Norm Goes Out

by Lora Noreen S. Domingo

Who am I? And how, I wonder, will this story end? (Well, I just told you my name was Noreen.)

I was a ho hum student, I wake up, finding myself on a rocking chair sitting by a window that is foggy with the breath of my life gone by. Every morning, every day, I stay home, doing the same thing like I was born to do it.

I do the same thing, everyday. When I won’t go to school, I stay and open my dusty notes. But this time, I knew I was about to do something else.

~

Today is October 22, 2011. And the morning passed by a blur. I had a training in Division Training Center for a contest on a date I no longer remembered. The next thing I knew, I was at home, with a bag, and a few pounds of clothes. An alarm on my phone told me is what time to pack. Ok.

I saw the same faces, with different emotions than I have seen them before. They were excited, and I knew I was too. I felt a thrill for the first time in my life for as long as I remembered.

John Michael, looking at the sky, told us that if we were not going to leave in 30 minutes, we will be caught by a storm. Hmmm.

While I was thinking about it, Julia’s car was there, ready to take us to the Sports Complex, and I happened to think about it on the way. And guess what?

He was right!

Just then, a red pegasus swiped on our sights and carried us away to the sky! (Just kidding.) It was a red jeepney taking us to Delta Discovery Park which was 5.7 up and away from the outskirts of Butuan.

~

But it really seemed like that pegasus was going to take us to heaven because the road was going higher and higher up the ground and the way up there seemed like a great stairway to heaven. So what we did: picture taking!

We were going up, and at the same time, my problems evaporated and the residues were my bag, my camera, and my happiness. So, instead of looking for the lost elements of my life that had no sense at all, I decided I would continue smiling and hit that gorgeous spot over there.

~

We were excited, “Are we near? Are we near?” But then, we keep on wondering how long 5.7 kms would be. There were a lot of “DELTA DISCOVERY PARK, THIS WAY”s. And we didn’t seem to find the way at all.

Until…”DELTA DISCOVERY PARK, WELCOME.”

I was like, “OHHHHH YESSS!”

I wanted to run like a child, but I would not enjoy that if I had a luggage on my hand and wet clothes around my body. We had to stop by the dormitory first to arrange our things and to pick the bed of our choice. I chose a bed on the east, so that I would be the first one to feel the radiation of the sun. (Quite a choice, right?)

There was nothing to complain about the dormitory. The beds were comfy, the locks were tight, the lavatory was clean and damage-less. Everything was in place, and the thing I liked the most, is the staff who are (by the way) very hospitable.

~

Let me give you a recap. The rain caused my clothes to be all wet, and I hated that.

But this time, I’m ready to get wet again, and this time, finally be happy with it.

Because our second stop was the coolest (I mean it, literally) place in DDP: the pool. And before we knew it, we dived to the “Pool.” But we figured out it was not just an ordinary pool. It’s a FREEZING COLD  POOL. It froze our sluggish bodies (which was a goood thing), it knocked the doors of our brains which were fast asleep, it made us want to stay longer, and it produced a bond in all of us. Yup, we started to laugh at each other preeeeeeeeetty hard.

The time was flying faster than Gloc 9 could rap. The curfew was on 6:00 P.M. And just as we were having so much fun, curfew has arrived. But then, we never lost hope for the jeepney wasn’t there yet. But, to our dismay, we had to follow a curfew.

I don’t know why, but we tried to walk uphill to our dormitory because maybe we would just meet the jeepney, so no time would be wasted, (and no fats will remain). So, as said, we walked.

At last, a vehicle arrived. It was red, and this time, not a pegasus. A horse. Now, we’re ready to be taken away. 

We arrived on the dormitory. I felt my thighs burn some fats. GOOD!

The shower and the room was cold. And I was like living in a frozen world- or may be a hot world at day and a frozen world at night. After that refreshing bath, I rushed to change my clothes to arrive on time to my favorite event on every day, EATING.

Eating was a lot slower than I expected, though I was hungry. And I knew why, because I was hungry for something else: more adventures to come. I knew it would be coming but I had to enjoy my food for today. I had trouble finishing it, but I hadn’t any trouble enjoying it.

The highlight of dinner was: THE CHALLENGE TO JOHN MICHAEL.

