Baras Castaways for A Day

This post is long overdue but hey, sharing summer experiences are never boring. Eversince we were kids, we were always asked by our teachers, "So how did you spend your summer?" And we would think of the most interesting stories that we could boast for the whole class.

Summer wouldn't be complete without hitting the beach, drenching yourself in cool, clear waters amidst the prickling heat of the sun. When in Iloilo, one of the best, practical options of experiencing an island adventure would be crossing the river going to Guimaras, a mountainous land surrounded by a vast, beautiful sea. It has an array of pristine beaches whose shorelines are carpeted with white sand. This summer, my friends and I decided to just  take a break in one of the province's resorts - Baras Beach Resort.

From Iloilo, we took a 10-minute boat ride going to Jordan port. There, we picked a multicab for a 30-minute ride going to a wharf where we would be fetched by a pump boat that would transport us to Baras. But while we were in the cab, we invigorated ourselves with the abounding coconut and mango trees that intermittently passed our eyes. Mountainous fields with artistic rocky edges were also awe-inspiring as we pass by hilly roads. Indeed, Guimaras is still a virgin town compared to the urbanized cities we are acquainted to. Your nostrils will be treated by fresh air and not by dirty, foggy smog caused by pollution.

Arriving at the small port,  picture-perfect were these fishermen's boats floating by the shore. For quite, I imagined myself driving one, hopping every untouched island Guimaras possesses. So much for daydreaming. Our ride going to Baras already arrived and we had to prep for another 15-minute ride going to our final destination. Thrilling indeed!

As we were sometimes roughly rocked by the boat because of big waves, we remained still. My friends on the front corner were somewhat getting splashed by the waters that slapped on the boat's exterior. Nonetheless, we enjoyed every minute of the ride. The dreamy, captivating islands that revealed in front of our eyes wowed us. It's a surreal feeling seeing pure, peaceful nature when you are used to cross busy streets and brave crowded highways.

Arriving at Baras island made me feel I'm going to turn into a castaway for a day. The resort wasn't your typical high-class, sossy beach getaway. However, what's unique about it was the feeling that you seem to own the island. I guess they just allow a certain number of customers to be booked so that that place wouldn't get so crowded. Nearing the island, one would notice its cottages being built on different locations right above its coast. This is to offer visitors  the perfect  view of the vast, blue sea. If one wanted a time for solace and reflection, this must be a cool place for that.

As we stepped foot on the resort's sand, we climbed up to reach our reserved room. Our friend, Jo, had already contacted the beach personnel beforehand so that everything is settled and so that we could communicate with them while we are on the way to the island. However, we were told that as 10 pm strikes, the generator that ran the electricity in the place would be cut off. With that, we just hoped that it would be windy enough for us to sleep comfortably at night.

 Our room was equipped with three double beds, however there was no electric fan to cool us down during that one humid day. Night came and we prayed that it would rain or even a cold breeze would swift through our windows but summer was taking its toll until evening.We had a hard time sleeping since it was so hot. Mosquito nets were available yet we decided not to hang it since it would make us feel hotter during that night. We should have lighted the kerosene lamp inside our room but we didn't bother. We ended up fanning ourselves just so we could slumber.

Morning came and the sun gleefully illuminated our  faces. Though we didn't quite have a good sleep, we were excited to swim in the beach and do boating.  The resort lets you borrow their boats for free and you can roam around its surrounding waters. You can also try snorkeling yet I guess a 100-peso fee will be charged per person.

Boating was a super fun activity since aside from it being a good exercise, you will learn to appreciate Mother Nature more. We kayaked going to an islet just across the distance and to the other islets nearby where we stopped over to rest and drench. As we enjoyed rowing with all our might, the dogs that welcomed us when we arrived at the resort and watched over us the last night also followed our trail as we boated through. I was impressed how these friendly askals were so good  in swimming and how their stamina  could handle such an exhausting work of guarding us. I couldn't imagine how deep the water was when we were already far from the shoreline but the two dogs were brave enough to thread alongside our boat. Just how sweet was that. Were they not afraid to drown?

