How does one live through this? Tourists offer a glimmer of hope for the country. One of the seventh natural wonders of the world, The Victoria Falls borders between Zimbabwe and Zambia. And we followed it on the last leg of our honeymoon, booking a room at the Kingdom Hotel, a casino hotel complex which boasts of being a mere walking distance from the falls made accessible through a side entrance. The side entrance was manned by a single guard, Austin who had a gentle smile. On our way out, he let us sign a logbook and accompanied us on our walk to the falls. The area can be littered by baboons or by salesmen hawking their wares – stone hippo soap dishes, elephant and giraffe carvings, and trinkets. Although persuasive, the hawkers maintained a proper distance. The guard’s presence will allow you to say no, or go towards them without inhibition. Although one doesn’t mind the hawking. A sale of less than 10 dollars is equivalent to a month’s food for a whole family and the prices are comparable to the Philippines or China..

Halfway through, the road breaks open into the Zambezi river gorge where adventure activities like zipline, flying fox, bungee jumping were set up above the deep chasm..

The entrance to Victoria Falls Park charges 20 us dollars per person. Once inside, a painted map on the wall greets you. Memorize it. Maps cost around 10 dollars here in the park.

The Victoria Falls is elusive at first. We hiked down to see a limited view of fall, wondering why it was worth the travel. But as you go further and further, you realize that the falls stretch beyond infinity. Each stop makes you ask if there was something more on the next end. We didn’t buy a map, so instead we followed the path. The cry of Hawkers for raincoat rentals at the entrance fell on deaf ears. We realized, regretfully was a foolish thing to do. As we got deeper into the thicket, the thick mists clouded us, showering infinitely with a hundred droplets as small as specks of dust. At some points, we didn’t know if it was mist or rain.

Unlike Niagara falls, Victoria falls was stronger, wilder and more raw. Its presence in a ravaged country left it just the way it was, a gem in the rough. While Niagara was surrounded by civilization, safety bars and glass windows for viewing, Victoria falls only had warning signs and little to no barriers at all. No guards, no fences. A local, a few minutes ahead of us just lost her shades as she peered down the falls edge. Not that we had the guts to peer into the edge. Instead, we skunked around the sides and held each other as we tried to look down.

The sight of the falls from end to end will pull you to the core of emotion, explorer Dr. Livingstone probably felt when he discovered it in 1855. He wrote of the falls, “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”[2]

We went out to look for Austin afterwards. But instead, a Police approached us, explaining that Austin told him to look out for us. The man donned a uniform and a badge and a rifle and the hawkers seem to scamper off at the sight of him. So we let him accompany us on the short walk back.

Despite the economic failures, Zimbabwe seems to protect its tourist well. We saw the same tourist police again the next day, loitering around the hotel, accompanying any guest who might want to wander around the empty streets. Aside from the tour activities like helipcopter rides, river cruises, lion walks, elephant rides and safari outings, the streets were empty of shops or groceries and credit cards were put to a halt – another sign of Mugabe’s castastrophic governance. Here in Zimbabwe, one may need to give out tips consistently, but these are given with great feeling and received with great gratitude. The locals conduct themselves with great dignity in the midst of poverty and this eye opening sight is a more enriching experience than the Victoria Falls itself.

Email author at wandergirl28@gmail.com

In Zimbabwe, the lion alert foundation plans to release captive lions in the wild by integrating their natural tendencies. Taking them out for a walk, an activity shared to tourists reinforces familiarity to their natural habitat.

We started at dawn in an open camp area where a guide briefed us on the do’s and don’ts of walking with a lion. Don’t walk in front of them and leave your back open. Don’t pet their foreheads ( it’s a King of the Jungle thing.) However, you can touch their necks and backs. (only upon the go ahead of the guide). Lions can detect fear and will prey on it. Never show fear or scream or run away. Never be the weakest link in the group. Always be dominant by standing your ground and saying “No” firmly. Someone was handing out walking sticks to our group of four – My husband and a swiss couple. “If the lions want to play with you, you can use this to distract them” I stared at the branch in disbelief. We are walking with lions and all I get is this measly stick? So armed with nothing except bug spray and a stick, they sent us off to the wilderness.

