The Raves coming at Sunburn Music Festival

Summer have actually finished; however, why you must still have an electronic dance music (EDM) celebration near the beach?

1. The Rave

You're there for the raves, why else would certainly you be going to a rave celebration? Sure , there are more and more parts to a beach celebration like fine arts in order to crafts. However, the raves is the primary reason that you need to be going to the celebration, as well as raves merely seems so far better exterior.

2. Make Friends

Beach raves celebrations are participated in by crowds of similar raves followers. If you go to a Country and Western (C&W) music celebration, compared to you will certainly be around C&W followers. If you go to an EDM celebration, you will certainly be among the EDM followers. The factor is, these celebrations will certainly be the best premises making first time relationships that will certainly last for a life time. Or a minimum of up until the celebration is over.

3. Being on the Beach

Among the very best factors for participating in a beach raves celebration is the happiness of being on the beach during or throughout the occasion. Throughout this cooler wet month where you typically remain interior, it will certainly be enjoyable to be on the beach. You will certainly have the ability to allow the sunlight kiss your face the second time around in a cooler way, as well as take in the fresh air as your preferred band or DJ rocks the stage for the hundreds of raves followers that will certainly be among you.

4. Wearing Funky Beach Clothes

You will certainly have the ability to use clothing at celebrations that you would generally not use other time of the year. If you have actually ever before had a look at the clothing individuals where at celebrations such as Coachella, these are the attire that will certainly serve at raves celebrations almost everywhere. There are no regulations when it pertains to beach outfit, so create something imaginative that will certainly make you attract attention.

5. The Encounter

Experiencing a raves celebration live differs any type of performance encounter in this globe. You will certainly not remain in a lengthy coast line. You will certainly be outdoors, delighting in the fresh air in order to experience great beach ambiance, as well as you will certainly be taking in an ambiance that is incomparable.

So party with us at Sunburn Music Festival this coming August 27, 2016 on Lingayen Beach, Pangasinan.

Visit this site to register: http://sunburnmusicfest.com

Epson Philippines unveils the state-of- the-art S-Series Signage Printers at the Graphic Expo 2016

The most creative and talented professionals in the country all gathered together in the recent Graphic Expo 2016 inside the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City from June 2 to 4, 2016. Over 100 corporate exhibitors showcased the latest innovations in different fields including printing and imaging in the three-day event.

With Epson Philippines as one of the major sponsors of the Graphic Expo 2016, the event unveiled the newest S-Series signage printers, as well as a showcase of Epson’s latest products.

The Epson SureColor TM S-Series printers are Epson’s latest high-performance roll-to- roll eco-solvent signage printers with new technological advancements. Its extensive features include the high-performance PrecisionCore TFP printhead that delivers output quality at high speed, a new Print Mode that improves image quality by reducing visible banding, and an auto media adjustment system that ensures great ease on every task.

In addition to showcasing Epson’s latest products in action through the live demonstration, Epson also explained the benefits of owning an Epson S-Series signage printer through product talks held during the event. “We’re definitely happy to be a part of the Graphic Expo 2016 because we believe this event is truly an avenue where long-time entrepreneurs, artists, aspiring business owners, and even technology aficionados all come together,” shared Pamela Albar, head of Epson Philippines Corporation’s Commercial & Industrial Printers business. 

“All our S-Series signage printers are able to withstand the most demanding tasks and in the long run, also allow business owners to lower overhead costs. Customers not only get quality Epson products but also experience Epson’s brand of customer service with every purchase,” added Ms. Albar.

Along with the newly-launched S-series printer, other Epson products were also showcased during the Graphic Expo 2016. Photography aficionados were particularly amazed by the capabilities and highly-detailed output of the SC-P7000, while retail enthusiasts were impressed by the efficiency and speed of the SC-F9270 textile printer.

The new S-Series signage printers that were presented during the Graphic Expo 2016 are now available in the Philippines. The SC-S40670 retails for Php910,000.00, while the SC-S60670 is priced at Php1,220,000.00, and the SC-S80670 is Php1,330,000.00.

