Lago del Rey-Ultimate Lake adventure

After wakeboarding this is what i did during my vacation in the Philippines. Boating and kayaking at Lago Del Rey or the "Kings Lake" in Camarines Sur.

Lago del Rey – a giant man-made lake right across the road from the fabulous wakeboard cable lake of the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) that offers the best water-based entertainment facilities in Asia.

Intended to balance the cable park’s extreme sports forte, Lago del Rey – a facility expected to be fit for royalty as its name infers – will however offer very affordable wholesome family watersports entertainment including giant water slides, aqua wall climbing, water polo, water volleyball, kayaking, aqua obstacle course, paddle surfing, boat-towed wakeboarding and skiing, dragonboating and, of course, pure and simple swimming.

This is also the venue for the Ironman 70.3 Philippines an international triathlon challenge on August 23,2009. A 70.3 mile race course (total distance) — 1.2-mile swim (1.9 km), 56-mile bike (90 km) and 13.1-mile run (21.1 km) — around the world renowned CWC.

Destination-JEDDAH KSA

From Eastern region to Central region and finally where i am?Finally i arrived to my final destination the western part of Saudi Arabia I'm here now in JEDDAH.

My team leader in Riyadh told me that the western team of my company is in need of pharmacist without any hesitation i volunteered myself to be part of that team.A big yes from my boss and i am the chosen one. They give me a week to pack all my stuff. They booked my flight via Saudia Air on August 21 a day before the ramadan.Today is my second day here in Jeddah.There is something about Jeddah that makes me excited and its up for me to discover as what all my Saudi friends told me Jeddah is the kingdom's haven of gentle and friendly people.

O BELOVED JEDDAH!

YOU HAVE A SPECIAL STATUS IN THE HEART.

YOUR LOVE IS SACRED LIKE A MAGICAL BOX FULL OF SECRETS

YOU ARE AN ARID PORT AND TOWN,

BUT FROM THE ENDURING COMPASSION!

BY: Ahmad Qandil-Jedah's popular Literature Pioneer

The map of Jeddah.The head of the region is Prince Khalid Al Faisal. The location of Jeddah is in west coast of Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. With a population of 3.4 million and the second largest city in Saudi arabia.

This is the King Khaled Int's Airport in Riyadh. Almost all of the passengers bound to Jeddah are male pilgrims i made this conclusion because of their attire not a thobe but a plain big white towel wrapped around to their bodies.

I'm too early at the airport but sad to say the flight is delayed by almost half an hour prior to that i had my meal at the airport the saudi kabsa-a roasted chicken and a yellow rice.After an hour and forty five minutes in the air finally i arrived at Jeddah safe and happy.What a beautiful sweet escape experience for me....lol

Wakeboarding at Camsur Watersports Complex

This is what i did during my vacation in the Philippines.Wakeboarding at Camsur watersports complex.


The Camsur Watersports Comlex is the first world-class watersports complex in the Philippines and in Asia. CWC aims to bring cable skiing to a whole new level and attract watersports enthusiasts from all over the world with its top of the line facilities and relaxing environment. This six (6)-hectare complex, with its 6-point cable ski system, is sure to draw guests, riders and spectators by the thousands. Because of good weather conditions, cable skiing in the park can be done all year round.


The CAMSUR WATERSPORTS COMPLEX is located within the Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. The province of Camarines Sur, situated in southeastern part of Luzon is found in the Philippines, Southeast Asia.



Cable skiing is simply water-skiing where the skier is pulled by an overhead cable suspended 8-12 meters above water surface by specifically designed pylons. The cables run counter clockwise around the lake. It is powered by a variable speed electric motor which can maintain speeds between 20 - 65 km/h.



Wakeboarding was created from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. Instead of using skis, the rider rides a single board with stationary non-release bindings for each foot, standing sideways. Wakeboarding, besides being one of the world’s fastest growing sports and is gradually being recognized globally, has become a lifestyle for others.



Since this is my first time to do it a short explanation of the basic and safety of wakeboarding .Im ready to be drowned lol.