The lions were expecting us, quite eagerly. As if they were saying “What took you so long? ” Not exactly a comforting sight, at 15 months old, lion cubs Sango and Swahili almost reached my waist. The pair immediately took lead. We were accompanied by several guides and a videographer who will sell you the edited footage for 1500php after. Several had rifles, one walking in the front and one at the back. Not to protect us from the lions, but to protect the lions from the wild animals that we might encounter on our walk. We are in the bush after all. They are trained not to shoot unless necessary. Meaning they need to take a warning shot first as a threat.

Being with these creatures is a lifechanging experience. (all in a day’s jobs if you are a Zimbabwean) I cannot find justice in describing the feeling of walking freely in the wilderness with lions in tow. It felt almost surreal. At times, we patted them. My husband accidentally stepped on Sango’s tail. With bated breath and fear, we stood still waiting for the consequence. As if my husband was a trifle annoyance, Sango only stared at him and went off to play with Swahili again, wrestling and crouching behind each other’s backs. At times, they will stop and sniff at the area. “This is good because they are practicing their hunting skills.” Our guide said. Sometimes they pee to mark their territory. When they feel like it, they sat down to chew on grass which we took as the opportunity to take pictures with them. Chewing grass is their way of teething.

We ended our tour with a hearty African breakfast at the Lodge. Our guide joined us and regaled us with tales of his lion encounters that included several deep scars from playful cubs. The Swiss couple shared us their experiences of Africa, traveling on a caravan and walking with the wild elephants at the Okavango Delta.

And our day in Zimbabwe has just begun.

Email the author at wandergirl28@gmail.com. As of last week, I received an email from the lion alert foundation that Sango and Swahili made their first kill this January.

A personalized travel kit will bring out the Martha Stewart in you. For the budget conscious, this little DIY project can be a personal yet inexpensive gift. Buy a container that matches the receiver’s personality – be it a vintage lunch box, a clear plastic case, a ziplock plastic bag, a tin can and fill it up with things he/she might need for their trip. Band aids, tape, multivitamins, a mini flashlight, safety pins, sewing kit, antibacterial ointment, alcohol, disposable underwear, shampoo sachets and the list goes on….Tape a picture of both of you or a message inside to sweeten the deal. ( 100 php and up )

With tight airport security checks and liquid bans, giving the kikay traveler non liquid face products like powder or paper soap will keep her fresh during long haul flights. You can find paper soaps at novelty gift shops and department stores.( 50 php and up ). Fancl powder soap is good for sensitive yet oily skin. ( available in Hongkong, Macau, Japan)

A good book comes in handy for those long waits at the airport. Why not give them a travel guidebook or a foreign language phrase book on his/her next destination. Other recommended food and travel books that spurns the restlessness within are “Garlic and Sapphires – The secret life of a critic in disguise.” By Ruth Reichl, “There is no Toilet Paper on the Road Less Traveled” under Traveler’s Tales, The adventures of Knife, Fork and Corkscrew by Peter Mayle, and “1000 places to see before you die” by Patricia Schulze. (500php – 1500php)

For the backpackers who will crash into anything with a couch, ultra light and absorbent towels are a better choice than your ordinary towel. These engineered towels absorb five times more of their weight in water. It also dries up faster than normal and even while inside your bag. What a relief, especially for trips that require one night stays. Beauty bar and Speedo ( 799 – 1000 php ) have their own version while Aquazorb, a local brand does the same trick.(150 php to 1500php depending on size, available in bazaars and Rustan’s)

A disposable underwater camera is a quirky take. And what’s great about it is it isn’t just for the beach but for rugged terrain too. Kodak Sport Single Use Camera is shockproof and waterproof up to 50 feet. ( 525php at any Kodak store)

Portable tripod gears that even non professional photographers will find pretty nifty… No need to ask passer bys to take your photos that suck. Try the Gorilla Pod with its flexible leg joints that can bend and rotate up to 360 degrees holding your digital camera securely at any surface. It is small enough to fit into your pocket or handbag. (1350 php and up depending on size)

A laptop bag is a great idea for business travelers. A laptop bag that does not look like one and keeps up with fashion trends is even better. My own personal wishlist is a Therapy Laptop Bag ( 1400php) available online at http://therapybags.multiply.com ( hint! hint !).

