I have been longing for a long break with a blast after the psychological stress that April conflagration of my town bring and my prison like condition manning the shop. The universe seemed to connived with request from 3 people coming in June, one from Tom of Belgium whom I have known and traveled with last year and Shayne from Manila, Jason from the USA who was referred to me by Stewart (guest in Feb) and Martin from Czech Republic. It was Tom who arrived on the 8th of June to do his PADI Open Water Course while Jason was still in Batad, Boracay and Bacolod with Gringo. Martin was in Palawan, Dumaguete and Cebu. Tom was supposed to leave after finishing his Open Water course but was refused to fly due to his eye infection and need a week to recuperate, Martin came on the 15th and Jason on the day after. The three only knew each other while hosting them but instantly connected with a good vibe. We got a fun trip to Samal visiting the Batcave and Haguimit falls riding on habal-habal(mototcycle taxi) catching the fresh breeze of the wind while cruising the island road.

On our way to Padada, we dropped by Cebulan river for the water tubing. We could barely catch up with Martin and Tom during the long hike going to our starting point...blame it on the undies. Camera's battery was failing as we traveresed the white water on the inner tube of a tire but still managed to take few photos. Before hitting Padada, Martin and Jason bought two gallons of tuba (coconut) in Cebulan and drank it after dinner with Ed.

We made a courtesy call to Mayor Antonio Razonable on day two and he brought us to Seagull Firing Range as each fired an M16,9mm and a shotgun courtesy of C.O.P. Alex Razonable. We proceeded to Malinao and visited the samall traditional pottery industry, everyone had a dirty hand with no pots formed. Mayor offered his car to us and we proceeded to Kapatagan for zip lining at Camp Sabros and was awed by the works of Kublai at the Agong House and the chilly air of the mountain.


My birthday dinner was waiting as we descended from the mountain. Shared the lechon, kinilaw and sinugba with some Padada friends. Mind you, i got cake and a gift from my guests...sweet!. Party continued at the Virgin Forest. Jason made his concert while Martin was the backup dancer. Our quartet rendition of "We are the Champion" reverberates in the stillness of the night. Our party ended watching Jason teaching Martin the proper way of eating Balut. We were awake until 4am as Martin needs to get on a bus to the city on his way to Butuan. At 8am, we started moving to get to the city as Jason will catch his 2pm flight and Shayne for her night flight. me and Tom decided decided to get to Padada that night but the long wait and the jousting for the bus prompted us to get back to the apartment and had beer at Southpark instead.


Tom spent his extended time recuperating , waiting and killing soldiers in Padada. He was able to observed the normal rustic life of the town. Went up to Cliff Hanger Resto along the Davao-Gensan road on a motor bike to get the good vista of the Davao gulf and its environ. Now that they are all gone, all i have are the fond memories. Hope to see you once again guys and thanks for the cake and the gift...i still can't find the lighter hehehe.