For a neophyte like me in this sport this is the first step kneeboarding and for two days this is the only lesson i learned and i didnt passed to be on the next level until my body gave up due to body pain to the point that i can no longer remove and put my shirt on by myself thanks to the help of my brothers and to salonpass lol and not to forget to the bottomless water i drunk from the lake but i really enjoyed that sport and i will do it again after all its very near a three hour drive away from our house in Bicol.


Kneeboarding is an aquatic sport where the participant is towed on a buoyant, convex, and hydrodynamically-shaped board at a planing speed behind a motorboat or cable. In the usual configuration of a towsport kdeck with an adjustable strap. As in wakeboarding or water skiing, the rider hangs ont neeboard, the rider sits on his heels on the board, and secures himself to the an easier learning curve, and not requiring as much effort to have fun. o a tow-rope. The forte of kneeboarding vis-à-vis other towsports seems to be

Singapore Air food trip

What makes me feel more excited in travelling by plane are the food they serve plus the friendly and accommodating flight attendant and Singapore air is the right answer to that.My official carrier of my journey from Riyadh to Manila and back to Riyadh.Stewardess aka Singapore girls were dressed in a version of Malay sarong kebaya a very unique east asian uniform for them and i love the unique accent also when the girls speak in english.

Singapore Sling cocktail drink a must try while on board after all its free.... And i love to drink it in public.

Wow I love the freedom to drink beer in public coz in Saudi Arabia any alcoholic beverages is a big no no if you were caught you will suffered your action inside the jail plus the never ending lashes

Wide range of movies to watch for while on plane

Breakfast

Food that they serve Dubai to Singapore

Food they serve from Riyadh to Dubai a thirty minutes flight and an hour of stopover to pick some passengers bound to Singapore

From Wiki

Singapore Airlines was ranked 33rd in Fortune's World’s Most Admired Companies rankings in 2009 and has built up a strong brand name as a trendsetter in the aviation industry, particularly in terms of innovation, safety and service excellence, coupled with consistent profitability. It has won numerous awards and is an industry bellwether for aircraft purchases. Singapore Airlines is headquartered at Airline House, by Changi Airport.

Fly Away

Inside the King Khalid International Airport

The Huge Mosque Inside the Airport Compound

Airplane...Tayara in Arabic

So Excited my Flight is at 8pm i reached the airport at 4pm

Scene in going to the airport

Bon Voyage

Should i or Should i not post this on my blog because it will only make me missed home lol as you all know im back and already having my adventure again here in the desert anyways im goin to share it with you im not that selfish right? even it is already two months passed.lol

I'm about to spend my vacation and experience the holy week in the Philippines but sad to say it ain't gonna happened because when i submitted my Iqama(the residence permit in KSA)to he HR department to booked my ticket and processed my re-entry visa only that time they knew it is near expiry the rule it must be six months valid so they renewed it and it takes one week so i deleted holy week on my itinerary.

The HR gave my renewed Iqama but i have to travel to Riyadh since I'm at eastern region and it take five hours drive by bus to reach the central region which is Riyadh because i choose to take Singapore Airline for one reason to have a taste of Singapore sling lol.

A night before my flight to the Philippines we had a party a small gathering of my colleagues and friends big thanks to them.

Lobo and Uwak!!!

Hello!!!After the Chinese new year here comes the love month.If you are wondering about my title and if you think this is the part two of the chinese post, well sorry its not lol, lobo and uwak are animals and obviously not part of the chinese zodiac animal sign.Me and me just want to act like one of them, so mean lol heres how.

On wednesday last week i catched up the last trip of saptco bus again bond for Riyadh just to attend the very first birthday of my friend here in the kingdom.The trip in going to Riyadh is quite good unlike before that i encountered a malfunction of the bus engine in the middle of the desert.

Im not that excited for the party,obviously i arrived so early at six in the morning.The birthday party of Egay is at eleven of thursday night.Jani open the door for me"wow ang daming lobo yan na ba ang handa"to my surprise this is the line i delivered because the room is full of balloons scattered to be used as the decor,that caused difficulty for me to walk.I take a rest and sleep at janis room.I wake up at eleven in the morning and cook lunch for everyone"embutido espesyal ni godfrey"part of his business venture so far it taste so good kaya pinakyaw ng may birthday coz embutido is part of the menu .Since i was already there all i have to do is to help them in preparing the place."Walang hiya kayo akala ko ba bisita ako dito pinapunta nyo ako dito parang gawing katulong"lol my dramatic line to the celebrator with a twist of comedy.

