Introspect

Posted on April 18, 2012 by leawalkerblog

I’m usually a happy person. 🙂 But as I write this, I’m coming from a very dark place. Figuratively speaking, that is..

Two of the people close to me have cancer. 😦

One – she’s the President of the Real Estate Association where I am a Board Member of. She’s like a mother to me so I feel really sad to hear that her breast cancer has gone to her lungs already. Yes, it’s not good. But she’s still fighting. And now, she’s in Manila for more medication.
And then the other one is my sister’s mother inlaw. She was in the hospital for a few days. But the doctors had to send her home because there’s nothing they can do anymore. In other words, she is gonna die in the next few days. I just realized that when you have breast cancer and your whole body swells, it means that it’s bad news. That once the swelling subsides, then comes death.
I feel terrible. And I don’t know what to say.
Except that I have more realizations. That life is fleeting. And that in the end, nothing matters.
I asked my husband the other day, why are we working so hard? Why indeed, when it’s just the two of us. We have no children to leave everything behind to when our time comes. I guess, all our properties will be left to our nephews and nieces. 🙂
I realized that we have to slow down. And spend more time on things and people that matter. Work if we must. But it shouldn’t be the most important thing in our life. How sad, right?
But then again, we’re both workaholic. So slowing down isn’t easy. I don’t know if this happened to you. Too much holiday feels like I’m ready to crawl on the walls. 🙂 So yep, that’s not an easy task for us.
Okay, so I’ll try to go to sleep. 🙂 Maybe I’ll feel better when I wake up…
Sorry my friends,  for making you my sounding board. 🙂 
                                                             Lea C. Walker
                                                     leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                  www.davaoproperties.com
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Samal Island (Day 3)

Posted on April 10, 2012 by leawalkerblog
Saturday, 7 April 2012:

The sun shone brightly today….
Infact, it’s orange color made a beautiful contrast to the dark  sea. And yes you’re right, I woke up really early again. 🙂
This is our third day at the resort. I’m glad that even with the rain last night, we all slept very well… I laid down in our make shift bed and the next thing I knew, there’s daylight already. 🙂
Some of our guests and two of my staff  are leaving today, so everyone rose up early too. The mall , where our display booth is , will open today. Therefore Amor and Tadeo, our booth incharge, had to leave. Do you know that the malls only close on Good Friday? And that means, if you’re a tenant,  you’re open 364 days / a year too. 🙂 Pretty tiring huh? But then again, that’s business.
After breakfast, John and I brought everyone who’s going home, to Babak, the district where the ferry port is. We went the other way this time, passing through the barangays of Tagpopongan and Balet. The trip was only 19.2kms. But it took us 1 hr and 30 minutes to reach Babak because of the terrible road. The holes on the road are so deep in some part, I got scared it would rip out the bottom part of our Nissan van.
It seemed to me like the local government has forgotten this side of the island. I mean, seriously. The road didn’t look like it’s been cleared or bulldozed for years! So I don’t know what is going on… Samal is a tourist spot. And I’ve seen a lot of resorts in Tagpopongan and Balet. So I don’t understand why the roads haven’t been repaired or maintained? That’s just too bad… And so sad. The rainy season will make it worst. I pity the constituents living there. 😦

The view is fantastic! 🙂 But the road sucks… Please LGU of Samal, fix the road of Balet and Tagpopongan. It’s such a waste if tourists opt not to visit this place because of the road condition…
After taking Amor to the bus station and the rest to Hagimit Falls, John and I stopped at Central Warehouse Club in Penaplata to purchase cooking oil, softdrinks and bottled water. And then off we went to the resort… This time, we used the Tagbitan-ag route. The drive is shorter (12kms = 30 mins). The road is also rough but this can be considered well-maintained compared to the Balet-Tagpopongan route.
We arrived at the resort around lunchtime. John had pork chop sandwich. While I mostly ate driedfish (Lagao) sauteed in garlic, onion and a lot of tomatoes. That, really was a very good lunch for me. I seldom have this chance to eat driedfish because John can’t stand the smell. But at the resort, our dining area has a wide open space with free flowing breeze. So it didn’t bother John at all. 🙂
This was our dining area at the resort. 🙂 It came with a beautiful view of the beach! Pretty sight huh?
 I fell asleep in the hammock today! 🙂  How could I not, the place was so peaceful and the sea breeze was amazing… The place is covered with big trees so there’s shade all around. Perfect for relaxation, indeed!
MORE PHOTOS:

The view from the Cabana. 🙂 This is how it looks like from 8am to 3pm.

