Christmas season, because of the long school and office break, has been traditionally a family reunion time as well. Many from outside the country, and even from Manila would take time to go back to their roots, particularly to their hometowns. It becomes an occasion for merriment, giftgiving and reacquaintances.

And because, Filipinos from abroad, would travel half the world to see their own respective families in the Philippines, many marrying couples would take the opportunity to walk down the aisles too. The engaged couple would be so appreciative and grateful if many more guests, particularly the Balikbayans (Filipino expatriates) could come and partake in this supposedly once in a lifetime moment of exchanging vows.

The pleasantly crisp and cool weather during this time, the good natured spirit of the people during the Holiday season, and even the deep pockets of relatives and friends, brought about by the Christmas salary bonuses or business sales, should just push the couple to seek out and reserve venues for the wedding and reception during December, such as the very popular Fernwood Garden in Quezon City. ( The place has that forested ambiance, for intimate or grand weddings. And its chapel has that elegant interiors, enhancing the sanctity of the nuptials.)

It is no surprise, that the National Statistics Office would list the month of December, as the month when mates most marry, beating out the supposedly traditional matrimonial month of June  (hence the appellaton, “June Bride”).

In this month, let me greet my Mom and Dad, “Happy Wedding Anniversary,” and to my cousin Arnold and his wife, Sherrie, “Congratulations and Best Wishes.”

And of course, in this month, let me say to you too, dear readers, “Cheers and Happy Holidays!”

(preceding story: http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/the-vanguard-island-bantayan-proper/)

Island gatekeeper. You then haggle with your guide to bring you to your final destination – Madridejos, specifically at the Kota Park. This is where you get to see vestiges of fortifications that had been all around the island during the Spanish Era.

The island during the 17^th century had several mortal and coral watchtowers and two fort settlements which were protecting other neighboring islands such as the whole Cebu Island, Leyte, Masbate and even other islands in Mindanao from seaborne Moros hence the appellation  “Bantayan” (to guard).

But you need to wait for the sunset at its coastal line to appreciate the incredible beauty of the area. There you get to make out silhouettes of people as they pick some crablets for dinner from rockstones where the seawater has receded. It can be a powerful picture of the quintessential coastal life. And the long newly constructed way to its viewdeck just enhances the drama of the beach.

Daing for pasalubong. As you end your travel, with very inexpensive daing na danggit (dried fish) just bought from the market at Bantayan Proper as homecoming treat, and as the sea changes its hue from aquamarine of the shallow waters to blue cobalt of the deep ocean while taking a ferry out of the island, then you realize that Bantayan is only a memory that will linger for many months to come.

(From IQ Magazine, September,2009 Issue, )

 She dashed softly into the set alone.  She would drive by her own, and would need no personal assistants. And she was very well on time for the 1pm photoshoot and interview appointment.

She is Bianca Gonzales, the young, vibrant and well-admired tv personality who has made a name for herself through hosting a series of shows that are geared to the young and the young minded. At the moment, she is seen in “Y-Speak” and “E-live,” a showbiz oriented program every Saturday afternoon.

She was also very much a part of early morning programs like  “Breakfast” in Studio 23, and “Magandang Umaga Bayan” in ABS-CBN 2. In the Cinema One Cable Channel, she was part of “Review Night” where she provided movie reviews on Filipino Films.

With the Youth  In “Y-Speak” Bianca generally talks about issues and concerns of the Filipino youth and the young adults today. She has been moderating the town meeting debate format within the show. And she knew early on, she would be doing fine in a show that delves primarily about matters on politics and society since she was the one who is not bored, reading the newspaper to be aware of what is happening.

 It was in college when she started her blogsite.  The blog has given her that avenue to speak her mind through the writings and the pictures taken by her trusty Canon 400D digital camera.

 Bianca used the blog as a barometer of her early success as a host at “Y Speak.”

“I started out my blog while I was in college. And it had 5 comments or 10 comments. But when I started doing “Y-Speak,” nagiging 30 comments. Dumadami. Parang even if it was not even connected with my post, they would comment that they watched a (certain) episode. And random people come up to me and would ask me on my opinion on certain matters. I felt that was the point na ‘Hey, puwede ako dito.’ That meant a lot.”

