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.

What makes Cocoon Boutique Hotel a truly 'green' hotel?

What better way to find out what it’s like to live as a caterpillar than actually to live like one? Cocoons are sheaths for caterpillars. They are the silky coverings with which caterpillars enclose themselves during their metamorphoses.

Imagine yourself snuggling between fresh cotton linens and goose down duvets in a very soft mattress inside a clean luxury chamber with soundproof walls, isn’t it adorable? It would, indeed, make you feel like a baby butterfly.

Cocoon Boutique Hotel tries to live up to its name of cocooning. At Cocoon Boutique Hotel, you can actually sleep all day and all night, cocooned in a pile of hygienic bedclothes with 400- to 600-thread count made of 10 percent Egyptian cotton linen and 90 percent goose down duvets. The beds are all top-of-the-line pocketed spring mattresses that follow the contour of your body for a more comfortable sleep.

Furthermore, the hotel resembles a cocoon in the way that it provides a sense of security and privacy to its occupants. Cocoon Boutique Hotel is following the LEED green guidelines to conserve energy and eschew harsh chemicals.

All rooms and suites are neat and tidy. The hotel’s antibacterial memory pillow and bed foam wards off dust mites that breed allergies. The canopied, double-glazed glass windows give protection against rain and the heat of the sun.

The elegant lobby is adorned with ornamental woodwork with geometrical patterns, beautiful contemporary paintings, a LED light-filled chandelier, and a genuine 1800 Steinway grand piano. It has a double-volume ceiling to provide better air circulation.

But not unlike a real cocoon which is made purely of silk, Cocoon Boutique Hotel, however, is built mostly with recycled materials that include architectural salvaged hardwoods, warm cast concrete, and woodstone accents.
 

The Apo View Hotel: Where home-grown hospitality meets first-class luxury

Discover the fascinating city of Davao while residing in the spacious comforts of elegant rooms. Be charmed by the signature touches that will surely make guests feel right at home the moment they step in through the door.

A familiar fixture in the downtown Davao skyline, The Apo View Hotel offers guests modern accommodations, superb dining experience, and cutting-edge amenities while basking in the rich history and old world charm of the Philippines’ second oldest hotel.

A veritable home away from home, The Apo View Hotel features living spaces that are conducive to both working and relaxation. Vibrant locales and excellent hospitality ensure that warmth and comfort are always at close quarters.

The Apo View Hotel is a comfortable walking distance from Gaisano South Citimall and the People’s Park. It is well connected to the city’s main thoroughfares and central business districts where many commercial establishments, restaurants, and entertainment centers are located. Moreover, the first class hotel is approximately 20 minutes away from Davao International Airport.

Rooms & Suites

All suites and rooms come with a welcome drink for two people at the Blue Room, complimentary buffet breakfast for two people at the Entrée Restaurant, free use of swimming pool, and unlimited internet access in the guest rooms and public areas.

Deluxe Room – available in single/double bed.

Executive Deluxe – newly renovated room located in the 4th and 6th floors; available in single/double bed.

Executive Suite – newly renovated room located in the 8th floor; features king-sized bed

Junior Suite – has a living room, bedroom, and bathroom with shower and bath tub.

Studio Room – fully renovated room located in the 3rd floor.

Bridal Suite – fully renovated room located in the 8th floor; it has a living room, dining area, separate bedroom, bathroom with separate shower, and bath tub.

Presidential Suite – comes with its own dining area, living area, pantry, study, master’s bedroom, and bathroom with Jacuzzi.

Banquets & Functions

The Apo View Hotel offers packages that can make a special day an event worth remembering. Its fully managed function rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, are perfect settings for all kinds of occasions.

Grand Ballroom – is offering absolute flexibility in convention and banquet arrangements; the perfect venue for conventions, weddings, dinner-dance receptions, and other large-function occasions.

Top of the Apo – newly renovated function room that can accommodate up to 200 persons; a perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, debuts, and other medium-scale occasions.

Garden Pavilion – fully managed function room, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, which provides a perfect setting for all kinds of occasions.

Other Banquets & Functions – include the Orchid, Catleya, Vanda, and Silver rooms, and the Boardroom.

 

Dining & Leisure

The Apo View Hotel offers popular culinary favorites and refreshing beverages through its in-house restaurants and bar, while its casinos feature table games and slot machines which the guests will surely enjoy.

