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!

A SPECIAL DAHILAYAN ADVENTURE

                As I was trying to come up with an article about wonderful vacation spots here in the Philippines, I remembered Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. It boasts to have Asia’s longest dual zipline. Actually, I’ve been there twice. I was able to bravely experience the long, longer, and the longest ziplines in June 2010. Indeed, it was an awesome adventure! I felt like I was flying! I wished it never really ended... flying then was amazing!

 

A photo taken in Dahilayan back in June 2010.

                 However, my second trip to Dahilayan was more fun and was more memorable. I was with one of the most special persons in my life--- my Mom.

Me in Dahilayan on June 2012.

My one and only Mommy posing with the animal figures in Dahilayan.

                    Supposedly it was a summer outing with my branch mates. But since we were allowed to bring with us our loved ones, I chose to bring my Mom with me. (Perhaps I can also again bring her along during our next branch outing. Haha!)

 

Hand salute? Haha!

                    She is my bestest friend in the entire universe! We were like sisters. No generation gap at all, despite the 3 decades age gap :-)

                           Best buddies

During that trip, I discovered the childlike nature of my Mom. I never expected her to be that game and that adventurous. Even though she is hypertensive, she managed to ride and enjoy the Luge (one of the must-try rides in Dahilayan). She even raced with me! The joy in her eyes was indescribable. Her ear-to-ear smile can spell her amusement. Have you ever tried racing with your Mom? It's one of the most fun experiences in life, I tell you.

My Mom is truly amazing, and simply wonderful.

 That trip to Dahilayan could not have been that special if not for her. She was my buddy, my photographer ( she loves taking "stolen pictures", it amuses her) , my cheerleader, my playmate, my choreographer, my best friend, my sister--- my incredible mother. Whew!

 Dahilayan Adventure Park is Cagayan de Oro’s favorite destination. Your trip to the City of Golden Friendship is regretfully incomplete if you will not be able to visit there. It’s just around 2 hours away from Cagayan de Oro. The trip in going there is all worth it when you reach the Forest Park.

                    Go with your friends, your officemates, your families, and loved ones. Various rides and attractions await you.

                      Their ziplines are world-class. Their Luge is exhilarating. Their panoramic view is breath-taking. Dahilayan is absolutely a great destination here in the Philippines!

Giving tribute to our mothers should not just be done once a year. A mother is a mother 24 hours  a day, 7 days a week.  I have long realized how blessed I am to have a mother like my Mom. She’s simply one of a kind. She’s beautiful inside and out, and truly special. A brilliant teacher, a doting wife, a caring sister, a thoughtful daughter, a good friend, a perfect mother.

I LOVE YOU MOM! HAPPY MOTHERS’ DAY!

AND TO ALL THE MOTHERS OUT THERE, HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Travel Young

Summer is about to end, rain is starting to fall. So I googled stuffs about travelling. I saw blogpost by Jeff Goins. The Article was entitled, 3 Reasons to Travel While You’re Young.

This article really hit me. Why? Because I always wanted to travel – visit all cool places within Mindanao, and eventually the whole Philippines. Of course I also wanted to abroad and visit different countries, explore culture and experience life on the other side of the world. But, there’s always a “BUT.” I have hesitations. What about my work? My family? What will I do there? Maybe I’ll get lost. Expensive. And a lot of cowardly excuses.

When I finished reading his article, I realized, he was right.

Reason #1.

Travelling teaches you to live in adventure. If you just stay in your corner, you won’t grow, you’d be boring. When you travel, there is this thrill of the unknown and unexpected. It makes you be more spontaneous and adventurous.

Reason #2.

Travelling helps you encounter compassion. When you travel, you see a variety of people. Rich, really rich, poor, sick, normal, weirdo, addict, businessman, peddlers, crooks, young, teenager, old, very old, etc. And when you see them, you get to understand more why and how other people do stuffs. These learning then influences your compassion, and in growing as a better person.

Reason #3.

Travelling allows you to get some culture. As you begin to divulge yourself to adventure and to different people, you get something out of it – traits, way of thinking, and culture. When you travel, you become unconscious that you are already syncing in culture.

           

And these quotes hit me too.

“Do this while you’re still young. Do not squander the time. You will never have it again.”

“..Because you won’t always be young. And life won’t always be just about you”

I haven’t travelled much yet. But yes, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. I will make travelling a hobby. 

Before you all travel abroad, explore Philippines first! Here is a list. click here. 

follow @sahmuhr.

--- until my next post. follow me https://twitter.com/#!/jarugaslag

Sugbu Weekender Trip

Ours was a post Sinulog Trip to Cebu to avoid the chaos of the festival but still able to catch up the festive mood of the city and get to enjoy the cool January weather, just bonding together with my wife.

Our objectives were:

1. To try the waterpark at a posh hotel (choices: day-tour at Shangri-La Mactan or Imperial Palace)
2. Lots of walking
3. Go to Mactan Shrine
4. Go to museums
5. Go to Taoist Temple
6. Try the sky adventure at Crowne Regency Hotel
7. Eat the famous Baby Back Ribs at Casa Verde (contact them for reservations if you are with a large group)

 

On the first day, we checked in to this very affordable pension house in Fuente Circle. We spent PhP 900 pesos per night. We arrived at 8AM, had lunch with a friend and we had our early shopping (read: window shopping) at Ayala Mall.

