Life Begins at 40!

October 11, 2011
Davao City, Philippines



Another chapter of my life begins today... My record says the 12th because someone messed up my birth certificate when I was born. And so to avoid the hassle of changing it in court, we chose to follow what was written there. But really, I become 40 years old today!

So I would like to thank God for my life. If not for the works of his hands, I will not be here. No matter how small I am, I am big in his eyes. And I will tell you why...

The Past

I grew up in a tiny town in Davao Oriental. We had to walk about 3 kms to and from school when I was in Elementary. I remember, I always looked forward to seeing my Uncle Eddie on the road, because he used to give me "baon". :)

I have always been an early riser. That time, I had no choice. We had to go to a place called "pasto" to buy vegetables for resale before going to school. As I grew older, I learned most of the barrio fiestas, because this is when we sell ice candy to the basketball players, the barrio visitors, etc. On weekends, we sold boiled eggs, banana que, orange (not the fruit but the softdrink), "whatever have you's" at the bus terminal. You would think that it was difficult, but for a kid that was fun. I remember, I had to be extral careful not to be ran over by the bus. Even then, the drivers drove like crazy!

I finished Valedictorian in my class. That paved the way for my scholarship in High School. That was a big help to my parents because it meant that I can go to school for a lesser expense. But since the school is far from our house, I had to take a jeepney. That's the reason why, I washed dishes in one of the "karinderyas" in our place for fare money.

My life may sound difficult, but no matter how poor we were, my sisters and I always had fun. I remember our friends making "double body" for us. And then, every afternoon we would go to the hill at the back of our house and slide from top to bottom. Oh we hit a lot of coconut trees along the way, but it didn't stop all of us from having fun! haha..  I also remember, getting sacks of firewood with my best friend Ibing, taking water from a "poso" where the handle is bigger than us, it looked like we were in a see-saw as we try to get water from the well. haha..  In between those things, we had time to play bending, "lastiko", jack stone, etc.

Christmas time, this is when I remembered feeling sad. Mama and papa had to work extra hard so they can buy us something for our school party. Sometimes, that's just impossible. So I went to those with old clothes and shoes. One time, I sat outside our house as 12 midnight came. I could see our neighbors having a feast. But we had nothing like that. We had dinner earlier and that was it . Then, Manong Ladie, our neighbor, came over and gave me one peso. That action may be very small to him but it was a big thing to me. In our poorness, somebody came to give me a gift. Looking back now, I realized that it was God's way of telling me that I'm special. (This is the reason why for almost 10 years now, I try to give a little to the people of Buda. I wanted to help others, specially the kids so they will also feel special on christmas day. Maybe someday, when I am gone, they will continue the work that I've started).

Then we moved back to Davao. My scholarship then was sponsored by the Rotary Club. That was when I was able to join conventions with other Rotary Scholars for free. And that was when I started knowing that I loved to write. Thanks to my teacher, Mrs. Montebon, who gave me the chance to be a part of the school paper and to join the contests as well. I still cherish the memory of going to Cantilan, Surigao Del Sur for the Regional contest. I did not win but I loved the trip. hehe.. For the first time, I saw the river inside a cave in Surigao. I think that has something to do with my wanderlust spirit now...

I graduated with honors in High School.  And again, it paved the way for another scholarship in College. I worked during daytime. And went to school in between till 9:30 in the evening. So yes, I'm used to working.

With what I've been through, I don't believe when people say that nothing happened to their life because they were poor. Poverty is never a hindrance to success. It is God's way of training us to become a better person. And it is up to us to shape our future through it.

The Present

Looking back now, I have no regrets. Our being poor was the best thing that ever happened to me. It gave me the opportunity to appreciate my parents more and the things they've done for me and my sisters. It shaped me to who I am today.

If not for the selling experiences I had when I was growing up, I probably would not be an effective Real Estate broker now. :)  If I was a rich kid, I probably would not have learned what hard work and responsibility meant.

And then, I would not be managing our own business now.

So today, I would like to thank God for everything.

