David DiMuzio|Face to Face

The Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011 is over! 

Yet, its spirit will linger in the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., future endeavors in realizing the goals the summit carried out for. "One Green Mindanao"

As the final blow of the event, David Dimuzio fever last night was totally crazy!..and my fever and someone else's fever has not subsided yet! Weeh! Agree---Lovette Jam?

During the process of preparation for the just concluded Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011, plans were materialized. With all the purpose in mind that is making the summit an experience worth the while and even more fruitful than what people expect it to be, series of meetings were conducted. Processes and even parts of the event's programme's were laid down one by one. David Dimuzio's presence were raised and approved, then it was confirmed.

Then, I was kind of caught in my wandering mind during the meeting! Who is he?

Pat Noel, just smiled and said..."why won't you check out YouTube..." so I did! and I learned a lot of things.

It was in that very night, that I started to long of meeting this singer composer---I became his instant stalker, would you believe that? Well, stalking people has been my fascination, since I started blogging---but I don't just stalk people for the sake of stalking. I stalk blogs for the same reasons that other bloggers hold, I stalk blogs that interest's me and even people who own that blog :)) and people who are worth to blog about!

Yes, I/WE met David Demuzio last night. The night with David Dimuzio is one of the features of the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011, with the effort of the miraculous member of the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., Mr. Pat Dejano Noel. Participants who stayed and joined all the activities had the chance of brushing elbows and even cheeks to cheeks with David Dimuzio.

Here is a video taken from his performance. I was glad I was sitting in-front and was able to capture a clear  video. Enjoy with his medley.

David Dimuzio is an American singer, song writer who came first to the Philippines on January of 2009. His "Taglish" Tagalog and English composition have made waves throughout Facebook and Youtube users in the Philippines. He collaborated with different local artist like Jimmy Borja in their "Naiisip Mo Ba" composition. 

For me, the reasons behind his success in penetrating the Philippine Music industry is his genuine passion of the local language incorporated in his compositions. Many of those who have heard him singing can't help but notice his way of uttering the Tagalog words. "He really has an accent of a true Filipino, if there are traces of him being a foreigner is his skin color, and his eyes," as one lady sitting next to me last night commented. I can sense "pride" in her line. Proud that even foreigners like David value and even use it in expressing his thoughts and emotions through his songs. 

More often, it is us, Filipinos who were growing up fascinated by the foreign songs like Charice Pempengco, who became popular in the International Music scene after belting several songs of Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. In David's case was no difference, if Charice became popular because of his fascination with the foreign songs, likewise David became popular, because of singing songs which are written in language foreign to him. His[David] songs also are unique, a new taste for the Filipinos who were and  always has been a singer wanna be's. Lastly, he really is a composer. He composes songs that are of sense, songs that matters to the sentimental Filipinos---

The Iligan Bloggers, the Iliganons per se who were present last night in his performance, took pride as one of David's travel companion and even performance duet Carlo Rafanan were with us. Carlo is a proud Iliganon, who met David during his first visit in Iligan, were they had a chance to sing together. Carlo is a very talented singer also. A soulful voice...Iligan's Michael Bolton???

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Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011|a few hours soon.

 

Hi, Mindanao Bloggers participants, we are ready for you...
In a few hours the event will start. I guess everyone are excited like me.
I have the official list of participants at my hand.
We expect 100% attendees of the total population who got registered through online.
However, we also expect some walk-in participants for the said event.

So, are you ready? -because we are all ready for you!

A lot of surprises for the attendees...

See you later fellas...

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The Annoying Barbecue?

Last week, I saw this photo in the internet and it really struck me!

Not surprisingly, Filipinos really has this---creativity? 

Oh! almost--- I think, because I would rather call it---playful mind rather than qualifying it as creative, what do you think?

This is just an example of the so many annoying and at the same time laughable things that you can stumble upon, while riding a bus, a train or a jeep   on the way home or going to work.

Its really annoying! Oh, not the sign, but the message in the sign...

