Relax and Unwind

As much as I wanted to stay home, my foot is eager to go somewhere. I received an invitation from Van and her students to go with them at Claire John Resort located at Punta Biao, Cogon Digos City. Its a secured pool resort near the beach so visitors has the option to breeze-in through the ocean waters. The weather is somewhat inviting and so with the heat from the sun. Sunblocks are a must!!

Mapi feel mo na Summer is already here...

Checked on the things to bring and off we go. I was dropped off at the Resort by my sister and her bf. On our way to the Resort, sige mi agik-ik ug katawa tingalig mangahulog ang lukay sa lubi sa amoa mao na sige mi hangad...hahahaha!!

And the road going there? oh my, you were like riding an off-road vehicle, up and down a hill.

Entrance ranges from P10-20 only. Yes, that cheap. They took the biggest cottage and when I asked and looked for the students, some of them were already swimming looking like kids [smiles]. Found out also our amegah [friend] is coming and on his way. I convinced him kasi super stressed din si amegah. This is gonna be fun!

I was really planning to swim but I was having doubts plunging looking at the pool water. It's already crowded and I withdrawn. Anyways, I'll just feast my eyes on the joyful moments of our students. It will make me feel good though.

I brought along my camera and partner tripod. Yen opted to be the photographer that day. My tripod gave him a big help, he gets to be with group including us during picture taking.

When Jopay arrived, the tres mujeres [3 women] had a pictorial again and seize the moments eating pinipig. The food they prepared was good. Thank you so much for inviting us over. We, your teachers really need this.

I did have a good time. The calming breeze of the water alleviated some stressor(s) around me. No worries bothers me anymore 'cause GOD never left me and I'm still blessed because He lead me to the path where I should be going. God bless to us all. :)

SNICKER-DOODLE

I got my first taste of this delicacy when I attended the Seminar on LOVE & COMMITMENT, as per invitation by my good friend Edz. At first, you'd think its an ordinary pancake or the native palitaw [grind rice cake, sort of] topped with cinnamon powder. But this one is more like a baked biscuit.

Anyways, we had a short meeting [Shane, Edz and I] for the upcoming Alumni Homecoming of our dear Alma Mater. Edz served some coffee and that started a long way of our conversation. From the arrival of Shane's vacation from an Asian Escapade, matters of the heart follows 'cause of his post on his Facebook account, [hmmm...well, on my part, can't relate too much excitement since we're not in good terms right now with my honey but surely i miss him so much..], work loads, relevant stuffs and this blogger and Edz were in total excitement when Shane mentioned we can set foot to Asia or have it call an Asian Escapade too, at a very affortable cost once the right time calls for it. Weeee!!!! He's got some ideas kasi, wait niyo na lang, ok? I'll be posting some pictures, of course! hehehe :B

And...the main highlight of the meet up was the upcoming graduation ball. We still have few more weeks to prepare and we do hope everything will take place as planned. We are crossing our fingers.

Anyways, Shane and Edz will meet up with the School President on Wednesday to talk on important matters. Can't go with them since we're a bit busy at school setting up for the inspection which will be conducted by TESDA. Our school applied for the accreditation as Assessment Center for Health Care Services NC 2, Computer Hardware Servicing NC 2, Bartending NC 2 and other competencies from the HRM Department. Hopefully, approval shall be granted. We'll pray for that.

Thanks, guys! It was a good coffee-bonding. A single cup or should I say MUG [hehe] of coffee goes a long way of chitchat and exploration of brilliant ideas and visions. Looking forward to the fulfillment of the group's plans. Thank you for the SNICKER-DOODLE, Edz. As promised, I extended my gratitude on my Facebook account. Pres, thanks for taking me home :)

Goodnight :)

Tsunami alerts cancelled

Last night, pass 1am, I chance upon Ate Che's post about a Tsunami that is expected to hit Philippines today at 1:27pm. I couldn't sleep. I thought of a lot of things. I was the only person who was still awake at that time [which usually happens, hehe]. I came across online news and found a link on the shattering 8.8 magnitude quake that hit CHILE around 3:34am Saturday. Shocking images of the tragedy left a terrible remembrance. The once sturdy buildings turned into splinters in a snap. Not long after the Haiti quake, here comes another devastating catastrophe.