An mp3 player lets the traveler relax into the music anywhere they go. These gadgets can go as low as 900 php depending on the brand. For something really classy, you can never go wrong with the Ipod or Creative. Or if they already have one, you can always go get accessories. The itrip is great for those always on the road.

If you are feeling extra generous, a mobile phone equipped with Wifi and Gprs comes in handy when traveling on the go. The HTC Touch has both letting you download your emails in a snap while its extra slim casing at 112g is a space saver. It can also give the weather forecast at one touch of the keypad. So they wont have excuse for not keeping in contact despite the distance. (29,9999 php)

I expected a great time when I won an overnight Corregidor Cruise on a blogging contest at http://celdrantours.blogspot.com. Sponsored by Carlos Celdran, a popular tour guide in Manila, I was jumping for joy. What I didn’t realize was that I would be jumping from fright surrounded by ghosts and red-eyed crows.

Being a certified wimp, I can’t sleep for weeks just from watching a trailer of “Sixth Sense” so what am I to do when the free tour includes ghost hunting at the hospital ruins in the dead of night?

Go. Of course.

We set sail from the CCP ferry terminal at 8 am. Operated by Sun Cruises, the ferry was clean, registration organized and staff in complete gear. Upon docking, we scrambled on our tranvias. Corregidor Inn, the hotel of choice (The only one in the island) welcomed us with its creaky corridors. Despite being old, the rooms are quite comfortable and the service warm. Safes are available at the counter but we needn’t worry much about thieves. Why? Corregidor has zero residents. So really, the only permanent residents here are the ghosts. And they don’t need your ATM card.

We started with a casual walk that Carlos peppered with bits of history. Find out about why the stones in Corregidor mysteriously turn blood red after the war. Learn about the wildlife in the island famous for its monkeys and birds, especially the creepy red eyed crows.

The tour guide from Suncruises, Armando is just as good. A funny chap, he got his history right and his jokes down pat. Onboard the tranvia, guests get to visit the Mile Long Barracks, the Pacific War Memorial, The Batteries and the Spanish light house and the Museum. It was like a school field trip – Minus the exams. The evening tour however is another story. We had two choices – The Malinta tunnel where the Japanese soldiers committed a mass hara kiri or the Hospital where the residents of Jabidah massacre lived in.

The island is pitch black at night. No streetlights at all. Kudos to the driver for managing the rough roads. I was practically waiting for a manananggal to come out of the trees. And then the guide started telling the Jabidah Massacre. In 1968, President Marcos organized a secret mission to take over Sabah from Malaysia by recruiting Moro youths from Sulu and Tawi Tawi. Tagged as “Operation Merdeka”, they were trained in Corregidor. When the soldiers found out about the mission, they refused killing their fellow Muslims. To cover it up, the men were all massacred at Kindley Field. One man, Jibin Arula, shot at the leg was able to escape by jumping off a cliff. Fishermen discovered him three days later hanging from a tree below. If Arula didn’t survive, there would be no one else to tell the tale.

This may not be told in history books but here in Corregidor, the tale is relived over and over again. And in the hospital, ghost reported sightings are always the same. – three nurses sitting on the steps. The spirits are not the typical mananagal but rather spirits who haven’t realized that they are dead. Sometimes, tourists claim that the pictures taken show shadows or orbs floating around. Whether its just human imagination, computer effects or the real thing, we will never know.

Regina, my friend told me to relax. “Its not like we are going out of the bus” That is until they started handing out flashlights and leading us up to the hospital’s old ruins. The grass was tall thick and scratchy on my slipper soled feet. We gingerly went up concrete steps wet with rain and rust . The graffiti on the walls echoed the voices of the dead like calls of remembrance. Winged bats circled over our heads and balete tree roots ran amock on the walls and floors intertwining and tripping us if we don’t look out. As we moved from room to room, all I wanted to do was pee in my pants. But the only toilet left was the remains of the hospital and I definitely don’t want to go there. We entered the biggest room – an open air square where Carlos told us all to close our flashlights. We did. And as we stood still, the night sky blazed a million stars enveloping us in grandeur. And then you realize that it is not so scary after all.