Nakakaasar talaga! even if, I have never eaten yet their barbecue :)

I wonder how is the taste of their barbecue...and how is it to be annoyed by its taste?

I can't remember I had that feeling, being satisfied while being annoyed...crazy?

Seriously, that certain store sign is just a "second grade trying hard copycat" ---now I remember that famous line of Ms. Cherie Gil in a movie with Sharon Cuneta "Bituing Walang Ningning."

"Sa madaling salita---isa lamang po itong bunga ng malikhain at mapaglarong utak ng pinoy." "Gaya-gaya puto-maya ika nga ng mga bading sa kanto."---but lets admit it effective isn't it?

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GMA|KAPUSO MALLSHOW

GMA Kapuso Network
proudly presents
Kapuso Mall Show 

Yes, this is a confirmed information from a reliable source. 

The stars of Party Pilipinas and Inside Protege host Ms. Jennylyn Mercado, Time of My Life's Ryza Cenon, Kung Aagawin Mo ang Langit Mike Tan and commediene star Chariz Solomon will be at the event center SM City Cagayan de Oro.

This will be on Saturday 29th of October 2011 at exactly 4PM. 

Be there!

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Congressman Vicente "Varf" Belmonte |Supports Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011|MBS5

Congressman: Vicente "Varf" Belmonte

As a member of the organizing team that will host the up-coming Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011, I am greatly honored that our endeavor, the IBS efforts is recognized and being supported by our Hon. Congressman of the Lone District of Iligan City, Congressman Vicente "Varf"  Belmonte.

It was evident in his letter, read by his daughter and Chief of Staff Madam Queenie Belmonte, during the launching of the Iligan Bloggers Society (IBS), "I am one with you in this aspiration of bringing out the best of our city and it’s constituents specially the youth.  I am very proud that through your organization, the Lone District of Iligan City will be able to facilitate in uniting Mindanao and showing to the rest of the country that One Mindanao is indeed possible.”   Truly a very good example for the Iliganons. A person who never forget his role as the duly elected, instituted leader of our Iligan City.

As a new organization, hosting a national event was a burgeoning challenge for us, but by hosting the event, the Iligan Bloggers Society expects that tourism will be promoted. The return may do not have a direct positive impact to the society, but the Iligan Bloggers Society is taking a stance of promoting Iligan as a tourist destination across the islands of the Philippines and into the whole world. We are glad that our burden is lessen by the support of our local government. This positive support given to us serves as our driving force to make this event if not the most unforgettable, at least the most rewarding and exciting summit the participants will ever experience here in Iligan City. 

Despite the circumstances that are occurring in our neighboring places, we managed to have at least 100 individuals that are expected to participate at the summit on the 29th of this month of October 2011. We are greatly thrilled by the important message that we are transmitting to everyone- that is, one united Mindanao.  We the Iliganon bloggers with the support of our Congressman Vicente Varf Belmonte, welcome you all to the Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011. May you have a fruitful experience in your visit and serve as the evangelist of our message to everybody, "One Green Mindanao." Maayong Iligan! Sidlak Iligan!

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LOVE|hurts?

A not ready heart? or a Tired heart?

LOVE, does it hurt? or does it makes you happy?

How many of us have been to heart breaking? Its quiet normal for us humans to feel love and being hurt.

But how long that you have to suffer and prolong the agony, how many times we've got to be hurt and when is the right time to say, "that's enough!"

Well, not quiet all of us found the right answer for these confronting questions. Many, lives has been shattered and even resulted to a tragic endings---suicide! ouch!

I don't want to condemn people who resorted to that, because sometimes when I am hurting, I also thought of doing that---my darkest secret? No, not yet! I am not saying, that I won't be doing that if ever in the future, but right now---suicide is not the right option! Ask me why?---because I am happy.

