Trip Lang #11 - Valkyrie In Magalawa Island

January 4-5, 2014

It seems too early for a summer outing this first week of January, too early for swimming because the breeze is still too cold from the holiday season’s aftermath. This didn't stop my team from pursuing the much awaited team building intended for the last quarter of 2013.

Call time was 2:30AM at Starbucks, Eastwood Citywalk. There were 9 of us traveling. Incomplete because Uno was still in Cebu, Phet had a prior church commitment and John’s parents were scheduled to fly back to Zamboanga on January 5. There was Sugar, JM, Umel, Nick, Claire, Jeiko, Nosie, Jarrel and Me.

Our bus was leaving Victory Terminal in Calookan at 4AM so we have to be there by 3AM, at least. Good thing when we arrived, the counter was still close. I had to wait in line to make sure we get our tickets for the 4AM bus. Lady luck must be on our side because we were the last passengers to be allowed on board. The vacant seats were good enough for the 9 of us. We were seated at the rear part of the bus where it felt like high school field trip for everyone all over again.

The bus left the terminal at exactly 4AM. The estimated time of the entire trip to Veritas Road is 6 hours but we arrived an hour earlier at the Veritas waiting shed. We took a 30 min tricycle ride to Oslet Fish Dealer Compound. The team waited for almost 20mins for the boat to pick us up at Luan Port. After 10-15mins boat ride, we were at Magalawa Island at around 10:30AM. We were greeted by Ate Angie who takes care of all the visitors from registration, food reservation, etc. She showed us to our room and informs us about the don’ts of the Armada Resort. We were told that lunch will be served at the dining area and she’ll call us whenever food is ready.

The rest of the team changed in to their swimming attire to enjoy the water while waiting. I myself decided to take a nap because I haven’t had any decent sleep since the day before the trip. Around 12noon when I was awaken and advise to proceed to the dining hall for our lunch.

And yes, it was indeed a sumptuous lunch for everyone. The servings were awesome that some of us were not able to finish our food. It was also the moment when I found out that Nosie and Nick are not fond of eating vegetables so the rest of us feasted on their portion of veggies. We were served calamari, grilled fish (caught of the day) and sauteed vegetable with peanuts, a Choco Mucho and soda for dessert.

 I was supposed to sleep after lunch to regain my strength but I thought that's boring, we were here to enjoy. Sleep can wait until tonight. So I changed in to a more comfortable shirt for swimming, put my sunblock on and stayed outside under the tree with the rest of the team. And yes, what's the best way to kill time than to have a drink while singing along to the tune of whatever song our guitarist thought of playing. 

One bottle of The Bar Vodka and we're off to exploring the island. Like children, we played on the sand. Some were horsing around and throwing sands to each other and some were just soaking up the peacefulness and tranquility of the place. Cam-whoring was indeed great on the beach.

One side of the Island where you can find mangrove trees.

No swimming allowed in this part of the island due to strong current under water.

Some of the starfishes you'll find in the island.

Temptation Island - Valkyrie Version

The coolest team ever!

Most of the coolest members from the left, Nosie, Nick, JM, Jarrel, Sugar, Umel and Jeiko.

Jarrel and Nosie

Team Magnum - The Broke Back Edition

The rest of the day were spent swimming and exchanging stories. Just simply getting to know each member of the team. Our team outing was very relaxed and I believe most of us enjoyed it that way. A great way to free our body and soul from the busy and stressful city living.

When dusk came, most of us have rinsed and changed in to our dry clothes for the evening. We grilled hotdogs and made s'mores. Our dinner was equally delicious, sweet and sour fish, steamed crabs, chapsuey and soda. Afterwards, we continue drinking and finish the three remaining bottles of alcohol.

Moon so bright, night so fine.

Of course, after several shots of vodka, you'll here people say "Boss, matulog ka na. Lasing ka na." and someone also tried to tune the guitar and said "Anu to?" while twisting the tuner. Everyone reacted almost violently so, that person attempted to fix it right away by twisting it again and saying "ayan ok na. balik na sa dati" like it was just that simple. And no, I'm not talking about the same exact person here, not at all. Hahaha! Peace whoever that person is! 

The next morning, some of us were up early but majority got up when breakfast was served around 8AM. Awaits us were daing na isda, steamed hotdog, friend eggs and coffee. Enough to supply us with lots of energy for our second day activity, snorkeling and bamboo rafting.

Nine of us were on the bamboo raft by 10AM. The Armada Resort boat pull the bamboo raft to the snorkeling area on the other side of the island. The water was about 12-15 feet deep. There are a lot of corals and shy fishes. We brought bread to encourage them to surface but they're too shy, they'll eat the bread and swim back to the corals. So, we suit ourselves swimming and watching the different forms of corals.

An hour later, with gallons on salt water intake and soar muscles from swimming, we went back to our room to rinse and change. We had one more bountiful lunch before we hit the road back to Manila.

It was a 2days-1night trip and definitely a short one but the relaxation, enjoyment and intimate bonding of the team was totally priceless. For some of us, this is the last outing we have as a team before the new roster takes effect. As short as the time we spent together, we will have this experience in our heart forever. Until the next shift bidding guys!

To the best and coolest team ever, cheers!!!

Here's our expenses: