An Pobre nga Abuyog-non
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
PALAU HOTEL
Looking for a nice place to stay while diving in Palau?
Palau is considered as one of the world’s best dive sites. It is a place flocked by divers and tourists alike to witness the magnificent life under the seas, its people and culture, their carved storyboards, museums that preserved part of their history, their variety of restaurants with varied cuisines, the betel nut that has become part of their daily living and a lot more.
Palau is considered as one of the world’s best dive sites. It is a place flocked by divers and tourists alike to witness the magnificent life under the seas, its people and culture, their carved storyboards, museums that preserved part of their history, their variety of restaurants with varied cuisines, the betel nut that has become part of their daily living and a lot more.
At the center of Koror island, Palau lies an economy hotel with 32 rooms divided into single, double and triple room types and has amenities from fully air conditioned rooms equipped with hot and cold shower, complimentary toiletries, cable television, phone line, refrigerator with free bottled mineral water, safe deposit box to internet access plus free airport pick and drop service. Rates are the most economical and will surely not compromise your budget for exploring the beautiful islands.
"Save on your hotel bills to enjoy more dives!” this is Palau Hotel’s slogan advertising discounted hotel rooms so that divers and tourists may have more to spend on diving and discovering the reasons why Palau is the world’s best dive site. Currently the rates are (Sgl) $60.00, (Dbl) $70.00 and (Tpl) $75.00; a 20% discount is given for bookings made through their email address. 
Because it is at the heart of Koror being the center of business establishments, Palau Hotel is just a walk away from shopping malls, restaurants, airline booking offices, government agencies, post office, massage and souvenir shops and a lot more.
Contact Palau Hotel for your inquiries and hotel bookings at (680) 488-1703/04 or send an email, fnbpalauhotel@yahoo.com.
Labels: dive, economy hotel, fun, Palau
Thursday, November 20, 2008
From Abuyog: My Abuyog-non Brother and My Batangena Friend
Yup, that's my brother and my friend. They got married, alright... you guessed it! These couple has long been a part of my life, my brother for the most part actually, but my friend Icel, i met her in F. Cayco St. in 2000... Looking back it has seemed like forever.Anyway let me give you a brief on how this Abuyog-non and Batangena met, a couple i find beautiful.
I’ll start with my brother first. Ramil (taga Abuyog) is 2 years younger than me (now you’re probably guessing my age, just type my name on the internet search engine and you’ll find my birthdate :->) . We went to the same school during our kinder and elementary days.
As kin, we grew up playing and arguing and telling our parents the mischief of each other, but of course if he keeps mine, I keep my mouth shut from telling his faults as well, that way it was a “win-win” solution for both of us. We played the same games and kept the same circle of friends until high school.
We got into different Chinese schools back then. Naturally I’d go to college earlier than him. After the university closed in our place, I transferred to Cebu to continue my college education, while Ramil was to leave for Manila for his college plans. By that time, we’d see each other during holidays and summer seasons when school was out.
My time to go Manila came when I planned to take review classes. I stayed in F Cayco and got to visit Ramil during Sundays and we’d tell each other the stories we’ve missed including me telling him about my roommates….
Icel (taga Batangas) was my classmate in my review classes and roommate (i was on top of the double deck while she got the lower one). We got along well with her other two friends and spent most of what time could allow us studying, chatting, eating and just sharing memories. Ycel and me would usually talk about our brothers and sisters.
This way, I got to tell her about my brother and the rest of my family; whatever information I have given, I have already forgotten. But I’m sure I had shared a lot to Ycel.
This way, I got to tell her about my brother and the rest of my family; whatever information I have given, I have already forgotten. But I’m sure I had shared a lot to Ycel.
When review classes were over, we faced the defining moment of our lives, sad to say our shining stars did not shine that time. Time to part ways was inevitable and so we each made our way into the job hunting and into the unemployed…I got to work in a resort hotel company located in Cavite, while Icel got to work in Laguna (hope my memory is right). Though communication was not on a daily basis, we still were able to chat about what's keeping us busy...
Then all of a sudden she told me that she stopped working and is looking for another job. The thing I knew, she got a job in Cavite! Way too near from my work location too. 
I was able to invite my Ramil and Ycel to attend our company Christmas party. That was the first time they were able to really meet (as far as I know), introduced their names, shake hands, said Hi…
And stayed awake until the following day just chatting and laughing. (Guess what they’ve been talking about? ME! At least that’s what they told me.) Anyway, that was how it all started.They seemed to know a lot about each other even though they have just met. What a connection!!!!
