Goggles

I sometimes blame my mouth in promising to do the things my body can't do... But, as if it could think, anyway. Urghhh!!!....... I was just digging up for an excuse that time, but why did I have to promise for a cover up.

Ok... Everything's been set and so be it.. I'll be joining one event for tomorrow's T-Day (Triathlon)... swimming... I'll just do the best I can. At least, I know how to swim-- the dogstyle way. (",) Right now, my stomach's crumbling, but, I'm not hungry. This feeling might be related to my "excitement" for the event... Or should I ask, is it a feeling of freight or indifference?.. My butterflies are alive again... And they're flying and bumping themselves in my stomach's walls... I tell you they're suicidal! Ahhh!!!

I should be relaxing tonight, since the activity will be as early as the rooster's call for the morning sun.. And what does that mean?... It means the water at Kalsangi Country Club pool will be as cold as icebergs... "Mr. Muscle Cramp" will be so happy to attack without prior notice... (_exaggeration mode_) ... All in a weary.. I haven't even had the luxury of time to practice because of my night shift schedule... It's been weeks already since I had my swimming workout, as my gym instructor's suggestion about it to be added in my body toning routine. But that workout didn't teach me any relay strategy, just the toning lessons... Huh!.. Well, goodluck to me...

Anyway, should there be any point given for a complete swimming gear, I'll be glad to wear all of my gadgets. At least, through that I am 100% percent prepared. (_sigh_)

In Contrast to Lights

"Light Balls"

Exposure: 1/1000 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:ISO 100
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

"Pink Chandelier"
Exposure: 1/3200 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:ISO 100
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

Coffee Break

"Black"
Exposure: 0.8 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:ISO 400
Flash: Did fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

"Cupa'coffee"

Exposure: 1/6 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 50mm
ISO speed rating:ISO 400
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

"Pot"
Exposure: 1/6 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:ISO 400
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

Green Details

"Pour"
Exposure: 1/40 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:!SO 400
Flash: Did not fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

"Dew"
Exposure: 1/60 sec @ f5.6
Focal Length: 70mm
ISO speed rating:!SO 400
Flash: Did fire
Make: Sony
Model: DSLR Alpha 300

from Milo Marathon Frustration

Last July 24, we were supposed to join the Milo Marathon at Gensan City. But we were not able to register for it at an earlier date, so the barkada got frustrated. This frustration made us decide to have an alternative activity for us to enjoy.

Thus, we talked about it over coffee during our usual break time. We had to report for work back then and since it was night shift, at least, we have another reason why we haven't been able to run for the marathon. After an hour of discussion, we decided to go for an early morning swim at Dolores Farm Resort.

Lake Sebu Zipline Adventure

This video was taken months ago as we spent V-day zipping our way up at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato... I had featured this "Laag" in my other photo-blog already, but let me just re-post it here.

The promoters say that the 7 Falls zipline adventure is the highest among other ziplines in Mindanao. 'Di nga namin pinalagpas to experience the escapade that the municipality has been so proud of, aside from the lake... For a maintenance fee of Php 250, we had ridden a 45 second first zipline, about 350ft+ level above the gound, overlooking the laddering falls. We then went back to the base camp riding the faster second zipline for 25 seconds. Well, it's worth a pay... an experience of a lifetime.

And since we are talking about the seven falls, of course, we didn't miss to take a plunge and feel the ravishing stream of the highest and the only waterfall where you can have the pleasure to take a swim, the Hikong Bente Fall.

To make our escapade more exciting, we pitched our tents for an overnight stay at the camp site. But if you don't want to stress yourselves, you can still relax in any of the first class or affordable resort hotels just around Lake Sebu.... But for me, I will recommend Nadine's Lake Resort (please see my feature about the resort).

This is, indeed, an adventure that no one should ever miss... (more)

For more photos of our Zipline Adventure please see http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/81/02132010-_Lake_Sebu_Seven_Falls_Adventure#

Built to Go Stronger

Just in time with the company's weekend shutdown, last Friday (July 16, 2010) our team had the chance to have a team building activity at Kalsangi Country Club, again. An official team building, as they say it is. We were not complete, though, because some of us still have to report for work and others had prior endeavors already. But, it was worth a foundation-building. More lessons about teamwork, trust and work appreciation were shared.

