We've been dreaming of going to Guimaras for a long time and it finally came true last weekend. The plans were drafted. We ironed out schedules. The room was reserved. Then, friday night we decided to meet at the terminal at 4:30 saturday morning.
The First Trip
It was a gloomy saturday when we departed Bacolod. We planned to take on the route of Pulupundan to Guimaras Island. At 5 o'clock in the morning we commuted without even knowing what time the first boat trip is. After 50 minutes of road trip to Pulupandan we reached the wharf. We still had like two hours to prepare for a boat ride since the first trip was 8am. We sipped coffee and talked about the island - what is it going to be when we got there? Whatever that is ahead of us it would still be called adventure and it starts now.
The Long and Winding Road
We were amazed by the fine white sands at the coastlines of the island. It was as if welcoming as with its scenic view of Mother Nature. Off we went our next land trip heading for Alubihod where Raymen Beach Resort resides. Well, as first timers, we had a hard time in the van which took the long route around the mountainous village of Jordan (one of the municipalities of Guimaras Island). We practically toured the whole town but not for pleasure, I think. It was too late to realize that it was a commuters' van. That was an hour of prolonged agony of sitting (or was it crumpling?!?) just like smoked sardines in a tin can. At last we reached the main road of Jordan but our road trip did not stop there. Another 10-20 minutes of jeepney ride took us to Alubihod (can't tell time after that disastrous van ride). The trip did not stop there either; another tricycle ride finally had taken us to Raymen Beach Resort. And there it was, the hard-labored-long-trip was erased, white sands and crystal clear water had taken over- the sea.
The Superior Night
Our room is located at the 3rd level of the hotel. We unpacked our things and inspected the room. It had two beds; each could accommodate two to three persons - one for the two girls Cheryl and Jill. The other bed was for three of us, we decided - Ronald, Boojie and me. An extra set of beddings was provided for Archie. We were done just in time for lunch. Chicken and pork adobo was served for the six of us. It was good enough to recharge us for our next activity. We strolled along the shores appreciating the cool breeze and the view of the seaside. As always, photo ops were everywhere. Although, it was a little crowded for a resort, we enjoyed watching little children play along the water. It was as if the waves were their playmates. Taking a plunge in the water was a little colder than I have expected, though it was sunny. We thought it would be better if warmed up a little so we decided to go back to our room; and, alcohol went into play. Shots were taken - that was for a shot of glass and camera shots I suppose. We enjoyed the whole afternoon laughing at each other until one or two bottles of Tanduay Superior were consumed at haste.
The Chicken Dance
It was getting dark we finally plunged in the water. The alcohol helped a lot since the wind is a little colder at night as usual. Pictures were taken and admired the sunset. Even night swimming is in at Raymen. Spotlights are lit at night all the more the people swarming at the sea shores to experience the tranquility and the vastness of the sea. We kept swimming and playing along the waves until 7 o'clock in the evening. We washed a little and headed for the canteen for dinner. We devoured a whole meal of grilled pork and milkfish and sinigang na tangegui. After dinner, we took out another bottle of alcohol. As the night gets darker and darker, more games evolved until the "Chicken Dance". The game started with: the first person would give an animal name and then the next person would also given an animal name that starts with the last letter of the previous animal name (i.e. first person give duck then the next gives kangaroo then next person gives ostrich and so on). Anyone who could not give a name should dance the chicken dance. And yours truly did the first dance - pathetic. And they even recorded it. I went through it two times (whew!). It only shows that I'm not an animal person. Anyways, it was fun and we laughed our hearts out until we got tired and called it a night to reserve our energy for island hopping the next morning.
The Flying Pawikan
At seven in the morning, we left Raymen for island hopping. As expected, more breathtaking views approached us. It was a calm sunny day conducive for island hopping so took pictures of islets surrounding Guimaras. Our first stop was in what they commonly called Turtle Island. It is because the locals in that island breed turtles. They built a sanctuary floating by the shores just good enough to tame and feed the pawikans. Well, each of us had to carry the pawikan for the photos. As we took turns, and Jill can't get enough, she carried it again but the turtle did not like it. The pawikan flipped its hand like it was flying and Jill could have got hurt if she did not handle it carefully. Right then we understood, the pawikan would not allow anyone to carry him the second time around. Enough of flying turtle, the second stop was in Baras Beach Resort. More picture-taking took place in this pit stop. We made use of the islets (were as if guarding the resort), as our background. The third stop was supposed to be a cave but it was not quite safe to cross because of the big waves in the area. So, we went to a more safe yet secluded part of the island where we swum for about 30 minutes; just enjoying the clear water and photo ops. We were off for our last stop at the huge house right off the cliff when we decided to go back because of the big waves approaching us. As we turn our way back to the resort, another motor boat, with three girls as passengers, raced against us in the middle of the sea. One of the manila girls, we thought, had a crush on Ronald because she glanced at him every time the boats got near each other. It was fun. We got off the boat just in time for lunch.