 Bianca acknowledged that during her college years, she had been very much into her studies. She took up AB Communication Arts, with a minor in Philosophy at Ateneo de Manila.

 She was not the one who got intimidated with such esoteric courses that she had even chosen the “tougher” instructors. She remembered that she was in awe by Dr. Leo Garcia’s Philosophy 101 subject that by the time she graduated she had taken 6 Philo classes under him.

 If Bianca was quite intense with her college education, in her highschool years at La Salle, Zobel, she had enjoyed her stay much more. While she was in the honors section all through out her stay, she was still able to participate in “cool” activities such as being part of the cheerleading squad. And her joining gave her chance to mingle with other batches despite her being shy and reserved.

She intimated that truly she was quiet and even kinda geeky in highschool. But she was a cheerleader then, and that gained her some popularity points. Still she downplayed the importance of being “popular” particularly during highschool life.

 “I happen to fall in that prototype (of being a nerd). I also remember looking up to the girls na medyo ‘mean girls’  and influential. And you realize na when you get older, how trivial all these things were in highschool. Na ‘Oh my God,’ I want to fit in. That they have to like me. But when you get older, you realize ang liit pala ng bagay na yon. And it is so superficial. Popularity helps but it has to be handled the right way. Popularity is a big responsibility as well.”

 Prod Work And while she was in school, Bianca dabbled much in writing and the different aspects of media work. In La Salle, she wrote scripts, and directed stage plays. In Ateneo, she was part of the yearbook project, and would produce films as part of her college course. She felt strongly that could do production work, particularly behind the cameras after college.

 Consequently, it was no surprise that even by third year college, Bianca applied and was able to work in ABS-CBN. She was one of the brainstormers whose task was to conceptualize new shows and formats for television.

However it had been her brother, JC Gonzales’s stint as host for the morning show “Breakfast,” that actually inspired Bianca to aspire for the same job.  She thought that if Kuya JC could host a morning show, she could hack the same job as well. So she grabbed instantly the opportunity to be on television screen once an offer had been given to her by ABS-CBN.

In 2003, and in her first television emceeing job in “Y-Speak,” together with Karen Davila and Ryan Agoncillo, Bianca needed to be quick in her thoughts.  She recalled that there was a need for her to synthesize ideas brought about by the guests and audience. Then she would give a short summary at the end of the show. And up to this day, she is very grateful to her cohosts for supporting a newbie like her.

 “Kasi there was a wrap up in every episode. And I was so terrified. Of course, people would listen to what Karen Davila and Ryan Agoncillo would say, but who would like to listen to what this college girl would say?”

 Among the prominent tv personalities, it is her talent manager, Boy Abunda whom she considered as one of the best in tv hosting. For her, Boy would be able to talk on a certain topic for several hours and still be stimulating. She remembered a piece of advice from Boy Abunda on hosting.

 “To be interesting, you have to be interested.”

For Bianca, Boy’s piece of advice meant that a host has to be truly fascinated in a variety of things. A host is not to be unaware about a certain topic that he primarily should know about while hosting. In other words, research and reading are key elements of a good anchoring job.

At the moment, she is also enjoying her presence on tv as a host in less serious tv fare, particularly in “E-Live.” Here, she is part of a triumvirate of ladies, already having had the taste of early success in anchoring reality programs such as Pinoy Big Brother  Editions.  Bianca acknowledged that she and her cohosts, Mariel Rodriguez and Toni Gonzaga, have different approaches in their jobs. Toni does her hosting chops with authority. Mariel provides comical bursts and energy.  Bianca dishes out the analytical and serious stuff.

 At Home  Yet even before Bianca was among the hosts of several editions of Pinoy Big Brother, interestingly, she had been one of the 14 housemates of the 1^st Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition (PBBCE) in 2006.

In this show, she had to do backbreaking and sometimes insightful tasks for Big Brother, or “Kuya” with 24/7 cameras all over the house to the relish of every reality television aficionado.