Fostering awareness, i posted a link on my facebook account regarding the quake and the tsunami which is to hit the Pacific coast within 24hours after the quake.

My friend Gracey who is based in Hawaii received a surprised rather a panicking call from her Mom informing her of the approaching major wave to hit the island of Hawaii at an expected time. Glad to know through her post after several hours that everyone there now is safe.

excerpts from online news:

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning. In an interview on ABS-CBN, Renato Solidum, director of the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said that if the Chile earthquake did generate tsunami waves powerful enough to cross the Pacific, they may be expected to hit Philippine coastlines sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Let us all PRAY...

Noon time, I received a text message from 2 of my student who lives near the shore in Sta. Cruz informing me that they are evacuating and will be heading up to the hills where their relatives resides. In that way also, they could observe changes on the quiet ocean.

Afternoon came, alert pa rin kami. Thank God, it passed the expected time. Our television is still on CNN, awaiting updates while helping Papa pack his stuffs. Since my father has to report for work tomorrow, I drove and dropped him off at the Bus terminal. God Bless his travel.

Late in the afternoon, another text message was sent by the same student telling me they'll go back to their home sweet home.

Tsunami alerts may have been cancelled but we people should still pay attention and stay alert on what may have happen. As I am typing this, I am trying to observe the nature around me and at the same time, praying. We live around 750 meters away from the nearby coastal areas. Oh my, oh my, It's windy outside. We never know. That giant wave might strike while people were asleep. And sometimes, an unusual weather signals something. I am trying to be positive and my Faith makes me more stronger.

Let us continue to pray for the survival of those who are still trapped in their homes and other establishments. And pray for the repose of the soul of those whose lives were taken.

We thank you, dear Lord for the continued guidance and for keeping us all safe. God knows what's best for us. I always believe in that phrase that's why He never leaves our side.

B for Busy

Thank GOD, its weekend but tomorrow would be a busy day once again. Seminar by PNRC to our students, review of some trainees for the Assessment, meet up with new batch of Scholars..oh boy!! Add to that the modules that we have to produced for the School Auditing next week. And Finals is next week, too! Had to make questionnaires, quizzes and criteria for the role play, plus computation and submission of grades. arrrgh!!! This week made me raise my stress level but I was able to cope up, though.

On the lighter side, I am sooooo excited for the visit to a farm on one of our student next Sunday. What an adventure for the semestral break! I really need that. Thanks for the invite, Criscel. I could now get to experience REAL FARMING. Humanda yang strawberries, cabbage and carrots niyo..hehehe. This blogger got hooked on FARMING [Facebook mode] 2 months ago when Jopay oriented and taught me the basics, off to the World of Virtual Farming. And the rest is history. Now, I am repaying what i've learned to some of the newbies of this very popular game in town. Well actually, at this moment, I was waiting for my students to go online, to have my pineapples harvested. wink! wink! ;-) Otherwise, I'd hire someone else in the market.

EVERYONE. Goodnight to my honeybunch (",)

back at GENSAN City

My friend Chem was supposed to go with me at GenSan this morning to file for Certification of our NC II (National Certificate II). But something came up, so I had to travel alone.  I spent almost an hour before I get to ride a bus. My friend Vanessa jested through text, that patience is a virtue.  So there, at 9:40am rode an airconditioned bus. Why aircon when there's a deluxe? What difference does it make? I'm more comfortable with the former than the latter. Besides, its only P10-15 difference and I easily get sweaty. Its all in the genes.

