THE NEW ADVENTURE IN SAN JOAQUIN

REVIEW:  San Joaquin is the last town of Iloilo in the south.  It is fifty-three kilometers away from the city and the gateway to the province of Antique.

FLASHBACK:  Few years ago, I visited the town of San Joaquin.  I was all by myself.  Yes, I had a "me" time before I discovered that term. It was kind of funny because I decided to have a joyride up to the last barangay of San Joaquin- Brgy. Lawigan.  On my way back to the town proper, I can't hold on my being beach bum.  The beach bum that don't know how to swim at all.  Ha-ha.  I just love to dip my body in the water.  Dare me for longer hours staying on.   So I dropped by in one of the beautiful beaches near Tiolas.  I even asked the attendant how much a closed cottage for an overnight stay.  There was only one big cottage and I just realized I was all alone.  Actually, I went to San Joaquin to discover their old church which was built in 1869 and the old cemetery which was built in 1892. 

San Joaquin church

San Joaquin cemetery

In short, I enjoyed my visit.  On that same day, I noticed the big cross standing out on the hilltop (on the other side of the town).  It was then the first cross built @ Garin Farm.

INTRODUCTION:  The moment I first saw the facebook page of Garin Farm (thru Arangkada's page), I can't control my excitement.  I immediately announced it to my friends and I sent text brigade.  Then, the proposed visit was finalized and only 7 of us said Go! Go! Go!

THE DATE:  January 29, 2012

THE MOST ACCESSIBLE MEETING PLACE:  Molo plaza

THE CALL TIME:  6 am to 7 am

We supposed to take a jeepney ride but unfortunately (yes, unfortunately!) there was a taxi driver who offered a ride for only 70 php per head.  FYI, the regular jeepney fare from Iloilo to San Joaquin is only 60 php.  Daw mayo haw!  We agreed the deal and reached the San Joaquin town proper @ 8 am.  More than an hour lang.  Ambilis naman.  Again, the taxi driver offered na ihatid kami hanggang Garin Farm.  Make it 100 php per person, an additional of thirty pesos.  Over excited kami so we didnt mind.  Later on, we discovered that it only 8 pesos when you ride on a tricycle from town proper to the inland resort.  ANd it takes seven minutes only. 

LESSON LEARNED:  The next time, follow the instructions found on the website.  Ha-ha.  So for those who will visit Garin Farm in the future specifically the commuters, you can take a jeepney ride in the Super Market terminal in Iloilo City or in Mohon Terminal.  As of present time, the jeepney fare is only 60 pesos.  Then , you can take a tricycle ride from San Joaquin town proper to Garin Farm for only 8 pesos per head or 50 pesos per group.  You can contact Cheche @ 09082160375.  She is one of the nicest locals/tricycle drivers we've met there.

That's the friendly Cheche!  She can take you to Garin Farm with a smile all the way.

to be continued...

SIMPLY SEWING

I love sewing since I was a kid.  We have a Singer sewing machine and it is still working until now.  I had a doll when I was 6 years old.  And I was the one who made her dresses out of mga retaso.  Ha-ha.  My interest in home-making stopped when I was about to enter high school.  My family didn't want me be like what I am because back those old-fashioned time it was shameful to be...you know what I mean. 

There is what we call Unisex now.  Unique individuals are already accepted in the modern world today.  We gain respect na.  So the latest generation is so lucky.  Back then, I am just contented what life is to offer.  I still do sewing but not as fashion.  I am doing it because it is sometimes needed.  And I am comfortable doing it now. My family became open-minded na rin eh.  People do realize na wala naman masama sa ginagawa.  Wala na yung babae lang dapat manahi.  Househusbands exist na rin eh.

FYI, it is important that you know how to sew.  Sometimes, our clothes need to be repaired at home like you discovered a damage at night and you need to wear it early in the morning the next day.  So you have to DIY.  Drama lang.

I have to show you a personal example.  I bought this muscled sleeve inner shirt long time ago.  As far as I've remembered, I just wore it once.  It's because I didn't like it.  I was not comfortable wearing muscled sleeve inner shirt.  Feeling mainit!

So I decided to cut the sleeve one day. 

And I needed to do back-stitching para di matanggal ang tahi at maging malinis siya tingnan.  I am sure you are a Do It Yourself too.

At the end, it's my favorite inner shirt.  I often wear it especially during summer.

THE BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OUTSIDE THE WINDOW

The photos can speak themselves.  Just enjoy the beauty of the mother nature.  I even wish to retire in the province and looking the beautiful view outside the window.  It's so relaxing!

TRANSITION OF GUISI BEACH AND LIGHTHOUSE

I love the beach so much!  If I like the place, I keep coming back!  Guisi beach and lighthouse is one of beautiful places I like a lot.  It is close to my heart as a beach bum.

And these are the souvenir photos from that place.  I never tired of it.  Hopefully be back there this 2012.

I WANNA RIDE

I missed to ride a bicycle.  I wish I have one now.  If I have, there's question that will still rise.  Do I know how to ride still?  That is!  I used to ride a bike when I was a kid.  I used to practice biking on the road with my nieces.  For the meantime, I am contented to collect bike images just like this one on my bag. 

And I am lucky to receive a bicycle postcard from China.  Sad to say, I stopped participating in postcrossing at the moment.  But I will continue if I have extra time.  I have lots of postcards in stack waiting to send.

THE REAL VALENTINE

Valentine's day is near!  Red color is everywhere.  The stores are again displaying red stuff.  Instead of planning my valentine's date, I knit instead.  Obviously I am single this Valentine.  But I had a date.Ha-ha

Of course, I also experienced the so corny valentine treat and date.  It keeps me smile every time na sumasagi siya sa isipan ko.  Kakilig pa rin!  I know everybody can relate.  But I have to say this, like the two knitting needles, the teamwork of the couple is needed in order to build a good and stronger relationship.  That's actually how the relationship works! 

Isn't it beautiful?  This red knitted mobile purse is like a successful relationship made of much effort, more patience, unlimited love and priceless happiness. 

Have a merrier Valentine's date in advance!

(I already celebrated it to avoid crowded scenario)