Maddelline's Surprise Visit - by Ms Jo

Last Sunday night I had a surprise call from an old friend, Madde.  She was driving down from Bulacan with some of her family and planning an overnight stay to visit me at Isla Verde.  After I told her that there is only one boat trip each day coming to Isla, she arranged to stay at Pasay overnight before continuing her journey down to Batangas and Tabangao the next morning.   At Tabangao next morning they caught the 'St Paul'  across to Isla Verde.

She arrived at the resort about noon next day with her aunt, Tita Maddy, uncle Tito Danny, cousin Mike with his daughter Mica and Febbie their guide. Mike decided to stay here for a while to help me around the resort.  It was a nice day with a pleasant sea breeze, so I prepared their lunch and set the long table near he sea.  They enjoyed eating in the open with the view across the Verde Island pasaage and the cool breeze.

After lunch, some of the guests roamed around the resort or took a rest, then decided to take an afternoon nap.  Madde and I took the opportunity to have a chat and some quality time together.  We teased and laughed, bringing back old memories, and she shared stories about her life in America.  Mike's daughter Mica changed into a swimsuit so she could take a swim in the sea with our dog FENJO, who loves the water.  Mica said she had a great time swimming and playing in the sea.

Around 4pm Tita Maddy got up and I offered them coffee.  Madde decided to prepare for dinner.  I got ready to cook for them, but Tita Maddy and Madde told me this time they would cook for me, and I would be their guest.  So all of them were busy in our kitchen.
It was fun and we all laughed as Madde cooked the adobo squid, while Mike cooked tahong (seashell with soup) and he grilled liempo, eggplant and tilapia.

When they finished their cooking, Madde asked to set up the karaoke, and we have fun singing while having a few drinks.  As we were having fun, I asked Tito Danny, if he would like to take a dip in our Ofuro (the Japanese hot tub).  He tried it and enjoyed soaking in the warm water as Tita Maddy scrubbed his back with pumice stone.  What a nice relaxing scene to watch.

As the sun was setting, about 6pm, Tita Maddy called for dinner.  Madde requested some banana leaves and set our bamboo table, then laid out all the food.  I let them taste our local bagoong, fish paste, the balakwas and they loved it.  I planned to pack some for them to take home, but somehow I forgot.  Maybe next time..

After dinner, we enjoyed some more karaoke with some drinks.  They were chatting together and wanting to stay longer, but one of them had to work on the next day.  They all said they want to come back before they return to America, as being at Isla gave them a chance to relax and they felt at home in our resort.