Singapore

It was the first time for the family to travel together out of the country. I chose Singapore as the venue of our post-birthday celebration for the head of the family. Ate can only go on leave for two days in a month and the remaining three are free from Friday to Sunday so as early as May, I booked our flight to avail of the promo fare. Hotel bookings and day-pass tickets to Universal Studios Singapore followed.

The Harbourfront

Day 1 was spent at Universal Studios in Sentosa. We went straight to Hollywood and watched the show "Lights, Camera, Action" hosted by Steven Spielberg. The technologies used to transform a stage into a movie scene full of action and suspense are so amazing. Next are the Accelerator and Battlestar Galactica. I didn't have the guts to join them on the dizzying rides. I will not forget the "water" experience as we sat in the "Splash Zone" of the Waterworld, the 4-D adventure with Shrek and friends, the cutie Madagascar ride, and the entertaining dance number of the group. From USS, we transferred to Vivo City and relaxed our tired feet as we admire the night view on the Harbourfront. After a dinner featuring mixed Asian dishes courtesy of a friend, we were accompanied to Chinatown for some shopping. All of us soundly (literally and figuratively) slept at the hotel that night.

Day 2 was the city tour leg. We decided to have individual day passes at the MRT so we could just hop from one line to another and easily move around the city. Very tourist friendly!

The Marina Bay

Half a Century... and Counting

God's gift to me has turned half a century. Our daughter bought a "shining, shimmering, splendid" mango sponge cake for the golden boy. We wish him good health and a life that will continue to be a channel of blessings to others. "Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you." - Isaiah 46:4

Leyte and Southern Leyte

On our third day, we had our tour to two FITS centers: Inopacan and Bontoc, Southern Leyte. We ate our packed lunch at the farm of a Magsasaka Siyentista in Sogod, Southern Leyte whose focus commodity is freshwater prawns. Our group was delighted to eat the sinigang na bangus, bangus kinilaw, and fried tilapia prepared by the host for us. Each one found a favorite nook on the farm, which has been developed for ecotourism, for a short rest after the sumptuous meal. Before leaving the farm, we saw a native waling-waling or black orchid being offered for sale. The next stop was at a jackfruit farm in Mahaplag, Southern Leyte. The slices of sweet and crunchy jackfruit that welcomed us were gone in a few minutes. On our way back, we dropped by the Agas-agas Bridge, the tallest bridge in the country. We were all surprised to know that there was a zip line crossing the bridge. We took the stairs up to the starting point but only a few of us took the challenge. I've tried a longer zip line before but this one is really steep and it was so windy up in the tower. We then proceeded to Visayas State University for a brief campus tour and visited the TechnoMart of ViCARP. Many of us bought pasalubong from the store.

Before going to the airport for our return flight to Manila, we dropped by MacArthur Park in Palo, Leyte. The monument depicts the actual landing in Leyte of Gen. Douglas MacArthur and company.

Bye, Leyte. I want to see more of your beauty next time.

Sabin Resort Hotel, Ormoc City

I was impressed the moment I stepped into Sabin Resort Hotel, one of Ormoc City's pride. It is located in Barangay Bantigue which is approximately 1.5 km from the city proper going to the south. Lamps adorned with capiz shells, hardwood furniture with carvings of pineapple designs, and from the lobby, you can see the infinity pool outside. The sight of the beach fronting the resort thrilled me the most. Immediately, I looked forward to a less stressful four-day workshop.

Lucban, Quezon

Lucban is famous for its Pahiyas Festival celebrated in May as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It is also known for its colorful kiping - the edible leaf-shaped wafers made of rice. This is August so I just had a souvenir photo shot near a Pahiyas decor at the venue of our symposium.

In addition to checking out some of the boutiques and buying the popular pasalubong Lucban longaniza in the town proper, our group visited the tourist destination Kamay ni Hesus. I had been to this place three or more times but it was the first time I saw "Noah's Ark" in the back part. Hmmm. I was told that the structure serves as the hotel/lodging area of the park. As usual, the main attraction is the uphill climb to the huge statue but my companions did not go up because of limited time.