CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) Wakeboarding Experience

One would visit Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) mainly for wakeboarding. Wakeboarding was created from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. CWC is the place to be when you talk about cable wakeboarding in the Philippines. In fact, it is already famous worldwide prompting numerous international cable wake boarding competitions to be held here as well. Wakeboarding, besides being one of the world’s fastest growing sports and is gradually being recognized globally, has become a lifestyle for others. A recently held international competition includes the 2009 World’s Ultimate Wake Championships. CWC is owned by Governor L-Ray Villafuerte. Just so you know why their villa and accommodations were named as Villa Rey and the lake was named as Lago del Rey. We actually saw him there.

I was amazed how the complex looks like. I never thought that despite of the simple living on this province, there is still such impressive resort / complex placed in CamSur. CWC is located at Provincial Capitol Complex Cadlan, Pili. It is approximately 15 - 20 minutes from Airport. There are free shuttle from airport which will take you to CWC. And if I'm not mistaken, there are also free shuttle from Naga to CWC. But if you fail to catch the free shuttle, from Naga you may ride a bus going to Legazpi City and ask the driver to drop you off at the Provincial Capitol. And from Capitol you may ride a tricycle which will take you to CWC. CWC is truly a prime destination for everyone, risen as the hottest destination to visit.

CWC’s rates are affordable and this includes, among others:

              Free use of basic equipment (beginner wakeboards, water skis and knee boards) for those new to the sport.

Free basic and safety instruction by CWCs resident instructors and operators.

                   World class obstacle courses designed to challenge even the most advanced riders yet safe enough for the brave ones who dare to try tricks for the very first time

CWC also has the following facilities:

Gear up for the ride with the cable park’s Pro Shop which is equipped with everything a rider needs to pursue the desired sport.

Besides the ramps and obstacles, the park has also set aside a beach volleyball area and a pool for those who would like to take a break from the boards but still want to keep bathing under the sun.

            A Clubhouse is built for the guest’s dining area and for live entertainment. Guests can also chill at the Clubhouse and enjoy round of billiards, darts and football.

     An elevated spectator area is placed beside the lake so that the guests will have a better view of the exhibitions.

          The park also boasts of Wi-Fi capability which enables the guests to take a break from the bustles of the   city yet still remain connected to the necessities of the world.

v      Accommodations within walking distance from the park are also readily available for small or big groups.

                While waiting for the operation to start, we opted to eat at CWC Clubhouse near the Wake Boarding area (Solid Force). The CWC Clubhouse has an array of meals to choose from. They serve the usual fast food meals like burgers, cheese steaks, pizzas, etc. They also serve rice meals for those who wanted a heavier meal. Their kitchen is a bit small and is located at a small stall on the side. The guests could choose to seat on the area overlooking those wake boarders near the water. The price is not that cheap, like the meals you can buy at Manila.

               Since we have no plans of spending half day for it, I just asked for the 1 hour wakeboarding. The 1 hour rate for beginners (cable pass rate) is PHP 125.00 + equipment rental (Life Vest & Helmet) of PHP 40.00, initial deposit of PHP 500.00 is needed (but it's refundable). It also includes a free use of swimming pool? Great deal, isn't it? So it ended up Me, Errol, Archivald and Boggs for wakeboarding.

    

                 There is no official class / instruction for this one. The instructor will only tell you what to do in a span of 1 minute. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask, his instructions are only brief. But don't be scared just have fun because all experts were once beginners, right? We were given wrist bands to indicate our time there. After fitting into the right gears, we went to the beginner’s area where we can practice wake boarding for an hour. 

          My first to third take doesn't turn well; I ended up in the middle. I tried another one, then another one. OK, try and try, never give up! For my fourth try, I was able to get it! It was fun, nakakaadik kahit masakit sa muscles  and I lined up for another one and couple more times. It is like skate boarding on water. It looks simple and easy as you look at the people doing it but truth is, it is very difficult.

              

             There are professional wakeboarders (Filipinos and foreigners) doing their stunt at the lake. Kailan kaya ako magiging ganyan kagaling? Soon! (evil laugh).. :))

     

I super love it here. My break from everything. I felt short for this experience and I hope anytime I can go here and do wakeboarding! I know there will still be next time and I hope I have companions (ehem 3idiots) with me who are game for such adventure! Next time I will spend whole week in CWC! (haha) :)) Thanks Errol, Boggs and Archivald. I definitely had fun!

Servant or Leader?

“Servant Leaders bring in the best talent in the business in order to accomplish their goal, even when that means they may be upstaged.” (russcanto)

As humans, we naturally organize people into two categories: servants and masters, or leaders and followers. But there is a third category that Jesus asks us to participate in… many knows it as the “servant leader”.

I’ve had small bits of leadership during my life, and this is never something that I’ve thought deeply about. Servant leading? Yeah, okay, totally. I’ve heard that term since I was a kid, in Sunday school and on mission trips.

But in the recent future I’ve suddenly begun to have real leadership positions… I have people working under me, and I have to lead WELL… and I’m glad that there is a learning curve, because I have a lot of work to do! I like to lead, but I’m not always necessarily GOOD at leading, I’ve found.