On the second day, we took a taxi ride (PhP 200 from Fuente Circle) to Mactan Shrine after a hearty breakfast. We took notes of historical markers, took pictures and my wife bought capiz jewelries at the Pasalubong Center within the shrine. There is also a Su-tu-kil Restaurant close to the Shrine which is very affordable and you can customize your menu. Very good ambience. 

Magellan's Boss in green shirt.

 

The Battle of Mactan Marker. 27 April 1521.

 

Lapu Lapu Marker.

 

Magellan's Death Marker.

On the same day, we proceeded to Imperial Palace in Mactan, a few minutes ride from Mactan Shrine. It is a 5-star resort with really enjoyable waterpark (for both adults and children alike). The Day Tour cost us PhP2,400 per person (much cheaper during weekdays) with access to waterpark, beach cottages, free towel (shower and shampoo!), and a sumptuous lunch with international cuisine - totally a posh deal! The waterpark has long and winding sliding tubes and I find them really fantastic. We also love the Madagascar River where we just lie down on the floaters and we will be taken by the current around the little island - it feels so relaxing. And the Lunch – well, the lunch was too much. It was very hard to decide which cuisine to focus. We tried Japanese, Mediterranean, Korean, Baryo Piyesta and a little Chinese, some pasta and salad too. And the sweets were to die for and  I suddenly hate Imperial Palace. We went back to our hotel at 6PM although you can still opt to stay until 9PM (but you have to pay for dinner if you will avail the dinner buffet). We surely had a great time. You try going to Imperial Palace, highly recommended. If you are also a fan of waiting for discount vouchers at Cash Cash Pinoy or Deal Grocer - they also offer up to 70% discounted rate of Imperial Palace and Shangri-La Mactan day tour.

 

 

You will notice all day-tour guests have bands like this - that made us different from the hotel guests. Of course you can stay at Imperial Palace as hotel guest and avail all their amenities for free including buffet. 

This is the sliding tubes I was talking about where your heart will literally stop of a few seconds! Photo is borrowed from Fashion Pulis Thank you!!! --->

Access to the beach cottages. It feels so relaxing to just read your favorite book, smell the sea-breeze and lie down like a Mafia Boss. *wink*

 The Madagascar River.

 

 

 Kiddie Pool. We are looking forward to be there again soon and our daughter will surely enjoy this.

 

 

Pirates of the Carribean. =)

 

 Splash all over!

 

 

 

 The wave pool. Very nice for small children.

 

 

 Sorry we were not able to take pictures of what looks like a huge gymnasium (or maybe Araneta?) which housed all the international cuisine you can name of. They have it all - overflowing and able to feed the entire city of Cebu. You can sit for lunch starting at 12 noon until 3PM and if you own a huge bodega inside your tummy, then justice will be served! No kidding.

 

 

 

 From ice cream to halo-halo to different kind of pasta, pizza to kebab, randang to Mediterranean to fish and chips to huge burgers to kimchi, to Chinese noodles to lechon, I tell you they pretty got it all covered.  

 

 

Well, at some point you get thirsty or hungry from swimming and floating and kicking. So Imperial Palace also thinks you need a "sunken bar". Served ice cold or warm. But this one does not come for free. You get your chit after 3 seconds.

 

This is the wave pool and Madagascar river we couldn't get enough of. But till we meet again, oh my Palace! =)

 

 

 

On the 3^rd day we went to Taoist Temple. It looked nicer than the last time I went there. But of course we can attribute that to the coming Chinese New Year. There were lots of Koreans too. There are not much improvements done in the temple, but it surely was well maintained. The Taoist Temple is sitting in the priced Beverly Hills of Cebu, haven of the financially well-off people. We took a taxi to Beverly Hills – it is actually just very near Fuente Circle but you need to have a taxi waiting, or else you may need to walk down your way back to the city. So if you love walking, you may just take a metered taxi. It would cost you 50 pesos from Fuente Circle. We took our late lunch in SM Mall and a massage at Banyan Tree in Fuente. Another option for evening itinerary is to try the Sky Adventure at Crowne Plaza or have an evening date at Top Hills in Lahug. But we opted for a nice massage and a good sleep.

 

Magellan's Cross - signage

The 4^th day was our history date. We went to Basilica Church, Magellan’s Cross and to Sto Nino Museum. Then we proceeded to Fort San Pedro, to Museo Sugbo  and ended the history trip at Casa Verde for that historical baby back ribs on a 3pm lunch. Then we bought some pasalubong in Ayala and prepared for the early trip for the next day.
 

Magellan's Cross - from the inside

Sto. Niño Museum. It housed the earliest Cebuano-Spanish dictionaries. Cost you PhP 30 entrance fee.

Fort San Pedro (Fuerza de San Pedro) from the outside

Archaeological excavation signage of Fort San Pedro

For San Pedro from the inside

Karsel sa Sugbu is converted into Museo Sugbo which housed really interesting artifacts but we are unable to photograph

Inside Karsel sa Sugbu (the current Cebu Museum) housed many discoveries about before and during Spanish Colonization, Japanese and American era of the Philippine History.

 

Baby Back Ribs from Casa Verde. PhP150. (Sorry, I got hungry).