Asia Supersports Group seals FIM Asia Supermoto Championships deal with Newcastle City Council

Asia Supersports Group (ASG) recently secured a three-year deal with the Newcastle City Council to host the first round of FIM Asia Supermoto Championships in the second most populous area of New South Wales, Australia. Satheswaran Mayachandran, chief executive officer of ASG, disclosed that the group has selected Australia as the first round which will be held on September 3 and 4, 2016.

[L-R] Graeme Boyd, CEO of Boyd Events Pty Ltd; Satheswaran M, 

CEO of Asia Supersports Group; and Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor of 

Newcastle City at the launch of FIM Asia Supermoto Championship 

2016’s first round at Foreshore Park, Newcastle.

ASG, the exclusive rights holder of the FIM Asia Supermoto Championships sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme of Asia (FIM Asia), has embarked on a journey to promote supermoto as a major motorsport event in the region. The first series of championship held in 2015 featured over 18 top international riders from 12 countries including Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and United Kingdom.

“Supermoto is an emerging sport in the Asia Pacific region, with surging interest towards the profession. This deal with Newcastle will further expand the sport’s reach in the Oceania region, creating a rapidly growing platform that will engage and entertain two-wheel motorsport enthusiasts for years to come,” said Mayachandran.

                                                                   

He added that Newcastle is an ideal ground to kick start the 2016 series with its quality infrastructure, amenities, and sizable fan base. “Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok will also be selected to host the championship. Dates for these cities will be announced soon.”

[Left] Satheswaran M, CEO of Asia Supersports Group; presenting a memento to 

(center) Stuart Ayers, NSW Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Major Events and 

Minister of Sports; and (right) Graeme Boyd, CEO of Boyd Events Pty Ltd.

Supermoto, a race that combines various exciting elements of motocross, dirt track, and road racing in one discipline. Courses feature jumps, tight hairpin turns, and high-speed straights on both dirt and asphalt surfaces. Tracks and venues can vary considerably, allowing races to be held at racing circuits, sports stadiums, on open car parks, and on closed-course city streets. This unique sport offers pure excitement and adrenaline-filled fun for the spectators, who can be as close to the race as a few meters.

NSW Tourism, Major Events and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres mentioned that the race in Newcastle expects to draw more than 3,300 international overnight visitors over three years with an estimated visitor expenditure of AU$1.9-million (RM5.62-million), in addition to a sizable number of  local Australians. “We are pleased that ASG has selected Newcastle as the opening round of the championship series, driving a stronghold amount of visitors, tourists, and global supermoto enthusiasts to our city.”

The FIM Asia Supermoto Championships 2016 is organised by Asia Supersports Group, Bikenation Motorsports Sdn Bhd, CW Media Sdn Bhd, and E-Plus Entertainment Productions (M) Sdn Bhd, supported by Destination NSW, Tourism Hunter, and Newcastle City Council.

Bounty Fresh brings #DiskarteNaMayArte to the Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2015

Bounty Fresh will bring #DiskarteNaMayArte to the Asia Digital Marketing Expo at the SMX Aura, on July 26, 2015. The campaign aims to celebrate the Bounty Fresh Moms out there who always find creative and resourceful ways to make homemaking extra special for their loved ones. 

Why #DiskarteNaMayArte? 

Being a Bounty Fresh Mom is not just about providing for the house needs, it’s about providing the best experience for the family. According to Joan Caccam, Assistant Manager, being a Bounty Fresh Mom is not just about being a “wais mom”, who makes the budget fit. Being a Bounty Fresh mom is about being creative and resourceful to make everything extra special. This entails creativity, turning good chicken recipes to great chicken recipes. It’s about being resourceful, finding ways to turn the regular and ordinary things at home into something that will bring extra delight to the family. 

Hacking life one diskarte tip at a time

Acknowledging the power of social media in informing people of the campaign, Bounty Fresh launched the campaign on their Facebook page with an album containing different tips on how to put #DiskarteNaMayArte into the daily household chores. There are tips about the family, home, finances and personal well-being.

