posted: Aug.14, 2011
South Waters, Grande island and Sariaya ( Sept. 2010)
Early in the morning, at around 4:30, we departed from AIT through South Water Bus. It was a 5-hour trip, arriving at the Hotel by boat. It is very quiet and it seemed that we are alone in the resort. Along the way, you can see coconut trees, restaurant, courts (volleyball, basketball and tennis), wide pool and Jacuzzi.
We proceeded to our room. Their theme is Filipino house. Weaved walls and fixtures add up to it, though we used aircon for cooling. It was too good for four persons. Quite good enough for a budget stay which costs Php 1710 per person.
We proceeded to our room. Their theme is Filipino house. Weaved walls and fixtures add up to it, though we used aircon for cooling. It was too good for four persons. Quite good enough for a budget stay which costs Php 1710 per person.
We took a rest awhile. Later then, we had a 45-minute boat ride to Grande Island. What we have seen there is unexploited island, visited by few locals. Fine white sand, strong rushing waves and exceptional natural landscapes welcomed us. From what I perceive about Boracay, I guess Grande Island can surpass its beauty- no sea urchins around (haha!), safe place for swimming, clear water, good weather system, unpolluted and rarely visited.
Everyone is startled by the beauty of the island, wanting other people to experience this kind of feeling as well. Some of us suggested to developing this place as a tourist destination. Once again, I recalled our essay about “tourism as threat to environmental degradation.” Sometimes I think it is better not to touch the nature for us to sustain its beauty. It may be economically beneficial to us but then, we cannot preserve the area as it is. Its trade-off is not worthy at some points.
On the other part, picturesque view of the island enticed us to explore its beach and took so many pictures. We are really fond of taking pictures! – at every spot, we took many shots. The cave next to the beach was really really fascinating! I was amazed of this and really wanted to see it. Together with other AITmates, we went there and took so many pictures again. By 12:30pm, we decided to leave the island. Strong waves went our way.
We safely arrived at South waters by 1:30. Then mouth-watering foods filled our stomachs. Binagoongan na baboy, kare-kare, sinigang na manok, mangga with bagoong and halaya are served. I cannot say anything but they taste great! We took a rest for several hours then we proceeded to the 2nd most exciting part of the tour which is the AMAZING RACE. Composing of two teams with five members each, we have to go through several tasks like- Doctor Quack-Quack, Rectangle Puzzle, picture takings with the ostrich, potterman , coconut husks, acacia tree, the villa, etc. and lastly, the basketball and volleyball competition. I am very satisfied with how the game was handled. Almost all facilities are utilized by the group and everyone participated. I didn’t expect that it would be that fun.
For the second time around, we ate delicious foods of South waters! Shanghai rolls were very tasty. And the dessert, buko pandan, was awesomely sweet-which is what I really wanted haha! Next to it, we prepared for our socials night-Hawaiian Party. At first, I wondered what we are going to do. Surprisingly, we had a ‘naming’ game based on a certain category. If you weren’t able to answer it, you have to have a shot of beer. Geez, I was forced to drink! But, it wasn’t a bad experience and I don’t want to spoil our night. At around 11pm, Aura, Nicole and I already decided to sleep because of a long, tiring day.
Countdown to our last hours in South Waters. 7am was our call time-well I think at least I had enough sleep at that day. A meat-filled breakfast- Lucban Longanisa, Tapa and Tocino- filled our stomachs to energize our morning. Chitchat with friends, conversations, and sharing of that night experience awakened our senses to talk. Then we had our free time to roam around the resort. All we did was to take jump shot pictures in the pool, ride in water boats and enjoy the sceneries around us.
We left the South waters by 12 noon, had a ride to Sariaya Quezon and ate lunch at a heritage resort. Again, lots of foods are served. Whew, I guess I didn’t experience hunger while on the trip. Foods are really overflowing-too good for 17 persons. Then, headed by our tour guide, we went to several historical houses in Sariaya. I was astounded by the story of each house, architectural designs, Sariayanons’ culture, social status and their history. Only at that time, when I was able to appreciate history of a place. It was well-preserved as culture was passed onto the succeeding generations. Actually, I appreciate the history of Sariaya more than what Ilocos has. I don’t know if it is about how tourism research was established in the area, or if it is about the participation of the locals. The walking tour lasted for about two hours, but I think we stayed there for several days. It ended on our exploration of Gala-Rodriguez house. I was very surprised on how the designs and furniture were managed, how the tour guides dress, how each room contain significant stories, how the former inhabitants lived a lavish life, and how the secret cellar story was told to us. It was like a time travel back to the old Sariaya 50 years before. I can’t really forget the experience in that house!
Shami, pinagong and kakanin (which I can’t remember) were our snack for that afternoon. Indeed, the shami (pansit) is very addicting (for me). It is very tasty, somehow sweet and salty. I really ate a lot of it and thought of bringing home more pansit at home haha. But then, I have decided not to buy and go back to Quezon instead (*crossed fingers*). In time, I want to bring in more tourists in Sariaya and present to them the efforts of UP researchers and Sariayanons.