Anyway, how do you define LOVE? maybe, the answer to the questions I posed can be found on your own definition. Try asking yourself then, maybe you will find the right answer just like me. In this article, I simply define love as a profound and passionate affection for another person regardless of personal attributes, race, color and religion. When you love someone, you never choose whom you should love, because when you have reason, then it isn't love, its using. When you know that you are just being used, would you seek your freedom? For me, yes!

Before, every time I meet someone and I felt that I am just being used, I simply withdraw and avoid that person. That is to excuse myself from being hurt. As much as possible, I avoid people whom I felt that I will be put in danger in the near future. Am I being too defensive? I guess, not! I am just being cautious---I believe, that's the right thing to do.

After being hurt, how long does it takes you to recover? Some said, that the best medicine to cure the pain is to find another love? Are they reasonable enough?

Well, may be yes! or maybe not at all!

Yes, its better that you have someone to cope up with---but never hurry love. You might end up regretting. It is you, yes its you who knows best when is the right time. However, to use someone just to forget the past is a big NO! remember the boomerang of karma is just around, waiting to strike you at the most unexpected moment---be careful, many have been hit!

Do you know that love comes at the most unexpected moment? and at the most unexpected place...Well, believe me, it happens to me.

So never hurry love. Never chase love. Never be selfish in love. Love truly and be faithful---and you will be rewarded---happiness!

Do you want to be featured in this blog? Tell me your love story...

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REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (RH) BILL|Yes or No?

This photo is not owned by me, just found in Facebook.

I am a certified Facebook addict! I scroll and even browse at the speed of two seconds when there is new notifications in my profile.

What ever new I am up on it as long as I am online. During my browsing, I stumble upon this photo. I can't help, but notice what the artist is trying to show in this work of art. The drawing is simple, yet its message is very important and very confronting. One might laugh, but for me this is a perfect illustration of the message that the artist is trying to convey. If I am not wrong, this means we really have to pass Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

In my last post about RH Bill I pointed out some points that best supports passing the bill.

Let us help curtail the growing population of our country and even the world. In a latest estimates an additional population that can be a as many as the United States population is added every five years, and that is very enormous. This would result to abuse of our natural resources by unsustainable practices. This could mean, millions will have to suffer in the future. They will be added to already large population. 

Will, you listen to the church who opposes the RH bill? Well, can you expect them to feed your children's hungry tummy, whenever you don't have food for them?

Let us be reasonable, if God will not be pleased if population control will be instituted. Will he be pleased seeing that millions of us is dying from hunger, not to mention the hundreds of thousand of death from the calamities that our country suffered from time to time?

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Globe's "What kind of leader are you?" Ad Campaign

HEY! when I wake up this morning, I was really worried. The Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2001 is getting nearer. It would be on the 29th of this month, actually this week. I really had the hard time figuring out what should I write about it since this would by my first time to take part, and I am one of the organizers being a member of the Iligan Bloggers Society Inc., who will host the event.

I am just so excited to meet bloggers from different part of Mindanao even the different personalities who would take part as our speakers and sponsors. Speaking of speakers, we are expecting some personalities coming from the rank of advocates of  the environment, and the academe.

As I was having a hard time looking for a possible write up for the up-coming event, when I was opening my email this morning I happened to stumble on this campaign ad in yahoo mail portal ^^

Globe is one of our sponsors and we are happy that they are one of those companies who respond positively to the call of nature. Citing the fact that our theme for this event is dedicated to our Mother Nature, "One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle." This ad is about leadership, which is crucial to everyone. What it takes to be a leader? and how to be an effective leader?

Our present world leaders somehow neglect and even ignore our Mother Nature. They have been prioritizing their self political interest. Otherwise, there will be no climate change which is responsible for every disaster that the humanities have been suffering.

Curious to know what kind of leader I am being a graduate of AB Political Science and presently a student of Business Management, I tried answering the leadership quiz. Basically, it has seven situational questions of which in each questions, it has their own choices that would best describe what you should do in each situation. After you answer the set of questions, you will have the chance to personalize the result of the quiz by browsing your photo and lay-outing it on the image provided. Then, click the view quiz result. A video campaign will be shown for about 47 seconds, where you can share it through Facebook or Twitter. It was a video depicting how famous leaders of the history act when confronted unexpected turn-out of events and the difference when using Globe Business. After the video showing, you can then click show quiz result then you will prompted to post it in your wall.