To access the #DiskarteNaMayArte tips, you may visit Bounty Fresh’s Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/bountyfreshchicken

BAG electronics: Solutions for the light of tomorrow

Operational safety, quality, and high energy efficiency are the demands made of future-safe LED lighting solutions. When it comes to such objectives, the global lighting industry places its trust in solutions from BAG electronics. The corporate group develops, manufactures, and markets high quality electronic components for photometric products—with maximum quality and reliability. This makes BAG one of the top addresses worldwide for lighting electronics.

Ahead of time—since 1909

The roots of the company reach back to 1909, and BAG has been one of the leading electronics partners for OEMs with pioneering innovation since the mid-1960s. Corporate activities come together at the headquarters in Arnsberg, Germany and were focused on digital technology long before the onset of LED as the technology of the future. This advantage today comes to the fore in the form of intelligent concepts and platform strategies for LED lighting. Electronic control units enable individual requirements to be implemented with highly durable and energy-efficient LED solutions.

Strength of innovation and a global presence

The company with approximately 3,000 employees is renowned for its innovational strength. This fact is reflected in the locations of development facilities in Germany, China, and India. Production is also carried out in these three countries as well as in the Philippines. BAG solutions for lighting electronics are supplied to over 50 countries around the world.

**Unpublished write-up of Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal for Archikonst.

Traverse the Great Outdoors with the Manila International Auto Show 2015

There's no denying that summer has officially arrived in our side of the planet. And turning the heat up several degrees higher is no less than the annual Manila International Auto Show or MIAS 2015, which officially opened its doors, last April 9. Running until April 12, this year’s auto madness occupies the entirety of the World Trade Center Manila complex with a total exhibition area of 30,000 square-meters—including the WTC and Philippine Trade Training Center and Annex Tents A and B, the country’s biggest auto show also spreads throughout the outdoor area to give way for the stunt area and outdoor test driving area.

Living up to its reputation as the most-anticipated auto show in the country, MIAS is bent on upping its A-game each year as it seeks to break previous records as a fiery evidence of its game changing flair. Last year, as it celebrates its first decade in the industry, over a hundred thousand visitors gathered to witness over 500 cars and trucks on display along with over 90 units of motorbike displays from 30 different brands and a collective total of 139 exhibitors and participating companies to showcase the latest and greatest innovations and trends from the automotive scene.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino trying on a new Mazda

Most definitely, this year is no different, if not only bigger and bolder as MIAS rolls out another groundbreaking gathering of the toughest and fiercest parts and rides for all car lovers, industry players, and automotive enthusiasts to witness and marvel at.

            

In time for summer, MIAS 2015 explores an aspect of automobiles that is easily taken for granted as car lovers get caught up in the technicalities—which is the essential ability of automobiles to bring us to both familiar places and unchartered territories that are merely waiting to be explored. As such, MIAS banners the theme of the Great Outdoors as it pays homage to vehicles that will make the journey just as captivating as the destination.

            

Amid the countless exciting activities and pocket events that await visitors, auto freaks and trade players of the field are bound for a jaw-dropping experience as a handful of the most sought-after car models, ideal for going on the road or off of it, take center stage.

Ford Mustang

Starting off with the Mazda2, which promises a high quality, sporty interior, and excellent driving performance. Following the CX-5, Mazda6, and Mazda3, this one likewise carries the company’s Skyactiv fuel-efficiency technology that includes high-compression gasoline engines, and the Kodo-Soul of Motion design theme. Thus, bagging the honor of being Japan’s Car of the Year last October.

Next in the line-up is the Ford Mustang. Now running on its 50^th year, Ford breathes new life into the classic sportscar nameplate by shifting to a more modern aesthetic. Cues like the three-bar taillights, galloping horse badges and the unmistakable profile still identify this as fire-breathing Mustang.