For suncruise tours, contact : Kristine Castro 5268888 loc. 9502 or anyone from the Reservations Department of Sun Cruises for more information and current rates. For Carlos Celdran tours call(63 – 2) 484 4945 or(63) 920 9092021. Email the author at wandergirl28@gmail.com

]]> http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com/2008/08/23/of-corregidors-ghosts/feed/ 0 littledot78 http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/choosing-a-resort-in-boracay/ http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com/2008/06/03/choosing-a-resort-in-boracay/#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:43:32 +0000 littledot78 http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com/?p=170 ]]> Boracay. This island attracts tourists from all parts of the world like bees to a honeypot. And will all those extra bodies, hotel accommodations have sprung up like .. well bees to a honeypot. The resort business is so lucrative that even Shangri-la staked their claim in this sandy funland. The dilemma now for tourists is where to stay? I have compiled reviews of several resorts to suit the needs from the luxury traveler to the budget conscious. ( Please be advised that reviews are based on personal opinion and experience so taste is subjective.)

Discovery Shores Beachfront

The only hotel in the Philippines to make it to the list of “Small Luxury Hotels” (www.slh.com), this new hotel caters to the new generation of high class resorts in Boracay. Designed by Budji Layug, the design reminisces of Modern Zen. Pricey but factor in all complimentary stuff like foot scrub massages, hats and bayongs, sunblock and mist sprays and evening sweets. Beach and pool service entails butlers quick to offer fingerfoods like cookies & sherbets and unlimited fruit juice, even orange and avocado slices for the eyes and cheeks. All rooms come with a 32 inch lcd tv, dvd, ipod dock and wifi.

Booking : 036 2884500 Fax 288 4505 or call toll free at 7208888.

Php Rates : Junior Suites 14,640, one bedroom suites 18,910, two bedroom suites 23,790, one bedroom deluxe rooms 21, 350, bedroom deluxe rooms 26840. Less 15 % during lean season and + 15 % during peak seasons ( with breakfast and airport transfers via airconditioned boat.

Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center Beachfront

One of the largest resorts in the island, their convention center can fit 700 people. Business center, gym, several bars and stores and an underground disco named Wave. The rooms are clean and resembles a city hotel.

Booking : 036 2886111, 2886115. 09173025929

Rates: Standard 6048, Superior 8176, Deluxe rooms 8960, Poolside deluxe 10590, Family rooms 12208, Jr Suites 12208, Jr Suites Poolside 13838, Executive Suite 13776, Honeymoon suite 16576, Presidentail Suite 24,080, royal suite 24,080. Less 35 % on leans seasons, +10% on peak season.

Two Seasons Beachfront

Located at Station 1, this new resort incorporates modern zen and tropical influences in its design. Rooms come with LCD tvs and ipod docking stations. Free wifi is available on the beachfront and restaurants. 24 hour security to guard items on the lounge is a plus.

Bookings: 632) 415-4652, ) 413-5903, Email: rsvn@twoseasonsboracay.com

Rates: Superior 6000, Deluxe 8500, Deluxe Grand ( Poolside) 10,500, Family Grandsuites 15,000. Less 1000-1500 for lean seasons and plus 1000-1500 for peak seasons

Altavista Resort

This newly opened resort is for those who prefer to live on the mountains instead of by the beach. Situated on the mountains, this resort features brand new furnishings and peace and quiet. Their infinity pool is atop the hills, with the oceans below overlooking. Puka beach is just 10 minutes away and they offer free shuttle service around boracay island. With its soft opening rates, its quite a steal.

Booking:(6336)288-9888 email: reservations@altavistaboracay.com

Rates: Soft opening intro rate Deluxe Room 2500, Loft 3500.Regular rate Deluxe 6000, Loft 9000.

Seawind Resort ( 155 USD) / Beachfront

For those who want that Filipino style of living with modern amenities like airconditioning. This resort incorporates traditional Filipino furniture. Expect to see nipa weaves on walls or ceilings depending on which room you are located. Also a popular hotel for hosting beach weddings.