Everything VIOLET

I so love VIOLET.  It started last year when I was looking for a gift  for my sister [Papa asked me to buy one for her manita since I know what she wished for]. Anyways, one bag from all hanging ladies' bags caught my attention. Not actually expensive, but for me, its look was chic. 

It took me a while to decide whether to buy it or not. The saleslady kept on following me as I go on selecting other designs.  Will she like this one?  What if not? Oh no. These questions were running through my head. But, I've made my decision. I am not going...to...let anyone buy that bag but me, hehehe. So, I ask the lady if they have other stocks than the one displayed and she responded the one I am holding is the last one. "Ohhh..", I replied.  She smiled at me then yours truly headed to the paper bags section. 

Is it a Violet day? It started in the Bus Terminal when I saw a Lady in her Violet Shirt.  Saw another one in her Violet flip-flops. Then the girl's cellphone case  in the Eload-ing station is Violet. I actually have Violet nail polish with white tip.  I brought my Violet bag with some of my Violet stuffs including a Violet ballpen.                                                              

When I set foot at Gaisano Mall in GenSan, around 11:25am, I've seen a lot of people wearing Violet. Whenever I look, people are wearing Violet. Shirts, pants, headbands, eyeshadows, crystal bracelets, watches, anything. Any accessories. Don't know about their Andy's [no pun intended].

There, I meet up with Van. We had lunch at SPAZIO. Then strolled for a while and finally, went to TESDA Office.  Filing was a swift. TESDA personnel were accomodating, professional in dealing with people.  Looking forward to get hold of my NC II document. Having one is an achievement for me, in my Education, in my profession.  I'll be back next week.

Van and I went to Mix 'n Magic Snacks and Pastries store to buy pasalubong for Chem. Their cakes are satisfying and delectable.  I just didn't like the way one of its staff stares. She's not customer friendly [rolls eyes].   

Van had to go back to school and I had to go home, thank her for accompanying me. I strolled at KCC Mall to check out some best buys. Last stop was their Supermarket, as in very wide Supermarket with everything-you-need on it. I almost got lost looking for the Chips section. How I wish there's a Mall in Digos with a very, very wide selection of goods including vegetables and fruits for customer's convenience. A one stop all-in-one shop. How's that?

Ok, my dear friends. I won't stay up too late. Have to wake up early and be early in Davao City tomorrow for the continuation of our Assessment in TM-AM. Wish me luck.

Goodnight!

WELCOME BACK to PASSIG ISLET!!

bernzhere sets foot again on Davao del Sur's very own version of White sand BORACAY Resort. To my good friend Novie, thank you for the treat. Congratulations on your Regular appointment. I'm sure your dad would be more proud of you. Keep up the good work and stay humble, as always. 

(Note: Click on photos for a larger view)

On our way, we passed this stall along the Highway that adorns clumping Mangosteens! 

Picnic white umbrellas gives an ample shade to bakasyonistas!! 

Was amaze when I saw the improvements of the ISLET. After logging in our names [for security purposes, I guess], I ask the attendant what's that on-going construction. She responded, it's a Cconference Hall. Wow, a conference hall in the middle of an ocean. 

These are some of the Islets huts 

Smiles despite the scorching heat

Bangkero's way of living

Their very own PAGODA

Far view of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. Two places separated by blue green waters of the ocean

Looks like a backdraft but a picturesque of Mt. Apo

We were informed there would be a slight delay on the arrival of the sailboat man. He ran some errand pa daw kasi.  Dusk enveloped the whole place.  So dark. Could barely see your folks, not unless your friend smiles, hehehe. While waiting, I opened my Digi and viewed our pictures. Wow, another batch to add in my gazillion photographs. I'm running out of photo albums. Donations, anyone? [chuckles]

6:13pm Finally, the sailboat man has come. We were assisted one by one and when settled, he switch on its engine. Was pretty amaze of the flying fishes. The locals call it "isaw".

I had a good time with my friends and to our new acquaintances Elyn and Doris although Sheila wasn't there. Wish you were with us but I hope your S.O. gets well soon. We understand. Miss you, she.

Asked if I got any remembrance. I do, my arms had sunburns. The lotion I brought with SPF 15 did not beat the UV rays. [rolls eyes].

My first time in GenSan

General Santos City.  The "Tuna Capital of the Philippines". Oh, how I wish we could actually explore the place but that was not our main purpose of going there. 

Today is our Examination day for the National Assessment for Health Care Services NC II.  

7:00am..Chem and I meet up at the Bus Terminal. This friend of mine is not the typical traveller. She hates long travels for it triggers her motion sickness [ya know what i mean]. But then, she was able to get over it when we were in College. 

7:30am..Rode a Deluxe Holiday Bus. While waiting, I told Chem there's an unattended bag on the opposite side of our seat, on my right side. She smiled at me, somewhat telling me I'm just freaking paranoid. Maybe the owner went to comfort room, bought something or went somewhere else. 

I was just trying to be observant and alert at that time. I was thinking of our safety and security. A lot of "What If's" were running through my mind.  My eyes was like roaming and inspecting, making sure all belongings inside the bus is placed beside its owners.  But that bag, it stayed there for almost 15minutes. It made me more anxious. 15minutes, for crying out loud! Inspite of this, I was apparently calm. 

Where the heck is the owner of that bag? Pass 25minutes, still no one is seated next to it and I was totally scared. I looked at Chem and was about to stand to report to the Bus driver when a middle aged man came through and finally seated next to the bag, which freaked the heck out of me and gave me goosebumps. I was a bit relieved. Chem finally heard me talking.  

In a minute, the bus driver began manipulating the bus' steering wheel. Prayed to God to bless our trip. I looked at the person who owned the bag. "If he only knew", says my mind, then laid my back comfortably on the seat looking ahead on the road. 

On our way, Chem slept the whole time while inside the bus. Me? I was busy sight seeing though at times, I take a nap. The road going to GenSan made me dizzy for awhile. I just needed to close my eyes. 

9:33am..we're finally in General Santos City. I was texting Ma'am Sol where were we and extended her wishes for us. I'm the type of person who wants to remember the landmarks of the places i went to, most especially if its my first time.

10am..Dropped ourselves infront of Gaisano Mall. Our dear friend Van was waiting for us outside the mall. We headed to the comfort zone for ladies to freshen up and to pee. The trip caused our digestive organs to complain, waiting for something to digest. Van took us to SPAZIO, hmmm actually my first time there and its meals looked and sounded delectable. Anyways, the tres marias [3 ladies] ordered pasta. We didn't pass the moment to take pictures and even asked one of its staff to take our photos. Thanks Mister! 

We chatted while enjoying our meal and decided to go to HTC after lunch. 

1:00pm..At the entrance of HTC, we were welcomed with trophies, plaques and other memorabilias of achievements and recognition of the school. Amazing! We were accomodated by its staff, assisted us in filling up forms and guided us throughout the application process. 

Skills Demonstration examination and interview pushed through. 

Chem and I did our very best and it paid-off.

WE PASSED THE HEALTH CARE SERVICES NC II ASSESSMENT

Thank GOD!

Thank you so much to the HCS Department of the HTC for such a warm welcome and accomodation.  To Ma'am Cynthia, the School Nurse; Ma'am Lia, HCS Department Head; Ma'am Jane, one of the Faculty members and to the Assessor Ma'am CM. Our profound gratitude. Until our next meeting.

Thank you also to our friend Van who accompanied us. You are such a blessing. GOD BLESS!! Before heading home, we passed by KCC Mall and dined at Mandarin. But, of course! Something should be celebrated. After which, we strolled around for awhile and then parted ways. 

The bus left the Terminal at 7:50pm. I guess that was the last trip back to Digos City. Chem and I settled at the backseat of the driver. I sent a text message to Papa that his dear daughter is on her way home. I don't want him to worry kasi eh.