John Michael, for 30 minutes, barely touched his food. Since the teachers couldn’t leave until everyone does, John Michael has to finish his food within 1,600 seconds, and John Michael luckily finished at 791 seconds. And lucky for Mrs. Obseñares, she can already stop counting.

We were all full, but then, we knew we had to grab a Milo and/or coffee for they give it for free! Though we had heavy stomachs, we couldn’t resist it. So we all went ahead, grabbed a milo sachet, poured the powder to a cup, filled the cup with hot water, and stirred well. And we were good to go.

Before going to bed, we all went to see an overview of Butuan City. And I could not say a word.

I did not when I was there. But when we went back to the dormitory, I finally managed to say it was awesome. I never knew Butuan would be that beautiful at night. And I never knew I would see fireflies again.

At night, I decided to write this, to pour out all my shocks and all the beauty we have unraveled, including the even this even when  John Michael had to trap a bee in a plastic cup because it was bothering him. Poor bee.

I started to admire adventure tonight, and forgot all the fear.

~

The day I have tackled today was different from the other days when I had a blank mind. What you see depends mainly on what we are looking for. If you want to stick with the norm, it’s the norm you get. If you are planning to evolve from your 0ld thoughts, from your old self, from your old past, then you will evolve.

I don’t understand why you have to settle for less when you can explore, conquer and experience adventure at its finest. They say we all have horizons. But you make your own horizons and you create your own boundaries. Stretch it out and live beyond it!

But make sure you sleep. Because this day might be too beautiful and awesome for you to handle! Until tomorrow!

~~The sun has radiated around my face. That felt good. I went to the balcony, stretched, and got surprised at how Delta looked like. Its inevitable for you to find a negativity in this place when all it shows is the optimism of the world! GOOD MORNING.

Breakfast. Then after a few minutes, we stopped at a shed before going to the zipline. Again, it was beautiful. We gained inspiration from it. Now, let’s go to the zipline.

When we arrived, we went to a weighing station, and I realized I was lighter than I expected. In fact, I was the lightest. I knew it, I lost weight last night.

I was number 1. And it was my first time. Luckily, I was with Joseph who has rode this for more than a time. All though he told me it wasn’t scary, he wasn’t patient to encourage me though. And the staff did the job for him. Thanks.

Then, when I blinked, the zipline was working. And when I looked down, the view was much better than when we were on the shed. It was explicit! A world of green and a sight to see, better than what I see on my foggy window.

First time. First obstacle to overcome. Now, first love.

Yes, I fell in love with nature, and who would not? That 400 meter zipline carried me away. After the ride going back and forth. We had an exclusive interview with Ma’am Daisy, the owner of Delta Discovery Park, who, I’m certain, is the source of goodness of all her staff.

She even went with us to the 1.3 kilometer zipline, and my friends, the longest zipline in Asia. (cough)

Two brave people from the team, Mrs. Obseñares and Mr. Tiu (Mrs. Tiu’s husband) dared to witness the longest zipline in Asia for us and took a video of their adventure in 40 seconds.

When they were finished, they had nothing to say. They were mesmerized. I wasn’t surprised. LUUUNCHHH!

It was a late lunch we took. But the staff, who were hungry stayed in our room until we ate. Truly awesome.

And again, the adventure was too awesome for us to handle. So we had to rest, and while we did, the people who were awake chatted about their experience of a lifetime.

Ma’am Obseñares couldn’t speak much of it. She didn’t know the right words to say. Mr. Tiu slept, but smiled while he did. Strange.

It was a tick of a clock then it was 1:00 P.M. And we went to the rides of every adventurous riders’ dream: The buggy and the ATV.

I didn’t ride either one of them. I was busy talking to a person from the staff. She was really nice to talk to. After 45 minutes, all of the buggy and ATV riders were back from their thrilling adventure with bigger smiles, and full memory cameras. Oh well.

Our next stop and probably our last stop was the Aviary Park. There, we saw a beautiful scepter-like twig of dried leaves. It was beautiful, so we brought it with us for our souvenir.

We met good birds and a furry mammal in a cage. He was the cutest of all though he wasn’t a bird. We also saw this bird who kept on squeaking and moaning like “I want to go to the 1.3 zipline and the swimming pooool!” I’m sorry for you. All you can do is look on what you can see. Lucky for us! Woo!

