glorious time in the boondoks

Recent hike up and down the slopes of Guintubdan revealed one dark truth: I'm not getting any younger.

testing the water (busay abaga)

Five years ago, the short walk to busay oro and busay abaga was child's play. Yesterday was a far cry. Shortness of breath started to slow the group down, not even 20 minutes into the exercise. Halfway through it, stretched muscles started to complain, even threatened to buckle under the rare intense pressure.

staring in awe (oro falls)

Tricky! Gugo, our young guide. He led us along the trail that required hurdling steep inclines and descents. My lungs nearly burst with inhaling so much air after reaching a plateau. Waiting for the two girls, who were breathing laboriously as I did, gave me time to replenish water in my system and take in view of tranquility marred only by the occasional cockledooing of the resident fighting cocks. Going down was a breeze. We took the less challenging trail which actually ran parallel to path we took that morning.

All the hard work was not for naught. I might have lost two kilos sweating which was replenished before we, three girls, headed to our own homes.

the time of grieving is a time of knowing

The last time that I was able to bond with my paternal relatives was barely two years ago, a little later after death took two of my uncles and eldest cousin. That is if their staying in the city overnight can be counted as one.

Again, death visited and took our widowed aunt. This time I volunteered to go.

Hers was a long battle with complication arising from diabetes and hypertension. Nightly talks with cousins revealed her month's stay in the ICU of Mission Hospital. Since her veins has collapsed already, IV infusion of antibiotics was not an option. So until she took her last breath, her shots were applied directly on her frail arms.

Estaka Hill at sunset

Going there with a niece and her toddler son in tow made the trip eventful. Vince threw up three times before we arrived to our destination, one for each leg of the trip (house to pier, on the ferry and aboard the bus going to Antique). When the kid spied a ben ten toy, a ball, and a guitar, not only did he shrieked his desire to get the toy, he went down on his back and trashed. I have very little patience to that kind of display, I walked ahead most of the time (maybe that is why I only have a dog and no kids of my own).

ma's kin

As opposed to my expectations, very little number went to the wake. The latest that people stayed was 11PM and most of the boys by the time were already useless from intoxication. Only manang neneng and our nun cousin stayed up until 4AM when those who have retired early wake up and start breakfast. On one of our sessions, horror stories was a staple. Another night was spent getting to know our roots which was initiated by an ongoing land ownership dispute. The last night was spent watching videos of uncle's funeral, a cousin's wedding and a suspense movie "final destination".

da's kin

In the afternoon when traffic of visitors is slow, I took the time to visit ma's kin. One notable place we went to was the Estaka Hill which is only 15 minutes walk away from the municipal hall. It was the highest point in the poblacion area where the people convened in the past whenever marauders from the sea attack them. From there is an unobstructed view of the municipality, with its verdant mountains on the east and the serene seascape westward. It is off limits to students on school days (I learned why when I reached its zenith). At the foot of the hill stood a modest bamboo and nipa structure which is home to a cousin who invited us for dinner and regaled us with his cockfighting stories and dirty ice cream business.

There were three other places we went to. But that would be another long story for a later time.

Bacolod to Boracay

Bacolod to Iloilo (supercat 2 way - 400) 400.00

Muelle Loney to Molo Terminal by Taxi 80.00

( a sacrifice having a toddler in tow)

Besides taking Iloilo-Caticlan via Kalibo, below is an interesting route going to Boracay.

Ceres bus starts to leave the terminal at 4am each day, and every 30 minutes thereafter until 2 pm only.

In Tibiao, just along the highway is the Tibiao Fish Spa which I spied but did not get around to visit. Maybe, next summer when I go there on a more festive mood.

In Culasi, take a dip from a spring fed pool to dispel the summer heat. Fare from the city

limits is Php 7 per head. My grandson did, even if only to stand by the gutter most of the time.

pamilya grill

After hearing so much about Pamilya Grill, I finally got to taste some of their bestsellers.

Mongolian Barbecue

Thanks to the Natividads. After the subtlest of hints, they got the message that I would really love to sample Pamilya Grill's mongolian barbecue.

So we drove to Eroreco to have dinner there last Friday. It was still early and I was still full from the day's gastronomic indulgence (I left the house at 630 AM after quickly eating rice with sardines, pancit canton and a cup of coffee. At 755, when I alit at Lopue's East, I crossed the street and ordered a muffin and hot choco to go which I finished as I walked to the seminar venue. First break was at 10. We had pancit and bibingka with cola. Lunch consisted of rice, chicken cordon bleu, another dish and cola was served at exactly 12 NN. At 3PM, we had snacks again. Imagine that.).

We had to park about 30 or more paces from the eatery. On each side of the road were vehicles of all types. Inside, all the tables in the front yard were occupied by early diners, most were groups of families or friends. Cost conscious Koreans were notably present, enjoying the good food with a homey feel.

The waiters led us to the back of the house. It was a recent addition to their modest building. My mouth watered at the sight of mongolian barbecue cooking. The cook greeted our hosts as we passed.

I ordered a serving of mongolian barbecue, sate babe and two glasses of fruit punch. Even then, I couldn't get my eyes off the baby back ribs served on the table right behind me. I should go back and sample it soon.