I have been working at the office for one year and six months and this will be the first time that we will be having a company outing, group bonding, team building and fun in the sun away from the paper and research works that we are accustomed to everyday. This kind of adventure is different and the occasion is rare so everyone is excited.
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| The tug boat which carried us to Maldita. |
If wasn’t for the wakeup call made by Jovi I would have been late for the outing. As agreed we set off for Mactan at around 7:30 am. The group had a convoy towards the departure venue. At last we arrived at a wharf in Punta Engano at around 8 am and after a few minutes wait for some of our companions we rode in the huge motor boats that will carry us to the island destination. I found the names of the boats amusing. There was Mahinhin, Malakas, Mainit, Mabait and all other Filipino character traits and adjectives but what is more interesting is that the our ride (2 boats) were named Makulit and Maldita, yes you heard it right. I wonder why, but it does not mean anything bad, I even liked the idea because it describes the group—funny yet assertive, humorous and witty, eager but well planned.
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| Maldita and Makulit |
The weather was not so cooperative at first because the drizzles coldly welcomed us. Eventually Mr. Sun dominated with his might but gentle on the clouds’ hide. Everybody were seated (I was in Maldita), the anchors lifted, the engines loudly roared and slowly we moved. The boats were huge, they had a capacity of 25 persons (as written in its body) but it accommodated almost 30 including its crew. They were wide and spacious and had a lanai area where the guests can talk in the comforts of a soft chair. At the middle was a bed like area where the guests can lie down and sleep while the cool breeze caresses their cheeks. At the side were long benches where the guests can relax while leaning back and letting the waves wash all the worries that they have. The waves splashed inside the boat as we moved forward but our boat was fierce so we just enjoyed the scene while AFS took shots from his camera. The sun is not brightly out but the heat is felt like iron close to your hand.
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| Sulpa Island |
At around 10 am we came to our first stop, Sulpa Island. The island is located a few kilometers from the shores of Mactan. It is an islet actually, uninhabited but maintained and owned by a corporation. It is not well developed but had cottages and white sands. It charges an entrance fee of 100 pesos per head but we stayed at the portion where no fees were collected so we got the chance to stay at the island for free. We arrived while the water is still low so we were able to swim from the boat to the islet, some of course rode the rubber boat. I was one of the first from the group to set foot on the islet. I made a turn around the islet and surveyed its entire structure. It looked mysterious from afar because of the shape and formation created by the lime stones. However, upon a closer view, it’s just plainly ordinary maybe because stones and seaweeds even sea urchins abound the surrounding. Nevertheless, I enjoyed snorkeling around. The stones and some corrals were alive and full of green seaweeds. The colorful fishes swim next to you while walking, just be careful not to step on the pointed parts of the stones underneath. We started to unload the things and some set up the grill. We swam, kayaked, swam, and kayaked. We drank, talked, drank and talked. As the water rose, so did our digestive tracts. So at around 11 am we feasted on the roasted pig and other food. We were so full and continued stretching our muscles by swimming even more. I got cramps on both legs because of the cold water in an attempt to save a child. I am glad we were saved by the [person in the (jun)] rubber boat before everything was too late. We really enjoyed soaking in the clear and cold waters. When we got to the boat, I started to feel the burning sensation in my face and arms, sunburn is underway for sure but that is nothing compared to the fun and experience we had.
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| Talima is such an adventure! |
At past 1pm we decided to leave the islet because the water rose higher. The waves became rougher this time. We stopped by Barangay San Vicente in Olango Island to see a property. Together with the big bosses we rode the rubber boat to get closer to the island but we didn’t find the one we were looking for. We decided to proceed to the next stop, Talima Adventure and Water Park in Barangay Talima still in Olango Island. I was amazed by what I saw, they were able to set up a state of the art adventure paradise. The entrance fee is 100 pesos and additional fees for the other adventure rides and games. The main attractions that they offer are their inflatable aqua adventure facilities—the aquaglide which is around 20 feet high is a giant aqua slide where you get the chance to slide from the top to the waters and get the splash of your life. I was hesitant at first because I was worried my aching legs might hurt again while I will be on the water but then again I tried because the opportunity comes only once and I do not want to miss it this time. I tried it for once though because of the pain in my legs. They also have a huge aqua trampoline where you can jump and bounce as high as you want while you look up at the vast sky. I jump as high as I can, calculating and balancing so that I can stand still when I reach down but due to tiredness I retired and lied down on the giant trampoline while the kids jumped over me. Finally the rockit, a four seater round improvised version of a see-saw, was very enjoyable. It has straps all over where you can hold while you seat on each corner and try to move, turn and bounce as fast and as strong as you can. The effect is like riding a see-saw but with a twist because four people instead of two do it, while you go round and round with the water if you fall down. The fun part of the experience was when the rope tied to the rockit was cut and we were slowly brought by the strong currents away from the adventure area. Thanks to the timely rescue, all were well. After about 30 minutes, we left off the island bringing forth the smiles and thanks of the personnel of the adventure park. I commend them for the incomparable hospitality and accommodation.
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| Some of the legal people after the island experience |
Before finally docking at the wharf, we passed by Barangay Malingin in Mactan to see a strip of land subject of one of the cases handled by the office. It was indeed promising and so I thought it would be worth the fight. We docked past 3pm bringing with us exuding smiles, fun memories and stronger bonds despite the exhaustion that we had. We took pictures for the last time (we were not able to take so much pictures while on the islands because the waves were big). Smile. Say cheese. Click!
P.S.: I lost my sunglasses, let it just be my offer to the undines for the accommodation.
7:30 pm
04/10/2011
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Some of the Talima photos courtesy of:
