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6 o’clock, Saturday morning - I was haggling with my phone’s alarm for another hour of slumber. I could still feel the booze in my veins that I obtained from our usual Friday night-out. But the thought of where we will be spending the day perked up all the adrenalin in my body. Yes! My itchy-feet will be pleased today.

This day trip was somewhat a short notice, which was actually perfect, because we knew that it would materialize, instead of the long planning which usually do not push through as always. When our Finance Manager forwarded an email last week regarding Grande Island’s Special Promo, we immediately convened to avail it. Besides, the Promo was a cheap deal - Php 500.00 inclusive of entrance fee, round-trip boat transfers, and a plated lunch. We didn’t even pay for any reservation fees, but we made sure that we will be guaranteed of our slots.

We were 30-mins tardy from our 9am-set assembly at the Park-and-Shop. Oh well, late as always. So we (I, Jeric, Adel, Jay, Pogs) decided to proceed to the Terminal Office, so we can already purchase our tickets. Good thing, that there were still slots available for the Day tour. Few minutes later, Anne, Leslie, Mayet, and Dariel already arrived, just in time for the cut-off schedule. We were supposed to board the boat at 10am, and then depart 15mins later. But the available boat, MY Cheebon, can’t accommodate all the passengers, so we waited for 30minutes for the bigger and faster boat, MV Chewee, to come. 25minutes later, we already docked at the captivating island.

Grande Island, formerly known as Fort Wint, used to be a restricted area among locals. Situated at the mouth of Subic Bay, it used to be a fortress that guarded the entrance to Subic Bay during WWII. Years later, the Americans, who realized its potential as an island resort, developed it to a recreation place that caters the servicemen and their families during their stay in Subic Bay. Today, Grande Island, thru Subic Bay Freeport Zone, was transformed into a world-class tropical island resort.

The ambiance of the place reminds me of Corregidor Island, except that ATV’s and buggy carts greeted us at the entrance, instead of Corregidor’s Tramvia Buses. It was almost noontime, the heat of the sun was scorching that it hurts our skin, nevertheless, the brightness of the skies accentuated the island’s grandeur.

Seeking for an ideal cottage to stay, we passed by the beautifully-landscaped chalet houses overlooking the sea. We, at last, resided to a cottage beside the 2-hectare Sea Water Inland Lagoon in the middle of the island - the pride of the place. Not long enough when we have settled, a staff approached us and took our orders for the plated lunch included in the package. We were not allowed to bring in food and drinks, and their prices are quite expensive. It would have been happier if we can indulge into a food trip, since the island’s atmosphere gives me craving for food. Oh well, we could eat later, in Subic.

After our lunch, we proceeded for the shower room to change. Wow, they have very nice and comfortable restrooms. For me, this is the most decent thing they have developed in the place. Serves it right.

To freshen ourselves from the sultry afternoon, we plunged into the inland lagoon. To our dismay, we immediately moved out of the water. The water was very salty, and since the pool was manmade, the algae formation made the floor slippery, thus, not ideal for swimming.
Off we transferred to the beach. How refreshing the water is - mild waves, cool water. The beach has no wide shore though. There are a lot of water activities to do - banana boat ride, flying fish, jetski, but their rates are very costly. After an hour of enjoying the waves which we named as “Woo”, and since it was almost 4pm, I already changed so we can have further time for photo ops.

5pm - parting time. The day tour is not enough to explore and enjoy the whole island. We should have availed of their Overnight Promo (Php 2,400.00). Hmmm, I still have until December this year to avail it. Till the next time, Grande Island.

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