Dreaming in Davao

I know this post is way too late to appear in this blog. Yes, I could have written about Davao when the travel was still fresh. But please don't stop reading when you'll know that this trip happened six months ago -- the time when the heat of the sun was still hailed by many travelers -- the time of the year called summer.

My first trip to Mindanao was a sojourn I had been anticipating since late 2011. It's not an ordinary travel as there was much better purpose than leisure and exploration. It was my good friend's wedding and it was a beyond usual event because I never expected that this friend (who will remain anonymous) will still be tying knots one day. Nevertheless, I am still happy for her.

Enough said about my friend, I arrived Davao lunch time after my flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport got delayed for two hours. Everyone was getting ready for the wedding so no one could pick me up at the airport. Fortunately, I am good at attempts of getting lost, recalling instructions and eventually asking strangers about places strange to my ears. Eventually, I hit the hotel just in time when everyone was getting ready for the wedding. 

The night after the wedding, everyone was up for a lively night at Matina Town Square. A renowned place for night lovers, the place showcases a variety of entertainment hubs from disco to comedy bars. If chilling is what's on one's psyche, the place has also something to offer. What's interesting about the place are the street arts and the unique Mindanaoan art and culture that seems to adorn the entire scape of the area. Once you're in the place, you could never deny to yourself that you're experiencing night life in Minadanao -- in Davao.

The following day, we ventured for a whole day trip to Samal Island which is just few minutes boat ride from the mainland. We spent almost the entire day at Blue Jazz Resort which welcomed us with a lively band making me feel that we're entering Hawaii (No, I haven't been there but movies told me so). The resort, which was packed at that time with mostly local beach lovers, offered a handful of activities that one can choose to enjoy. Financially wise, we chose not to try any of the activities and opted to bask along the shore and the beach area. The day ended with me and my friend catching for the next boat to bring us to the mainland where another adventure went on.

The night after, I met with comrades from the Philippine Atheists and Agnostics Society (PATAS) for a what seems to be a serious discourse. It was great personally meeting people whom I always see online.  But before such meeting, there was a good adventure that happened. I and my travel buddy walked for a couple of  kilometers searching for a place we both did not know and we ended up lost. Tired, we had no choice but to get a ride to Abreeza Mall which is a newly opened Ayala mall in Davao. 

Our journey ended when we headed to the airport and spent hours sleeping on the sidewalk while waiting for our flight in the morning. Exciting as it was, our feet had to be tied as we went back to our respective destinations for another trek to work. Memories of a wonderful spur-of-the-moment experiences were something I brought back to Cebu. At the end of such budgeted travel, I realized again that travels do not need to be luxurious because, after all, it's not about the places you've been to but the people you've met and the unique culture you've experienced -- they expand one's horizon of perspectives. Travel is not all about leisure -- at times, it's all about the richness of experience one gets. Until my next journey. Thanks for following.       

"A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it." -- John Steinbeck

Trekking Dumaguete City and Beyond

• 

  Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete City
  (picture from www.philippinetraveler.com)

  Finally, the journey that I have been thinking of since last year has unfolded but it turned out to be unplanned. 

  
  

  While at work, it suddenly came into my mind that I should try venturing for a trip down south of Cebu to the island of Negros Oriental which is another province in the Central Visayas region. Right after my shift, I packed my things up and immediately headed to the Cebu South Bus Terminal to catch a trip going to Liloan, Santander where I could hop on a ferry going to Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

  Aboard on a non-aircon bus going to Santander, I left Cebu around seven o'clock in the morning and arrived in Santander past one o'clock in the afternoon which was just perfect for me to catch the ferry leaving for Sibulan at two o'clock. I arrived in Sibulan 30 minutes later and took a jeep (locals call it easy ride) going to Dumaguete City. Since the trip was unplanned, I had to figure out what to do next while in Dumaguete. I dropped by in an internet cafe to browse some recommendations about interesting activities while in the city but the entire city was experiencing black out at that time so I ended up basking around the place while waiting for electricity to come back on. I did not know exactly what to do and where to go -- I just followed where my mind would find interest to. I ended up strolling around the market and eventually, electricity was on so I had time to sit and browse on the internet for some reviews from fellow travelers and backpackers. I suddenly remembered that a friend and travel buddy was a graduate from Silliman University in the city so I immediately sent her a text message. She responded with a handful of suggestions. She even contacted a friend to meet me. It was indeed so random and to add excitement to what has already been exciting, I logged on to my Facebook and sent message to my Dumaguete based Facebook friends. I got an immediate response and we're up to hang out the immediate night. Take note that I haven't met any of these people in person. I have known them because of an online forum.