For giving me John, my funny and wonderful husband.

For my family, specially mama and papa, who have been with me through thick and thin.

For my friends: Ibing (BFF), Marlic, Beng (who's like me in so many ways because we have the same birthday).

 Ma'am Kayking (who was God's instrument that I became a Licensed Broker),

My classmates in High School and college.

Manong Danny and Manang Alot. Lola Nene, Lola Lucing, Nanay Ligaya, Auntie Elsa and Nanay Rose. You know what you all did for me. Thank you. 

And my two sisters: Pearlie and Daisy. You two are my super best friends. We have our differences, but then again , everybody does. I love you both. Life wouldn't have been beautiful and fun without the two of you.

And to my nephews, Matt, Blaire, Marco, Franco and Wemce. I love you.

To all the people who became a part of my life, personal or business-wise the past 40 years,  thank you!

Salamat, Lord.  Again, for everything!

The Future:

I don't know what the future holds. But as I said, I am big in God's eyes. :) So I believe that he has something better in store for me. So as I face the 2nd chapter of my life, I pray for more happiness, love, good health and wealth.

The things that I would like to do: (now till I'm 90, hopefully I get to live longer... )

   a) Visit my parents-inlaw and the rest of John's family. People from the US embassy, please be nice

        and help me make this happen. :)

  b) Trip to europe.  (dream big right? who knows, God will grant this! :)

          You'll think me crazy but when we pray, we have to be specific right? So I asked God in 2003 that since I'm done with family obligations, maybe it's my time to get married already. (My 2 sisters got married first, you see). I specified what I wanted in a husband and the last thing I remembered saying - "Lord, one more thing, please do not forget - gwapo ha".  :) In 2005, I got married to my gwapo husband indeed. See, I told you I am big in God's eyes. :) Prayer request, granted!

   c)   More business for www.davaoproperties.com . :) We have to earn  you see. hehe.. So please bear with me. :)

   d) Baby?! - We would love to if it's God's will.. :) Hopefully before I get old enough that people would think I'm taking my grandchild to school. hahaha

   e)  Meet Vice Mayor Rody Duterte in person. - What can I do, I admire the man! If not for him, Davao will not be as safe and developed as it is now.

I think I'll stop here. I'm giving God a lot of work to do already. hehe..  Thank you Lord and happy birthday to me!

                                                        Lea C. Walker

                                                  leawalker.blogspot.com

                                              www.davaoproperties.com

En Route to Ho Chi Minh City

The final leg of our South East Asian trip last August, was a visit to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Since it was my first time in HCMC, I made up a list of places we would visit once there. I'll blog about that soon. :) But for now, I will share about the trip per se, going to HCMC.

HOW TO GO THERE:

From Siem Reap, John and I took a bus trip via Phnom Penh, Cambodia through Mekong Express. We bought our bus tickets two days ago for $23 / each. We were told that we will be picked up at Somadevi Angkor Hotel (where we were staying) at exactly 7:00 a.m.  So we checked out around 5:30a.m. Had a sumptous breakfast at the hotel's restaurant and waited at the lobby. True enough, the driver arrived at exactly 7 in the morning.

We were picked up by a small and old bus, I feared that it will fall into pieces if you put more stuff in it. hehe.. I wondered "HOW and IF" it would make it to Ho Chi Minh. Soon enough, I realized that they just use it to ferry people from their hotels. The real Mekong Express Bus was waiting for us at the bus station. :)

Finally, we were on board the big bus. Their seats had a tall back support, making it a little comfortable while travelling. I wished though that it was wider so there's room for movements. The lady guide gave us wet tissues and snacks which consisted of 2 breads and 1 mineral water, per person.

The trip from SR to Phnom Penh was uneventful. The countryside was filled with rice fields mostly. We have those all over the Philippines so it wasn't that interesting for me anymore.

We reached Phnom Penh after lunch. Unlike Siem Reap, I noticed that PP is dirty. I saw litters all over the place. :( I thought that Davao is so much cleaner than this city. Tsk..tsk..

