that saying is true

cliche as the saying does, it is true --- one should not judge by mere appearance.   things could either be better or worse.  thankfully, our meeting place in cebu (picked for us by our travel agent) does not disappoint.  deadma na if it is 45 minutes away from the airport, if the "sights" coming here is truly "provincial" and the only trusted, reliable means of going out and around the city (about 30 minutes away) is a car for PHP450 (conduct only).  i like it.  (i got really apprehensive from airport to here, Lowaii Cebu Marine Beach Resort in Lapu-lapu City.  the trip was longer than i am used to usually, and it seemed that we are getting immersed in the local (community) scene.  you can imagine how happily surprised i was when we got here.  (this is the driveway.  shot taken from the reception area.)

i like its ambiance, the "homey" feeling it brings, the ever-helpful staff and the good food it serves.  i do not expect grandeur ala-Shangril-la Hotel or Waterfront.  like what i told my colleague, this is the service we get for the price we were willing to pay.  since our Project is funded by a grant, naturally, we are not expected to be "grand", especially in our events.  as oversight for this meeting/review, i made sure the activities are compact, the budget within our means but, at least, our accommodations would be comfortable.  what is most important is to achieve the goals for this meeting (evaluate progress of our Researches under the Grant) and allow our Researchers some respite (R&R, if possible).

since it isn't my first time in Cebu, it is not urgent for me to do some sightseeing.  there are only two things in my TO DO list: (1) buy CnT lechon for mom; and (2) danggit for Mr. P.  i would have wanted to buy him a Cebu-made guitar (as an anniversary present) but i am not capable to choose a good one for him.  And as OC-ness kicks in, i cannot seem to enjoy anything until this is over.  

there is WIFI here in the receiving area (and also in the Conference room, where we'd hold our 2-day meeting) but none in the rooms.  i realized that i appreciate not being connected because i am allowed some rest. i slept at 6pm last night and woke up at 2am to change to sleep attire.  nakatulog pala ako ng naka-maong.  i was tired from travel.  (this is my work area for now.  after checking-in, our participants have to see me for some reimbursements and meeting instructions.  i find this area nice.  parang bahay lang talaga.)

from where i am typing, i can see everyone who comes in.  there is a group of young people (Pinay girls and ala-Backstreet "tisoy" boys) who arrived and headed straight to the beach area.   


aysus.  i'm so tsismosa.   i have to go back to work (and check everyone's submission of their technical reports). more pictures ...

 the central receiving area

path to the pool and the beach side.  there is also a gazebo / play area (for billiards).


(i will try to take photos of their restaurant and our room.  we have our own veranda btw.)