Getting  a luxurious upgrade is the Subaru Outback, which now comes with a powerful 3.6-liter flat six now mated to a CVT for better fuel economy. Despite the plush leather-decked interior, the Outback is a full-fledged SUV, now made more capable with Subaru’s electronic off-road mode taking charge of the full-time all-wheel drive system.

Mini Countryman

The appeal of Britain’s favorite automotive icon has definitely expanded as it introduces a crossover vehicle with more space than ever for passengers and cargoes. With its iconic flair and excellent driving feel, the Mini Countryman can suitably represent the Mini badge.

Mashing up automotive categories is no easy feat, but it comes as no surprise that leading premium brand BMW makes it look so easy once again with the X4. The four-door SUV with the styling of a sport coupe packs BMW’s latest technology, from the twin-turbo gasoline and diesel engines to 8-speed transmissions and the adaptive four-wheel drive system.

If your summer itinerary includes heading up twisty roads, then the new Volkswagen Golf GTI is more than ready to play with its turbocharged gasoline engine which delivers massive torque. From overtaking and acceleration to turning in tight corners, the electronic differential will make the trip a delight.

Volkswagen

Going where no pickup has even gone before, the Foton 4x4 Thunder Ironman includes standard offroad equipment such as raised suspension and chunky all-terrain tires. With its 225-mm ground clearance, Black Rhino alloys, and 2.8-liter Cummins diesel engine, the Ironman can cross rivers, traverse mountains all the while you enjoy its full-featured interior.

Taking after its name, the Chevrolet Trailblazer will keep the ride pleasant on any road surface with its 500-Nm diesel engine and six-speed manual or automatic. Meanwhile, its electronic four-wheel drive system and ladder chassis will take one wherever without having to break a sweat.

If heading outdoors is more work than play, the Xenon pickup is up for the job. With the 1,430 millimeters x 1,410 mm load bed able to withstand up to 260 kg, the Tata Xenon is also capable of towing 1,800kg fo the 4x2 or 2,200kg for the 4x4 model.

BYD model

When the family’s needs come in first, one can rest assured that Mitsubishi can deliver a lifestyle pick-up that is equpped to cater to the needs of every member. The next generation Strada features an all-new exterior and interior and a 2.5-liter diesel with variable geometry turbo.

Compact but ever-ready, the KIA Sportage comes with a 2.4-liter gasoline or 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, an all-wheel drive and a decent ground clearance which allows it to easily switch mode whether as a city vehicle or a countryside companion.

For those who wish to go everywhere without leaving trails, the Qin is a plug-in hybrid compact sedan developed by BYD Auto with an all-electric range of 70 km and a hybrid electric power train that can extend the car’s total range to a distance similar to a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

       

From brand new cars, hybrid cars, to concept car launches, MIAS is indeed the biggest one-stop car exposition which gathers the biggest automotive brands under one roof. Moreover, it makes the experience a multifaceted one as it not only showcases the latest auto parts but also offer up a range of worthwhile events such as the electronic gadgets exhibits, motorsports clinic, demos, and on-road and off-road test drives.

            

Vintage cars

Also among the anticipated events at MIAS is the Custom and Classic Car Competition as presented by Petron, the country’s leading fuel brand along with other car contests which seeks to recongize the groundbreaking efforts of car owners and exhibitors such as the Car of the Year Awards. On top of everything else, MIAS 2015 also teams up with one of the country’s biggest auto loan provider, BPI Family Savings Back to offer car lovers an smoother transaction experience when applying for auto loans.

   

This summer, head out and explore the world beyond your own. But before you do so, you better be well equipped with a ride that’s up for the adventure you’re taking! To make sure that you do, hurry fast and make a stop at the 11^th Manila International Auto Show or MIAS 2015 until April 12 at the World Trade Center Manila complex, from 10am to 10pm.

**Press release submitted by Worldbex Services International

The A-Team Concept

This 10-seconder video is produced for Archikonst's digital billboard along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City. 

Ymaz Builders: Building Quality is a Must

Whether you require basic structures, residential houses, commercial establishments, special interior projects, or even renovation works, we, at Ymaz Builders, can build it especially for you. We take pride in the quality of our workmanship.