And then today I stumble upon John 13. (Well it wasn’t too much of a stumble, really - since I’m reading through John)

This is the chapter of the Bible where Jesus washes his disciples’ feet. Wow. It’s kind of crazy. He is the leader of ALL, and yet he’s stooping to do something dirty and menial, but he’s doing it FOR THEM. He isn’t too much of a leader to serve. Because the right kind of leader is one who serves. Yes, a leader is needed to stand up and give instructions and organize and hold people to deadlines and all that… but there’s also this part of being a leader - a very important part - that included being willing to SERVE those who are following you. To be willing to do their jobs, or even jobs below what they do, in order to help them or care for them.

I think the idea of a servant leader is nice and idealistic, but it’s not often seen. Sure, there is the perfect model that Christ gave us, but where else do we see this being carried out?

The modern business world often promotes an, “ahead at any/all costs” mentality. The modern world of church leadership often values flash, numbers, and giving rather than substance, service, and sacrifice. Don’t even get me started on the modeling that occurs within Hollywood and those of fame and status.

When you become a leader, you get a whole lot more responsibility. You become partially responsible for those who are following you, or working for you. It’s easy to just get caught up with finishing your task, and forget about serving those you are working with. (Courtesy: Natalie of http://coffeetimewithgod.tumblr.com/)

And I’m determined to learn how to NOT do that. Like Jesus.

“Whenever we have an opportunity or responsibility to influence the thinking, behavior, or development of others, the first choice we are called to make is whether to see the moment through the eyes of self-interest or for the benefit of those we are leading.”

—           Ken Blanchard

Experience Logbon, Romblon, Philippines

     Our Romblon trip this year was amazing and full of unforgettable experience. First, we traveled the seas of Mindoro, Simara and Sibuyan to get there. It was an awful travel because of the sun's skin-burning UV rays yet we have fun courtesy of the great sceneries and views along the way. From the odd shaped islands to white beaches to magnanimous rock formations and huge waves. Our banca can only only accommodate 12 persons.The nervousness and anxiety we feel added thrill and excitement to the trip. It was indeed  a #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines experience!

Logbon is a barangay of the Philippine municipality Romblon in the province Romblon in MIMAROPA which is part of the Luzon group of islands. The municipality Romblon with a population of about 37,544 and its 31 barangays belongs to the rural areas in the Philippines. Logbon had 761 residents by the end of 2007.

 

 

       I had another week of doing nothing before going back to work after a month’s vacation. When the invitation came to be a groomsmen to my friend's wedding, I jumped at the chance, wanting to make the most out of my vacation before I plunge back into the grind. Besides, how can I say no to a weekend at this beautiful island bay?

Buktot Beach (Mansalay, Or. Mindoro)

Summer’s just around the corner and I find myself wishing to be at the beach, or wanting to go swimming under the sun.

Entrance of Buktot Beach

Rock Formations

The place was a delight to visit and I for one cannot wait to return and walk along the white sandy beach and experience the beautiful sunset with the warm clear waters around my ankles.

Mini Cave

White Sand

Blue Skies and Clear water

Is there anything more relaxing than lying on the beach and having the stresses melted further away with water massage. 

This is such a relaxing experience.  Stretch youself out on one of the paddle of small boats and the smooth, gentle ride along with the spectacular scene will certainly render you to a state of serenity.

It was just the sort of place I liked for relaxing, somewhere few people stayed, and the beach was all to ourselves.

Panoramic view

I wish I would make it so that every single person on earth gets to experience the beautiful beaches of the Philippines including this beach in my hometown (Mansalay Or. Mindoro). Given that I may have bias, of all the beaches I've visited, Philippine beaches remain on the top of my list when it comes to beauty. No arguments there.

Republic of Corruption

Corruption has been one of the major problems of our country for centuries. It can be traced back during the Spanish era wherein our own colonizers itself practice corruption in many ways, some in government affairs and projects and most are from religious means from Spanish priest or prayle. For 333 years, we were exposed to that kind of obnoxious attitude which taught us to abuse minority and feel superior to ourselves while lavishing the money poor people had worked hard to earn.

            We are now in the middle of advancement where our country encourages development and breakthroughs for the betterment of people. The undeniable influence of modernity became an imprint to our daily life which left nothing but history books to tell us of the ruins and traditions our colonizers had instilled us. Slowly, we are loosing our tight hold to our old cultures which were the product of hundred years of imprisonment and great oppression from different countries; however, corruption, still rigid and hard, had survived and remained as an unresolved problem reigning in our society and a bit of a remembrance from our colonizers.

            Up until now, we see through our own eyes how corruption is solved with tolerance and no action. It seems like its pretty normal that a politician is corrupt, that a government leader is being paid for illegal means that a man must die to stand against corruption and that nobody survives when you’re against it. If you can’t beat them, then be one of them. That might be the reason why only a few stands for the right. I’m afraid if this continues, no progress could be seen and we will forever remain as a developing country. We will forever suffer the aftermath of lenience with corruption. However, it is never too late to move and put your plans into action. With strict implementation of anti-corruption campaign and should be powered by the government itself and the people as the watchers of justice, corruption may still be shattered into pieces. We, citizens should pay attention to the politicians who are not practicing the campaign. There should be no exceptions, no family, friends, or close relatives that will stop them from being charged with corruption. To this campaign, there is no blood and acquaintances involved. Everyone should be punished if failed to get rid of corruption. The implementation of the campaign should be fair and equal.

            With the increasing number of population, the greater the demand of food and the higher risk of poverty, we should not let corruption get in our way again. By exterminating it, other branch out problems would be gone like poverty and scarcity of food. So let us be part for a bigger change.

Courtesy: http://ironicempress.tumblr.com/