Jive Highland Resort

It was our first team building for this year, and second of the most memorable team building we had so far (for me).

After months of passive-aggressive planning –  many resorts and places suggested (Pindasan, Seagull Higland, Samal, and many more…), food suggestions and bring your own, fund raising (EOP, and 5 minutes before shift policy) – we finally made it happen to a beautiful, serene, cold, and perfect for a tired soul of the city Jive Highland Resort.

Let me take you to our team building from Six Eleven (our office) to Jive Highland Resort ending up on our parting at Ulas Crossing. So brace yourself ‘coz here it goes.

Our team was divided into two – First batch: Sir Gab, Arbie, Marlon (Arbie’s lovey), Shiela, Shannon, Jhay-R aka Jean Rose, Mark, and our event organizer, chef, acting manager Leo..lol.. Second Batch: Jhai, Noch, Ralph, me and my tatay Shaun.

I will focus on the second batch’s travel to Jive ‘coz needless to say I was with this risky group..ahaha..(just continue reading and you will understand why…)

SaturDAY

Jhai, Ralph, and I had our Saturday duty, and Noch and Jean though they also had Saturday duties, their shift ended early at 9 am. So the 3 of us battled in creating articles ’til 4 pm. The first batch left at 1 pm(base on the info I heard the day before..). At exactly 4 pm the 3 of us went to different directions and will just meet up in Crossing Ulas at 5 pm. I went home to fetch my things and Shaun. At not so exactly 5 pm we meet up with Jhai, Noch, and Ralph. We are so eager to find a ride that will take us to Jive that time, ‘coz as we’ve heard it was very far. We waited for bus for a while, but our patience was thin and look for ways that can fly us to Jive ASAP! (that soon regretted us if we just waited a bit more, ‘coz we’ve been overtaken by 3-4 buses along the way.) There was that we asked a taxi driver to take us in a whooping 1,500 fixed, an Ulas Route that upon hearing Marilog never hesitated to say “ay dili ko!”,and another PUJ for 1,500 (are you kidding us?) but late we’ve realized it is worth for the driver to asked for that fare.. So we decided to take it manually. We ride a non-exclusive taxi from Ulas to Calinan for P40 all five of us! how was that? but nah, leave your jealousy behind ‘coz that was according to Jhai, we paid P40 each, saving us P10 for the actual fare of P50 if we ride a Calinan bound jeep.

We arrived in Calinan past 6, and Noch or Ralph received a text that the first batch just arrived in Jive (left me thinking if they left at 1 and they just arrived, well, good luck to us!) The taxi driver dropped us on a bus stop, and suggested to just wait for a bus bound to Bukidnon, again our malnourished patience interrupted and suggested any vehicle that will offer us a ride would be it! So a “habal-habal” driver who’s bound to Lomundao, was the not so lucky one we’ve ridden off to Marilog, and another “habal-habal driver” who dare to travel from Calinan to Marilog. They first offered P150 fare, and then P180. We go for the Gold!

Noch, Jhai, and Ralph were together on a motorcycle, while Shaun and I on the other. We left Calinan at almost 7 pm. We had a stop over at Lomundao because our driver have to inform his family that he’s travelling to Marilog.

But first let us take some selfies…

Jhai with Christoper one of the drivers

Ralph at Lomundao

Me and Christopers bike

at Lomundao Highway – Noch, Ralph, Christopher

Jhai, Noch and I

Shaun with Nanay on the background

Jhai

So, going back..

We head back on track after a few minutes at Lomundao. I think it was the longest travel I had at the moment, thinking we will reach our destination by morning..urgh! cramps was all over my body.

The road was so dark and only our motorcycle’s headlight lighted the way. Truly in darkness you will appreciate the beauty of the stars and fireflies. If I could just have a more powerful cam, I could have included the beautiful scenery here.

Anyway, we made multiple stops before we reached Jive, just to make sure we didn’t missed the resort. I felt a bit worry for our drivers ‘coz we put them in a situation that we also are helpless. Their motorcycles are running out of gas, and Christopher’s motorcycle lost its”segunda”.

But at last we made it, but not quite.. following pictures was taken at the entrance of Sitio Tagumpay, 3 km away from Jive. Here is parting time of our drivers, quite bittersweet because finally we partly reached our destination and at the same time parting time of the strangers who took the risk and courage just for us to reached our destination. As a compensation, we paid them P200 per person, yey!

