Charmed by Camotes Island

Some places are so beautiful, the heart longs so much to call it home.

Camotes Island was home to us for four days - which was time enough during planning, but then of course the real experience could not be quantified by hours or days. 
 

 The Camotes Four – my boyfriend Ramil, my sister Ana, me and my colleague and friend Dhang

We caught an early morning Saturday flight to Cebu, which meant that we were up at the wee hour of three. This was not a problem, really. We were excited for this trip. But for Coach, it was an excitement for the unknown. Poor boy did not have time to do the Google. But then it was good, too. The moment of truth came and he was the most awed!

At eight in the morning, we were in Cebu. We were met at the airport by Mang Javier, who is an extreme sports enthusiast, as we learned from an hour and a half worth of talkies all the way to Danao Port. People are so naturally interesting, and we took advantage of Manong's warm responses. He told us that he enjoyed Motocross and Airsoft. Well, taob ang hobbies namin! 

 Danao port was very organized and clean!

We arrived at Danao Port and learned that we had a couple of hours to kill before our Camotes-bound ferry leaves. Since it was too hot, too noisy and too crowded at the terminal, we headed to nearby Gaisano and chilled at Jollibee – which was very soon packed with fellow travelers who refused to wait under the heat of the sun.

As expected, the two-hour boat ride to Camotes Island was not comfortable. We traveled mid-day and the heat was stifling. We were seated at a corner where the breeze was blocked by passengers and parcels. Coach volunteered to mind our stuff and we three girls took to the deck to refresh in the sea breeze.

It was a relief to have someone waiting at the port to take us to the Santiago Bay Resort, where we will stay for the next three nights. And where late lunch were prepared for us, we were told. It would be our first real meal of the day!

Before long, we were entering a tree-lined driveway. We were shown up to an oriental-inspired reception area, where we checked in. We almost did not want to get up from the plush sofa, but Kuya Ernest, our porter, was telling us that our Ocean View room was ready. We followed him out into a maze of pathways, some leading to villas, another to a function hall and some further into a series of apartments. He told us that our room overlooks the ocean, hence the name.

This view will stop your tracks. Literally.

On our way to the room, we passed by the most ah-may-zing view of the bay! We stopped in the middle of the path, ooohed and aaaahed collectively – at which Kuya Ernest smiled in appreciation. I guess he was used to this kind of reaction.

No doubt about it, our room had the best view in the house – which was later confirmed by Ana's new-found Korean friend. Tall palm trees framing the hotel's infinity pool and the pristine blue ocean, definitely not your everyday look-to. We forgot about lunch for a while as we stood in our veranda. Just staring and taking photos.

In the afternoon, we hit the beach and took a hundred more shots. Dinner was early and we immediately went to bed. We didn't realize we were so tired.

We went around the San Francisco town the next day, courtesy of our driver-slash-tour-guide-slash-translator Kuya Ramil, who was a true-blue local. We saw that he really made an effort to speak in Filipino – it was very endearing as he sometimes sought for the right word. We encountered the same feat in the other locals, but they always would try to speak in Filipino when we say we hail from Manila.

First stop, we toured the Danao Lake via a “Sakanaw,” a motorized makeshift ferry made of steel and wood, held together at the bottom by two big logs. Rattan benches lined the interior and two tables were at the center. It can carry around twenty passengers. For P50 per person, we went around the lake, passing by the smallish Crocodile Island in the middle of the water. 

 Ang Sakanaw. Bow.

 

And there's Crocodile Island! (And no, we didn't see any croc) 

 

We went down Timubo Cave next, where we took in interesting rock formations and then swam in the cool underground pool. The downward path was lit with fluorescent bulbs and the steps were concrete, to our relief.

To cap off the trip, we had a sumptuous lunch at the Mangodlong Rock Beach Resort, where we lingered unplanned. We fell in love with the huge, huge rock formation right smack in the middle of the beach. It was a gorgeous mix of natural and man-made. We immediately took a charming corner high up the rugged side and called it our own.

