Mabinay, Philippines (Caving and Zip Lining)

 

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”

Helen Keller

Hola! What’s up, sweethearts? Anything up today? As promised, I will be showing you Mabinay, PH! How cool is that? Ha. Anyway, let’s see..

Mabinay is the first class municipality of Negros Oriental, PH with 32 barangays (villages), and over 75, 000 residents. It’s the Cave capital of the Philippines with over 400 caves in total. Amazing, eh? Photo above proves! Ha. It is known for its Langub festival celebrated every January each year. Langub is a Visayan dialect for Cave.

Well, aside from the caves, Mabinay has natural springs and rivers that serve as the main water resource of the town. The springs are great for family, and friends outing whenever you guys are tired of the busy city, and wants to feel the tranquility of the nature. Try checking this town out and you won’t regret!

Mabinay is a two-hour drive from Dumaguete City, and three hours from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

Okay, I still want to talk. So, I will continue talking. Anyway, I was here last year, and this year too! Whoop! Mighty Novera, a good friend from there, and every year, their barangay celebrates its festivities, and some of my friends were there too. The plan was to stay there overnight, then go home, but for some lovely reasons, we stayed for another night. Izza, and her son – Zeke were there, with Joey. We’re all ladies! Haha. We went caving with Mighty, Gerard (Mighty’s brother), Hila, Izza, Zeke, and Joey. We planned to visit at least three caves, but we ended visiting two caves ‘coz it was too hot and we were too tired from the dancing party the other night! God knows it was surely a party! Partyyyyy!!! Haha. We visited the Pandalihan Cave and the Crystal Cave. I am not sure if I have the right term, but I guess it’s Pandalihan. Anyone who can correct me would be appreciated.

After caving, we went to Mabinay Spring and did the zip line! Jesus Christ! My knees were shaking! I’m one of those cowards, ya know! But there was no chance of going back. So, I did it with my eyes closed, or else I’d feel like I’m dying! However, it was really great!! And doing the zip line is only for P100.00 (Philippine Peso) per head. Kids are free. It was really cheap. Nice! Mabinay Spring entrance fee is P10.00 or P15.00. They also offer Kayaking for a very minimal cost. Lotsa people down there especially during summer.

Alright, I think the talking is enough. Ha. Let me show ya some photos! I will also post some photos from last year. I think I still have the pics from Mabinay Highland Resort.

Photo credits to Jasper, Gerard, Mary Rose (pics from last year).

 And credits to Mighty, Izza, and Rafael from this year’s pics. Xxx

On to the pics!

Mabinay Spring and Zip Line

Mabinay Spring pool under construction

Mabinay Caving

Bagtic Mountains

With the TightBeat Dancers. They once made it to the final round of a dance competition on a famous Philippine noon time show, It’s Showtime!

From right: Gerard (the senior TightBeat member), Izza, and the three lads (the junior members). and Meeeee!!

Here we go! Pics from last year! Whoop! — 2012–

Jasper and Mary Rose with their son, Kite were there too!

Mabinay Highland Resort

Mabinay Spring in 2012

Thanks for dropping by! You guys are a kick ass! Yeah!!!

Gracie

Bonga Villa Resort and Spa

“This life is like a swimming pool. You dive into the water, but you can’t see how deep it is”

Dennis Rodman

Hola! Hope you guys are great, and having quality time with your family and friends! I am doing the same!

Okay. This is my third trip to Santander, Cebu. The first one was at Eden Resort, next was at Eden Resort (still) lol, and Pebbles Beach Resort. I’ve introduced Santander from my previous post, but as a quick review, Santander is a 4th class town of the province of Cebu, Philippines. It’s about 20 – 30 minutes from Dumaguete, Negros Oriental through fast craft (ferry), pump boats, or the flat-bottomed boat (barge). This time, there’s six of us (all girls) – Me, Orim, Conie, Flor, Leah, and Deanne. I’ve been checking some other resorts in Santander before heading there. I don’t wanna go back to Eden, or to Pebbles either. I’ve been there anyway! Good thing of all five resorts I contacted, only one responded – the Bonga Villa Resort and Spa – which is the purpose of this post. lol.

