Dumaguete, Antulang

After wandering in the world, it gets pretty lonesome despite all the people you meet. You engage in what they call the pursuit of happiness. And for some people, happiness is found in that perfect person.

At an early age, I was already searching. I was lucky to have met Valerie when I was just 15 years old. But, never did it start romantically because my eyes were fixed elsewhere. After two years of friendship, I realized how much I liked spending time with her. Yes, I could not admit love, I just got jealous of the thought that she can’t be mine until I say so. So I must say love. Love is such a possessive thing. It justifies illogical thoughts like committing yourself to one person for the rest of your life. I finally said I loved her, though it took time for me to say it. It meant the whole world to me, and it meant that I already wanted her to be my wife in the future. And from then on time just slipped by to days, months, years. Then I realized that after 8 years, where do this all lead to?

Well, here I am. A married man. This reminds me of a famous quote from the movie “The Beach.” - “I still believe in paradise, but now at least I know it is not some place that you can look for because it is not where you go.. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you are a part of something. And if you find that moment, it lasts forever.”

Yes, that’s the feeling I have now - like I’m in Paradise. Yes, yes, I know we are still in the so-called “honeymoon stage” but like every day, every month & every year, with God’s help we will endure the love of a lifetime.

So after a year of wedding preparation, we were glad that the big day has arrived. We were so excited about everything we planned & to see it unfold. But everything was not smooth sailing on our wedding day. There was a power interruption! Of all the days! The power company scheduled a power interruption in our village, the same area where our church and reception venue were located. With the help of my mother-in-law Mila’s connection, we were able to rent a generator that could light up the whole church with all its Christmas lights! The details of the wedding I guess will need a different blog, cause you visited this site for travel purposes, so I guess, that’s the story readers wouldn’t need at this point..

After the reception, at Gazebo Royale, Quezon City, we headed straight to the Hyatt Casino Hotel. A good friend of mine, Romeo treated us to a Regency Club Room with two plasma screen tvs & a spectacular bayview! What a treat! The first night!

The next day Dec. 20, we headed to the Domestic airport to board a flight to Dumaguete. After 1 hour and a half, we arrived and were fetched by a pre-arranged resort transport van service. I know it was quite expensive at P1250 but I guess it was the only option. We were greeted warmly by one of Antulang’s staff, Shabs. On the way to the resort which is roughly an hour’s drive, we requested to stop first at a grocery to load up on some goodies, like red wine, alcoholic beverages, Doritos, Tostitos salsa con queso dip, food we forbid ourselves to eat before the wedding for diet purposes. You could take it in the resort discreetly. shhh!!!

When we arrived and were given starflower leis to wear, we were led to our private Executive Suite with Jacuzzi. At dinner time, room service came with candlelit table set-up by the same guy Shabs. How impressive & how multitasked he is. I guess he’s our personal butler.

The menu was reasonable, lechon kawali (Fried Pig) at P350 good for two persons already. Just add 10% Service charge if consumed outside of the restaurant. But mind you, most of the menu are simple dishes so don’t expect anything fancier than good old Filipino fare such as beef steak, porkchops, fried chicken.

Day 2, Dec 21, Thursday, we explored the resort & enjoyed the beach & the infinity pool. Back to the room…

Day 3, Dec 22, Friday, around 8AM, we had our first early breakfast at their restaurant with a panoramic view. We were then invited by the Antulang staff for a cruise at the Tambobo bay. We really had a great time cruising & even met new friends, balikbayans from Amsterdam Mr. Suer & Ms. Zeny. Nice to meet you guys! After that morning we were now scheduled to transfer to our much awaited room. The Pool Villa! We went horseback riding first by the beach until sun down. It was so refreshing! Then we scheduled couple massage for that evening. Ulalahlah!!!

Dec. 4. Dec 23. Sat, was Sunbasking time! We spent the morning working on our tan & enjoying the private pool in the room! Lunch time room service, by now we have almost tried all of their menu. We slept until our check-out time at 12noon. Good siesta…zZZzzz

What a blast! 3 nights was just right for our stay. We were feeling a little homesick already. We were eager to go home to open our wedding & Christmas presents! This is the best Christmas ever! So until next time! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Visit www.antulang.com.ph for more details.

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