Beach Bonding at Alcoy, Cebu

These photos were taken on November 11, 2011

After a much long awaited out-of-town trip, my friends and I finally agreed to go to Alcoy, Cebu. 

 at Jamoke's coffee shop while waiting for my friends to arrive

on our way to Alcoy

Alcoy is a 2-3 hour drive away from the city and has a beach down south, which is a haven for both locals and tourists alike. 

We arrived in Alcoy without a definite plan (laughs) so we hopped from one resort to another. 

 walked our way to check some of the resorts

The resorts were close to each other so it wasnt that difficult to search the best place for us. We checked out El Paradiso first but were disappointed to find out that the place was not well taken cared of. We decided to skip Bodo's Bamboo Bar since it was crowded at that time.

Finally, the search was over. We landed at Tinko Beach. It's a public beach like no other and  has a long stretch of powdery sand.

El Paradiso from afar

We rented a cottage for our overnight stay. It cost us 1000php , I think. ;) Not that expensive since we were 9 in the group. Nothing much to expect from the cottage. It's quite old and not that clean (sorry :D).But still, it was fine. The caretaker provided us some matress, too.

 an old cottage

Good thing about public beaches is that you can actually bring your own food and even cook there.

 pork barbecue.yummm ;)

Hara hetta!!! Budol Fight! for dinner ;)

 trip-trip lang. Class picture after dinner. :)

It was my first time to see the moonrise and it only lasted for a few minutes. As much as I wanted to document its every phase, I failed. :(

 moonrise in Alcoy

We stayed out and talked about random things. Since creating a bonfire was not allowed, we had this instead. ;)

one litre of light ;)

Morning has come and despite having having a few hours of sleep, we woke up early to see the sunrise. 

partly cloudy

Ours is not the conventional type of friendship. *wink* We don't see each other often and we don't even send messages that much. But deep inside we know we can count on each other.Funny how our differences bound us and make us come together as one-- just like the colours of the rainbow. ;)

Tatak Bente Kwatro

These photos were taken on June 12, 2012

It was still the second day of the week and I decided to take a day off. I think it was a great way to break my routine. I make it a point to do something different at least every month so I won’t feel like I’m a robot. :)

I woke up at 4:30 am – too early for someone who took a day off.  I was surprised that my sister was awake and greeted me. Oh well! Thanks, yok. 

The sports complex at dawn

This is where I spent my “ME” time on my special day. I was expecting to see a lot of joggers that day but glad to know there were only few. It wasn’t crowded and the weather really cooperated. Yey! :)

 early morning taho 

I didn’t stay long at the sports complex. I got hungry after my brisk walking  so I decided to go home and look for something to eat. Chadaaaan! Taho for my breakfast. But of course, knowing that I have a big appetite it didn’t satisfy me so I ate a full meal afterwards. :)

And so I spent my day alone in my room. I think I got more than what I asked for. Hihihi. I stayed at home and waited for the NBA game on TV but it turned out that the game schedule was still on the following day. Crap.  I was waiting for nothing.

across the miles

Then at noon I received the call I've been waiting for. :) The flowers also made my day extra special. Yipee! ♥

with Irish and Che

Later that day, my friends came home from work. Irish and I went to the grocery store to buy some food and Che helped us cook the food. It wasn't grandious but still it was special. *wink*

 officially twenty four

Being alone doesn't mean being lonely. :)  Sure, there are a lot of ways to spend the holidays that are more glamorous and raucous. I have tried some of them, but then again I find it simple and  far more satisfying to have a quiet "ME" time. 

It was getting late and I still need to wake up early the next day.  I just can't thank HIM enough for giving me a lot of blessings. Special thanks to everyone who remembered my day. I will try to keep all your wishes close to my heart. :)♥

Under the Sea

Sunday is supposed to be my rest day. A lazy day. But since my student invited me to go to the beach, I didn't say No. Anyway, we're going to the beach baby. A beach bum, I am. :)

Portofino Resort's Entrance

There were a lot of people when we arrived at the resort. It was expected because it's Sunday. We chose an area to stay under the tree.

view from our table

The sea breeze was just so cool and relaxing. It took away all my negativities and made me appreciate life even more. The water was also inviting. I hurriedly applied a sunscreen lotion because I know I just can't refuse it. :)

 Kayak-like boat

After having our lunch, we decided to try their Aquanaut. We were given a few instructions and tips before going underwater. A safety vest was also provided for us because we have to be transported by a small boat to reach the bigger one.