The Dragon and the Rose
At lunch time, we devoured another meal of grilled pork, shrimp and sinigang na baboy just enough to regain all the energies we lost during our island hopping. We played Uno using a deck of ordinary playing cards which bought in the island after lunch - one who losses, takes a shot of whiskey. 3pm, we went to the shores and Jill and Cheryl decided to have henna tattoos - a dragon and a rose with thorns respectively. I decided to have my own tattoo also - just double barbwires on my wrist. Late afternoon, we went swimming until it was dark in time for our last dinner. More clicks and tiger looks were posed for our last night.
Here Comes the Rain Again
Since we were all exhausted after flashes and splashes, we spent our last night in one of Raymen's cottages. It was raining and all we did was talk about everything - work, opinion about something and the future.
The island is as if weeping since we would be leaving the next day.
We talked while we drink. We laugh while we sneer at each other. But, at the end, we still remained friends.
Whatever that is, we're off for our next trip.
Bending Waters in Guimaras Island
All in a day!
This summer the weather may have been an ever-changing and unpredictable event but then again with all our guts we went out of town. We simply do not know when it's going to rain or when it's going to be a scorching heat sunny day. No preparation or whatsoever we tried a reservation to ourselves without question or pause (singing, hehehe) last weekend to go trekking in the mountainous area of Negros Occidental.
Negros Occidental has been blessed with vast numbers of natural spots. Nature-tripping is always been a getaway for many Negrosanons to escape the noisy, polluted and populated cities surrounding the island. Yes, we can go to Mambucal in Murcia, Buenos Aires in Bago, Gintubdan in La Carlota and many others but there is this one more place that I have never been but always comes across my mind - Patag.
"Patag" is simply translated as flat in english language but the irony of it and confusion is inevitable. Patag in contrast to its name is located in the mountainous and suburb area of Silay City. It is roughly 26 kilometers away from the city proper.
Enough for the long intro but seriously speaking our trip was full of fun and was unpredictable and breathtaking (literally). I believe no words can proper describe the trip that took place only in a day.
The Road Trip
At around seven, one rainy morning (May 09), the Terrano tore north of Silay City. Thanks to Francis Reboton for the ride, by the way. We finally came to a halt at around 9 o'clock in a hospital that was claimed to be former working location of some Japanese guerrillas during World War II. And that was it. We can't wait to seeing the creation of mother nature working on its own.
It was sunny and foggy altogether in Patag. The cool breeze played along with the sound of the river flowing and circling the place. Francis parked his car in one of the resorts found in the place while Jill Paro, Boojie Ong, Ronald Go and I exchanged looks and considered this place as definitely a great place for relaxation and at the same time great for hiking for those who are crazy about nature-tripping and adventures. We can't help it but we took pictures of us with the back draft of greens and whites by the mountains. Archie Lagtapon negotiated with our Guide who will accompany us in the trails. Off we went carrying backpacks as if we were hikers, followed the Guide wondering where he's taking us.
The Long and Winding Trails
In a single file, Jill Paro entertains the Guide by asking too many questions about the place. Brian, the Guide, stopped and then we saw him pounding a rock on the trail ahead of us and lately we realized he's actually beheading a small native snake crossing the grasses. No turning back at this point and time, we convinced ourselves. So we went hoping the mother of that now dead snake is not hunting us. But according to Brian, snakes when born are actually left alone by their mothers and live in the wilds on their own. Sigh, we were relieved. The trails went up and down while we ignore the pit on the side. We also crossed the river using only boulders as footholds. We pose ourselves to take pictures and to have quick rests, 10-minute intervals for a 40-minute trek.