Ymaz Builders brings over more than 15 years of construction experience with solid industry reputation. Founded on October 14, 1998 by Engr. Ferdinand Ymaz, the company has come a long way, starting from building bungalows and townhouses to constructing multi-level subdivision houses and commercial establishments.

WHO WE ARE

At Ymaz Builders, we strive to find new ways to build upon quality. Our company is composed of highly-experienced management teams, result-oriented engineers, dedicated office staff, and very skillful workforce who are well-prepared to concretize your dream house or building plan requirements with utmost efficiency and distinction.

We recognize that the best solutions are derived from the combined output of our employees and experts to ensure a project’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This synergy enables us to meet even the most stringent requirement of a customer.

WHAT WE CAN DO

At Ymaz Builders, we strive to excel in every service we provide, adding value for our customers wherever possible and always aiming to exceed their expectations.

Construction Management

We are ready to work with your ideas or develop a tailor-fit plan for you in accordance to your budget requirement. By performing due diligence in the pre-construction phase, we are able to minimize your risks and ensure that your project will start off on its best footing. During the construction phase, we take care of coordinating all construction activities, freeing you from stress and worry.

Conceptual Budgeting

Conceptual budgeting involves assigning a monetary value to a construction project. One reason to complete a budget is to obtain full funding for the project and to provide a cost-control mechanism for the construction process. Our various experts can help you determine an optimal budget for a project.

General Construction

As general contractor, we are responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a construction site, management of trades and supplies, and communication of information to involved parties throughout the course of a building project. We are there for you from start to finish.

HOW WE MAY HELP YOU

At Ymaz, we have gained our customers’ trust and confidence through outstanding performance and sheer competency, and by effectively managing the responsibilities with which we are being entrusted.

We build structures that last.

Ymaz Builders’ past and existing projects are a tangible testimony in our commitment to providing clients with state-of-the-art building that could withstand the test of time. As such, we constantly develop and utilize new construction technologies and alternative methodologies and refine our current system to be able to respond to the emerging trend in the market. 

We build lasting relationships with our customers.

We build more than buildings—we build relationships. The credibility, experience, and expertise in the field of construction of our founder, Engr. Ferdinand Ymaz, have developed and maintained an ongoing reputation for the company. He inculcated to us the value of professionalism and importance of taking very good care of customers. We provide our customers with personalized yet professional attention the Ymaz way. 

**Unpublished write-up of Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal for Archikonst.
 

Product demo for Rehau sans script (Unofficial)

Rehau is a leading provider of polymer solutions worldwide, supplying products to the construction, automotive, and industry sectors. In this product demonstration, Archikonst, the Philippines' longest-running architecture and construction magazine, chief editor Ludwig Ritchel A. Kalambacal is showing to a select audience Rehau's top-of-the-line Ludewig-designed roller shutter, called Climber, for kitchen cabinet. Its motion-sensor and automatic features bring great convenience and comfort to its target end-users. Truly, a luxury to behold! 

This product demo was conducted inside Blum Showroom in Shangri-La Manila located along Ayala, Avenue, Makati City. The Rehau Ludewig Climber is being distributed and marketed by Deepe Marketing Corporation. 

Top-18 Philippine Female Architects (Survey)

Can you spare a few moments to take the survey?

Please take the survey titled "ARCHIKONST Top-18 Philippine Female Architects". Your feedback is important to us. 

Here is the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S5FPL6X

We are going to celebrate ARCHIKONST's 18th Anniversary in 2015. Since it would be our magazine's "debut", we have thought of honoring outstanding local female architects.

As a "debutant", of course, we need to have our "18 roses", but instead of giving the privilege to men, we have decided to give the accolade instead to Filipino female architects whom we are going to acknowledge as the "18 Roses of Philippine Architecture".

We have too many outstanding female talents in the build and design industry, and our aim is to choose our Top 18 as objective as possible. As such, we would like to enjoin you to help us determine those who are deserving to be called the title.

