Naga/Pili's Field of Dreams - Luzon Leg Part 4

The first time I went to CWC (CamSur Water Sports Complex) was two weeks before the First Philippine Wakeboard Nationals. It was such an exhilarating experience I made sure I went back to witness the historic event. That was almost 5 years to the day. The 6th Nationals to be held soon will now be in a new complex much nearer to the Capital at Nuvali in Santa Rosa Laguna managed and develop by the same people namely Governor of CamSur Lray Villafuerte and team. The CWC though will always remain a testament to the Governor's vision and unwavering belief. He single-handedly built Naga or technically Pili's, Field of Dreams. It was exactly that but not in film but in flesh. Who would have thought that people would endure 8-10 hours drive or bus ride to visit the complex? Granted that there were flights from Manila but at that time the servicing airlines never thought it wise to reduce their horrendously high fares. But people came in droves. Apparently many wanted to try walking on water and some even manage to walk then fly in style over a man-made lake. And the complex was not just a me-too design. It was and is world class. The most modern in the world at that time. Imagine most modern in the world and Philippines in one sentence! Boy did it make dreams come true. Rockstar boarders flying over to show their stuff, MTV marketing, top-notch service and quality accommodations. Now the once sleepy agriculture based city is no longer just known for its Pili nut delicacies and proximity to Mayon volcano but a top-draw tourist attraction. I could go on and on talking about CWC but I think a full paragraph would be enough to convince you that if you plan to take a road trip from Manila to Mindanao you better make sure you stay a night. I wouldn't be surprised if you just opt to stay in the complex instead because at the very least it will invigorate you for the remaining endless hours of driving ahead of you.

That's me on the right and Bettina beside her Uncle Noel

It is the perfect pit stop. There is the pool that would surely relax you right away. The beer is always cold. The waiters are dying to serve you like royalty. The food choices are diverse. And the best part about this place is it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Unlike other self-contained resorts this place will not make you feel like an exploited detainee. World class amenities and service with Provincial pricing, perfect formula for those with champagne tastes but beer budget.

If you still have energy after the long drive you could wakeboard, wakeskate, ski, bike, run, swim and more. Check in after sunset and the cable park would still accommodate you. Embarrassed that you're a newbie? They have a separate area for training beginners.

Roland our family driver was so tired sitting as my passenger for almost 8 hours he needed a massage. He got one for 300 Pesos roughly 7US$ by the lakeside where you could watch the intermediate boarders strut their stuff.

We chose two tiki huts for our accommodations. 1,100 Pesos per unit/night around 24US$. Each air-conditioned unit could accommodate two adults. It's not their premium room. In fact I think it is the most basic. But it faces the main pool and the cable park. All the other accommodations they have can't beat the view. Downside is you have to share a common bath/comfort room. You'd be lucky like we were if it is off season. You would end up with a comfort room 4 times the size of your own tiki hut. Be warned though that they close the lights around 2 a.m. and if you get the urge to go take a leak after that time better not be afraid of the dark. Better yet bring your own arinola (that's Filipino for portable potty) and pray you or your roommate will only need it for peeing and not for #2. If you're interested to know what an arinola looks like check out the Parokya ni Edgar video that follows. Chito Miranda the lead singer is holding on to it the whole time in the video. If you're reading this with your kids the Music Video is rated PG.

Me and my pretty blogging sidekick

Ok enough of portable potties and back to the trip. Wake up early on day two of your road trip. Try to leave CWC before 6:30 a.m. If you need to blog and catch up on your email, facebook or G+ get up at 5 a.m. The rest of the guests will still be snoring or nursing massive muscle pains from boarding the previous day. You won't be hearing chirping birds or crowing roosters here but the enveloping silence and the site of a huge body of water while the sun gently rises will have more kick than a dozen cups of coffee. I assure you the place will be clean. No leftover dishes or beer bottles here. It's like, the night before, the personnel prepared the place for the inauguration of the complex. Leaving by 6:30 am or earlier will assure that you would be in the Cagsawa Ruins near Legaspi City by 8 a.m. That would give you enough time to appreciate one of the best geographical wonders of the earth the Mayon Volcano and ample time to look for McDonald's in a city that would be fully awake by then. However, the beauty of Mayon deserves its own blog so tata for now!