news report that a typhoon is heading our way), so we didn't have a good sunset shot, but seeing that the sun was setting quite far from where we were, we thought that the sunrise would be near the resort where we were at. That's something to look forward to.

We had dinner at the resort's dining area, I had chicken barbecue and K had the DBR specialty. Both food tasted great, and both of us wanted to try that DBR specialty when we get back home. As of this writing I still haven't tried it. Hehehe. Anyway, night swimming is not allowed in the beach, so I just took a dip at the pool. K tried to take a dip as well, but the water was very cold. In the end K just sat on the bench and look out for me and my things.

Before calling it a night, I made a call to the driver Teacher Emmy (my brother's friend and now my co-sister at Singles for Christ) recommended for the day trip around Bohol. We came to an agreement and he will pick us up at the resort tomorrow around 9am. To be in tip top shape, K and I need to have a good night sleep.

*** Jenn ***