We are going to provide free copies of ARCHIKONST to those respondents who have named the most number of architects in the Top 18. So the more you name, the higher your chances of winning. Please go ahead and answer the survey the best way you can.

Thank you for your time!

Indecent Proposal

My lady boss, a not-so-old filthy rich business executive, once offered me an indecent proposal. To make the story short, I agreed. We were all alone in the room when she told me, "What's your favorite position?" Without batting an eyelash, I replied, "CEO." End of contract.  :D 

P.S.

The illustration on the left side (click to enlarge) is totally another story of an indecent proposal. It is open-ended, so it's up to your wild imagination on how you will end the story. Enjoy reading!

My Boarding Pass to Planet Mars

NASA's newest spacecraft, Orion, will be launching into space for the first time in December 2014, on a flight that will take it farther than any spacecraft built to carry humans has gone in more than 40 years and through temperatures twice as hot as molten lava to put its critical systems to the test.

Bright Boy Pillar going down?

During a meeting between Rui Karanba and Pillar's operations head, a disclosure was made by the latter that Pillar's publication  is "temporarily suspended" mainly due to funding issue. The operations head said that the magazine was affected by the current issue of graft and corruption being accused to its parent company. As such, there is a cessation of funding for the magazine. 

But, wait, based from the apology letter they've sent to affected parties (i.e., writers, editors, et al.), it is stated there that the management decided to temporarily suspend the production and release of Pillar magazine to give way for the planned development of the publication. 

Pressed further, the operations head said that they are planning to put up a new title "Decon", a portmanteau of "design" and "construction". So, which is which? Temporary suspension or repackaging? To make matters worst, how come the operations head is looking for a financier for Pillar magazine, proposing a 70-30 deal. Oh, well... come what may. 

It's hard to comprehend how come a publication with a multi-billion peso backer folded up so easily. They should have live up to their name. Pillars should be the strongest parts of any structures. As such, they should have shown some pillars of strength in the industry, so to speak. If they cannot meet that expectation, they will be remembered in the industry as a laughingstock.  

If they decided not to publish, they should have likewise settled their obligations before retiring lest their credibility would be affected and their integrity would go down the drain. If that happens, anything Pillar and its affiliates will do would no longer be taken seriously. They won't be able to get back on track and do honest-to-goodness business.  

Anyways, they have promised section editor/writer Rui Karanba that they will not renege on their obligation, that they are going to pay his professional fee in full "on the payment date" (no exact date). Mr. K does not subscribe to their promises and sweet talks, yet he is allocating an iota of hope to himself just the same. Hoping is free and not harmful, anyway. Mr. K will just let the law of "K" do wonders for him.

ANALOGY: The "pillar" is as weak as the materials used by most government contractors in building overpriced infrastructures.     

My Caliraya Adventure (Day 1)

I was invited by a marketing executive of a leading pipe maker Atlanta Industries Inc., owner of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort, to attend a bloggers' event courtesy of the resort. As part of the resort's marketing campaign, the objective of the event was to increase awareness about Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort using the Internet as a medium of information dissemination. The former name of the resort is Caliraya Springs Golf & Marina Resort Complex, now the resort owner would like to repackage the resort brand into making it more sporty and adventurous. The resort would like to expand their customer base by targeting groups of individuals and corporate clients, positioning the resort as a perfect place to conduct their team-building activities.

The event I was attending to is actually the third of a series of bloggers' events. Of course, as part of my due diligence, I made some online researches to arm myself with some basic knowledge about the resort before going there. I just saw a couple of blogs and browse the resort's website. I was just wondering at that juncture that if the event was already on its third batch how come there is not much online hype about the resort. Uh-ohh, maybe the bloggers ahead of us have not yet posted their write-ups, I just assumed.  

Accessibility    

Caliraya Lake is situated in the towns of Lumban, Cavinti, and Kalayaan in Laguna. Its tranquil blue waters and the cold mountain breeze that blows from the Sierra Madre mountain and Mount Banahaw make Caliraya Lake a perfect place to relax away from the bustling metropolis. 