Just arrived – Ralph, Christopher, Noch and Jhai at the Highway of Marilog

Our Driver Ken-ken with Shaun

And before we go to the much awaited Jive, let me just give you a brief story of our travel from Marilog Highway to Jive itself.

After we jump off from our habal-habal ride, we thought that Jive was just meters away and decided to just walk, but thank God to the concern people in the area that informed us that Jive was 3 kilometers away. We have to ride a skylab that take turn in the entrance.

But don’t be carried away with the word skylab, you’re probably thinking a cable car sort of thing now, huh!

For those of you who have no idea what a skylab is, it is a motorcycle (usually a sports type motorcycle you see in motocross competition) with added wings, balancing both sides to enclose passengers’ feet that are always left hanging while on the road, and mark it! it can accommodate 10-13 people. Cool ayt? Well, cool as it sounds but ridiculous when you see it. We are about to have a picture riding it, but unfortunately our driver deliver us at Jive’s club house, leaving Jhai who is about to picture us at the entrance. But to save your time (I know you will google what it looks like) here is a picture:

Fernandez Beach and Garden Resort

It was Intelligent Travel and ISEM Christmas party, the much awaited party..lol.. It was one of the most unforgettable party of team Gab, and why not? We had so much fun!

to be continued… 😛

Camp Holiday

After a fun day at Maxima Aqua Fun, we finally rested in a comfortable room in Camp Holiday. not just any ordinary room but a suite room (emphasis on the suite room) yeah!

at the resort’s restaurant while waiting for our order

black bug everywhere in the resort, very annoying!

Shaun caught up at 10:30

Yoga exercise with our instructor Milesa

having fun while watching Upin Ipin

Anesha and the monkey boy Kyle

Panoramic view of the room, that’s Carl in the corner

all kinds of pancit: bihon, lomi, pancit guisado, pancit canton for breakfast

Aunt Bibing and my mama doing the look-up pose, with my kuya and cousin Milesa in the background playing “pong”

Oh! it’s Darryl Dixon on the screen, TWD episode 4 now showing, baby!

Aunt Rose, cousin Ric2 and Shaun playing “tong-its” from 7 am ’til 1 pm. Shaun’s lost? 400 *facepalm*

Looks like they’re having lot of fun. My favorite pic, their laugh is genuine and pure.

view from our rooms balcony

a deluxe room, super nice…

My Anesha with a sad face, why?

Oh, here I am, chilling in the resorts infinity pool

with Shaun

and cousin, and brother, and nephews, and daughter…

Jo teaching Anesha how to float

wow, such a fast learner! credit to Milesa for teaching, so basically this just the test part..lol

more moments

in the Kiddie pool

Is this all yours Shaun?

After swimming, at the suite room lobby

parting time. here’s at the lobby…

Maxima Aqua Fun

How does the rush of descending a titan slide at extraordinary speed all the way to the open sea speak to you? It’s beyond any doubt sounds a lotta fun, doesn’t it? Be that as it may while some could be fast to say, “Oh yes! Let’s try that, baby!” and even rub their hands together in eagerness, I bet some others might reconsider or more before finally deciding to do it. Also even after they’d said they might, they still couldn’t be certain until they’ve really done it. Me?

View from above

On our path on board my aunt Ging2’s van to Maxima Aqua Fun, I was trusting I might uncover the fearlessness to do it. I am not by any means a huge enthusiast of water slides. Growing up, I’ve never felt safe in them. For reasons unknown, I’ve generally had this inalienable fear of harming myself as I quickly descend the quick water slide paths, particularly on those slides that are made of cement. Anyway I do love the water however, and the possibility of being tossed into the open sea and making a big splash on the water really gave me a pleasurable sensation of fright and excitement.

Maxima Aqua Fun Resort is actually built on a side of a cliff facing the open sea. From the entrance, there is a a winding concrete stairways leading down to the central part of the resort where the restaurant and dining area, along with the picnic huts, tables and chairs, and other amenities are located. Going down further, the stairways would lead the visitors to a boardwalk which allows them to get closer to the water.

view from the dining area

Maxima Aqua Fun has no beach. There is no soft powdery white sand in the resort- just the pure crystal clear water of the open sea which is said to be as deep as 100 feet. To swim, one could either use the diving boards and take a plunge straight to the sea or use the stairs of the boardwalks leading to a platform under the water. The resort has a strict policy of not allowing anyone to swim without a life vest on and it applies even to those who claim to be good swimmers like me 🙂 The lifevest is quite a hassle when diving but we had to abide by the rules. Safety should always come first, by all means.

