The Year That Was 2008...

I do not believe that there is somebody who can really tell what a new year will turn out to be. But when my mother suffered her second stroke last year on January 1, 2008 – I guess I already had a strong feeling about how the year was going to turn out.

Sure enough, we weaved in and out of the hospital for most part of the year. And the state of our finances was like the aftermath of a hurricane of the worst magnitude – ruined, tattered and in shambles! If this had happened when I was younger, I would have been terrified. But thankfully it happened when I was at a certain age where I could take things in a stride and simply say, “It could have been much worse”!

It was not great optimism at work. It was rather some kind of resignation or perhaps acceptance that it is the natural order of life - to weather financial roller coaster rides, and having responsibilities for as long as we live!

There will always be great lessons from the past. Sometimes we learn from them, other times we do not. So what did I learn from the year 2008? Hmmm… I guess it is more of a realization that caring for an old parent is not a sacrifice or a misery. There are more spaces now in my heart for caring and loving beyond romances or personal gratification. I think I could say that our family is lucky enough in a sense that we are given the chance to show our mother how much we valued and loved her. Not all people have that chance… 

Sky Experience Adventure in Cebu! The Sky Walk Extreme

For those who do not want to take the thrill ride, Crown Regency has also launched the Sky Walk Extreme, which allows one to walk the outer rim of the hotel tower on four-foot wide walk path with no hand rails. The walk path is found on the 37th floor of the hotel tower.

There is no reason however to fear since, each walker will be hooked on an overhead safety harness system, the same one used in James Bond movie stunts. Trained mountaineering and rescue teams will be there to assist the walkers in order to ensure their safety. The Skywalker can accommodate ten people.Aside of course from the tingling effect experienced from sitting on the ledge, the same effect can be felt when walking on the glass walkway, because it surely feels like walking in the sky!

Photo Credits: skyexperienceadventure.com

Sky Experience Adventure in Cebu! The Edge Coaster

For Cebu visitors, balikbayans, and even the locals - this time aside from the beautiful beaches and the Sinulog, there is another interesting thing to talk about Cebu! Somewhere in what was once known as Jones Avenue, now Osmena Boulevard – very close to Fuente Osmena is Crown Regency Hotel and Towers. It stands at a majestic 38 stories high commanding a splendid view of uptown Cebu.

What is very interesting is that, just recently (11 December 2008), it has launched its Sky Experience Adventure, a height defying amusement facility for the whole family in Cebu.

First, it features the world’s first Edge Coaster. It is the world’s very first and only amusement ride of its kind. Consider: the Edge Coaster goes around the edge of the building’s 38th floor while riders are strapped onto a rail seat. The riders will be rewarded here with a breathtaking view of the city.

However the Edge Coaster has another trick that will take your breath away – you can pull a lever that can tilt your seat up to 55 degrees making you feel like you are falling from the sky. Definitely heart stopping!

It definitely is not for the faint of heart! For those who want to defy their fear of heights - it is a Dare!