 Our very own cove!

The “rock” housed several huts, viewing decks and nooks at many different levels. These were connected by stairs and pathways. Hammocks and odd chairs were also scattered invitingly around. But there's more – little white sand coves, made more accessible by concrete steps, were tucked in the most interesting corners. The “rock” was our own little world for the afternoon. Well, until the other guests started arriving. But by then, it was time we were waking up from our wind-lulled hammock-naps to catch the glorious sunset. Time has a way of slowing down in this town paradise.

We went back to Santiago Bay refreshed from our afternoon nap – and just a bit famished.

Mornings are great! We had front rows to the sunrise :)

The next two days were spent on the beach and at the resort pool, where we mastered the art of floating. Thanks to Dhang's technique, we were able to enjoy the water even more – as attested by the varying shades of tan lines we got.

Ana and Dhang's floating lessons!

We were loathe to leave, naturally. And the sun was shining so happily on our last day, that there's nothing more heavenly than to linger in the sea.

We said our goodbyes to our four-day-long friends – the ates and kuyas who cooked and served our meals and arranged our transportation. These people are real treasures. More than the great view, cool amenities and winning ambiance were the locals that made our holiday. 

 THEY made our holiday! :)

Camotes Island is beautiful, and the people even more so.

Expanding my Menu Repertoire

I make kick-ass pasta and taco sauce. I claim bragging rights because I've cooked these forever, but that about covers my kitchen expertise. Shame on me, I could not even cook rice!

That was the case -- until a couple of weeks ago.

One weekend morning, my bestfriend Cielo tagged me along on an Asian Cuisine Cooking Demo Class at the International School for Culinary Arts & Hotel Management in Makati. I gladly went! I love watching people cook on TV, that's where I get tips to further improve my kick-ass pasta. Although admittedly, I am scared to try complicated stuff for fear that I might end up wasting food.

Then again, years of tiptoeing around the stove makes you want to explore more, get creative with ingredients and just discover where your palate takes you. That morning, I opened my mind to endless possibilities. If I can make kick-ass pasta, I could probably make kick-ass ulam!

The class was held in the FEU Makati Campus, in a semi-circular cooking auditorium where the stage was a kitchen. We were about seventy attendees, some were obvious cooking experts (read: mothers).

 Notes, notes, notes! But really, I was mostly jotting down silly, funny pieces from Chef Toby  like 

"nothing is more fulfilling that having perfectly cooked rice."

Chef Toby Co and his pristine, steel and marble kitchen was a sight. And when he started cooking and throwing tips, he was inspiring. When he showed us how to properly fry tempura (let it swim in oil and then let it go), I wanted to come down to the kitchen and try for myself. 

 Jerson's (the Kitchen Assistant) perfectly cooked tempura

I finally had my moment when he asked for volunteers to do shrimps for Yang Chow. I raised my hand, thinking I would probably slice or dice. When I came down, he told me I would de-vein. My face was one big question mark. I've never held raw seafood, not even to clean fish. I bought them in the supermarket in those plastic containers – all but ready to cook. But hey, this was a day of challenge, so I did it. 

 Sige, chef, tawanan mo lang ako! I was soooo out of my comfort zone.

De-veining was difficult at first, finding the vein and then not knowing for sure the level of hand pressure the shrimp can take. Chef laughingly told me at one point that my hands were not meant for delicate work, “ang bigat ng kamay!” My mother told me as much when I was growing up. But I enjoyed de-veining so much that after the class, I went to the supermarket, bought half a kilo of prawns, de-veined and cooked them that night. My reward was the awe in my family's and friends' faces when they had their first taste of my Shrimp recipe.

We were taught to properly do sushi, shao-mai, glazed pork and a couple other dishes. I plan to try all, and to learn more recipes. 

 Cielo and moi, with Chef Toby and the Superkitchen assistants!

