The Diary of a Boracay Virgin - (last installment)

DAY 3- Feb.14 (Monday - V Day)

6:30 am. Room. ~Since it's our last day at Fridays Bora, we started the day early (for real na - haha!)... We ordered breakfast (Filipino breakfast of garlic rice, tocino, longganisa, egg, watermelon shake and coffee) and had it delivered to our room. We later on decided to eat in our veranda. After eating, we started packing some of our things already and got ready for the adventures of the day.

8:00 am. Trike ride on our way to the "new" talipapa. ~We haven't finished shopping for pasalubong and i wanted to look at what remained of the talipapa (which was burned down 3(?) weeks ago) so start of day 3 was scheduled for a trip to Station 3.

8:15 am. White Beach, Station 3. ~The trike driver had mistakenly understood us and dropped us off at the real talipapa... which was the wet market. Fortunately, the talipapa we're looking for was not that far (we just had to walk for around 10 minutes)... The new le'pangks was just lined up on the beachfront (behind the old one) with all kinds of stuff being sold at prices slightly lower than at D'mall and other stores on the White Beach. I had fun shopping! I knew there were no more spaces left in our luggage for the pasalubongs we had, so we had to buy a bag to place some of them. After shopping, we started to walk back to Fridays. We met a LOT of bangkeros on our way who offered and asked if we wanted to go boating, snorkeling, or island hopping. We only had one answer for them. "Tapos na ho. Tsaka, pauwe na ho kame eh"... But when somebody asked us if we wanted to go jet-skiing. I got really disappointed...If only we still had time... haaaayy....

9:30am. Station 1. Jonah's shake resto ~A must-do in Bora is to visit Jonah's and drink one of their famous shakes. We had their best-seller, the choco-banana-peanut shake. It's a perfect way to cool-off after a long walk at the beach. aaaah!

9:45am. Willy's rock. ~Another must-do in Bora. We visited the grotto on top of Willy's rock.

10:00am. Fridays resort. ~We had our last swim at the beach and afterwards, we tried the freshwater swimming pool at Fridays before we left. At around 11, we showered and got ready to go home.

12:05pm. Boat ride to Caticlan. ~Jon checked-out at the counter minutes before, and at exactly noontime, a Fridays resort officer knocked on our room, collected our luggage and led the way to the Fridays boat. Our boat was much bigger compared to the one they used to transport us from Caticlan to Bora. And yes, we were the only Fridays guests in it.

We were more than contented with the whole package and service that Fridays gave us. The resort is just superb! Room is impeccable, food is great and the service faultless. The whole experience with them just proved why they are the number 1 resort in Bora.

We felt a little sad going home so soon... but we were comforted by the idea that we'll be going back come Holy Week (though we're staying somewhere else). Yay!!! =)

12:20pm. Caticlan. ~When we arrived at the jetty port, we were escorted to the coaster van of Fridays. I thought at first that this will be our ride going to Kalibo airport, but i was wrong. The van was to drop us off to the bus station which was 2 minutes away. The bus left at around 12:30 and we were off to the airport... We dozed off during the almost 2-hour ride.

2:15pm. Kalibo airport. ~After checking in our bags at the airport, we had lunch at one of the resto outside. We bought more pasalubong after and went back to the gate to await boarding.

5:00pm. Plane. ~Supposedly, our flight was scheduled at 4:20 pm, but the plane was late so we were delayed. This time, I let Jon take the window seat and he was ecstatic. First time... hahaha!

5:45pm. Centennial Airport. ~Manila touchdown. We're home safe! ...and along with the Bora souvenirs, we brought with us..., the memories of the best Valentine celebration ever... =)

The Diary of a Boracay Virgin - (con't.)

DAY2 - Feb.13 (Sunday)

6:30 am. Bedroom. ~Supposedly, we were to wake up at this time. The alarm went off and i got up, ...but the pull of the bed was strong and the sight of my hubby still sound asleep was just enough to make me crawl back ...then i was off to dreamland again... zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

8:00 am. Still in the room ~Called up room service to order our breakfast (again included in the package - 2 American breakfast with toast, hash browns, bacon, sausages, 2 eggs, watermelon shake and coffee). It arrived after 5 minutes and we had breakfast in bed. This is the life!!! =D

Afterwards, we both got ready for a long day ahead...

