2008 Year End Report

As a tradition, I always give a year-ender report on the things that happened to me every year. The Year 2008 for me is full of big happenings, lots of blessings and adventures. I thank our God because without him, this woundn’t be possible and for my parents, family for being so supportive and understanding.

Here are some events that changed my life for this year, 2008. You can click some links below or browse the dates on the right side of the screen for the monthy archives. Time really flies fast, its like parang kahapon lang nangyari ang mga ito. Paspas jud kaayo ang panahon. All of this are documented in this blog.

JANUARY - It was January 1, 2008 that I officially start working at Davao Medical Center, Medicine Ward. I cant forget that I have 3 mortality during this time. I also received my very first salary. This month also, I upgraded my career by enrolling at Philippine Womens University, Masters of Arts in Nursing.

FEBRUARY - I survived DMC. The first 2 weeks of my work at Medicine Ward almost makes me think that I will resign in my job. Its not easy to work here because its so toxic. But, thanks to the people behind Medicine ward, they helped me alot to become an effective nurse. 

APRIL - Me and my workmates had a summer outing at La Concha Beach resort in Samal Island.

JUNE - We bought a new car, Toyota Hi Lux. My mom started the phase 1 of our house renovation.

AUGUST - I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on my own doing a solo backpacking trip. Part of the money for my allowance was from my earnings of this blog.

SEPTEMBER - We had another outing at Blu Waters, Samal. This was also the birthday of our supervisor, Mam Ema.

NOVEMBER - This month is very busy, I went to Zamboanga, Cebu , Iloilo, Guimaras and Boracay. I also had an zipline adventures in Camp Sabros and Samal Island. Wow, I realized that Im a jetsetter, haha.

DECEMBER - I left Iloilo to Davao. This month, something big is really happening to my career. Starting next year, January 1, I will now be part of the Emergency Department of DMC. Goodbye Medicine Ward.  

Last round of Fun at SAMAL

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Before we end the year, lets have fun at Samal Island, Philippines.

Never ending poses

Getting ready for the zipline

Here I go! Yipeee!!!

Preparing for the rapeling. Log in to me.

 Taking it easy, I can do it!!

Its harder than I thought

With my friend, Irene, dugaya pud niya oi…

I can’t believe I did it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Turned 24 yesterday!!

Uncertain

It is still uncertain if I will to receive a Christmas bonus at what the news have said. There were some gossips that we “Job-Order Contract” employees will not receive Xmas bonus because we are not contractual workers. So, Job Order Contact and Contractual are totally opposite. Its better not to expect coz I might got hurt. Goodbye P10,000.

Btw, its my birthday tomorrow and I’m broke. Haha

Boracay Adventures

Its a sure long way from Iloilo to Boracay but the trip was really worth because Boracay is just simply beautiful. Yahoo! Travel ranked Boracay as one of the top 10 beaches of the world and I’m so lucky to be in Boracay. 

From Iloilo City, I met with my colleagues from DMC at SM City Iloilo then we hired a cab going to the bus terminal. 

We rode the Ceres Bus. The trip cost about P350 one way in an air conditioned coach. We depart at around 9:30am. On the way, we noticed unfinished construction sites all the way to Caticlan. It would absolutely cut the 6 hour trip into half probably if the roads are completed. There was traffic jam some few points because other vehicles have to make way for the other buses since the road can be used as one way. However, sad to note that there are no more people working in the construction and surely this problem will be ongoing until the next year. It was so inconvenient for travelers. Anyway, we also had a short lunch stop at Jungle restaurant.

We arrived in Kalibo at around 2PM. This town is famous for its Ati-atihan festival next month.

We arrived finally at Caticlan around 3:30pm. We have to ride a fast craft to the Island for P30. Usually, the terminal will charge passengers an additional amount for environmental fee however just a tip, tell the cashier that your are resident of Kalibo or elsewhere in Panay. In that way you will be exempted from additional payment. Foreigners will have to pay extra.

The fast craft was really cool. It was just a 5-8 minute ride. From Boracay, tricycles will take you to your hotel, they charge P150 though. We stopped at D’Talipapa around Station 2 and look for a nice place to stay. We checked in near Villa Oro and just a minute walk to the beach. It cost P1500 a day for 5 people.

The beach was really beautiful, it has this crystal clear and fine powdery sand. I’ve been to Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast, Australia but this is much better.

The next day, we went Island Hopping for P400 each without snacks. We went to Crystal Cove and snorkel near Crocodile island.

But my favorite part was we went to PUKA BEACH in Boracay. I just love it there because its secluded from the crowd. You can even go naked here coz there are few people around. This was the location of the movie of Anne Curtis and Aga Mulach When Love Begins. I fell in love with this part of Boracay. A must place to go.

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Be part of DMC

Annoucing to all interested Nurses. 

Davao Medical Center again is now opening its TRAINING PROGRAM for January 2009. Be part of Mindanao’s Largest Government Hospital. Please refer here for further information of the training program. 