For safety, one can borrow life jackets from the management. While my friends rowed their way from the shore going across another islet and past the sturdy mangroves, I preferred using a paddle board following their direction. Although I was about slow at first, I managed to discover the technique later so I was able to keep up with them. It was just refreshing and mesmerizing seeing the coral beds above the clear waters. If only we had the time, we could have asked the management to tour us going to other noted destinations such as the island where we get to interact with the Pawikans.

We left the resort with all smiles.  Instead of traveling back to the small port where we were fetched by a banka going to Baras, we were brought to the Alubihod beach resort where pedicabs were accessible.

We were again transported by the pedicab back to the Jordan port. Truly, I and my friends enjoyed our one little adventure in Baras Beach Resort. Although we had not slept quite well, the company of friends, the good time, and being one again with nature had compensated it all. Next stop? I don't know. Only time and our pockets can tell. Lol.

Tips in spending a memorable time in Baras

1. Bring your own water, food, and other snacks to lessen your expenses. You can even cook your own beach-perfect dish to satisfy your tummies.
2. Group your friends into two teams and have fun playing volleyball.
3. You must not miss kayaking. Just remember to borrow life vests for your own safety.
4. Bring mosquito repellants and fans to have a sound sleep.
5. Take pictures!!!
6. If you have extra money to stash, try snorkeling or have a tour to other popular island destinations in the area.

Gorgeous Mariquit

Mariquit is a tagalong word that means beautiful. And yes, after visiting Casa Mariquit, I can definitely say that indeed, its name truly speaks for itself. Quaint. Historical. Beautiful.

There is a need to revisit our history for us to remember how our ancestors had spent their lives – how they socialized, how they dressed up, and even how they worked amidst the absence of technological advancement. More importantly however, we must be aware of our history to unravel  how our forefathers had solved the problems and social issues of their time  that could be well emulated by the present.

Casa Mariquit brings us to significant political and social events that took place in our country many years ago. Despite the long time, it still stands strong until today. The ancestral house boasts of intricate borders, sturdy foundation, as well as  stunning furniture and flooring which were both made from reliable wood such as Molave.  It is well maintained by Jan, who accommodated and toured us through every nostalgic corner of the house.

First stop, we ambled towards the masters bedroom of Sir Fernando Lopez Sr., one of the former vice-presidents of the Philippines who particularly worked under the Marcos government. Inside, we were awed by the vintage cameras hanging by the walls.  Jan told us that some of these branded cameras, a collection of Mr. Fernando, still functions.  Fernando’s wife is Maria “Mariquit” Javellana-Lopez, granddaughter of banker Ramon Javellana and the one responsible for building the ancestral house where she was raised. The couple’s bed was one of those typical old models with poles on the edges over which a cloth hangs .  I was also impressed by the well-preserved sturdy footwear of Mr. Fernando as well as by his attaché cases made of authentic leather and by his several strong and beautifully designed cranes. 

Before you can enter the bedroom, you must first pass by the dining room where a large wooden table was situated in the middle. A chandelier hangs on top of it, wrapping up the whole resplendent look. Enhancing the splendid look was the tough cupboard located adjacent to the table. Pictures of Mariquit  with her parents and siblings were fixed on the wall.

We then ambled towards a room improvised by caretakers into an altar. This was where all the religious figures, images, and ornaments were arranged. Resilient benches were provided for prayer and meditation. A picture of Pope John Paul II visiting Iloilo City years ago was framed and hanged on the wall.

Then, we were welcomed into a large magnificent hall which extends from the main living room. Here, we got to know Fernando more since we were acquainted on how he got to be Vice President from being a lauded senator of the Republic of the Philippines. His two large office tables were placed spaces apart where right in the middle, there’s an image of his face - a large sculpture made from capiz shells was displayed by the wall . In one corner, a wardrobe rack neatly suspended his well-maintained togas which he used during his oath-takings in assuming high political positions. On one of his tables, we saw a collection of elaborate and classic keys as well as different types of fine and classy knives.

We also entered one room where officials and friends from other places could sleep in while they are in Iloilo.  In this room, photos of Fernando with some of the past presidents and politicians of the Philippines who visited his home were framed and preserved. Even former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had set her foot in Casa Mariquit and had slept in this room.    