The Waterfalls of Pulang Tubig
Then there it is a 50-meter-or-so waterfalls welcoming us wide open. The splashes of the water makes a cold wind that makes us shiver. It was the best and highest waterfalls I have ever seen in Negros. We put down our things and started to take pictures of the whole place. 
An hour later dipped ourselves in a cold pool waters supplied by the waterfalls. It's so cold that we shiver ignoring possible hypothermia. But, we enjoyed it. A lot! We had a lunch for another 30 minutes and went on again to take pictures. We were awe-struck to the unexploited place - untouched. It feels like we are completely detached from our busy lives down the city. It's truly a summer getaway.
We trailed back at around 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Still, taking pictures along the way. We can't simply get enough. We then went to a shrine, a WWII Veterans Memorial. Again, more clicks and flashes framing ourselves to pose. It was fun.
Since we simply can't get enough, we went on swimming in Ladlad resort to buy some time before we take off. That was the plan. The water in the pool is so cold that no one tried to go in first and the fog is crawling just above the mountains and trees. It's coming towards us thus aggravating the shivers of our lips.
The Dam Waterfalls
We were fixing our things when one of the locals there convinced us to go to another waterfalls besides Pulang Tubig. Well, curiosity's killing us so we followed Mars, the other guide. The trail, this time, is narrower than the trails going Pulang Tubig. That time, we feel retreat but we thought since we already started trek we went on and on... It was only a 15-minute walk, the guide said. Good thing along the trails, we saw a foot walk, cemented. We followed it to our surprise we thought of going back. There's no way we can cross the dam. The water is overflowing. 
We can imagine how slippery it is. But, hey let's go! We went on with crossed fingers. 
The trek is actually worth it. Another waterfalls fueled the river. It's as if welcoming us, the sound of the waterfalls go louder and louder as get nearer and nearer. 
Then I heard clicks and more clicks of the camera. As if professional photographers, we held a photo shoot. Practically, every side of the waterfalls were taken a picture and more poses projected. We had a lot of fun. We went back to Ladlad full of smiles on our face.
At exactly 5 o'clock in the afternoon, we went down and again clicks and flashes invades the hospital. Near the hospital we pose ourselves for the last time and dropped by a chapel to say thank yous for a very fulfilling long trip happened in a day.
Yet Again, It's Party Time!
It's Christmas time but then again new things come out every year.
Bizpro spends party at Amrei Hotel. This is the first that the people of Bizpro dresses up for the party. The ladies surprises us especially because they dressed up to the nines. Berna and Raymund host the entire night.
As usual four teams, contend in rivalry, show their collective ideas through presentations that will exhibit camaraderie and team work. All efforts were acknowledged but only one team can stand out and bag the first prize.
The "Valspar Team" performs as the first group. They claimed as lady bunnies by having rabbit ears which resemble playboy insignia. They wear sexy black shorts and black sleeveless tops with neck ties adding up a foxiness look. Ramona dressed up again as Beyonce Knowles to add color and spice to their group. As expected, the crowd goes wild when Ramona performs. Acting out as in concerts is quite easy for him. He usually carries the group's performance. Loida, Irene C., Thea, Sherry, Eva, Sweenie and Emelyn complete the group.
If this is a beauty contest they could have won first prize.
In a medley, the "Tuners Team" dances as second in line - Janice, Aireen, Jill, Joan, Anne and Gennilyn. Nothing fancy were portrayed by this team instead they sported their new sexy dresses and wear santa's red hat to signify a christmas theme. Their rhythmical steps are sexier than the other groups not because this team has the most "dancers" but because of "attitude".
The group dubbed as the "Admin Team" performs next. This group overturns the other performing teams with their props and unexpected performer - Maryo Caryo. As with the Valspar Team, Ramona dominates the stage. But as with the Admin, Job conquers the stage. Marja, Tina, Berna, Irene O. and Dane synch as a group.
The last but not least performer is the "IETL Team". This time the room is filled with laughters and grins caused by the extraordinary presentation of the group. The team did not go on live this time instead they got a video presentation. It starred the new members of the team. Basically, it depicts more or less the life in Bizpro through the years. It was the most entertaining presentation video during that night. It shows the ingenuity of the group - Ely, Jesus, JL, Webb, Ronald, Rolly, Joyzel and Archie.
