All Souls Day Trip: Our Potipot Island Getaway

Our All Soul's Day trip was a family outing at Dawal Resort in Candelaria, Zambales and also at the beautiful Potipot Island.   On Nov. 1 I had to go to work as my leave wasn't approved. Still I thank God that He has given me the energy to enjoy our weekend activity- Our Potipot Island Getaway!! 

Around 8 am on Nov. 2, all of us boarded the Nissan Urvan my brother hired to get to Dawal Resort in Cadelaria, Zambales. It was a 5-trip and we enjoyed the views alongside the playfulness of my son and niece. 

We had 2 rooms for us which was spacious enough. The rooms were clean and so were the toilets. The overall appearance of the resort is pretty much well-maintained. My brother Allan even mentioned that Dawal Beach Resort has gained great reviews and ratings. The service of the staff is also commendable. 

My mom and some of us took a nap but I didn't, haha! At around 2 pm in the afternoon, it began to rain. We were all keeping our fingers crossed that it'll stop coz we don't have any choice but to postpone it for next day, though it could be a hassle as our Saturday plan would include the island trip and the swimming pool activity would be for the next day. Thank God, the rain stopped! And so we were able to go back to our original plan. 

The boat ride going to the island from the resort was a short one. We weren't able to savor it. But that's fine, we were able to maximize to travel around the island in around 2 hours!  

These are the small things that made our island trip extra special: 
- a yellow butterfly flying around us
- a live starfish
- a rainbow
- the rainbow colored water
- the rainbow colored sky!

When we headed back to the resort, we were extremely tired yet our souls refreshed. Refreshed of the bonding we had with each other, refreshed with the beauty of nature we're at and refreshed that Papa is watching over us. Thoughts of him still bring lumps on my throat. I badly miss him. Just had to shrug it off... 



I have noticed a yellow butterfly flying around our van going to and fro Zambales. Another one during our trip on the island itself and another one on the swimming pool. Perhaps it's Papa! I wish he is with us physically but I know, wherever he is, he is smiling and happy knowing that the family he has established is now stronger than ever... 



will post more photos soon, internet connection getting slow this weekend. :)

All Saint's Day 2013

Of all the days I've filed as a Vacation Leave, I am still thankful- Oct. 31 was approved!!

So we were able to go on an overnight stay at my Papa's gravesite in Heaven's Gate Memorial Gardens. We arrived there at around 8 pm on Thursday and left at lunchtime the next day. Here in the Philippines, during All Saint's Day, cemeteries go super alive! Cemeteries are well-lit, mini-stores everywhere and tents and even the camping ones fill the place, and kids flying their colorful kites are just a regular thing during this time. Drinking sprees until the wee hours of morning by my hubby, brothers and nephews as well as chit-chats.
Good thing there were no mosquitoes and the cold temperature was bearable.

In the sunny morning of Nov. 1, my mom led a prayer while sticking numerous candles for all the souls that we remember, followed by a filling meal and some chit-chats too.

I know Pops appreciated our stay there!