How do I begin now? After hibernating for quite a long while from blogosphere, it seems so taxing to find how and where to start. Have been busy lazy for a long while and now, my brain needs some oiling to strip off the toxic rusts that seem to cling ever so tightly in my head. Lol! Oh my!
Anyways, don’t you find it so frustrating that summer is almost over? I still intend to savour more of the sun and the beach but the antagonistic rainy season is slowly showing its arrogance. It’s a good thing, I was able to enjoy some sunny days in Phi Phi Beach Resort just recently with the family. And if you’d ask where the hell that resort is, it is in the forever easy to access beach town of Morong, Bataan, our favorite beach town, wherelse?
But hey, don’t get me misunderstood! I did enjoy the sunny days on the beach but definitely not the resort itself. It's still fine, anyway, coz it has always been a hit and miss for us anyhow, as we only depend on the internet to find our beach resort destination. I must make mention here however, for the benefit of those who’s planning to visit this resort, that this Phi Phi Hotel and Beach Resort absolutely did not meet our expectation. With a soaring high room rate of 6,400php plus additional 500php for the extra pax per night, my two thumbs are down for them! And why not?!! They squeezed in layered beds good for 12 people in a space that is normally good for four. Although we were only nine adults and a child, we imagined a much bigger room since we were charged much higher. But then again, to complain was useless. My sis has already paid the 50% reservation fee. One thing more, they claim it to be a hotel. Shame on them! Hotels provide towels and toiletries, in this supposedly hotel/resort you won’t find any! Well.. well!
I’m just thankful that the clan is always bright and breezy! Never was there a dull moment being together. Perhaps it was the result of eating too many delicious Chicken caldereta and oodles of creamy and cheesy Carbonara that my nephew and his wife prepared. Ha ha.. Great to have crazy clan! Lol! Our weekend getaway in Phi Phi Beach Resort wasn’t totally wasted! Thank goodness!
Part of Phi Phi's beach front.
My grand nephew, Kalvin, in another part of the resort called Phi Phi Island.
Kalvin by the pool.
Nephew Jon's super yummy Chicken caldereta.
All busy at Sis' kitchen.
Thanks to all who dropped by and peeped in. Sorry, I was always sleepin'! Lol! Hope to see you around!
Saturday, May 2 was a free day for us. My family,( together with my M-i-l and S-i-l) trekked the three hour and a half trip to Mount Samat and view the Bataan Peninsula and Manila Bay from atop the huge cross. We reached the foot of the mountain at around 9:00am and saw a lot of hikers climbing up the road. I wonder if these youngsters knew what they’re doing coz I understand, it’s more or less ten kilometers from the foot of the mountain that ascends to the top where the cross is standing. Anyway, we strolled at the park, enjoying the view and took the elevator inside the huge cross until we reached the lounge area which is actually the horizontal arm of the cross. The view from atop is exhilarating whilst feeling the strong gust of the wind. I've been enjoying the stroll that I forgot to go to the museum that displays war memorabilia. M-i-l enjoyed the place once again. This is a scenic place to bring the children to have fun and learn history as well.
Here's a brief info on Phil. History
Mount Samat is a mountain in the Town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, Republic of the Philippines that is the site of the Dambana ng Kagitingan or "Shrine of Valor". Along with the island fortress of Corregidor, Mount Samat was the site of the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942 during the Battle of Bataan. Suffering heavy losses against the Japanese, Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. This retreat to Bataan is part of a United States strategy known as War Plan Orange. After fierce battle lasting 3 days, 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving men under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. It was, and still is, the single largest surrender of U.S. and Philippine Forces ever. These forces were then led on the Bataan Death March.
The mountain is now a war memorial. A huge white cross stands as a mute but eloquent reminder of the men who died there. It also acts as a tourist attraction with a war museum nearby that has a wide array of displays from paintings of the Philippine heroes to armaments used by the American, Filipino and Japanese forces during the heat of the battle. (taken from wikipedia)
The cross as viewed from afar.
The signage that points the way.
The start of the ascend to the Memorial Cross.
The base of the huge memorial cross
At the lounge atop the cross.
At the other "arm" of the cross.
The top view of the Dambana Facade.
Giving my best pose against the giant cross. Can you see me? he he..