Caliraya could be reach by public or private transport. But, as always, whenever I would like to write a blog about an out-of-town place, I would always choose to commute going there. Because first in my agenda is the place's accessibility. So, I took public transport when I went to Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort in Cavinti, Laguna on September 27 to attend the overnight bloggers' event. Actually, it was originally scheduled on September 21, but due to Typhoon Mario, it was moved to another week.   

A rule of thumb when travelling sans a private vehicle is to "travel lightly". So, I and my companion didn't bring too much clothes and unnecessary stuffs with us. The write-up is meant for a blog, anyway; hence, instead of bringing a DSLR camera, I just brought my mobile phone and iPad mini with me. Their five-megapixel graphic resolution is hi-res enough for publication online. I didn't bring any jewelries as well just my water resistant Mossimo with red straps. I didn't bring maong pants as well for they are heavy in the bag. Just a couple of light fabric walking shorts, a pair of ultra-lightweight Voit sneakers, a denim jacket as insulation for cold temperature, a pair of rubber slippers, and my Eastpak travelling bag.      

Going back, there are several ways to reach Caliraya. But since I'd be coming from Manila, this was the route I've taken: I rode a Greenstar Liner bus in Buendia Avenue, Pasay City, going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna via South Luzon Expressway. The bus fare was Php140. Travel time was approximately two hours from the Buendia terminal going to Sta. Cruz.  

I got off the bus a few meters away from its Sta. Cruz terminal. There I asked some folks about going to Caliraya. The most convenient way, I was told, was to ride a tricycle, but the fare is Php300. I thought it was a rip-off; thus, I opted to take the other option--two jeepney rides. One was taking me to the terminal where all the trips were going to Caliraya. The fare was just the minimum Php8.50. At the terminal, I have to ride another jeepney that would take me to my destination. There were several other jeepneys plying to Caliraya, but I was told to take the one with the Caliraya (Lumot) signage, not Caliraya (Junction). I paid Php28 for the ride. I told the driver to inform me when we arrived at Caliraya. Travel time was about an hour.  

I didn't get bored during the trip because I enjoyed watching the rural scenery--seeing cows and carabaos, "bahay-kubo", mountain ranges, tall trees and vast greenery, among others--as the jeepney drove uphill.     

At long last, the driver told me to alight for it's already CRC, the term they've used to call Caliraya, which actually means Caliraya Resorts Club. but when I called up the event organizer to inform him about my presence in the vicinity, I was told that it wasn't the right place for I was in their competitor's lair. I was told that Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort was far ahead and would take about a 20-minute ride. Oh, well! The trip was getting more exciting, I psyched myself. The trip alone was already an adventure on its own. 

As I talked to some folks there, I've learned that whenever one mentions Caliraya to jeepney drivers they would assume that one would be going to CRC. But in my case, I should have told them "golf course". So, lessons learned. "Caliraya" is for CRC or Caliraya Resorts Club; "golf course" is the local name recall for Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.

After a quick rest with matching merienda at the CRC canteen, I looked for any public transport that would drive me there at my destination. I was worried that time for I was late by almost three hours. Suddenly, there was a tricycle and the trike driver was offering to bring me to Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort in the resort's clubhouse for a fare of Php300. Whoa! That's truly a rip-off. The fare of the trike driver in Sta. cruz was actually a bargain! So, I haggled and the fare went down to Php200 but it would be just at the gate of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.    

But, wait, how about this old trike driver, whom my companion was dealing with, who was willing to take us to the gate of Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort for only Php80. Okay, that's reasonable, so I turned down the younger trike driver. As we are about to close the deal with the old trike driver, suddenly, a jeepney was fast approaching. It stopped right there on where we stood to allow some passengers to get off. Without wasting any time, we hurriedly boarded the jeepney. The fare was only Php8.50 from CRC to the "golf course".  