I love what i did on his birthday to arrange and to finalize the decoration of the place with the help of Charlotte the lobo master.lol Clean here and clean there is the scene that i made.I help again the celebrator for the last grocery shopping that were needed in the party.After shopping, cooked the embutido for the party thanks charlo for the help but when Katamaran strikes hindi ko niluto ang lahat.Im so mean you know what i did?inuwi ko sa khobar ang tira lol.ssHHH hindi nya alam noon but now alam nya na kaya ulam ko until now embutido.

Lights,Camera Action!!!so here comes the party.Its now eleven in the evening but a big problem encountered by the celebrator,the first set of guest arrived but the food from the caterer arrived late by almost 30 minutes......"ang alam ko sa mga dumating isang tao lang ang kilala ng may birthday kaya sabay usisa sa may birthday,

me:Kilala mo sila?

egay:hindi,mga kasamahan daw yan sa trabaho ng friend ko

me:talaga isang department ng company ata dala nya

egay:oo nga alam ko mga 8 or 10 lang sila tingnan mo more than 30 sila.

me:(tumatawa)hindi ata bday party pinuntahan nila "sagip kapamilya program ata"

egay:mali "walang iwanan sa bayan ni juan feeding program ito"

me:ah kaya pala mga malnourished lol

So mean!!!lol Anyways the food arrived and im the one distributing the plates ,spoon and fork.Im the usher in the party or should i say the feeding program lol.One more thing im the photographer also with the use of my sony dslr.

The party is exclusively for bachelors no ladies allowed because here in Saudi Arabia it is not allowed to mingle both gender.Everyone enjoyed the party so far.Guest who are close to the celebrator were the one stayed until friday morning.

Ang UWAK bow!!!

Gawin ko na itong paksa sa ating wika para tayo- tayo lang ang nagkakaintindihan.May mga bagay-bagay tayong minsan ating ginagawa na labag sa batas ng bansa na ating pinagsisilbihan. Sa ating lahi lalong lalo na sa mga salo salo hindi makukumpleto ang kasiyahan kung walang "lason"dyan natin sya ikubli para hindi halata.Lalo na sa mga kalalakihan ito ang nagbibigay kasayahan pamatid uhaw sa lalamunang tigang.Alam ng lahat ito ay bawal dito pero masarap ang bawal wika nga nila.Hindi ito legal dito pero mautak lahi natin ang lason ay sariling gawa.

Sa kasayahan ako ay nanabik sa lason na ito.Ako ay nakalimot na ako pala ay dayo malayo pa ang aking pinanggalingan.Napadami yata ang aking ininum.Akoy may sariling mundo na noon kumuha ako ng pin at pinatutusok ang ang mga lobo.lol.Pasaway na ata ako.Ako ay tinulungan ng aking kaibigan.Halika samahan kita tayo ay magtatawag ng uwak ito ang pagyaya sakin patungo sa cr.Ayan dali magtawag ka na!!!Uwak!Uwak!Uwak!!!un pala ang ibig nyang sabihin.Yuck!!!Hindi naman yan uwak eh,pagkain ng uwak iyan.Ako ay nahimasmasan,nilinis ang sarili,nagpahinga ng dalawang oras.Pagkagising ay dumiretso agad sa estasyon ng train,habang nagaatay sabay lagok ng kape maraming maraming kape nalulunod na ata ako.Natulog lang ako sa train ng ako ay magising nasa Dammam na ako.Masaya ako at walang halong pagsisi basta wag lang PAHUHULI!!!bang!bang!bang.lol sabay pasok sa trabaho.

My christmas!!!

In a land where christmas is forbidden and santa clause is not welcome I do exist but it doesnt show it will suppressed the spirit to celebrate the goodness and happiness of this wonderful time of the year as a christian.Me and my friends will celebrate it even secretly.My Christmas underground celebration.My second time to experience this here in Saudi arabia.
December 25,2008 11.30 pm.
Designed and created by Charlotte.Only one day thats why it is a HOLIDAY.wink.