And so, life went on, things happen, I left the Philippines and Ycel left for Italy and Ramil stayed. Communication became scarce but not lost, we get to leave offline messages on the net. The next thing I knew their wedding day set.Though I was not present during the most important day of your lives, i am happy for both of you, but honestly, inggit ako, because I've missed the wedding! I should have been there, but you guys planned it after my vacation ended.
Anyway, no hard feelings, i have the photographs to cherish ( i got it from friendster by the way, thanks to modern technology). But you, Ycel and Ramil have a whole new life to plan, live and cherish. Here's a suggestion, keep a big photo album, scrap books, CDrw, tapes of all your memories together. And when we three meet again, you can show me all the memories you've kept (just hope you'll share them)!
I was not able to meet your (Ycel) kin and your Mom, but just a guess, she's the one wearing a green dress. Funny how we talk about our families from time to time but never really got to meet them in person, to think "Inay" na rin tawag ko sa Inay mo.
This is a picture of the parents of both sides.
This is a picture of the parents of both sides.
My Pa is wearing a yellow shirt, Kyle in red and my lovely Mom at the back. I guess it's safe to say, the Abuyog-nons met the Batangenos.
This is a great picture. Both of you with big smiles on your faces. Congratulations!!! Life may not be that easy but knowing you two, i think you'll be able to surpass just about anything in your way.
To Ramil, take care of my friend and always consider her happiness and what's best for both of you and your family.
To Ycel, thanks for loving and taking care of my brother. You have captured and melted his heart.
And now, my friend is a part of our family. You are most welcome Ycel and perhaps one day you guys would grace us your presence by visiting our humble abode in our beloved hometown of Abuyog, Leyte.
photos: were all downloaded from ycel's friendster account
Labels: brother, events, friendship, marriage
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Abuyog Leyte - Treasures and Heritage from Forefathers to the Future Generation
Abuyog is a municipality found in the eastern part of Leyte, actually facing towards the Pacific Ocean. As of today it is gaining recognition not only from its nearby towns. The Abuyog municipality though found almost at the tip of the island of Leyte has its own hospital which is visited by many neighboring towns for check ups and medications and newly constructed community college that offer various courses so students need not go to far away places for education. Abuyog is proud to have Buyugan and the Abuyog-nons are continually striving to promote our place through street dancing and presentations which is what Buyugan does. The Buyugan of Abuyog has already become quite popular in its own right not only in the provinces but in the Philippines as a whole.
These are some pictures that I have taken when I went home to Abuyog, Leyte for a vacation. Though deforestation has long been said to be a problem, there are still treasures in this town that its people can be proud of. Looking at these pictures I am missing home.
This picture was taken in Barayong (Abuyog, Leyte), a more or less 5 hectares of coconut trees that give its people a source of income. Here we can enjoy real fresh buko juice straight from its shell unlike the ones that you can find on supermarkets sold on disposal cups and later finding out the water used is contaminated and the sugar added was not healthly at all.
A lush of green ricefield, which my father describes as "a green ocean ". The weather was not should i say "stable" at the time of our visit. A harvest was being done just a little farther from this field and they keep on stopping when rain comes and start again when the sun comes out. Anyway, we were able to trek our way to witness the pains of harvesting, that is ripping the rice plant, putting it in a machine (they call it "bulhot") and then carrying the finished ones to the stockroom. Now all these were being done under the heat of the sun (imagine enduring the season of planting).
But really, Abuyog (Abuyog, Leyte) still has these rice fields and coconut trees. During harvest time, you will find people who let their share of the harvest dry out in the sun, just outside their houses.
These are some pictures that I have taken when I went home to Abuyog, Leyte for a vacation. Though deforestation has long been said to be a problem, there are still treasures in this town that its people can be proud of. Looking at these pictures I am missing home.
This picture was taken in Barayong (Abuyog, Leyte), a more or less 5 hectares of coconut trees that give its people a source of income. Here we can enjoy real fresh buko juice straight from its shell unlike the ones that you can find on supermarkets sold on disposal cups and later finding out the water used is contaminated and the sugar added was not healthly at all.
A lush of green ricefield, which my father describes as "a green ocean ". The weather was not should i say "stable" at the time of our visit. A harvest was being done just a little farther from this field and they keep on stopping when rain comes and start again when the sun comes out. Anyway, we were able to trek our way to witness the pains of harvesting, that is ripping the rice plant, putting it in a machine (they call it "bulhot") and then carrying the finished ones to the stockroom. Now all these were being done under the heat of the sun (imagine enduring the season of planting).But really, Abuyog (Abuyog, Leyte) still has these rice fields and coconut trees. During harvest time, you will find people who let their share of the harvest dry out in the sun, just outside their houses.
