In any case, both work, family and barkada gimmicks have brought me to different parts of the Philippines, and it is now official. If I were to choose to adopt a province, I would choose Camarines Sur. Hands down. Any day of the week. Twice on Sundays. No questions asked. Haha!
I will explain anyway. =)
Wakeboarding being Hubby Sweet's most recent passion, we reserved the first available long weekend for a trip to the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (to be hereby referred to as CWC). Having personally watched a feature on it once in one of the sports channels, and with Hubby Sweet checking out the CWC website every, single night (!), expectations were admittedly running quite high.
The CWC did NOT disappoint. Considering the lofty expectations, I was actually surprised it did not disappoint! Haha. =)
We arrived in Naga at 5:30 a.m. on b
oard the Penafrancia. It was an overnight trip, having left Manila at 9:00 p.m. The ride wasn't too bad. Truth be told, we could have flown via Air Philippines, but aside from the obvious difference in rates, I was actually looking forward to experiencing an overnight trip aboard a bus with Lazy-Boy seats and an actual, working restroom. =) I mean, I've flown countless times before, but riding a bus overnight in the Philippines? Now that's a new experience! Hahaha.
oard the Penafrancia. It was an overnight trip, having left Manila at 9:00 p.m. The ride wasn't too bad. Truth be told, we could have flown via Air Philippines, but aside from the obvious difference in rates, I was actually looking forward to experiencing an overnight trip aboard a bus with Lazy-Boy seats and an actual, working restroom. =) I mean, I've flown countless times before, but riding a bus overnight in the Philippines? Now that's a new experience! Hahaha.I suppose I was soooooooooooo tired from all the goings-on at the office, I was snoozing soon after the bus drove off the Araneta Center terminal, and woke up only when we were about 20 minutes from Naga. I think I actually woke up only because Hubby Sweet kept fidgeting, checking out the window for any sign that we were already there. He claimed that he did NOT sleep a wink. I think it w
as more out of excitement and anticipation though, rather than discomfort. Hahaha! =)
as more out of excitement and anticipation though, rather than discomfort. Hahaha! =)A shuttle picked us up from the Central Bus Terminal. Driver Joel told us we were the first he was scheduled to pick up that day, but we were definitely not the last. It was still dark when we arrived. After driving through the streets of Naga, we reached the Capitol Building. I thought it odd that the driver was giving us a tour of the capitol at that time of the morning--until I saw a sign. The CWC was apparently at the back of the capitol compound. It sits on 6-hectares of what used to be raw land.
What used to be raw land is now acknowledged as the best wakeboarding complex in Asia.
Now, to make something out of nothing takes vision and doggone determination. I was already in awe--and I haven't even seen the darn thing yet! Hahaha! 'p
Driver Joel dropped us off at the r
egistration office. Both Hubby Sweet and I had wanted to stay at one of the container vans. We wanted to experience how it is to live in a container! Hahaha. Ang babaw. It was not meant to be. Fully booked. Apparently, the container vans are always the first to go. Not only were they the cheapest among the different housing facilities at the CWC, apparently, everyone wants to experience living in a steel box! Hahaha! 'p
egistration office. Both Hubby Sweet and I had wanted to stay at one of the container vans. We wanted to experience how it is to live in a container! Hahaha. Ang babaw. It was not meant to be. Fully booked. Apparently, the container vans are always the first to go. Not only were they the cheapest among the different housing facilities at the CWC, apparently, everyone wants to experience living in a steel box! Hahaha! 'pWe had to stay in one of the cabanas--which is really a quaint hut, good for two people. P1,500 per person. That already covers 2-night stay, 2-days worth of wakeboarding and a 2-day P120 per day per person breakfast tab. Yes, all for P1,500 per person!!!! WOW!!!! 
Did we just die and go to heaven?! Hahaha! 'p Not really. Hubby Sweet, however, looked like he did. Then again, he was in wakeboarding heaven. Haha! 'p
Did we just die and go to heaven?! Hahaha! 'p Not really. Hubby Sweet, however, looked like he did. Then again, he was in wakeboarding heaven. Haha! 'pCabana #15 was assigned to us. It was going to be home for 3 days. (The extra day cost us P1,250. Haha.) It was simple and functional, yes, but it was also rather charming. I suppose because the CWC was built not just to entice locals to learn wakeboarding as a sport, but also to attract foreigners, the facilities were built with the primary intention of being more than decent. =) Considering the CWC is a government facility makes it even more impressive. It's a government facility run like a world-class complex! Did I already say, WOW?! I did? Let me say it again. WOW! =)
Oh, yes, there's the minor glitch. It wouldn't be a glitch if we were prepared for it, but we weren't. Since it is a government facility, future visitors be warned. The CWC does not take credit cards. All payments have to be done in cash. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!! No biggie, though. We just requested for a shuttle to take us to the nearest ATM. I rather enjoyed the trip. I got to see downtown Naga. Haha. =) Driving down Magsaysay Ave., I was rather impressed by the new structures and the presence of upscale coffee shops, restaurants and bars. It didn'
t used to be that way, driver Joel said. People started opening restaurants and bars when the foreigners and the local tourists started pouring in after the CWC was put up. He referred to Magsaysay Ave. as a mini-Malate. Pwede...but I think I would much rather compare it to Timog and its row of multi-faceted restaurants that come alive at night. The fact that the CWC brought something more to Naga beyond the confines of the cable park impressed me even more.
