S-U-M-M-E-R is a Three-letter Word

gian.ia.joseph.jules.kiel.mico.migs.nikki.stacey.vince.yves

After a roller coaster of a year (which ended with a Math20.3a Final Exam), what is there better to do than commence the summer season with the XX2 ULTIMATE SUMMER OUTING?!

March 27, 2009
Who even remembered the Math 20.3a finals after it was done? After packing all the necessities for a four-day and four-nights stay off Manila’s glitz and glamour, eleven of XX2 people hit the road to Calaca, Batangas.
The group had to split in to two subgroups for the transportation. I rode with Stace, Yves, Joseph, Kiel & Jules and despite the heavy traffic near the outskirts of the Metro, the ride was super fun as we told stories, sang songs, joked around, got carried away while driving along the zigzagged road and scared each other (Jules is a meanie). It was already quite dark when we reached Calaca so we got quite confused (i.e. lost) while looking for the place we were supposed to stay at. Getting a bit lost was quite reasonable since the place was very far from the main road, the path to it is not really paved and it was dark. Thankfully, we arrived safely to the place and said hello to Whispering Waves Beach House – our home for four days. Kuya --- (I didn’t really catch his name), the caretaker, helped us settle down when we arrived. After slightly exploring the place and arranging sleeping assignments, we all ate a happy dinner with roasted chicken and rice.

Despite the time and travel, sure had lots of energy on reserve as we still played this little hot spot game. Nikki and Kiel prepared questions which we are to get from a bottle. The questions were not really difficult and spot on but there were some that really perked up the attention of those who are present. It was indeed a long night and we all had to wake up early for we are to prepare for a surprise for Stacey the next day!

March 28, 2009
Equipped with two hours of sleep, I quietly crept out of the bedroom and joined the once who slept less or none at all (Gian, Jules and Yves) to set-up Stacey’s surprise advance birthday celebration. It was a super cute surprise made up of “H.B. Stace” pancake cut-outs, letters-in-a-test-tube hunt and 18 songs. The lack of sleep is worth it as Stace really showed her appreciation. XX2 hearts Stacey!

Before the noon, everyone scrambled, donned our swim gears and hit the cool pool! Though the beach is just nearby, we opt for the pool for the day since it was high tide, making the shore seem non-existent. Despite our watery pool fun, Nikki had to leave for Laguna by high noon so before she left, we took lotsa pictures with Kiel’s dSLR. We had fun with you Nikki! The ten of us continued pool fun for six hours before we decided to step out of the water for pasta dinner care of Jules, Kiel and Yves.

After dinner, most of us decided to stay-up and participate in the Earth Hour. We lit a couple of candles, mixed up pitchers of punch (if you know what I mean), played ‘I’ve never’ and just chilled. That night ended a bit weird as we got freaked out by things and stuff (sorry about that guys). Well, at least we got to sleep a bit. On to the next day!

March 29, 2009

Mico, Joseph, Gian, Stacey and I headed to the town’s market to buy food stuff for the day. With Kuya the caretaker, we rode a tricycle to the said area where the trade is on. Thankfully, the goods are still fresh as we bought fish fillet to fry, chicken breast, pork belly and tilapia to grill, hotdogs to roast and veggies to complement all the protein-rich foodies. After acquiring the necessities, everyone is on to preparing the Super Brunch.

SUPER BRUNCH
Crab and Corn Soup

Breaded Blue Marlin Fish Fillet with Asian and Honey Mustard Dips

Tomato Rotini Pasta
Fresh Melon Juice

Watermelon Wedges

When we were done enjoying the yummy brunch prepared by everyone, we got overwhelmed by the pile of soiled wares waiting to be cleaned up. I really salute Jules and Kiel for taking on the challenge of washing those stacks of plates and kitchen stuff. Our stay in Whispering Waves would not be complete if we did not take advantage of the beach and nature seemed to agree with us since the sea created a more spacious beach and a lower level of water. I personally liked the fine black sand and the gentle waves of water as I saw the sunset live. Too bad I didn’t have my camera back then.

I had this personally significant experience in the arms of the ocean that I want to share. While we were playing in the open sea a bit after the sun had set, I felt that I had stepped on something. I reached down to the sea bed and grabbed a handful of sand, assuming that along with that comes the thing I stepped on. I touched the lump on my hand and to my surprise, there sat a small starfish. No, friends. I did not remember him – I saw someone else and now, the term starfish has certain significance. It is no longer a name that popped out of nowhere. There is life to it. Despite the cheers of my blockmates for me to take the said starfish out of the ocean, I opted to throw it back to the waters where it belongs.

When the skies started to darken, we raced back to the shore and retreated to the pool where they played water-based dodgeball while Kiel and I started marinating and cooking for the night’s grilled dinner. If we had a Super Brunch, we sure did prepare the Supreme Dinner. Us, girls, did all the indoor and kitchen parts while the boys took over the grilling. Preparing meals sure is rewarding!

SUPREME DINNER – Grill Night Special

Grilled Pork Belly

Grilled Chicken Breast

Grilled Stuffed Tilapia

Sautéed Kangkong

Salted Egg and Tomatoes Salad

Fresh Melon Juice

Pineapple Slices

Dragon Fruit Cubes

Mango Slices

Watermelon Wedges

So what do you guys think of our last dinner menu? If you think the night is over with such a meal, you are entirely mistaken. After eating, it was time for another surprise – KIEL’S 18th Birthday! The surprise for her involves a “H.B. KIEL” spelled out by candles near the beach, 18 plans (since she plans a lot), 18 songs and 18 flowers by a warm bonfire participated by dressed girls and polo-and-board-shorts-clad boys. I’m super happy that Kiel enjoyed her 18th birthday celebration! XX2 hearts you too Kiel! :D

With a bonfire present, marshmallows and hotdogs sure made their appearances. We talked and stargazed until we all felt the need to sleep as we are soon to head back to Manila.

March 30, 2009

As soon as we woke up, everyone was on adrenaline rush for we were running late for our slated departure time. Added to that were the tons of dishes needed to be washed from last night’s feast, personal things to pack, furniture to tidy-up and breakfast to cook. Fortunately, we were all moving to accomplish things faster. By the time our ride home arrived, we were all set to go. We said or thanks and goodbye to Kuya, the caretaker, and headed out of Whispering Waves Beach House of Calaca, Batangas.

Any fun-loving soul would appreciate a little detour especially when the destination is Zipline at Tagaytay Highlands. A super daring yet cool experience! Try it when you are in Tagaytay and feel what it is like to almost fly!

After all the fun at Zipline, we seriously headed home to Manila.

I personally want to thank Kiel for organizing this outing. Rock on, you one glamorous and lovely lady! Of course, the fun would not be complete without everyone’s – Gian, Joseph, Jules, Kiel, Mico, Migs, Stacey, Vince, Yves – presence. You guys did fire up my summer! XX2 will also rock summer school!

The beach. One house. Eleven people. One block.

Let’s get this season started!

F-U-N

*photos are from me and from Kiel's site.