• Entrée
• Café Josefina
• The Blue Room
• Pacific Palm and PAGCOR Casinos
• Pool Deck and Garden

Amenities & Services

• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour business center
• Swimming pool
• Massage service
• Safety deposit box at the front desk
• Car rental
• Travel agency
• Gift shop
• Dress shop
• Airport transfers

Contact Details

150 J. Camus Street, Davao City, Philippines 8000.

Tel: +63 (82) 221-6430 to 40

Fax: +63 (82) 221-0748

Email: info@apoview.com

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

Soothing experience at Canyon Cove

I'm sharing with you some snapshots of my visit to Canyon Cove. Please refer to the photo gallery below.

This exclusive beach resort is located in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The place is like the ones you see in Europe, according to one frequent European traveler. In addition, one Fil-American guest even said that the resort is even more beautiful than the beach resorts in Guam. No wonder, the swim wear segment of the recent Miss Earth beauty pageant was held at Canyon Cove.

Indeed, the place is really nice. The tropical atmosphere and the views are magnificent. You will feel a soothing experience as the cool wind wafts through your hair while watching the sunset under the shade of palm fronds or simply viewing the vastness of the sea with wavelines responding in azure caress of white crescent shore.

Those who have stayed overnight at Canyon Cove waxed rhapsodic about how the evening became a virtual invitation to romance as a crisp, nippy air circling about the place.

Moreso, its amenities are great! You have choices of accommodation, whether to stay in the condotel suite or apartment unit. The foods that are being served have a wider variety from native to oriental and western dishes. The water recreation facilities are almost complete. Aside from the big swimming pool, there are these water sports equipment like the banana boats, motorized bancas, water bicycles and jet skis, which you can ride for a minimal fee. Likewise, scuba diving and snorkeling activities are being offered.

Visiting Canyon Cove is worth the while, and I'm raring to go there again this coming summer.

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Glimpses of Canyon Woods

Want to live in an exclusive community where you can be neighbor with big time politician, movie star, or successful entrepreneur? If yes, then you better get a piece of the Canyon Woods pie before stocks run out.

The resort projects, like condominiums, condotels, apartments, maisonettes, townhomes, and residential lots, are selling like pancakes to high net worth individuals.

The mini-mansion on your left is the vacation house of ex-Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson. See the photo gallery below for more breath-taking views.

The relaxing view of the place is indeed a perfect weekend respite to a tiresome professional, busy executive, longing OFW, and health-conscious retiree. Furthermore, the Canyon Woods Residential Resort is boasted of the cool and breath-taking view of the mountain and lake of Taal. Its lush greenery, rolling terrains and country chalet-style houses truly delight the senses. Furthermore, it is affiliated with Interval International, the most prestigious vacation exchange network company in the world.

Travel etiquette in some of the most visited countries

Knowledge of the basic protocol and etiquette in a foreign territory would make our travel experience worthwhile. Here are some tips on getting by graciously in some of the most visited countries:

In Austria, people don't discuss business matters during a meal, unless your host brings it up (in the Philippines, business deals usually discussed during lunch). If happen that you are eating a dumpling, never cut it with a knife; but instead, break it apart with your fork. Also, the person who extends the invitation to a restaurant will generally foot the bill (in the Philippines, it's KKB - "kanya-kanyang bayad" or pay your own bill). On the other hand, when you are meeting people in a social or business gathering, shake hands with everyone, including children. However, you might find this one disgusting: avoid wearing short pants while shopping (really disgusting!).

In China, if a Chinese person greets you with applause, applaud back. But clicking fingers and whistling is considered very rude. Always show special respect for older people like offering them your seat, standing when they enter the room, etc. (such custom also exists in the Philippines). Never point with your index finger for the Chinese perceived this as rude. In dining, be ready to make a small toast for any and all occasions. Feel free to belch and slurp soup while eating (well, that's considered lack of table manners here in the Philippines). However, eating rare beef is considered barbaric. So, never order medium-rare steak in a restaurant. Leave some food on your plate to honor the generosity of the host.

In France, the people there don't like to make or tell jokes. Likewise, they don't like nosy people as they value their privacy very much. Avoid using any of the following in public, such as nail clippers, combs and toothpicks, and avoid chewing a gum; and while you're at it, don't scratch or yawn either. In dinner, don't order a martini or scotch before dinner; they're considered palate numbing. When eating fruits, don't eat, say your apple or pear whole, but instead peel and slice it. Moreso, don't cut your crusty baguette with a knife, break it with your hands. (Living in France seems boring; but with all those French kisses and fries, I'm pretty sure you would enjoy your stay there he-he-heh.)