Let’s see…

From Dumaguete City, we went to Sibulan which is like 10 minutes going North. The port is up there. We took the barge (Maayo Shipping Lines). Fare is P70.00 (Philippine Peso). It’s actually slower than of a pump boat or fast ferry, but we chose this one since there’s big waves that time, and I don’t wanna swim too early! Haha. It was scary to ride the fast ferry, or even the pump boat when big waves are there. From Liloan port, we took a tricycle going to the resort for P15.00 fare. Beware of those ripping-off drivers. Did I use the correct term? Haha

Anyway, Bonga Villa has its welcome sign at the side of the road, and there’s no reason for us to get lost. The driver was nice though. Room rates at $120.00 (USD) for Duplex Room, and $180.00 for Villa. Both includes *Air condition, Hot & Cold Shower with Bath Tub, Spacious Living Area and Mini-Bar, Component, Telephone, and Access to Swimming Pool. For those who love diving, they also offer Scuba Diving. Then, whale watching, island hopping, Dumaguete City tours, and golf. Major credit cards are accepted. It’s a Japanese-owned resort I heard, and they have two other resorts as well. For those who will just stay during daytime, entrance fee is P100.00 adults and kids (except below 3 years old, they’re free). Then the exotic cottage is worth P300.00. There is no corkage fee. You can grill, and cook, and bring your own food and drinks.

You guys can contact them at

Tel. no.: (032) 480-9045
Fax no.: (032) 480-9090

Email: info@bongavilla.com

There is only one thing I didn’t like about this resort – the beach is not good to swim! There’s plenty of weeds, and a lot of rocks. They didn’t develop it, but I think you can swim nearby which is useless because you pay for the resort. Ha!

On to the pics!

The road signs..

Maayo Shippings Lines

Bonga Villa Resort

Thanks for dropping by, and gimme some love!

Happy beach-ing!

Gracie

The Seven Last Words

Photo Source: yourordinaryday.blogspot.com

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him may not perish, but have life eternal”.

John 3:16

The First Word:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
(Luke 23:34)

 

The Second Word:
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23:43)

 

The Third Word:
“Woman, behold your son. Behold your mother.”
(John 19:26-27)

 

The Fourth Word:
“My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Matthew 27:46)

 

The Fifth Word:
“I am thirsty.”
(John 19:28)

 

The Sixth Word:
“It is.. finished!”
(John 19:30)

 

The Seventh Word:
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
(Luke 23:46)

 

These seven sayings are traditionally called, 1. Forgiveness, 2. Salvation, 3. Relationship, 4. Abandonment, 5. Distress, 6. Reunion and 7. Triumph.

I hope everyone is having a lovely and peaceful Holy Week reflections with our dear Jesus Christ. This post is for all of us who have experienced Jesus Christ in our hearts.

Peace be with you all!

Gracie

Island Hopping

“True friendship multiplies the good in life, and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on desert island. To find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.”

Baltasar Gracian

Summer starts in the Philippines, and I could say everyone loves it. Why? Because it’s been always a tradition that friends, families, couples, and others spend time together in beaches no matter how hot it is. Yes, it’s seriously hot and humid in the Philippines! But our beloved locals and foreign travelers always love the country.

The Philippines only has two main seasons, the Habagat and Amihan. Habagat, from May to October which brings thunderstorms, dramatic rains, but very wonderful fresh and cool days. Amihan, is the calmest season from October to May which enables everyone to enjoy the beach, the mountains, and other activities.

There are 7, 107 islands in the Philippine archipelago which comprises the three main island groups – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. I am in the Visayas region, and it has one of the most lovely beaches in the country. It’s the month of March, and it’s really humid and really hot these days. I had a chance to leave from work and got a four-day holiday. So, I went to Escalante to see my family, and friends. The fourth class city of Negros Occidental, Philippines – Escalante has more than 93, 000 residents with 21 barangays (villages). I am not going to tell you more about the city because it has to wait until Manlambus Festival is celebrated two months from now! Anyway, its neighboring town to the south is Sagay City. Escalante and Sagay were our island hopping locations. So, I can’t wait to show you the photos!

We visited four islands of both Sagay and Escalante. Sagay’s Carbin Reef, Tower, and Molocaboc, and Escalante’s Jomabo Island. And of course, at least half of my favorite people were with me – Joey, Andrea, Riza, Joizee, Tintin, Mau, Aubrey, and Roxy. I hope I didn’t miss anyone! Haha. Better luck next time Karyn, Kathleen, GheeVhee, Justine, and Jay!

Anyway, we used Joizee’s pumpboat (not the small boat). but the larger one, or else…

All photos are credited to Andrea.

On to the pics!