I liked the view of the mighty Mekong Delta beside the road.

                                             Phnom Penh Park, overlooking the Mekong Delta.

A few minutes later, we were at the Ferry wharf. While we were boarding, I couldn't help but notice the vendor selling spicy crickets. I know, a lot of people are into eating exotic food, but I am glad that I don't have to do that. It looked so disgusting, I don't think I'll have the stomach to try it.

                                              Spicy Crickets.. :) It looked like cockroaches to me.

ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA:

"The Mekong Delta (Vietnamese: đồng bằng sông Cửu Long “Nine Dragon river delta”) is the region in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches and empties into the sea through a network of distributaries. The Mekong delta region encompasses a large portion of southwestern Vietnam of 39,000 square kilometres (15,000 sq mi).^[1] The size of the area covered by water depends on the season.

The Mekong Delta has recently been dubbed as a 'biological treasure trove'. Over 10,000 new species have been discovered in previously unexplored areas of Mekong Delta, including a species of rat thought to be extinct. "

The Mekong Delta reminded me of Bankerohan River in Davao City,  on a rainy season. A friend of mine, Mita described it like this - "think of coffee with creamer" . LOL

My experience was far from that of River Monster's host, who rides in a very small boat, trying to catch a ginormous fish. But still, I was happy that I was given the chance to visit the place in my lifetime. :)

We arrived Ho Chi Minh City around 6 in the evening already. We were dropped off at the park in downtown area. From there, our hotel was less than 10 mins away. But since we were new to the place , (obviously) , we got ripped off by a very "helpful" driver.

Before we left Davao, I went to Aldevinco to have some  pesos exchanged into the local currencies of Thailand , Cambodia and Vietnam. It's mainly for airport fees, taxi fees , etc.

So when the taxi driver started the meter, I was not worried. I have millions of Vietnam Dong. :) Yes, I was a millionaire in Vietnam. hahaha...  Anyways, the sad part was that the taxi meter reached 450,000.00 dong = $22.50 dollars.  Not knowing that we were being ripped off, I paid and said thank you. lol

Only to find out later that the fee from the airport (about 30mins travel) to Sanouva Hotel in downtown HCMC is only $7 dollars = 140,000.00 vietnam dong.  huhu...

So yes, take note of this when you go to vietnam.

Our hotel room in Ho Chi Minh City:    http://sanouvahotel.com/en-US/zone/557/item.cco

It's a small but new hotel. So the room and bathroom was very clean. Our booking included buffet breakfast. Their food is good so if  we ever go back  to Vietnam, we will stay there again. (To the staff: Thank you for your assistance. )

OTHER INFORMATION:

On Vietnam Visa:

    Filipinos are allowed to enter Vietnam without a Visa. So I just presented my passport and voila, here I come Vietnam! :)

    With John, it's a different story. Being an american, he had to get a visa before entering Vietnam. There's no Vietnam Embassy in Davao. But there's one in Manila. We found that a hassle so we opted to get one in Thailand. Details can be found here - (http://leawalker.blogspot.com/2011/08/bangkok-day-1-and-2.html )

Mekong Express - Siem Reap

   # 14 Sivutha St., Siem Reap

   Tel. No. (855-63) 963662   or (855-12) 315858 

Mekong Express - Phnom Penh

   87 Eo, Sisowath Quay, Sangkat Wat Phnom

   Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh Capital,

   Tel. No. (855 23) 427515 / 426425

   Email  : mekongexpress@online.com.kh

Mekong Express - Ho Chi Minh

   275H Pham Ngu Lao, Dist 1 Ho Chi Minh,

   Tel. No. (+848) 8373917 

                 (+84) 935507894

                                                   Lea C. Walker

                                            leawalker.blogspot.com 

                                          www.davaoproperties.com

  

                 

Of Sunrise and Sunsets

This is just a compilation of the sunrise and sunset photos I've taken over the years.