We were having fun with all these feathery aves and the furry mammal to whom we were attracted the most. But the sun is going down and we had to leave.On our way out, the red pegasus was there again, taking us back to the station to pick up our bags, and to the way down home.

It was quicker than going up, but it made us feel like coming back again. Aww..I am going to miss Delta Discovery Park. A no ordinary place, and probably a total stranger. In a normal community, you never see this. You see smoke, trash and everything unlikely. You might have the malls, but you never see this beauty that money can not buy.

And going back to Delta Discovery Park is a dream fulfilled and a moment worthwhile. A unique community, a brand new air every day!

I’m definitely coming back, and I hope I will see you there.

What Delta Discovery Park has to offer

Nature, at its own way has always been art, and yet the most beautiful artwork that has been created. It is the basis of the rest of all artworks. Nature, its once perfection, now unfound. Dead air, has spoken again while nature was gone. And now, I know where to find it.

Delta Discovery Park; in here you shop your joy; in here you bond with your family and friends; in here you will find an element you can not find anywhere else: care. Delta Discovery Park cares not only for their customers and guests, but also for nature. They are promoting a community-friendly community, making us smell an always new and clean air to breathe, and making nature happy for the great care given to her by her sons and daughters.

To go to Delta Discovery Park is a must! A place that highlights the beautiful and the historic Butuan City. Visit, and change your life, for the better.

EXPLORE, CONQUER AND EXPERIENCE! ADVENTURE AT ITS FINEST!

Day 1 - The Start of a New Adventure: Don’t worry, this isn’t the end.

by John Michael D. Piencenaves

This morning was like… um… well…. uhh…
(Okay, let’s start it this way instead.)

Who would expect such heavy rains on a clear morning? Well, I can. And what is this supposed to do with DPSA? Well…just carry on reading.

This day’s morning, was kind of  boring. We (my team and I) had a final garage sale, with me moving in tandem from SPED to ANHS for my Regional Science Quest review. Nothing exiting, really.
This afternoon, at around 1330H, my team mates started to gather in my school, SPED. The sky was cloudy. When all of them finally arrived (except a few…), I told Ma’am Tiu to go within 30 minutes, or as I actually wanted, IMMIDIATELY. And this is where the rain happens. Our rendezvous point with the Delta Park Jeepney-Bus was in Butuan City Sports Complex, but while going there, we encountered rain, not light, but HEAVY rains. Some of my teammates actually complained about the rains and wanted to abort the expedition. But with the help of God, the rains weakened, with blue sky on the horizon. A few minutes later, the jeepney-bus arrived.

We all boarded the red bus-looking jeepney, with our things. After I boarded, the jeepney closed its doors and left for Delta. At one time, I actually wondered how such a large vehicle could get through the obstacle course-like road to Delta. I still thought about it, until we reached the road. The vehicle constantly made turns to avoid bumps and holes. Joseph, our team leader, told me to get photos of sights going to the park. I was sitting near the front, so I got the camera and took photos of the road ahead. They were tricky, with the risks of losing the camera or losing the shot. At least nothing was lost.
After a 20 minute ordeal with the road, we finally saw the ‘Delta Discovery Park- Welcome’ sign. We drove all the way to the Dormitory. When I got there, I immediately got out of the vehicle and took photos of it.

In the dormitory, we placed our things in the ‘lockers’. Nothing special about that, anyway. The dormitory had a balcony, where you can see the ziplines and parts of the Butuan Bay. Having seen this, which originally appeared to my mind as Agusan del Sur, I walked downhill to the function hall, where I saw it- my hometown, vividly moving right in front of my eyes. Many of my teammates and teachers also saw it. We stayed there for around 15-25 minutes, until we went back to the dormitory.

Back in the dormitory, 20 minutes later, we had a meeting about our dinner and events. The teachers were sitting there, looking at me, just like I was late for a meeting in the Pentagon. I almost collapsed laughing when they said what we want to eat for dinner.

Curious, I went up a nearby hill. About 1/6 on the way to the top, Ms. Balagot climbed and caught up with me. We went to a small shack on the top, enjoying the view of Butuan. When we went back to the dorm, we saw the jeepney waiting, so I ran and got on board.

