Sunday, July 12, 2009

Seeing at Eagle Point

It was a cold and cozy morning as the smooth breeze seemed to have a hypnotic power that kept me thinking of going back to bed. Four o’ clock is the call time, and I mustn’t be late or else I’ll end up explaining myself to my colleagues.


It was Integrated Revenue Management (IRM) annual Rewards and Recognition Cascade. Formerly, activities like these were sponsored by the company and as per my fellow teammates’ testimonies; they have been to various places like Bantayan Islands in Cebu, Boracay in Aklan and in as far as Pearl Farm, Davao. Today, the group will be going to Eagle Point, Batangas. And this would be my first time to have a break since I came here in Manila.


Turned out that we were the last batch to leave Smart Tower, oh how I wished I could have slept longer. Although I’ve tried my best to doze off during the more than three hours of traveling, I couldn’t. It’s my mom’s rule since I was a child to keep awake during trips, just for safety purposes. Now I remembered my mom, how I wish we could have a vacation like this someday.


As we came nearer the location, the roads started to get narrower, but the views of the mountainside and the seas were just spectacular. I captured some extraordinary shots while inside the moving van.




A church somewhere along the way
When it seemed that we’ve been travelling like forever, we finally saw the signage leading us towards our destination. Whoo! But just when we thought we’ve travelled enough, we were mistaken. We have yet to conquer another hurdle- a roller-coaster-like ride down the steep, ‘isaw’ like road. It was scary! But whew, that was a whole lot of fun.
Eagle Point Greeting Team IRM
All the ordeals we’ve been through were simply wiped out when we at last saw the place. The view that greeted us was superbly awesome. It was a mixture of serenity and beauty; a refreshing, stress-relieving sight that could relax the mind and rejuvenate the spirit.

The grandiose Dining Area
The luxurious rooms


After the initial run-through of the place, we proceeded to the main purpose of our being there- the R&R Cascade. After the program, we were led to our assigned rooms much to our delight. The rooms were facing the open seas and the flowers were ornamenting the picturesque viewing area. The waters were like pastel colors forming a picture perfect painting.

The gumamela flowers adorning the viewing area



The view outside the window


Part of our itinerary was to have lunch at an island nearby. That island happened to be another 45 minute boat-ride from where we were staying at. It was called Sepoc Beach.Was it all worth it? Better than I’ve thought. The coastline was one of the most beautiful that I’ve ever seen. The white beach was so eye friendly that I wanted to live there. And the lunch was overflowing, sumptuous and delicious. It was like an endless supply of fruits, seafood and Filipino cuisines.
Sepoc beachfront


nyam nyam nyam
After the enormous meal, we continued our team-building activity. And to have a digression from our purpose there, some went on swimming while some, including me, took the time to enjoy the ‘duyans’ and get pictures everywhere.

My officemates could not resist the crystal clear waters



The place was so romantic that getting cozy would be inevitable. sigh :p



The duyan


Instead of going swimming, I just enjoyed some bonding moments with officemates particularly hearing Sir Danny's jokes.
Returning to Eagle Point was the laziest thing to do since I've learned to love Sepoc beach, and I want to stay there longer. But since we have to go, I have to abide and continue to shoot pictures along the way. On our boat ride home, we've actually seen a school of dolphins. So unlucky of me that it was too quick that I haven't got a picture of them.


Sepoc Beach Bamboo Walkway


Fellow IRM colleagues strike a pose before leaving Sepoc Beach


Upon returning, I immediately checked the different amenities of the resort. Hoping to find spots to bide my time with. Well, I was more impressed. The place have two swimming pools, for adults and children alike with the artificial waterfalls for that creative effect. There were billiard tables and a table tennis court for recreation. That night, we also held our dinner, walking about a kilometer or two, in yet another nice place filled with gazebos and small huts. The night winds from the sea kept the ambience cool. After the dinner, some remained, including me of course, to indulge in free karaoke singing.

The receiving area



Swimming pool and the recreation center





Eagle Point prides itself of the vast beachfront, best for snorkelling activities


Overall, the stay was unforgettable, re-energizing and great. It was a getaway I would always wanted to experience again.