By 4pm, here’s a sample of the wave. I don’t think I can handle a small boat this time. hehe  But since most of the locals there know how to swim, it does not bother them! At all…

Pearlie, into facebook through her phone. haha..  I “sort of” ignored my phone for 3 days now. 🙂 Checking it once a day only, that is…

John and Me. We’re like coffee and cream. haha

Restful vacation… John seldom has time to read a book. I’m glad he did this time. 🙂

By sunset, this is how the beach looked like. You can ride the waves now with a surfing board.  🙂

                                         Ahh… life is hard. Very hard, indeed….LOL
I prepared hamburger for dinner for all of us. While, Dan and the rest of the cooking team (Boyet, Manong Osting, Jade, Orly and Dave) grilled the remaining pork butterfly I bought.  The kids loved my hamburger. haha..  Marco my nephew, said that it’s better than McDonald’s. hehe.. I said, of course. Ours doesn’t have a commercialized burger patty eh… 🙂
It’s our last night at the resort. Everyone felt sad. This beach life is so wonderful I could do this for the rest of my life. 🙂 My other nephew Blaire tried his best (he’s a special child) to tell me that he wants me to build a resort and let him be the caretaker. hehe.. I said, ok. Let’s ask God to grant that prayer…
                                                 I wonder what Blaire was thinking? 🙂
                                                             Lea C. Walker
                                                   www.davaoproperties.com
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Samal Island – Day 2

Posted on April 9, 2012 by leawalkerblog
Friday, 6 April 2012:

I woke up to the sound of the birds chirping… I thought I was just dreaming, then I remembered that I was still in Samal Island. 🙂
Last night wasn’t a very comfortable one. Remember when I said previously that we were told the resort can accomodate 25 people? 6-8 people per room and the rest in a dormitory? 🙂 LOL. I chose to laugh over those words… Let me explain.
The cottage has a small but open living room. You go up 3 steps and that’s where the 2 bedrooms were. One bedroom is good for 2-3 people. The 2nd bedroom can accomodate 2 people also. But with a mattress on the floor , can sleep a total of 5. And there were 25 of us. 🙂
The dormitory turned out to be the pavillion. With a mattress of Php50.00 / each, that’s your bed for the night. Imagine, John’s reaction. haha.. If you can only see his face….
It’s a good thing we brought 2 tents with us. Our male helpers said they’ll sleep in the tent. Then we rented 3 more tents from the resort (at Php250.00 each) . Theirs were big tents so it accomodated 3 to 4 people each.
Pearlie and mama with the kids slept in the 1st bedroom. While Grace and Anika slept in the other bedroom. Amor and Janice slept in the mattress on the floor of the 2nd bedroom also. They slept well because those have aircon units.
John and I slept in the van. haha.. You know, for the 1st time, I was so glad that we have a Hyundai Starex van. John rearranged the chairs into a “queensize -like” bed.  With a mattress on top of it,  problem solved. The seats of the starex are so comfortable. So when it was adjusted into a bed, we were able to sleep somehow.
I kept on waking up though because with the backdoor and the main door open, I was scared that an “aswang” might hover over us, specially with the balete tree on top of the mountain across the resort which I can see clearly from the van window everytime I open my eyes. hahaha… I know I am crazy!
                              The balete tree fronting the resort. It gave me a sleepless night… hehe
So that’s how I ended waking up with the birds singing. With that amazing sound, my morning started beautifully once again… You know, looking at the bright side of things is always wonderful. I could gripe the whole time or choose to enjoy what the rest of the place has to offer. And I chose the latter. I am thinking, I could be somewhere else having the worst time of my life. But God brought me to the beach instead. 🙂 So yes, I consider myself so blessed…
After my morning ritual (brushing , etc.) 🙂 , I picked up my camera and walked to the beach. I am waiting for the sunrise! The water looked so inviting, with it so calm and clear. But I’ll wait for an hour or so before going in. The water is freakin’ cold! hehe…
              See.. how can I gripe? With this beautiful sunrise comes a beautiful day….
I just sat in the bench basking at the beauty infront of me. I said a little prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of family and friends. For his protection. And for the many blessings he’s given me.
I am exposed to a lot of stress with my work. But at this moment, I am at peace. And so I thank God for it.
Then I heard someone calling me, saying that breakfast is ready. We had fried rice, fried egg, chorizo and fried “bulad bolinao”. Omg.. I am so happy we have dried fish. I have not eaten one for months now. 🙂 After preparing John’s breakfast of  biscuits with bacon, we all gathered at the table and ate.
PHOTO OP:
After breakfast, almost everyone went to the beach! 🙂

John with Cholo. Marjun was busy looking for nemo. haha

This is the ramp infront of the cabana. Everybody’s having a good time! 🙂

Me at the cabana. hehehe…

 Manong Marcelo with his son. They’re cleaning the sea urchins. For the first time, I tasted sea   urchins. And they’re good! Specially with vinegar and salt. hehe

Sea Urchin meat…

Having a picnic beside the beach.. With sea urchin as “pulutan”.