Here is my result!

My result says, "I run my business like Napoleon Bonaparte." Hmmm...I wonder then how was Napoleon Bonaparte being a leader and it brings me up some past memories during my Political Science days. Further, the result says, that I held dominion over most of Europe, instituted incredible reforms for the people I conquered, and were called emperor! And as a result of all this, history will most remember me for how short I am?....weehhhh!  How come? I am not short! I want to be remember better than that!

Well communication is central to managing workforce. Poor communication will result to misunderstanding and mistrust. To improve your communication and become a better leader here are some of Globe Business products that may be helpful for you and for me^^

After this page, just click next and you will be redirected to the raffle coupon page where you can have a chance to win a Blackberry Bold or a Prepaid Home Kit.

Here are the Promo Mechanics

1. Like the Globe Business Fan Page at www.facebook.com/GlobeBusiness.

2. Take the Globe Business Leader Quiz and fill out the contact form.

3. Share your Globe Business Leader Quiz Results or the Leader Quiz link www.globe.com.ph/leader on your Facebook wall.

Click here to view the full mechanics.

On the one hand, if you are interested to avail some of their product, while you are in the page just like the photo shown above, just navigate the page,  for example, you are interested to have a plan; therefore, you click Business Plus! By doing so I was prompted to this page.

Step 1.

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Basically, after following these four steps, you will be able to come up with your personalized plan with Globe products. By selecting from the different choices of how much you wanna pay per month and what kind of phone or device you would like to be using. At the end of the process you will come up with the amount you personally which you are going to pay every month. Isn't that convenient and amazing?

When I have enough resources in the future, I know now where to go...^^ but right now I wanna win on that raffle first!

Have you learn anything about this posts? Tell me, by posting your comments below!

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Kapuso Night|Iligan City|Diyandi Festival 2011|

The Kapusong Iliganon gone wild as the shining and glimmering roster of stars from GMA Network rocks Iligan during the 2011 Diyandi Festival Kapuso Night held at the world class institution of learning, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology Gymnasium, Iligan City.

Prior to the coronation night of Miss Iligan 2011, at exactly 2:00 PM, the Kapusong Toto-o “DocuFest” was also successfully staged at the University’s Mini Theatre, spearhead by one of the Network’s famous “I Juander” host and award winning director and reporter Cesar Apolinario. During the event, issues such as, the important role that the media plays in shaping the negative perception of the people towards Mindanao was tackled. Students from the Political Science of MSU-IIT raised questions to urge Mr. Cesar Apolinario to do something about it—avoid sensationalizing the reports about the war in Mindanao.

During the Miss Iligan 2011 coronation night, the gorgeous Victor Aliwalas served as the host of the pageant and joined in the next morning the Kapuso Diyandi Festival Float Parade escorting the winners of Miss Iligan 2011. He should be joined with Ms. Sam Pinto that night; however she did not make it, because of typhoon Pedring. In her tweet, she apologized to the people of Iligan for not making it and hoped that they would understand.

The Kapuso Night in Iligan City was very successful, though the stars arrived late due to flight delays, because of typhoon Pedring.

Well, Iliganons were lucky that night, despite Pedring’s wrath the Bubble Gang and youtube duo Moy Moy Palaboy, the hot and oozing with sex appeal Tj Trinidad together with Ms. Ynna Asistio of the horror movie The Road, two of the Protégé’s formidable mentors RNB prince Jay-r, and Ms. Rachelle Anne Go and Bubble Gang's Ruffa Mae Quinto were all present to rock the Kapusong Iliganon. The event was hosted by a Cebuano beauty queen, Ana Maris Igpit. I used to follow her in her Bb. Pilipinas days.

