A fun-filled, haha-happy vacation
Bonding with my children and two beautiful granddaughters has always been a-much-anticipated-and-eagerly-awaited event by us.
Tokyo, now becoming my fave destination, was the top choice — for being a good neighbor in our region. The Japanese people are very cordial and helpful. I fondly remember one incident in Osaka when I and some friends, alighting from a train from Kyoto, had difficulty getting to Marriott Hotel, which we were told, was just walking distance. After approaching three persons, who, unfortunately, were not English-speaking, I spotted a young guy, who luckily could speak and understand English, and asked for his help. To our pleasant surprise, he so kindly went out of his way, skipped lunch, even offered to carry our luggage, and accompanied us right at the hotel entrance!
As always, our Tokyo sojourn was fun-filled, happy, memory-laden, as we played like kids with Javea and Maria. Ah! Those were precious family moments I have added to my family album of cherished memories.
Back home, and after resting for a while, my younger daughter Bunny proceeded to Siargao, while elder daughter Nina and me, together with a favorite travelling friend, Cora Guidote, followed suit. It has been a practice for me to visit our very own resorts, whose beauty is beyond compare, after vacationing abroad, to balance things. Since Cora knew how much I enjoyed Dedon Island in Siargao, she immediately joined us in that place I always-long-to-go-back-to — Siargao, the premier surfing capital of our country. No, not to surf, but to commune with the calming beauty and splendor of nature.
This time, we hied off to Kalinaw Resort, which was a nice place, too. Bunny stayed near Cloud Nine, and tried surfing to conquer the wind-whipped waves. We were lucky to watch the spectacular exhibition of the surfing prowess of the ladies who participated in the international surfing competition for women being held at that time.
The beach always brings out that vibrant, happy glow and carefree, relaxing feeling. Daku Island is an all-time favorite spot in Siargao, with its fine-almost-powdery white sand. A virgin resort, which I pray will not be spoilt by commercialization, to retain its pristine appeal — clear blue waters, cool breeze, tall coconut trees that provide shade during the desiccating heat that goes with summertime.
My friends could hardly believe I went swimming even at high noon — for as my amazed friend Celia Guzman said, “Just to get into a car, or cross a street, you cover yourself with an umbrella, so I cannot imagine you swimming and basking under the peak heat of the sun.” To which, I laughingly retorted, “That is why I shield myself from sun exposure the rest of the year, so I can have untrammeled fun and joy on the beach during summer.” Hahaha! Yes, I threw all caution to the wind to enjoy the caress of the waves, and the kiss of the sun! The exhilarating feeling gives pure fun and adds spice to the-shaded-bustling-dizzying life in the city! Relaxing, fun-filled, as we laughed our hearts out while in the water.
Kalinaw Resort is a dream come true for two French guys — Fred de Backer and Pierre Zappavigna — who left the “City of Lights,” Paris, in search of a tropical, relaxing life, and fell in love with Siargao, after going around other places. It is the culmination of all their aspirations, both being designers, art architecture and fashion lovers, inspired by skateboard and street culture.
Kalinaw Resort, a must-see destination resort, is located only 800 meters from the world-famous surf-break Cloud Nine in Siargao Island. It offers a relaxing retreat for those searching for a tropical, remote, peaceful-yet-luxurious resort — an escape from the hustle and bustle of the modern metropolis. There are five premium bungalow suites flirting next to a majestic ocean front and offering amenities such as: private brackish water infinity pool overlooking the ocean, lounges, and a daily European three-place setting cuisine. Their famous brick-oven pizza, served only at dinner time, is really something to crave for.
Fred and Pierre aptly chose the name “Kalinaw,” which, in the Visayan dialect, means peaceful.
Adding more fun to our adventure was the padyak, the local name for the tricycles which we happily rode in going to and from Cloud Nine and Daku Island.
We ventured out at night riding the padyak and marveled at the beauty, peace, and serenity of Siargao. Masarap balik-balikan (a place one would always want to come back to)!
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E-mail author at mega_abundant_lv@yahoo.com.