Afterwhich, we glided onwards to the expansive living room with simple furniture. A pretty chandelier welcomed us. This  illuminated the entire space during evenings where parties and balls used to take place.  We then walked towards the azotea which was bordered with intricate curves and shapes, perfect for wedding photo shoots.

Our last stop was going down the stairs into the area where well-built tables and benches were positioned. It had a bricked wall and windows made of metal pillars.  Staying there made me feel I travelled back to the past where camisa chinos, maria claras, and barongs were a trend.

Casa Mariquit is not just an aged house. Rather, It is a living memory of Iloilo’s rich historical accounts and a reflection of its bountiful culture. Such factors make this home truly gorgeous

*Visit Casa Mariquit in Democracia, Jaro, Iloilo City for an entrance fee of Php 50.

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Make Iloilo a City Wonder

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Oks Na ang Riverside Beach Resort 'Pag may B-day

Hiniwat namin ang ikawalumpu't taong kaarawan ng aking lola sa Riverside Beach Resort sa Trapiche, Oton, Iloilo. Dito sa Oton, matatagpuan ang iilang mga resort na madali lang mapuntahan ng mga tao mula sa lungsod at sa iba pang mga karatig na munisipalidad. Kung nais nilang mag-relax kasama ng malamig na simoy ng hangin at maaliwalas at mapayapang tanawin ng baybayin, marami-rami ng mga beach resorts ang maaaring pagpilian sa lugar alinsunod sa mga serbisyo na gustong matanggap ng mga kustomer.

Magaan sa loob na isiping hindi napapabayaan ang mga baybayin ng Oton. Dahil sa pag-aalaga ng mga residente sa yamang tubig na ito, nagkakaroon ng masagang pagbabago. Maraming nahuhuling mga isda, talaba, pusit, at iba pang pagkaing pandagat na maaaring pagkunan ng pamumuhay. Nagsisitayo rin ang mga seafood restaurants sa lugar kaya't nagkakaroon ng trabaho ang mga tao rito. Basta't napapanatili ang kalinisan ng ating kapaligiran, marami ang maidudulot na positibo nito hindi lamang sa kalikasan ngunit pati na rin sa mga mamamayan nito.

Sa Riverside Beach Resort, bagama't mura ay may mga magaganda at matitibay na mga cottages ito na may iba't-ibang mga sukat - may mga malalaki para sa malaking pamilya na gustong magsalu-salo at may mga maliliit din na silong para sa barkada.

Kung nais niyong mag volleyball, may mga puno ng niyog na maaaring pagsabitan ng net. Sa malaking espasyo sa pagitan ng mga ito ay maaari nang maglaro ng naturang isport. Magaling na ideya rin ang pagpapalipad ng saranggola malapit sa baybayin.

Mahaba-haba din naman ang linya ng buhangin ng baybayin kaya't malayang magtampisaw sa malinis nitong tubig. Huwag lang lumangoy papalayo dahil wala namang life guard ang magmamatyag at magbabantay sa mga lumalangoy bente kwatro oras.

Swak itong puntahan ng mga nagtitipid sapagkat ang presyo ng isang cottage ay nagkakahalaga mula 150 php pataas at maaari pang magdala ng mga pagkain na pagsasalu-saluhan. Sa Oton mismo ay marami ng mga tindahan at mga restwarant na pwedeng pagbilhan ng mga talaba at iba pang pagkaing pandagat kaya't siguradong busog ang tiyan ng lahat.

Kung nais namang magbanlaw pagkatapos ng paglalangoy,  may poso naman na maaaring paliguan. Siyempre, dapat cowboy lang kung nais niyong dito mag-beach sapagkat hindi naman ito tulad ng mga mamahaling mga resort kung saan merong world-class na mga amenities at kung anu-ano pang mga water sports activities. Yung nga lang, hindi masyadong malinis yung mga comfort rooms pero mapagtiya-tiyagaan naman. Saan ka pa sa limang piso na entrance fee, hindi ba?

Kung gusto niyong mag-bonding at mag-chillax sa hindi gaanong ka-bonggang budget, tamang-tama na ang resort na ito. Kung habol lang naman ninyo ay maaliwalas na tanawin, preskong hangin, at malamig at malinis na baybayin, magandang choice na ang Riverside Beach Resort. Enjoy na yun. Maaari pa kayong magpicture-picture sa pang-photoshoot na lokasyong ito.