Booking :. 036 2883091 fax 288 3425 or email seawind@pacific.ne.ph

Rates : Deluxe rooms $ 155, Super deluxe rooms $ 180, Suites $ 210. Less 20 % leanseason + 30% peak season

The Tides Boracay

A modern hotel placed right smack in the middle of D’Mall and White Beach. The rooms are furnished with high end facilities and modern fixtures. Their pool is at the top of the deck, overlooking Boracay.

Booking : 036 2884517 fax 2884518 email tidesreservation@gmail.com

Php Rates : Essential rooms $ 140 Exceptional rooms $180 furnished with lcd tv, cable access, butler service and in room safe. Facilities include a Sundeck bar and café, business center, pool and wifi access

SUR

This all white building is located at the quiet part of white beach where the sand is finer. Rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious with modern interiors. A personal favorite, this resort is perfect for those who value good design and value for money.

Booking: 0362886844 Fax 2886843 Mobile 09287811233

Php Rates: standard double rooms 4000, standard triple rooms 5000, superior room 5500, superior beachfront rooms 7000, Family room 7000. Less 1500 for lean season and add 1500 for peak.

La Carmela de Boracay

Stretching from the beachfront towards the main road, this resort is equipped with a pool, slide and Jacuzzi, function rooms, business center and computer rental, gym and spa. The superior rooms are fairly decent and atypical of motels. Recommended for those who will be spending most of their time on the beach.

Booking : 036 288 5423, 2885921, mobile 09209513665

Rates: Superior 3300, Semideluxe 3800, Deluxe 4100, Junior Honeymooon suites 7000, VIP rooms 7,000, Penthouse suites 8,000. Less 15 % on lean seasons and Plus 15 % for peak seasons.

Seabird International Resort

Fifty meters off the white beach path, this resort is well maintained and offer all basic amenities. Their restaurant serves good food. A good deal for the budget conscious.

Booking 036 2883047 Fax 288 3816

Rates : Deluxe rooms 30usd, double deluxe 35 usd, triple deluxe 40 usd , super deluxe rooms 50 usd. For peak seasons plus 50 %

email author at wandergirl28@gmail.com. For pic visit www.wandergirl28.multiply.com

I will have to get an engineering degree so I can take a piss. The Japanese toilet is even more complicated than my rusty old laptop. My first encounter lasted for an hour just figuring out the buttons. And because of its ultra high extra sensor technology, it will not work until you actually sit on the damn seat and push a button. On the first try, a small lever ejected out from nowhere. It seemed pretty safe enough until it suddenly squirted water right into regions south of my Brazil that made me yelp. Great, I just lost my virginity to a Japanese toilet.

I will be invincible to all calamities known to earth except Godzilla. Earthquake? I was in Tokyo when an earthquake of 6.8 magnitude caused a nuclear plant leak which contaminated the water pipes. “No worry no worry” our tourguide dismisses me with a wave of her hand. I was at the Tokyo tower when an aftershock sent all the Filipino tourists scrambling for dear life. The Japanese? -still admiring the view with their kids as if it was a happy rainshower. I practically screamed at the hotel phone operator asking where the emergency exits are after another aftershock rocked our hotel at midnight. The reply? What you say? towels you like towel? Medicine? I don’t understand? Shake? You like drink? Oh never mind. CNN blared warnings against tsunamis as we went to Disney Sea and all the Japanese tourguide tells us with a wave of her hand… no worries! That is why they have Bioman and Shaider to save the day.

I will lug a trashcan with me everyday. It is a miracle how the streets and parks of Japan are impeccably clean with nary a trashcan in sight of the public. As explained to me, it is customary to bring their trash back home. In Edo Imperial Park, I wanted to throw my unfinished ice cream away and after walking from end to end looking for a trashcan, there was none in sight. I asked a nearby policeman where I can throw it. He just motioned the sign “ No trashcan. You eat all.” And started following me with ninja like stealth until I licked off every single drop to his satisfaction. (There is a fine for littering regardless of nationality).If only we can put such enthusiasm to our trash situation.