t used to be that way, driver Joel said. People started opening restaurants and bars when the foreigners and the local tourists started pouring in after the CWC was put up. He referred to Magsaysay Ave. as a mini-Malate. Pwede...but I think I would much rather compare it to Timog and its row of multi-faceted restaurants that come alive at night. The fact that the CWC brought something more to Naga beyond the confines of the cable park impressed me even more.With the cable
park opening only at 8:30 a.m., there was actually enough time to either freshen up or rest. I plopped down automatically on the bed to rest. Hubby Sweet automatically started rummaging through the bags for his wakeboarding DVD's. Susko! "Just as well," I thought. Each cabana has its own TV and DVD player, but the only faint signal one can get from the TV was ABS-CBN. There goes another tip, I suppose. Bring your DVD collection in case you're the type who needs to wind down watching TV before you hit the sack at night. =) I say that only for winding-down purposes. Truth be told, you wouldn't even miss TV with everything that you can do within the park during the day!
park opening only at 8:30 a.m., there was actually enough time to either freshen up or rest. I plopped down automatically on the bed to rest. Hubby Sweet automatically started rummaging through the bags for his wakeboarding DVD's. Susko! "Just as well," I thought. Each cabana has its own TV and DVD player, but the only faint signal one can get from the TV was ABS-CBN. There goes another tip, I suppose. Bring your DVD collection in case you're the type who needs to wind down watching TV before you hit the sack at night. =) I say that only for winding-down purposes. Truth be told, you wouldn't even miss TV with everything that you can do within the park during the day!By 7:00 a.m., Hubby Sweet was itching to rush out the door. "We might as well take our breakfast," he insisted, "Para matunawan tayo." Yeah, yeah. Still blurry, I ambled along after him. "How can he be this cheery?!" I thought, "Weren't we together on the overnight bus ride here?! I want to sleep!!!"
I was blubbering my fool head off as we walked through the pathway, past the villas where the "sosy" guests stay. Still not a bad deal when you think about it. For P5,000 a night, you get to stay in a gated area with your own pool. Haha! Yes, apparently, even at the CWC, there is such a thing as socio-economic classification. And, yes, for the record, even at the CWC, we were effectively classified as...uh..."B". OK, OK! Maybe ...uh...C+. Hahaha!' p
Hubby Sweet was growing impatient with my blubbering by the minute. I could sense that he was holding on to every bit of sanity as he tried to keep his cool amidst my spewing. The lack of sleep did me in. "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah," I seemed to go on and on, until I saw what lay before me.
The view was enough to silence the c
rankiest of human beings. Having been used to Lago de Oro these past few months, I was not prepared for the beauty that stood before me as we reached the cable park. Set at the foot of Mt. Isarog, the majestic mountain seemed more to me like some ancient god watching over his domain. In the stillness of the morning, the experience almost seemed spiritual.
rankiest of human beings. Having been used to Lago de Oro these past few months, I was not prepared for the beauty that stood before me as we reached the cable park. Set at the foot of Mt. Isarog, the majestic mountain seemed more to me like some ancient god watching over his domain. In the stillness of the morning, the experience almost seemed spiritual. "Magandang umaga po, Amang Bathala," kept turning in my head as I savored the landscape.
Did I already say WOW?!
I did?
Let me say it again.
WOW!!! =)
Kiko stood in awe. Truth be told, I think he would have knelt down and kissed the sand if the beauty that lay before him did not shock him into silence.
After our momentary pagpupunyagi, hahaha, we made our way to the dock. Although there is a real restaurant area, the waiters cater to the guests' whims as to where they would want their food to be served. We chose a table on the d
ock, right next to the lagoon. It was a good spot. Later on that day--having laid claim to the table =)--we got to watch the action as we eat.
ock, right next to the lagoon. It was a good spot. Later on that day--having laid claim to the table =)--we got to watch the action as we eat.When we saw the menu, we almost fell off our seats. Having been used to the Lago de Oro rates where one mediocre burger will set you back by at least P350, we were ecstatic to find that most meals at the CWC were within the P100-150 range! Mostly P120. Fine, there was a smattering of dishes at P200, but they were baby-back ribs, bulalo, etc., etc. Man! For P120, you can have chicken BBQ with rice, a decent Philly Cheese Steak sandwich for P110, etc., etc.! The menu was quite extensive with Filipino, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and American dishes--obviously developed with the foreign tourists in mind. All for the cool price range of P100-200. Man! Did we just die and go to heaven?! Haha. Not quite, but with every single second, Hubby Sweet seemed closer and closer to Nirvana. Hahaha!