I think that with the techniques I learned, I can build up my confidence to try more grand cuisines!

Greening my Greens

It is true that life is infinitely more relaxing with more plants in the environment. And as it turns out, my love for the greens is well-reciprocated.  

 

Gorgeous flowers of Indie, my Indian Beads Plant from my best friend Cielo

 
Indie with new stalks, which are those with lighter green leaves and stems

From a couple of collections, my plants are now thriving and diverse. I guess word of my plant-love-affair got around and I started receiving pots of them for Christmas, New Year and , well, in general. Even my favorite “garden man”Kuya Tony gave me a couple of pretty seedlings for free. They are all living harmoniously and healthily in our apartment veranda, just like old times. 

Cali, my young calamansi plant, with fresh new leaves

My still unnamed bougainvillea (paper flower) plant

 E, one of my Chinese Fortune Plant collection, has grown so much. 

When I got it in September last year, it only had four leaves. I had to re-pot it twice already.

 

My boyfriend, glad of my “relatively safe” diversion, bought me a gardening book for my reader. I read this during morning coffee, so that I can immediately implement tips during my “gardening minutes” after I have had my caffeine fill.

My heart glows when I see them grow. Sometimes new leaves form overnight; stalks I haven't noticed before seem to have sprung – even fresh blooms seem to bloom even bigger in just hours. Every now and then I get the urge to just look. See if anything changed since I last did.

D, the oldest of my Chinese Fortune Plant collection, is now sporting a new “offspring” 

(see that small stalk between?)

Maybe it helps that I sing to them sometimes.

Conquering Banahaw on a Budget

I was happy to discover another set of travel barkada that's fun, street-smart and hassle-free. 

The Banahaw Team on the way to their trekking adventure!

We bonded so much in Boracay and succeeding “concert sessions,” that we just HAD to have another getaway. This time, we went easy on the budget (breakdown below).

The Banahaw overnight package of Nature Villa was another shotgun-purchase, much like how we decided for Boracay. But as usual, the excitement of the getaway erased all doubts. Our package, bought from an online discount voucher merchant, was sulit! It was for an overnight accommodation, inclusive of breakfast and mountain appreciation tour. The more we talked about it, the more it sounded like a real adventure. 

At 4:00 am one Sunday morning, we boarded a bus going to San Pablo, where we were supposed to catch a jeepney going to Dolores. 

We slept most of the trip and at 7:00 am, hesitantly got off at a junction a few kilometers off Dolores Town, which was where the jeepneys stopped, the bus driver told us. We waited for a while, unsure if we were in the right place. After several plan-B sessions, our prayers were heard and we boarded a Dolores-bound jeep along with the day's catch, several bayongs of vegetables and smiling locals.

We mentioned sa Nature Villa po, sa Dolores mismo, and they all seemed to know where we were going. It was a relief. We were in the right jeep. And so went the uphill journey to Dolores Town.

A fellow passenger who lived in the area offered to walk us to Nature Villa's gates. We got off at a dirt road, went through a couple of streets with people cooking in wooden fires. They seemed accustomed to people with backpacks passing by, so we said magandang umaga po as we exchanged nods and smiles.

We were quite early and had time for breakfast, which was a good thing. The mountain tour, which involved several hours of trekking, required steady muscles, strong disposition and, consequently, a happy tummy. 

Nature Villa's stylishly Pinoy Facade

 Our sun-shiny and camera-ready friend, Lani, 

while walking along the foothills

Together with our assigned tour guide, we explored the foothills of Banahaw the whole morning. We went through the “Kalbaryo” path, went to four “prayer” caves and offered lighted candles. Kalbaryo really lived up to its name. We had to climb our way into mostly steep, large, mossy rocks. At intervals, we stopped at clearings to catch our breath and get a feel of the mountain.