9:30 am. Fridays Beachfront ~We were just on our way to Station 2 when a man approached us and asked us if we wanted to go boating and snorkeling. At first, I was skeptical about the idea, but the man was able to convince us after a while. Besides, he looked trustworthy (I think I'm a good judge of character naman *wink*). We agreed on a price, which included snorkeling, goggles rental, trip to Puka beach and a trip to a hidden cave (which we were not able to go to anymore because of the big waves on that area).

10:00am. Boat. On our way to Coral Garden ~ ..I was still contemplating if i wanted to snorkel or not...

10:30am. Coral Garden ~I chickened out. I didn't snorkel. Hey, I had reasons! ;) -i didn't know how to swim and I had my contacts on (well, yeah, our boatmen told me that I wouldn't sink coz i would be wearing a lifevest and that I have goggles naman so water wouldn't get in my eyes - but still.....) So, while Jon was happily snorkeling, I was happy taking pictures. =) Imagine my surprise, when..., after a few minutes I saw a man in a small boat, and on that boat is a big styro with the Magnolia ice cream poster. Mamang sorbetero at sea! Immediately, i bought 3 twin popsies (for Jon and the 2 boatmen). Galing! Hahah! After that, another boat paddled beside us, this time, asking for a "snorkeling fee" of 20pesos. Ayos! Hahah!

The boatmen were still trying to persuade me to go snorkeling. But my mind was already made up and when they sensed this, one of them told me that he will just get star fishes for me (perhaps he took pity on me =D ). He jumped in the sea and moments later, brought to the boat two star fishes (one orange and one red). He tried to find blue ones for me but didn't get lucky.

11:30pm. Boat. On our way to Puka Beach ~The waves were getting bigger on the way. I was a little nervous but I tried to enjoy the wind (and some splashes) on my face.

12:00nn. Puka Beach. ~I immediately knew why it was called Puka Beach. Puka shells were literally scattered on the beach! I wanted to gather some shells but we were already famished so went straight to the seafood resto. There were many resto lined up there but the boatmen recommended Tesebel's, so we went there.

12:45pm. Still at Puka. ~After the bountiful lunch of prawns with honey, calamares, and inihaw na liempo, we started to walk towards the beachfront. There were many stalls selling puka shell necklaces and bracelets. I asked one saleslady there but i was surprised that it was a lot lot expensive. I even told her "mas mura pa yung sa Manila?". Guess what she answered back, "Eh di dun ka bumili!" Well, she has a point... (- but there goes your sale, biatch! :P ).

After a little stroll on the beach, we headed back to Fridays...

1:30pm. Porch outside our room. ~The sun was at its hottest, so we decided to rest first before going for another swim. We ate the fruits given to us by the Fridays staff while lounging at the hammock on our porch. After that, perhaps because of the heat and the gentle breeze outside, not to mention our full stomachs, we got sleepy and took a nap (me lying on the hammock while Jon slept on the chair beside me).

3:45pm. Beach. ~ We had a coupon for a photo souvenir courtesy of Fridays so we called reception and arranged for the photographer. We went back to swimming and playing on the sand afterwards. While lying on the sand moments later, we saw Randy (the man who approached us earlier for the boating adventure) again and asked him if he can arrange for us a paraw with hammock coz we wanted to go sailing at sunset. What can I say... we're romantics eh... =)

5:00pm. On a paraw ~Lying on a stretched hammock most of the time, ...beneath us the vast sea, enjoying the cool wind and the sunset before us, ...it was a little piece of heaven...

6:30pm. Back in our room. ~Showered and got ready for our dinner date with my ninong and ninang.

7:45pm. Station 2. ~Fortunately, Randy earlier told us where we could ride a trike going to Station 2. We were just in time for our rendezvous. As we stepped out from the trike, we were almost immediately met by my ninong and ninang and we proceeded to the beachfront to look for a place to eat.

8:00pm. SecXs Resto. ~Jon and I were treated to a buffet dinner at one of the numerous eat-all-u-can restos at Station 2. Kwentuhan after. And the good news - we are to stay at their place when we go back to Bora on Holy Week! Yay!!!