In Germany, people are more formal and punctual. If you will introduce yourself, introduce yourself by your last name only without using any title like "Mr.", "Dr.", "Gen.", etc. Always show respect to elderly and high-ranked person by standing whenever one enters the room. Too much compliment may embarrass Germans; thus, do it sparingly (so sychopants beware!). When dining, "guten appetit" is said before eating, which means "enjoy your meal." It is the host's way of saying, "please start." Meanwhile, fork and knife are used to eat sandwiches and most other fruits.

In Italy, people are generous and chic (well, that's good!). Italians are dressed elegantly, but conservatively. Likewise, they tend to forgive most faux pas except rudeness and arrogance. Never yawn or remove your shoes in public for they see it unethical. Not like in China, burping is considered extremely vulgar by Italians. Keep both hands above the table while eating, but keep the elbows off. Don't roll pasta on your spoon – do it on the sides of your plate.

In Mexico, it's okay to be late by an hour to a social engagement (great! Filipino travelers wouldn't have a hard time adjusting their "Filipino time"). But in the country, shyness seems discouraged as Mexicans like to get accustomed to people standing close to them. On the other hand, drinking to excess is frowned upon in the country. Likewise, when dining, always keep both hands on the table and when you have finished eating don't leave the table immediately.

In Russia, drinking tends to be an all-or-nothing affair; thus, you must know your limits. If invited to a meal, don't make post-dinner plans as Russians expect you to stick around and socialize. But in general, learning Russian language is the best way to win friends and influence people. However, don't shake hands over a threshold for Russians believe this will lead to an argument. Expect demonstrative greetings, like hugs, backslaps, etc. from them. (Does it mean that it would be safe to slap them rather than shake their hands?)

In Spain, there is no bread and butter plate being used as bread is set directly on the table. Likewise, know your limitations as Spaniards don't waste food. Always make a tip for everyone, not just in the hotel or restaurant, for everything like when someone helps you with the street direction or helps you carry your baggage. When talking with a citizen, just be patient as Spaniards use to interrupt. Likewise, it is acceptable to be late to social functions - 30 minutes in Southern Spain and 15 minutes in Northern Spain (so now it's clear that it was the Spaniards who introduced us the "Filipino time" concept). But most important, never be late for a bullfight.

In the United Kingdom, handshakes should be light, not firm (so how do the Britons do business with the Americans and Asians where firm handshakes are customary?). Do not attempt to push, shove or cut in line for the British people find it arrogant and rude. Holding the door for the person behind you is considered a polite behavior. When in a party or social gathering, wait for your host to begin eating before you start. You should leave a very small amount of food on your plate when finished eating, and leave a dinner party shortly after dinner ends.

In the United States, never arrive early to a dinner party (that's where Filipinos are more punctual). If you are offered a second serving of food, feel free to take as much as you want as Americans like people to eat well. Silence makes them uncomfortable; so, try to get rid of your shyness. In general, "see you later," is just a farewell expression; it doesn't mean anything. Same with "how are you?". Appropriate response for the latter are "fine!", "great!", "I'm good", or "doing well".

Space tourism provider Virgin Galactic to unveil WhiteKnightTwo

The suborbital tourism company Virgin Galactic, hoping to give ultra-rich adventurer the rides of their lives, will launch its first WhiteKnightTwo mothership for its planned fleet of SpaceShipTwo spaceliners on July 28 of this year.

Virgin Galactic has ordered two WhiteKnightTwo motherships and five SpaceShipTwos. The first mothership is named “Eve” in honor of the mother of Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Galactic. It will be unveiled at a hangar of Scaled Composites located at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. WhiteKnightTwo is touted to be the the world's largest all carbon composite aircraft. With a unique dual-boom design, the mothership sports a wingspan of about 140 feet (42 meters) with each outboard cabin mounted about 25 feet (7.6 meters) from its centrally moored SpaceShipTwo payload.

On the other hand, the reusable spaceliner fleet SpaceShipTwo, designed by aerospace veteran Burt Rutan and his company Scaled Composites, is an air-launched suborbital spacecraft derived from Rutan's US$10-million Ansari X Prize-winning SpaceShipOne design. It is also designed with the capability to haul unmanned rockets in place of a crew-carrying vehicle, and could one day be used to launch low Earth orbiting satellites or even cargo into space, according to a Virgin Galactic executive. With its 18-inch (46-cm) windows and roomy 7.5-foot (2.2-meter) wide cabin, the suborbital vehicle could be used for suborbital science experiments in addition to leisure trips. SpaceShipTwo is slated to be unveiled early next year.