Register now for the examination now. Bring your PRC ID or board rating certificate.

Jewels of Guimaras

Previous years, this small province in Western Visayas was once a center of controversy because a certain oil tanker sinked near the island of Guimaras that destroyed local marine habitat, it was like a nightmare for fishermen that depend on their daily catch. However, today Guimaras is bouncing back from its worst ever environmental dilemma. According to the tourist center, there are now more tourist coming after the accident because people got to know more about Guimaras, people became curious. This is exactly why I came to this island, out of curiosity.

Guimaras is widely known for its mangoes, thought to be the sweetest mango in the world. I have to find that out, so my adventure begins. I started my trip at the local fish port in Iloilo at Orlits St. From Ongbon Pension House, I rode a jeep and stopped near the University of Iloilo. The costs from Iloilo to Guimaras is very cheap, just about P13 one way. 

 Inside the pump boat vessel, it was so funny that the boat captain seems to be just relying on his instincts because the controls are below the passengers and the crew were just making signals when to stop or turn but thought it still seems to be safe though. The waves were so strong and thoughts told me this is perhaps why the oil tanker sinked at Guimaras. After 10 minutes ride, I have reached Guimaras roro port at Jordan Municipality and went directly to the tourist center which is located there too. 

Iloilo City on the background

 There are lots of drivers offering a trip to the town center and luckily I picked the right driver for that. He was very friendly and brought me to the scenic spots in the island. He was like a pro-tourist guide. Its true that Guimaras has lots of mango trees, its everywhere. It like there are more mangoes than people in the island.

Guimaras Provincial Capitol, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras

  Jordan is the capital of Guimaras and its town center is at San Miguel. Its a very laid back town just like any other towns in the country. Good thing they have internet thanks to Smart bro and ATM Machines from Land Bank. The driver brought me to a backpacking lodge, its called Small Wings Inn. A night stay is P300, non aircon with bathroom.

Baguio? No, but in Guimaras

 My next trip was at the Tapestry Monastery, it was bit far from the town center. They also offer room accommodations there. If your looking for the best souvenir, this is the place for you.

Mangoes are far as you can see

 Guimaras scenic spot under a mango tree. Mango trees are shorter in the island but produce a very sweet taste.

 The driver told me that they also have a beach to be proud of, so without hesitations. We proceed to the beach. Along the road are mangoes, mangoes and more mangoes. I thought I could taste one but I just learned that mango is not in season. Too bad, but thats okay coz I have the reason to come back next year to taste their mango. In my hometown, Kidapawan we also have mangoes but are not produced in a large scale like this.

The beach never let me down. It was very beautiful.

Going back to Iloilo.

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Incredible Iloilo

I could not contain my excitement the night before my trip to Western Visayas, its always been a dream of mine to visit this part of the Philippines. Why? Its because I have heard so many things about it especially their culture, history and the people. We all love the sweetness of Ilonggos and their famous churches. Actually, I slept at 3AM during the day of my flight. But this trip wouldn’t be possible if again were not for Cebu Pacific, the ticket is absolutely free, no taxes and charges just Zero. My friends couldn’t believe it but its really true. I hope there’s another promo like this, now its time to fly. 

When I arrived in Davao International Airport, the gate bound for Iloilo was already closed. I am 10 minutes late before the plane will depart. Good thing Cebu Pacific is not so strict on this. This happened to me also when I visited Cebu last November 20. The adrenalin rushed when the airport paging already called for immediate boarding while I am still at the hall lining for the the terminal fee. It was like an amazing race experience, I had to run all the way to the 2nd xray machine and the tarmac. I wonder why Cebu Pacific isn’t using the aerobridges anymore on some selected flights. Anyway, it was thrilling to know that I could be left behind by the plane. All the planning will be the disaster. Although we are few minutes delayed, nobody can stop me from visiting Iloilo.

Iloilo Airport impressed me alot. It was well maintained, the floors are really shiny. You can really say that Iloilo politicians are not corrupt coz they were able to build this airport.

This is the face of the Iloilo Airport. For me, this is the 2nd best airport behind from Davao International Airport outside of Metro Manila.

Before hitting out into the city, might as well visit the Tourist Information Center. There I was greeted by a superfriendly staff and even escorted me to the Van terminal. You dont usually see this behavior unless I was a foreigner. But locals or foreigners, I can see that they all take care of their visitors well.

As I said, Iloilo City is also famous for its colonial churches. My foot have taken me to Jaro Church and Jaro Belfry Tower. Both are amazing structures, it reminds us of how the Spanish people have invaded the country. When you see the church interiors, it is so beautiful. The place where I came from Davao, doesnt have this one.

Pictures of the Jaro Belfy, infront of the Jaro Church.

Jaro Church After this, I proceed to Molo Church. This strucked me alot because of its huge doors and lovely interiors!

One of the things I did in Iloilo was to try their street food along along avenue, where St. Paul University is also located, currently the Philippines no. 1 nursing school.

  One of the streets in Iloilo.

Museo Iloilo.