9:45pm. Cafe' Breizh. ~After dinner, Jon and I started shopping for pasalubong at D'Mall. Then, we had crepes at the famous Cafe' Breizh (where we saw Bongbong Marcos and his entire entourage all drunk) . We found a place at the beachfront and we lounged there while enjoying the food and tea, plus the romantic ambience. After an interesting conversation for about an hour, we started our walk back to Fridays...

11:30pm. Back in our room. ~Cleaned up, watched a movie, and then slept... ;)

...to be concluded...

An Engagement

To Joven and Dionne, my heartfelt congratulations! I'm soooo happppeee for u! Wishing you guys all the best!!!

~~~~~

*sigh* ...of course I cried upon hearing Dionne's story (actually, I was already teary-eyed after she showed me THE RING and when it registered on me, walked away teasingly...). *sigh* ...It was a simple yet a very touching proposal . *sigh*

...Theirs was a beautiful love story. I'm convinced that they're MFEO (made for each other). They had just TOO many connections right from the start. *sigh*

I'm soo excited for them both!!!

~~~~~

*sigh* This happy news made me remember Jon's own proposal and our wedding. *sigh* ..I'd love to relive everything that happened (minus the finances, of course). Yup. I miss EVERYTHING about the wedding preps. I even bought another bridal mag 2 weeks ago even if i know that it's no use to me anymore. Well, at least now, I can lend it to Dionne... =)

The Diary of a Boracay Virgin

DAY1 - Feb.12 (Saturday)

8 am. Centennial Airport. ~Breakfast while waiting for boarding for our flight to Kalibo. Sooo excited!!!

8:45 am. ~boarding time. Dizzizzit!!! Woohoo!

10:00 am. Kalibo Airport ~Kalibo touchdown. Met by Southwest travel officer (Fridays transfer agent, i guess) and we were led to the big bus outside the airport. Got fascinated by the Kalibo surroundings on our way to Caticlan, but soon got sleepy and took a nap.

12:00nn. Caticlan ~ At the jetty port, some passengers were dropped off but Regency and Fridays guests (that's us!) were advised to stay behind. I wondered why. Turns out that Nami, Fridays, Regency and Waling2 resorts have their own jetty port 2 minutes away. When we got there, we were welcomed by the Fridays resort officer. He pointed at Fridays own boat and we were off..! 20 more minutes!!!

12:20pm. BORA!!! Fridays resort. ~ First feel of the fine and crystal-white sand of Bora. The feeling was exhilirating! I couldn't keep the smile off my face. We were welcomed by a female resort officer and she put shell necklaces around our necks... Our refreshing welcome drinks were already waiting for us, as we got to their office and check-in counter.

12:40pm. Fridays resto. ~Since our room will be available by 2pm, we decided to take our lunch first (included in the package). Food was delightfully scrumptious! We had their 4-course set meal and it was sooo filling!

2:00pm. At our room for 3 days. ~Whoa! The room was big and magnificent! On the bed were the freebies included in our package... 2 Fridays bathrobes (we didn't use these - there were 2 more on the closet), and the massage oil and lotion set. On the foot of the bed was the bucket full of ice with the champagne and champagne glasses. Jon and I were like little kids roaming around, excitedly exploring every nook and corner. Afterwards, we had a toast for a great valentine vacation. =)

3:30pm. ~After a little rest, we were ready to hit the beach! Fridays beachfront was not at all crowded although it was peak season because of chinese new year. Although the sun was glaringly shining, the sand was never hot. The water was a little bit cold but manageable. And boy, was the water clear!!! I could visibly see fishes (i saw white-colored ones) swimming around me. And it was just knee-deep! I became too conscious of the many fishes swimming and it became too unnerving for me so I just laid down on the sand - there was a part there when it was low-tide, the sand appears on the middle of the seawater. Cool! I played with the sand for a while, then my hunny joined me. Afterwards, I buried him in sand and he actually enjoyed it! He said the sand was cool to the skin. Sarap daw! He promised he'll return the favor the next day...

5:00pm. Fridays beachfront. ~While waiting for Bora sunset, we watched a game of volleyball (Fridays guests - all foreigners, and one Filipino Fridays employee, i think)... I got a little inggit coz i wanted to join them but the players are already complete by the time Jon and I finished playing with sand. Anyway, I enjoyed watching the game. I miss playing volleyball! i can't wait for the tournament in our office come March... (last year, i'm proud to say i'm part of the mythical 6 - galing noh? :D ) ...

