Cebu - Bohol 1

Monday
Nothing really eventful occurred other than the palatable we had at home. Hello lechon, pata tim, kinilaw and fish! Let us not forget the suman and mangoes for dessert!

Tuesday
We went to STK a.k.a. Sutukil for lunch. For those who do not know STK means: Sugba, Tugba (?) and Kilaw. Yeah, something like that :) We got huge crabs, big shrimps, kinilaw na isda, grilled fish and fish soup! It was like seafood heaven there! Everyone was silent and satisfied. *burps*

Afterwards, we did tourist stuff --- Magellan’s cross, Sto. Nino, Plantation Bay and Shangri-la. As usual, picture picture galore. Too bad we weren’t able to get near the Sto. Nino cause there was a long line. Instead we prayed in the church area. I liked Plantation Bay better compared to Shangri-la. It offered more activities such as wall climbing, kayaking, tennis, scuba diving and a whole lot more. Note to self: Save up for Plantation Bay! :) Hopefully when that time comes there would be lesser Asians and more white people… I had an overdose of Koreans and Taiwanese!

We had dinner at home. Obviously I was delighted with the food served by my relatives. Hello creamy carbonara and never ending supply of lechon! We had bico for dessert.

Then I went to the modista to have something made. My gosh, I am old! That was all I can say.

We had a taste a night life too. We used our Starbuko coupons and got ourselves caffeine. Afterwards we looked for a bar to hangout. We seemed like losers though because most of the bars were closed due to I do not know what reason. Duh, it was a holiday. We ended up in a bar where I’ve been in my last couple of visits. It was alright.

Quotable Quotes:
“ang tigas ng puwet niya”
“gaanon ba talaga iyon?”

Wednesday
We woke up early and headed to Pier 1 to catch the earliest boat ride to Bohol. I was asleep the whole trip. When we arrived our “tour guide” was waiting for us already. First stop was the Chocolate Hills. There was like 200 plus or so steps to reach the highest point to have a good view of the hundreds of hills which surrounded the area. It was breathtaking!

Trivia:
The area where the Chocolate Hills now stands was before under water.

Next stop was lunch at the Floating Restaurant in Loboc, River. It was called as such since buffet was served on a huge raft which was on top of two bangkas. There was another bangka which was the head bangka cause it had the engine. The food was not that great. There was pansit, squid, seaweeds, chicken, pork bbq and shell soup. Unlimited fruits were served for dessert. I guess the rain kinda ruined the whole meal for me. Imagine, we were halfway into our meal then suddenly the rained poured vigorously! We scrambled to the middle portion of the raft to keep ourselves dry. The food got wet. Oh yeah, there was this guy who provided entertainment. When it suddenly rained, he sang “Ulan”. Haha. Despite the rain, all in all, it was a good experience. The ambiance was very relaxing and soothing. Who would have thought we’d see Tarzan? :)

Then we went to visit my relatives…the Tarsiers. They are such tiny cute little beings with rat like tails. Cute! I would like to own one but the caretaker said it would just die. Awww. :(

Trivia:
Tarsiers eat crickets.

Next stop was the giant python named “Prony”. It was such a struggle to get there due to the rain. The path was muddy and slippery. It was disappointing cause they asked for an entrance fee, unlike the Tarsiers, there was a donation box. We were not forced to pay. Then when we finally saw Prony, she was asleep in the corner! No fun! Guess we paid for one of her caretakers/entertainer. There was an “it” who performed a “snake dance”. “It” told us a brief history of Prony as well. And guess what? “It” is not a linguist but “It” knows 25 languages. Crazy.

Afterwards, we visited the Baclayon Church which is the second oldest church. It housed the third largest bamboo organ next to the one in Las Pinas and San Agustin. Well, I picked up something. Haha.

Then for another dose of history, we passed by the sight where the blood compact occurred. There was a monument that portrayed the signing of the treaty. I felt so disturbed cause I do not know the history behind it and there was no sign or something about it. Note to self: read about it. Go0gle it!

That was not the end of our tourist escapades for the day. We went to the Hagdanan Cave. It was scary for the path was super steep. We all conquered our phobias and made it safely to the bottom. It was dark since there were no lights compared to the other caves I’ve seen. On the other hand, the tour guide said the cave was well lit during mornings and afternoons --- whenever there’s sun for it would enter the huge cave. Too bad we weren’t in our swim gear cause we could have swam.