Here's the link of the new age of comedy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmPMepZtDH4
Guess who won the first prize?
Shifting by 360 Degrees
From Manila to Hongkong
Many Pinoys are beefing up on the line in the airport. Most of them are boarding for Dubai and others some parts of Middle East. There are many faces of happiness and mostly a sigh of relief of passing the immigration gate. The immigration officers are so busy intimidating their fellow Filipinos in the area. These officers did not seem to understand why these people are risking their future by only having a Visit Visa on their hands. Some passed and proceeded to their respective gates, some did not make it or were denied because of petty reasons. For those who passed the process of scrutiny from the immigration officers and belittling long line procedure, they are now really leaving for Dubai, one of the highly urbanized states of United Arab Emirates. The plane took off at about 10 am from Ninoy Aquino International Airport and within an hour or so the plane landed and stopped over in Hongkong. The Pinoys waited for 3 hours or so for the next flight to Dubai. The international airport in Hongkong is so big that you will get lost when you are not reading the signs ahead of you. It is like a huge shopping mall. You can find a number of restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops et cetera.
From Hongkong to Dubai
I am one of them. We are the ones who are hoping to find a decent job abroad. All for the money - the real score! Yes, that is really the main reason why we left the country. Another way of putting it, there are less opportunities in the Philippines than any other countries. Sorry to say, but it is true.
More to follow...
Dubai 101
Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!
45 deg celcius - that's the average temperature here in Dubai.
Alay Lakad - we always do that because Bus Stops are far you have to be on foot to reach the stops.
Onions - just cover your nose you might faint (basta, iba ang amoy ng mga tao dito)
Kabayan - that's what they call each other (Filipinos)
More to follow...
Bizpro Sipalay Escapade 2008
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The weather is fine...
Beautiful sunshine...
It was a very fine day when we traveled down south to Sipalay. We were headed to one of the private resthouses in Punta Ballo, Sipalay (part of Negros). It became 4-hour trip from Bacolod (capital city of Negros Occidental) due to late comers, side trips, gas re-fueling and petty traffics on the road. This was Bizpro's second summer trip to Sipalay. We thought we had a totally out-of-this-world experience that time compared to the second. Maybe because we did not expect much of excitement as we did the last time. Obviously, this was our second time.
But, but, but and but and another but... but wait a minute, why is everybody so excited to take a plunge to the beach? Guys, is it not this your first time here? Well, if you can't beat them just join them. I can't blame them. The beach still boasts its same crystal-clear water from where we left off two years ago. No wonder, the President of the Philippines, together with her PSG, just recently came to visit, scuba dive and stay for awhile in one of the villas. The owners of the villas here were so strict because their first rule was that whatever you bring in their houses should be brought back where you came from. That simply means all trash will be brought back and should be segregated - bio, non-bio and recyclable articles. They are so particular with the environment they even restricted the area as non-smoking - that includes cigarette smoking and even having a bonfire. Yes, you heard me - NO SMOKING! Well, yes, it is paying off to carry on the exact beautiful spots. Anything for the environment.
First Day!
Speed boat, kayak and jestski - some rides we enjoyed most in the beach. It was exhilarating jumping up and down with the jetski ride. Yes, it was our first time riding this thing and we just can't get enough. Seriously, I can't explain much and I can't even find words to describe the feeling, the experience of sitting and managing so as to be carried along with the ride. It was extremely great! Thanks to Sir Francis and Ma'am Tweet for giving us this chance of a lifetime. Hehehe.
First Night!
What do you expect? What else? Drinking session. Tequila, Vodka, Tanduay Superior and Baileys - to name a few drinks. We enjoyed dancing, talking and talking back to each other. Everybody was required to drink in the name of fun. More on forcing some gals to drink up. But even the cold breeze envy our night as we are warming up the dance floor even just a little bit. The night adjourned at 3 in the morning.
Second Day!
Despite of hang-overs and headaches we took pictures, pictures and more Pictures - we spent most of the time in the water. Jetski, jetski and more jetski - like I said earlier we just can't get enough of it.
Before....
... and after. 
Second Night!
Another drinking session. This time we played a group game called TABOO. It's like charade actually but you have to describe the word being guessed through words also. In addition to the complexity of the game, there are words that should not be mentioned so you have to be really smart enough to find words other than the restricted words. It was fun and informational. It was girls versus boys. Sometimes, the girls could not steal the words being guessed because the boys have some kind of a lingo they themselves could only understand. It's a game of outwitting one's opponent really.
