My Fingers are Sticky in Hong Kong

10:00:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 6 Comments

STORY: Because Hong Kong is only a few hours by plane from Manila, chances are you’ll find Filipinos there. Actually, all one hundred forty thousand of them are now based and working as household help, IT specialists, bankers and musicians, nonetheless. I remember the first time I went to this place. I was tagged along by a Greek solo backpacker I met in 2007 at Tsim Tsa Tsui. She wanted to take me to this great club in Central, Hong Kong Island. Little did i know, i will be heading to Sticky Fingers. Recently, I came back and the place looked different. The interiors have changed for the better, but it's the same cool and chill vibe which is always pleasant and exciting. So many expats were amped for the night, dancing and singing to famous tunes covered by Filipino cover artists. I couldn’t help but feel proud where I am from. I felt home there.

I realized one thing, as I sip my bitter Guinness beer. If more and more people would frequent Filipino owned bars/clubs in Hong Kong or anywhere in the world, we would be helping out our fellowmen. More income for the bars/clubs mean more jobs for Filipinos. Therefore, more money for the families of these Filipinos. So I say, support Philippines in Hong Kong. We are not only helping our fellowmen, we are also helping our country prosper. Think about it.

6 Comments:

The Epic Journey to Tres Reyes Islands in Marinduque, Philippines

7:00:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 10 Comments

ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2010 RE-BLOGGED: The hidden gem of traveling to Marinduque is really not the Moriones Festival, it's the untouched beauty of the islands. How many do you know have traveled to Marinduque? Maybe one? Maybe two? My friends haven't gone anywhere near this province. It's relatively unheard of except for the popular advertisements of "Bellaroca". Even though known as the smallest island province of Southern Philippines, it boasts of the richest marine life and blinding white sandy beaches.

From Katala Beach Resort, i hired a boat together with the people i was traveling with to get to the Majestic Tres Reyes islands. The price of the day trip to the islands would cost you P1500. It will take you to Gaspar Island, or if possible to Melchor and Baltazar. Of course, it depends on how long you want to stay in the island, and the current water condition. I know the price is quite steep for a backpacker budget. Good thing during this trip, i was able to share the price with two people. I was informed that there are less expensive boat trips that will take you there. You can walk around and look for boatmen in some of the unknown resorts scattered along the shoreline of Gasan. The prices would range from P600-P1200.

Pressured by time, i was only able to explore the beauty of the largest and nearest island called Gaspar. No regrets because Gaspar, in fact, is the most beautiful of all the islands.

Gaspar Island is home to many locals who live with their families. There's now electricity in the island. Yey! Camping is only allowed when asked permission before hand. There's a lot of children playing around. Seems like the only past time the kids have here is the beach. I got to thinking how i wished my children would grow up to live the same. It's less complicated here, i guess.

As i mentioned earlier how ridiculously nice the people of Marinduque are, meet our boatman/tour guide. He works for Katala beach resort. Although he works for the resort, he was very cordial to give us the best to match what we paid for. He was nice enough to suggest where we should go and was patiently waiting for us to finish our business in the islands. We docked off first in Gaspar island.

It was Black Saturday when i went there. I assumed that people wound't island hop around Marinduque that day because Sunday is when everyone in Gasan would go to Tres Reyes. Lo and behold when i got there, there were already heaps of people swimming and enjoying the white sands of Gaspar Island.

Boatman immediately felt i wanted a secluded place all to myself. He must have sensed i was looking for a spot where i could relax and only listen to the crashing of the waves of the sea, and chirping of the birds.

He suggested i go to the small cove at the back of Gaspar. GREAT! I thought to myself, this boatman read my mind. I am not anti-social but i was in the mood to just be at one with nature. Imagine this, lying in the sand, with sweet music playing, and just be at PEACE.

Gaspar Island is beautiful. I know it's such a cliche thing to say. But how else can i describe it. I knew already when i got there, i wouldn't be able to single out a word that could describe it. The view of Mt. Malindig and the surrounding islands like Elephant island "Bellaroca" was astounding. Furthermore, the white sandy beach is filled up with magnificent corals. I walked around for a bit and picked a shell as a remembrance. Searching where i could find a spot of my own. There were nipa huts for rent. There were some groups of local tourists drinking cheap Rhum and cola at 10AM.

This is the view you would get when you rent a hut.

Marinduque is relatively a very poor province but without a doubt, the natural surroundings make up for it. As of recent reports, Marinduque is gaining the exposure it should have ages ago. Everyone's saying its THE NEXT TOURIST SPOT. I just wanted to give back to the people of Marinduque for the warmest welcome I've ever received. I have something in my mind on how i can repay the kindness of this province. I will let everyone know in the coming weeks.

I could literally compare the people of Marinduque with the people of Guimaras. Both province's biggest attraction are its natural beauty and the beautiful people.

As tourists buy souvenirs, I search for snacks to take with me when i get to the little cove boatman was telling me about. I am pretty excited and looking forward to not see a single soul in sight.

As i leave Gaspar Island, this particular image is painted in my mind. Its serene, tranquil, innocent. Like a little baby, i am singing my lullaby. I know i will be back here, not soon, not in a year i think. But the image is right here in my mind forever.

