Davao City
On June 2, we traveled from General Santos City to Davao City for my flight to ‘Bohol beloved’ the following day, June 3. Father Marben Morallas graciously offered us a ride together with beauteous Umbs Balani, and Rosie Pacifico. It was a beautiful sendoff for me because I was treated to a surprise birthday cake by Father Marben, Rox Almanzor, and Jov Coronas in one of the chic restos in Davao City which to me is quite unique with its lounge, balcony, and premier setup! Well, I thought of it that way that Father Marben, Rox, and Jov chuckled at it! What a great birth month, huh!
Bohol
The following day, I took the flight from Davao City to Panglao, Bohol and was fetched by the vehicle of Amarela Resort, also located in Panglao where I stayed for two days since CresPat Lungay family was going to celebrate a get-together in the same resort. Cres is for Crescencio, my grandfather on my mother’s side while Pat is for Pateria, my grandmother on my mother’s side.
With minimal guests, I pleasurably enjoyed the pool like owning it, haha! It was fantastic! I had a gardener take my photos.
By evening, a childhood friend Chulyn Rosalejos joined me for dinner and voila, Amarela surprised me with a birthday plate! It was artfully done to my delight. We missed you, Juanette Lubiano.
The following day, before the whole caboodle arrived, I took to the pool again and had a lady staff photograph me. I thought at fifty-six, I should wear a two-piece swimwear while I can still don it. When the gang arrived, the place lit up – what with so many kids yapping and squealing! I should mention that there was so much food prepared for the event – special thanks to our sponsor Uncle Benjie Lungay and Ate Malu Digal Lungay who arrived from the US after being locked in for two years – no thanks to the pandemic.
Hezekiah Kit arrived, too, which made my birthday extra special. Thanks, son, for making your divergent mother happy.
After the get-together, the whole gang proceeded to Balilihan for another early birthday treat – again, and then we proceeded to the wake of Nang Salud Calope Torregosa.
June 6 Birthday
On my birthday, breakfast was shared with our hosts Ate Mila Calope Galvan and Uncle Steve Galvan in their beautiful Mediterranean-inspired home. Following that, we proceeded to radio station DYTR and guested – extremely late though – in Kwentas Klaras and shared brunch with Ted Ayeng, the anchorperson.
Then we visited the folks at Victoria Memorial Park. I’m so glad to have visited my parents on my birthday. It’s comforting and healing.
Another highlight of my birthday was visiting Nang Neria Lim Te who had a surprise birthday bag ready for me with my name painted on it! So generous! Thank you, Nang Neria. You’re such a blessing in my life!
The birthday was capped with a visit at the wake in Balilihan where I met many Calope relatives, some Lungays, childhood friends and acquaintances. It’s so good to reconnect with blood relations. It’s good for the heart.
Bed and Breakfast
Presently, Ate Mila Calope Galvan and Uncle Steve Galvan are hosting us in their posh residence in Baclayon, Bohol. Their home also offers a bed and breakfast called Baclayon Residencia. It’s right behind the heritage Baclayon church. It’s airy, spacious, dotted with plants, a beautiful garden, a mix of old and new since the old house – where I spent many days of my young life – held many valuable items including wood panels that were artfully integrated in the new structure. The place is very homey, peaceful, and just near the city.
Baclayon Residencia offers a boat that guests can rent to visit Pamilacan Island and relish the bounty of the island. For nature lovers, Pamilacan Island is a small island belonging to the municipality of Baclayon. According to Ate Mila, it is only a 45-minute pump or outrigger boat ride from the town of Baclayon. “You need to leave early, around 5:30 in the morning so you can see the dolphins,” Ate Mila said.
For local and foreign tourists, Baclayon Residencia is open for business seven days a week. You may contact them via mobile No. 0969 1266723.
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Birthday thoughts
Thanking God for turning fifty-six and experiencing renewed love for my kids, family, old and new friends. Life couldn’t be better! Thank you, Lord. Indeed, Jeremiah 33:3!
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
