Monday, September 12, 2011

Guimaras: A Place of Worthwhile Vacation

Where can you find a receptionist of a province? Yes, you read it right. There is no typographical error here. During the long weekend, I was astonished that there was a lady there in the front desk giving information about their province. This place is about 15-30 minute boat ride from Iloilo City. This province is Guimaras.

Arrival at Jordan Port. No, it's not owned by MJ.

Guimaras is known for its mangoes and its beaches. Unfortunately, we just experienced the latter because  the former are seasonal. But we able to see some place there like the smallest plaza in the country, its provincial capitol and the famed Trappist Monastery.

My ego is bigger than this plaza. (Just kidding)

No, I'm not with a monk.


After the 45-minute tricycle ride (Yes, we rode a trike for PhP250.00), we arrived in Alubihod town. We stayed in Raymen's Beach Resort. It boasted nipa huts, fan rooms, and air-conditioned room. We took the air-con room. It was no 5-star accommodation but it was worthwhile. When I saw the beach I was amazed by its clearness and calmness. I could attest that it is not a dump like famous beaches in our country. The water was clean. As proof, I did not have any rashes (my skin is sensitive. LOL.)

It could pass as a Billboard Ad in EDSA.

I wished Michael Phelps was here. He would love here.

An Encounter with an Azkal


For starters, I am a huge sports buff. Anything related to sports, I am pretty sure I know a thing or two about it. I am more interested about an athlete's performance than the athlete itself. 

I don't usually get excited when I see a prominent athlete in our country. I value much their efforts in their respective sports but I do not perceive them as icons that really matter in my life like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods achivements do to me.

Strangely, on my first ride in an airplane after two decades since the last one, I saw a familiar face. At first, I thought it was a taxi or bus driver. Then I saw his name tag that says Chieffy Caligdong. He plays for the Philippine Soccer National Team called Azkals. He was with his family, so I was shy to confront him. While in the air, I keep telling myself that I should not be so anxious of meeting him because he is not a Rooney or a Ronaldinho. But the sports fan hidden deep inside my heart wants to interact with him.


After we landed in Iloilo City, I spotted him waiting for his baggage. My friend Dennis, whom I told who that person was, nearly dragged me to Caligdong in order for me to have a picture taken with him. As a result, I approached him and addressed him as "Sir" because he is enlisted in the Air Force. He gladly accept my invitation of having a photo taken with him and his little son. Then the crowd notice it, and lined as well to have a picture taken with the famed Azkal as well.