  

  Silliman University Museum
  (picture from www.myphilippinelife.com)

  I don't know if my friend was just bias but Silliman University was on the top of her recommendations. Well, putting any biases aside, I followed what my friend suggested and followed the street signs and my instinct and walked through the path that might lead me to Silliman University. Yes, my instinct and the street signs should be correct as I was brought to the markers of the century old Silliman University. There were lots of things to explore inside the campus but it was a Sunday so most of the buildings were closed except for the library which required me to leave an ID to enter. I chose not to get in and headed towards the other departments of the institution. I had been hearing about Silliman before and finally I was there. I found a street leading to Rizal Boulevard so I walked through the passage and dropped by in some of the restos which were kind of cool places for hang out. I then walked along Rizal Boulevard and enjoyed the relaxing views of the place and so with the gentle people that I met along the way. It was getting dark and I needed to find a place where backpackers find it affordable and comfortable. I was not able to find any dormitory style inns in the city but there was this place called Vintage Inn where the room rates are affordable compared to others. A fan room with own CR and wi-fi costs 300 and when I checked the room it was so good for 300 pesos. The place is just within the heart of the City and it's walking distance from the parks, malls, and some hang out areas. I took it without any question in mind.

  I wanted to experience local food so I went where most of the locals pack for tempura and squid balls. Food stalls started to pop out along the boulevard as soon as the sun started to set and I had my own share of local dining. I don't know if it's just me or their squid balls and tempura really taste different from those in Cebu. The city has its own style of serving these street foods also and I had to sit and wait until my order would be served with variety of sauces on a plate.

• 

  Hayahay Tree House and View Deck Restaurant, Dumaguete City
  (picture from  myfriendsunjun.blogspot.com)

  Just when I thought that the night was going to end that way, I had to move for yet another exciting meetup with some random people. Travel to me is not just all about visiting all the tourist attractions I heard of but more than that, I love meeting people along the way. I hanged out with new found friends in Hayahay Restaurant where affordable drinks are served but I love their pizza with their signature hot sauce. Every seasoned traveler who will visit Dumaguete for the first time should give the place a try for cold beer and pizza, not to mention. They also serve a variety of cuisines which will surely suit your taste buds. However, everything was not all about the food and the drinks I had but the discussions I shared with new found friends -- a discussion which went freely as wild animals in the jungle. Sexism, freethought, religion, philosophy, travel were just few of the topics we randomly talked about.

  

  A lake at the entrance of Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park
  (picture from www. flickr.com)

  The following day, I had to think of other things to do while in the city but I thought I already had an enough dose of Dumaguete. I heard of Lake Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park and thinking it's just few kilometers away from the city, I decided to get lost. It's funny because the receptionist at the inn where I stayed didn't know where the place is located. I decided to check out to randomly ask people along the way who might know where this place is. Luckily, I found a stranger who directed me to the place where I could wait for the jeep going to San Jose town where the lake is located. I had to take a motorcycle to reach the place and when I asked one of the drivers about the fare, I shockingly heard 400 pesos. It's a roundtrip fare, he said, as he had to wait for there's nothing I could ride on going back. The good thing was I was able to haggle and paid 300 pesos only. I was hoping not to waste my 300 pesos for a short ride and a man-made lake. When I learned that it's an uphill drive for almost an hour, I thought it was worth my 300. I had to pay for the entrance fee -- including the driver's and the motorcycle's. Locals are charged ten pesos for the entrance fee while foreigners are charged 100 pesos. I remembered my trips in Thailand wherein I had to keep my mouth shut for a while just to take advantage of the entrance fee for the locals and save my day from an absurd fee meant for foreigners. The drive going up to the lakes was breathtaking and I was thinking it was part of the 300 pesos I paid for. The views were mixed of landscapes and seascapes that one will suddenly be reminded how beautiful this earth is. It's purely nature and there's nothing you could think of but appreciate every wonder that comes into your eyes.

  

  Balinsasayaw Twin Lakes Natural Park
  (picture from skyscrapercity.com)

  After the uphill drive and hike (because the motorcycle could no longer carry my weight due to the stiffness of the road), I reached the lakes which, according to the driver, were craters of a dead volcano. The lakes were surrounded with tree-carpeted mountains which are inhabited by species that can only be found in the locality. From the bigger lake, there were two ways to reach the smaller lake. One can go on kayak through the bigger lake followed with a short hike or one can follow the trails leading to the smaller lake. I opted for the second one for safety (both of my own and my pocket). I had to hike through a rocky trail which stretches to more than a kilometer but, again, the hike was all worth it. The end of the trail is a tower where one can see the twin lakes. The view is marvelous that I had to stop there for a couple of hours to realize the wonders of nature. There were more activities that I missed and I will surely come back to try them all. I would like to try camping and trekking the other trails leading to the peak of one of the mountains that surround the lakes. I left the place with an inspiration and full of appreciation to nature hoping to share what I have just seen. At times, it takes wonders to let us realize that there's always something that we can do to protect our natural habitat and it's one of the experiences that I always want to keep from the journeys I had.

As soon as I took off from the mountain, I went back to Sibulan, Negros Oriental and explored the place. Afterwards, I headed to the port and left for Cebu where another journey awaits -- a journey that I am trying to trudge, an uphill struggle that I am trying to battle, a journey called work.

For my fellow travelers' sake, I am posting here the expenses of such travel. I hope this would help. If you have ideas how to make one's journey to Dumaguete and the Island of Negros Oriental more memorable, feel free to leave a comment below. After all, we're all travelers who would always want to make our journey worthwhile.

