08/08/2024
BPH – MARAMAG TEAM BUILDING BATCH FIVE
August 1-4, 2024
Team 5
Our journey began on a bright morning at exactly 9:12 am, as we proudly donned our uniformed magenta shirts and departed from the hospital premises. Spirits were high as we set off toward Cagayan de Oro City, with anticipation of adventure evident in every smile. We arrived at Bulua Terminal, CDO, at precisely 12:56 pm, where our transfer bus was already waiting to whisk us away to our next destination.
The bus ride to Mukas Port was filled with laughter and chatter as we enjoyed our packed lunch on board. By 5:15 pm, we arrived at Mukas Barge Terminal and crossed over to Ozamis City. As the sun began to set, we savored our Jollibee dinner en route to Dapitan City. At 9:56 pm, we arrived in the city, where we took the opportunity to stretch our legs and explore the beautiful Boulevard while waiting for our ferry at Roro Port. As midnight approached, we eagerly boarded the ferry bound for Dumaguete, ready to embark on our exciting itinerary.
Day 1: Dumaguete City
Our first morning in Dumaguete began with a delightful breakfast at Lantaw Native Restaurant. The warm and welcoming ambiance set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Our first stop was the Sulfur Vent, where we were greeted by the distinct “rotten egg” smell of sulfur rising from the earth. The sight of gas and smoke billowing from the mountain was a unique experience, and we couldn’t resist capturing this natural wonder in photographs.
Next, we visited Pulang Bato Falls, where nature's beauty unfolded before us in the form of cascading waters surrounded by lush greenery. Although we didn’t swim, the cold, refreshing water tempted us as we admired the falls. The vibrant green tropical landscape added to the picturesque scene, leaving us in awe of the natural splendor.
We then made our way to Red Rock Hot Spring, where the soothing, warm waters invited us to relax and unwind. Known for their therapeutic effects, the waters were a welcome reprieve, easing away the stress and tension from our journey.
Next, we made short but memorable visits to the breathtaking Mango Ranch, where the vast scenery was beautifully complemented by a striking purplish windmill standing proudly at the front. We also explored the picturesque grounds of Tierra Alta, nestled in the hills, offering stunning views and a serene atmosphere.
Lunch was enjoyed at YMCA, a bustling spot that reenergized us for the remainder of the day. Afterward, we checked in at Dumaguete Port, and by 1:00 pm, we were on our way to our next destination.
Upon arrival, we checked into El Pergentina Holiday Beach Resort. The resort was a tropical paradise, with inviting pools and a whirlpool bath providing the perfect setting for relaxation.
During our free time, we ventured eagerly to Kawayan Holiday Resort, a hidden gem not originally on our itinerary. The breathtaking views begged to be shared on Instagram and Tiktok, leaving us with memories to cherish.
Dinner was a lively affair as we gathered for team building. We enjoyed great food, introduced ourselves with a creative twist, and played games with exciting prizes. The evening was filled with singing , laughter, and camaraderie as food and drinks flowed freely.
Day 2: Siquijor
The day began with a hearty breakfast, fueling us for another day of exploration. Our first stops were the iconic "I Love Siquijor" photo stop then the “Welome to Siquijor” sign, where we captured memorable photos to commemorate our visit.
At Palitun Beach, we experienced the thrill of swinging in a rope high above the water, assisted by a human drone capturing our excitement on pictures and video. The fresh sea urchin, or Swaki, paired with the best version of fermented coconut sap I’ve ever tasted, was a culinary highlight.
Kanheron Ranch offered a unique cowboy and army-themed experience, complete with wine cellars open for viewing and cowboy outfits for picture-taking. We decided to reserve the venue for an exclusive night out later.
Lunch at Triad Café in Larena was a visual and culinary delight, offering stunning overviews of Dumaguete and Siquijor City.
Salagdoong Beach was a slice of paradise, with pristine waters inviting us to dive from cliffs and savor charcoal ice cream—a unique taste sensation that intrigued our palates. The water was deeply green, its pH level just right, adding to the charm of the location.
Cambugahay Falls was also a highlight of our trip. The 3-tiered waterfall provided a natural playground, each tier offering a refreshing swimming area and rope swings for the adventurous. Though the 135 steps down and back up were tiring, the experience was undeniably rewarding.
Our visit to Lazi Convent offered a glimpse into the rich religious and historical heritage of Siquijor. As the largest and oldest convent in Asia, its significance was palpable.
We embraced the Hapitanan Broom Challenge before exploring the dramatic landscapes of Pitogo Cliff. The day concluded with dinner and relaxation back at the resort, followed by a fun-filled night at Kanheron Ranch, where karaoke, food, and drinks flowed freely.
Day 3: Siquijor
Our final day began with a delicious breakfast, setting a relaxed tone for our leisurely checkout from the resort. With fond farewells, we departed Siquijor and made our way to Dumaguete, where we enjoyed a great lunch together at YMCA, savoring the last moments of our journey as we headed to Dumaguete Port.
After crossing back to Dapitan, we indulged in a sumptuous dinner around the scenic Dapitan Boulevard. The evening was filled with excitement as we visited Glorious Fantasy Land and Snow World, where we embraced our inner children through thrilling rides and captivating shows at their amusement park. The laughter and camaraderie continued, creating more unforgettable memories with our group.
As we traveled back, we felt a deep sense of gratitude and fulfillment from the experiences we shared. We arrived safely at the hospital vicinity around 1:14 pm, each of us carrying a mind full of cherished memories, a grateful heart, and a renewed spirit ready to serve again.
Afterword
As our journey came to an end, we reflected on the unforgettable experiences shared over the past few days. The departure from Dumaguete to Dapitan marked the end of our incredible adventure, but the memories created will last a lifetime.
Our tour was a fantastic experience, filled with laughter, adventure, and newfound friendships. As the team leader, I am immensely grateful for this incredible group of individuals who embraced every moment with enthusiasm and cooperation.
Special thanks to Printrish Travel and Tours, managed by Mam Claire Salcedo Ng and hubby Sir Vicente Ng, for organizing such a seamless and memorable itinerary. Their attentive partners Mam Julie and Ella also ensured that every aspect of our trip was well taken care of.
On behalf of the BPH Maramag Team 5, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to our management for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It provided a much-needed break from our daily responsibilities, and we returned refreshed and rejuvenated from this well-deserved vacation.
