JELICUON VALLEY: A SEM BREAK TO REMEMBER

  

A SHORT TRIP TO JELICUON VALLEY INLAND RESORT

Hello everyone! Join me on a journey to the breathtaking Jelicuon Valley Inland Resort in Cabatuan, Iloilo! Last December 16th, 2024, my vision of a perfectly relaxing sem break became a reality, exceeding all expectations. It was an unforgettable experience with my friends, and I'm thrilled to share the details with you.

 

(PLANNING)

Our year-end Christmas party began as a simple idea, a shared dream of a joyful getaway. The collective agreement started a daily routine: saving ten pesos each. I managed the group's finances, ensuring everyone's participation and carefully monitoring our savings. To make the most of our budget, I carefully compared resort prices and entrance fees and researched food costs to ensure a budget-friendly celebration.

 

(BUYING NEEDS)

Having made our list, Winnie and I worked together, efficiently gathering hotdogs, fish, curly fries, sweets, and a beautiful cake. We divided the tasks, with Winnie grabbing the food while I collected the paper plates, spoons, and plastic cups, ensuring we had everything we needed for a fun and memorable celebration.

 

(LONG AWAITED MOMENT)

The day had arrived—our long-awaited plan to Jelicuon Valley! There was excitement as we gathered at Cabatuan Plaza, eager for the trip. My friend's father's vehicle drove us to the resort, and the trip was filled with dancing and singing. The ride from Cabatuan Plaza to the resort took about 20 minutes, covering a distance of 10.8 kilometers. Meanwhile, upon reaching the resort, I made everyone sign the logbook prior to paying the cottage and entrance fees. 

After settling in our cottage, we have begun arranging the foods and gifts properly. Then, we grilled some hotdogs and bangus (milkfish). Because we didn't have a carton to burn, we had to find dried leaves as an alternative. It was a chaotic time, but the happiness we felt in that moment was the sweetest.

 

(FUN TIME)

With the food ready, we began to eat and enjoyed each other's company. We sang karaoke and danced, enjoying ourselves to pass the time. As soon as we finished eating, we took some photos and videos of ourselves and the beautiful scenery of the resort. Afterward, we dove into the water; it was cold yet relaxing. I suggested that we should play a game of tag or (lagsanay). Tired but happy after our long swim, we decided to enjoy a gift-giving or exchange gift. As we exchanged gifts, each of us had prepared five to give.

 The place filled with laughter as we opened our gifts for each other. Aside from swimming and gift giving, we also toured around the resort area and saw many animals like peacocks, ducks, birds, koi fish, dogs, cats, and ostriches. Also, there is a spot that is lovely to take some photos, and they enhanced the scenery with carefully placed fruit and trees. The beauty of the place left me speechless. After that, we swim again until we feel tired.

 

(END OF TRIP)

As we enjoyed the time together, it was finally time to go home. Reluctant to leave this beautiful place, we have no choice but to pack our things and as well the gifts that we received. Also, we cleaned the cottage, threw the trash, and arranged everything. As we were leaving, we hopped on a tricycle to 7-Eleven and treated ourselves to some ice cream before going home.

This trip holds a special place in my heart; they are so precious because I shared them with my closest friends, who feel like family. Exhausted but full of joy, we finally arrived home, our hearts full of memories and our hands full of gifts. Jelicuon Valley was everything we hoped for and more—a perfect escape and a perfect reminder of the value of friendship. Till our next trip together.