The session started with a simple lecture on dos and donts of travel writing and then we were assigned some independent work on writing about a ‘dream vacation.’ I didn’t have a particular destination in mind and found it more difficult to imagine a ‘fictional’ travel. So, I scribbled some notes about my last out of town trip. I’m sharing to you the article which was written for roughly 7 minutes before we had to break out into group discussion:
Braving ‘Typhoon Emong’ in Mimosa Leisure Estates We were at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club in Clark, Pampanga (about 1.5 hours drive north of Manila) when we heard about Typhoon Emong last Wednesday. There was a free wi-fi service accessible only in the reception area and that’s where we were when staff from the National Disaster Coordinating Council started pouring in. And with them, came the rains and strong winds of Typhoon Emong. Luckily, the villas at Mimosa are well-equipped to accommodate guests even through a Signal #2 typhoon. The villa where we were staying in is a two-bedroom executive suite with ample space for indoor activities. Feeding ourselves even through the storm was not so much of a challenge – you can either order from the front desk (a bit pricey!) or cook on your own with the villa’s kitchen. Aside from the lack of internet connection, being stuck in Mimosa due to a typhoon is pretty much like hanging out at home on a severe rainy day. It’s just a wee bit more expensive since it sets you back at around Php8,000 per night. But, we brought books and there’s a cable connection so we were kept abreast with the news. It turned out to be quite relaxing even if there was a big change of plans. If it wasn’t for the stormy weather, we could have done more outdoorsy stuff like swimming or golfing but hey, anything can happen when going out of town. Yes, including a typhoon.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Hello Mrs. Rono
Your travel writing is perfect as it is!
In my opinion, one of the key ingredients to a blog’s success is if it never fails to entertain the readers. I’d rather read about the experience of the author wether it be outrageous, insightful or even traumatic, supported with wonderful photos of course. Something you are already doing perfectly!
A little info wouldn’t hurt, because well… there’s always wikipedia if people want to know more.
All in all, you’re doing great! Keep it up!
May 16th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Thanks so much Garando. Means a lot hearing that from you
I’m really getting the hang of this thing, and it’s actually fun doing it. Happy blogging to us! 
May 16th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Hey funny man! Thanks for dropping by our site.
June 8th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Rono!
Thanks for blogging about us! We’re so thrilled! Hope to see you in our next events!