I will be a neat freak. If there is another adjective to describe them aside from spotless, it will be organized. The Japanese adherence to accuracy and perfection creeps into every solitary detail. Just browse around their grocery stores. Even the shrimps are aligned in perfect symmetrical order, of the same size and shape. Ever wonder why they eat in bento boxes? It sorts and files the four basic food groups in proper place. And us pinoys? We invented the Halo Halo. Spot the difference?

I will have the uncanny ability to ride a bicycle in a pencil cut skirt. I don’t know how they do it. But they do it.

I will eat green tea and beans for desert. We might look at them as food for the oldies here but for some peculiar reason, the Japanese love green tea and beans on ice cream, cookies and cake. It does offer a pretty interesting taste and texture. Not to mention the nifty nutritional value they contain. ( email the author at wandergirl28@gmail.com or visit http://theunlonelyplanet.wordpress.com )

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Finding a place to live is the first problem. Samantha Uy from Ateneo suggests an on – campus dorm for security. For Daphne Chu, a condominium unit near the school saves time and effort. Kathleen Uy of UP Diliman suggests that a dorm will instill discipline because of the rules imposed ( eg. lights off by 9pm). Living with relatives is also a safe option but most agreed that it will not teach them independence. To sum it up, Ryan Seng of DLSU suggests that “the first year should be spent at the dorm, getting to meet new friends, take the time to adjust and learn as much as possible about the new environment. To be further independent and to be able to grow all the more, for the second year, the student should try living in a condo”

With the sudden independence, they realized that they have taken for granted many things like having someone to cook your meals or clean up after you or a driver to bring you around. “It’s hard getting to places cause I need to commute and Manila is a huge and scary place “ says Daphne. Getting along with your roommates is also an issue. In terms of budgeting, they share their own tips. Samantha suggests “I buy what i prioritize the most first like food before buying anything else (clothes, etc) and then keep track of what i spend in a little notebook. It is also wise to just borrow books from upperclass friends because you don’t really have to spend 800+ pesos for a book that you’ll only be using for 1 semester.” Ryan on the other hand estimates his fixed cost each day by adding all his expenses and then dividing it for the month with the amount of his total allowance. “It gives you an idea on how much you’re going to spend and need to save on a daily basis.” Michelle Bangayan of DLSU admits that she ended up spending too much in the beginning. “My advice is to set a limit on how much you spend per week, and keep receipts to keep track of what you’ve bought.” In the end, everyone agrees that they all learned independence and self reliance. They also acknowledge that there is the danger of abusing the freedom. Responsibility is a must to keep everything together.

Expectations from their schools vary. “Schoolwork is also heavy that you sometimes end up not sleeping for days just to finish a paper. Samantha recalls. Michele and Daphne acknowledge the faster pace of life “Everyone seems to be on the go.” Daphne laments.

Ryan on the other hand thinks that it all depends on the school and the schedule. “ You could be a bum for all you want or you could take an extra load. The student controls the pace actually.”

As for the lifestyle, there were different levels of culture shock. “The way of life and the parties is quite different from what i experience back at home because it is, in a way, wilder” says Samantha “I find out that drinking/smoking is just normal; almost everyone does it. Culture shock, yes – just knowing that people do this and that (things I might find NOT normal).- says Dapne Chu. Michele admits that people would openly talk about things considered as taboo back in Davao but would say that Davao is a little like Manila in terms of parties. Kathleen recalls that coming from Davao Christian High School, she was surprised to meet a lot of atheists and homosexuals in UP. “You get exposed to people from different backgrounds. There is a wider range of thinking and beliefs” For Ryan “ Language would probably be the biggest culture shock if the province from where you came from doesn’t know how to speak fluent tagalong “

One way of adjusting to the studies and independent lifestyle is by maintaining friendships with people in common. Michele says “ It wasn’t a hard adjustment for me because I have many friends from Davao as well and we all learned many things together.” Although they also have friends from Manila, most of them feel that they are able to relate more to friends from Davao and Cebu. For the girls, it is the fact that they have the same background and culture. For Ryan, being able to converse in “bisaya” makes him feel more at home.