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/86/Built_to_Go_Stronger_Friday_-_July_16_2010#photo=100

Our facilitator was good enough to have delivered the significance of rebuilding and re-bonding foundations... Yeah, I am thinking that way. Although, I am not sure if all of us had thought the same way. At least, the colored paper clips, the tongue twister rap, the tower building, the letter story telling and all other activities, didn't make me feel bored at all.

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/86/Built_to_Go_Stronger_Friday_-_July_16_2010#photo=130

That was also the time we were able to give recognition to one member of the PCFP team, Ate Norma. As she will be retiring soon, her dedication and loyalty to Dolefil will serve as an inspiration for us, the young ones. (",)... Goodluck on your life after Dole, Ate Norma!

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/86/Built_to_Go_Stronger_Friday_-_July_16_2010#photo=127

Anyway, to see more photos of our Team Building Activity please see http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/86/Built_to_Go_Stronger_Friday_-_July_16_2010

Nadine's Lake Resort

Lake Sebu is known because of its significant preservation of the rich T'boli Culture. Likewise, the natural lake is one of the most important watersheds in the country... But aside from these, tourists are more attracted to the place's 7 magical falls, in which the municipality's tourism has been so proud of.... If you are planning to explore Lake Sebu, you must not forget to experience riding the highest zipline overlooking these bodies of water....

If you think you won't be satisfied to explore some other attractions in this place in just a day and you plan to stay overnight, or, three or more days without much to spend, NADINE's LAKE RESORT is recommended for you.

NADINE's LAKE RESORT, having started just two years ago, has already established a reputation as the third ranking resort in terms of eco-tourism among the surrounding resorts of Lake Sebu....

Two years and counting... With the owners' urge for more development, still, they always keep in mind to satisfy their customers through quality service at reasonable rates.








(more photos at http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/83/NADINEs_LAKE_RESORT_Lake_Sebu_South_Cotabato)

the Mt. Matutum Climb

Most of us are not familiar with this sleeping volcano. Some would say, they’d rather climb other peaks than wasting their cracks going up the, what is known to be, Mount Matutum. But for those who live and grew up on the municipalities, cities, and provinces surrounding this almost perfect cone, it is as if they’ll be missing half their lives if they won’t be able to climb its highest point.

And who said Mount Matutum is just like that of an effortless mountain to climb? Located within Barangays Kinilis, Landan, Maligo and Palkan of the Municipality of Polomolok, this cone formed by volcanic uplift during its previous periods of activities is such a superb and thrilling mountain for those who are seeking for an outrageous adventure; in time for the summer fun.

With much lesser expenses and an immense physical preparation, I bet you’ll have the satisfaction that a climber feels when reaching the crest. Actually, I only spent less than a grand during our ascent. The summit registration fee is Php 150.00- this is inclusive of the climber’s certificate. A jeepney or coaster rental can be bargained to as low as Php 800.00 good for 14 people (Php 58.00 per head), in a Cannery Park to Registration Site (Glandang/Lembisong, Linan/Akmunan and Kyumang) and vice versa route. A porter/guide fee is required which costs Php 500.00 per 7 people (Php 71.43 per head). If you feel you can’t endure the steepness of the mountain in carrying your stuff while you’re still at the foot, you better let these tireless porters carry them for you. For those coming from the northern part of the country, there are air travels courtesy of the country’s large domestic air transport companies, through General Santos City International Airport. If you prefer traveling through seas or by land, likewise, these are available options.

Mountaineers can choose on three officially promoted trails, namely, the Glandang/Lembisong Trail, Datal Ngesi Trail and the Limos Trail. These paths, although they have different starting points, will meet in one common summit which is the Phase 2. Phase 2 is somewhat the start of a more difficult climb for those coming from Glandang or Lembisong.

