Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Cebu – has it all!


Cebu is the capital of the Visayas – political, economic, educational and cultural center. Everybody loves to go to Cebu. If given a chance, I’d still love to go back again and again. If I’m stressed and want a quite place, there are lots of places Cebu could offer – islands, beaches and resorts. If I want to spend the weekend just shopping, I’d still choose to go to Cebu since there are huge shopping malls as well. One of my trips to Cebu was with my officemates. It was just a quick weekend getaway but an unforgettable experience.



Off to Cebu! The whole Metrobank Velez Branch is present. 





It’s not our first time to visit Cebu but still we opt to make a quick stop in this place. This is a piece of history. This is where Ferdinand Magellan planted the cross – an important part of the Philippine History.




Everyone was very excited to try one of the hippest sports – go-karting at Kartzone Mabolo, Cebu. This is a must try! We had so much fun racing against each other. 








We spent the rest of the night in Starbucks – Ayala just talking and sharing about anything. 






Our way to our last but the best stop –Moalboal. Popularly known as the “Diving Paradise of Cebu.” The beach has beautiful white sand. I’d love to stay in this place. So relaxing!









Look! You can see it in my face. I’m just so happy to be in the right place for summer.







Monday, May 13, 2013

CORON, Palawan – A Hidden Paradise

Coron may not be as famous as Boracay or El Nido but it is simply the best. A hidden paradise? Yes it is. It may look like an undeveloped place but is blessed with natural resources like no other. Two of the best places to go are Kangayan Lake - freshwater with towering limestone cliffs surrounding the lake and Malcapuya Island – breathtaking! I was on awe when I saw the place. One of the reasons why I don’t want to leave Coron is because of the said Island.

There is nothing much to say. I just want to let you see pictures of Coron and you will be the judge. Let us see if you won’t ever want to go there. 




















Have a happy trip!

GAMAzing @ Pearl Farm

The Summer Outing has become a yearly tradition in our company, GAMA Foods Corporation. Last year, we splashed all the way to Bantayan Island in Cebu to spend the yearly activity. As this year's summer came, the management decided to bring the GAMA Family (composed of around 80 key people) to the popular Pearl Farm, Davao.



Nestled in the idyllic islands of Samal & Malipano, The Pearl Farm Beach Resort is a former cultivation farm for luxurious south sea pearls. 
Now, it continues its essence of prime luxury as a premier destination in the Philippines and as a perfect hideaway for those in search of blissful retreat.

First Day - Hello Davao! Hello Pearl Farm!

For CDO-based employees, we left at 3am on the 3rd of May through a bus hired for the activity. On the same day did our Visayas-Branches' employees flew to Davao. By lunch, we all met at Kookel's Bangkal located in the heart of Davao. Since our boat ride to the island is scheduled at 4:30pm, we spent our waiting time shopping at SM Lanang. By 4:00pm, we left Davao City heading to Pearl Farm which took about 45 minutes to get to our final destination. At arrival, welcome drinks were served by the resort's very accommodating staff.


On the our first night is the fellowship night where we get to meet and greet our fellow workers and teammates for the Summer Outing 2013's Amazing Race.


There were four teams namely the Green Team, Red Horse, Yellow Sponge and the Blue Dragons. Each team was shouting its chants as the members wave their banner.


Some games were rolled in the first night immediately resulting to the Green Team taking the lead.






1st Night's Partial Tally:

1st - Green Team
2nd - Blue Team
3rd - Yellow Team
4th - Red Team






And the night ended with the comforts of our luxurious accommodations. 



zzzzZZZZZzzzz....


Second Day - Island Hopping, Amazing Race

By 6:00am, everybody was up and was grouped accordingly. The time for Island Hopping Adventure is on.


JUMP OFF!





Everybody had fun snorkeling  diving and kayaking around the magnificent sea of Samal.














The place is a perfect venue for enjoying 
the rich corals underneath.








Picture Perfect!




Second stop is the ISLA RETA Beach Resort. A unique getaway from the city’s stressful life. What is so cool with this resort is that one can bring in their own food, although one needs to pay for corkage when bringing in beverages. But for those who hate the stress of preparing the food, the resort has its own food house.

We took our lunch in their and continued some of the activities.



And back to Pearl Farm. During our free time, most of us opted to spend it on the resort's pool. As if we were back in our childhood once again, just playing around and most importantly, having FUN!


Time for the Amazing Race held at the island just in front of us. This game contributed much of the muscle pain we were feeling on our way home.










LEFT! RIGHT!
LEFT! RIGHT!
LEFT! RIGHT!








RIGHT! LEFT!
RIGHT! LEFT!
RIGHT! LEFT!










In every game, there's always one team that outshines the others. In the recently concluded Summer Outing 2013, the title goes to the Blue Dragons. Seconded by the Green Team, followed by the Red Horse and finally the Yellow Team.

Awarding....

.............Parteeeeeey!


Third Day -  Departure from Pearl Farm, Pasalubong Shopping

On the last day, we had our last breakfast at Pearl Farm and leaved the resort at 9:00am. We had a quick pasalubong shopping before taking lunch at the Buffalo Grill.



Exhausting as it may be, the true award for all of us are the priceless memories that we will love to reminisce over and over again. Trully GAMAzing!