Using the zoom of my camera, I got this photo of a cargo ship from afar. Mountains of Pantukan, Davao Oriental in the background.
You’d think that the day is done right? But no, there’s more… hehe

Syrup made of coconut milk and brown sugar for BIKO!!! yehey….

John looking so red after going to the beach. 🙂

Mama. 🙂

Our friend Grace and daughter, Anika. With Amor.

My sister , Pearlie and brother inlaw, Ruben.

Preparing for lunch. Dandan, Amor , Emilie and Pearlie.

Emelie, my secretary  and family. 🙂

A LITTLE MYTH:

I had no idea what kind of banana was this, so I asked the caretaker. He said, that it’s “Saging Tindok”.  Hmmmn.. so this is it, I thought.  Visayan mythology says that if you wait for its flower to open on midnight of the full moon, and whatever is inside the flower will go directly to your mouth, it will give you the power to see the evil spirits around you. And be able to fight them. I grew up with that story. But I don’t know if it’s true. haha…

I was thinking, I am not interested. Gawd, waiting outside alone during the full moon. Not gonna happen! LOL Besides the so called power will make you somewhat like the “ghost buster”.. Never mind.. he he…

My day ended slowly.. But that’s what this vacation is. To not do anything. Except go to the beach, relax.. Eat.. relax.. hehe..  Plus I got the chance to eat biko and dried fish.. I am happy. 🙂

Full moon above the cabana.. 🙂

                                                             Lea C. Walker
                                                       leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                    www.davaoproperties.com
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Samal Island (Day 1)

Posted on April 9, 2012 by leawalkerblog
Thursday,  5 April 2012:

I woke up today with excitement in my heart. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for quite sometime now. We booked a resort for 4 days and 3 nights exclusively for my family , our staff, their families and a few friends.
This is our first time at Island Hills Beach Resort. So we didn’t know what to expect. We were told that there’s a 2 bedroom cottage that can accomodate 6 people per room. And that they have a dormitory for the rest of the guests. It’s supposed to house at least 25 people per day. I thought that at Php5,000.00 per day, the price is cheap.
So I baked biscuits for John’s “baon”. He doesn’t eat rice in the mornings, you see. So I have to prepare his bread for 4 days. 🙂
I told everyone to come early because the line at the ferry gets too long and we don’t want to get stuck at the port.
By 7:30a.m. , we were already on our way to the ferry boat port. I thought that was early. Boy, was I shocked when I saw the line. We were at least 3 kms away from the port. That’s how long the line was!
We finally boarded the ferry boat by 10am. From Babak port, we travelled to the resort for almost an hour on a rough road passing through the barangays of Tagbitan-ag, Tagluno and Aundanao.

My sister, Pearlie, exploring the beach..

Aundanao is such a sight to behold…. I thought that the tiring trip was well worth it. 🙂 True, the beach in this part of Samal doesn’t have white sand, but the water is crystal clear you can see nemo and other fishes swimming beside you. Beautiful right?

A few minutes after our arrival at the resort, the fisherman working for our friend arrived. He brought us fresh Lapu-lapu and other “isda sa bato” which he caught from their “bobo” (cage).  Gee..this beach life is impressing me more and more… hehe     Imagine frying and grilling these very fresh fishes! Yummy huh?

After a sumptous lunch of Afritada, fried fish and pancit canton, we decided to roam the island by boat. Yes, it’s not wavy around this time. The big waves starts around 4 in the afternoon. So it’s ok to use a small motor boat before that. 🙂

MY PHOTO COLLECTION:

Di masyado halata na feel na feel ko ang boating.. hehehe

 I like this bali type structure. Check the hammock at the cabana and the curtains at the receiving area. It’s so beautiful!

We stopped at the farm of our friend for this… Fresh buko juice by Manong, the caretaker of our friend. hehehe…

We bid goodbye to Manong and his family after the buko drinking session.. hehe. Had to go back before the waves get too big. Err.. I don’t know how to swim remember? 🙂

Back at the resort, everyone was just relaxing. Either on the beach, at the cabana or just sitting at the open cottages facing  Samal Gulf. 🙂

Before dinner , John and I went to the Cabana. And checked what the excitement was all about. It turned out that Val and Kim caught a fish. 🙂 While the others are busy fishing.