 And since then, Bianca’s name became too popular that people were clamoring for her to act in a film or a teleserye.  But until now, she nixes the idea. She has never aspired to be an actress. And if she is not passionate about it, then she just can’t force herself to be one.

At her own place, she appreciates the downtime. She just lazes around while watching CSI on Fox Crime Channel, or travel documentaries on Discovery Travel and Living Channel for hours.

Every morning, her Mom wakes her up, and she goes right away for a cup of coffee. Then she checks on her emails and blogsite. She does not go to the gym, but instead runs in a treadmill in her home. And by noon, she is off to ABS-CBN.

 She admitted that she would rather stay at home than go out, if she has time to relax. If she does go out, she would go to her favorite nearby mall – Alabang Town Center to walk around or to be at her friends’ houses for quiet dinners.

At her very core, Bianca is the self effacing young woman who wants to enjoy peace and tranquil times. There is almost a calming effect once you get to chat with her. She is never forceful nor loud. But in every chance she talks, there is so much in her being that expresses volumes.

It is again that time of the year when life becomes more frenzied by the day as Christmastime approaches. Gift giving can be a harrassing thought.  Garments and apparel as gifts can be tricky; one needs sizes and measurement of the recepient. Some gifts may require gargantuan amount of money. And some gifts are just plain tacky. Thus food, particularly coming from the best kitchens will be most appreciated, by those who seem to have almost everything in life.

Ted Valdez’s household can be a little bit crazy as Yuletide season comes nearer. From her (oh yes, Ted’s a “she”) kitchen, she concocts the best toffee candy bars in this part of the Philippines, rivaling the premier brands of the US. Unlike the ones abroad, where people have difficult biting into the candy, Ted’s Temptation Toffee Candies can be easy on the bite, yet still having a definite crunch. There’s a secret into it, and she would hardly say it.

But it is no secret that her recipe, which is inspired from her sister’s, only uses the freshest ingredients - variety of nuts, chocolates, and butter.  Ted’s toffee candies have an assortement to choose from – cashew, almond, mocha, and fruity flavors, all individually wrapped, and all elegantly boxed or put into cannisters, and yet not as expensive as the US brand counterpart (Almond Roca).  The packaging, and what’s inside are all pretty, and would be highly recommended as personal gifts, even for Valentines. ”But during Christmas, some have ordered by the dozens as corporate gifts,” Ricky, Ted’s husband, averred.

Through the years (about 5), Ted has expanded her tempting treats. There’s the melt-in-the-mouth caramel candy.  Her chocolate eclairs and vanilla puffs are loaded with to-die-for creamy sensation.  Her candied fruit are true delights, and in different varieties – cranberry, calamansi, mango and pineapple. And of course,  to those craving for more chocolates, her brownies are raved about.

The production of such indulgence can be a little daunting to Ted and her brood, particularly during the holiday season.  But it is those who have tasted and continually appreciated her kitchen creations that inspired Ted and husband, Ricky to do much more. Somehow, for many years to come, people will just have to fall into Ted’s Temptations.

(For orders – call 09176269312 or 8232235. You may check Ted’s Temptations Multiply Account – tedstemptations.multiply.com)

Cousin Mayette and I just had to go to our last destination after covering much of Ilocandia. It seems that every year, during summer there has been a place that we try to discover within the Philippines. Last year, it was the carved boondocks of Banaue, and then this year, it was the heritage places of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

It was imperative to go this area as our last stop, not necessarily antiquated by the colonial past, but spectacular just the same. It was the La Paz Sand Dunes of Ilocos Norte. These hilly sands are just outside of Laoag City, thus after our quick tour of the Provincial Museum of Ilocos Norte, we had to look for a tricycle that should take us there.

“Mama, puwede bang dalhin mo kami sa La Paz sand dunes (Sir, can you drive us to La Paz Sand Dunes)?”I asked the trike driver who happened to passby.

The driver just responded with a quizzical look, not exactly knowing the place that I was referring to. Mayette had to intervene, and asked almost the same question but in a different manner, “Manong, saan po ba nagshooting si FPJ ng Ang Panday (Sir, where did FPJ shoot Ang Panday)?”