What to do in Jaro Fiesta

Once again, Jaro, Iloilo City, is celebrating their feast in honor of Our Lady of Candles. And yes, jeepney routes drastically change whenever this day comes because people from the different parts of Iloilo travel to Jaro to visit their relatives who have prepared something scrumptious to eat.

However, it wouldn't be easy arriving here. You might want to leave your homes early so as not to get stuck in the absurd traffic. But taking a long walk wouldn't be bothersome, thinking that when you get there, you’ll be hospitably served with lots of food. However, never assume that every house that you would get your feet into has prepared a meal for their guests. I believe what's important is that one will have the chance to once again chat and catch up with relatives after a long time of no communication. And yes, why not go to the beautiful Cathedral and spend some silent time to pray and reflect?

The long queue of vehicles on the day of  Jaro fiesta celebration

Sometimes, it's better to walk than spend a  long time in a seemingly immobile jeepney.

Ukay-ukay is also popular whenever this feast is held. You can buy cheap but fashionable used clothes in the plaza. There are also other great buys that you can find there- accessories, creative jars, woven bags, shoes, and many more.

If you want to eat more just to satisfy your hungry tummy, Perri Todd’s is just steps away from Jaro Cathedral, right across Jaro Elementary School. Satisfy your tongue with its big, delicious, mouth-watering grilled burger and yummy al dente pastas while cooling yourselves with their iced-tea tower.

Pomodoro and Bologna in Perri Todd's for 150 php

Classic Burger for 110 php. You can also choose other kinds of burgers like the one which is loaded with tomatoes and vegetables.

Of course, this feast is celebrated to remind residents and the people as a whole of  Mother Mary’s love to them. It’s not just about eating and partying but also, one should look at the life he/she lives and pray that God will continue to lead him/her to the right path.

Caught up in Dinagyang 2013 Fever - Part 2

It's the day when the main event of Dinagyang 2013 was held. About 10 contesting tribes vied for the coveted title of being the champion for the ati-atihan streetdance category. Just watching it on television amazed me. The choreography, costumes, props, and music were really meticulously done by all the tribes such as their creativity oozed so much to praise the Santo Nino.

After the contest, which I knew was watched by overflowing crowd, my family and I decided to go to the city. The energy, fun, and excitement were bursting so much in the streets of Iloilo. The malls were packed and the roads were like a maze because of the many people that went to and fro.

My cousin got his tribal henna tattoo on his forearm for 100 php.

We just capped the day off slurping sundaes in Jollibee then proceeded to Plazuela where a band was playing as people gathered in tables for some food and booze. The Dinagyang celebration has already been part of Iloilo's culture and every year, it's getting better and better.

Caught up in Dinagyang 2013 Fever - Part 1

Dinagyang fever is on heat! Or maybe, is on fire! And yes, Ilonggos love the crazy merrymaking happening in almost every corner of the city. There are bands everywhere and people swarm the roads, making long walks just to get to where the fun is. Of course, foodfest is always a blast, filling the air with the smoke of delicious inasal and the smell of beer. Oh c'mon, this is Dinagyang! Get out of the house and experience the fun! At least, that's what I did. Here's my simple memory of Dinagyang 2013! Viva Senyor Santo Nino!!!

After watching the awesome fireworks in Sm City, my cousin and I headed to Plazuela. Oh my! It was jam-packed! With this big crowd, I hoped we would be able to find our friends who'd join us with the expected walkathon.

Large crowd in Plazuela

People caught up in Dinagyang craze in Plazuela

Then, we trudged downtown to find out what's new there. As expected, roads were filled with excited people. Thank God, guards were everywhere to ensure safety. Local bands started to play and tables along many food kiosks were now getting occupied by party-goers. We found the booths by SMART and they had all these cool cars with upgraded sound system lined up by the side. The sound really boomed with so much energy. Just fun-tastic!

Beautiful wheels with upgraded sound machines

Who wouldn't be in party-mode if you own this car?

A simple Volks can be turned into something precious as this.

