dakak beach resort for a few days

We attended a retreat a few days ago that was held at the Dakak Beach Resort in Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City. We stayed for four days and three nights. I was not able to really go around since we were preoccupied with the activities of the retreat but we really had fun.

To reach Dakak, we traveled early in the morning from Dumaguete City (for more information see dumaguete to dipolog by boat) and disembarked at the Dapitan City Port. Upon arrival, we traveled to Dipolog City to eat lunch and buy some supplies since we were informed earlier that Dakak was far from the premises of the city and there were no convenience store around. The resort's van picked us up at the Lee Plaza City Central Dipolog. The travel to Dakak aboard the van took us almost an hour since some roads were still under construction.

Upon entering the resort, we were awed with its beautiful landscape and cool atmosphere. It had paved roads even in steep areas. From what I gathered, the resort is around 15 hectares with a 750-meter powdery white sand beach. The reception area was located near the restaurant and the beach front while the rooms were situated a few meters away. Bringing our luggage to our respective cottages was not a hassle since there were pavements and directions that clearly mark where our rooms were although it took us around five minutes to get to our rooms. Those who had cottages that were really far took the van that regularly services guests to their rooms or to the parking area.

In my stay at Dakak, I do appreciate the services of their housekeeping since they delivered what we required even though our cottage was far. However, calling through their phone proved to be a challenge since their phones were not user friendly and the instruction card they provided was complicated. The food they served for us was enough to just to ease hunger and not really encourage you to feast although I have not tried their buffet which cost around 335 (breakfast) and 385 (dinner).

What I enjoyed in Dakak was the beach, the pool, and the climb to the 325-step repeater. The repeater gave us a view of the whole resort area and it was just simply breathtaking.

dumaguete to dipolog by boat

wikipedia.org

Dipolog City is the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte. To its southeast are rolling hills surrounding the city while bounded in the north by the Sulu Sea. It is known for its sardine industry hence it was called the "Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines." It is also popular for its wild orchids. Furthermore, Dipolog City is known to be the "Gateway to Western Mindanao."

We took a boat serviced by George and Peter Lines, Inc. from Dumaguete City and left at exactly 6 AM. The fare was P260 plus a terminal fee of P15 which you have to pay upon entering the Dumaguete City Passenger Terminal. 

At around 10 AM, the boat docked at the Dapitan City Port. We needed to travel from Dapitan City to Dipolog City via land transportation. George and Peter Lines, Inc. had arranged free shuttle buses that will drop us off in Dipolog City. We had to disembark from the boat in a hurry to get good seats in the shuttle bus. The travel from Dapitan City port to Dipolog City took around 40 minutes. If you fail to get on the free shuttle bus, you can opt to ride a tricyle that charges P50 per person to Dipolog City.

a thought on trust

It's just so amazing that with all the things going on for the past few weeks, I learned one important lesson: trust.

I realized how God, our Father trusts. When He sent Jesus, His one and only Son to earth to redeem man, He trusted Him. When Jesus came here on earth, He was prone to sinning. Just one hint of sin and He will be separated from the Father and He would also fail to accomplish the task and plan that the Father and Jesus had. But, the Father trusted him that much that Jesus was able to do it. The Father had faith in His Son, that He said, "In Him I am well pleased."

When Jesus Christ fulfilled His task here on earth (John 3:16). He left to be with the Father and He entrusted the "fate of the world" to 11 men. The wonderful thing is: He trusted them. did He have a plan B in mind? No. He trusted them completely. He had faith in them - that whatever He taught them would bear fruit in their lives. Were the apostles not prone to sin? Yes they were. Actually if they chose to deviate from their calling they could do so becasue of their free will. An example of one of their imperfections, is the case between Peter and Paul - when Paul rebuked Peter on the issue concerning the Gentiles. Though they had the Holy Spirit working in their lives, they were still prone to failure. But Jesus trusted these men. The results of the trust that Jesus had on these men is evident today, 2000 years later. See how Christianity has grown and spread. It started with the eleven men whom Jesus trusted.

How much do you trust your children, people you are following up? I don't undermine, however, the need for correction, rebuke and teaching especially in the years of the children's growth and to the beginnings of the people you are following up. You need to put that protection over them as a father does for his children. you need to coach them. Feed them. Make decisions for them. But, there comes a time when you just have to let them go and make the decisions themselves. You just have to trust them. The correction, rebuke and teaching is still applicable after you've released them, but, you have to allow them to make the decisions themselves whether they fail or succeed.

I realized that some of these young adults who are "mama's boys" that get involved in gangs know that there is danger to what they get involved into. But they want to have that feeling of being reponsible for themselves. They don't just want to look cool. They want to show the world that they are able to make decisions for themselves. When we don't put our trust on the people we love when its time for them to walk on their on steps, they rebel. They distance themselves.