Since Maxima is basically a water park, there are several other water sports activities to keep the visitors entertained like jet skiing, scuba diving, kayaking and the one my mama, aunt, cousin, cousins friend and nephew tried, the banana boat, but the main attraction of course, is the giant slide. When we arrived, no one from the other visitors was using the slide, which made me worried a little bit. I hoped there wasn’t anything wrong with the slides. A few minutes later though, a group of Japanese or Korean tourists made their way to the top towards the starting point of the slide. One by one, they began sliding down the lane, and as I watched each of them having so much fun, I felt a strong urge to go up and finally try it myself. But I waited a little bit. Letting my companions go first and watched their reactions.

Taken after the 15 minute banana boat ride

When I thought could no longer contain my excitement, I’d walked up to the starting point. I was feeling nervous but I did my best not to show it. There was no way I would let my nerves get the best of me. Looking relaxed from the outside, I positioned myself at the starting point where the assistant poured a considerable of water at my back to make me wet. That would ensure a smoother and faster slide all the way down to the sea. Now, the moment of truth. After one big inhale, I let go of my grip on the bars at both sides, and just as soon as I did that, I found myself sliding down the slippery lane in so much rush that I couldn’t even think straight. I must have been so stunned, I even forgot to scream. With a big “uummmppph” sound in the end, I was thrown into the air, and down straight to the water in a flash. Just as soon as I emerged from below a few seconds later, I screamed inside “one more!”

Videos:

More pics:

screenshot of my GPS, it’s my first time, though…

Our lunch, boodle food: garlic rice topped with grilled pusit, pork chop, chicken bbq, grilled tilapia, kinilaw, plate of appetizer consist of singkamas, okra, manga, kamote tops and bagoong

our lunch chicken, pancit, chopsuey, kinilaw

from L-R: Milesa, Jo, Carl, aunt Rose, unknown guide, and half of my mama

The whole Maxima from the sea

Angel fish visible from clear water

Milesa and Jo

Who’s a Fan of Tom Hiddleston?

Who’s a Fan of Tom Hiddleston?.

Buffet Palace

Taken outside Buffet Palace while waiting for it to open

Already inside Buffet Palace but we’re still waiting for the clock to struck 6 pm. The foods are already placed but for so irrational reason we have to wait til 6

Pa cute muna. photo taken by Jayrex

Like a boss in NCCC Mall bowling area.

Group picture at Timezone. Planning where to kill our time before heading Buffet Palace.

Waiting in vain, I mean waiting 6 pm, already inside buffet palace

Another group picture after our failed bowling session.

Inside buffet palace. waiting…. waiting… waiting…

(L – R) Jayrex, Hazel, Gabryle, Hannah, Katherine, me 🙂

Outside buffet palace.  waiting…. waiting… waiting… (L – R) Jayrex, me, Katherine

(L – R) Hannah, me, Gabryle, Hazel & Katherine

(L – R) Jayrex, Roselyn, Hazel, Hannah, me, Arbie, Sheila, & Gabryle

With my team leader

With my closest pals in our team Katherine & Hannah

We look like enjoying rounds of bowling, truth?? nope! just for the record… lol

oh! another waiting… waiting… waiting….

With super kulit Hazel and our bitchy TL

caption you like??? waiting… waiting… waiting…

Oh! finally!( not really finally)  this was taken when I am almost done.

part 2…. ahmmmm….. many part of waiting…. waiting… waiting….

outside (L – R) Arbie, Roselyn, Sheila, Jayrex, Hazel, Gabryle, me, Hannah, & Katherine

Our TL feelin’ yummy

How’s the bowling guys… lol… nah, sarcastic…

oh, feelin’ pretty, thanks mommy Sylvette

@ NCCC Mall timezone, coz we are not allowed to videoke, we just took a pose outside, why not?

with my closest pal + 1.. :))

Gumamela Caverock Resort

It was a trip that we’ll never forget! Thought we’re lost or into some form of spell, but we made it safe to gumamela resort.. weeew…

Sunset Beach

I must say that this is one of the most unforgettable reunion I had attended. And why not? First, I am not guilty about it ’cause it has Shaun’s consent, second, I didn’t pulled out much cash, just for the fare and our re-union contribution, third, there was no awkward moment during that night, ’cause I was with the boys, (well, don’t get me wrong girls,  I just don’t like staying in our cottage and just talk about things and thugs) and lastly, it was awesome! I really had a great time..