I actually wondered why they were departing, wearing home clothes. But since they weren’t going home, they could only be going to one place, the swimming pool. After a short trip, we arrived. When we got to the pool, they immediately jumped in the water, not realizing it was cold and deep. Some teammates, like Noreen and Anessa, didn’t actually swim in the deep pool, they just sat in the poolside, moving their legs like swimming.

On the other hand, I spotted a set of ascending stairs. I went to the area and saw a black shady place. I assumed it was a cave and reported back to Joseph. Soon, Mrs. Tiu, Mrs. Obsenares, Vincent, Joseph and Me were going up the stairs. I led them there, but when I arrived at the top, I saw a man-made spring, not a cave. We took a few pictures and went back.

Later, I was taking pictures of the team bathing in the pool. They weren’t easy, I say. After a few (or many) pictures, I was drawing a map of the pool, while Mrs. Tiu called for a jeepney and said that we’d go back to the dorm. I needed to draw quickly, because they were leaving. At last I finished and caught up with them on time.

Back to the entrance, there was no jeepney, so we walked down, or in this case up the road, hoping to reach the main façade of the park. When we went by a turn, Daniel and Joart (or Vincent) spotted a red-colored vehicle. We thought it was the jeepney, but it was a jeep, sent by the park to substitute for our ride. We got in, barely fitting. We departed and arrived at the dorm at about 6.

When we got there, food was waiting. My teammates, still suffering from wetness from their swim, immediately took a bath and changed. I did not swim, so I finished my journal and ate. An hour later, Ma’am Obsenares and I made a challenge: She’d count to 1,600 while I try to finish my spaghetti. I finished at 791.

After the ‘food event’, I changed and went to the function hall balcony, where I could see Butuan, and saw the city’s glimmering lights at night. My teammates quickly followed, spotting fireflies on the way. They tried to take pictures, but they failed. They (and I) went back to the dorm.

After hours of chatting, I finally had my turn on this laptop, at around 11:30 pm. Writing the events that happened today, I wonder, how fast was the day?

But I don’t worry about the short stay. Besides, this is just The Start of a New Adventure.

P.S. I finished this at 1:00 AM Flat, on October 23, 2011.

Day 1 – Day of Firsts

by Daniel Josh N. Yumang

Day 1 – Day of Firsts

For the first time of my entire life, I’ll be heading out to Delta Discovery Park.

Surprisingly, it rained really hard while we were going to Delta. Despite the rain, we still managed to arrive safely. I was excited. The first thing we did in the dormitory was plan all the things that we were going to do today and tomorrow. We decided to go to the swimming pool. I had a whole lot of fun while swimming. Smiles were all over my face.

It was the best day of my life. We went back to the dormitory to take our shower. After taking my shower, I ate dinner. I was excited to wake up the following day because I knew for sure that It would be way better. Tomorrow, we will be riding the zipline and hopefully, we will also be riding the ATV. I am not gonna lie though, It was quite an experience for myself because It was the first time that I would be sleeping without my parents.

Anyway, I made sure I had enough rest because tomorrow would be my birthday!

Day 1 – Rain or Shine, the Adventure MUST GO ON!

by Anessa M. Tiburon
Rain or Shine, The Adventure MUST GO ON!

I open my eyes as I see the sun rising through my window pane. I prayed and thanked God for giving me another day to be with the people who are really awesome to be with, especially with my DPSA group mates and coaches. Smiling, and feeling so excited for the fun that awaits in Delta. I had my personal hygiene right away, and got my super cool mountain climbing shoes as I wear my pink blouse along with my pink white striped shorts.

At exactly 1:30 pm I went to school. After some discussions, we went to sports complex because we’ll be waiting for the jeepney that will give us the best ride that we will EVER experience: Going uphill on the bumpy, rocky, and wavy road as we await our safe arrival. We survived those scary waves, which makes you feel like your falling off the cliff and finally our feet are standing on the Forest Green Ground: THE DELTA DISCOVERY PARK.

We swam in the pool, I mean the cold pool which is really cool, trust me. Those fresh water, fish pond and guess what the pool seems like green in color making this place unique!

We ate our dinner and got ready for the next day. I made sure I had enough rest because tomorrow, we will be riding the much awaited zip line!

Till’ next time!

