Training + Pleasure

Since I've mentioned about it, why not share my experience in that island and the whole trip. I'm talking about the on-board training that I recently had.

The training would be one of the coolest things I liked the most in my summer training, not just because I slightly overcome my fears, but also because of the whole experience itself.

I couldn't calm myself down as the big date was approaching. Two things. As I’ve mentioned before; excitement and nervousness. Excitement because, it would be my first-time of everything; First-time to take a vessel trip, and my first-time to be in Coron, our island destination. And, having a “first-time thing” is always exciting. Then there’s this ‘nervousness’. It is simply because, as I told you, I fear sea and ships! I fear everything found on a ship, or at least the most important part of it; anchor, propeller, huge ropes, enormous chains, derricks, smoke cylinder (or whatever they call it) the sound of its engine, and the alarming sound of its horn! “Can I make it?”, the big question to myself. By the way, my objectives? To gain knowledge and to have an unforgettable memory on that island. And, also to conquer my FEAR! Then the 22nd of May came.

As my group arrived at the port, I was not surprised with how my heart reacted. I wanted to go home! The ship is called M/V Our Lady of Good Voyage. After, about, 30 minutes at the waiting area, the group was finally called to go onboard. Oh my GOD! My knees were trembling crazily as I made my first step on the gangplank! I wanted to back out, but that was impossible. “I have my objectives!”, I reminded myself.

Surprisingly, the shaking vanished when I got inside the ship. It was cozy inside. The smiles of the crew were relaxing as they welcomed us. I felt more relaxed when my group went to our assigned bunks. By the way, we were accommodated at the Tourist Class, perfect for backpackers. Several minutes later, the group was called for the final briefings, assignments of duties, and a vessel tour. The group was divided into three. In our first duties, two groups were assigned at the Food and Beverage department. The ship has two dining areas; Horizon, a first-class dining restaurant, and Island Fiesta, a 24-hour cafeteria for Economy and Tourist passengers. The other group, where I belong to, was assigned at the MegaValue Class, an Economy Class that is fully air-conditioned.

The ship was not moving yet when we started our first duties. About the first duty, I had no problem with it, except that I wanted more assignments! I wanted to clean the bathroom, scrub the toilet, throw the garbage to the disposing area, and all dirty stuff, but my superior didn't allow me, or any of my group mates. My primary duty was to maintain the cleanliness with the MegaValue area, but, there were times that I reached the SuperValue's (an open-air Economy Class) hallway, maintaining its cleanliness :) That's how excited I was. And, that's how industrious Mandaluyong Manpower Development Center students are ;) Sometimes, I assisted guests covering their bunks. In the middle of my duty, while enjoying my assigned job, I noticed that the ship was finally sailing. I noticed it, but I didn't feel it. “Maybe it's a good sign that I could overcome my fear”, I thought. The next assignment was to do a survey to the guests. Interview some, ask them how they feel about the service, any thoughts or comments, and all, and, then write them on a paper. It was a nice assignment since we were able to get to hear guests' views. (Too bad I can't provide you photos while we were on duty.)

The group's time to relax after several hours of duty.

Early morning the next day, as we woke up, we were already somewhere in Coron. We then immediately went to the bridge to witness the sunset and of course, the wonderful sights.It was great views everywhere! Green mountains, jagged edges rock formations enclosing with limestone, and clear water! Oh my God! What an awesome way to start the day. From then alone, I could say that what we paid for worth it! “There's a lot more once we reached our destination”, our class instructor Miss Mercy, reminded us.

We arrived at the Coron Pier at around 7AM. From there we were transferred to the island where we were gonna stay, Dive Link Resort, a 10-minute boat ride from the port. A hearty breakfast awaited us as we reached the resort. I wasn't surprised with how the people at the resort took care of us. It was heart-warming as the beauty of Coron. Not to mention the people we get encountered with around the province. People there were so friendly. And, they speak Tagalog! :)

Coron Island is located in Northern Palawan in the Philippines. The entire island and associated offshore waters have been designated as Ancestral Domain. It offers a variety of sporting and leisure activites and is popular for snorkeling and diving. There are islands with white sandy beaches, fresh water and tropical vegetation and fantastic coral reefs for diving.

The class has two reasons of joining this trip. "Training" being the main, and "pleasure" seconds it. But, with all the wonderful beaches, sights, and all? "Pleasure ruled!

Our first stop was the Kayangan Lake. Named as the country's cleanest lake, and one of the cleanest in the South East Asia. Before we reached the said lake, we had to have a short trek over a slippery hill. It was a exhausting trek up and down the hill, but when we plunged ourselves into the clear water, wow, it's worth the tiring hike!

