Feeling holy at the Monastery of Transfiguration...

When I was much younger, I thought of joining the Benedictine monks at the Monastery of Transfiguration in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Yeah, that's hard to believe, but once upon a time, that came to mind. (I even wrote their Abbot to inquire about the Benedictine life.)

Back during my altar boy days, I read an article about the life of a corporate person who left his job to heed his calling, and that somehow inspired me. Anyway, things took a different turn for me and I am where I am now, but I didn't really expect that I would one day get to visit the place I once thought I could become part of.

On an early Friday morning, I decided to do a bit of daring. Because of a reservation confusion, I ended up checking in at a hotel in Malaybalay instead of Valencia. Anyway, my work for the day wasn't to begin til 9AM so that gave me a good three hours to find the Monastery of Transfiguration.

I asked the concierge how to get there, and was informed that I could ask one of the local tricycles to take me there since the monastery was in a secluded part of Malaybalay.

Upon leaving the hotel, I saw a tricycle parked nearby and talked to the guy Manong Ely. After agreeing that I'd pay him P180 to take me to the monastery and back to my hotel, we were off.

The monastery was about 20 to 30 minutes away. From the highway, we made a turn at one of the narrow and winding roads . It was a bit of rough roads, but you get a grand view of the mountains and the fields so that was okay. After a couple of minutes, I was greeted by the wooden sign that read "Monastery of Transfiguration."

We first visited the old monastery. The area where the monks used to live was now converted to a retreat house. The chapel appeared to be small to me but it was still nice. After saying a short prayer, I went back to meet Manong Ely and made our way to the new monastery. It was farther away and the road was a bit bumpy but once I saw the prominent triangular structure from afar, I must say I got excited.

The new monastery was just wow! It was grand yet simple. The new monastery was beautifully designed by the late National Artist Leandro Locsin. As I made my way up to the chapel, I was greeted by a sign saying "Be still and know that I am God." And cheesy as this may sound, the tranquility of the surroundings, the beauty of nature, the grandness of God's work are more than enough to make you feel the presence of a mighty being.

Inside the chapel, I said another short prayer. As I was about to leave, the church caretaker called me and said I should go up and see the Mother and Child image up close. And that's what I did.

Afterwards, I asked for a big favor from the caretaker to please take my photo in front of the altar and outside the chapel. Eeeep! I know I was disrupting him from cleaning the house of God, but I'm sure he and He understand. In fact, the guy seemed to be quite a pro at taking photos of visitors because he told me where I should stand so that I can have a nice photo with the chapel in the background. When I got my photo, I thanked him a million times and then headed back to meet Mang Ely.

Our last stop before going was the Monastery shop. Aside from the usual religious icons and medals, there were a couple of abaca bags being sold. But most of the items were native delicacies made by the monks. I bought some peanut brittle, nuts, cheese sticks, and Monks' Blend coffee. Mang Ely got a small cross for his pocket and I paid for it as a souvenir.

The whole experience, though short, was quite something. I'm really glad that I went out and searched for the Monastery because it was really worth it.

Check out the short video blog I made about the Monastery. (I think making vidblogs is something I might like doing.)

Alright, next entry will be about another daring adventure and how I ended up having a chipped front tooth. Augh!

Bayani Challenge '08...

Our participation in the 2008 Bayani Challenge ended yesterday. Today, there was a Highway of Peace caravan from Bukidnon to Wao, Lanao but we didn't get to join that anymore.

As I mentioned in a previous entry, Thursday was spent mixing cement almost the entire day. That was fun, even though my entire body was aching the following day. Hehe! At least, I got to help out. And I was really moved by how grateful the beneficiary couple - Arlyn and Randy - was. Arlyn was on the verge of tears as she continually thanked the volunteer students and employees for helping them build their own home. I'm going to write a story about that.

And then last Friday, we joined all the other volunteers from the other house build sites for the start of the culminating activity. We went to the Natid-asan GK Village where we were greeted by the festive mood of people. Tony Meloto was there. VP Noli de Castro was there. Local officials were there. GK volunteers from all over the country were there. It was really a grand thanksgiving and celebration for the success of the 2008 Bayani Challenge.

I'm really glad I got to be part of it, even if it's just for a day.

More Buri photos...

Here are some more photos from the Buri getaway trip.

Of course the whole trip was fun, but aside from the laughter and good times with work friends, what I enjoyed the most were conquering (to a certain extent) fear of deep water.

I don't know how to swim. I can float on my back though. But when I can't feel the sea bed anymore, that would make me panic. It's such a frustration because I really love the water world. I even want to go learn scuba diving.

Anyway, during the Buri trip, I was able to just let go of my fear and take the leap, literally. First was jumping off the boardwalk. It looks like it's shallow but that's about 15 feet or so deep. Terrifying for me, but I just had to trust my life vest. Haha!

The other one was snorkeling. Initially, the thought of being in the middle of the sea scared me. More than the depth of the water, what scared me was running out of stamina to breathe properly.

But I'm glad that I was able to get over the fear (I think) and that made the water much, much more enjoyable.

Blissful weekend at Buri...

Excited for Buri


Hidden paradise in Galera


Villas and the infinity pool


The sun, a book, a lounge chair... ah, this is good stuff


Angelo feeding the fishies

So last Friday, colleagues and I left Manila at an early 6AM for some rest and recreation. As mentioned in a previous entry, our destination was Buri Resort at Puerto Galera.

After about two hours or so of land trip, we boarded the banca that would take us to Buri. Though feeling tired from the land trip and the slightly bumpy boat ride, everyone got excited as Buri came into view.

"That's where we're going!"

I've been to Puerto Galera before, though it was at the more popular, hence more crowded area of the island.

Buri is a somewhat hidden treasure.

Fully air-conditioned villas that gave a panoramic view of the Batangas bay, the comfy bed and its immaculate sheets and pillows, the plasma TV, the plunge pool, the bathroom with its pristine tiles and closets with rustic designs.

And then, there's the infinity pool, the cabanas perfect for lounging, the Animasi bar for a unique dining experience, the Nurture spa for relaxing massage treatments, a boardwalk ideal for enjoying the sea breeze, and so much more.

Buri is not your typical beach resort.

While I think that the resort is more perfect for honeymooners or family bonding time, it is still a good option for groups of friends who may want to hang out together who are really looking for some quiet time away from the city.

When not hanging around at the infinity pool, one can just chillax at the bar or read a book at one of the pool lounge chairs while enjoying the sun, or if one is feeling sporty, there are kayaks for guests' free use or maybe a jet ski ride.


It was one good weekend. Will post more pics later.

Galera here I come...

So this is where I'll be at the beach this starting tomorrow until Sunday.

Will be going to Buri Resort in Galera. This is the first time I've heard about the resort and from the photos above and on its website, it looks like a damn fine place.

But I think I'd still want to go to White Beach and hit the bars and get a little bit wasted. Hahaha!

In any case, woohooo!!!

Puerto Galera here I come.

Ready to fly...

Look what was delivered to the office this afternoon. Woohooo!!! Hehe! It's nice, nice, nice. I hope I can use it asap. Nope, strike that. I will use it this year. Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia. Hahaha! 2008 won't just be fitness year. It is also travel year. Woohooo!

More good things about the Baguio trip...

Here are some more of my favorite photos from the Baguio trip over the weekend. I really love the man on the street shot (by Thea) and the thinking man shot (by Reena). Hehehe! Aside from the Panagbenga festival itself, what also made the trip enjoyable were the visit to Good Shepherd for their famous native delicacies, walking along Session Rd., having Andok's for lunch and for dinner (haha!), late lunch at the cozy PNKY B&B, finding Baguio Country Club's raisin loaf at a Caltex Star Mart, having my photo with the Chowking guy (haha!), and of course, on the top of the list, is hanging out with really good friends. The seven-hour trip (that's just one-way) was really worth it.