Arrival 

After an hour, we finally reached our true destination. There I saw a billboard at the center island showcasing the water sports and adventure one could experience in Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort. Then, on the left side, there is a "Caliraya Springs" engraving. "So, this is it!", I exclaimed.

I immediately called the event organizer and he dispatched a van to fetch me and my companion. The sight of a sprawling landscape and rolling hills and the smell of weeds and grasses have brought a calming effects to my numb legs and asses. 

The Hyundai van carried us to the Marina or activity center of the resort. There I saw the majestic appeal of the serene waters snaking through the lake and the bluish water in the infinity pool. I took some snapshots of the mountain ranges and the vast landscape. After all, our "adventurous" rides were all worth the while.

We were given a bottled water each as our welcome drinks, but it would be more refreshing, I told myself, if we were offered the Basil with Tarragon in Lime Tea--the chosen welcome drink for that day as stated in the event's itinerary. It is customary for me to taste cuisines and drinks native or special to the place I visited. 

After a brief talk with the event organizer, I was led to my Amihan Villa by a member of the resort staff. The villa is on the other side of the lake, so we crossed a zigzag wooden bridge. While crossing the bridge, I saw some white ducks wading in the waters, a couple quietly paddling their kayak, and the sun beginning to fade.  

The villas are actually "bahay-kubo" or nipa huts. These spacious villas can each accommodate up to eight persons. they have no windows, just doors made of strong fabric and a see-through curtain. But what is interesting is the pillars that support the bamboo structure for they are made of PVC pipes. "How innovative," I wondered. The resort owner Atlanta Industries Inc. has incorporated their products in the design of the villas.

The villas are all lined up along the lake shore where the obstacle course is also set up. On the back of the villas is a phalanx of trees and mountain ranges, serving as natural fences.

Since I was late, I wasn't able to join any activities lined up for that day. I just to a short nap. Then, we were called to gather in the clubhouse for our dinner. The van took us, bloggers, to the site.  

We proceeded to the View Deck. I've seen some more event participants there, but there were no familiar faces. No introduction was made by the event organizer to introduce one another for familiarity sake. A moment of silence, and finally, dinner was served: yang chow fried rice, hainanese chicken, inihaw na dory, chop suey, and the special Caliraya Spring bulalo were the main course. The dessert was pandan salad. The food was great!

Nightcap

After dinner, I was toured in the clubhouse by the marketing executive who invited me to the event. He showed me the entertainment facilities (billiards and videoke rooms), accommodation (hotel rooms), locker rooms (made of wood), and the sauna and massage area. I heard him offering me to try the spa and have a relaxing massage, but when I was about to nod he immediately turned about by saying there was already a group going to use it. Oh, well. Such would supposedly serve as a perfect compliment for a tired body. I just took a sigh.    

After taking some snapshots of the place, we went back the Marina. We gathered there to have a bonfire activity. Then, we headed back to our respective villas. We would start our activities at 7:00am tomorrow, so we better have an early good night sleep. 

At the Amihan Villa, I took a half bath, brushed my teeth, and put on Off Lotion to my arms and legs (to repel insects and mosquitoes). I drank the bottled water given to me earlier as my welcome drink bottoms up to cap the night.    

  

The cool breeze that kept wafting through my hair while I was lying on one of the mattresses made me feel sleepy. Suddenly, my eyes closed gradually 'til I went into a deep slumber. The chirping of nocturnal birds and rustling of leaves served as my sweet lullaby. Surely, I would feel rejuvenated the moment I wake up. The fresh air, cool temperature, and serene atmosphere made me feel like sleeping in a hotel suite with acoustic walls cooled by a 2-hp air-conditioner. But the only thing is, when I'm "lucky", I will end up snuggling some creepy crawlers. Because I saw earlier before going to sleep two fireflies, a moth, a giant bug, and three big ants roaming about on the villa's bamboo floors and mattresses. I just shooed them away before turning off the lights. And that's the wonder of nature within reach at Caliraya Springs Mountain Lake Resort.

Watch out for the next blog, My Caliraya Adventure (Day 2), to be posted soon.