El Tzino Resort, Cauayan

As planned we checked in at El Tzino on our second day, this time at Brgy. Elijan. The resort has the same coastline as its more famous neighbor, Punta Bulata. To get there, we passed through almost three kilometers of  interesting landscape. The road snaked through hills and valleys with exciting climbs and dips that rendered the road invisible from the passenger's vantage point. As expected, there is minimal radio signal in the area making it a perfect place to disappear for a spell.

I've been to more beautiful beaches but the resort served its purpose for Summer and Rain to have their fill of swimming. We rented the suite for the night. It was spacious but the air-conditioner was not built for it that the room was a bit warm for comfort all night. It was disappointing also  that come check-out time, we were charged extra for the kids' accommodation.

I enjoyed breakfast though. We had fish stew which tasted divine. The couple who manages the resort brought a box of fresh catch the night before.

During my brief alone time, I sat on one of the rubber tire seats and attempted at progressing beyond Chapter One of the Rule of Four.

Work and Play in Japitan, Escalante

Even with starting late, we still left a baggage at the North Bus Terminal. And the baggage has a name. He's called Glen. That was not for lack of trying. He changed numbers. No wonder that I got no response even after sending multiple smses in a span of three hours. When he finally made himself felt, we were two towns away already from where he was.

It was my second time in Escalante. I was with Tatay and Nanay on a road trip to the north in search of cane points some twenty-five years ago the first time I went there. Then, we stopped for the olds to get coffee while I scoured the shops for some souvenirs. I got myself a photo of Romnick Sarmienta and Harlene Bautista. Oh, tell me about it!

After missing rafting at Tibiao, I finally had my fill of the exercise. It was awkward at first but once you catch up with the rhythm of paddling, everything else falls into place. The longest I've been with was an hour. Charmaine and I ventured as far as the next resort just beyond the cliff. The sun was already scorching and the tide high before we decided we had enough.

Since the resort was owned by the big boss, we were treated to a life of ease. Excluding the salad preparation for lunch during our arrival, the rest of the chores were left to the caretakers.