The more we plan for an adventure, the less successful for it to happen.
For today's posting, I will be sharing an unforgettable adventure that I had with my amazing colleagues that somehow strengthen the core of our friendship.
We have been busy lately with the teaching loads that we have, the paperwork, and our individual responsibilities at home. For sure, we need a break. With this idea racing into our minds, we decided to go on a trip, right away.
My co-teacher and I pledged for the vehicle rent, from Borbon to Balamban, Cebu, for a round trip. The rest of my colleagues pledged for food and we contributed an amount for the entrance fees of the spots that we wanted to visit as we carefully planned our itinerary.
When we left our place at 5:30 in the morning, it was already drizzling. But there's no way that we could postpone this once-in-a-blue-moon experience. This must be pushed through whatever it takes and we did! There was no way that this rain could spoil our entire plan. No way.
As sprinkles slowly turned into big raindrops, we prayed for it to stop before arriving at the first location but it seemed that the weather didn't want to cooperate. It even rained harder but, ardent as we are, we had to seize the moment. We had to take advantage of this rare moment. Yeah, it was raining but it didn't seem to bother us, not this time.
-First Stop-
West 35 Eco Mountain Resort - KM 35, Transcentral Highway, Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu
Entrance fee: 80php per person.
When we arrived at 8:30 in the morning, raindrops were still sprinkling, so we decided to just take our breakfast first with the food that we prepared, hoping also for the rain to stop and make us enjoy the place and its view.
After eating our breakfast, still, the sky remained furious. We were having second thoughts about going out of the van. But one of us went out, so the rest followed. Hahaha. That's what cooperation and unity are all about. Rain or shine, we are together.
The place looks undeniably beautiful. The location and the view are incomparable.
-Second Stop-
Buwakan ni Alejandra -Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu
Entrance fee: 100php per person
It was only our group who had the willpower to roam around and take multiple photos amidst the heavy downpour. It was a good thing for us because we could take photos from various angles without photobombers and obstructions. We really took advantage of the rain and took numerous solo, duo, and group pictures. More than that, we played happily in the rain. (Just give us the favor. Hahaha! It is seldom that we became kids at heart. Playing in the rain is also a good way of de-stressing.)
The area is spectacular. It showcases the beauty of various kinds of plants and flowers planted in large numbers. They have a rainbow pathway, a heart-shaped display, an arc, and a lot more.
After almost an hour of exploring and admiring the place, our tummy started to demand food. Wet enough, we still happily ate our lunch together and headed to the next location.
-Third Stop-
JVR Island in the Sky -Brgy. Gaas, Balamban, Cebu
Entrance fee: 50php per person.
We were wet at this time but it didn't mean that we have to stop the adventure. It was still a go for us.
One of the famous attractions here is the colorful hanging bridge but having fear of heights, I did not walk through it as it made my knees tremble but some of my colleagues did. What a brave soul!
(These are the only pictures I have.)
We walked around the place but since it was raining, riding cable cars was out of service.
We did not stay for too long as the cold slowly hit us already. Hehehe. The cold was getting real. I could feel my jaw shaking and my palms getting pale too.
Since we are all wet (upper part), we decided to leave Brgy. Gaas and went home. When we passed by Gaisano Balamban, having a common thing in mind, we agreed to have a short stopover and bought anything essential for us at that very moment.
And look! Change costume real quick!
From this...
To this, in a snap!
-Last Stop-
Tuburan Cafe -Antonio Y De Pio, National Highway, Poblacion, Tuburan, Cebu
For sure, Elsa would be laughing at us now. Hahaha! We couldn't handle enough of the freeze that we were feeling, so we had another stop over at Tuburan Cafe. Our system urgently required a backup to regain its energy. We need something hot to awaken back our frozen senses. Hehehe. We badly needed a sip of coffee.
We had fun no matter how terrible the weather was. We managed to savor the moment and the memories that we were creating. The rain didn't have a say when unity and friendship work hand in hand.
At 6 in the evening, we arrived safe and sound but still feeling cold because the rain had not stopped.
The trip was a lot memorable because we braved the rain and most especially, because of each other's company. Despite the bad weather, we were able to endure and enjoy the whole day trip. The fun and the laughters that we shared are priceless and this will be forever engraved in each other's mind and heart. This was also a good way to strengthen our bond, as colleagues, and as individuals who share the same goal and vision in our workplace. More than that, we have proven how resilient we are when we are one. Trials and problems may come our way, but as long as we have these people whom we can turn to, the burden, the struggle, the battle, would feel a little lighter.
For easy locating of the various destinations, set your Google Maps.
Thank you for reading. Be safe. Be well. Until the next writing.