Dennis trillo gagambino inspired x-mas lantern designed by CharlotteMagnolia ice cream from the Philippines thru Batha Pinoy market donated by Jani and Fruit glazed cream cake by Edwin

Roasted turkey courtesy by Bob

Beef kare-kare , Steamed stuffed pusit,steamed fish in mayo, chicken cordon bleau,shrimp tempura courtesy by Manny

Mixed pansit and beef menudo

Beef sisig,chicken barbeque,beef siomai.We had our exchange gift also worth 100 saudi riyals and i got the gift of Jani a dozen of Glass crystals from stokes store in Hayat Mall in riyadh.I knew all of this dahil magkasama kaming namili after our lunch in canton together with my super rich Louis Vuitton lover Manny.LoL

My journey to celebrate Christmas.

How will I forget the 24th day of December around 4pm Saudi time a one-of -a -kind- first-time-experience happened to me. Ang aking sinasakyang kotse ay bumangga.Lucky enough minor lang at walang nasaktan.Hindi ako ang nagmamaneho pasahero lamang ako ng aking beastfriend remember the away because of extension wire sya po ang driver.

Dahilan kami ng traffic hanggang sa dumating ang Saudi traffic police para mag investigate.Well time for me to work kaya iniwan ko na lang sya at sabay para ng taxi.My work is from 4pm to 10pm and my plan after work is to catched up the 11:30 pm SAPTCO bus trip bound to Riyadh,the second to the last trip which is the 12.30 am.Yes,my christmas getaway to celebrate it is in riyadh a five hour travel from my place here in Dammam.

Naabutan ko ang biyahe sabay sakay at natulog lang ngunit pagkalipas ng dalawang oras akoy ginising ng espirito ng kamalasan dahil sa gitna ng disyerto huminto ang makina at tuluyang tumigil ang takbo ng bus sa makatuwid nasiraan ito.Wala ng nagawang paraan para ito ay umandar para kumaripas ng takbo.

Lahat ng pasahero bumaba at naglakad habang nanginginig sa sobrang lamig ng panahon patungo sa bagong bus na aming nilipatan ito ang last trip na bus na napadaan may konti paring swerte dahil hindi puno ito at lahat nakaupo.Ako lamang ang nag iisang pinoy sa bus maybe because pasko yata ito at nagcecelebrate sila.Akoy nagutom at sabay kain ng baong Shawarma,uminom ng tubig at sabay tulog habang angkatabi kung matandang arabo ay naghihilik sa sobrang sarap ng tulog.Muttawa ata ang arabo.Napasarap ako ng tulog dahil medyo pagod.

Akoy nagising dahil nagsisibabaan na sila kaya pala nasa bus terminal na ng Riyadh 5:30 ng umaga.Hinintay ko na magliwanag kaya mga 6:15 akoy sumakay ng taxi at narating din ang bahay.Mahigit 20minutes din ako sa labas ng gate at pilit ginigising si jani tawag ako ng tawag sa mobile phone nya ngunit walang nangyari sarado pa rin ang gate napasarap ang tulog.Kapag minamalas ka nga naman.

May romorondang police ilang beses na pabalik balik sa lugar at akoy nasa labas pa rin akala yata akoy magnanakaw o lasing hanggang sa hindi makatiis ang police sabay hinto at tawag sakin.Siyay nag aarabic at nag iingles kaya kami nagkaintindihan.Hinanap agad sa akin ang aking iqama-resident permit sa Saudi.Naalala ko pasko nga pala ngayon kaya mainit sila sa mga pinoy at pilit akong inaamoy kung may bakas ng alak dahil dito sa Saudi bawal ang alak.Sorry sya hindi ako amoy alak.Buti na lang hindi pa ako nakapag toothbrush kaya amoy pa rin ang bakas ng Shawarma sa aking bibig at hininga, garlic flavor ata iyon.Wala namang naging problema kaya umalis na ang police.

Ilang minuto pa ang main gate ay bukas na salamat sa Indianong maagang pumasok sa trabaho nya.Sabay panhik sa third floor at nakita si Edwin kumakain ng agahan sabay invite sakin to join with him to partake spaghetti,cake and black coffee pagkatapos ng maikling kamustahan and breakfast akoy nakigulo sa kwarto ni Egay at doon na rin natulog until lunch time.Bumaba sa ground floor para sunduin si Jani para mag lunch together with Manny sa Hayat mall.Ngayon hindi na sya secret dahil nabasa mo na.Maligayang Pasko.