For the night, we went to the relative of my cousin. They were all welcoming. They served shrimps, crabs, chicken and fish for dinner. It was super good that we finished the almost all of it. What was left were small white meat chicken and fish. Then we stayed and talked in the dining area. I felt embarrassed when I found out that they haven’t eaten. Whooops. Then again, they mentioned that they already ate. But still, the crabs and shrimps were all gone! We were such intruders. My cousin haven't seen her lola in such a long time and we see how we acted. Whoopsie.

Thursday and Friday to follow…

Leaving...

I'll be having a trip with my family plus one this week!!! Obviously I am excited. We haven't had family trip since... the golden anniv of my grandparents which was years ago.

I sure do hope that everything would be great.

Paeng... stay away!!!

Work, you can wait. I am still young, thus I should make the most out of my life and travel while I can still can.

Hopefully, when I get back nothing will surprise me like what happened last time I left.

*crosses fingers*

Adios!

Chronicles of an Emobear for October

I realized that I dwelt at my comfort zone for a lengthy time. Thus after much thought, I decided to journey life in another approach. I had to let go of something dear to me in exchange of direction and excitement or rather uncertainty. I guess it paid off.

October was an action-packed month. Various events occurred. I met knew people, strengthened bonds and said farewell to a couple. It all started with the send-off of two of my colleagues.

For my superior:
I was not really that close to her since I was only under her for about a month. In addition, I did not converse with her prior to that. If you do not mind me, I would not mind you as well. Therefore, the only occasion I think I would talk to someone is that if I need some assistance or something like that. Yeah, I am a snob. Rather… I was a snob.

During her send off, which we were forced to attend too, was when I kinda let loose. I interacted with my teammates --- gave high-fives, cheers, etc. Everyone had a blast. Thanks to the influence of training up to 10pm and a dash of alcohol for some. :)

For my fellow bootcamper:
Read the entries of my fellow bootcampers nalang…
Faye
Ekai

We also had a Pre Halloween party / continuation of the send off. This time more people attended and since the theme was Halloween, most of us were in costumes. Cute! Fun!

Then there was the thing a Diamond Hotel. I did not know what to expect but I could say I had a good time… especially after the whole event when everyone started to dance. Haha. I know…such kids.

Guess October was really meant to be for Octoberfeast! Despite all the so-called stress work brings, at least I have people to make work-life --- life in general bearable.

Hah, was this the goal of 10.27?

Ang Tamaditis

... Matanghalian na dumating para sa trabaho
... Tininginan ang e-meyl
... Lumahok sa timpalak para sa 10.27
... Nagkunwaring nagtrabaho
... Nakatulog habang nag-antay mag-anyaya mag-tanghalian
... Lumamon
... Nanood ng mga palabas sa kapamilya
... Nalungkot dahil hindi napanalunan ang 1M
... Na-LSS sa boom taratat boom taratat boom boom boom
... Bumalik sa trabaho
... Subok na inaliw ang sarili
... Pumuna sa mga ginawa ng mga nilalang sa paligid
... Nag-imbita mag yosi
... Kumain ng Chessy Mamon
... Mukhang tanga ngayon habang sinusulat ito

On SAP FICO Training

I attended my last SAP FICO training. I somewhat felt glum because that meant --- goodbye free meals! We had KFC for our farewell meal and I opted for the 2 piece chicken over the Zinger --- an obvious choice for me.

On a sincere note, the 2 week course was pleasurable even if initially I had doubts if I would attend based on three points:
- there were only around 10 trainees and 8 were like big bosses
- it would eat my working hours
- I do not have a laptop which was a significant requirement

Remarkably, I actually enjoyed training not only because of the free food. It gave me a better picture of accounting for a non accountant such as myself. In addition business and functional concepts were tackled which are informative for my current module and hopefully something I can apply later on.

Good thing, it turned out that the attendees were not the same people listed. Instead of big bosses, the attendees came from ONE project. At least I was stuck with a group composed of groovy people rather than serious looking people. Promise they were a bunch of hyper people who has huge appetites. In addition, I also gained new acquaintances.