1. My first sunset in our new house. Taken on February, 2011.





2.  This sunset was taken at Magallanes Condominium.

3. Still at Magallanes Condominium. This unit was facing Mt. Apo.

4. Sunrise taken at Nova Tierra, Davao City.

5.  I found this sky really weird. A colorful burst of different hues made the sky interesting that day. Taken at Priscilla Estate, Cabantian, Davao City.

6.  Samal Island, Philippines.

7.  Also in Samal Island.

8.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

9.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

10.   Valle Verde, Panacan , Davao City.

11. Taken in Camiguin, April 2008.

12. Sunrise at Olman's Seaview Resort, Bohol, Philippines. July 2011.

13.  Olman's Seaview Resort, July 2011.

14.  I took this photo  of Davao City Port while waiting for the ferry boat in Samal.

Maramag, Bukidnon

Since John and I had to work that day, we just followed my family to Maramag, Bukidnon. They left early that morning so the kids will have more time to enjoy the resort they found online.

We left Davao around 2 in the afternoon. The trip to Maramag is more or less 3 hours passing through the winding road of Bukidnon - Davao, famously known as Buda. I love the place because of its cool weather. Thick fog would envelope the road which makes it difficult to traverse if you're not using fog lights in your car. The first time I saw that, we stopped on the road, and just felt the cold breeze in my face. The cool sensation washed away the stress and tiredness from my body and brain. I wanted to shout and just let the sound echo in its mountains and hills. But of course, I didn't.  :)   

Foggy Road in Buda, Philippines.

John and I took our time cruising the road. Most people think that Davao, being a part of Mindanao, is dangerous. I can't help but laugh when I hear that. Well, it is frustrating for us Davaoenos. But we've learned to accept that we cannot please everybody. As far as I am concerned, Davao is safe. Even if you're up in the mountains. We've travelled this road several times in the last 10 years, day or night until mid-dawn. But we have never experienced an untoward incident, to date. We pray before we leave so I believe, that's why we've always been protected.

We arrived in RR Spring Resort just before sunset.

My nephews ran towards us, shouting Tito John and Mommy Inday. :) They were so happy that we made it. We were led to our cottage by no less than the 3 kids. Explaining to us that they've spent a lot of time at the pool. Several pools, actually. That there's a fishpond. And that our room is nice... Imagine, 3 kids excitedly talking about those all at the same time. lol


RR SPRING RESORT: 

The entrance fee for daytours is Php10.00 per head. They have several swimming pools with various sizes. The pool water comes from a spring. So it's clean and free flowing. The cottage cost is Php2,500.00 per night (good for 4 people) with hot shower, refrigerator and aircon. They also have a dormitory which can accomodate 20 people which costs Php2,500.00 also. Double deck beds with mattress are provided for by the resort.

They have a kitchen so you have an option to cook. Or just buy food from their restaurant. In our case, we opted to cook because we're in a group. As usual. :)

PHOTO GALLERY:

The Cottages.

Matt and Blaire. :)

Around 5 in the morning the next day, we went to Maramag Public Market, which is more or less a 10 min - ride from the resort. We thought of grilled pork and fish, that's why we were so glad that the market vendors were there already. We were able to buy a hot "pan de sal" also from a nearby bakery. :) I don't know why but I love going to the market... Weird right? lol

FUNNY STORY:

While the vendor was busy chopping the porkchops we ordered, I asked the other customer there. (You know that I'm a photography addict right? But he didn't... So I understand where this guy is coming from. )

Me            :  What time is the sunrise here? (a perfectly innocent question, right?)

Customer :   He looked at me as if he didn't know what to say. Finally, he said " I think , soon".

Me            : Talking to my sister. "Pearl, let's go. It's sunrise in a few minutes."

Customer :  (looking seriously bewildered, he asked my brother inlaw, Ruben.. ) "Why? Are you scared of the sunrise?

We all burst out laughing when we realized that he  actually thought,  we're some kind of dracula who are afraid of the sunrise.  ha..ha.