Last Day!
Save the best for last... We ate a whole lot of good food here from the day we arrived until our last day. There's this dessert that sort of amazed me. I'm not sure what is called but I am calling it halo-halo. The mix only composed of banana, sago and coconut milk. Yes, instead of actually using condensed milk, they used coconut milk as substitute but I am not really sure if it's a substitute because it really tastes good with the mixes. It's very economical and tasteful. Let me try that at home. Hehehe!
NFA Rice, Anyone?
It's all over the news. People are swarming towards the line to buy NFA rice a low quality and government regulated kind of rice. Yes, others put fights on the line just to purchase 2 kilos of rice. The panic is more prevalent in Manila area. We can't actually feel the shortage back here in Negros. But, sad to say, the prices has been going up since this issue came out. Some people are just riding on in the issue.
The farmers tend to fall on the offers from multi-national corporations like San Miguel. They bargain a huge amount of money in exchange of their lands. Well, you can not blame these people. The climate is not cooperating either. Because of Global warming the climate had shifted to the extremes. If not El Niño, it's El Niña killing their crops. It's the only way of coping up with their expenses - a one-time-easy-to-spend money. But where's their fighting spirit now?
A month ago, a bunch of Sumilao farmers from Bukidnon marched their way to Malacañang asking the President to give them back their lands. Yes, they literally went on foot from Mindanao to Luzon. That was really extraordinary and inspiring. In the end, they got what they wanted and went back home to plant rice. That's the irony over there! Here we have people who fight for their rights and sentiments while on the other side people mirrored it with pessimistic ideals. I, myself, am guilty as charged. Filipinos tend to retreat and surrender during hard times. Even if they are already half of the way they go back and say, "I can't do it!" We need to changed that attitude.
On the lighter note, the rice shortage is good news for those who go on diet.
Less carbo!
Bizpro Lakawon Escapade
Alas!
It finally came through!
After all plans have been cancelled... from Boracay to Guimaras, Guimaras to Kabankalan... then Finally to Lakawon. Until 14 confirmed and decided to go. RAIN OR SHINE!
Then we were set for dinner at 8:00pm. After that we had our bonfire lit up at the seashore. We roasted hotdogs and mallows. Well, it was fun. It was a whole lot different experience. I just realized mallows taste good when roasted. The inside actually melts when it's heated.
While even the night was still young we already started to drink some alcohols. I am not sure if it's all rhum or brandy. But yes, the night gets colder then we got drunk. We passed the cup and share it with everbody. Everyone's going gaga! Going frantic! We spent the night talking just about everything sometimes even without sense. That means we're drunk.
We're all up by 11:00am the next day. Hang over! What do you expect? The girls went out swimming earlier (as early as 7:00am) while others still drooling, sleeping. The scorching heat of the sun woke me up - Knowing I slept beside my puke in the tent. Hahaha!
Lunch is ready by 12:00pm. We ate a full meal. After that, we went swimming under the scorching heat of the sun. The island boasts and speaks with pride with its very fine white sand and its crystal-clear body of water. The sea view is so invigorating. You must not miss a place like this. A place where you can relax and enjoy.
Marja, is that you?Funny it seems but they are a little amazed with the waves and the strong wind blowing right to their faces. Just arrived in the island.
A desert in the middle of the ocean?!?It's sure looks like it! Jill and Ramon found shades in each other's arms.
From left-to-right Joyzel, Macoy, Me and Marja squeezing in for a picture.
New found love pair!A love affair that blossomed during the trip. I'm so happy for you guys! Keep the fire burning.
That's me and Jill in the dock area in Cadiz. Just waiting for the boat bound to the island.
Getting bored in boat ride...Jill "The LoudSpeaker" , Boojie "The Magician" and Ron "The Drunken Master" post for a picture with a gloomy background.
Boojie sporting his extraordinary body with 3 nipples while Ely posts with a smile (pearly-white teeth) despite a gloomy day.
One... two... three... say cheese!(Front from left-to-right) Joyzel, Janice, Marja, Sheryl and Jill
(Back from left-to-right) Joice, Joan and Ramon
