I’m back. Two nights in Boracay, one night at the Sampaguita Gardens Resort in New Washington, Aklan and three nights in Roxas City. We went island-hopping and snorkeling in Boracay, took photos, feasted on the food and did some shopping.
We photographed some Faberge eggs and a painting by Cory Aquino at Sampaguita Gardens, bought dolls, took more photos (it’s a picture-pretty place), enjoyed an Oriental dinner, had coffee by the roaring sea…
But it was in Roxas City that we really had a blast. We visited the centuries-old Pan-ay Church and watched part of a Good Friday procession that was so jampacked with devotees that I thought we were in Quiapo witnessing the Black Nazarene procession instead. The highlight was when we took a boat to a fish pond and witnessed a bangus harvest. Somewhere between all that, someone from ANC was texting me about guesting on a TV show to discuss defamation in blogs. I was so sure it was about the DJ Montero issue but how could anyone think about defamation amid the beauty of lush greeneries and sparkling blue sea. Besides, I already decided months ago that I wouldn’t agree to any more TV guestings. So, there.
Memorable six days and six nights. Great to be able to spend all that uninterrupted time with family and old friends, great to meet new people and make new friends, see new places and do things we had never done before (I tell ya, that bangus harvest was a wonderful, wonderful experience). We came home with over a thousand photos which need to be resized for posting.
So many stories. So many photos. Coming soon.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
julie 03.23.08 at 3:42 pm
Wow, so that’s where you went. And I thought you went to the North
Glad to know you had a great time, you deserve the break. And texting about TV guesting during Holy Week? OMG! Isn’t that too much?
Connie Veneracion 03.23.08 at 3:44 pm
Some people kasi… you know, LOL
BlogusVox 03.23.08 at 4:26 pm
You have a better time in Aklan than we did. When we we’re there last February, we just stayed at home because it was raining all the time. My daughter didn’t enjoy Sampaquita either since all the rides are cancelled. The only souvenir we got is a small teddy bear which my daughter won’t let go. I could buy a bigger and much nicer one from “Toys R Us” for the same amount.
Connie Veneracion 03.23.08 at 4:27 pm
Ummm… if it’s any consolation, the proceeds from the sale of items in the Christmas Cottage goes to a Feed the Children of Aklan Foundation.
Lance 03.23.08 at 4:56 pm
Panay does offer an relaxing atmosphere, away from the hurly-burly of the city life, as one song puts it.
And I’m excited to see a photo of a Faberge egg.
BlogusVox 03.23.08 at 5:23 pm
Ms.Sassy, if I want to donate, I would have gone directly to the Mother Teresa’s Home for the Aged and Abandoned Children. It’s just across the hi-way, a few meters, where Sampaguita is located. My Mom contributes to it and after she died, I sort of carry on her program.
I’m not actually complaining about the price of the toy. It happens to be on the way of my grumbling. It’s just that we have a lousy vacation in Aklan. My wife faired better in Makati. We spent 4 days there prior to our departure. She went shopping until her toes got blistered. At least she’s happy… la-de-dah.
Connie Veneracion 03.23.08 at 6:13 pm
Lance, my goodness, it took a lot of trials and errors to get those Faberge egg photos right. The muted indoor lighting plus the glass cabinet doors…
BlogusVox, ‘kaw naman. As long as the teddy bear made your kid smile, okay na ‘yun hehehe. I can understand that Sampaguita isn’t the best place to be during rainy days. It’s the gardens that’s so great.
mel 03.23.08 at 7:00 pm
18 years of my summer life was spent in Roxas City but I did not have the chance to explore the island like you did. Can’t wait for the stories
Kongkong622 03.23.08 at 7:44 pm
Pictures please
Btw, it’s DJ Montano…obvious bang I’ve been following the telenovela
Connie Veneracion 03.23.08 at 8:08 pm
Mel, someone once told me (I think it was Sidney of My Sari Sari Store) that you tend to look at a place with more excitement and awe when you’re a stranger to it. Since it was my first time to visit Roxas City, I looked forward to it as an adventure.
Kongkong, Hahaha nag-text din si Tito Rolly, and he corrected me too hahahaha
peachy 03.24.08 at 11:07 pm
i’m so glad you enjoyed your stay in roxas city (my hometown). can’t wait to see the pictures. i’ll surely be missing my home more.
auee 03.27.08 at 5:40 am
Bangus harvest… reminds me of childhood memories. Tilapia harvest naman and we threw them on the bbq right there and then. We laid down banana fronds, scattered boiled rice, mounds of chopped tomatoes, chopped green mangoes & alamang. The fish were so fresh, they didn’t need salting. I can still taste it and feel the excitement of the entire place.
I don’t know if I will experience that same “feeling” again. Can’t wait for your photos.
Lance 03.27.08 at 9:07 pm
Hahaha, I can imagine how hard it must have been po.