LingawLagaw

A motorcycle awaits me about 10 minutes prior my off from a long and tiring day work. I arranged a drive to the port for a reasonable amount since i have to catch an early evening - late afternoon trip to spot a lavish sunset on board. Unfortunately the unforgiving rain at early day time left traces of mud shaken condition unto the rough and tilted long road. Downright and detrimental to speedy driving, my hired driver apologizes we might not get ahead of time to my point of destination. Feeling positive, i still hope i could set foot right in time. The least i did was manage a comfortable seat behind the driver and opted to enjoy the backdrop of sugarcane field under the retrospect indigo and pink sky with scattered cloud puff

I glance at my watch once then gave a second look to confirm. My time shouts out I'm not gonna make it. The gentle dim o f surroundings seconded. I could no longer chase a view of sunset on board. I shook my head in despair. We already past thru the rugged cemented bridge. A sign post announced we are about to approach the Port. I dazed at my right, I froze for a moment with the spectacle that caught my sight. I instantly signaled the driver to stop the motorcycle in a bit. I grab my camera and capture the magical allure into permanence.

melancholy and solace

If Christmas were to have a name, it may very well be Sampaguita Garden Resort a resort-slash-garden-slash-museum-slash-mansion. A peaceful haven that evoke Christmas spirits all through out the year. The place is situated at New Washington, Aklan a 15-20 minute drive from Kalibo. It's a popular landmark to the locals. Tourist can approach anybody for a direction going to the resort and for sure the locals are ever willing to help out with a smile.

The joy of a mini holiday trip happen in the midst of a gentle tropical breeze. A side trip before a major summer getaway touchdown to Boracay. After about 20 minutes of jeepney ride from the town proper of Kalibo, we broke through some morning summer air. Tender sunlight tossed our skin and suddenly found ourselves inside a cottage surrounded with toys, precious moments dolls souvenir items of all types. Santa Clause replica is all over the place and Holiday ornaments hanging in every corner makes the place so "Christmas-y". Imagine a Christmas Carol resonated on air, in every block of the keep in the quintessence of summer. Hmmp! I feel like grabbing a gift and hand it to people i love.

poses from every sides of the resort

@ the balcony towards the sea

touring around the resort

main door of the Samuel J. Butcher Mansion

Sampaguita Gardens... more than just a destination, an experience

I'm not going to blame myself nor allow anybody to do so. To hit the road in the latter part of the day is inexcusable for me even the matter would lead me to my destination late night. I would say this had been a successive routine or might as well my comfort travel time. Who would have argued with me if in return i would enjoy and be fascinated with the scenic setting of a golden sun.

golden sunset in the west

How did it begun?

I am not and was never a fan of swanky tourist spots nor fancy gimmick hang-outs, because for the record i will reveal three (3) things about myself: (1) I am your typical practical fellow (2) My source of income is to average minimum only that can't even buy a pair of signature jeans (so mind you dear friends i can't afford those opulent trips not even a cup of starbucks coffee:-) and (3) I am your wide eyed wanderer who's thrilled to see places the cheapest possible way.

My friends had been annoying me for a post birthday treat, so i gave them an option to look for a venue MY CALL! One of them suggest Damires Hills and everyone else agreed. Though I already have that place spelled out on my mind, I still have this disagreeing thought for I know i will go beyond my budget knowing that the place is newly develop it must have a scent of extravagant (hmm! purdoy naman ako sini). But leaving me with only one choice and that is to clinch the deal. So the date was set.

The Trip

The sun is up and striking hot. It was already 10:30 in the morning and I was sweating in beads. The terminal was full of people going to and fro, it's a weekend so i expected the scenario. I arrived 30 minutes ahead of the call time so seated in one corner while waiting for my colleagues. Amused by the massive passenger landing my direction. I beheld Vincent walking my way. I stayed in my position securing my staff while keeping a keen patience of my other friends who haven't arrived yet and they were 15 minutes late. A few moment later I've seen Lalaine and Patie in tandem waving afar, soon there was Yanie and the group is set go.

Hopped in at the Jeepney en-route to Badiangan. We settled ruggedly at the left seat of the vehicle. When the passengers were already crowding the seats. The Jeepney driver started the engine. The next minute i was already fascinating myself with the changing backdrops of lush green trees and field rice paddies. A breath of fresh farm air is like a life of luxury and ease. So far and away with the urban rot smoke. I was still in surreal mode when the kondoktor hailed us that we are already at Damires Hills. After we settled our transportation charge, we excitedly exited the jeepney and head on to scrutinize the place.

damires hills a view from the upper barn

F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. The hills were beautifully landscaped with fruits, vegetable plantation and rows of native cottages for rent. A line of strong Zip line cable was visibly seen from the upper deck of the barn where we nestled to take our lunch. Few Zip line riders were wildly screaming from excitement as they hit the long cable about 300 meters above the ground overlooking the green fields of shrubs and trees. I wonder if Bella and Edward were hangin' out on that thick lush of graminaceous plant across. (uhm! just a thought)

pool side

And hey! to wrap things up, of course i never allow this opportunity to pass. I have to brag my experience of riding a Zip before this entry end. I was ooh-wing with flurries and agitation. That 2 minute ride was exceptionally awesome.

zipline

Life is like a Zip line. It's fast and exciting.

I remember i donated my most precious blood to one of the largest blood bank "RED CROSS" so long ago. I felt elated and proud at the same time. It was a successful attempt. I know that simple act of benevolence had gone a long way. That small amount of liquid once actively flowing through my veins help extend or save someones else's life gives me a humble pride of myself.

After a few years, i wanted to do it again. I had keep myself healthy and fit as preparation to release my blood again and give it to good cause. This way I'm as well regenerating my bloodstream and making myself healthy. But i had my share of fault, i didn't monitor my weight as I'm not particularly aware of the weight requirement would not drop to fifty (50) kilos.

Pretty confident with what I'm heading. I walked in the office of Red Cross Iloilo Chapter. I'm already familiar with the flow of procedure. The receptionist handed me a form that I should fill in as primary requirement. I was quietly attentive writing necessary data in the information form. It took about 5 minutes to finish then gave it back the attendant. A little scanning of my form, in a bit she instructed me to step up the weighing scale. Bum! she declared that I have to gain a few kilos 2.5 to be exact to qualify as donor. I shook my head in disbelief as i protested " i had been a donor then when i was only 45kilos, why not allow me to donate that I've gained another 2.5?" i shriek demurely to the attendant with emphasis on '45kilos' but she disregarded my objection. I gave her a sharp I'll-be-back-when-i've-gained-2.5k look before meddling to the door out.

I'll work out on that for sure. The next time I'm back, I'm qualified.