Taal Volcano

March 1, 1998. We were on top of one of the active craters of Taal Volcano.

Our group, composed of young faculty members of CvSU, took a boat ride from Talisay to the volcano island and went hiking up to the uppermost end of the largest and most active crater. The site is often visited by foreigners but they usually choose to ride the horse with a local guide.

Top of the world in one sense. Glad to appreciate God's creation around us.

Bohol, 1997

Bohol for the second time. But it was Cyril's first. It may be my second time visiting this famous tourist destination but I still marvel at the sight of 1,268 perfectly-coned hills of about the same height. These 30 to 50 m-high mounds, which are dominated by cogon and other grass species, turn brown during the dry season, hence the name. We also enjoyed our seafood meal in a restaurant near the Tagbilaran pier on our way back to our hotel. Hopefully, next time we could have the Loboc river experience and visit Bobby's birthplace in Dimiao.

Oroquieta City

Time to see my best friend in college. Actually, it was a surprise visit. We did not see each other after graduation and 20 years had passed since then. From Cagayan de Oro, Bobby and I traveled by bus to Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte where we took the ferry to Ozamis City and proceeded to Oroquieta City. We went straight to the Land Bank of the Philippines where my friend worked. As she went down the stairs to see her guests, we were so excited to see her reaction. Of course, her officemates and the clients present then became curious as to what was happening with us. I was so elated to see her after all those years. We were classmates in college, roommates at the Women's Dorm, prayer partners, and very close friends. Despite the distance and few letters in between, we remained friends.

Camiguin

Summer 1997. Back to Mindanao for the third time but this time, we were four: Bobby, Amyel, Cyd, and I. It was the kids' first time riding on an airplane. We were so happy to spend summer vacation in Mindanao again. Good to be with your loved ones without the usual stresses of work and school and eat fresh seafood and fruits in season.

This time, the family with some relatives had a day tour in Camiguin. We went to Katibawasan falls, Ardent hot springs, a walkway to the old volcano, and the sunken cemetery. Though the island can be toured in one day, we were not able to see the other must-see spots of the island. Maybe next time. And too bad, the lanzones festival is celebrated in October.

Munoz, Nueva Ecija

In April 1996, Central Luzon State University hosted the 46th Annual National Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers Convention and the 1st International Agricultural Engineering Conference and Exhibition. I attended the convention together with my colleagues in the department and some students. 

A week after, I went back to participate in the 2-week Training on Irrigation and Drainage. More serious work and there were tests before and after the training. Fortunately, we were able to visit the irrigation structures in the area and the Pantabangan dam. Of course, there were light moments with the videoke.

Cebu City

And off to Cebu City...

Busy, crowded, bustling city life. Dried sweet mangoes, danggit and other dried seafood. Bili na bay!

The family had a short visit to the Taoist temple and Magellan's cross.

Ang bilis bay!

Bohol

In May 1993, the family went back to Cagayan de Oro to attend the wedding of Bobby's youngest sister. Amyel was one of the flower girls and Bobby stood as a parent of the bride. After the wedding, we also stayed in Gingoog for a few days. On our way back to Manila, we decided to go island-hopping. I was then three months on the family way. Bohol, here we come.

A visit to Bohol is not complete without seeing the chocolate hills in Carmen. They did not really appear chocolatey but it was a sight to be in the midst of 1,268 mounds. Awesome! Since the ferry bound for Cebu will not depart soon yet, we still had time to go to Panglao. No time and money for the Bohol Beach Club but we were smart enough to choose the nearby resort. And you know what? We ate the most delicious corned beef and sardines meal from a small store because there was nothing else to eat and we were really sooooo hungry! And then we rushed to the pier to catch the trip to Cebu.

Gingoog City

Maayong adlaw sa inyong tanan!

Gingoog City is a peaceful place, not the usual busy, crowded, and bustling urban city. We were so happy to see more of Bobby's relatives and enjoyed the fresh seafood meals with them, especially the kinilaw and sinugba. Gastronomic!

The visit would not be complete without the picnics in Badjangon, the white beach of Medina, and the nearby cold spring in Alibuag.

Cagayan de Oro City

After a 36-hour trip by ferry from Manila and a short stopover in Iloilo, we finally reached Cagayan de Oro. First time I set foot in Mindanao.

CDO is a big city. Limketkai was a new commercial destination then. Chada (beautiful) was added to my vocabulary and I became a trying hard Cebuano. I remember in college, I had a list of commonly used Cebuano phrases and conversational dialogues courtesy of my dear friend Ping. Suddenly, I was recalling all those stuff to be able to speak and understand the local dialect.

We had a short visit to Bulua where my sister-in-law's family was residing then off to Gingoog City.

Iloilo City

April 1992. Bobby, Amyel, and I traveled by ferry from Manila to Cagayan de Oro. We grabbed the opportunity of visiting the Iloilo city museum and eating the famous la paz batchoy during the short stopover in the city. Glad to visit this place even for a short while and hear the Ilonggos speak. So malambing!