Why it is unforgettable?

My friend, Weng, started bugging me on taking a vacation away from Bulacan and Cavite since the time she learned that her boss allowed her to take some time off from Dubai.

We searched for places to go until it was decided that it’ll be in Palawan. I was of course excited for it will be my first time to see the famous Palawan. After the hustle and bustle of travel booking, our feet finally set on the island on the day of December 6, 2009.

Weng was agitated by the disappointment and frustrations she got from her other friend. Fortunately she was able to calm down before we set for our first activity.

First day was spent in a city tour. Went to Iwahig prison, crocodile farm (the difference of this from the rest I’ve seen is that this farm got the biggest crocodiles!), baker’s hill (this is my favorite for the ambiance was very nice, it’s like you’re not in the Philippines), Mitra’s ranch, and many others. Not bad for a trip though.

Second day was my favorite. We’ve seen the world’s famous underground river, it was amazing. I was totally entertained by our bangkero, though he is like a recorder for he’s been in the job 16 years of his life. We had our lunch at the beach. We have other co-tourists and somehow we got easily connected with each other. Our trip was spent laughing and talking. Going back to the hotel, I was so tired and sleepy. The others planned on having coffee after doing some shopping. And they have to “force” me to come. (Feeling ko ang arte ko kasi pinilit pa nila ako). After the short shopping, we went out for coffee. Deri, one of the most comedic in our group, treated us not just for coffee but also for an entertainment. He’s a fan of magic and he showed us some of his antics. We had the best afternoon full of laugh and entertainment.

The last day we spent on island hopping. Did snorkeling and a lot of boat rides. Bohol remains to be my favorite. Biased! Haha! The next time I’ll visit Palawan, I want to see El Nido. (grin)

Going back to Deri, he told us that he’s a photographer. But I didn’t know that he’s not just an ordinary photographer. I’ve searched his name in the net, and this is what I found…

Ibarra Deri, a renowned portraitist, is the first photographer to be included in Huwaran Filipino Achievement Awards' Who's Who in the Philippines. Deri (as he prefers to be called) started photography as a simple hobby. He has three college degrees unrelated to photography: a bachelor's degree biological sciences, a masters degree in teaching in biological sciences, and a degree in dentistry. For love of portraiture, he founded the Society of Portrait Photographers of the Philippines. An avid magician, Deri spices up his photography lectures with magic tricks. He owns and operates three photography studios in both Metro Manila and Bicol.

Are you kidding me?! He took these shots for me and my friend…for free!!!

Weekend Getaway

Define a great weekend. Being with your loved ones (family/friends/partners) in a blue-watered paradise, having fun, trying different activities, laughing together, posing at the cameras, chatting nonstop, eating good food – all at a very reasonable price.

For the very first time, our singles dgroup had an out of town vacation. We went to Puerto Galera in Mindoro. It was also my first time in Galera. We planned this trip months ago and thanks to the organizers, we were able to go.

We left Bulacan very early in the morning of Saturday and reached Galera at past 11am. The trip was good, all of us eleven were excited. Days before the trip, we invited some men to join us since we are all girls. SR, IC and Mic became our official bodyguards for the 2-day vacation. Guys, pwede ba ulit namin kayo kunin for the next outing? Hehehe.

Upon reaching the place, IC started to haggle with hotel price. We were able to get nice and inexpensive rooms. It’s not that hot but I still got the best mango-banana shake for the day. (Sorry guys, you tasted a different one the next day). After lunch, we prepared to go on snorkeling. We made some fishy conversations under water with our life-vests and snorkels on. And of course, posing for more water photos. On our way back, the waves started to make friends with us by vigorously shaking our boat! We were frightened at first but later on enjoyed the shaky ride. What I enjoyed most was our conversation during the trip. Jenna, I will always remember you when I see the waves because this is when you proclaimed your “threat” to all of us. Hahaha.

The finale activity for the day is super fun! My first time to ride a banana boat. I was anxious at the start for I really don’t know how it operates. Well actually, the boat looks more like a pencil rather than a banana (hahaha). A motor boat will pull the banana boat and it will twist the banana to turn 180 degrees (called as “drop”) at an unexpected time. The banana riders must let go of the string they’re holding to and fall freely to the water. We had four drops and each drop is a different experience. First drop, yeah it was a first time so it was really a surprise. Second drop, still a surprise but now you’ll be more careful not to drink more sea water. Third drop, yes still a surprise for you don’t know who will you fall on to. Last and final drop, is yet another surprise because you don’t know who will fall on you! And each time we fall, we need to go back to the banana boat – this was a real challenge to us and to the guides. The sun has started to set at the time we had this activity so it was not that burning hot. Banana boat ride is the best experience but the worst too. At one drop I just felt that the sea water is flowing directly to my esophagus! I learned that it’s not easy to ride back to the boat when there’s no one to help you. I got most of my “pasa” from it. Want to ride again? You bet, I will. Hahaha.

After dinner, we walked by the beach and posed again at the camera. There were some night shows but we were never that interested so the group decided to spend the night in our room. We had some games and the Q&A portion where we learned more about each other. I won’t tell anything – confidentiality, hehehe. Girls will be girls – after the games, the ladies spent another hour talking. At about 2am, we finally slept.

At sunrise the next day, we walked to the rocky side of the beach where we had our devotion. Each of us spent a moment of solitude with God, each of us has our own personal message from the Father, and each of us became His messenger to deliver His word to one another. It was a different intimate encounter with our Creator.

Our boat ride back to Batangas made me dizzy because of the strong wind which caused the waves to shake the boat really hard. I had the worst feeling – sweat and nausea attacked me. Thank God, we were able to reach the port safely. Our ride back to our individual home was smooth and safe.

Monet – ang cute ng kakulitan mo, okay sa mga hirit. Thank you sa orange sarong, sa uulitin. Galing mo gumawa ng itinerary. Hupa na ba maga ng eyes mo? Hehehe.

Clarisse – natuloy din tayo! Ayos ba yung birthday gift ko sayo? Hahaha. Peace tayo ha. I enjoyed our short talk going to Malolos.

Jenna – ang mga one-liner mo nagmamarka talaga. Hahaha. Stay beautiful sis.

Cha – galing mo talaga kumuha ng shots. Buti na lang you brought your camera. Isa ka palang “masa” – masandal, tulog! Hehehe. Were you able to let SR sign your form?

Anna Rose – ibang klase ang kakikayan mo sis! You’re the only one – with dangling earrings, shell-necklace and bangles while snorkeling! Thank you for sharing to us what’s in your heart.

Lorna – sis, kahit super pagod ka, super enjoy naman. Bagay sayo ang yellow sundress mo, pang Ms. U talaga.

Ade – for sure super unforgettable sayo ang lakad na ‘to. First time mo to go overnight with us away from home!

IC – my favorite bodyguard dahil sa skills nya sa pangbabarat, dami kami na-save na money. Hehehe.

Mic – isa ka palang “sensitive” na tao at madaming kwento sa buhay . . . pag-ibig. Hahaha. Thank you sa pagbitbit ng bag ko.

SR – thank you for the very rare opportunity that you let me make kwento naman, pero mas madami ka pa ring kwento than me. Haha!

No doubt, it was a great fun weekend. So guys, where’s the next outing?