10pm..I'm home. Tired but happy. Exhausted but fulfilled. Thank you, Lord! It was a worth-it travel. What we've gone through was not easy. It was tough. I could still feel some body malaise. It's been a while since I did some body mechanics.  I just pray our students would surpass all the competencies. 

Hopefully, soon. Goodnight, everyone!! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. =)

I now eat DURIAN

Some calls it the "crater" fruit. Pretty obvious because of its appearance. I knew someone who grimaces whenever she sees it. Para daw kasing nafi-feel ng mukha niya ang tusok-tusok sa balat nito, hahaha!! They say, you are not a Mindanaoan if you don't eat durian. Really, huh? I answered raising my one eyebrow.

Sometime around July or August, I was able to finally took the risk of tasting the fruit they call 'taste like heaven but smells like hell'. Our house is engulfed by the strong odor it distributes everytime my sister's bf brings this fruit.

Dinner time, my sister took out a medium plastic ware full of Durian meats, which will serve as dessert. They were encouraging me. A small taste wouldn't do me any harm. So, I took a pinch. They all looked at me when I put a small Durian meat into my mouth and awaited for my reaction, or violent reaction, hehehe. It taste good pala, sweet, delicious. I took
another one. Yummy! Wow, they all smiled. And that started it all..Durian peaks during Kadayawan in Davao.

I'm not that good in choosing the good-tasting durian but as far as I know, PUYAT and MALAYSIAN variety is satisfying.

It's costly nga lang nowadays at P60/kilo. It drops during off-peak season for as low as P25/kilo.

Before, only Papa and sis eats durian. Even our pet dogs loves it! Now, I could say DURIAN taste heavenly.

Semestral break

Note: This post is lengthy. You might need some company as you read this or anything to eat on the side. [chuckles]

October 28, 2008

My inaanak [Godchild] baby Arnold's 1st birthday. Wasn't able to go to the party 'cause of the loads of work I had to attend to. Anyways, after finally submitting the grades, classcards and clearance to the Admin, I headed to Chem's place only to find out they left na pala. [Sighs]

I caught up with Ate jel having her very,very late lunch and early dinner. It was around 5:25pm already. She served me a delectable binignit [halo-halo in coconut milk served hot/warm].

I thank Ate Jel for the merienda and took a jeepney bound for Padada. G texted she would fetch me at the Trimotor terminal. The night is drizzling. Don't want to caught up with the rain so I took a trimotor ride for P10 to G's place. At the entrance of DASUCECO compound, the guard ask where I am heading. Told him to Tandang's place. I humbly added I am their Instructor..char! hehe..I know, it's an SOP to ask strangers entering their place.

When I got there, I learned Mavic is coming over. Wow, saya nito. Bonding!! We had dinner. But, I have no plans of sleeping over for the night. I'd go home talaga after a short stay but time runs so fast that we didn't noticed it was pass 9pm already. My sister were texting me na to go home. When you spend time with your friends, time is immeasurable. So, I texted sis i'm sleeping over with Chem and Mavic. We watched Final Destination 1 and was thrilled on each of the character's death-rifying experience.

October 29, 2008
Good morning! Had a good sleep. Pi's horrifying stories never bit me. hehehe! She and Chem slept around 3am playing Word Factory. I guess the rest of the gang were exchanging snores na during this time, hahaha!

G and Pi were very accomodating. We all had a full meal breakfast. Complete from carbohydrates, protein, fats to fiber..char!! Mura mig mga bakasyonista. Sarap ng feeling!! Videoke, movie showing, free use of computer and sumptous meals, san ka pa?!

After breakfast, we sing our hearts out. Mavic's choice of songs were Pinoy rock while I and Chem were those mellow, love and pop songs we love. Wa bitaw laing maminaw. Kanta lang..hahaha!! Pi grace our request as she sang old and new songs. We just admire her golden voice. It makes me remember of Emz during College.

