Last December 11, 2011, my colleagues from the Acute Stroke and Cardiovascular Telemetry Unit and I celebrated our Christmas Party at the beach! Fortunately, all the staff from our department had a good time together as 'tis the season to be jolly:) Our party was held at the Playa Azalea, a residential island resort clubhouse in Island Garden City of Samal in Davao.
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| These people were whom I was with: (L-R) standing Tam, Rey John (a former staff's boyfriend), Suzanne, Ma'am Glenda (our headnurse), Wendel, Rose, Jackie (sitting with shades on), Ted (and Chopy-not in the picture) sitting Jean Paul, Julie, Matet, me by the Christmas tree for that group picture. |
It was on a Sunday when we met up at Pearl Farm Marina for that five-minute speed boat ride to Playa Azalea. We hopped in the boat between 8 and 9 am with our abundant potluck along with a whole lechon (roasted pig) sponsored by our haciendero colleague, Sir Ted.
We had our breakfast of lumpiang shanghai, garlic chicken, and rice. Then, we had fun time playing parlor games at their grass area with a lot of running and relays while the boys were busy grilling tuna belly and pork liempo for kinilaw. Shortly after the games, some of us girls went to the poolside for some picture-taking sessions. Mam Matet was actually so excited to take a dip in the pool that on our way to the poolside, she was already rushing there and hurriedly jumped with a splash.
After the table was set for lunch, we had our group picture with a wonderfully set up dining area courtesy of Mam Chopy and Sir Ted. It was the party proper, I could say, because all the best food were served pleasingly as everyone was so excited hovering around the lunch delights.
Below are the photos of the different food we've prepared for the gathering.
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| Lechon Baboy |
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| Sinuglaw |
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| Carbonara |
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| Grilled Tuna |
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| Homemade Chocolate Moist Cake by April |
Playa Azalea is an island resort community which is a 10-minute drive from Babak in Samal or 5-minute speedboat ride away from Pearl Farm Marina. That time we paid 500php one-way or 1000php roundtrip for the whole boat that can hold about 13 passengers. It is a clubhouse whose guests are exclusively for its lot owners, homeowners, their relatives and friends.
At the time we went there, there were still a few structures being built around such as more villas or cabanas and other amenities for the resort. There was no bar, cafe or restaurant yet that is why bringing of own food has no corkage and is encouraged.
We left at around 4pm because it started to rain and some of us had other affairs to attend to in the afternoon.
It was a gathering to remember because it was the only time everyone from our unit was present during the party (because of our job's different workshifts, there's always 1 or 2 staff who can't be around during the whole activity to man our nursing unit).