On the way to Kalbaryo

Finally, we went up to the entrance of the fifth cave, which was the famous “Husgado,” the most mystic of the caves. They say that those with impure hearts and impure intentions get hurt inside, or worse, get trapped. Our tour guide warned that we had to crawl a few kilometers all the way out because the passage is small. We hesitated.

Alas, we decided that it was not time to cross this path. I expressed my regrets because I am claustrophobic and that my thighs were killing me already, which was echoed by a couple of our friends.

We had lunch at a nearby karinderia. Food never tasted so good. We had sauteed canned tuna, some menudo-ish viand, fish and tons of rice. We finished lunch in ten minutes flat.

After the full and hearty lunch, we chilled for a bit at the inn and went on our way to the Sta. Lucia waterfalls. I did not know what to expect and was totally unprepared for about ten stories worth of mossy and mostly slippery staircase descending to a glorious stream of freshwater.

The downward journey was killer, especially in the last three flights of stairs, where each step was about only four inches wide. On top of it all, the rails were wobbly and the concrete steps were slippery from the trails of river water left by those coming up from the falls. We all made it slowly but safely.

Oh, but the moment we stepped into the water, we forgot all about the slippery steps and wobbly railings. Never mind that we had to make our way back the same flights.

View from our little cove

We were lucky that nobody else was in the semi-secluded cove somewhere upstream. We stayed there for a bit and reveled in the heavenly water, which was said to have healing qualities. We were also looking for the falls, but were told that it was way upstream. And anyway, we were too tired to do more trekking so we just stayed in our cove.

The way back was more manageable, except for the tight thigh muscles. But we survived the day and it's a giddy thought. We were all feeling fulfilled – and just a bit hungry. We took much-needed showers and went back to the same karinderia for dinner. Chicken adobo, rice and ten-peso-per-liter juice were, again, gone in ten minutes. Maybe the hungry part was underrated.

I slept so well that night. It was such a shame we left so early in the morning of Monday.

I was staring into the retreating dirt road as we left and I thought that I would like to come back someday.


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Banahaw Budget

Php 160.00 Bus to San Pablo (DLTB)
Php 25.00 Jeep to Dolores
Php 575.00 Accommodations & Breakfast at Nature Villa
Php 130.00 Breakfast (Day 1)
Php 70.00 Lunch (Day 1)
Php 80.00 Dinner (Day 1)
Php 150.00 Pasalubong
Php 30.00 Jeep to San Pablo
Php 160.00 Bus to Manila
Php 50.00 Tip to Tour Guide and Hotel Staff

Total: Php 1,430.00

Greener Pastures

My previous weekend I spent outside my apartment veranda, replanting seedlings I bought from Mang Tony, a landscape artist based in Tondo, Manila.

For several months, I have been populating my greens collection. After several trials and more errors, I realized that those that I got from Mang Tony far outlived those that were from somewhere else. His green thumb is really legendary. 

Hence everytime I visit hometown friends, I always make it a point to drop by his stall. Which also goes the other way around, if I wanted new plants, I would drop by his stall and consequently visit my friends. Each visit to Mang Tony, I snatch some impromptu greening tips such as better ways to snip leaves and best household fertilizers. I have a feeling I could be really good at greening! 

 Candy, my very photogenic peppermint

Anyway, since I was wrist-deep in dirt and so into the planting fun, I also took the weekend to organize my plant boxes which have fallen into disarray over a few weeks of neglect. It was the longest I spent with my green friends, so far. And I enjoyed it!

I loved the feeling of pride and fulfillment when I gazed at my lovely plants and my put-together and very organized plant boxes. 

 Plant boxes! Love them!

 Letty, the lettuce tree :)

The boyfriend said that if this plant-love-affair goes on, I might someday have my own farm. And that was a really good thought.

Boracay Bits (and some firsts)

I almost did not join the trip because, well, I have been there before. It was crossed off my list. I wanted to go somewhere I haven't been to.