As you can see in the videos, thousands of the Iliganon’s flock into the venue and many people were not even allowed to enter the venue to avoid any danger to happen. I was just so lucky during the coronation night that I was with the people from the media and the people from the City Tourism Office, if not; I would have ended behind the gates of MSU-IIT. During the Kapuso Night, I went to the venue at 3:00 o’clock just to make sure that I will be inside the gym before the great flock of people will come, and to find a better place to take photos and videos while the stars are performing.

I saw happy people, giggling, screaming and shouting with excitement during the event.

We the Iliganons “Thank’s You!” Kapuso Stars for gracing our Diyandi Festival 2011. Thank you for being part of our celebration and we are looking forward to once again welcome you in our 2012 events…Iliganons are certified Kapuso!

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JOVIT BALDIVINO| the Filipino's new face in music.

Who is Jovit Baldivino? Many of us were amazed by the performance of this young "ugly" boy as how some describe him during his audition of the TV reality show Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1. Are you a die-hard fan of Jovit Baldivino? 

 

Well, not long ago he is just an ordinary boy just like me or you, a siomai vendor (not me, maybe you). Having a natural talent in singing sometimes he is hired to perform in certain occasions.

But, who would have thought that he will be the grand champion of the said competition? Who would have thought that his life will be change during that very night of the grand finals despite the not so handsome looks?

Is beauty still the ticket to fame? Or is it talent? Or was his winning only by chance?

Well to be honest, the competition is about talent, therefore it is right to say that the fight is not for the looks but of the talent. He has a great chance then, knowing that there was no one in his batch who would have his close rival.

Jovit's winning proved only one thing for me, that beauty is not at all times the ticket to fame even to winning. I admit seeing him in person, made me realized that he is worthy of the winning. During his performance when he visit Iligan City he proved to those people who doubted him and even mocked him -----that undoubtedly, he is the new face of singing in the Philippines.

It may be by chance that he won that competition, since there was no much worth rival...but still he deserved the winning...

What do you think?

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Jacko's|Lumpia Shanghai

I love eating and for me every table would seem boring and incomplete, if without my favorites.

For quiet long, to be honest with you readers I am no fan of "lumpia" because I don't like the taste of it. If its offered in the table, that certainly would be my last choice to pick.

My family has no natural talent in cooking, yes that's the sad truth! But we have this excellent talent in eating! So, if ever you will invite me out, watch out! 

Since we are not rich, of course we do not have such glamorous recipes in the restaurants to offer in our table during meals. Though I envy that, but I am certainly happy of what food we do eat at home. Well, who do not like the food at home?

Not so long ago, I attended a regular meeting at Jacko's Kan-anan at Hinaplanon Highway, Iligan City. One of the food ordered by the group was this "lumpia shanghai."

I was reluctant back then to pick even just one piece of it, but I did thinking that once piece will not suppressed my propensity of the food at the table.

When i tasted it, I was really surprise of the taste. I felt that I am liking the taste of it to the extent that I even picked more pieces of it and enjoyed it.

There was no bluntness on the food. There is this freshness of the flavors that really suits my  fastidious tongue.

I learned later that their own version of "lumpia shanghai" is savored with vegetables...hmmm...i really thought about it...my tongue preferred more veges.

From that day, when we hold meetings or any event in school and Jacko's Kan-anan is the caterer, I always look for my favorite, their own version of "lumpia shanghai."

Curios? visit the place, I am 100% sure they have some more in the menu that is more satisfying and at a very affordable price.

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Gazpacho's Bar and Restaruant

Seafoods! If I were to choose what seafood to eat? 

Definitely, it would be fish! 

Yes, most of us will really prefer fish, but what else in the sea?

Try Gazpacho's "Seafood Festival," for your seafood cravings...

Why Festival? festival in the sense that you will feast different kind of seafood in just one serving.

The recipe includes, delicious clams and tasty crispy shrimps...

Enchanting is the best word to describe the sapidity of the flavor.

