Building Memories Together ...

Clear blue skies, picture-perfect beaches, flowers in full bloom, spectacular sunsets and sunrises, warm sky and the scorching heat of the sun are nature’s way of reminding us that Summer season has officially kicked off. 

 

We all love summer! For faculty members, summer is synonymous to vacation and for the administrative staff, it means they get 5-days off from the daily challenges of paper work. It’s the time of the year when we plan out travel with our colleagues and friends and head to our chosen summer refuge. 

 

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For years now, SLSU has granted tour incentives to its faculty and staff. SLSU-PRAISE authorizes, among others, the grant of group tour incentives to SLSU employees, who have applied teamwork/team bonding and exemplary behavior in the discharge of their respective duties and responsibilities and significantly contributed in achieving greater efficiency, productivity and economy in SLSU. It also offers an opportunity for a rich immersion experience and a tremendous way to enjoy the different sights and delectable food of other regions in the country. The best part about travelling within the Philippines is that it offers unlimited adventures and a good opportunity for learning and growth. This year, most of the groups decided to explore the Queen City of the South. Considering the proximity of Cebu from the island of Leyte, many would prefer re-discovering the place because it never runs out of spectacular sights, interesting culture and delightful dishes. For nature lovers, they decided to set foot on the island of Biliran. Biliran is one of the islands that comprise Leyte. It is home to magnificent mountain ranges, fine sandy beaches, superb food and friendly locals. One group composed of adventure seeking individuals went up North and travelled around the province of Ilocos. Ilocos collectively refers to two provinces in the Philippines: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. They were able to ascend this old lighthouse on top of a hill in Burgos - Cape Bojeador Light House, mesmerized by the enthralling work of art - the Kapurpurawan rock formation, the gigantic windmills beautifully lined-up along the Bangui Beach, throwback time during the visit at Malacañang at the North and the Marcos Mauseleum, where the former President of the Philippines lies in his million-dollar airconditioned casket, the picturesque Paoay Sand Dunes, where their thrill-seeking self was ignited as they rode the 4x4 jeep which gave them ultimate ride of a lifetime. As they say, it is a must! - to try out local dishes when you travel. They veered away from fastfood and tried out the Ilocos Bagnet (looks like lechon kawali but different taste), the famous Pinakbet (very tasty for veggie-eating friends), Chicharon with dinuguan dip (for those whose used to vinegar, this dip has a weird effect to the taste buds), mouth-watering Empanada, funny Poqui-Poqui (looks like ensaladang talong with a twist), pork barbecue & seafood lomi cooked the Ilocano way, and the refreshing Dragon Fruit Smoothie. If you are obsessed with food, Ilocos is the place to be. 

 

A country with 7,107 islands will surely never run short of fun, each island has endless offers of beautiful sights, food, shopping and interesting-smiling people --- enough to keep tourists riveted for days without a single dull moment. Hanging out with friends and colleagues does not only give fun a new meaning - - - but memories are built together. 

 

Thank you dear SLSU for the chance to unwind and confirm that indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines!!!