But my choir-mates know me too well. I seldom can stand peer pressure. All of them were going and they were goading so darn bad that I really had no choice but to say yes. Some shotgun phone call that was – on a busy evening in May.

Almost immediately after I grudgingly said yes, I was excited! The trip would undoubtedly be great. I really do love Boracay! I could not wait to storm Jonah's and get my fill of heavenly fruit shake to last me until next summer.

Two months later, we hit the beach! We arrived at the homey Boracay Residences on a Thursday, at around five in the afternoon after a long journey from Kalibo. We were met at the Cagban Port by Kuya Allan, the resort's jack-of-all-trades (cooks breakfast, arranges tours, brings us blankets, et cetera).

 The sunset person in me reveled in this scenery.

It was evening when we decided to walk the beach. The powdery white sand was just as I remembered. Like a dream, smooth and pleasantly tickly on my bare foot. It felt like a sin to walk over in flip-flops and I saw my friends doing the same – picking up their slippers and skipping in the shallow waves.

I felt relaxed. I could not wait for the morning, when we'd see Boracay in its sunny glory.

We walked the length of Stations 1 and 2 before we called Kuya Ronnie, the resort's driver, to pick us up from D'Mall. Boracay Residences was not really that far from the beach, but we adored the transfer service after long walks on the sand! Kuya Allan and Kuya Ronnie were godsends.

We stayed three nights and each of these were spent in our two-bedroom suite, singing our “Greatest Hits” and recounting our infamous tales from Marian Choir days. Music brought us together, and in music, we will bond! 

 Days of sand and glory. Resting in between jump shot sessions

In the mornings, we toured the island, did gazillion jump shots – which were mostly practice for when Kuya Ronnie would get the few perfect shots. The photos were worth the aching thighs and sunburns.

I'm glad I made the trip. 

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Travels are made more fun by “firsts.” And although it was my second time in paradise, the trip was made more meaningful by these bits:

First time I traveled with my closest Marian Choir friends, whom I loved to death even more because of this trip.

First time I flew with PAL, which was so-so, save for the “check-in” boo-boo (not my story to tell, though!).

First time I witnessed a fire dance. OOOOHH-EEEEMMM! Super amazing! I swear i found myself open-mouthed in amazement several times during various performances. These guys should be earning so much for this! 

 My friend, Angel, took this spectacular shot. 

I was too busy gaping to even think of my camera.

First time I floated on open sea! But with life vest, of course, because for the life of me, I can't swim.

A million thanks is not enough for the patience of Kuya Acy, who never gave up on leading me despite my frantic negatives.

Mag-papanic akooo! Ayokoooo! Hindi ko carry 'yan! 
(while holding on tightly to the katig)

I finally gave in to peer pressure when I saw all of them floating quite happily away from the boat, and the life-saving katigs. It was bliss! I can't wait to snorkel again!

My Love Affair with Boracay

Three years ago, when I first saw Boracay's White Beach, I fell in love at first sight. 

 i can walk this beach all day.

Three days ago, when I saw it again in broad daylight, I fell in a love a second time. I guess when a place is truly beautiful, it does not matter how many times you get captivated. You just do. Over and over again. Happily. 

Crazy Things I Did Today

 

Mind you, it's just Tuesday. 

Although, come to think of it, it's my workday midweek since I will be on leave on Thursday and Friday (yippee!). My whole being must be on holiday mode already because so far, today has been my ditziest day of the quarter (last quarter's was... well, let's not talk about it now).

First, I might have left two of my electric fans running at home. And yeah, I might have left the blower plugged, as well. It dawned on me as I was walking some two blocks away from the office – and running late as it is. Luckily, I had the embarrassingly eureka moment of calling the admin guards to check if my meter is running. You would imagine my “wording” dilemma. How do I manage this conversation without burying myself further in ditziness? Well, here goes the conversation. Please do not judge me.

Me: Hello, Kuya Ronald, quick question. Kapag ba umaandar 'yung metro, eh di ibig sabihin may umaandar din na appliance, diba?