For me, it was heaven after a month of tiresome activities, going from one event to another event during the fiesta celebration. Yeah, after the Iligan City Fiesta, I had my first visit at Gazpacho's Bar and Restaurant located at Buhanginan Hills Quezon Extension, Pala-o Iligan City. 

Not really difficult to find the place, just at the left side of the crossing before you go Iligan City Hall. 

I was with a group of friends during my boarding house days...

Since, it was my first time I really ask a lot about the place while scanning the menu.

What happened is that, its just four of us so each of us choose one order. Someone ordered crispy pata, while I ordered "native chicken tinola" for the group and someone ordered this "seafoods festival."

We are all hungry, so after the prayer everyone were very silent ^^

I was so tired all day swimming from Dalipuga Centennial Park shores, then we went to Kalubihon and Pam-pam Falls, so the dinner is a way of feasting after all one person in the group will depart and go home the next day. I am missing you!!!

The Seafood Festival at Gazpacho's Bar and Restaurant is really celebrating. So yummy! No wonder someone from the group has no plan to share it with, so it seems!

By the way, if you ask the waiter some service water make sure they heard it right or else you will be given a bottled water, and you will have to pay ^^

Slowly by slowly I started to discovering what is best among the specialties of  the restaurants here in Iligan City...Wanna suggest what restaurant should I visit next?

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LAKE APO|the magnificent sunrise.

Sunrise at Lake Apo

I was standing beside the lake, looking at it with a colorful sky. I should tell my friend, though I am sure they can comprehend, yet I know they are also freaking out. So many lakes all around the world, but tell me where do I find a magnificent lake like the Lake Apo?

Hiding from the mountains and the vast lands of farms and acres of land of sugar and banana plantations, is the magnificent beauty of  Lake Apo in Brgy. Guinoyoran, Valencia City, Bukidon.

In an ordinary day, when I look up and watch the sky, I often lost in time. When I don't know something, or when I forgot something I often look up the sky---but then, what is in the sky?

I don't know if you feel the same way, but for me looking up the sky made me realize some things that somehow affects my life.

I was standing on the balcony high, looking at the lake through a clear blue sky. 

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The 5th Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011|featuring David Dimuzio

Good news to the bloggers of Mindanao and to the World!

I am excited to announce that the 5th Mindano Bloggers Summit will be on October 29,2011 and will be hosted by the City of Iligan (Iligan Bloggers Society Inc.) with the theme "One Green Mindanao: Mobilizing Bloggers to Promote Sustainable Lifestyle". The summit aims to promote natural balance and respect for the human symbiotic relationship with the earth.

The summit is open to all bloggers who are interested to attend the event and experience the vibrant Mindanao blogging community, and to share ideas and explore the potential impact of blogging and sustainable lifestyle.

There will be a tour to various attractions in Iligan City for participants which will be on October 30, 2011 and a private concert with David Dimuzio...


Yes, bloggers! meet David Dimuzio exclusively on the evening of 30th October...

Be there!

For a detailed information please like our Facebook page Mindanao Bloggers Summit 2011  for updates on this event or visit http://mbs5.iliganbloggers.com/...

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LAKE APO|Valencia City|Bukidnon|Philippines

"This photo was taken during the sunrise at Lake Apo"

About 12 kilometers from Valencia City proper is the famous circular rift lake called "Lake Apo" in Barangay Guinoyoran. This lake has an approximate area of 24 hectares and a depth of 85 ft. according to Dr. Almer Alfonso our host resident and a well respected leader of the locality of which through him and the locality's efforts the lake has been dubbed as the cleanest landlocked body of water in Northern Mindanao.

Last Satruday in an early morning at 4:00 o'clock October 08, 2011 Pinay Travelista and I mount our backpacks ready to set foot, our destination? Lake Apo!  We were invited to spend weekend at the rest house of Dr. Almer Alfonso located right beside the famous lake, along with Ms. Arlene Collado, the lady behind "Pinay Travels." 