Me with the girlfriends while waiting for our boat!

First Stop: “Carbin Reef”

Second Stop: “Tower”

Third Stop: “Molocaboc Island”

Fourth Stop: “Jomabo Island”

Andrea

Roxy

Riza

Tintin

Aubrey

Joizee

Mau

Joey

And the guys who didn’t make it! Hahaha. Sorry, guys I had to steal your pix! :p

Kathleen

GheeVhee

Karyn

Justine

Jay

I hope you guys had fun reading this post. If you need more information how to get there, please let me know, and I’ll surely help you!

Have a happy island hopping! Cheers!

Gracie

The Bridal Fair 2013

 

“It is horrible to say, but I was stigmatized by being a bridal designer for a long time. I am amazed I have been able to move beyond it. I had really all, but given up trying, but I did it because it was my lifelong dream.”

Vera Wang

Hey, hey, hey! What’s up, beautiful people? Missing me, eh? Well, I miss y’all more! As I have promised from my previous post, I will be showing you the bridal fair photos. This is the reason why on my January 31 post, I asked you guys for some nice wedding songs for me to sing. I’d like to give thanks to BeWithUs, and Jody who contributed their knowledge for the perfect wedding songs.

Anyway, this event was presented by a good friend of mine whom I went to college with, and realized that fashion designing is all he wanted to do all his life! Haha. So, he decided to enroll at Fashion Institute of The Philippines. When he graduated, he started his own business by creating dresses, wedding gowns, and more. He has more clients by now, and still creating lovely designs especially for women.

Macho Alarcon, with Charinson Balalilhe, and few others were very proud to show their creations by organizing the Bridal Fair event. But it wasn’t all about their creations, but the event also showed the different talents of the people of Escalante City, Philippines. There were caterers, bakers, make-up artists, photographers, florists, artists, singers, and models. I was the host of this event, and thank God I made it even without a script. Whoop!

I think I need to stop bragging, and show you the pics. Ha!

All photos are credited to Escalante Shooters Club, and Bacolod City group of photographers.

The Wedding Gowns

For Entourage

Caterers, Singers, Bakers, Photographers, Artists, and others

Of course, it’s me singing! Haha

And the talented people!

Macho Alarcon

I hope you guys like the photos. There’s more, but I can’t wait to let you guys see these.

See you again next time, and have a lovely wedding day to all who are getting married! All the best!

Love lots,

Gracie

Blue Skies Nail Art

“When you love a man, he becomes more than a body. His physical limbs expand, and his outline recedes, vanishes. He is rich and sweet, and right. He is part of the world, the atmosphere, the blue sky and the blue water.”

Gwendolyn Brooks

Hola! How you guys are doin’ so far while I was out of WordPress world? I miss y’all! It’s been almost a month since I blogged here. I remember my last blog was the Valentine’s Day Nail Art. Gosh, I was so busy with things. By the way, the bridal fair went really well, and I’m gonna post photos of it very soon. Probably, my next post!

Well, anyway I am just sharing you my newest nail art since the Valentine’s Day. I had a hard time thinking of ideas yesterday when I looked up, and saw the cutest clouds up there. So, I thought I’m gonna bring those clouds on my nails! I was so glad I have the right blue shade.

I hope you like the caption of the photo above. I like it so much!

Here’s one more photo of my nails.

Enjoy guys! Cheers!

Gracie

Valentine’s Day Nail Art

“Love has no desire, but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.”
Kahlil Gibran

It’s Saint Valentine’s Feast Day today!

He was known to be imprisoned due to performing weddings to soldiers who were forbidden to get married. When he was in prison, it was said that he healed the daughter of his jailer Asterius. Before he was executed, he bid goodbye to her, and wrote, “from your Valentine”.

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! May your hearts be filled with so much love and happiness!

Gracie

Happy Birthday, Bob Marley!

“Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our mind.”

Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley

(6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981)

It might be overrated that I blog about this, but I’m a huge fan of Bob Marley. I started listening to reggae music, and to his songs since grade school. And everyone will agree with me that his songs struck everyone’s heart, character, and personality. This is what Music all about.

Bob Marley was born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica to his White English-Jamaican father, and to his Afro-Jamaican mother. He started creating music when he met Bunny Wailer, Joe Higgs, and Peter Tosh with few others and formed the band, Bob Marley & The Wailers.