Cebu City South Bus Terminal to Liloan, Santander -- Php 179 (aircon bus)/ Php169 (non-aircon bus) + Php 5 for terminal fee

Liloan, Santander to Sibulan, Negros Oriental -- Php 62 (includes fare and terminal fee)

Sibulan, Negros Oriental to Dumaguete City (jeep) -- Php 11.00

Vintage Inn (infront of Dumaguete Public Market) -- Php 300 (fan room with own cr and wi-fi)

All other expenses will depend on the activities that you would like to do while in the place.

On Discrimination and Plight of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community

image from www.backyardskeptics.com

Recognizing that a significant portion of our society is experiencing treatments detrimental to their holistic well-being, several groups in Cebu City expressed their support for the passage of the Cebu City Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (CCADO) which prohibits discrimination in Cebu City on the basis of disability, age, health status, sexual orientation and gender identity, ethnicity and religion. This ordinance is proposed by Councilor Alvin Dizon and is being backed up by five other members of the Sanguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu City.

Yesterday, I and other comrades from the Philippine Atheists and Agnostics Society (PATAS) Cebu Chapter attended an open forum on the ordinance held at the Moot Court of University of San Carlos' School of Law and Governance. We showed our support for the pending local bill by expressing our statement of support in front of the audience primarily composed of students from the university. I admire the Supreme Student Council of the University of San Carlos for organizing the said event which somehow shed light to the students on what the CCADO is all about. Neil Steve Kinatanar, a clinical psychologist and a member of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) also gave a talk on the basics of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Psychology which enabled everyone to gain better understanding on LGBT identity and its components. Neil's presentation was similar to the one he presented during the LGBT Forum at the 49th Annual Convention of PAP at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino. 

With all the progressive discussions happening, one might wonder how, when and in what manner discrimination could happen which could lead one to questioning the relevance of such ordinance in the context of Cebu City. The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines discrimination as prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action, or treatment. One, therefore, could experience discrimination if he/she is categorically denied human rights on the basis of prejudice. I am positive that such ordinance will soon be passed and implemented in the city of Cebu.

     

Keep your spirit high!

It is a reality in our existence that everything is not within our control. All that we could positively deal with is our attitude – how we would look at each submerging situation in a much lighter manner – it’s our own line of attack. Changing one’s way of thinking towards things is, indeed, a very good approach to coping with stress which is so common in an environment where everyone is required to be always on the go.

If truth be told, last month was very stressful for me – stressful in a way that I almost stopped thinking about how to deal with every piece of my priority. I was too behind my quota at work and I could barely figure out a way to strike it right at its eye. I also had some research papers presented for my graduate class and I could say that such was a product of my mediocrity. Not to mention, I also hardly complied some of the requirements in one of my subjects in the graduate school. I could have done better but there’s no way to look back because no matter what, everything has been done and change is awkward when doing it backward. Nevertheless, I learned from it and all I could do now is to learn from such experience and move forward with a better perspective.

I believe everything is doable with a positive spirit. I just need to learn to set priorities and as Stephen Covey suggested in his best-selling book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” you need to put FIRST THINGS FIRST. It all needs to start with the questions “What are my priorities?” and “How can I logically put them together?” With these questions, obviously, there is no time to waste for every moment counts for every preference. I might find it difficult to pack my sleepy head off to work on a graveyard shift. I might find it difficult to keep myself awake while working with my clients in the other side of the world on an eight-hour shift when everyone else in the neighborhood is enjoying the comfort of their bed. I might find it difficult to work with my course works after spending the whole night at work. Everything might be so difficult but no one ever forced me do what I am doing. It was my choice and it’s all up to me how I am going to work on them. Failure is not an alternative so I’ll work this out with passion. As a line in the Holstee Manifesto goes, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit… start doing things you love.”

If every moment in life is a battle to win, then I need to be the victor. After all, this is my own life. From now on, I will keep my spirit high!

"Every day might not be good, but there's something good in every day."  - Anonymous

To my followers and fellow bloggers:

I am back to blogging and, yes, I could rant again. What a relief! Happy reading folks! If you’re still dropping by, please let me know by leaving some words in the comment box. At least, I would know that I am not talking all by myself here. (laughs)            

  

26

"The tragedy of life is that not it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it." - Anonymous

I miss my blog and I am sure it misses me too. I don't know if I still have readers here or they have forsaken me like what I have done to this blog for already a couple of weeks or months ago. Anyhow, I am compelled to tell a story today because it's not just a day -- it's my BIRTHday.

I was brought to this world 26 years ago and since this day is the 26th year, it brought me back to vivid memories letting me linger to how I lived life. Those reflections made me agree with Danny Kaye who once said, "Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can." If life is a great big canvas, we should make it as colorful as it could be. Thus, living life to the fullest.

This day, I want to share a huge bottle of champagne to everyone who made my life as colorful as it is. Thank you for helping me paint my huge canvas. Cheers, my dear ones! Live life and live it well!