We intend to go home after breakfast but was moved again till lunchtime. At one point, we were all laughing 'cause our clothes were officially worn for 24 hours already. Ewww..hihihi =)

Pass 2pm..G took me and Mavic for a motorcycle ride to the bridge under construction connecting Guihing to Digos City. Folks there means of transportation is via a bangka [river boat] pulled using a rope unto the other side and the hanging man-made brige carefully welded. Oh, well.I won't dare to cross that bridge. Or so I thought. Chem wanted to try the hanging bridge. Mavic is used to cross hanging bridges in Cotabato. I remained silent. Should I or should not? 'Experience te bern..', Chem said, smiling. Giggling. I was having second thoughts talaga. I observed people carrying bicycles while crossing the bridge. 'Sige na nga..'
I answered in strong voice but deep inside, i am beginning to perspire. My chest begins to pound as we approach the bridge.

My God, it has only one handle. Could it bear my weight? The distance from the river is like around 20 feet. Mavic posed for a picture before crossing and volunteered to take our picture as we cross the bridge.

When it was my turn, everyone including people living nearby and construction workers peeked as I cross. Mura kog artista. Kung pwede lang mu-wave, hehehe. Nervousness began to enveloped my whole body. Naa na ko sa tunga niya nilihok pa bitaw na, lami kaayo isinggit. Kung kabalo lang mo sa feeling. It was really nerve-wracking. Few steps before setting foot on the other side, they were cheering me up. I placed my palm on Mavic's cheek. Namugnaw daw ko ug taman! hahaha!! I made it!!

Pass 3pm..We walked our way [more like an amazing race] to this small stall infront of a mango farm selling durians. When we get there,it was all sold out =(, sad! we took a taxi, same as the fare in multicab. We ended up buying the ones sold in the public market of Digos. I bought one piece for P175. Huge enough and its meat is sticky, and taste good, huh! I dropped by the Bakery also to buy some snacks for my sister's visitors at home.

My best bud patzs' heart is broken again. Mighty bond or any liquid adhesive can't fix the problem. Poor buddy. He had enough of their relationship. Let loose dear. You don't deserve to feel that way. You'd find someone better in time.

October 30, 2008
Morning. My good friend Joy informed thru text she would pay me a visit this afternoon to catch up on our latest whereabouts. Haven't seen her for a while. We rarely text and this blogger is excited to hear the result of her good friend's NCLEX result. Oh my, my friends are so lucky. am i not? oooopppsss, here i go again..i should not be like this..

Thanks to Ms. Rae, by the way for sending in very inspiring messages. It made me realize of my worth whenever i feel down, sometimes.

3:15pm. Joy and Mitot arrived. We began chatting and chatting and chatting. Mare is apprehensive of the result. She didn't took the quick count kasi. She opted to wait for the result na lang in weeks time.

5pm. While talking with dimples outside their house, Mareng joy received a text from NCRC informing her to get her NCLEX result tomorrow in the morning at Davao. All of us paused for a while waiting for her to reply to the message. We're positive about it.

6pm. Been to the market with mareng joy, mitot and sheila. Thanks for the ride mare, was able to save my tricycle fare.

Patzs dropped by my place again to repeat the joy ride. My sister couldn't help giggling and laugh out loud when patzs and I began conversing in English. Gina-OA-yan man gud namo. Have I mentioned he passed IELTS recently? He just did. Congratz, buddy!!

We finished muna watching Amazing Race Asia before we left. Wow! Team Philippines stepped on the mat 1st place for the second time. Sad nga lang kasi si Henry and Bernie of Thailand ang na eliminate. We were rooting for them to the Final 3. They were very competitive. Sana si A.D. and Fuzzie na lang na out. Hehe.

Goodnight, fellas! Hope u had fun reading..ciao!!

INTRAMURALS - Day 2

Swimming competition will take place this afternoon at SANVALI. Basketball game continues as our team battled against the Eagles Team (women's division). Team WOLVES wins!