In the end, do these students want to go back home? We get different answers. Samantha and Michele both wants to return to Davao because of the simple and laid back lifestyle. Kathleen does not know yet but admits that the job opportunities of her course (Computer Engineering) is limited in Davao. Daphne feels that it will not make sense to go back since there are more job opportunities in Manila. And Ryan wants to stay in Manila because of the independence.

Email author at wandergirl28@gmail.com

We stopped at the Calumunan Homestay, also the home of Justina Yu, former mayor of San Isidro for breakfast. This homestay is frequented by foreigners looking for the “local” experience. San Isidro has 24 acredited homestays and their clientele included Japanese, Israelis, Germans, French and Koreans all interested in a different way of life. Programs include local interaction with a neighboring orphanage as well as visiting nearby dive sites Borias and Tinaytay. Tina recalls housing the Japanese daughter of the owner of Shiseido. It was the father’s intent to open her daughter’s eyes to a different way of life, far different from luxurious one. Her outlook changed considerably after 12 days. In fact, most visitors end up helping and donating to the orphanage and the locals afterwards.

After a simple breakfast, the class trekked to catch the tail end of mass at the San Isidro Parish Church. It is the church ceiling that caught our attention. Made of wooden slats of varying lengths and colors, the outcome was an intricate labor of love. Half of the church’s expenses was donated by the Consuji family. The cross, a sculpture of Jesus designed by a student scholar stands as the biggest one in Mindanao.

Another highlight is a trek down to Cawa Cawa falls. The zigzagging staircase led us down to a wild rush of fresh water. This small pocket of nature is a brief escape from the city. If you plod on further, past the makeshift bridge to the other side and up, you get to the bigger basin of swirling fresh water, so aptly called “cawa cawa” for its basin like structure, a glorious respite to the heat of the sun. This trek left us a little breathless but a lot more energized.

The Cawa Cawa falls is the start off point to Mt Hamiguitan where the must see pygmy forests grow wild. Also the sanctuary of the Philippine eagle, It will take a day’s trek to reach the top. A day to revel and explore the pygmy forest, a dense expanse of dwarflike trees and another day’s journey back. Unfortunately, we only had one day to cover everything, so the pygmy forests will have to be next trip’s agenda.

Our coastal boat ride at Pujada Bay was cancelled due to the relentless stream of rain. Instead, we spent the hours over a charming lunch set up at the resort home of Atty Leo Sibala. We also had the chance to see and taste authentic Mandaya cooking. Rice was wrapped in tagba leaves, chicken and beef meat swirling in tasty soup broth, all inserted inside large green bamboos and roasted over fiery charcoal. The bamboo is to be broken when served. I also had the chance to taste the crunchy sweetness of the homemade buko tarts made by Atty Sibala’s wife. From the veranda where we are eating, Pujada island seemed so near, one imagines swimming towards it. The view was an interlayer of multicolored strips. –the sky’s blue tinged against Pujada island’s bright

white sand, the ocean’s green and midnight blue and the beige strip of beach a few meters away from where we are. Governer Cora was very enthusiastic about her development plans for Mati. Her main concern was to develop ecotourism in a way that will not harm its natural resources.

We left Mati, not before a quick stop at Marton’s catering for a fresh batch of monggo pandesals. Definitely, Davao Oriental has a lot to offer. Next time, I plan to stay for more than a day.

* for more info on tours contact local tourism Cynthia Rodriguez 087 3884014 or Anton Edquilla 082 4403420

I always tell my passengers to book manila caticlan – kalibo manila when going to boracay. And like the 100 million passengers who probably thinks m hoarding all the caticlan manila flights, i booked me+family a roundtrip caticlan flight. Im taking my chances.

So here we are at this dinky stuffy lil airport wallowing in our utter misery waiting and waiting for that trip back home. We all sort of knew at the back of our heads that we have a 50 % chance of getting cancelled.

