Phaidon Beach Resort: Exclusivity and Unlimited Beach Bumming Experience

Phaidon Beach Resort - beach front area

Part of our Antique-Boracay tour is a beach bumming session at Phaidon Beach Resort. After falling in love with Malumpati Spring, we were in awe upon seeing the bright and exclusive beachfront area of Phaidon Beach Resort. When we arrived, we paid an entrance fee of PHP 60 per person, and this includes the rental for the cottage. 


The owner said that Phaidon Beach Resort is the other side of Boracay. I surely agree with her because we had the beach all to ourselves --- no stressful crowd, no boats on the shore and no noisy parties. The peaceful, serene water was just awaiting visitors to plunge in. Of course, the sand is more beautiful in Boracay, but sand at Phaidon Beach Resort is still comparable to it. The water was so clear as if calling you to swim the moment you arrive. As soon as we enter the resort, we dropped off our things at the cottage and immediately ran off to swim in the enticing beach. 

clear, calm water but beware of sea urchins

Due to our excitement that we were the only ones on the beach, we didn't notice sea urchins lurking in the water. We found one and another and another....they were all just right in front of Phaidon Beach Resort. So, we walked a bit to a vacant property which was said to be owned by Loren Legarda. We also had fun joking around and sharing laughter while doing "photo shoot" sessions. 

Here's a list of what I love about Phaidon Beach Resort:

1. It was not crowded.
2. The place was squeaky clean.
3. It was cozy.
4. We ordered instant coffee priced at PHP 35 per cup, which is reasonable enough (for me).
5. We had the opportunity to take a peek in one of their rooms, and it was nice with a welcoming atmosphere and very clean. 

What I think needs improvement would be:

1. The sea urchins are everywhere. This is due to the fishermen who are on the other side of the property, and they unintentionally bring in the sea urchins as they catch fishes.
2. The lounge area at the beachfront area can be used but charged with a rental fee. I didn't ask for the price anymore. It was just disappointing because if you were a guest for a more extended stay, you'd have to rent the lounge area. That's a bit disappointing.
3. They didn't want us to enter the comfort room after swimming on the beach. It was indirectly implied because the staff kept on pointing out that there was a hose for washing our feet instead of going inside the comfort room.
4. The location of the resort is quite far from the city proper. So, if you want to go someplace, you'll have to rent out their van or have a tricycle rented out for touring around Pandan. 

cottage 1

cottage 2

cottage in front of the resort

veranda

restaurant

lounge area (for rent)

Overall, I find Phaidon Beach Resort a very private and close to a perfect beach bumming escape away from the noisy crowd of Boracay. Another twist in your Visayas region tour. I'd give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. :)

fishermen in the nearby property

fresh catch

pulling the net

children collecting shells for their dinner

beautiful sunset at Phaidon Beach Resort

Malumpati Spring Resort in Pandan Antique: Undiscovered Haven

Pandan, Antique is such an idyllic tourist spot which deserves a separate blog entry. In this way, I can also share the beautiful pictures of the tourist spots we visited. Pandan is a municipality of Antique with a total of 34 barangays. Based on my observation, livelihood is from arts and crafts, fishing and farming. Again, I would like to thank our hostess in our Pandan, Antique tour, our dear Accountant - Ms. Marnie for welcoming us in their ancestral home.

while in the van going to Pandan

Scenery on the way to Pandan

It took us around 30 to 45 minutes from Caticlan port to reach Ms. Marnie's place in Pandan. We ate breakfast and prepared for our tour at Malumpati Spring Resort and visit at Phaidon Beach Resort. We rented out a van because each area was quite far from the other. There were tricycles available, and perhaps can be rented out as well. It took us about another 30-45 minutes to reach Malumpati Spring Resort. It was a mixture of rough and smooth road. When we got to the place, we paid the PHP 10 per person entrance fee, and cottage rental was not more than PHP 100 if I remembered correctly. There were sari-sari stores in the area just in case you did not bring food. There were also souvenir shops right at the entrance of Malumpati Spring but, on our way to the spring, there was this place where abaca products are woven as bags, rags, carpets, trays, and other handmade merchandises. 