Exactly 1pm. We (Christine, Melvin and I) set foot at the Resort. The Chairman talks to the CARE group members as we head to the Restrooms. Swimmers [m & f] are to compete on Freestyle and Backstroke category. Our team were on time. COmpetitors from Team Eagles & Team Scorpions were already plunging the waters of their Mini-Olympic size pool. Surprisingly, I was the only Team Adviser present [smiles]. Swimmers unwind & bonded for a while.

Pass 2pm. Teams from Annex Branch hasn't shown a flesh. The Chairman is already infuriated. My temper thermometer is slowly rising, too!

The Competition, according to the distributed guidelines should start at 1pm but the Teams from Annex came in at 2:26pm. We were early. They were not.

The Chairman spilled she would forfeit the other teams after 2:30pm but they arrived 4minutes before the ultimatum. Well... [sighs]

Anyways, our team got the 2nd place in Backstroke then 3rd & 5th on Freestyle category. When fighting for champion sets in, we cheered for MAIN, of course..hehehe! Winners were from the late comers, so to speak! By the way, CONGRATULATIONS Dragon Team!

We all went back to the Gymnasium & related to Chem [Team Adviser] the behind-the-scenes..char!! hehehe! Till my next post..ciao!!

Lozada Resort

<--- one of the resorts lovely sight is its anthurium garden.

Quarter to 5pm, i left home and headed to Mui's place. Gen and Ophelei got there ahead of me. While waiting for cindy and rodelyn, we walked towards the convenience store to buy some chips.

5:36pm, Ophelei switch on the engine and took the road off for pleasure driving. I envy her. I like seeing ladies who mans a car. Sosyal! [sosy] It made me recall the time when I was in Manila 2 years ago, my Aunt Nelly and Manang Chen took me out for a treat with my nephews and niece and I witness how Manang [an ilokano term we use to note older sister/cousin & so on] operates the car. I told myself, "I've got to learn driving". Sooon...

The path to San Isidro seems familiar. To our surprise, the resort is just blocks away from Malyn's Residence.

5:55pm. Finally! we set foot at LOZADA RESORT. A newly built [December 2007] public place for recreation. Entrance fee costs P30 for adults and P20 for children. What fascinates me was their array of blooming orchids & anthuriums. They even have vegetables, just by looking at them I would remember my favorite chopsuey.

I think they intend to make the place not just a resort but an orchidarium and a vegetable farm. I love their orchids, took pictures of some variety that is new to my sight.

We settled ourselves to their native hut which costs P150. The girls changed their clothes as soon as we were done setting up the table. Yeah, too excited to take the plunge!

That night was a sort of gathering with my former students and now on their 2nd & last year under the Advisory of Mui. We had so much fun, we laugh out aloud enjoying every minute of our stay. It was like we own the pool.

The girls wanted to sing along in the karaoke but to no avail. There were too many singing wannabe's waiting for their turn to express their "sort-of" hidden talents. Hahaha!! Funny thing is they chosen piece were all from years beyond. Ya know what I mean, hehehe!

The resort had 2 swimming pools, by the way. For adults and kids. The one for adults ranges from 5-7ft deep. Yours truly and some of her not-so-good-in-swimming companions managed to swam around near the wide pool stairs with rails. I could swim farther if it was daytime but since its night time, I was afraid of the limited surrounding light in the pool area. I just thought of my personal safety, that's all [chuckles]

When we were inside the bathroom..my gosh! i forgot to pack extra supot [plastic bag] for my wet clothes. [Sigh] I just squeeze my damp suits and wrapped it with my towel and slip it on inside my bag. Solved!

Tip: always include plastic bag on your checklist the next time you go out for swimming!

There were Local Barangay Officials roaming around, monitoring the security of the place. These people even escorted us to the exit point. Thank you, Sir! [thumbs up]

Went home around 12:30AM. Thanks to Gen and Ophelie for taking us all back to Digos, safely. They got home safely, as well.