Comeback

Whoa! Oh, hi there people of the world! Would anyone care that I share a thought at this moment? Who does, apart from I? Is this question even worth answering? Allow me to babble for heaven's sake. :-)


I never thought I'd get back on track! I haven't written for the longest time. More than three years passed since I last punched those keys to come up and publish an awesome blog...or so I thought. It's been years...yes! Years of extraordinary experiences with twists and turns and ups and downs and whirlwind affairs. How I wish this could be awesome for you as I'd like to believe it myself. Otherwise, let me be. Just, let me.


I have continually grown in age and girth and gone to places I never thought I'd reach. Thanks to a lot of people, who were keys to pave my way, to a variety of experiences, through unexpected opportunities and possibilities. I would not have come this far, if it weren't for the turn of events that seemed unlikely to happen to me before.


As time slipped by, I had started crossing the skies to various cities in my country until I went overseas not just for holidays, but also for other more worthwhile reasons. I have wandered and have started to settle on a new, distant soil I did not even imagine myself to be, decades back.


I would love to reveal my life-changing adventures that involved disparate situations and a great deal of people, who troubled themselves for my sake. Pardon me for making it sound a little less theatrical. But the life I had and still have now, that seemed mundane for some, is terribly amazing for me. Let me reserve it in my next post.


Welcome me again to the liberty of this blogging world. Ciao for now!

Playa Azalea, Samal for ASU CVTU Christmas Party 2011

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.

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.

Lechon Baboy

Sinuglaw

Carbonara

Grilled Tuna

Homemade Chocolate Moist Cake by April

So, to get our consumed victuals digested, we went around and again, clicked our shutters everywhere along with exploring what else the resort can offer. The rest took a swim and shots underwater.

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).

Certainly Cebu

I have often visited Cebu since I was very young. Yet, I don't find frequenting the city a boring thing. I admit, there are yet a loooooot that it can offer me to see and be amazed.

Many would say Cebu has plenty of criminals (thieves, to be particular) who roam around especially on its busy streets like Colon. They say even riding a jeepney or walking along its highways isn't really safe at all. Personally, I think wherever you go, there's practically no place on earth that's really safe. Some places perhaps may have low crime rate, but low crime doesn't mean no crime. It's always still a must to be vigilant of whatever we have wherever we go.

Anyway, I just feel like sharing these stuff.

So much to see and be in awe, right? When I get the chance, I'd spend more time there and see more wonders in Sugbu myself.:)

DAVAO cityscape

On my way home (amidst the heavy rains), I realized how proud I am of Davao. Why? I can list not only 101 reasons, but 1001 and more!

A colleague was relating how pissed he was in Manila for the taxicab driver he encountered. He was almost fooled but knowing Manila and how things go, there's no chance he'd be gullible. It was all hubbub on routes, fares, and attitude, etc. Exchange of stories among my other colleagues were on and we realized what sets Davao different from Manila or even Cebu (though I still love Cebu, my second hometown:) ) 

Well, you can be fooled by skyhigh fares in Manila. In Davao, taxicab drivers would even help you around and are mostly honest. 

In addition, Davao water is way too better. Really!:) 

Plus, it's governed by a respectable Mayor. Previously, it was under Mayor Rody Duterte. His brave leadership has earned the trust and love of Davao people. Then, his successor is his daughter, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, another strong-willed whom Davaoenos feel secured about:) And with the recent issue about Mayor Sara boxing out a sheriff, this situation puzzled non-Davaoenos  why Davao people still love her despite this "deceitful conduct". Tell you frankly, she (just like her father) has always shown bravery, honesty, respect, dignity, valiance, and loyalty to Davaoenos. Her strict implementation of policies have caused the peace and order of our city. No wonder Davaoenos give back their loyalty to this uncorrupt leader.

So much  more to love about Davao along with abundance of fresh fruits. What else could we ask? rock on Davao!:)