Having so many surfing friends doesn’t convince me to try it. Although it looks cool on TV and the big screen, I felt surfing wasn’t for me.
But when Epson Philippines invited me to join their Fusion IV: Epson Media Adventure event, I finally give in and took it as a challenge. I do like adventures, for the sake of trying out new things… and beach happens to be one of my favorite location (except when it’s too hot).
According to Donna V. Ferro, Epson Philippines Marcom & PR Head, “Fusion is annual thanksgiving event we created for our friends in Media. We think of a very exciting adventures or activities that we feel sure that the media will enjoy.”
As EJ Sulit, Epson Philippines Senior Marketing Communications Executive explains, “Fusion is a combination of two elements that when combined together, it forms a more cohesive and a stronger element. And that is Epson and Media together.” He also added that adventure activities forged a stronger bond.
Now on its 4th year, Epson Philippines decided to include some members of the online community for the first time and it was an honor for me to have Orange Magazine TV included in their media thanksgiving event. Other past Fusion media adventure includes scuba diving at Twin Rocks off Anilao’s coast, swimming with the Butanding; ATV to Mayon Volcano, Zip lining; white water rafting and spelunking.
On May 22, the EPSON Media group traveled via Cebu Pacific Air to Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City (other airlines available are Airphil Express, Zest Air, Philippine Airlines). Other ways to go there is traveling by bus (Manila-Tacloban route) with an average travelling time of 23 hours. Buses also run between Davao and Tacloban with a travelling time of approximately 17 hours. Those coming from Cebu may also take the 2 1/2 hour fastcraft trip to Ormoc City, the take a two-hour drive to Tacloban. From Cebu, slow boats call on the port of Ormoc, the voyage takes about 5 hours.
I learned from my previous trip to travel light but I can’t help but bring my laptop hoping I can work on our spare time. Sadly, some areas doesn’t have mobile signals and internet connection. This is my first time to travel in Samar. It was an hour to get here via Cebu Pacific (that is if you’re flight is not delayed) and a 4-hour road trip going to Calicoan Surf Camp Resort which is located at the ABCD Beach, Calicoan Island, 6809 Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
We had a quick lunch first at Ayo Bar and I recommend you try eating there. Their signature pork roast, which is cooked for 7 hours, is a must try!
The road trip was tiring, not because it’s a long drive, but because we have a frustrated F1 driver who race the street like maniac! Imagine riding a roller coaster in a rough road. The view outside was amazing though. Too bad we didn’t get the chance to take photos of the famous San Juanico Bridge.
The team arrived at Calicoan Surf Camp Resort past 6PM. We were welcomed by the resort’s staff with luau necklaces and fresh buko juice. The resort camp is worth the long trip. It’s private, spacious, and have this beautiful villas. Based on Calicoan Surf Camp Resort’s brochure, the eight luxuriously appointed cottages are inspired by Thai, Balinese, Indonesian and Filipino architecture. All are equipped with airconditioning, hot water, Cignal satellite TV, minibar, safety deposit box and intercom. The resort features an infinity pool with an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean. If there’s only thing I didn’t like here is that they don’t provide wi-fi access.
Here are just some of the food served to us on our 3-day stay in Calicoan Surf Camp Resort:
We had sumptuous dinner and lobster was a big hit to everyone. I always love seafood (lobster, shrimps, prawns, crabs, scallops) and traveling to province is one excuse to indulge to fresh and budget-friendly seafood. Now I have something to look forward in our 3-day stay here.
After dinner and getting our room assignments, we were divided into three teams: Black, White, Blue. I was assigned to the Blue Team and were given our own Fusion names. My team mates were Kakilakilabot Karlo, Ocean Drive Ed, Extraordinary Emmie, Vivacious Vanessa, Loving Lyn aka Take It Off, Loony Louie, and me, Jammin’ Jeman.
Epson Philippines did a short presentation about the Fusion event, and introduction of their new lines of Epson projectors. Joining the event is Mr. Toshimitsu Tanaka, President and Country Manager, Epson Philippines, which makes the media thanksgiving more special.
We also got the chance to know each other thru fun games and activities. Afterwards, I had the chance to swim at the resort’s infinity pool after the event and the place was romantic because the pool is facing the beach, and the moon shines bright on our direction. They also have this perfect-for-wedding and night-party spot near the infinity pool area.
The day after, we were divided again into two groups for our surfing lessons. I’m assigned for the afternoon session but I joined the first group just to see how this surfing thing is done. The weather was good that day, it was somehow low tide, and although the beach looks promising, it was too rocky and less sand-y.
Surfing in Samar
Calicoan Island is envisioned to become the surfing capital in the Philippines and a top tourist destination in Eastern Visayas. It boasts of miles of white sand beaches, dramatic coralline landscapes, cathedral caves, and powerful surfing waves characterize the Pacific side of Calicoan, with powerful swells rolling in from the Pacific over the 10,000 meters Philippine Deep. Calicoan is a surfer’s paradise. The season for the best waves is generally from October to March.
To become a surfer, one must learn how to swim first. It is advisable to study the weather and the landscape and watch out for ocean animals like jellyfish, string rays, urchins, and sharks. The sea urchin, for example, when you accidentally step on it, it will excrete toxin that will make you paralyzed for a few minutes. It is also highly recommended to always know your limit – know when the conditions is too much. Make sure your skills and fitness levels can match the swell and weather conditions. And always avoid crowded waves, and collision.
When it was my turn to surf, I wasn’t afraid to learn because we had Calicoan Surf Camp Resort resident surfing instructors who patiently teaches all of us. Armed with the necessary surfing equipment (9-feet Longboard, surfboard leash, surfboard fins, and comfortable swimwear), my only hesitation was doing it with so many people watching. It was not a nice feeling when you fall over several times from your surfboard and when you’re fat (I’m referring to myself). Conscious and uncomfortable, I still tried my best to balance my surfboard but failed to stand up. It was harder on my part because the only thing I can do is to kneel. But that for me is a good try. At least I never fell easily while riding the surfboard.
I gave up after my 6th attempt. I know I am not fit to surf but when I slimmed down, I want to try it again. For now, I can cross out surfing in my bucket list. And when you failed in surfing, there’s always another option: photo-op and act up as if you’re surfing! Hahahaha!
At night time, after another series of games and activities, we did a bonfire where we shared a few beer, loads of chips and hotdogs, and laughs.
On day 3, we were supposed to do island hopping at Kantican Island (Pearl Island) and Binabasalan Island. But since we ran out of time, and because rain suddenly poured, we only managed to visit the Pearl Island.
The group also dropped by the 16th Century Guiuan Church and its belfry. On our way home, we mad a stop-over at at the famous McArthur Park situated in Red Beach, Palo, Leyte. The monument marks the spot where General Douglas MacArthur landed with the American Liberation Forces in 1944. The statues of the liberators stand in a lagoon, 1.5 times bigger than life-size. It is also the site of the 50th Leyte Landing Anniversary Commemorative Rock Garden of Peace.
Here’s an awesome video created by the D-SHEP TV PRODUCTION team of Shierds Pamintuan which also aired at Camera Geek TV over PTV 4 last May 25 (Saturday):
Special thanks to Dee-Jay Sablan, Evan Cariaga, Lyn Lizarondo, and Mark Isaiah David.