Meanwhile, we had our hearty picnic lunch at Malumpati Spring. After that, we just enjoyed dipping into the crystal clear, cold water. . .

view of Malumpati Spring

This is the deepest spot of the spring. Children and other visitors enjoyed jumping off the dive board.

That's me - the trying hard photographer hehe :)

People swimming in shallow waters

The bridge connecting the entrance going to the cottages on the other side of the place

I have so much to say about Malumpati Spring but, it will not be enough to describe this striking piece of heaven. Another unexpected highlight of our Pandan tour was meeting an SK Chairman candidate, Dex Lumawig (who is Ms. Marnie's neighbor). Since it was election time, you can hear campaign propaganda in almost every corner of the road. I think campaign strategies are more evident in the provinces. So, the group memorized this jingle for Dex Lumawig, and we were joking around if we can meet him in person. True enough, he was just right at the other side of the street! Haha! So, we grabbed the opportunity to take a group photo with him. I really hope he wins in Pandan because he seems really cool --- just plain and simple.

SK Chairman candidate Dex Lumawig (blue shirt) at the center and our crazy group

after the whole day tour at Pandan

Indeed, Malumpati Spring is an undiscovered haven. If you want a more relaxed and unique tour of the Visayas region, you can try roaming around using our itinerary. :)

Antique-Boracay Escapade

Finally, I can update my blog after an unforgettable backpacker's trip with my office friends. Last April 18 to 21, we experienced our much-awaited trip to Boracay. Initially, we were only aiming to set foot at Boracay but, one of our colleagues volunteered to tour us around her hometown since she will be going on vacation on the same dates. So, our Boracay escapade was upgraded into Antique-Boracay route. Here are the details of our tour. . .


Day 00 - April 18 (Friday)

At 5pm right on the dot, we all stepped out of our offices and headed to Batangas port to make it on time for the 9pm departure. However, due to the large volume of 2go passengers, our ETD was delayed, and we were able to leave the port at around past 10pm (I cannot remember exactly). It was my second time to ride 2go, but I was shocked that couples, families, group of students and all sorts of people filled up the waiting area at Batangas port. The good thing about sailing during summer is that the sea was calmer as compared to sailing to Boracay way back November 2012. Our tickets were priced at PHP 2000, round trip Batangas-Caticlan-Batangas with tourist accommodation plus one (1) complimentary meal. Linens and beddings at the vessel were also free provided that you have a valid ID. Otherwise, you'll have to deposit PHP 100. 


Day 01 - April 19 (Friday)

Between 7am to 8am, we finally arrived at Caticlan port. We were supposed to take the CERES Bus Liner going to Pandan, Antique but we opted to rent out a van since we were a group of 10. So, the van rental from Caticlan port to Pandan Antique cost us Php 100 per person. Unfortunately, the van didn't have a functional aircon so, we got a bit frustrated because the temperature this summer season seems to be the hottest, ever! But, the lovely view, serene surroundings and fresh air compensated for our disappointment. After 30-45 minutes, we finally arrived at Ms. Marnie's (our host) place in Pandan, Antique. 

After eating breakfast, we geared up for our first stop which is the Malumpati Spring (check out another blog entry here). Known for its very cool flowing waters, Malumpati Spring can be considered a haven for tourists who are looking for a different Visayan escapade. We rented out a cottage which was less than a Php 100 and paid for the entrance fee which was Php 10 per person. After the sumptuous lunch prepared by Ms. Marnie's caretakers, everybody dipped into the cold refreshing water of Malumpati Spring Resort. We were able to try out the balsa for Php 50 per hour rental fee. According to Ms. Marnie, the Malumpati Spring has been featured in several local travel shows. We were lucky to have witnessed its beauty before everybody else flocks there once the place becomes very popular and commercialized. 

Next stop is at Phaidon Beach Resort. It took us about 30 minutes of travel time from Malumpati Spring to the beach resort. Since we only visited the resort for swimming at the beach and cottage rental, we paid Php 60 per person for the entrance fee. They say that it was the other side of Boracay because the place is quite exclusive and no stressful crowd. We had a beautiful beach all to ourselves. 