Pearlie and Ruben, with the boys – fishing.

Relaxing at the cabana. 🙂

All in all, it was a beautiful day that started with a hitch but ended wonderfully… Not just for me and John but for everybody we brought along with us in this 4day vacation. 🙂

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

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A Meeting With Journeying James..

Posted on April 1, 2012 by leawalkerblog
I’ve been reading James’ blog for quite sometime. He’s a 20-something blogger who travels in and outside the Philippines on a budget (P400 – 500/ day, including accomodation) and blogs about it.
I find that really amazing.So when I read that he’s doing the “Isangdaan Journey”, I told him to contact me when he gets to Davao.

“Isangdaan” is the theme of his recent escapade. A one hundred day trip all over the Philippines with
Php500.00 per day as his maximum budget. Cool right?

On Thursday, 29 March 2012, James texted and asked ” Ate Lea, is the lunch together still on?” I said yes. And so John and I met him at our favorite restaurant, Boyd’s.

In the middle of our conversation, eating pasta and pizza, James told us about his trip to Mati and how he helped rescue a “pawikan” and watched it lay a total of 136 eggs.

So now you understand why I love travelling? 🙂 I’ve never seen a Pawikan, like James did. But I am glad that a fellow blogger had that kind of an experience. Watching from the video, I found it really awesome!

PHOTO OP:

Jame’s Blog –  http://journeyingjames.com

John took this photo of me and Journeying James. 🙂

@ James, thank you for sharing this picture through FB. 🙂

So now I am waiting for his article and pictures on Sohoton Cove, Bucas Grande Island in Surigao. Specially the photos of the stingless jelly fish.  🙂

Kudos to you, my friend. And continue inspiring all of us, that yes it is possible to travel on a small budget , if you really put your mind to it! 🙂

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Pancake House

Posted on March 24, 2012 by leawalkerblog
Sundays usually mean sleeping late (if I can go back to sleep, that is…) and having a brunch at Pancake House.
Well, we don’t have to go out to eat. 🙂 But since our site visit to our projects in Samal Island falls on Sundays, we just give ourselves a treat before going to work. Yes, you read it right, we work even on Sundays. 🙂

Their 3 piece pancake with butter and syrup. 🙂

My only comment, they need to change their brand of orange juice. It sucks. Sorry….

Yep, their pork tocino with garlic rice tastes as good as it looks.. 🙂 Waffles for John at the far end.

Pancake House has a variety of menus. They’ve got waffles as shown above, (yummy too!) , Filipino breakfast which consists of beef tapa, daing or pork. Western breakfast with sausage as one of its  side dishes. They serve steak as well. And oh, you should try their yoghurt. 🙂
So if you’re in Davao, try Pancake House. Serving time is only 15 mins. Helps if you’re in a hurry. hehe
Branches are located at:

2nd floor, SM
Ecoland , Davao City

3rd level, Gaisano Mall
J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City

Damosa Gateway
Lanang, Davao City
(just beside Microtel)

I’m not sure if there’s one in Abreeza? If there is, then I’ve never been there yet…. 🙂

Lea C. Walker
leawalker.blogspot.com
www.davaoproperties.com

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When You Say Nothing At All – Lea Walker

Posted on March 20, 2012 by leawalkerblog
I love Windows Live Movie Maker! 🙂  And you tube, of course. hehe

I made a video using the pictures I’ve taken from our vacations in the Philippines and outside the country (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam).

The song in the background is my version of When You Say Nothing At All. 🙂

Lea C. Walker
www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Angkor Wat, Cambodia, Davao, malaysia, philippines, Siem Reap, Singapore, thailand, Vietnam, When You Say Nothing At All | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Long and Lasting Love – Lea Walker.wmv

Posted on March 18, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Let me share one of my favorite songs with you guys. Thank you for reading my blog.
This is my version of “A Long and Lasting Love”.
Ciao for now!
                                                                 Lea C. Walker
                                                           leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                          www.davaoproperties.com
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Boyd’s

Posted on March 16, 2012 by leawalkerblog
Hey, it was Araw ng Dabaw yesterday! 🙂 So we had a special holiday.
For the past 10 years, my family and I usually watch the parade. And give away fliers at the same time. But this year, I opted not to. Migraine and heat don’t go together. I found the sun too bright yesterday, so I just couldn’t do it..
But to celebrate with the rest of the Dabawenyo’s, we went to Boyd’s along Palma Gil St., Davao City. They had an “Eat All YOu Can” promo on pasta and pizza for P199.00 per head. 🙂
My nephew, Blaire, was so happy! haha.. His father, Ruben , joked that Blaire’s side A and side B were both full…

Pasta with white sauce, chicken and mushroom .