The trike driver recognized her question right away and was able to readily answer, “Malayo po yon, P300 daan po. (That’s far, P300 pesos for the fare)”

 We had no choice but to consent with the seemingly huge expense, despite the very uncomfortable ride inside his cab. We agreed with one trike driver in Vigan, Ilocos Sur as he had boasted that tricycle cabs in Vigan are much roomier, and can comfortably seat two adults. The ones in Ilocos Norte aresquat-like and small in proportion thus we had to squeeze ourselves inside the cab going to the dunes.

Panday and the Dunes. It was about a 15 minute ride from the busy streets of Laoag until we reached the place that was bucolic in character – dry, dusty, and sparse in residential homes. There was just one rough road, covered with seeming dust all over, and somehow was occasionally used. The place was desolate, but turned out to be the just the entry point to a more expansive locale, with mounds of fine sand all over, light khaki in shade, with thin layers of wild vegetation growing randomly. At this juncture, we had to get off the tricycle, and had the wide vista for ourselves.

Suddenly my mind had this vision of the iconic movie of “Da King” himself, the late and almost president, Fernando Poe, Jr or FPJ (for short) as had mentioned in Mayette’s query to the driver. In the epic series of all the movie installments (3) of “Ang Panday (The Blacksmith),” I would watch FPJ as the highly principled, Flavio, brooding and making a trek in this hilly area of La Paz, trying to find his arch nemesis, Lizardo, played by the unforgettable contrabida (movie goon), the late Max Alvarado.

The scale of the whole dunes brought about also the hugeness of the main characters to the moviegoers – both the good and the bad. La Paz Sand Dunes provided a striking backdrop to the fight sequences, usually sword battles, between the protagonist and antagonist together with his cohorts. It had been an impressive choice by FPJ who doubled as the director to employ the whole La Paz dunes as an important feature to the movie.  Its dryness and barrenness created a dramatic emphasis on the richness of Flavio and Lizardo’s personas. Since these outstanding and highly popular movies were made, the landscape of La Paz has become truly iconic – as if the whole breadth of the place was the third most important personality in such films.

Other notable movies which had the dunes as part of the backdrop were Nora Aunor’s Himala and Tom Cruise’s Born on the 4th of July.

Wind Power. My visualization of such films was cut short by a key question. “How did this happen?” Mayette asked, still dumbfounded by the powerful and poetic undulations of the dunes.

No one could answer it, not even the trike driver who was patiently waiting for us to crawl back to our little trike hole. Of course we would rather be enjoying the virtual limitless space of the desert where occasional boulders and strange looking trees were almost thoughtfully placed.

But if one is to research the internet, we can find out that dunes are basically formed by the incoming wind within perhaps eons of years. The geographic location of the La Paz area is just right beside the deep blue waters of the South China Sea and the winds coming from the coast push up the sand very slowly to create the dunes that can be used as protective barriers to wave surges coming in also from the sea.

And truly we saw the coastal line of the South China Sea running parallel to the extensive sand dunes of La Paz. It was a little too far from where we are, but we saw a couple of all terrain vehicles or ATVs that saunter at the beach front area. Apparently, the provincial tourism officials, together with the Department of Tourism promote the dunes to those wanting to explore a unique Philippine geophysical formation, supposedly only found in the province of Ilocos Norte, and have fun, driving through its atypical topography with such rides. It is said that one can rent out such ATVs also inside the premises of the exclusive Hotel Ilocandia nearby where a smaller portion of the sand dunes are found too.

Footprints in the Sand. During the heat of the midday sun, we decided to climb a high portion of the area, but our feet would sink into the loose ground, thus the ascent was a little bit tricky. Not really able to get to the peak, we chose to go back as we feared that the unusual afternoon showers even during the height of summer would stall our early evening bus departure for Metro Manila.