I decided on the inihaw na liempo with garlic rice (P120, yey!) for my inaugural breakfast. Never mind the time of da
y. I was sooooooooo craving for an ice-cold Coke Light. Haha! Hubby Sweet decided on an omelette. Totally surprised me, but he said he didn't want anything too heavy. Butterflies in his stomach, I suppose, from all the anticipation. Haha! =D
y. I was sooooooooo craving for an ice-cold Coke Light. Haha! Hubby Sweet decided on an omelette. Totally surprised me, but he said he didn't want anything too heavy. Butterflies in his stomach, I suppose, from all the anticipation. Haha! =DWhile waiting for the food to arrive, I took the chance to go around the complex. With most guests still sleeping, the entire place was still. There was a slight chill in the air. The kind that comes fresh without any hint of pollution. Haha. I wish I could just breathe in enough fresh air to last me a lifetime in Manila. Man, I really wish I could have done so. "This is the life!" I thought as I clicked away, walking down the dock to the cabanas, "This place is soooooooooooo darn beautiful! I can't believe we get to stay here for only P1,500 per person! Haha!!!" 'p
Hubby Sweet seemed content just waiting for the food to arrive, the entire time sipping his hot choco as his feet dangled from the dock. I suppose he was already busy planning his key moves and practice routines.
Those who know me well, however, would know that I cannot sit still for long. Realizing that the food was not yet ready when I got back, I decided to walk further down 
to where the infinity pool and the cabanas were. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I wished the rest of our family could see it. It seemed a bit too much to share just between the two of us. Even before the day could really start, I already decided we will somehow find our way back here with the family in tow.
Soon after, Hubby Sweet called out to me. The food had arrived.
to where the infinity pool and the cabanas were. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I wished the rest of our family could see it. It seemed a bit too much to share just between the two of us. Even before the day could really start, I already decided we will somehow find our way back here with the family in tow. Soon after, Hubby Sweet called out to me. The food had arrived.
The other wakeboarders were also beginning to arise, rubbing sleep off their eyes as they lazily plopped down on the monoblocs set on the dock. Some silently surveyed the menu, not quite sure about what they would be having for breakfast. The others quietly sipped their coffee as they looked out, surveying the lagoon.
This was their time for silence. It was their time for planning.
Soon enough, the entire scene would explode into action!
********************************************************************
ETC!!!
We found out from some of the regulars that, if you book early enough, you can actually get your hands on Ai
r Philippines' "limited-seats" P288++ one-way flights, and get to Naga in less than 30-minutes. That way, you can avoid the risk of riding on a bus with a daredevil driver. Haha! If you're lucky enough to get the promo fare + taxes, the difference between the plane and the bus fare comes out to only about P500. That sooooooooo beats 8 to 9-hour bus trip! I suppose the next time we go there, we will be riding the plane. Enough of the bus ride experience to Naga! Done that. I can cross it off my checklist. Hahaha!
r Philippines' "limited-seats" P288++ one-way flights, and get to Naga in less than 30-minutes. That way, you can avoid the risk of riding on a bus with a daredevil driver. Haha! If you're lucky enough to get the promo fare + taxes, the difference between the plane and the bus fare comes out to only about P500. That sooooooooo beats 8 to 9-hour bus trip! I suppose the next time we go there, we will be riding the plane. Enough of the bus ride experience to Naga! Done that. I can cross it off my checklist. Hahaha!To get to the CWC by bus, however, you can either ride Penafrancia or Isarog. Both have Lazy-Boy Seats, although the jury is still out as to which is more comfy. All that I've talked to, however, seem to agree that Isarog drivers drive much faster. Not necessarily a good thing. Haha. Bus fare to Naga is P750 per person, one-way. You can buy your tickets in advance at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal. (CWC takes care of your trip back to Manila, i.e., if you're staying within the CWC housing facilities.) If ever trips to Naga are fully-booked (as it was in our case since we decided on the trip only at the last minute), you may opt to take the Legaspi bus (for P900 per) and just ask to be dropped off at Naga. If you're staying at the CWC, they will also arrange for your pick-up from the bus terminal. Otherwise, you may take the bus until Pili and ask the driver to drop you off at CWC. From the drop-off point, you can take a 15-minute tricycle ride to the complex.
There are several housing facilities, depending on one's 
needs and one's budget. The cheapest would be in eco-vill for P 500.00 a night. We didn't stay there though so I wouldn't know if it's OK. Next would be the container vans at P 1,000 per night, good for two people; P2,850 for the bigger container vans, good for a party of 4. We stayed at the Cabanas which normally go for P1,250 a night, except that we availed of the promo. That said, it would be good to ask them about promos and freebie stuff when you reserve. =)
needs and one's budget. The cheapest would be in eco-vill for P 500.00 a night. We didn't stay there though so I wouldn't know if it's OK. Next would be the container vans at P 1,000 per night, good for two people; P2,850 for the bigger container vans, good for a party of 4. We stayed at the Cabanas which normally go for P1,250 a night, except that we availed of the promo. That said, it would be good to ask them about promos and freebie stuff when you reserve. =) Then there are the Mansion Suites for P2,500 per night and the Villa del Rey Villas for P5,000 per night--both for 2 people. I suppose it's where you stay if you want to live in relative luxury. =)
Sya! That's it for now. More in the next blog! =)
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