IKEA

Under the scorching heat on the 26Th day of June in Saudi Arabia my fairy gay godmother Manny decided to let our group including the neophytes, the new recruit in the Kingdom ,Mark and Egay to have lunch at Ikea cafe and invade the place to do shopping afterwards.Ikea escapade is not part of my itinerary but since i haven't been and experience it with so much gusto i said yes and join with them.

With the generous kindhearted of yours truly me, myself yes its me is the one who paid the bill for the sumptuous lunch that the entourage partake that include herb bake salmon,soup cream of chicken,hamour steak, and tenderloin with the desserts of blueberry and strawberry cheesecake and chocolate croissant.Ohlalala i love it we are so much full and by that we had enough energy to invade the place to do shopping.

Sad to say Bob one of my friend wasn't able to join due to work.What i bought from Ikea is the beautiful wall clock,mirror,slippers .Manny and Johnny bought plates and other kitchen utensils.Mark and Egay bought some stuff for laundry and for bathroom.Everybody felt exhausted yet happy for the experience even in a limited time.we hurriedly went home to take our afternoon siesta.

Doing that it reminisced my experience that i had with my friend Meow shopping some stuff for his haven in the Philippines, i missed it especially when we looked for the bamboo curtain.

IKEA in RiyadhP.O.Box 91285, Riyadh 11633

Saudi ArabiaPhone: +966 1 2442233

E-mail: Inforyd@ikea.com.sa

Opening hours at normal days including EID

Saturday to Thursday: 10:00AM – 12:00

Midnight Friday: 4:00PM – 12:00 Midnight

IKEA was founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad in Sweden and it is owned by a Dutch-registered foundation controlled by the Kamprad family.

IKEA is an acronym comprising the initials of the founder's name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd), and his home county (Agunnaryd, in Småland, South Sweden).

IKEA is a privately-held, international home products retailer that sells flat pack furniture, accessories, bathrooms and kitchens at retail stores around the world. The company, which pioneered flat-pack design furniture at affordable prices, is now the world's largest furniture manufacturer.

Europe
(Belgium)

(Czech Republic)
(Denmark)

(Germany)
(Spain)
(Greece)
France
(Iceland)
(Italy)
(Cyprus)
(Hungary)
(Netherlands)
(Norway)
(Austria)

(Russia)
(Poland)
(Portugal)
(Romania)
(Switzerland)
(Slovakia)
(Finland)
(Sweden)
(Turkey)
United Kingdom
North America
Canada
United States

Middle East
(Kuwait)
(Israel)
(Saudi Arabia)
(United Arab Emirates)

Asia Pacific
Australia
(China)
(Hong Kong)
(Japan)
Malaysia
(Taiwan)
Singapore

SAPTCO

VIP Class is not only on airlines, SAPTCO- Saudi Public Transport Co. can make your travel comfortable because VIP buses offer you space and comfort that never seen on any other buses.Plus food,beverages,computer facilities,newspapers in english and arabic and mobile recharging servicesfor you to enjoy the comfort of first class travel aboard on bus.What makes me really comfortable and relax is that the driver and his assistant were both my kababayan,Filipino.

SCHEDULE AL-olaya Houard Johnson Plazza Hotel-Tel. 01 4629939
Departure times from Riyadh to Khobar
Saturday and Sunday- 06.00 and 17.00
Monday and Tuesday- 09.00 and 17.00
Wednesday 09.00 and 17.00
Thursday 14.00
Friday 15.00, 17.00 and 19.00

SCHEDULE Al-Kousaibi Hotel Al-Khobar-tel. 03 8874481
Departure times from Khobar to Riyadh
Saturday and Sunday- 06.00 and 17.00
Monday and Tuesday - 09.00 and 17.00
Wednesday 10.00, 15.00 and 18.00
Thursday 14.00
Friday 15.00 and 17.00

Regular class of travel is every hour and the bus terminal is in Dammam near Governor's Palace

Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) was established in 1399 H (1979 G) with a fully paid up capital of SR 1000 million to provide public bus transport services. SAPTCO operates around the clock with terminals in the Kingdom's major cities and through an extensive network of local and international agents.