A joyride to suborbital space costs around a whopping US$200,000 a seat. Nonetheless, about 254 people have already paid a total of about US$36-million in down payments to assure their SpaceShipTwo seats once the spacecraft begins operational flights.

After going around-the-world wide web, Google co-founder will now attempt going to outer space

New York Times reported last Wednesday (June 11) that Google co-founder Sergey Brin has booked a flight to space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket for 2011.

The space journey was arranged by Virginia-based Space Adventures, and Brin had made a staggering US$5-million deposit for the future flight, the report said. Space Adventures has already sent five ultra-rich tourists into space.

When asked for statements, Brin was quoted as saying: "I am a big believer in the exploration and commercial development of the space frontier, and am looking forward to the posibility of going into space”.

The first zoo in Asia is losing its grandeur

The Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden, or simply known as the "Manila Zoo", had opened its doors to the public on July 25, 1959.

Being the first zoo to be built in Asia, the Manila Zoo already provides a legacy of world-class entertainment and education to generations of adults and children alike, whereby the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the animals.

Located on a 5.5-hectare land in Malate, Manila, the zoo consists of about 500 animals, composing of more than a hundred species with 30 variety of mammals, 63 reptiles, and 13 types of birds.

Last Easter Sunday, I went to visit the zoo for no apparent reason; but I guessed, it's more of boredom. During those times, I was craving for something new aside from going to malls.

After 26 long years, I found myself wandering about the zoo. And I was saddened by what I saw and discovered. This is not the same Manila Zoo that I've known when I was just a 10-year old kid. The place is somewhat a mess with too many vendors roaming around. A sight and smell of garbage can be sensed in every nook and cranny. Seeing the lone elephant is heart-breaking because elephants are family-oriented and they love having companions. And to add to my disappointment is the disappearance of a number of popular zoo fixtures. Imagine a zoo with no lions, giraffes, rhinoceroses, leopards, gorillas, kangaroos and chimpanzees? I'm pretty sure that your day in a zoo wouldn't be complete without catching a glimpse of these marvelous animals.

The Philippine government has to act fast and bring back the glory of the first zoo in Asia. Drastic measures must be taken to improve the place and the living conditions of the zoo's denizens. If there's a need for additional funding or privatizing the zoo, then do so by all means. Lives of the animals, and also plants, are at stake here! The more the situation worsens, the more we prolong the agony of these lovely creatures.

Manila Ocean Park unveils Oceanarium

The newly-opened Manila Ocean Park (MOP), the largest and first ever world-class marine-themed park in the Philippines, unveiled on March 1 its Oceanarium. Aside from the Oceanarium, this Php1.2-billion facility also features an open-water marine habitats and multipurpose function halls, and soon will be boasted of a mall and boutique hotel. The MOP aims to reinforce the country's image as a dive destination, and serves as its show window to the world.

The state-of-the-art Oceanarium showcases the marine biodiversity found within and around the waters of the Philippines. It has an area of 8,000 square meters, bigger than Singapore's Sentosa, and houses about 300 variety of species, like marine and freshwater fishes, crustaceans and invertibrates, that are on display inside large tanks and aquariums. Approximately, there are 20,000 water creatures living comfortably in the simulated environment.

Visitors will be delighted to find an up close and personal encounter with sharks, squids and other exotic fishes. A walk through the 25-meter-long walkway tunnel, surrounded by these awesome water creatures, is also an exciting experience of its own.

Other attractions like glass-bottom boat riding and stingray feeding add spices to the thrill. Likewise, there are two open-water marine habitats, where each pool measures 1,500 square-meter and is 21 feet deep.

Currently, construction is on-going for a three-level mall and 120-room hotel, and a restaurant row alongside a promenade that offers a majestic view of the Manila Bay. Target period of completion for the said structures is on August 2008.

The MOP is located just behind the Quirino Grandstand at Luneta Park in the city of Manila. It is open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Admission rates are set at Php400 for adults and Php350 for children. However, children below two feet in height are free of charge.

For inquiries, you may call 567-7777 or 567-2309.

A Summer Experience in Bolinao

Going to the beach has definitely become the foremost destination for summer outing, what with the heat and humidity driving hordes of vacationers into the sea for comfort and relaxation.