Announce of hour delay. ( whew we are still good)

Announce of cancelled flight. Passengers will be moved to the next flights. pls wait for further announcements.

of course we didnt. I calculated the two other flights. I knew it was fully booked. I knew that plane can only accomodate 45 passengers and 37 was already checked in at the next flight. I knew that it would have been better to go back to boracay and just enjoy one more night at the island instead of waiting till the end of time here at the airport. But i ran to the check in counter anyway to make sure we get to those last remaining seats. ( and i knew when they keep assuring me everyone will get back home. it was a lie just to get us out of their faces)

anyway we did get in the next flight. and the other passengers? who knows. they could have been waiting till the end of time until those check in people actually pick straws to tell them they will be stranded.overnight.

Well, due to weather conditions. all flights got cancelled anyway. and we were stranded. The check in counter was in bedlam. and I just stood there feeling sorry for her since everyone was practically screaming at her face. So we  spent the night at  dad’s instant friends house with andoks chicken and i wore my sarong for pajamas.

Today was like a pooped out day for me at the airport. LInes were like the F4 concert but hungrier and heavier. and when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. It was time to try daddy tactics ( with some of my adaptation) of airport survival.

First hurdle was going inside the airport. Fortunately, there was a gap in the line that stretched from hereon to andalusia. I quickly ran to the girl whose dad was forcing his kids bags in that gap saying that her flight was to bacolod ( almost boarding! ). Station self behind girl and became miss chatty. Miss magisa ka lang? First time mo? ( obviously so since his dad waved goodbye twice and kept returning for last minute reminders) Sama nalang tayo.

Once inside, i had to ditch her since her baggages were too heavy for me to wait. Gauging from the intense lines… this was time for tactic two.

Get the shortest line. Who cares where it says it goes. All terminals are online anyway. Saw a counter that said TAGBILARAN. OUR COMPUTERS OFFLINE and decided to fall in line with the solitary person talking to the check in lady. I see her giving him boarding passes. Ha! the sign is a scam but im too smart for that. Unfortunately people started falling in line behind me… asking me tagbilaran? tagbilaran to? And then the check in lady started shouting Tagbilaran Final Call. ( it was like 10 minutes before boarding) and in that split second, Everyone behind me raced to the checkout lady like it was their last meal ticket. my petite bones almost got crushed by the stampeding herd and their 10 kilo luggages amidst screams of TAGBILARAN AKO!!!

Since im not good with crowd control and stampedes, i lost the battle but was still in the war. It is time to do Next Daddy Tactic…. Barter! it was a day trip for me, so i can offer my 20k luggage allowance for that place in line. “pssstttt Miss.. overweight kayo? I can give you my baggage allowance.” i said waiving my ticket seductively while her eyes followed it like a hawk to a mouse. ( watch the eyes.- u you get that suspicious squint because they think you will inconvenience them and then realization dawns and then they get that greedy glaze that says ooohh will put one over the airline company look) A freebie is too good to waste. And yes i was in.

third hurdle- The terminal fee. The lines at the terminal fee is always weird. Three lines that goes abnormally to 6 because people dont know if the lines become blurred with the checkin counter lines. Unlike my dad who just offers to pay fee of the next person in line, i am small enough to squeeze self in anyline. ( my special talent! ) plus im too cheap to pay for someones terminal fee. . Just get exact bills ready coz when in a face off.. the person always gets the one with exact change.

And then the xrays. I hate xrays. Mainly because i have to remove shoes and walk on dirty ugly floor. Sometimes i get past it if i pretend i didnt hear. But most of the time, i just stand on tippytoes and wipe it with alchohol and kleenex after.

And last butnot least- the waiting area. JamPACKED… practically not a chair in sight.Im half tempted to actially declare i neeed a wheelchair so i can have at least a decent place to park self. If im rude, i can shove the bags people use as “SAVE” and sit on it actually. but i dont do that. So i just wait…. and wait… and wait…

**ps. i wasnt exactly mean. after getting boarding pass, I went back to help the kid mainly because I remembered my first trip alone as a minor. it was pleasant. My mom accompanied me to the check in and The pretty PAL stewardess even gave me a pin that says. HI! IM _____. And IM __________ yrs OLD.

* pss. oooh dont forget to barter with someone of the same flight. Otherwise, you might end up with a one way  boarding pass to Basilan.