Ronald: Yes, Ma'am.

Me: Sige, pa-check naman if umaandar 'yung sa amin. Hindi ko kasi sigurado kung napatay ko 'yung switch. Sorry ha. Tawagan kita ulit?

To my eternal gratefulness, Kuya Ronald confirmed that the meter was not moving.

Second thing, I sidetracked an assignment, which my boss ended up doing. In my defense, I was prioritizing another stint, which was more crucial in my understanding as it was a direct order from one of our top bosses. Anyway, I hope he did not hold it against me – which is most probably the case as i'm not yet fired right now.

Third and most yucky, I managed to spritz coke (as in Coca-Cola drink) on my department manager's table, around her files and on myself. I was chit-chatting and opening a liter-and-a-half bottle and the coke suddenly went spraying around in abandon. I closed the cap when I realized what was happening, but damage has been done and I stared helplessly at the mess. My manager friend, whose desk I ruined, laughed so hard when she snapped out of her shock. I was stammering my apologies and dabbing at my shirt front and surfaces I can reach.

It was horrible. I don't think I can open another softdrink bottle without cringing.

Copies of minutes were splattered with brown; my lunch was swimming in a puddle of coke, scratch pads were blotched and browned – and the floor! Our shoes kept sticking to it long after we wiped the mess with newspapers.

My friend was cool about it, for which I was thankful. I was SO apologetic, but she kept saying that such things happen. But really, the person who must have shaken the bottle crazy (which caused the build-up), must have a very troubled brain.

Funny day, this. Some are crazier than other, after all. I hope there won't be a fourth on the list today.

Some Random Sadness

When I'm sad, I crave for really good food, sweets and strong coffee – in that precise order.

Last night was kind of gloomy (maybe because of the weather), so I called up Coach and asked him to come pick me up and feed me fried chicken.

We went to Sinangag Express. En route, I swore that if they did not have Chicksilog in stock, I would throw an all-nighter tantrum. Fortunately, they did have it. And I ate like a child at Christmas.

Dessert was tricky. I wanted to treat Coach to Ice Cream at Ritual, but they were closed for the night. So we walked several blocks to the apartment, figured that we'll just have hot chocolate when we got there. Ana was at home and we were looking forward to some cheesy jokes, which she would undoubtedly crack if we asked nice enough.

Suddenly, I wasn't gloomy anymore.

Tagaytay Chit-chats (Warning: May Contain Some Corny Lines)

Because i can't stand not sharing these!

I'm putting a disclaimer because they might get back at me for posting these. We're not always this sabaw! :-P Just most of the time.

During dinner at one of the Mahogany Market carinderias, I donated half of my rice to Bonj and Kel.

Bonj: Diet ka, Anj?

Anj: Oo eh, sabi ni doc.

Bonj: Baket??!

Anj: Sumasakit na kasi yung lower back ko dahil hindi na nya kayang i-support yung weight ng upper body ko. Kailangan kong mag-lose ng 4 kilos.

Bonj: 4 kilos? Per day?

Anj: Pwedeee... Para next year wala na ako dito!

Bonj: Wag ka mag-alala, Anj! Isipin mo na lang tuwing oorder ka, andito lang ako.

Anj: Ang sweet mo naman.

Bonj: What are friends are for.

Candice: You can never can tell.

Bonj: Anj, basta, I got your back... your lower back.

On the way home, we passed by some pasalubong shops and I suddenly remembered to ask Kel about a small shop in Batangas.

Anj: Kel, meron daw sa Batangas na buko pie na super sarap?

Kel: Oo, meron! Pero.. nakalimutan ko na yung pangalan.

Bonj: Chismis ba yan, o totoo?

Anj: Totoo! Sabi nung friend ko sa office meron nga daw. Nakalimutan lang niya din yung pangalan.

Candice: So ganun siguro sya kasarap. Walang nakakaalala ng pangalan niya.