Day 02 - April 20 (Saturday)

We got up early in the morning to finally visit the ever famous tourist attraction, Boracay. Ms. Marnie referred us to her friend who had two available rooms in his house that can accommodate all ten of us. It was not a beach front property, but it was nearby the church and plaza and 2-minute walking distance to the beach at Station 1. It cost us Php 4000 for the two rooms, overnight stay. Very cheap, but it was literally a room --- with beds that can fit in 5 people for each room, air-condition and that's it. 

It was my 3rd time to visit Boracay, but I consider every experience unique because it was with different groups/friends. So, we took the usual routine of lounging on the beach, visited D' Talipapa for cheap souvenir finds, seafood shopping and "paluto." Food was more affordable this way than eat at fancy restaurants by the beach, considering that we have a limited budget. So meal allotment per person did not exceed Php 300 (paluto plus the seafood that we bought).

At night, we witnessed a beach party courtesy of the Nestea Beach Volley Tournament. People flocked in the area near Station 1 but, after some time we finally doze off in our little room to recharge for our 6am departure at Caticlan port.


Day 03 - April 21 (Sunday)

Our ETD from Caticlan port was 6am but, again it was delayed, and we left between 9am to 10am. We arrived at Batangas port around 8pm and off we went to our respective homes. 

More details of our Antique and Boracay escapade in additional blog entries....

What to do: Rescheduled Skype Interview

This is actually an update of my previous post about my recent oDesk interview experience. After the first video chat interview over Skype, I was turned over for another video chat interview with the owner of the company who is based in Canada. The conversation went okay as I gave him a background of what I do and what I like to do as well as my long term goals. After that, he explained that it will be the first time that they will hire an academic researcher so, they will need someone who has access to online databases and university library which is actually my advantage over the other candidates. The owner also suggested a few management books that I might want to read about because I'll be writing articles similar to those printed in Harvard Business Review magazine. The work sounds promising, and I thought it was something I can engage in for a long time if in case I really need to leave my full-time job. He even asked how much I was earning in my full-time job though he said it was just out of curiosity. Although, deep inside I think he was assessing that if the project goes well then, they can pay me full time thus, matching the rate with how much I was earning currently. At the end of the interview, I was left with some assignments:


1. to email my curriculum vitae

2. to send him a list of online databases I have access

3. to list down management reference books dated 2010 onwards which are available in our university library


After that, I'll be scheduled for another round of interview so we can have more to talk about that is related to management or more like "getting down to the real business." So, I did my assignments and set another date for the second round of interview which I had to do online through a link that was sent to me. There were two major incidents which made me think thoroughly and left me in a dilemma. 

First, the skype interview kept on being rescheduled. I made major adjustments just to make it on time as we were on a different timezone. Even though I had my fair share of confusion with the timezone and missing out on the original schedule (just one time), I think to reschedule an interview which has been hanging for 2 consecutive weeks was way too over for me. The excitement about the potential project was there. It was actually something I was very interested in and something I am passionate about so, I was hoping that it was going to push through.

Second, the company owner sounds like a bit skeptical on how updated the university libraries here in the Philippines are. According to him, I may have access to online databases and reference books, but he needs updated materials (as if assuming that we just depend on second-hand books from western countries). I would have bragged about how updated our university library is but, I know it would mean nothing to him (unless he personally witnesses the newly built Henry Sy Hall Building in Taft) and I didn't want to lose this opportunity arguing about this stuff.

In the end, I decided just to let it go. Despite being told that I have great potential, our schedule just does not always seem to agree. On my end, it was a bit difficult because I already invested a lot of effort to adjust to his schedule. So, more than three (3) times of rescheduled interview is too frustrating. Lastly, if he tends to underestimate the educational system (or at least the capability of our schools to update the library materials), he might treat my work output in the same way. It was quite sad but, that's just how odesk application works.

Nevertheless, my online job hunting goes on....

Photo credit

oDesk Interview Experience

Skype Voice Calls Work on iPad with Everyman Headset (Photo credit: stevegarfield)

In my quest to finally land on a full-time online job, I've been applying to oDesk jobs recently. Most of the posts I refer to are about article writing, website content writing, research, and social media management. Luckily, there were a few interview schedules, and it inspired me to create this blog entry.