While waiting at the Alfonso residence, we busily take photos
of the beautiful daisy flowers at their table while  Mrs. Alfonso
served us some goodies and water.

True blooded blogger as I am! I got so excited about the thought of visiting the lake. During my travel to Davao last 2008, while passing at the vicinity my friends were telling me intriguing stories about the said lake. "At last! this is the time," as i thought about it three days ago before the trip.

Pinay Travelista excitingly pose with Dr. Alfonso,
 while preparing for our departure.

As we arrived in Valencia City and met with Ms. Arlene Collado who arrived two days ahead of us, we decided to have lunch at a certain mall and proceeded to shop some grocery supply afterwards. We were really excited as we in many times asked Ms. Arlene about when and where Dr. Alfonso will meet us ^^ so she is pressured to ask the latter of where we should go. 

Dr. Alfonso instructed us to dropped by at their residence and he will fetch us there and right away will proceed to their rest house. So we hurried and take a "rila" to their residence. In some minutes, Dr. Alfonso arrived at their residence with his son who came from rescuing a friend's car that was stuck in the mud. Then the first meet and greet followed. I shyly offered my hand to Dr. Alfonso for the first time :) which he warmly accepted with a smile.

 According to Dr. Alfonso, you can go to Lake Apo in two ways. That is taking the northern provincial road which is right at the corner of Jollibee, while the other one is taking the south entrance. Taking the north entrance has approximately 12 kilometer in distance while the south entrance approximately will take 7 kilometers highway ride and another 7 kilometers ride going up to the lake, in total 14 kilometers. We decided to take the south entrance of which according to Dr. Alfonso is more interesting and to find out why, here it is!

Along the way is the locally acclaimed Musuan Peak or most popularly known as Mt. Calayo, because it is said to be a dormant volcano. Mt. Calayo has an area of approximately 18 hectares and stands at approximately 650 meters high, and by just looking at its shape, it looks like this dormant volcano has no recorded eruption yet, but according to the local folks it has its last recorded eruption in 1867.

Dr. Alfonso also toured us at the Philippine Carabao Center at Musuan, Central Mindanao University and had a little chat with the staff of the Buffalo Milk Products Sales Center. We had the chance of tasting their products. They sold milk based products such as fresh milk, yogurt, pastillas,white cheese and choko...it was fresh and delicious, the yogurt!

Dr. Alfonso also gratefully drove us inside and around Central Mindanao University and I am very happy of what I saw inside. Everything is in order, no garbage  and etc. just like how it looks like outside, while traveling in their highways, everything is green...many student are doing their respective sports while other are busy walking and chatting with friends. There were dormitories and colleges uniquely built according to the courses they offered. Just like the school for agriculture, it is surrounded by a vast forest.

We had the chance to see different variety of rice in the Philippine Rice Research Institute. Though, we didn't had enough time to get to know each of them, I am looking forward that in my next visit i could have plenty of time to do so.

I have been passing Valencia City every time I travel to Davao and General Santos City, but it never occurred in my imagination and in my thoughts that there are plenty of resorts within its area. Dr. Alfonso was really keen on introducing things that I don't know about their place. He brought us to several resorts and had the chance of seeing them, though not experience them. I promise in my next visit, I will allocate enough time to experience each resorts  as what I am doing here in Iligan.

Photo: Some accommodating rooms at
RR's Family Spring Resort.

We visited several resorts like RR Family Spring Resort where the Pulangi River is visible. By looking at the picture above, you can tell what the resort has to offer. Hmmm...for me its the best among the rest of the resort that we visited...clean and organized parking lots, children playgrounds, and beside the expected amenities...what strikes me most is their first aid clinic right beside at their entrance...I've been to many travels, but not a single of the accommodation that I stay with has a first aid clinic at their resort. 

This is a photo of the electric light at the rest house of which
electricity is generated and stored from the solar
panels installed at the rooftop.