I explained to him that I  wanted to take pictures of the sunrise. That's why we had to leave and find a good location for it. :)

He was still chuckling when we left. That was the funniest experience, ever. LOL

That's why I love going to places. If I was stuck in Davao working that day, I wouldn't have encountered a man who thought of me as a vampire. hahaha...

On our way back to the resort. Photo courtesy of my brother in law, Ruben.

It took us forever to get over what happened at the market.  We would burst out laughing until now, everytime we remember that joke. Or should I say, serious thought of that customer. hehe...

And no, I did not get a good sunrise that day. It turned out to be cloudy. But it's ok. I got a beautiful view of the lake instead. Which more than compensated for the sunrise photo I missed. :)

HOW TO GO THERE:

Maramag can be reached by bus or van, via Buda highway. If you're coming from Davao, the Terminal is in Ecoland. There are public transportations also from Cagayan City to Maramag, Bukidnon.

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

My First Elephant Ride



It's 4:30 a.m. in the Philippines now.  It's so quiet in our subdivision. Even our lovebirds and cockatiels are still sleeping. But me, I am already awake. Infact, I finished emailing our clients already. So bear with me as I tell you about my first elephant ride. :)

Phnom Bakheng, is one of the temples in Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap , Cambodia.

John and I visited it because it's supposed to have a great view of the sunset. But since it sits on top of a hill, you have to go up there by foot or ride in an elephant. So like the adventurous people that we are, we opted to ride the elephant in the tune of $20.00 each. Yes, it's not Cambodian Riel like it should be right? But Cambodia uses US dollar mostly so please do not fall victim of the scammers at the border of Thailand and Cambodia. Beware of those who tell you that the exchange rate is lower in Cambodia . It's not true. Tsk..tsk.. we learned our lesson the hard way. :(

Okay, back to Phnom Bakheng. :)  I gave my G11 camera to Sody, our tour guide in Angkor, so he can take photos of us. Thank you again, Sody.

So here we are, trying to get in. :)





Ha! We're finally going up. :) I felt like a royalty. haha

I was having fun. :)

And then we started going up the hill. I thought, oh no... the road is so small. It's just a path way, for god's sake!  The elephant is so big , I was afraid he'd miss a step and we'd go tumbling down the hill, like jack n' jill. haha..

Add caption



See the small, winding road?

It wasn't funny that time. I remember getting scared because the bushes beside the road have really big thorns. I was thinking that if we fall, we'd be torn to pieces. lol .. I knew I was overreacting. So I just kept my mouth shut and suffered in silence.

After 30 minutes, we reached the top.

Boy, was I glad that I continued the ride and overcame my fear. I was gifted with a beautiful view of Angkor Wat.

We sat down for awhile and talked to the people around us.  You know, that's one of the things I like about travelling. I get to meet a lot of people. Everybody agreed that when the sun is out , the heat is too much. We all laughed when I commented that I've become so dark already that John may not see me at nights anymore. Everybody told me to just wear a white t-shirt. hahaha....

I think, SPF 50 was not enough for the heat there! So if you don't want to get burned, bring a sunblock. A real good one because you will need it there.

Then, all of us started going up the very steep stairs of the temple. Even if I was having a difficulty in climbing, I still managed to think that their ancestors must have been really small with  very tiny feet. hehe.. I mean you know, why would you build a stair with small steps if you got big feet?  It does not make sense to me... lol

After several excruciating minutes, we finally reached the top. :)



Even John looked red. :)



We sat  on top, trying to hide from the sun while enjoying the view.  A few minutes later, Sody told us that we should start heading down to avoid the influx of the people. I wondered why when we're waiting for the sunset. He said, it's not going to be a good one today.

Huh? How on earth did he know that?

But I think he's been doing this job for so long plus of course, it's his place. So he knew that there won't be a good sunset that day.

Being a stubborn woman that I am, I said that I'll wait. I mean, think about it, I took an elephant ride and climb the very steep stairs for nothing? So we stayed. And waited. And got disappointed. hehe.. Sody was right! Amazing...