As I was just about to get out of the sands, I just had to make a last look back at the foot imprints Mayette and I had made. And I pointed out these tracks to Mayette. It was our trail from the high point where we came from. We knew that in due time such prints would be obliterated eventually by the winds coming from the China Sea, but I was deeply aware that such footprints symbolized also the tracks of all the interesting points of the Ilocos Region that we had been able to visit. We might have been gone to many remarkable and historical places within Ilocos, and the physical traces of our visit would have been wiped away thereafter, yet our memories of these places, including the La Paz Sand Dunes would never be erased for many years to come.

Well Dude, it might just be floating around at the beaches of Baler, Aurora.

Baler afterall is the Filipino surfers’ sacred ground. This is where the surfing action in the Philippines all started. If you are a movie trivia buff, you would know this was where some scenes of the graphic anti-war movie, Apocalypse Now of Francis Ford Coppola were taken in 1975. And apparently some people at the movie set had brought along their surfing boards and tested the waters of the Baler Bay which opens to the rest of the Pacific Ocean. After Coppola had packed up, the members of his team just left the boards to the appreciative local youths. Of course, the kids  just started to rock the waves since then.

From Genesis Bus terminal at Cubao, Quezon City, it is a grueling 8 hour bus ride that traverses northern provinces of Bulacan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija then goes a little bit more up north to Nueva Vizcaya and finally ends up at the eastern province of Aurora. In this travel, much of the roads are concreted and paved, but it is upon reaching Nueva Ecija’s Pantabangan area and Nueva Vizcaya where roads are rough and turns are tight. So just before reaching the destination, you are all shaken and stirred up. The sceneries which are undeniably beautiful and lyrical make up for the tiring bus ride. Definitely, you need to leave the driving to those who know very well the roads. And one more tip from experienced passengers: try to avoid the last trip of the day since if anything untoward  happens, no rescuing bus from the same company would pick you up.

Upon reaching Baler, just hire a trike to take you to Sabang Beach, popular to most surfers. There you are greeted by the sound of the Pacific Ocean’s roaring waves, expressing its power and ferocity. The robust incessant undulation of water can intimidate first time goers even during the relatively calm months of March and April when waves can only go as high as two feet. In other months, waves can get a lot bigger which would be more ideal for experienced surfers.

The shore at Sabang may not have the preferred pristine white sands, and may not have the commercial establishments which create panache to many tourists. Still you come to Baler primarily for the tides and waves which provide character to its beaches.

There are plenty of room accommodations in the area, particularly along Sabang Beach. Hometels are around 600 pesos per night with electric fans to cool you. But if you want to splurge, then Bahia Hotel is the right one for you. Airconditioning, cable television and even a terrace in this hotel will provide you all your urban needs in a resort setting.  Most popular to the backpacking surfers is Bay’s Inn where you can still get cheap rates. Yet you need to make reservations ahead for rooming during summer months, particularly during holy week as there can be a serious shortage when people come in droves. You may want to settle though in other hotels which do not have frontage of the bay, perhaps near the Kapitolyo, still in Baler.

Summer months would be the perfect time to learn the sport of surfing as the waves are smaller. In fact one young Englishman, Alex, fell in love with the place and has stayed in Baler after learning how to surf two summers ago. There are cool schools which are actually shacks, offering one-on-one tutorials to those eager to paddle through the waves, and hopefully would be able to balance themselves successfully in their surfing boards back to the shore. Groups of young college people and yuppies start to get their basic knowledge from men as young as 18 at a rate of P300 per hour inclusive of the surf board rent.  But of course if you have a relative for teacher, then it is for free. Joseph de los Santos, a professional lifeguard at Sabang Beach and a father to three daughters, had an early morning breakfast right at the beach to start teaching his kids and even his wife how to surf. “Gusto nila talaga matuto (they really want to learn),” he proudly explains.

But not all young people from Baler know how to surf. “There is not much of a pressure for everyone to learn,” Henry, a lifeguard too, mentions in a huddle with other surfers at their tower. Yet it is in Baler where there is the biggest surfing community in the Philippines. There are about a hundred people who can surf in this area alone. Probably, not only because it has an older history in terms of surfing but because Baler has a longer shoreline compared to other surfing areas in the country.