SAPTCO operates a fleet of 2,714 modern buses of different capacities and sizes carrying out 579 daily scheduled trips, connecting 362 cities, towns and villages Kingdom wide. Daily international trips are scheduled to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, U.A.E., Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Sudan and Lebanon.
SAPTCO's intracity services covers 10 major cities which include: (Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Taif, Dammam, Abha, Gaseem, Tabuk, Hael), and special transportation to the Holy Shrines during Hajj and Ramadan. SAPTCO also provides a distinguished VIP service, offers Charter bus service and operates school/college transportation services.The number of passengers transported by SAPTCO has reached more than 2.005 Billion passenger.
The number of local and international agents of the company reached 161 Agents.



Our distinguished VIP services are between Riyadh - Al Khobar, Makkah - Madinah and to Bahrain. These trips are direct and non-stop. Passengers are provided meals, hot and cold drinks, newspapers and the outlet to use mobile phones and laptop. The company is planning to expand its VIP services to include new routes.
We have a team of skilled and well trained bus drivers, comes in compliance and adherence with safety and security precautions for our customers. All our fleet, drivers and passengers are fully insured.
SAPTCO - as Future plans:- is looking forward to cope with the developments that transport sector witness. It continues to update its fleet with most recent technologies in bus's manufacturing in addition to its efforts to introduce "integral Umrah and Tourist" service

Saudi Railways

I received the confirmation to take the exam in Saudi Commission for Health Specialties so it means to say that all my documents that i submitted is approved.The scheduled date for me is on May 19,2008,10:00 am and the venue is in Riyadh and it is a 5hours drive away from my place which is Al-Khobar, eastern region of KSA.I have to be in Riyadh a day before the exam day.There are three ways to reach Riyadh by plane,by bus or by train.I choose to take the train because i haven't try it yet especially for a four to five hours travel and it is a wonderful experience.Dammam Railway Station: It is located at Abdullaa Fouad District alongside ISKAN Building on Dammam-Khobar highway.I bought the tickect one way Dammam to Riyadh, the departure time is 12:30 pm and i arrived Malaz Station in riyadh at 15 minutes before five .I will share to you some facts regarding the Saudi railways:

Since 1947, when construction work commenced for the current railway network in the Kingdom linking Riyadh the capital city with Dammam in Eastern province through Hafuf and Biqaq cities. Saudi Railways Organization operates several passengers trains every day between Riyadh and Dammam, some are express non stop, while others make two stops in between at Hafuf (Al Ahsa) and Baquiq.

The trains go as fast as 135 km per hour which allow journeys range betwen 4 to 5 hours. Prices: Rihab (non stop) one way: SAR 130. Normal first class: SAR 75 Normal second class: SAR 60

Timetable Riyadh-Dammam 4 trains a day Departure times:10 am, 12:30pm, 4:45pm, 9:30pm Dammam-Riyadh 4 trains a day Departure times: 6am, 10:13am, 7:45pm, 1:05am

Facts: The exsiting Saudi railway network includes two lines in operation:

1) 556 km single track line built in the 1950s

2) 449 km single track line built in the 1980s and used by passenger trains

The railway handles about 850,000 passengers and 850 million ton-kms of cargo every year. Saudi Arabia also announced three new railway lines to be constracted in the comming 4 years. 1- SAUDI LANDBRIDGE PROJECT which will Connect Jeddah ( Red Sea ) to Dammam (Gulf) Over 1,000 km of new railway to be constracted to carry cargo and passangers. 2- MAKKAH MADINAH RAIL LINK PROJECT which will be a high speed passenger service (more than 220 km per hour) to accommodate annual pilgrimage between Mecca and Al Medina through Jeddah. 3 North-south mining railway.

Classes are available that suit different requirements of passengers.
Families have separate areas from those who are single. Families to be seated on front rows and bachelors at the back area.
A dining or restaurant car service is available at reasonable prices, Snack food may also be served to passengers while they are on their seats.
Places for prayers are provided.
Possibility of usage of mobile phones.