Due to some problem with the vehicle and the "roller coaster" ride we arrived at the rest house late, but it didn't extinguished our excitement and expectations. When we arrived we were greeted by silhouette from the light of the traditional lamp---prior to that, Dr. Alfonso informed us that he doesn't have electric connection in his rest house except those electric from solar panels and the lamp serves as their main source of light---which would also mean, no internet!

This lamps are scattered in every part and corner
at the Alfonso rest house at Lake Apo.

We excitedly run around and stroll---while Dr. Alfonso was busy introducing the people at the rest house. We were all so busy and we excitingly took pictures in every corner of the rest house and most especially outside. Tired from the travel, we repose with an unsatisfied expectations that night...yes, because its dark and we didn't see much of the lake--then the morning comes...I was awakened by a high pitch tone calling my name...I hurriedly run outside in panic...well having heard of my friends cry of excitement, I can't find my camera!

Sunrise view of the Lake Apo

Yes! definitely this is the reason of our early morning panic. The wonderful beauty of the lake greeted us. It was calm, serene and even tranquil. As i walk towards the edge of the lake...I remembered a very fitting line of the poem I happen to read in our university news paper that would describe it "from the millions of the things in the world unknown, some hidden and some are perfectly shown," Truly, this is a perfect beauty being shown to me and I have known it and even witness it. Mindanao is really endowed with a variety of natural beauty. The Iliganons may have our waterfalls to brag about, yet the people of Valencia has their Lake Apo to co-equally matched up with in terms of beauty, and uniqueness.

Photo: Showing the view of the Lake Apo from
the Rest House swimming pool.

After breakfast in the middle of the lake, the group spend time
 at the floating cottage, chatting and story telling.

Before lunch we intently go on for further adventure. Well, we had a rough road adventure the other night! We decided to climb the highest peak  at Lake Apo. We set foot at the highest peak and from my observation, it looks like Lake Apo is a mouth of volcano that erupted so many years ago.

After having our lunch Pinay Travelista and I are so excited to try the Rest House toys for the big boys and girls....For the first time we tried "Kayaking"...It was fun riding the kayak own my own and learning to paddle alone, but it didn't shutter me because my father used to be a fisherman and we own some boat back then. 

At first it was scary as Pinay Travelista puts it as she had a hard time balancing while paddling, but we both enjoyed it...Ms. Arlene is so afraid that she enjoyed and make busy herself taking pictures of us.

My first Kayak experience at Lake Apo,
courtesy of Dr. Alfonso

Another ride which we all tried is Canoe. I served as the captain paddler and Pinay Travelista as my assistant and Ms. Arlene is our shaking passenger. Yes, every time the canoe moves when i paddle she shakes and tremble...and that was cute! I am so glad that we are able to convince her to ride with us. Then the ultimate ride at the Rest House...the jet-ski. Driving is not really my piece of cake!...Let Pinay Travelista to drive and  I just had a hitch at her back. Obviously, she really enjoyed driving and maneuvering as she increase the speed while I was tightly holding at her life vests, startled and almost becoming a statue.

I would like to thanks Dr. Almer Alfonso and family for being gracious and hospitable enough in accommodating us. Truly your generosity in offering your rest house and inviting us to visit Lake Apo made our travel visit the most memorable one and had an enjoyable moments that is worth remembering and to tell...

I would like to express my concern also that if you happen to visit Lake Apo please refrain from doing things that might destroy its beauty. Please and please practice proper disposal of your garbage...Dr.Alfonso and the local leadership is doing their best to preserve its serene beauty...lets not put their efforts in vain.

Photo: Showing eroded roads on the way to Lake Apo.

On the other hand, I have no other means, but through this blog, I would like to call the attention of the respective people who are in-charge of the management of their roads...My gracious Lord!...don't wait a hurtful accident will happen before you could fix your "lake like" and "roller coaster like " roads?...

Map Showing Valencia City and the
neighboring provinces.

I hope in my next visit, I can proudly blog about your road rehabilitation and improvement...certainly that will make me happy...and I believe especially, the farmer residents and your constituents will be much more happy.

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