It was a weekend when I, together with my coworkers agreed on spending an overnight stay to relax and unwind in So. Leyte, Philippines. So. Leyte is one of the provinces in the island of Leyte. It may not be that popular to tourist but So.Leyte has so much beauty to offer with its calm but rocky coastal shores to rugged mountain ranges.
OUR SOUTHERN LEYTE OUTING
First, we booked a cottage reservation in one of the many beach resorts there. So. Leyte is becoming popular with its beach resorts . So we booked a cheaper resort since our objective is to enjoy and unwind so we don't need too much luxury. As long as there are cottages or rooms to stay for the night and a karaoke to sing our hearts out, we are good. So we did.
We travelled in the afternoon and arrived at the place after an hour and a half to this resort named Blue Oasis in the town of Tomas Oppus. The place was simple. The beach was rocky but the the sea was clear, calm and inviting. We rented the largest cottage where we could place our things and stay for the night if we chose to stay asleep. We brought our own food for the night. The resort has rooms and cottages, a karaoke, a pool and a floating cottage.
The night we spent there was full of fun singing karaoke and drinking [in moderation on my part], bonding with each other and somehow letting out our frustrations and anxiety.
Some hilarious scenarios that I observed from my workmates who got intoxicated was that they turn into a different person. One coworker who is usually quiet and serious, when intoxicated started to speak in english non-stop and keep repeating his stories. Another one who usually is shy and never let other hear her sing in karaoke, now she won't even stop singing and won't let others take the microphone. She became the concert queen of the night. Hahaha. Thankfully, none of my coworkers becomes violent when intoxicated and everyone really had fun that night.
The next morning , we explored the resort. Though it was just a small area, we scoured what can be found there, appreciating whatever beauty it has to offer, taking in some fresh new air and a new perspective.
I had my eyes on this floating cottage as soon as we arrived but only got the chance to come here the next morning.
This is the floating cottage. You can see how calm and clear the sea and you can dive into the water for a swim or just sit there and feel the sea breeze.
To get there we had to ride on this raft which had to be pulled by a staff so we could come to the cottage and we just sit pretty there. Hehe.
The sea was so calm and as clear as glass. You could mirror yourself to it. You could also see the sea floor clearly. It was so inviting.
Inside the floating cottage we had a 360 view of the surrounding. We walked around, went up to the above floor and back. There were benches and tables where you could bring in food and drinks.
If you want to go for a swim, you could just jump into the water and indulge into the relaxing salty sea washing away those negativities in your mind and body. There's a staircase you could step on if you wanted out of the water.
On the above floor was where you could have the most calming view. It was early in the morning so everything was fresh. Sea breeze is best early in the morning.
We went back to the shore and explored some other areas of the resort like the pool area and another bamboo cottage.
This narrow walkway allows you to walk and feel as if you are Miss Universe. Hahah. Just own the moment.
It was indeed a fun and relaxing weekend experience. More than the place is the company of wonderful people that made the experience memorable.
Memorable indeed because a few months later we lost the life of our prinicipal, the one who brought us here and who always reminded us to enjoy life and make time with family. He always reminded us that family is the reason why we work hard and so we must always prioritize the people important to us.
He considered us as his family too. This was the last weekend getaway we got to spend with him. We had him as our head for not a very long time but he made such impact to our lives.