Then, here came the highlight of the night - an adrenaline driven performance by the band Spongecola near SM Delgado. The lead vocalist, Yael Yuzon, wowed the ecstatic crowd with his hyperactive performance. He literally even walked his way to the audience. He climbed up the sound system to come nearer his fans on the left side of the stage, went up the left stairs to pass the footbridge, and was carried by a man on the shoulder just so he could reach the people on the back part. While singing, he was offered beer. I guess he gulped three bottles of it the entire duration of the show.

Yael Yuzon, vocalist of Spongecola,  giving an all-out performance

He goes to the audience with all his might and sings to them with all his heart.

Nice lights to those behind this show

Hope he'll not fall.

crazy crowd sings with Yael

This was January 25, just an appetizer for the main events on the next and the following day, but I already felt the fuel heating up. Thank God I went with my friends. I actually didn't know about these events happening. What I knew was that, once you travel the streets of Iloilo during the Dinagyang celebration, expect bands, late night partying, long walks, fireworks, food, and more food. = )

Relax Mode in Batangas

I went to Batangas a month ago with my tito who was visiting a friend who lives there. Since it was my first time traveling to the place, I was a bit excited of what was in stored for me. It was indeed a long ride going there via bus. However, this compensated with the breathtaking greenery that you will see as we bound to this province known for their unique tone of speaking Tagalog.

Getting there, It seemed the place was relaxed since there weren't so many lofty buildings. I also felt the cool air brushing through my body. Maybe, this was due to the mountainous landscape that Batangas had. I could have brought my sweater. Though the house we were visiting was just near the city, it wasn't surrounded by commercial stores and establishments. Rather, as we rode the tricycle going to my tito's friend, I was mesmerized by the pretty view of mountains, trees, and humble villages that welcomed us.

As we arrived at our destination, I felt peace since the home was surrounded with coconut trees. I felt as though all my worries vanished just being in that serene environment. My tito and his friend cooked tinolang manok while my cousin and I roamed around, relaxed under a wooden gazebo with a swing, and took pictures of us amidst the stress-free scenery.

It was a refreshing feeling to be able to just depart from the busy city life and submit yourself to the nature's comforting embrace. Batangas offered this to me which made such trip special and memorable. We just stayed there for one day, however, I learned many lessons from the persons we met. Simply, there were things in life that we wouldn't know unless we interact with people who had these unique real-life experiences   from which we could gain wisdom.

Batangas was a humble town, offering you a mix of rural and urban fun. With its long, winding roads, cool breeze, and awesome people, indeed, it had the peculiar but awesome simplicity that I have not experienced from the other places here in the Philippines.

A Simple Travel

I want to travel. However, I'm not that rich to transport myself to some faraway land unknown to me. Yes, I dream of going to a tropical island surrounded with lush trees and carefree birds flying around. Or in Brazil and take a picture of me with the popular statue at Rio de Janiero as background. Or in Indonesia and experience the relaxing and invigorating ambiance of one-of-a-kind spas in Bali.

But hey, reality check please. I'm just a simple guy in the Philippines who can't afford such above-mentioned luxuries. I just go to places where circumstances of daily life lead me. May it be in the busy streets of our town or in the nearest beach that costs me a 10-peso entrance fee.  I just bike all the way to our neighboring municipalities and see the new things they offer my senses. There may be no big difference. Kiosks, a plaza, a church, and a city hall. Yet you'll be refreshed on the peculiar way they speak our vernacular. People there have similar language as ours yet the tone on how they enunciate it differ much.

Yes, traveling must not that expensive. People should just live by their means. To have a fun-filled getaway, there is no need to spend much because we can find brand new knowledge from the localities where we live. As long as we treasure every simple ride or walk to a fresh environment we've never been to, it makes us feel that we don't need many stamps in our passports just to gain wisdom through traveling. Appreciating what  our places can offer makes us proud and contented on the lanes, corners, and streets that we trudge on. Along with the various, interesting people it contains and the truth we get from them, indeed, there's no need for a plane or ship to learn more about life.

