ofsmokes&mirrors: travel

Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Quick Manila Trip

11:05 PM - Posted by chill whiner - 12 comments

After visiting Manila a few times for strictly business purposes, I decided to return there for a very quick spur-of-the-moment overnight trip.

I was lucky to score a great deal from Cebu Pacific Air. It was not Piso fare but it was economical enough for me to afford it. As I was on a tight budget and I really did not plan for this tour, I had to scour for a reasonably priced hotel in a not-so-inexpensive metropolis. The internet has basically become my best friend through this process. Sure thing, the internet did not fail me and I was able to book a hotel room for around Php 900.00 or so with GoHotel.

So off I started with my cheap thrill journey.

I took the jeepney from my home to about three corners away from the airport. From there, I took the cab and paid only less than Php100.00. When I arrived at the Manila airport, I walked out all the way to a Paranaque circle. I was not sure the exact name of that place but it was a good 600 meters walk from the airport’s main exit. I took the jeepney from there to the MRT station along EDSA corner Taft Avenue. Then I boarded the MRT to get to GoHotel.

Since it was such a short trip, I had to use my time wisely. I headed to SM Mall of Asia after checking in at the hotel. It should have been a long travel but was made shorter and that is thanks to MRT. I got off at the EDSA station after which I rode the bus.

I am a mall rat. So I leisurely strolled at what was said to be the biggest mall in the country. I was amazed at how big it really was. The mall seemed to occupy several hectares of land plus it offered a scenic view of the Manila Bay. I spent a good three hours for window shopping, buying some stuff, eating at a restaurant that was not available back home and simply enjoying the chance to wander. After enjoying the mall, I went back to the hotel by riding a bus. There are several bus companies that transverse through the Mall of Asia-GoHotel route. Travelling through bus is another inexpensive alternative. This is especially convenient since I need not get off and find another transportation to get to my destination. However, this is only recommended when its already late at night and there is lesser traffic.

The next day, I decided to go to Intramuros. Again I took the MRT, got off at the EDSA station, rode LRT from there and got off at the Central Station. From Central Station, Intramuros is a mere 5 minute walk away.

Intramuros blew me away! The place is so full of history, which I find very exciting. There are a lot of structures that were preserved in its original state. I was in awe in everything I saw!

After a calesa ride around the walled city, it was time to go. I took the same route in going back to the hotel. I got my bags; rode the bus to Mall of Asia since traffic was not heavy that day. I ate lunch there then rode a cab going to the airport.

Less than two hours later, I was home. That was then that I decided to reward myself once in a while with a low-cost trip. After all, exploring need not be expensive.

Braving Outland Adventure

5:38 AM - Posted by chill whiner - 13 comments

A few years back, I had the chance to visit Outland Adventure along Diversion Road here in Davao City. I was in the company of my classmates from the Masters Degree program I was enrolled in. The visit was actually a requirement in one of our Management class.

Outland Adventure is a few minutes ride from downtown Davao, which takes pride with the green nature as their background. It is undoubtedly on top of the list of a lot of Davao-based offices or groups that hold team building as they have a team challenge course program. This program includes activities that imbibe trust, communication skills, problem solving ideas and varied leadership styles that can be used by the participants in their respective organizations.

Our course started with the trust fall where each team members had to climb up to what looked like a mini stage. From there, the team member had to let himself freely fall to the ground with their hands placed across their chest and their back facing the ground. The concept of the activity was to instill trust among the team…trust that the other team mates would not let them fall helpless on the ground …trust that the person about to fall has placed his or her confidence in the team.

The activity was probably one of the hardest for me. I admit having trust issues since I almost always trust in myself to do everything that needs to be done. I had to redo my fall around three times before the facilitator finally told me that the fall I did was a success. The criterion that the facilitator relied on was the body language of person falling as it really says whether or not there was trust.

Next up was what I and my friends called the Great Wall of Outland. In the activity, all team members have to climb up to a wall measuring around eight to nine feet tall without using a ladder. What the team has to do was to help each other climb to the top. The catch? How would the team help the last man on the ground reach the top? This is where teamwork, planning and strategy come into play. Well, hurray to group for finishing the activity! Everyone was able to come up. I think our success can be greatly attributed to the fact that most of my classmates are big, muscular men who are used to carrying heavy load.

We were then given an hour to eat and rest from the strenuous activities. After the break, we were heading toward the rope challenges.

The facilitators from Outland told us that the adventure-based programs were made similar to an obstacle course however the ones that they have is suspended through the use of ropes. Again, this activity still aims to enhance teamwork, trust and communication. The experience was probably one of the most physically taxing I have ever had. Apart from the use of force, those who undergo the rope challenges need to use their intellect to come up with the best strategy.

I was actually thinking about giving up on the obstacle course as I was sweating profusely and my mind and strength seem to fail me. However, after hearing the cheers from my peers and pondering on my next move, I was able to make it through one tough dare.

The finale for our Outland Adventure was grand! We were able to experience the Zip Line. This exciting activity was made even more exhilarating as we were made to zip from one hill to another. We had to cross a river through a makeshift banca to reach the starting line. It was the best!

If you are up for dare, Outland Adventure is the way to go.

Eden: Paradise on Earth

6:46 AM - Posted by chill whiner - 0 comments

Cool mountain breeze greets the guests as they stride towards an uphill drive to reach one of Davao City, Philippines' best spots. The cold air immediately gives travelers a sense of serenity that is indeed hard to find in the usual busy metropolitan area that most of us live.

The Eden Nature Park and Resort is situated at the foot of Mt. Talomo some three thousand (3,000) feet above sea level. It prides itself with lush trees, blooming gardens, animal sanctuaries together with other flora and fauna. The entire eighty (80) hectare area is covered with various trees, mostly pine. The place is a sight to behold; thanks to the hands of those who tirelessly gave their effort to nurture the ninety-five per cent (95%) man-made forest. This spectacle of nature is not the only wonder that the place has to offer.

It also boasts of their Vista Restaurant, which serves the best-tasting dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Most of the vegetables being served are produce of Eden's garden. The lettuce are actually products of Hydroponics technology or the method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, without soil. They also grow organically their tomatoes, cucumbers and an array of spices. Diners would absolutely enjoy a scrumptious meal.

If you are more of the adventurous type, the place also caters your personality. They have recently added in their list of attractions the Skyrider that actually allows thrill-seeking visitors to zip through a cable line. Tuly an exhilarating treat! But if you are one of those who are afraid of heights yet would still want to experience riding thorugh a cable, then the Indiana Jones is right for you.

Finally, the place also gives a preview of Mindanao's cultural heritage in Tinubdan. Tinubdan is a replica village depicting the life of people here in Mindanao. It takes visitors back to what life was like for the early settlers of the island.

To get to experience Eden, all it takes is to travel around twelve (12) kilometers from downtown Davao ... that is about forty-five minute ride and you are off to enjoy nature at its finest.