How to Get there:
Ø By
Air
Ø By
Water
Playlist:
Where to Stay:
Ø Catanduanes
State University dorm
Ø Twin
Rock Beach Resort
Ø Puraran
Beach Resort
Introduction:
This is the second time I visited Catanduanes after
leaving the company that led me here. Unlike the first time where I stayed in
the university dorm, this time I’m traveling in class just because I have a
foreigner friend to pick up the bills. This time, I will be housed in one of
the best resorts in Catanduanes, The Twin Rock Resort, for 3 days and 2 nights.
I have a lot of fond moments here, specifically enjoying
the first direct selling I’ve been into after graduating in college, like
meeting and having good breakfast with the senator Kit Tatad in his hometown
residence and achieving my sales quota which earned me a 3D2N trip to Boracay
Island – my first! That’s atop my daily awe to the natural beauty and
hospitality of Catanduanons. I’ve made a lot of friends here to whom I’ve
learned to cook and eat Carabao innards as substitute to meat in barbecue and ox
tripe in Kare-Kare.
My memories of Catanduanes’ port is still intact, even
that of San Andres. Both ports have changed slightly from 2001, when I first set
foot on the soils of the island to work. At least now, there are a number of
establishments around the ports, including the spacious terminal and outpost.
The number of jeepneys, tricycles, and vans have drastically increased, too
which made the ride to our hotel a lot easier and faster. The highway and
streets are also better these days, there are less scouring and all those
things that make the ride to wherever you wanna go in the island bumpy and
generally uncomfortable. But those wouldn’t even be a problem because we have
arranged a ‘pickup’ from our hotel - traveling in class, you know *wink*.
The crews who picked us up were nice and polite, giving
us some insights of the island and the hotel. They were also full of tact, providing
us more information to their additional services, like arranged tours around
the island, the city, and favorite tourist’s spots. The niceties continued
throughout the ride and upon arrival in the hotel. It was the room assignment
that spoiled our trip. Our room was supposed to be a suite – the top of its
class – but the air conditioning was not working properly which made the room
warmer than outside. Through our entire stay, we had to open the door and
windows to let in sea breeze in our suite.
Our accommodation comes with breakfast, and the mezzanine
was situated on a beautifully designed cottage in front of the ocean. It was
really nice and the food was great. The food in the resort restaurant was kinda
pricey but still reasonable enough given the status of a luxury beach resort.
Besides, they serve in nice glass and silverware so who’s complaining? It was
our lunch that has taken me aback a little. One of our orders were beef steak
and while we appreciate the quality of appearance and quantity of the food
serving, everything was buttery and lemony.