Before we know it, the beautiful sunset was already right before our eyes. I was amazed by the many people who, like us, got their cameras, and started shooting. They were all awaiting this moment... The beach and the sunset... It was really SOMETHING... =)

6:15pm. Room. ~We found chocolate truffles on our bed when we got back (which were, by the way, oh so sinful! Yum!). We started to get ready for our dinner by candlelight at the beach (again included in the package)... Jon and I didn't have any snack to prepare us for the feast we will be having. =D

6:45pm. Fridays resto. Beachfront. ~While being serenaded at the beach, we enjoyed another delicious 4-course meal. Every bite was satisfying.

The romantic ambience, good food, lovely music, and the right person beside me was enough reason to make me giddy and weak in the knees... *sigh*

7:45pm. Looong stretch of sand - White Beach. ~We had a very looooong walk from Station 1 until Station 3, and back! Whew! It was tiring yet fun and entertaining! If Station 1 is the ideal honeymoon place, Station 2 and 3 is where the nightlife is. Restos, bars, coffehouses, and of course, tiangges lined up the beachfront and were open til the wee hours of the morning. Even D'mall was open til 10 or 11pm for pasalubong shopping. We were glad that we were at Station 1 and not at these stations coz it was really getting crowded and noisy there. I love parties and get-togethers but I'd still go for peace and quiet anytime... that's quality R&R!!! We started to walk hand in hand back to Fridays a few minutes before 10pm.

11:00pm. Back in our room. ~ after a few minutes rest, got ready for bed, watched TV, and then some... *wink*... hahaha! U wouldn't want me to go into the juicy details, do u? bwarharhar! :D

...to be continued...

A Little Ad

I finally found time to cook the day after we got back from Bora. I made lasagna. The ingredients were all ready 2 weeks ago and it was just the other day that i was able to find time to do it. Anyway.., check out OUR blog here for the recipe. =)

Boracay Valentine Escapade Photoblog...

click on the pic to view photoblog -- Bora virgin's diary to follow... :)

3 in 1

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

I stirred from my sleep, got up, and was greeted by the fireworks display viewed from our window.. I immediately woke Jon up. We have this unspoken ritual, u see, that we kiss whenever there's fireworks (- sorry for the mush people =) ). When it ended, I glanced at the clock and saw that it's exactly 12mn. Ahhhh.. kaya pala... Chinese New Year na...

2 Months of Married Bliss..!

I got back to sleeping again, only to be awaken by Jon after a few minutes (or is it hours?), got kissed again, and was greeted "Happy.." And then it dawned on me... it's our monthsary... =)

We're kinda celebrating it today... I'm taking the half day off and we're watching the French film "A Very Long Engagement" and yes, we're going shopping for our Bora trip. Yipeeeee!!! (but before that, we're going to the pier to drop off our "angel" - he's leaving for Dumaguete)...

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust...

It's Ash Wednesday today! Don't forget to hear Mass (u Catholics out there)!

Another Wedding Gift!

We've been expecting this gift for quite some time already but we were still a little surprised when it finally came... Yay!!!

oh, and by the way people.., we're still accepting gifts po.... hahaha! :D

Family Reunion

We had a whole resort for our entire clan in Lemery, Batangas this weekend. Although the place was not that grand, the company and the activities we had more than made up for it. The whole weekend was what Jon and I needed! Finally, an honest-to-goodness, pure R&R!!!

-------------
Feb.5 - We woke up at past 4am and prepared for the trip. Jon wasn't driving this time around - a welcome change! - coz they rented a bus para mas masaya daw (although some still brought their cars with them)... The trip to Lemery took us about 2 and a half hours. We ate breakfast. And then we went to the beach. The sand at Lemery is fine, though gray. We were not yet on "swimming mode" so we just watched the kids play and took pictures around. A videoke machine came and we got so excited, got the song book, and chose songs for us to sing... After a while, many of them were waiting for us to give up the mic so we reluctantly gave it up na... hahah! And then, we saw our ninong set-up a hammock and we took turns lying on it. Grabe, so relaxing! I brought a book along with me (i'm currently reading Angels and Demons - prequel of Da Vinci Code) and passed the time away reading it.

Lunch was served. Siesta followed. Jon n I slept for about two hours, ate some snack, played a little volleyball, and then we headed to the beach. In no time at all, it was dinner already. Some kwentuhan and kantahan after (the videoke was non-stop!!!). And then finally, it was time to retire for the night.

Feb.6 - Woke up at 5:30 am to the sound of my mom, titos and titas chatting (tama ba naman yun?). They were going boating (and going to the market at the same time). When i went outside, I saw a magtataho and bought a glass for Jon. He was still snoring soundly so I just read my book again til he woke up. My sisters and pamangkins arrived (they were not able to come with us the day before coz my ate had an awarding ceremony and my other sister still had a class) at around 7am and then we all had breakfast. My pamangkins were already so excited to swim so we went to the beach immediately after. And then all of us went boating. =)

When we got back, we snacked, then we sang our hearts out again at the videoke machine. Lunch na ulit. After a few minutes rest, Videoke ulit. An then, my sis, her bf and i played a mean game of volleyball (Man! My arms still feel sore! - the ball was as hard as a rock!)... When we got tired, Jon found a guitar and we jammed. And then, it was time to go home... We were supposed to ride the bus but our ninong and my ate told us that they're going to Tagaytay to eat bulalo so we went with them. We stayed at the resort for a few hours more (we took a 1hour nap) and them we headed to Tagaytay. We got home at around 8pm. Whew! Whatta weekend! =) (...and i got a feeling next weekend will be even better.. yippeee!!!)

Of course, my new cam was put to good use... =) ...more pics here.

Camera-whore

"She can smell a camera a mile away... who could say no to that cute smile?"
(Excerpt taken from my description in our high-school yearbook...)

What more can I say.., I'm a self-confessed camera-whore! =)

Anyway...

My hubby and in-laws' digicam got busted 3 weeks ago. They had it repaired but will have to wait for another 1 month to have it fixed. That was a nightmare for me! ...especially since our first-ever trip to Bora is just days away... Fortunately, the "blessing" i've been praying for came already! And since i've been wanting to have my very own camera, we decided to go ahead and buy one.

We found out days before that Photoworld Manila, Southeast Asia's biggest photoshow and convention, is gonna be held at Glorietta today til Monday (our wedding photographer, Chito Cleofas, is included too - we're soo proud of him!). So we waited til today to buy my cam with hope that we could get additional discounts and freebies.

We took the half-day off and went to Makati. I was already considering two cameras before we went there (Sony Cybershot P100 or Canon Powershot A95 - hun helped me do some research). But we saw another model which is way "cooler", more compact and just as powerful - and ended up buying it - a Sony Cybershot DSC F88 . Yay! Finally! My very own digicam! =)

I've Been Tagged!

Madness in Music - Tag Along

I've been tagged by Dorothy.

Random 10:
1. You Make Me Feel Brand New(The Stylistics)
2. Perfect Day (Hoku)
3. Something New in My Life (Stephen Bishop)
4. I Could Not Ask For More (Edwin McCain)
5. That's All (Michael Buble)
6. I'm a Believer (Smash Mouth)
7. Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
8. My Immortal (Evanescence)
9. At Your Side (The Corrs)
10. You and I Both(Jason Mraz)

1. What is the total amount of music files on your computer?
basta dami...

2. The last CD you bought is:
I can't remember na... I usually download lang eh...

3. What is the last song you listened to before this message:
"My neck, my back, *toott* my *tootoot* and my *toot*"

4. Write down five songs you listen to a lot or mean a lot to you:
Butterfly Kisses (Bob Carlisle)
You Make Me Feel Brand New (The Stylistics)
Something New in My Life (Stephen Bishop)
I Could Not Ask For More (Edwin McCain)
My Immortal (Evanescence)

Who are you gonna pass this stick to?
(3 persons and why)

Mauie - ready ka na for our KTV! (tagal naman... :D )
Se7en - mga musically-inclined bakulaos! :D
Tin - a little breather from all the wedding preps... :)

It's Offish!

9 more days and we'll finally see u, Bora!!! =)