Qualified surfers in Baler are many times invited to other surfing areas in the Philippines to participate in heavily sponsored competitions where the top prize is as much as P50,000.00.  Just like other professional athletes, many surfers have their own corporations and companies funding them and providing surfing suits and accessories just to promote their brands. In a way, there is considerable amount of money and prestige that one can get when one goes seriously into this sport.

 And in Baler, it is at Cemento, near the fishing port where professionals compete and play, particularly during the Aurora Surfing Cup. From September to February when the Amihan wind patterns are consistent, waves at Cemento are spectacular enough for the adventurous kind to conquer. There, waves are what you usually get to see in magazines and movies. But of course there are other surfing spots, each with its own surfing qualities such as Lindy’s Point and Charlie’s Point which name has remained after it had been called as such in a major action sequence from the movie Apocalypse Now.

One basic and prime tip for those surfing is that the leash of the board should always be attached to the leg when in the sea. The leash is the lifeline for survival. Without attaching the leash to the leg, life is in danger and the scenario can be fatal as the current can bring you to dangerous places.

So Dude, I presume you forgot to attach the leash to your leg, and lost your surfboard somewhere because of the strong wave. And you are one lucky guy to survive it. 

“Yes, thanks for the info. But I think I have a bigger problem – Dude, where’s my boardshort?”

It was an early morning drive. My cousin and travel partner, Ate Mae Hipolito were en route to Bukidnon from Davao City. Ate Mae’s sister, Ate Betsy and her husband Dr. Ezranelson Alojado (Nong Nene) volunteered to drop us off near the quaint Seagull Inn and Resto at Kitaotao area along the Davao – Bukidnon Hiway. But just before we reached the inn, we had planned to have a stopover at Gethsemane, the Alojado family retreat area, nestled in the boondocks of Marilog District of Davao City.

The trip should probably take an hour to the Garden of Gethsemane, using  the beautifully cemented road going up the mountain area. It had been an easy drive until about 20 minutes just before we arrived at the junction where an adjoining road at the right proceeds directly to my cousins’ place.

As the sun slowly appeared on the horizon, the road was blanketed by heavy dense fog. There was practically zero visibility for the drivers still zooming along the road. Driving in such condition could be dicey, but for me, it was an exciting and thrilling ride, reminiscent of those treks to Baguio and Tagaytay.

We were lucky that it was not raining thus we opted to roll down our car windows.  Here I got to experience right away the brisk, nippy weather as the car gradually advanced to our destination, thanks to the good driving skills of Nong Nene.  Even in September, it was Christmastime climate in Marilog Hills.

It almost bewildered me. The fog was so thick that I could not remember if I had experienced the same in my travels to climate cold places in the Philippines, including Banaue.  In that substantial mist up in the hills, I could sense a difference in the ways of living in the area.  Children, in woolen sweaters, amble about towards school in an almost deserted road as jeepneys and other small public conveyances don’t ply the route. Young men still on the same road brought pots and vats of potable water as some of the residences in the area have no  access to clean water yet.  “These scenes could be featured on a National Geographic tv documentary,” I told myself.  

Along the road, the area was so oozing with remarkable and natural beauty such that the place seemed remote and alien to citydwellers. Yet let it be known that  Datu Salumay is just one small locality of one big Davao City.

Amidst the fog, we tried to locate the access road that forks out from the main hiway. It was tricky, yet we found it  (a waiting shed would be the landmark to make that right turn). But what was trickier was the short drive, through rocks and gravel. A four-wheel drive car or truck was deemed necessary to get to the place. Then all of a sudden, the smooth cemented road appeared until we reached exactly the destined place, Garden of Gethsemane.

Pepito, the caretaker, welcomed us warmly, and told us that classes had been suspended in the area. I never thought that fog could even stop classes.

But at the place of my cousins, the gods of  Gethsemane perhaps cleared the fog for me. Immediately I got enthralled with the postcard prettiness of the place. The meandering stairway steps. The cascading waterfalls. The several pools and ponds - for swimming and for koi watching. The hanging bridges. The faux logcabin. The soaring pine trees.  The hundred blooms of dahlia, sweet honey, and lillies all over. The biting cold temperature (even during summers, I am told)  just enhanced the picturesque location, considered to be more than one hectare in land area.

I felt proud of my Ate Betsy, who has judiciously tended their resthouse gardens almost on a weekly basis.  I was told that people in Davao City have been wanting to stay for a night or two to camp out in the area. “Almost every weekend, particularly during summers, there were people renting our place. There is a hut that can accommodate ten to twelve people. But some would still opt to put up a tent, ” she said with glee.

“Some would use the karaoke machine until early morning. But if it were me, I would rather commune with nature in silence,” Ate Mae interrupted.

But I knew if I had the chance to stay, I would read lots of books, and commune with the interesting folks in the area, and forget for a moment my tv.

Too bad, Ate Mae and I had to cut short our visit at Gethsemane, as we wanted to be in Malaybalay, just before noontime. Nong Nene and Ate Betsy brought us at Seagull  Inn, about a kilometer away from the junction. At the inn, it was easier to take the bus. The fog was a little less dense at that time, but still considerable. We bade our good hosts goodbye, and were able to take the public ride in no time.  We were off again, still through the same foggy road, but this time - to Bukidnon.

 (For those wanting to have a weekend getaway at the Garden of Gethsemane, please call (082)2271628 (Ms. Betsy Alojado) or 09177031230 (Ms. Mae Hipolito))

You gaze at an island with its white shores, abundant coconut fronds, and native dwelling structures, increasingly coming into view. Your heartbeat raises a bit as the ferry slows down to a halt at the pier of Sta. Fe. You anticipate how this place can rock you out with its facilities and yet relax your fragile body and soul, without much of the clutter of commercialism in other popular island destinations. Afterall, this is Bantayan Island, Cebu Province’s Northern most tip, far away from the hustle-bustle of its metropolis.

 Bantayan Island can be reached from Cebu City, with a two hour bus ride from the North Bus Terminal, although it can be accessed as well with airconditioned vans for hire, at SM Cebu. Then once you arrive at Barangay Hagnaya Port at the town of San Remigio, another one hour ferry boat is to be taken to the beaches of Sta. Fe which is among the three towns at Bantayan Island. Madridejos and Bantayan Proper are the other towns which offer inviting aspects for you to explore and encounter.

Mingle with its waters and people. There are just no two ways about it - because of the proximity of the waters and Sta. Fe town community, as you admire the fine powdery white sands of the shoreline, and the expanse of the turquoise colored waters, you also unobtrusively observe the simplicity of the people living in the area. In the morning, kids prepare for their flag ceremony, and by lunch time, they just hang out, at the sandy beachfront, not exactly cognizant of their fortunate existence in Bantayan. Some teens and adults will happily oblige you to some short conversation about life in the island.

The beachfront during the weekdays is almost deserted, save for some locals and travellers, taking a sampling of its calm sea. There are lots of dwellings to choose from. The more uppity Sta. Fe Beach Club, and Ugtong Cave Resort, pamper you as any five star hotel will do. But Ugtong Resort has a bonus, you can swim in the shallow pool inside the natural cave as its name implies. But if you are in a budget, there are good cottages at P350 per night. During the summer months, particularly during Holy Week, room rates can triple. But during lean months of June, July and August, price points take a dip. And you wish that Sta. Fe and the rest of the island will forever remain inconspicuous to marauding guests so as not disturb its tranquility and unassuming character.

For food, there are several open-air restaurants, usually in native hut motif which tempts you to savor its seafood delicacies owing to Bantayan’s rich amount of crustaceans, seashells and large fish. Have them your way – grilled, fried, adobo and kinilaw (raw food, usually fish, soaked in vinegar). You may even want to partake its famous rock lobster for about P160 pesos a piece. Mingle with the owners, some from foreign lands and are lucky enough to have beautiful native ladies for their wives.  Then develop deep friendships with travelers alike while having such meals. Afterall, the island can be intimate enough – balmy nights, secluded place, and in many instances, very few guests.

(continuation – http://letsgopinas.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/the-vanguard-island-bantayan-proper/)