Day 1 – Rain or Shine

by Jose Arturo R. Calo

Day 1 – Rain or Shine

Today was our first day in Delta Discovery Park. The very first thing that we did was meet in our school. Suddenly, it rained really hard but we continued our trip. We rode a jeepney going to the “paradise” but again, there is one problem. The road was not cemented.

Although the road isn’t cemented, we arrived safely in the dormitory. We settled down and decided what to eat for dinner. We gathered and decided that we were going to the swimming pool first.

We swam for almost 2 hours. Delta offered us two different kinds of pools. There was one pool for the kids, and the other one for adults and for everyone who knew how to swim.  Both pools were extremely cold. The adult pool had a man made water fall. After swimming, we waited for the jeepney which would take us back to the dormitory.

We all took a shower, ate our dinner and we wandered off. After much adventure, we slept and got ready for the next day.

Day 1 – Obstacle Course

by Joseph Jonathan M. Hiponia

Day 1-Obstacle Course

“Whether it rains, whether it pours, I will trust you Lord in the light of day, in the dark of night.”

Day 1, what we thought to be a walk in the park turned to be a walk in a flooded park. Meet at SPED, go to Sports Complex and ride a jeepney to Delta Discovery Park. To others, it seems to be 3 easy steps.

First Day, First Obstacle, First Challenge to overcome. My other group mates were doubtful, some of them were afraid that we might not reach Delta Discovery Park safely due to the heavy rains and strong winds which seemed like a Category 4 typhoon.

“Whether it rains, whether it pours, I trust you Lord in the light of day, in the dark of night”, I was singing that song in my mind thinking and believing that God would show the way and would safely lead us to the park.

Finally, the jeepney of Delta arrived. A sense of relief filled my heart as the sky slowly but surely cleared and we were on our way. The rocky road going up the mountain and the dangerous curves tested our bravery. Thankfully, we arrived at our dormitory safely.

After much discussion, we decided to go to the swimming pool. Wonderstruck by the spiral staircase leading to a new discovery, we caved in to a natural spring hidden inside a cave just to realize that it isn’t a new discovery. Water pipes and electrical switches were hidden in the most obvious parts of the cave.

Without applying my 3 year expired sun block, I jumped into the ice cold pool and realizing that it was the right choice not to apply the 3 year expired sun block on my skin. The flowing pool whose main source is the spring was the star of the show.

Pool time ended, another obstacle arose. Despite calling the office of the park 5 minutes before we left, there was no jeepney available to pick us up. Giving up and waiting there for countless hours wasn’t a choice. We only had one option left, walk all the way to the lobby of the park. We enthusiastically walked about 200-400 meters when the substitute jeepney, sighted by my group mates arrived.

When we thought the challenges were over, another challenge arose right before my eyes. The substitute jeepney turned out to be a jeep. The jeep barely had enough space for 8 pupils and 3 teachers to seat. Again, giving up wasn’t an option. We squeezed ourselves into the jeep making sure no one was left behind.

Several minutes later, we arrived at the doorstep of the dormitory. The first thing we noticed was that somehow this certain fast food chain’s specialty, its chicken and spaghetti were waiting in the dining table ready to be eaten. There was another obstacle for those who swam. We couldn’t eat our dinner unless we have took a shower. Even with my 45kg body desperately telling me to eat, I had to take a shower. I patiently waited for my fellow group mates who were able to take their shower before I did to finish.

They finished showering, and it was my turn. After showering, I ate my dinner as fast as I could. About an hour after dinner, one of my group mates found out that the rooftop of the function hall had an amazing view of the city. Not wanting to miss a chance of the lifetime, I quickly grabbed my camera and I was on my way.

I was amazed by what I saw. Right after realizing how amazing the city’s skyline was, a firefly approached us. Living in the city, it is almost impossible to see a firefly.

After a few minutes, we went back to the dormitory and started to make the questions for the very special interview with the owner of Delta Discovery Park herself, Ma’am Daisy Plaza.

I looked back on the day that passed and realized how amazing it has been. I am truly blessed to have been given this rare opportunity.

There will always be challenges that we have to overcome. When we overcome those challenges, we can see a brighter tomorrow.
So far so good. That’s all I can say. Delta despite opening very recently, Delta proved to be one of the best places I have EVER been to.