 I feel like a mermaid. :)

 Under the sea with the fishes.

Feeding the fishes.

Today is just all about happiness. Exploring a new place, being with new people, and trying to live in a different world - a world underwater. Plus, I finally got the chance to see Nemo for real!!! Yipee! :)

I don't have any regrets even if I failed to watch the live game of my favorite NBA team.This is just more than what I asked for. I'm happy that I got another thing crossed out from my bucket list.

Happiness. :)♥

Breaktime

Yesterday was our first time to eat out as a group. I've been working in the company for over a year now and I'm happy to say that I've grown so much. :)

I always keep my circle small and even if I have only known these people just a few months ago, I feel glad to have known them. They may not know it, but they contributed so much to help me know myself better. :)

posing for a shot before taking our orders @ Pizza Hut

solo Hawaiian Pizza

Caesar Salad

Spaghetti Carbonara

Cream of Chicken

Special Brownies

Spaghetti Bolognese

Cream of Mushroom

The foods were great and it satisfied our hungry stomachs.But then again I don't think it's all about the food. For me, it's all about the people whom you shared the food with. :)

This is our first time to eat out as a group and hopefully, this won't be the last despite the fact that Eirene will be leaving the company soon.

happy me :)

Thanks, guys! I'll be forever thankful to have known you. :)

Happy Feet at Osmeña Peak

It has long been part of my bucket list to climb Osmeña Peak so when I got an invitation from a friend, I said YES without any hesitation. :)

 happy feet

Osmeña Peak is said to be the highest peak in Cebu City, rising 1013 meters above sea level. I was thankful enough that my knees and feet didn't give up on me when we started the ascent.

evergreen

Upon reaching the campsite, the group decided to prepare the tents first while we're waiting for the sunset. The minute we were able to finish setting up our camp, we hurried our way to the peak to see the sunset. The peak was just a few steps away from the campsite so it wasn't really difficult to reach there.

at the top we climb

Finally reaching the top, the view was just so spectacular. It was overlooking the Western Coast of Cebu and we were lucky to see Negros Island from afar. 

 camping site

We also met other campers who came to spend the weekend in the mountains. We stayed their and waited for the sun to completely set.

  sunset at Opeak

It was getting dark and so we decided to go back to the camp site. It was freezing cold since we were at the highest point in Cebu. I'm glad I brought enough gear to keep me warm.

hello sunshine

We decided to leave the following morning. I cant help but look back and appreciate God's masterpiece. I realized it was a great accomplishment for me to reach the highest peak.

success: check

This is my first mountain trek and certainly NOT the last. :)

I can do it!

A very memorable trek. Just by simply looking at the view gave me a piece of serenity and peace. I'm glad I was able to make it. I consider this as my first step towards location independence and I'm looking forward for more adventures to come. :)

Easter 2012

These photos were taken on April 8, 2012

Went home with a feeling of excitement because I'll be seeing my nephew and my family as well. It was Holy week so most people were expected to stay at home until Black Saturday. As for Easter Sunday? Well, most families went out to enjoy the beach. Yipeee!!! I felt delighted to hear our family's plan to go out for a swim. :)

I've been loving the waters since I was young. And even if I am not a good swimmer (do I really know how to swim? :D), I always try my hardest to flip and paddle. :)

They call this place Land of Paradise.

First time boaters. :)

 Tried to use the boat paddle but found it difficult at first. Lucky enough to find the perfect rhythm later on. 

 Found our way to see the turtles. 

 Blue was bone-tired but still had enough strength for a photoshoot.

My nephew Larken having fun at the children's pool.

Dearest Pap at the chest level pool.

All out smiles for a happy Easter Sunday. :)

It was getting dark and our family decided it was a wrap for us. My sister and I along with her friends took a pedicab to reach home while my parents and my brother drove their motorcycles. It was one tiresome but a happy Easter Sunday. 

We were all dead-tired and everybody laid flat on bed with painted smiles. :):)