The lunch for the day was set-up at the CYC Island. A white-sand beach with clear water. Where coral reefs are visible in the shallow area! But, of course, we had to be careful with sea urchins. “The spikey black creatures are everywhere”, the tour guide warned us.

As the sun was about to set, the group was also set to go back to the resort. Dive Link Resort is where we were gonna stay for two days. The resort is facing the Coron Bay, which is a nice view to relax after a long day of island hopping. The rooms were awesome, too. It was air-conditioned, that can accommodate six people. Six single beds, with toilet and shower, separately.

If the first day was an awesome one already, what more on the second day? After a hearty breakfast at the resort, the group was out to trek Mt. Tapyas, a 700-step mountain. (I don't know much about its history, sorry. Not paying attention to the tour guide and Miss Mercy when they shared its history) People we passed by on our way to the mountain warned us. Everyone would tell us how exhausting the hike would be, and remind us to have a bottle of water with us. Seven-hundred steps? Sure! No problem! This is what we came for, in the first place. A one-of-a-kind adventure, and..body pain! I was so excited that I wanted to reach the top first, but we haven't reached the one-third of the mountain yet, when I, along with my group, started complaining. “Aren't we there yet”? It was a tiring that we stop for a rest every 10-15 steps we made. Atop, we saw what beautiful scenery Coron can offer. Like Kayangan Lake, it's worth the 700 steps! Whew! :)

View from atop mountain

After the weary activity, it was a nice time to sink ourselves into a lake named “Siete Pecados”. We were in the middle of the lake, far from beaches. The water was clear, and tiny fishes were everywhere.They were friendly that they didn't mind the visitors disturbing them. We had our lunch on a lake. Not literally, of course! Our boat was anchored in the middle of the lake, and we had the feast on the boat. Sweet, wasn't it?

Next stop was the highlight of the day' The Twin Lagoon. This is, according to Miss Mercy, a majestic, enchanting place around Uson Island. From a distance, we could already get a glimpse of the sharp-edged rock formations covered with lovely lime stones.When we finally reached the hotspot, everyone was in gape. The pristine place made everyone in serenity.

Twin Lagoon is, as the term imply, two. Two lagoons. The two lagoons are separated by a limestone mountain. Our boat was anchored on the first lagoon, and to get to the second one, we had to pass through a narrow passage. Luckily, when we were there, the tide was low, that a kayak can pass through. But, if it was a high-tide, oh my God, we would have to swim underneath just to pass through the limestone, that serves as the gate to the second lagoon, and I don't think I could do that >_<

The rocky mountains around the lakes are, I estimate, 300-500 feet, which is according to Miss Mercy, thrice of it is how deep the water is! It is “another world” underneath. Though, it frightened me when I look underneath. I fear sea, remember? I couldn't believe I was floating on a hundred-foot deep water!

The water in the second lagoon was as relaxing as the first one, but it's not salty as the other. The water was literally “cool”, and relaxing. Although we wanted to stay longer, we couldn't, since the tide could change any moment. Too bad cameras or any gadget were not allowed to bring inside the other lagoon. Nope, not by law, but for security reasons. They are certain to get wet!

Few hours before the sun sets, we went back to the resort. Several hours before our departure, we feasted on a buffet of seafood, meats, vegetables and fruits. The table set-up was special that night compared to the one when we arrived. After having the final feast and some picture-taking, it was our time to send our thank-you's to the people at the resort who welcomed us and accommodated us warmly.

Setting foot on Coron is one of the unforgettable things that happened to me. There is a lot more to explore in there, and hopefully, I could make it some other time.
The “pleasure” was over, and it was the “training”'s time to take place once again. F&B department was my group's final designation. I was assigned at the Island Fiesta. I was a bit upset that girls weren't allowed to bus out soiled dishes at the dining area. All girls had to do was to portion foods over the counter, and others, including me and Sally, my partner, had to just stand over the sandwich counter, where guests seldom check-up at. I mentioned earlier how industrious MMDC students are, and so, I wouldn't allow myself just counting minutes at the sandwich area. Waiters wouldn't allow me to bus out soiled dishes, but then I thought of things to get my bored self out of the lethargic counter area. I assisted guest find their tables, and help them on their way there. I maintained the cleanliness within the dining area. And, there were times, without the awareness of the selfish waiters, I secretly bussed out soiled dishes ;)

Surely the Superferry Training Program is essential. We were exposed to the onboard F&B and Housekeeping operation. It was a nice hands-on experience that would be very useful when we apply in any hospitality industry.

So, did I achieve my objectives? Yes! I was exposed to the on-board hotel operation, I had an unforgettable moment, and, yeah, I would say I have overcome my fears. Not completely, though :p I'd be needing more exposures to sea and ships. Hopefully HUGE ships someday :)


I'm still waiting for these papers to be useful >_<