OVER the weekend, I had the privilege of driving through some places in Cebu province. Our destination was Borbon where we found a quaint resort – almost hidden, with only a few picnickers. It is a lovely place. I would choose it over the highly-commercialized ones.
We were hungry. Travels always make one hungry. Unfortunately for us, the resort does not serve food. However, they cook food for picnic goers and resort guests upon request.
We didn’t bring any food for cooking as well, thus, we decided to request the friendly resort in-charge to prepare the perpetually-reliable noodles, haha! What is life without noodles huh!
We started from Lapulapu City, passing through Consolacion – I remember my friend Carmela Ramos Castillo lives here; Liloan – where we intentionally parked to buy Titay’s delicacies for pasalubong; Danao City – where I got off and posed by the newly-finished landmark that says, “Sidlak Danao” – a very unique tagline that resonates with tourists.
I also took photos of the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Church; Carmen – where I also posed by the landmark; Sogod – another photo with the “#Dali na sa Sogod” landmark – how creative! It’s located high up the hill where the municipal hall is also situated, and then Borbon for the beach resort. I must say I am really in awe of people who can create catchy and fresh taglines. It’s a talent!
Again it was a leisurely trip. The roads are good. Trees formed canopies on the roads, totally beautiful! I thought we would never reach our destination after all the pictorials. Thank God we did!
Now on Cebu’s traffic. Upon arrival in Mactan, Lapulapu City, I asked the cab driver if I wouldn’t get caught in traffic if I proceed to Cebu City right away. I wanted to make sure. It was a Friday and I knew that traffic would be heavy.
He advised to stay put in Lapulapu City, proceed Cebu City the following day Saturday, and drive outside Cebu city early. He said there’s no traffic during weekend mornings. He was right of course.
However, he also cautioned that if I drive outside of Cebu City, I need to return to the city before 4:00 in the afternoon because by then, city workers who went home for the weekend, would all troop back to the city, and then we would be caught by the humongous traffic! I made a mental note to follow his advice.
Of course the trip wouldn’t be complete without a mini-reunion with Bol-anon childhood friends Emcy Ingking Ytol and Warlita Warly Pacional. We had a good time chatting and catching up in one of Mandaue City’s popular malls. Our discussion was varied but we focused more seriously about the politics in Bohol. Haha, we are really political animals. We can’t get enough of politics. But then again, it’s a good topic for the brains, I think.
I had to fly back by Monday and return to work. I am presently serving the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) as Communications Consultant. Exciting days are upcoming for SFFAII! The 21st National Tuna Congress is slated on Sept. 4-6, 2019 at the SM Trade Halls, 3rd Floor, SM City General Santos in General Santos City.
This year’s Theme, “The Tuna Industry: Embracing Technologies and Sustainable Strategies”, fully acknowledges the rapid changes happening in the fishing industry brought about by technology. Technology indeed, is the forerunner of the future.
I will be writing more about the 21st National Tuna Congress in my future columns.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Sometimes we become so adamant and focused on what we want to achieve based on our own unrealistic desires. In the process, we compel others to share the same focus tending to forget what is realistically achievable. Oftentimes, we need to knock our heads on the wall to see that we have become unrealistic, to the point of becoming petty, and worse, a bully. But life deals us with blows and then we comprehend. We realize that life is not all about us – it’s not all about you. It’s also about the other person. It’s also about other human beings.
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com/PN