Finally Home

          Had you ever experienced waiting so long for your flight, doing just about anything at the departure area such as play Angry Birds on your laptop or type nonsensically on your cellphone, then suddenly, the airport personnel would inform you that your trip was cancelled? I had. Just my perfect definition of what they call “epic fail”.

          I was with my college friend, Charlene, whom I  just unexpectedly spotted sitting on a chair a couple inches across from mine. At first, I thought my eyes were only blurry. Maybe, she was just another stranger who looked like my leader in our college thesis project. When I called her name, she stood up with such surprise and we tried so hard for our shrieks to be mellowed down. I came over to chat with her. Oh, how I missed our out-of-this-world, crazy talks!

          She had been waiting here longer than I was. She was very much excited to meet her loved ones who had prepared something for her arrival after 11 months of missionary work abroad. Maybe food and tight hugs. Her best friends and boyfriend had been calling and texting her almost every minute. She told them that she would pass by a store to buy some additional food for the simple celebration back in her home.  

          How about me? Of course, I’m excited to go home too. Honestly, I missed home and I missed my dog, Chubby. It was quite a learning experience travelling in Manila. I didn’t plan to meet a lot of my relatives but I luckily had. I had met and cuddled their own huggable puppies too. I had tasted a lot of food that offered something incredibly new to my almost bored palate. I even tasted a cheap halo-halo with a leche flan on top from my tita’s  humble neighborhood. 

          Of course, my feet wearily trudged the streets of Quiapo, Divisoria, and Baclaran, thinking at the back of my mind that with clothes this cheap, how come there were still some who go naked on streets? I had been from Las Piñas to Bulacan with my sweat damping the butt of my shorts and the back of my shirt every time my cousins and I would rush to get into another jeepney, bus, or trike under the unforgiving sun.  I even thought I had been to all SM branches already in our desperation to cool ourselves down. Funny, but I would surely miss such unforgettable and one-of-a-kind experience.  Yet after a month of adventure, Iloilo was still waiting for me, for no matter where life and the wind would lead me, She would always be remembered.

         “The flight going to Iloilo is cancelled”, the crew of NAIA 3 said. “There are no lights in Iloilo Airport right now. It would be dangerous for the plane to land there”, he added. We were told to either rebook our flight or refund our payments for the tickets. 

          As expected, many of the passengers, including us, surrounded the crew, asking for clarity or if contingency measures would be available immediately so we could go home now and embrace our relatives who had been longing for our arrival. Some even shouted at the top of their lungs as they tried to squeeze out a reasonable explanation from the crew. A guy in his 50’s burst out in exasperation because he had a conference to attend. A father was infuriated because his family didn’t anymore have a hotel to stay in. And Charlene, after arriving late on her original flight and after paying 1,500 php to book the next schedule which happened to be my trip, had her shoulders dropped in dismay. She was expecting that she could finally meet her loved ones but here she was, trying to grasp the rationale behind why her trip home couldn’t smoothly push through.

          It was already night-time. We decided to rebook our flight, procuring a 10 am schedule for the next day. Some passengers took the 4 am flight, preferring to spend the night at the airport than cash out for another hotel or for fares that would take them back to the places they stayed in.

          I called my uncle and asked if my friend could come with me at their house since her place was really far from the city. He agreed, so we took a cab on the way to my uncle’s residence where we rested and waited for another day to pass by.  Charlene was thankful because despite the unexpected and unfathomable circumstances, God had found a way for her to stay safe and to bond with a friend she had not met for a long time.

          We heard in the news that the airport’s plant back in Iloilo was hit by a fire due to a short circuit, creating a power outage. This froze the whole operation of the airport, cancelling all the flights going to and from the province.

          I realized that such a crisis could not only hinder the passengers from flying to their respective destinations but it could also put a halt to various important personal and business transactions, resulting to certain losses of investment, may it be money or time.

          Alarmed upon hearing the crippling predicament, the local government instinctively thought of solutions to address such problem. Indeed, what had happened would serve as a great lesson to the province.  The officials should be ready at all times in preparing contingency measures that would prevent the incident to occur again in the future. Indeed, thinking of what might come when a particular dilemma transpires and finding ways to combat it is a critical intervention every organization must not overlook.

          Early morning the next day, Charlene and I prepared ourselves and our baggages for the flight. We thanked my tito and tita for amicably accommodating us. Yesterday had been a rough day but now, the morning was gleaming at us and I knew everything would be okay.

         Obviously, Charlene couldn’t hide her excitement as we entered the plane. It was true that we could definitely reach our destination if our hearts courageously go for it despite the barriers along the way.

        “This is it”, she uttered.  Yes, we may go to different places in the near future but let’s admit it, nothing feels like home.

Cooling It Down at Grotto Vista Resort, Bulacan

         From Manila, my two cousins and I went to Bulacan to meet another cousin and to take a swim in a popular pool situated there. It was scorching hot in Manila that we just wanted to dip our bodies into the cold water and release the accumulated heat that was waiting to burst out from our sweltering systems.

          From Quiapo, we rode an FX that dropped us at SM Fairview. My guy cousin, who is battling mood swings and pimples due to adolescence, decided to buy a board short from the mall’s department store.  We searched by the racks as well as by the tables where a lot of shorts were stacked on. Nothing caught his fancy. If there was, it would either be too big or too small for him.    Luckily, the statue wearing a board short which according to my instinct, would be the perfect fit, caught my attention. We then asked the salesgirl if we could try the one that the dummy was wearing. She did agree, stripping off the short from the mannequin and when my cousin tried it, it was exactly the one he’s looking for.

          What I loved about SM City Fairview was that it closely resembled SM City Iloilo that visiting the former made me feel I’m home again. Plus, Fairview had boutiques I couldn't find from other SM branches.  You’ll just love to drop by Jewels and Chemistry for awesome fashion finds. The mall also offered fun rides and exciting arcades at the top floor.

          Before we could head to our main destination, we first dined at Mang Inasal located at the Robinson’s Mall just right across SM. After we filled our tummies with unlimited rice, yummy chicken inasal, and sizzling sisig, we excitedly rushed outside for a transportation that would drive us to Grotto Vista. We found a jeepney labeled with “Grotto” that brought us directly to the resort.

          For a fare of 17 php each, we had arrived at Grotto Vista Resort,  Bulacan’s Premier Resort and San Jose del  Monte’s Pride. I was awestruck by the numerous people going to and fro the resort. When we get there, a show was going on right in front of what seemed to be their largest pool.  The show  was led by funny hosts who entertained the visitors through cracking a lot of jokes and who facilitated activities audience get to participate into.

          We paid 160 php each for the entrance fee since we decided to do night swimming as it was getting dark anyway. We were also given a key for a locker where we stored our bags and other necessities like our cellphones and wallets.

          The resort comprised of many pools but some only operate through private reservations such as the Covered Pool, Scenic Pool, and the Private Pool which could be rented for 12 hours.  Two pools were opened that day, the Galleon Ship and the Island Kiddie Pool. The first one, I guess, was the widest. Right in its middle, a huge archetypical ship complete with sails was built for swimmers to play into. Long, curvy slides descended from the top of the ship and from the rooftop patio located at the side of the pool. This pool was just right for the whole family to bask into especially for the kids since it only reached about  4-5 feet. Most of the deep pools were only open for reservations.

          We also tried the Island Kiddie Pool.  Just like the Galleon Ship, the height of this pool’s water also just reached to about 4-5 feet. But what’s special about this pool was its showers that fall from the pillars and from the Mushroom-like structures which could be your perfect spot to just sit down under its shade while letting the water pour upon your tired feet.

          A long, winding slide was also situated at the edge of the pool while shorter slides are built in a tree-like structure in the middle where a bridge connected to the foot way.

          We took most of our time swimming in the Island Kiddie Pool because I just loved the downpour of the showers and although smaller than the Galleon Ship,  it wasn’t that crowded compared to the latter. I enjoyed dipping with my cousins and how could we not take pictures, right? Summer with a splash of cool water on your skin has always been this ecstatic!

          There were also a line-up of food stands right at the entrance. Rooms were also available for overnight stay. There were large and small cottages to gather a family or a barkada. Videoke machines were also ready to function for those who love to belt out.

          After my cousins and I felt as if the heat within our bodies had completely vaporized, we then packed up, ready to leave for our next stop- meet another cousin and chat the night away.