I could relate to that. I am a "mama's boy" myself. I'm proud of it. But i thank my mother because she realized that at a certain point, she needs to let me go and do things on my own. Because of that, I learned to make decisions, grow up and fight on. I am thankful that I wasn't driven to get involved in gangs - though I was on the verge of doing so years ago. instead, I got involved with something that's so important in life - Jesus Christ... and I know, He trusts me.

Note: This is a repost (with a little editing) of my original blogpost entitled "On the Issue of Trust" posted on Multiply last December 3, 2006 at 8:52 PM.

working online

For the past few months, I had some free time from work and while I was browsing through the Internet I came across opportunities to earn money online. I have discovered that there are many things that you can work on. Most of these jobs are easy and does not require a degree. Some of these jobs include article writing, data entry (spreadsheet or document), virtual assistant, and website designer and maintenance. There are also sites that feature surveys that pay you a good amount for taking the time to answer their questions.

Those that I have tested that had employers who really pay you for your work are EasyOutsource and OnlineJobsPH.

facing mistakes

What do you do when you make a mistake? when you are at fault? Do you take responsibility for it and face the consequences of your actions? or do you blame the situation or other people?

It takes courage to do so. It may be difficult but it is the right thing to do. We can never make it in life if we do not learn to accept our faults. The great thing with mistakes is learning from it and so you can do the right thing next time.

foundations are vital

I had a great time with friends last night and I learned a lot from our exchange of thoughts and realizations. One of the most important things I realized was the significance of foundations in life.

Foundations play a crucial role in life because it is where beliefs and principles are founded. Through time foundations, like those in buildings, need to be checked because cracks might have built up making the foundation unstable. We have to review and strengthen our personal foundations so we avoid crumbling down when life situations become tough and challenging.

how to choose your netbook

I have been scouting for a laptop for the past few months. My first consideration was something light and handy since the laptop I'm using is bulky and carrying it when I travel is not much of a comfort. So, I decided to consider buying a netbook.

Netbooks are small, lightweight, inexpensive, and are designed for mobility, wired and wireless online access, word processing, and general office applications. It usually weighs a little more than one kilograms and features LCD screens between six to ten inches. It is fit for people who want to work and be connected on the go.

In comparison to notebooks, netbooks has some trade-offs features such as optical drives have been omitted. It has smaller screens, keyboards, and trackpads. Its computing power has also been reduced. However, aside from being cheaper and lighter in weight, it now has longer battery life (with netbooks running on Intel Atom processors).

Choosing the netbook I wanted to purchase took me a lot of time in research. I wanted to make sure that I won't regret my decision after. I read product specifications, tech reviews, and user reviews. It is important that before purchase you know the unit's pros and cons.

These are some of what I considered (aside from budget):

• brand (i.e. Lenovo, MSI, HP, Acer, etc.) 
• what brand am I comfortable with? or what brand would give me my money's worth? what brand is trusted by most users? 
• processor (i.e. Intel Atom N455, 470, 475, or 550?) 
• would I be comfortable with a single core CPU at 1.87 GHz or dual core at 1.5 GHz? (if you are not familiar with its significance, google it) 
• RAM [random access memory] (i.e. 1GB or 2GB) 
• for a faster netbook, it's better to get it to 2GB but if you are patient enough and have budget constraints then you can always settle for 1GB
• HD [hard disk] (i.e. 160GB, 250GB, 320 GB) 
• how big would you want it? when you want to store pictures, movies, etc. you want this to be bigger or else you need to purchase an external HD 
• thickness (slim & light or any) 
• this is a good consideration when you want to travel light 
• other features (i.e. tablet) 
• if you want the latest in technology and you feel that this latest innovation will address your wants and needs, then, why not? 

These were my considerations aside from how much I can shell out for a netbook. Reviewers say that a netbook usually is at its best condition up to five years. After that, consider buying another one (well, you need to since by that time, your unit is obsolete).

i believe..

I am reminded of a principle someone shared during our meeting the other day. He said, "A change in belief will lead to a change in behavior." I actually heard this awhile back but during this time it got me thinking and I realized that our beliefs greatly influence how we live life.

neon sculpture by joe rees

For example, if we believe that there are great things in store for us in the future, we remain hopeful and positive despite the hard and challenging times of the present. Our eyes are fixed not on the difficulties of today but on the opportunities of success tomorrow. On the other hand, if we believe that nothing good will come out of life, we are often pessimistic of our situation and of people. There are also people who do not firmly believe in anything so they end up being swept into everything without accomplishing something.

