9 May 2006 - Hungover

Last night was bad. Everyone was hungover or still drunk. But since I'm on holiday, I refuse to spend any extra time in bed. Even though the service at the resort was bad, the beach was spectacular and it more than made up for any suffering we had to endure.
Some Arty Farty Shots.




This was how clear the water was. The crab was under water, not on the beach.


By about 5pm (yes 5pm) most of the guys had slept through their hangovers and alcohol induced poisoning. The sun was too hot to go kayaking or snorkeling, so we hung out in the resort playing pool, shooting hoops and playing pingpong.


Here's Martin schooling Mei in Canadian Rules Pool. Ironically, after one lesson from Martin, she promptly turned the tables on him and gave him a lesson in Canadian Rules Pool.


Some Arty Farty shots from XM's camera.





[caption] I'm so drunk I don't know what I'm eating. XM photo.

10 May 2006 - Dolphin Watching

We got up at the ungodly hour of 4am on Day 4. Who gets up at 4am while they're on holiday? I guess we did. Anneka had arranged for a boat on the previous day to go out for some dolphin watching. At first we weren't interested since it entailed unnatural waking hours, but we eventually got around to her idea.

On the Way out. XM photos (Continuing with the H's theme for the holiday, there is a box of chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies right next to her, which is why she's so happy)



It was quite a trip, except that there were about a dozen boats chasing the dolphines like a pack of rabid wolves. So the dolphins were just running, or going deep. Our skipper was pretty good in reading dolphin sign, and more often than not, we got quite close to a fleeing pod


After dolphin watching, we went to look for whales and other sea creatures. I spotted a couple, but did not get a good closeup. My camera only had about 3x zoom.



It's only 8-frigging-o'clock and we're already heading back to the resort. Time for nappy nap.


Almost home. XM photo.


There was this extremely phallic pole sticking out of the beach right next to our resort. Of course, I had to go sit on the pole for posterity. There's nothing like squatting on a huge staff to get your morning going.


Little Meimaid.


Arty Farty shot of the huts along the beach.


Some guys racing on boats, trying to show off to angmoh tourists.


Arty Farty shot of a boat building facility.


Indian movie in the making.


James Bond movie in the making.


Sleeping Beauty movie in the making. XM photo.


Some Arty Farty shots from XM's camera. XM photos.


After two awful nights of horrible service, we decide to venture away from the resort to look for alternate food. We found this quaint little hut next door with a HUGE grill going and an amazing selection of food. Those were our orders btw, a couple of pork bellies, a couple of chicken thighs, some pork chops and a couple of marlin steaks. That was the best meal I had since arriving on Philippines. The service was excellent too....unlike a certain resort I shan't mention.

11 May 2006 - No Rogue Waves

She's a cougar... XM photo.


We had to check out of the resort by noon on day 5, but our Ferry would only leave for Butuan at 11pm, so we had a full day to bum. Ended up going to the local mall to watch a movie and kill some time. In honor of taking a cross-sea cruise, we HAD to watch Poseidon. In any case, we nominated H to be Kurt and make the suicidal swim. I stole a map of the ship and we were ready to head to the propeller shaft. Nothing happened though...


We got to the dock about 8ish. That was the scene, with a couple of hundred people trying to squeeze their way into a single gangplank to get on the ship. As usual (with everything else on the philippines) it was a matter of waiting. We got on the ship by the end of the week, because we got indigent.


Since the shipping company did not have a centralised database and booking system, we could only purchase tourist class tickets from the main office. We had to get on the ship to upgrade to a cabin or berth. No worries, cos Contrary took care of everything while the rest of us took a catnap.

12 May 2006 - True Brew

Everyone was knackered out from the short sleep on the ferry over from Bohol. We only managed to get about 5 hours sleep, and the princesses needed their beauty rest.


The Menu at True Brew. The white balance of the shots in the place look off, but it's because Martin uses romantic yellow light. The food selection is fantastic, and since we know the owner, we had the pleasure of being served custom coffee. I asked for a double-espresso with a dash of Kahlua and half a teaspoon of brown sugar. Delicious.





XM photo


The Proud Dad and his newborn.


The Proud Mum and Little Oscar


Lunch was at a barbecue place just down the street from True Brew. Notice the line of chickens being grilled. That was the view when we got to the restaurant, when we left, it was totally empty. They sold out within a space of 30 minutes. Fantastic.


That was the dish served to us. We EACH had TWO plates of this incredible chicken.


H enjoying her chicken. If you'd notice, her photos revolve around a very centralised theme. XM photo.


The Women of Chocolaté


Chocolaté sweetness.


Martin proudly sponsored these jerseys for our trip. Tigers baby!!! Mr Pimp Daddy himself, Crepé Rické, with the women of Chocolaté


H. XM photo.


I had the munchies at about 10ish, so I walked across the street (and almost got killed because I checked the road the wrong way) to find this. Lechon Manok, or Slow-grilled Chicken. It was the most delicious chicken I've ever had in my life.


Under the Romantic Lights, Crepé Rické gives a pillow some loving.