He married Rita Anderson in 1966, who also became his band mate with two other women singing with him in his concerts. Together, they had 11 acknowledged children, a few of them were from Bob’s other relationships, as well as Rita’s. Ziggy, Julian, Stephen, and Damian are also reggae musicians, and are famous.

Despite of conflicts of his other band members, Bob Marley continued recording his songs. He had a One Love Peace Concert in Kingston, Jamaica on April 22, 1978 during the political civil war, where he called the two leaders in opposing parties on stage – Edward Seaga of Jamaican Labour Party, and Michael Manley of People’s National Party to join hands with him, to show the people that they’re gonna unite for the love of their country. The two eventually shook hands together on stage.

In 1977, he was diagnosed that he has a malignant melanoma on his nail in one of his toes. Doctors advised him to have his toe amputated, but he refused due to his Rastafarian beliefs. Eventually, he still continued making music, and in the process of having a world tour in 1980.

He then became very ill since the cancer had spread all over his body. By then, he had a treatment called Issels therapy, and after eight long months of fighting  the cancer, he decided to go back to Jamaica, hoping to die in his hometown. He then boarded a plane from Germany, when his vital signs got worst. The plane landed in Miami, Florida and he was brought to a hospital for an immediate medical attention. In the morning of May 11, 1981, at the age of 36, Bob Marley died caused by melanoma cancer that spread throughout his body, to his lungs up to his brain. He was buried in May 21, 1981 in Jamaica with his Gibson Les Paul, or some said Fender Stratocaster guitar. His last words to his son, Ziggy were, “Money can’t buy life”.

Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga declared during his final funeral eulogy:

“His voice was an omnipresent cry in our electronic world. His sharp features, majestic looks, and prancing style a vivid etching on the landscape of our minds. Bob Marley was never seen. He was an experience which left an indelible imprint with each encounter. Such a man cannot be erased from the mind. He is part of the collective consciousness of the nation.”

Happy Birthday, Bob Marley! Your music goes on forever!

Thanks for dropping by, guys.

Cheers!

Gracie

Tears and Rain

“How I wish I could surrender my soul;
Shed the clothes that become my skin;
See the liar that burns within my needing.
How I wish I’d chosen darkness from cold.
How I wish I had screamed out loud,
Instead I’ve found no meaning.”

James Blunt

When I started watching Criminal Minds, I thought I’d get addicted to it, and never I was wrong. It’s just awesome, and you learn a lot about it. These people are just intelligent; the characters, the production, the musical scoring.. It’s lovely! Now I wanted to catch up Season One ‘coz I never had the chance to see it before. Right now, while I am writing this post, Criminal Minds Season 1 Episode 6 (LDSK – Long Distance Serial Killer) is on a “Pause” mode. Why? Because I heard another song. A really wonderful song that talks about trouble of ones experience, and of how this person wanted to change himself for better. The first few lines of the song were listed below the singer’s photo (found the photo online, and I thought it’s cute) that I posted above. Never heard of this song before, or maybe I just forgot. I know James Blunt, but I didn’t know he has this beautiful song.

James Blunt was born in Wiltshire, England and served 6 years in the military as a Second Lieutenant in the Life Guards, and became a Captain. While he was in the army, his team used to share a meal with the locals and would perform with his guitar. He had been exposed to music since he was a kid, and while he was on his duty in the military, he wrote the song, ‘No Bravery‘.

He was also a skier, and led his team in Verbier, Switzerland and became a champion of the whole Royal Armoured Corps. He left the army in 2002, and eventually focused on his musical career.

Great guy, another army officer, and happened to be a singer just like Rocky Lynne, whom I featured in my blog who sang the song, A Song for A Soldier - that was also a soundtrack of Criminal Minds Season 8 Episode 7.

Here’s James Blunt’s song via Youtube.

James Blunt – Tears and Rain

Soldiers, again, thank you, and you go guys! You are always loved!

Enjoy the song, guys! Cheers!

Gracie

A Day of Sweetness!

“It’s simple. Eat well, exercise and get lots of sleep, but make sure you indulge occasionally. At my age, I think, what the hell, and eat a Krispy Kreme doughnut!”
Michelle Pfeiffer

I just want to add some sweetness of your day today. I hope this one helps!

An office mate of mine (Raquel) came from Manila brought two boxes for me. She’s so sweet!

Kudos to Sir Vernon Rudolph who founded it in July 13, 1937!

Happy Sweet Day, my lovies! Cheers!

Gracie