The beach at sunrise looks peaceful, beautiful and a sight to behold. This is a frequent place for joggers and beach lovers alike.
Sunrise at the beach. Here are the early risers, fishermen.
photos: were all taken by your lowly Abugyon last September, 2008
Labels: Abuyog, beach, coconuts, hometown, ricefield, sunrise, treasures
Tupas of Abuyog
As promised, ito na ang ilan sa mga swimming pictures taken ng mag kami sa beach sa Abuyog. Kasama ko family ko though, most sa mga pangalan ng mga pamangkin ko eh limot ko na. Sobrang tagal na kasing hindi nakabisita sa lugar na pinagmulan ang apelyedo namin. Pero kahit konti ang handa e napagkasya naman.Year 2004 ang last na pag uwi ko sa province (Abuyog)namin, at gulat ko na maganda na pala ang beach doon. Madami na cottages at meron na din mga puno ng niyog.
Yun lang, meron na din bayad ang cottage, pero tulad ng dati
libre kahit ilan pa kayong maliligo. Dito sa tabing pic na to si mana Nenita, tumulong sa paghahanda ng mga lulutuin pati na rin ang pagluluto. Masarap yung ginawa nyang laman loob (na di na alam ni Mommy kung ano ang luto na pwde kasi nakalimutan nyang bumili ng pangdinugu-an) na niluto sa gata.
libre kahit ilan pa kayong maliligo. Dito sa tabing pic na to si mana Nenita, tumulong sa paghahanda ng mga lulutuin pati na rin ang pagluluto. Masarap yung ginawa nyang laman loob (na di na alam ni Mommy kung ano ang luto na pwde kasi nakalimutan nyang bumili ng pangdinugu-an) na niluto sa gata.
Kasama ko family ko though, most sa mga pangalan ng mga pamangkin ko eh limot ko na. Sobrang tagal na kasing hindi nakabisita sa lugar na pinagmulan ang apelyedo namin (Buntay, Abuyog). Pero kahit konti ang handa e napagkasya naman. Ito ang ilan (kasi meron pa iba) sa mga beauties na nakunan ko ng picture, auntie ko, pinsan, nanay kong maganda at mga kaibigan nya.
Ito naman si Mana Marianing, maraming salamat sa hinanda mong suman sa latik. Sobrang sarap, pati mga bata nagustuhan, pati ata Tatay ko na bawal sa matamis eh sumubok din. Salamat din sa pagdalo at sa pag asikaso tuwing bibisita kami.
Ito naman si Mana Marianing, maraming salamat sa hinanda mong suman sa latik. Sobrang sarap, pati mga bata nagustuhan, pati ata Tatay ko na bawal sa matamis eh sumubok din. Salamat din sa pagdalo at sa pag asikaso tuwing bibisita kami.
Ilan lang sa mga relatives ang nakapunta, okay lang din, kasi hindi naman yun reunion, swimming lang naman talaga, pero yung mga pamangkin aba, nagsipunta ng mag lunch break (sa school).Kala ko mahiyain sa camera, ito at nagpo-posing pa kasama ang tita at tito nya. Di, ba, ganda!
Ito si Kyle ang batang pogi na singkit, pero makulit, sabi na wag muna maligo kasi mainit pa, ayun ayaw paawat, nangyari tuloy puro kagat ng "budol" (jellyfish). Akalain mong sinundun sya ng mga kaklase nya ng pumunta sya sa beach nung lunch break nila.
Walang kapaguran talaga mga bata kahit sa ilalim ng init ng araw, kaya nung matapos ang swimming..... mga ulikba!
Very soon, malalaki na din itong mga to, magdadalaga tapos magsisipag-asawa. Malamang sa susunod na pagkikita natin meron na akong apo nito. Nagsipag absent pa ata ang mga to sa school e.
Meet the parents. Ang auntie ko at nanay ko, kapwa magaganda. Naks naman. Tatay ko ayan maputi na buhok, pero sadyang ganyan na yan, kahit noon pa. Sabi nya high school pa lang madami na syang "uban". Ngayon bukang bibig na nya na yan daw ang"Tatak Loloy". Katabi naman nya ang kapatid nya, uncle ko.
All in all masaya naman ang pagkikita-kita kahit don sa baybayin (sa likod ng bahay namin!!!). Konting salu-salo, may kantahan, kulitan, swimming at syempre konting inuman. Tuba, yan ang paborito sa lugar namin, kahit ng Nanay ko na bawal na sa kanya.
Labels: Abuyog, beach party, birthday, fun, relatives
