Saturday, January 31, 2009

Iloilo Trip

My trip in Iloilo is my first out of town for the year. The purpose is to visit a dear friend who is getting married and I'll be one of the sponsors in their wedding. No big deal being the youngest principal sponsor as the couple is a very special friend to me for quite a long time. From being a friend and a former Supervisor, now a Godfather to them.

The supposed pick up at the airport was cancelled due to some errands so I take a cab from the airport and meet them at SM, one of the malls in the city which is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the driver. Ryan and Donna fetched me at the mall, have some lunch at KFC and we went to Donna's house at Potolan, Jaro while Ryan went back to the airport to fetched for another friend and relatives. I stayed there for a night together with Jayces (Ryan's colleagues in abroad). That night we help in the preparation of give aways (souvenir items for the guests) and have some social drinking.
The next day, we transferred at Westown Hotel (courtesy of the couple) because the church and reception is near in the Hotel (also near at SM). While staying in the hotel, we took advantage and enjoy the amenities of the hotel. Nice view at the pool side, were we enjoy swimming. My former office mate, Keats arrived that morning from Boracay. After some rest, we strolled at SM to try the steaming bowl of Ted's La Paz Batchoy which is all over the place. Not to forget in the list is the best buy pasalubongs like boxes of butter scotch, bischocho etc. from the famous Biscocho Haus stores.
The wedding was held at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Iloilo City. Attended by immediate family and close friends. This is my first time to be a principal sponsor if not for the couple, who are dear to me, I would not want too. Imagine, I have to bring my Barong here in Iloilo and walk down the aisle (just kidding). Maybe I had to accept the fact that I'm getting older. But, really it's a pleasure considering me as one of their Ninongs, and I love them more for that gesture. Reception follows at Escas Garden Restaurant.

Island Hoping at Guimaras

The following day (after the wedding), we woke up early and went to Guimaras, where the sweetest mangoes are one of the many draw cards of this island. It's a quiet, mountainous island strapped by a handful of scenic, winding roads with well-signed attractions. As referred, we went to one of the best areas on the west coast, the Alubihod beach in Sta Ana Bay.
We rent a boat to experience island hopping. The boatman charged us 400 pesos for the first hour and additional 150 pesos for the succeeding hour. Our first destination is the PawCaFS station in Lawi Bay. PawCaFS stand for Pawikan Caring & Feeding Station. It's our first time to touch a pawikan and tried cleaning them by the guidance of the caretaker and it's quite heavy. A voluntary monetary donation is encourage for the maintenance of the facility. Next stop is the Baras beach , a secluded resort that can be reached only through a pump boat. There are several beaches and islets undeveloped that you will see here, native houses, beautiful rock formations and caves. We also passed by at Ave Maria Cave (hope my memory is right!!!) and went inside. It is indeed a majestic view from in and out. It was a fun and awesome experience, exploring the beautiful and breath taking scenery of this Island.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Dinner at Zamboanga Restaurant

A few days after a Christmas gathering, my balikbayan good friends, invited me to have dinner with their hubbies at Zamboanga Restaurant located at 1619 Adriatico St. Malate Manila. It serves fresh seafoods, native cuissne and international dishes. The place offer nightly cultural shows which starts at 8:30 pm and serenaders to visitors/guest. It offers dances from different parts of the country. During the show, they will ask some participants to join in some dance where basic steps will be taught and afterwards they will perform it on stage. Dance like Tinikling and Hawaiian. That was fun seeing mostly foreigners doing the dance, children who wants to learn our national dance, tinikling.
This is another worthwhile experience , getting to know and refreshing your mind with Philippine Cultural history. It was a great dining experience together with lifetime good friends and enjoying the fantastic cultural show.