My team was brave enough to take the Limos Trail which requires the use of a “4-wheel drive” (hands and feet) from the foot upto Phase 2 then to the peak. At the starting point, Baranggay Kyumang, you will spot a freshwater brook coming from a spring on top of the mountain, the source of the community’s clean water. After having your names listed on the logbook, it will take you about an hour to trek from the hall up to the rest house which is yet the start of the real climb. As the porter would tell us during our climb, it will take about 6 hours to reach the peak when trailing this rarely taken path. That is if you are an experienced climber, but for us amateurs, it took us about 10 hours. Quite a long and tiring climb, but honestly, I enjoyed it, especially, when I used almost all of my body parts to move from one rock to the other, from one root to another and from one elevation to a higher.

It Started with an Assignment

Maybe it was with a purpose that we were assigned to make our division's foundation booth. We did have a great time, although pressure was within ourselves. The four of us- Nadine, Maying, Jaydee and I- were on night shift that time, when we received appointment emails demanding us to make the booth the most elegant and ambitious one. "What?! In two weeks time? And how about us being on night shift?". But anyway, this blog is not about the booth though. 'Coz I'd say, it was successful in a way.

(the Cannery Booth)

...I never thought this assignment would be a start of a bond, which is more than that of being civil with each other. Well, the 15 minutes brainstorming about the booth and 45 minutes talking about anything (especially backbiting- huh!), every night, made us consider the group to be a barkada already. And that we then thought of having night outs to give ourselves time to, at least, unwind from the stressful work we have in the company.

(the C-team pictorial)

Just the other night, Maying invited us for a thanksgiving party at their house. Nadine and I (together with Richard) went there, although, Jaydee was not able to come due to a midshift schedule. I was just amazed when Maying said that for almost three years of working in Dolefil, that was the only time that she invited someone from work to come along for a party. I'm just so thankful about that. You know, my happiness is shallow, so, you can really make me happy by simply saying things like what Maying did say ... That's why I posted this as an appreciation of a bond which STARTED WITH AN ASSIGNMENT...

A Reunion (July 12, 2010)

I got to spend my long Independence Day Weekend with some of my long-time-no-see Kalasager friends... Somehow, I can relate it to a line, "Many were called, but few were chosen". Although, it's not that the same meaning as it is... Let me just replace some words, "Many had planned, but a few came". The members of the committee were Pre, Red, Cris, Kimi and me... Despite of a few number, we still enjoyed our weekend getaway. Not to mention, a wiggly experience on our way to Polomolok. (",)

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#photo=4

Since the place was SOCSARGEN, I bragged about the vast pineapple plantation of Dolefil. Privileged to have been working as a staff, I was able to treat them lunch at Kalsangi Country Club and made them experience a pinetown pictorial... courtesy of Red of course.

We then went to Gumasa at Glan, Saranggani and spent overnight at White Haven Resort. Just in time for me to unwind from the stressful 3 periods of being at night shift. What I like about the resort is it's being hushed- the promotion of a retreat environment- away from the urban strain. Moreover, the greetings of the morning sun at the beach is as calm as the waves of the sea... such a beautiful time to contemplate...

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#photo=82

Off to a joy ride going back to Gensan... Pictorials here and there. We made acquaintance to the roads of Saranggani through taking pictures. Of course, the White House (Saranngani Provincial Capitol) was also one of our pictorials' list.

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#photo=84

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#photo=108

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#photo=104

Our last stop was at the Saranggani Highlands to eat lunch. Yeah, it is kabilaan- from Glan to Bauing... The ride was tiring and it made us beg for a pitcher of an ice cold water from the waiter. saying, "Galing pa kami 'dun o." But the mouth-watering food, the Highlands had offered, just made us forget exhaustion.

http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85#photo=126

An Independence Date, it is... As those nabitin people say, a long weekend cuts short when someone's enjoying... Hope to see you guys soon...I expect to have more place hopping, joyrides and food trips...more participants... (",)

To see more photos of INDEPENDENCE DATE please click http://jaypee500.multiply.com/photos/album/85/INDEPENDENCE_DATE_Kalasagers_Weekend-_June_12_2010#

Kalayo Fire Dancers

These photos were taken during the finale program of our company's 47th foundation anniversary. I was just so amazed that it made me want to learn the art of fire dancing- such a unique form of self expression.

click photos to enlarge