Everyone was so disappointed so we all started going down.  The steep climb earlier was nothing compared to the fun of going down. Imagine this. I had to hold on to something, I mean anything that I can hold on to. Put my foot sideways to fit the stairs. And slowly try to descend. One foot at a time.

So why do we do the things we do?

I don't know. :) I guess it was the right thing to do at that moment. It's either you take the opportunity to enjoy the moment or choose to stay out. But where's the fun in that? :)

True, I got scared. I got tired in climbing the steps. John worried that I might fall, etc. But the point is that we were rewarded with something bigger. I realized that I am strong. And I'm glad that I somehow overcame my fear of heights.

It's not the destination that matters , after all. But it's how you enjoyed the trip going there...

That's the essence of travelling. :)







Banana Beach Resort

We learned about Banana Beach Resort when my sister Pearlie and my nephew, Matt tried to look for other places to visit nearby. Yes, it runs in the blood. Obviously our family got hit by the bug called travelling. Hence, the need to get away from time to time.

It seemed like life is dead when you leave us in one corner, doing the same thing over and over again, everyday .

I call that, suffocation. So you might as well kill me if that is how life's going to be.

Okay, enough with the drama. lol

Banana Beach Resort is located in Madaum , Tagum City.  The resort is within a vast banana plantation. Thus, the name. The entrance fee is P500.00 per head including kids above 3 years old. You'd think, it's expensive. But I'd say it's not.

Why?

The P500.00 entrance fee includes food. Yes, you can order from their restaurant or "harvest" bangus, talakitok, etc. from their fishing village, have it cooked and voila , you get a delicious and sumptous meal chargeable to the fee you paid earlier.

See the long table? It's like that for us. No one's left behind, if possible. :)

The view from the restaurant.

That beats bringing "baon" anytime. No more preparation and cooking hassle. And more time for fun.

No, this is not a paid advertisement of the resort. This is just how I show my appreciation to the manager and staff of Banana Beach. They're very helpful and friendly. Makes you feel important when you go there.

Another thing I like about it is that they do not allow karaoke in the resort. So you do not hear people who believe they can sing when you and I know,  they cannot. :) No offense meant, okay? hehe

That makes it more relaxing for me. Watching the calm sea, Samal island and Davao Oriental from afar, enjoying the sound of the birds and waves... Or my nephews' laughter while frolicking in the beach.

Chillin' out with a can of beer...

Or let's  try relaxing, John's way...  :)

FUN THINGS TO DO:

Kayaking. Wikipedia describes it as the "use of kayak for moving across water". Duh. haha... 

Well, it's a first time for me. We had nothing like this when we were growing up, you know. :)

Yes, we made it to the middle. LOL

Pearlie and Ruben.

It was fun! :)

Ruben, my brother in law. With my nephews Matt and Blaire, in the background.

Grinning from ear to ear. The after shock. :)

Fishing.   The difference between other resorts and Banana Fishing Village is that,  BFV is full of Bangus and other salt water fish. Unlike the usual Hito and Tilapia in most of the resorts we've been to. There's nothing wrong with those, except that I don't eat them. :( That's why I like fishing in Banana better . I love Bangus and talakitok, you see. Grilling Bangus filled with tomatoes, onion and garlic  is simply yummy!



The Fishing Village.

Papa and Mama, while waiting for the day's harvest. hehe..

Into the wild.  This is one commendable act and should be promoted more. Banana Beach has preserved 60 hectares of forest planted with different kinds of trees, bamboo, mangrove, etc. It follows then that animals thrive in it. For the first time, I have seen a family of wild boars. :) They have monkeys too. They came out when we started throwing bananas on the road. The experience was fun! :) John and I played with a bird. I have no idea how it looked like. But when he sings, I mimicked its sound. Then, it answers back. That was awesome!

Infinity Pool and Sunken Bar. This is their latest addition to the resort.

The famous V sign, from Marco.

Matt, Blaire and Pearlie.

I think the pictures said it all... And so I rest my case. :)

Lea C. Walker

leawalker.blogspot.com

www.davaoproperties.com