Bicol: CamSur and Mt. Mayon

My grandfather was originally from Bicol, specifically Paracale, Camarines Norte. It's where my dad and his siblings grew up. But I haven't been there since year 2000. I never liked going there 'coz there were no nice places to visit. I wished that I could reach other parts of Bicol (or Region 5) someday. And this wish was granted by my job as a Project Officer of Smart Sports.

My job lets me travel to different regions to promote Smart Communications, Inc. through event sponsorships. And my first stop was the Camsur Watersports Complex in Naga, Camarines Sur last Aug. 21-22, 2010. I went to the trip alone 'coz it was an ocular visit for my upcoming event. I was invited by the organizer of the 2010 Ironman 70.3 Philippines to witness the event.

I stayed at CBD Hotel, in a room good for 4, but I was alone. From my room, I can view SM Naga and the Naga Coliseum under construction. There were free bus transfers to CWC from the hotel and back that were arranged by the event organizers. Plus all my meals were free! Super cool.

registration area

 cabins and cabanas

 view from my hotel room window

 coliseum :)

I love the original Laing Pizza from CWC Clubhouse

 

co-workers from Smart Naga team

I also joined a friend's team for their carbo-loading dinner somewhere with the city. They were participants of the corporate relay category of the Ironman70.3.

The next day, I woke up early to catch the start of the race. There were a lot of participants from all over the world, including the elite triathletes.

 let the race begin!

 after the swim part, they pass through these showers

relay cyclists waiting for their swimmers to pass the time chip

 there were a lot of spectators too

 the finish line

 1st Place: Pete Jacobs

 2nd: Terenzo Bozzone (last year's 1st)

 quite a cute guy huh? LOL

 1st for the women: Magali Tisseyre

2nd for the women: Michellie Jones

Also, two Filipinos made it to the Top 10 for Men:  Neil Catiil (8th) and Arland Macasieb (10th). For the women, Rachel Paxton on 3rd place and the next four slots were  already Filipinas who were Monica Torres, Ani de Leon, Alessandra Gonzales, and Manda Carpo.

I felt so lucky to have witnessed such an event. I really enjoyed it.

After a month, I went back to CamSur for my major event which was the 1st Camsur International Marathon. This time, my supervisor at work accompanied me and we were there from Sept.24 to 27, 2010. Good thing I have already made all the necessary arrangements prior to the event so it just felt like a vacation while we were there. And since all the planes going to Naga were fully booked, we took a flight to Legazpi, Albay instead. And this game me a chance to see Mt. Mayon for the first time! It's very popular for its perfect cone shape.

 

first time!

 super nice:)

 on our flight back (not much clouds anymore)

I love CWC so I felt lucky that I was able to go there again for free. I always wanted to try wakeboarding but I'm too scared 'coz I'm not a swimmer plus the water didn't look that good. haha! But even if I was there for work, I was able to enjoy it. I did nothing but watch TV, sleep in the air-conditioned cabin, walk around, eat in free buffet in the clubhouse, and drink at the club/bar. CWC is indeed a total package.:)

Mt. Isarog facing the wakeboarding area

 resort

So my work there was basically to ensure the exposure of Smart in the event. We put up several booths, banners, billboards, kilometer markers, etc. within the race course. I also attended the PressCon w/ Gov. LRey, Coach Rio dela Cruz, the race organizers, and the celebrities who participated in the race.

On Sept. 26, the race took place. There were more than 17,000 participants for all the distance categories (3k, 5k, 10k, 21k, 42k). Elite racers (Kenyans) were also there.

Team SMS (Samahang Mananakbo ng Smart) before the race

racers waiting for the gun start

 runners after the race

Team SMS after the race

The experience could've been better if my friends joined me. Hopefully we get to join next time.:)