When you get an invitation for an interview on oDesk, clients have their own definition of "interview." It's either you are invited to chat, to video chat or voice chat only. So, it's important to clarify these things to the client so that you can prepare well especially if they require you for a video chat interview. Clients who invite you for an interview, ask for your Skype account and/or Gmail. 

The odesk client for this recent interview invitation for a research assistant post asked for my skype ID. She sent me a link to her online appointment calendar, and from there, I chose the time slot for my interview schedule. However, due to the confusion with the time zone, I missed out the interview schedule. Good thing she was kind enough to reschedule the interview just this morning. But, I had to file for a leave from the office to accommodate this Skype interview. Again, take note that Skype is critical so if you do not have a Skype account better create one now. It is one of the essentials when you are engaged in online jobs.

To cut the story short, I was asked for my resume after the Skype interview. It started with the usual "tell me about yourself" because she wanted to get to know me as a person. It was an orientation of the company I am going to work for and the like. I also learned that it is the first time that she will be hiring an academic researcher, so, I would consider this as a prospect for a long term online job which is actually my goal this year. If I have to quit my full-time job if everything goes well with this online opportunity. 

I was left with a few assignments, and I have to get back to her for another interview schedule. If the test project goes well, I will be paid for it and then get hired. But, if not, then the job hunt goes on...

Passport Renewal - My DFA Trip

My passport was overdue for renewal which I should have done last June 2011. Good thing there is no penalty in renewing Philippine passports. Otherwise, I'll probably be paying buckets of money for the delay. With all the "modernization" efforts in the different government agencies, I can say that I am on neutral grounds. We all know that upgrades with government agencies and infrastructures also equate to people making some adjustments or sacrifices err, hassle.

It was my first time to go to DFA-Aseana in Macapagal Blvd. I actually didn't know how to commute going there. After a few internet research, I was sure of one thing, and that is to go to SM Mall of Asia and take it from there.


So, here's how I got to DFA-Aseana Macapagal Blvd:

1. From Buendia, I hopped onto the orange jeepneys going to SM MOA.
2. From SM MOA, I walked a bit towards the bus loading and unloading area.
3. There are buses with signboard "MIA and DFA," get on that bus. It costs Php 12. I told the bus conductor to tell me if we are already in the DFA Bldg. Luckily, some passengers got down in the same destination as mine.
4. One landmark to tell that you are on the right track is the McDonald's branch right where the bus will stop to unload passengers. Then, you have to cross the road to get to the DFA Bldg.

I wasn't really familiar with the online application for passport renewal, which you can access at http://passport.com.ph/. So, with high hopes, I opted to seek assistance from a travel agency (Southern Sky Travel & Tours) located in SM Calamba. The agent asked me to pay Ph 200 for directly encoding my details in the passport renewal online system and then instructed me to pay the actual passport renewal fee at the DFA. She also told me that the travel agency does not have a representative to assist me when I get to the DFA Bldg. This was contrary to what other travel agencies do. Other travel agencies (from what I heard and I've witnessed in the DFA Consular office), has representatives at the DFA and assist the client in the whole process. I was very disappointed and felt like I wasted 200 bucks and could have done the online process on my own.

Anyway, here are the things which made me impressed about the upgrades at the Department of Foreign Affairs:

1. There was crowd control. You only get to enter the actual vicinity one hour before your appointment schedule. Although, it was indicated in the online appointment system that you should be present 30 minutes before your schedule.
2. There was a validation of the document counter. You don't have to ask a stranger if you have the proper documents because there is a station where actual employees of DFA will check the records you have.
3. There is sufficient waiting area. There were a lot of monoblock chairs to keep people seated while waiting for their cues.
4. Impressive and modern building. Unlike the typical government agency, DFA Building looks neat, modern and very cold with the centralized airconditioning system.
5. Polite government employees. Contrary to what we have been long accustomed to, DFA employees are warm but with a sense of firmness when it comes to rules and regulations. When you speak to them, there's a hint of professionalism although some "oldies" are the typical government employee who has a tendency to be blunt as they deal with your concern.
6. Upgraded computers. The flat screen monitors look neat as compared to the earlier years.
7. Passport can be delivered via courier. It doesn't matter if you have to pay an extra fee of Php 120. You'll be spending the same amount if you have to claim your passport personally.
8.  There are satellite offices in the mall. If you do not like to set your appointment through the travel agency, there are DFA satellite offices in the metro, for instance, SM Megamall. I haven't been there personally, but it's a good sign that the government agencies are reaching out to people to avoid the hassle. 