However, we also have to be careful with what we believe because we can sincerely believe in something and at the same time be sincerely wrong. In other words, the danger in belief is in what we believe. It might be a lie.

following wholeheartedly

When we want to live a fruitful life, we need to follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly. Whatever it is that hinder us in following Him totally must be rid of. The key to growing spiritually and fruitfully as we follow Christ is total and absolute surrender to His Lordship.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1

no longer servants

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. - John 15:15

I find it comforting to know that Jesus Christ does not consider us servants who need to do His bidding. Instead, He considers us friends with whom He has shared everything. We are his dear friends whom He loves and cares for. He gives us the freedom to think, ponder, and act on the words of truth that He shared with us.

seeking Him first

Sometimes we are all too focused on the things we need (and want) that we forget and miss out on the important things in life. There are times when, out of desperation to acquire or achieve, we neglect the people who love us most - our families and friends. But, the greatest tragedy, is when we miss out God just because we are so focused on the desires of our hearts. Our needs and wants are important but it does not compare to God who is the reason why we are here and why we can have life after this one. In addition, we have to realize that we actually have all that we need when we seek God first. Moreover, God knows what we need and He has appointed Jesus to be head over everything for the church, which is his body..

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. - Matthew 6:33

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fulness of him who fills everything in every way. - Ephesians 1:22,23

a superhero like no other

A while ago we watched Megamind at Robinson's Movieworld. The movie was about Megamind, a highly intelligent blue alien who was sent to Earth, aboard a space capsule, a few moments before his home planet was destroyed. After a series of unfortunate events on Earth, he was able to finally win a battle, get the girl, and most importantly, his life's purpose: to be the defender of Metro City. The movie was both entertaining and funny.

Some lines I can remember from the movie:

Megamind: You're a villain alright but you're not a super villain.

Tighten: What's the difference?

Megamind: Presentation!

because it has been a wonder

I have written this poem out of nothingness. Nothing else of interest except that with full confidence I’m sharing it to you. Even then, enjoy as I’m enjoying dragging myself. I ought to be getting some sleep. It’s 2:30 in the morning. My sister before going to sleep had but a confused sense of what she was going to say to me. She had instinctively avoided mentioning of putting off the lights early. She had grown tired of prompting me and was seized with the despairing sense of helplessness. She knew well enough of my having kept the lights on as long as my mind does not grew perfectly drained.

Because It Has Been A Wonder

It has been one of the wonders 

For the iron heavens seemed to melt and rain down sweetness

Having done something glimmering in my empty world 

Giving a warm sense of constancy and reliance

Stealing a wave of reticence

Regaining any signs of exhaustion and contend.

It has been one of the wonders

Coz I’m apparently driven with such taste and impulse

My silence conceals far reaching resentments

Beyond further pretense of reserve

With some shred of memory

Something must be done at once.

It is madness then to withhold

To be terrified with the bliss of feelings

Thinking of confused possibilities

At other times, hiding with joy of indifference

In the stillness of accelerated beat of my thought 

I’m going to do something less definable but more exquisite.

Because it has been a wonder.

To take pleasure in the shattered fragments of expectations.

Note: This poem is a republish of my wife's original post in Friendster dated 18 October 2006 at 9:18pm

the time is right

We all have needs and wants. Needs are important. Wants, on the other hand, are things we can live without. But, when we do not get what we want, we end up frustrated or depressed. So, we ask God for all these things but sometimes it does not get answered the way we hope it would. Some of us feel bad, ask God, and complain why.

For the past few years I have been one of those who question God why. However, recently, the messages that have been preached and the words of truth that I have read have begun to sink in and I have come to accept that God knows better and He knows when the time is right.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

booked worm

Growing up, my parents exposed me to the world of books. Some of the first few books I read, as far as I can remember, were The Three Billy Goats Gruff, Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, The Little Mermaid, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, The Emperor's New Clothes, Oliver Twist, and Ben Hur. The stories and kept me interested and in want of reading more books.

During my elementary years, I began reading more books since there was a library accessible to us. I would spend my free time to reading books aside from playing games with my friends. Sometimes, I would sneak a book out of the library and bring it to class and put it on my lap and read it during classes. Maybe that is why I did not get most of the grammar classes that our teacher was teaching us since I was not paying that much attention.

Anyway, it was also during my elementary years that I started reading the Hardy Boys books. I was drawn by the mysteries and investigations they conducted. Because of my fascination in mysteries, I even ventured to reading Nancy Drew books when I finished the Hardy Boys books in the bookshop where I rented books. However, as I grew up and learned, I got tired of reading these kinds of books because the mysteries had become "predictable". So I searched and began reading other books such as those by Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, John Grisham, and Robin Cook. One of the books that kept me up all night (just to finish it) was Robin Cook's Outbreak. However, during the proliferation of games on the onset of the digital age, my attention to books waned. I began spending more of my time with Dune, Quake, StarCraft, CounterStrike, Diablo, Dungeon Siege, Final Fantasy, Ragnarok, and many more.

Later in life, after I finished my studies, I realized that since I had abandoned my time with books and even with newspapers, I had become ignorant of the things of life. My knowledge became limited to the worlds within the games I played. I may be armed with the ways on leveling up fast and upgrading my weapons but these were not the weapons I needed in the world outside cyberspace. Though requiring a lot of patience and endurance, I resolved that I would start my way back to reading books.

It's time to hit the books..