Anyway, it was more like of a get together sort to think, ’cause out of  100+ graduates of my batch, only 20 people more or less had attended, and not more than 5 were classmates, meaning we are of different sections, and add to that we don’t have something in common to talk about. But that night it was filled with laughter and individual experiences of what happened to us after graduation, we do have little topic of our elementary though, about the famous bullies of our batch and the popular peps during that time, never forget the one being bullied… LOL! and hearing it from the boys, it was crazy!

D’Leonor Inland Resort & Adventure Park

Let me start my blog of what had happen to us today, take note this is not a review about the place but rather our experience during our team building

First thing first, we’ve decided from our meeting the day before that we will meet up at Gaisano Mall, para from there sabay-sabay nami padulong sa De’Leonor.

First to arrived was Suzy, then ako, then si sir Gab and Mark, next was Arbie and then Roselyn and Sheila last. We were waiting Jhai and Noch when an accident happened ‘nong padulong na sila ug Gmall. Ana sa text, na banggaan ug kotse sila noch and jhai and naa sila sa Davao Doc.

Suzy decided na mo adto sa Davao doc and mo una nalang mi sa deleonor, but out of guilt, alangan naman na mag lingaw2 mi ug una while naa mi isa ka team na na accidente. 

Anyway, we’d waited for the result sa medical ni noch, and when it’s ok na, we pursue our team building.

We hired a Buhangin route multicab to deliver as straight to DeLeonor. I never thought na ang dalan paduong deleonor kay sa Esperanza, first name na nag sulod sa ako mind kay si Rhea one of my best friend.

Anyway, when we’re there…. the pictures speaks for itself na, it is arranged from the moment we got there ’til the last minute…

Bali-Bali Beach Resort

It was my first time to attend our company’s summer party, ’cause as stupid as it sounds,  it was also the first time our company had a summer party.

It was held in Bali-Bali resort, and first thought about the name it sounds to me like “to invert your clothes when you’re lost” sort of thing..lol.. nah, I’ve never heard of such resort before, though. But guess what, I’ve made a little research and found out that the theme of the resort was taken from a place in Indonesia, called Bali. It all explained why they named such. Another point that this resort does not entertain walk-ins, so better book ahead if you’re interested. 

The place is so nice, though mommy Sugar (Sylvette), Suzy (Katherine) and me arrived twilight, and most of the views are in shade of black (thanks for the lights).

And there’s a tradition (should I say) that if it was your first time to be in a beautiful place, you should make a wish so that you can come back to that place (actually I’m not quite sure about that) in which, obviously, I did.

Anyway, enough of the introduction, go back to the topic!

We arrived twilight, right? don’t ask why I have pictures of the morning and mid-day views of the resort, and the activities that had happened prior to our arrival, I’d just grabbed them from the internet and our company’s page, simple as that..lol

Okay, enough I said! just go through the caption of each picture as your guide for the event… see you in the last part of this post… enjoy!

View from the lobby, the resort’s pride, the infinity pool  (credit: google images)

Oriental Garden Villa www.balibaliresort.net/‎

Our barge just docked at Babak, Samal Wharf (time check: 5+ pm) photo taken by Suzy

The main stage of the event. Where all activities are held

Sir James for the opening remarks

My teammates at the left side

I not sure about what games is this but base on the picture it looks like, longest human line…

Oh, sorry this should come first, the game is longest line, that is…

lucky we are coz it’s eating time when we arrived…

not sure about this but, looks like this was taken after we had our dinner and our TL is tipsy already

nah, a little selfie, right after swimming…

a little drink of Emperador wait! Emperador?! I’d been fooled, after all this time i thought it’s Tanduay…lol

picture, picture, picture with Mel Brian, Roselyn, Nochelyn… this was after the program…

With Arbie, Nochelyn, and Roselyn

On our way home, taken outside Camp Holiday, waiting for the barge to load us.

It was one of the events of Six Eleven that I will never forget. There are happening in between, but let’s just pretend it didn’t happen.lol..