Legend has it that the island of Marinduque was formed as a consequence of a tragic love affair between two people: Marina and Garduke. Marina's father, a local chieftain, did not approve of this affair and ordered the beheading of Garduke. Before this could be done, the couple sailed out to sea and drowned themselves, forming the island now called Marinduque.

Sourced from here

I snapped a photo of a local man getting some shade from the midday sun wearing a hippie hat. One of a kind, eh?!

I left Gaspar that day because i knew i was really looking forward to seeing something greater.

Armed with only the Boatman's promise of a more beautiful island and my thriving spirit that Marinduque will never fail me...

I was off to the greatest thing that has happened to me in Marinduque.

10 Comments:

In the Philippines, Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort's Got Everything!

2:07:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 0 Comments

STORY: It feels a little weird for me sharing a room with someone else. It has been years since i stayed at a dorm, and 90% of my trips here in the Philippines and abroad have been solo. At least, this time around, i am not sharing space with loud drunkards like when i was in Hanoi, Vietnam.

When i was invited by a blogger friend of mine, Lakad Pilipinas, to join him and a few of our blogger friends to stay at Mountain Lake Resort in Lake Caliraya, Laguna, it was hard for me to resist. I've been on the road for several months before this, and i have trouble forgetting about my epic journey, so to make matters less emotional for me, i had to push through with this trip.

At around 7AM, we were already on our way to our destination. Once we arrived at the historic city of Pagsanjan, a few hours later, we decided to rent a tricycle heading to the resort to cut short the trip. We were already that excited to check out the place.

What astounded me was how vast the place is, at first glance. When i say the place is huge, i mean it is a multiple hectare complex. It is huge! The lovely staff of the resort was there to walk us through the different amenities of the place. Directly in front of the receiving area is the acclaimed 18-hole golf course.

The Golf Course
For starters, it is 7,000 yard long and boasts of fantastic views of Mt. Banahaw, and Caliraya Lake. And to top it all off, the Arnold Palmer Golf Course is the only one in the Philippines where a lake has been set as part of its design.

This means, you can swing close with mother nature. No wonder, three groups of foreigners were there checking in straight from the airport.

Built with class, Mountain Lake Resort has many amenities located within the residence. Whether you're traveling solo, with a loved one or with family and friends, a stay at their rooms is surely worth your peso.

The Rooms
The rooms are huge, with comfortable bed and neat bathrooms to complement your stay. After an afternoon of world-class golfing, a relaxed body massage is in order. You may enjoy a private Jacuzzi and sauna, too. The health and wellness rooms in the basement can accept up to a dozen or more guests at a time.

Whether you want to play pool and have a mini 9-ball championship or a singing showdown, the game room and karaoke bar lounge is but a few steps away.

Without a doubt, the familiar and homey ambiance surely got the best of me. It felt as if i didn't leave home.

No stay in any resort would be complete, without trying out the food.

The Restaurant
To give you a round up, Mountain Lake Resort serves Filipino cuisine in varied fashion. An excellent serving of Pork sisig, Seafood Kare-Kare and Chicken Adobo will surely whet anyone's appetite. I can attest to that. What's extra-special about La-Cucina is that you can enjoy your fantastic plate while overlooking beautiful natural surrounding the resort.

The Marina
At the Marina, you are closer to nature than anywhere else on earth. The rustic nipa huts are impeccably placed with an awesome view of the lake and the many fun obstacle courses.

Fancy swinging like tarzan or chopping like a karate kid? You can do this and more. Tag your friends along and see who can beat who. Oh, and don't forget the 40 meter slide, it'll give you one fun ride for sure.

The Swimming Pool
A resort would not be complete without a pool. It's everyone's favorite. The location couldn't be anymore fitting. Watching the sunset with a cold beer in hand, was the icing in the cake for me.

You don't have to leave the resort to experience everything. A walk around this complex will lead you to a zipline and hanging bridge, a bike and horse trail, a fishing village, and a duck-feeding facility. Name it, the resort has it. I am quite impressed.

The Fishing Pond
After my epic fishing expedition in Maldives, I've been more and more curious about this art. I love fishing, and spending a few hours finding Dory surely made me stress-free for the day. I was unlucky that day, but my pal was.

Good thing, he shared his bounty with us, which made our dinner more festive. True to Mountain Lake Resort's fashion, from the lake to our plates.

The Staff
Apart from all of these, what makes Mountain Lake Resort stand out is the friendliness and courtesy of the staff. It was always a pleasure whenever i am with them. It seemed these people really loved what their doing, and it clearly shows. They don't treat you as guests, they treat you as their family. Kudos to that!

So, i slept that night after a few ballad songs and quite a handful of my favorite beer. I slept without AC, and with the south wind blowing against my cheeks, i lull myself to sleep. It has been a beautiful day. Tomorrow, i can't wait to experience more with my friends, and at Mountain Lake Resort. I was smiling before i dozed off. Sweet dreams are real here.

Caliraya Mountain Lake Resort
Address: Caliraya Springs, Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna
Phone Number: +632723-0781 to 88 loc. 306 / +63917553-2613 / +63998989-3832
E-mail Address: mountainlake.inquiry@gmail.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mountainlakeresort/