In our case, I and my Dagupan-based colleagues decided to hold our outing in a beach resort in Bolinao in the province of Pangasinan. We left Dagupan City in very early morning of May 19. We were in a convoy of three vehicles.

Along the highway, sights of greenery, rivers, farm animals and mountain silhouettes – pleasant views that I hardly see in the bustling metropolis – kept me awake for the rest of the trip. I really enjoy watching rural scenery ever since my childhood days. In fact, my favorite objects to see then were cows and carabaos.

In a few moments, we finally reached our remote destination. All those mild leg cramps and backache I incurred due to an hour of sitting had suddenly gone as I stepped on the grounds of Del Rio Farm. The beach resort is located in Patar, Bolinao. It is bounded on the north and west by China Sea.

Everyone was excited. The long trip that we endured has worth the while. The panoramic view of a clear aquamarine sea with rolling hills and plateaus as backdrops served as a soothing relief to our tired red eyes. The chirping of birds and rustling of leaves seemed like music to our ears as we walked down the bend to go to the shore.

We ate our breakfast, after which some of us decided to take some rest. It was past 10:00 a.m. when I decided to go out of the cottage. The sun was barely above our shoulders. While others were busy basking under the sun, lolling on the beach and poking fun with one another, I and some colleagues decided to stroll around, burning not only calories but our skin as well. I brought my DSLR camera with me as we roam about the place.

I took dozens of pictures all around the beautiful resort. There were no bad pictures to be taken in Del Rio Farm, not with its gleaming white sand, vibrant blue sky, verdant bushes and rocky hills. The bright reflected sunlight wove magnificent patterns on the azure waters. If I were to paint a picture of the unfolding landscape, I would simply run out of colors.

We headed back to our cottage at around 12:00 noon for to take our lunch, consisting of daing-na-pusit, green mango-tomato salad with seaweeds as a side dish, steam rice, and fresh coconut juice.

After lunch, there were still a few who opted to continue swimming and get sunburns, but many of us took an afternoon nap. It was a lazy afternoon, indeed. The wind was wafting through my hair as I took a nap on a bench beneath a shade. The bench was too narrow and short for my built, yet I surprisingly did fell asleep even in an awkward position for a while.

At around 2:00 p.m., I woke up and joined some activities like beach volleyball and swimming. We were all revving up our enjoyment for we will be leaving the place any time soon.

We left at about 5:00 p.m. It was indeed a rejuvenating one-day affair!

While on our return trip, I can't help myself but to look over and over again the picturesque view of Del Rio Farm in my camera's LCD screen. Although, the Bolinao beach needs further enhancement to make it at par with the world-class amenities of Palawan and Boracay beach resorts; however, sometimes it's not the place and what it offers that matters, but the experience we associate with it.

It's my first time in that place. Normally, we tend to remember our “first times”. So, how could I ever forget my first summer experience in Bolinao? Hence, this one will surely linger in my memory for quite some times.

Punto Miguel: An alternative escape point

It's Easter Sunday! An opportune time for us to escape the stressful corporate rat race.

The wind is cool and the smell of verdant trees permeate through the aircon vents of our car. We are traversing the road of Tagaytay going to Anilao in Batangas. I am with my former school buddies. The road traffic is light. Everyone has already in their place of vacation. But here we are, late comers and all, just revving up to our choice destination.

Moments later, the picturesque view of Anilao beach fronts appear in our sights. We are all excited to alight from our vehicle and step on the fine white sand.

At last! We reach Punto Miguel's access point. We board a banca going to the beach resort as it is located across to where we are.

The water is very clear, especially in the middle part of the sea. We saw marine fishes strutting their wares underneath. It's fun watching them charging at a bread morsel that I drop into the water as they fight their way to take a nib on it.

Now, the scorching heat of the sun beginning to burn our skin. It make us wanting to swim all the more. Some of us already spreading sunblock lotion on their arms and legs.

Finally, after a few minutes, we are now on the shore of Punto Miguel. The owner/operator, Mike Pangilinan, a not-so-handsome hulk, err... hunk, who happens to be a former schoolmate of ours, welcome us.

The place is considerably beautiful, but what I like most is that it is secluded. A perfect rendezvous hide-away from the bustling and hustling metro crowd. Truly, an alternative escape point.

Here are some snap shots taken from our two-day stay. Enjoy viewing them!