Now, here's what I hate most about this whole passport renewal experience:

1. I arrived too early for the 10:30 appointment so, I was not allowed to enter yet. Or if you wish, you can wait right outside the DFA gate under the little trees and seat on the parking lot pavement.
2. I was told to line up in the assigned waiting area for the 10:30 batch. But, when I went there, people were just seated and didn't have cue numbers at all. So, it was all jumbled up. A lady guard approached our waiting area and asked who among us came in first. I butted in and said that there was NO LINE and we were just seated. She should have arranged the cue line way before people started to arrive! Better yet, distribute cue numbers so people would have a reference. 
3. The whole appointment system is just a waste! I mean, it was only used to segregate the people per batch, but the schedule is not strictly implemented. Say in my case, I got the 10:30 schedule and I only got inside the building for the actual passport renewal process an hour later. 
4. Waiting area outside the building may need improvements like providing electric fans and concrete structure as a waiting area and not just some improvised tent. With the tropical weather in the Philippines, it could get scorching!
5. Food is not allowed. For someone who will be waiting for two to four hours, they should at least let people bring in water and biscuits. Otherwise, fill your tummy before going to "war" err, falling in the seemingly endless line.

All in all, it was a mixture of good and bad experiences. I am not disregarding the whole effort of the government to improve its service. But, for a taxpayer, I really felt like I deserve more...far better service. I've worked so hard to earn money for a living, and I pay my taxes well and still, I felt disgusted by how government agencies operate. It's really frustrating --- makes me think how many more years are we going to wait 'til we get the service that WE deserve. Is it indeed, MORE FUN in the Philippines?!

Photo credit

A Visit to the Mind Museum at Bonifacio Global City - Taguig

This might be a bit late entry as I was very preoccupied during the Christmas season. But, hey, better late than never! So, I'm posting about our short visit to the Mind Museum last December 2012. The Mind Museum is located in Bonifacio Global City Taguig. It's actually a promising business district. The first time I visited the area, it felt like I am not in the Philippines at all. It felt the same way this time around, especially when we arrived at the Mind Museum which is truly world-class.

There were four-time slots to choose from 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm. This is so because each batch of guests is given around 3 hours to be able to go around the different science exhibits. It was either you avail of the Museum Pass and choose among the allotted time slot which cost Php 600 per person or purchases an all-day pass where you can visit the museum any time of the day for limited hours which cost Php 750. Luckily, we had our school ID and were given a discount for teachers, and it only cost Php 150 per person. Talk about a significant discount!

discounted ticket

We arrived early for the 3pm slot, and once we got in, the museum guide gathered us on the stairs for a short introduction and rules while inside the facility. So, we were introduced to a robot named AEDI (IDEA spelled backward).

AEDI

And after the short intro, we were separated into 2 groups. One group started on the other half of the museum and the other group into the other side to avoid commotion and that everyone gets a chance to manipulate the exhibits.

I did not bring my SLR, so, I can only share pictures from my Samsung phone. Here are some of the photos I took while inside.

It was like a photo booth except that only your shadows are taken a picture of. :)

different flavors

stairs going up the 2nd flr

love the caption :)

I enjoyed dancing to spell my binary name! It was like dance dance revolution in Play Station

oil rig

Picture A - solar grasshoppers and Picture B - dinosaur skeleton

My personal take in our Mind Museum experience:

1. It was indeed one of the best and neat-looking museums in Manila as compared to the Science Centrum and Museong Pambata which we visited way back elementary and high school.

2. It's an advantage that they let people take pictures unlike in other museums where it was restricted.

3. It's a bit pricey for Php 650, but it was all worth it. You don't have to buy the all-day pass. Just be on time, and you will be able to finish touring around in less than 3 hours. 

4. I was not that amazed at the exhibits because you might have encountered them in some other museums. But, it's very ideal for kids to see as well as adults. 

5. The museum presented human origins from the vastness of the universe down to the tiniest atom in our body. It's more like an "evolution-themed" museum.

For the geeks and curious minds, better head off to the Mind Museum!