Johanne’s Pizza.
John, Pearlie and Mama.
          Mama isn’t into pizza and pasta. So I ordered “porkloin with Java rice” for her.
The chef and owner of Boyd’s is a Filipino who trained in New York. And he’s really good. So even if there’s no promo, John and I make it a point to have lunch or dinner there. My usual order consist of fried dumplings and porkloin with Java Rice. While John loves their Meaty Jeff pizza, (it consist of ham, bacon, beef, mushroom, etc.).
Their BBQ sandwich is really yummy too!
Also, their spaghetti with white sauce coupled with a freshly baked garlic bread. It’s out of this world! 🙂
So if you’re in Davao, never miss Boyd’s.
Boyd’s is located in Palma Gil St., Davao City. From Gaisano Mall in Bajada, turn right at the first corner, going to Obrero. It’s the 2nd bldg, on the left. It’s so easy to find, you won’t get lost.
(PS. To all the waiters, thank you for being so nice. Always. )
                                                                     Lea C. Walker
                                                                leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                             www.davaoproperties.com
Posted in Araw ng Dabaw, Boyd's, davao city, pasta, pizza, restaurants in davao | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Downton Abbey

Posted on March 8, 2012 by leawalkerblog
If there’s one show that I wouldn’t get tired of watching, (other than Stargate), it’s Downton Abbey. It’s so awesome, I feel like I’m being transported to a different era everytime I watch it. The actors and actresses are so great, you’d feel the emotion each of them portray.
To borrow the words of Wikipedia, the series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, the Yorkshire country house of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, and follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants during the reign of King George V. The first series spans the two years before the Great War beginning with news of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which sets the story in motion. The second series covers the years 1916 to 1919, and the 2011 Christmas Special December covers the 1919 Christmas period, ending in early 1920.Highclere Castle in Hampshire[2][3] was used for exterior shots of Downton Abbey and most of the interior filming. The servants’ living areas were constructed and filmed at Ealing Studios.[4]

The village of Bampton in Oxfordshire was used for filming outdoor scenes, most notably St Mary’s Church and the library, which serves as the entrance to the cottage hospital.[5] The Yorkshire towns and cities of Easingwold, Kirkby, Kirkbymoorside, Leeds, Malton, Middlesbrough, Ripon, Richmond, Thirsk and York have been mentioned by characters in the series.

The series was well received in both the United Kingdom and the United States, averaging more than six million viewers per episode.[6]

Highclere Castle,  the location of Downton Abbey. Awesome right?
 In 2011 it entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the “most critically acclaimed English-language television show” for the year, becoming the first co-produced US/British show to be so recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.
Lady Edith, Lady Mary and Lady Sybil. Among the three, I love Lady Mary’s character. 🙂
Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley. You really should watch them. I’m sure you’ll fall inlove with them as well… 🙂
Countess of Grantham. Grandmother of Mary, Sybil and Edith. She makes me laugh with her quirky remarks. I love her! 🙂
Lady Mary.
So why am I writing about this?
I don’t know why, but I’ve always wanted to go to Europe. It’s like I have a love affair with the place, even if I haven’t been there. Maybe it’s because my mother’s ancestors came from Spain and from what I understand, there’s a place called Montes there, which happens to be my mom’s family name.
Downton Abbey, being in London, has given me another reason to tour that part of the world. 🙂 John is a history buff so he wants to see the castles as much as I do.
And so the quest begin.  🙂
Booking of hotels, flights, etc. is so easy. Compared to obtaining a visa, that is. Sometimes, it sucks being a Filipino. The embassies automatically think that we will stay and work in their country. So getting a tourist visa is such a difficult task . Suntok sa buwan , ika nga… Whew!
I don’t have a choice but to try though.. And hope that the consul is in a good mood during my interview. 🙂
In fairness, from what I read, Uk and European embassies would really dissect your documents. So if yours is complete, then you have a chance.
So there goes. A trip to UK and Europe, an addition to my bucketlist. 🙂  What’s yours?
Here’s praying that all our dreams will come true!  Cheers.. 🙂
                                                            Lea C. Walker
                                                   leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                  www.davaoproperties.com
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