Last March 31, 2012 I had the opportunity to cover Pico Tri Invitational held at Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast.   While it may not be the first triathlon event I’ve seen, it is definitely the first world class event I had to cover.  I could count this event as my first “real” media duty.

Pico Tri Invitational had gathered some of the best triathletes from all over the world and Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast is quite a fitting place to set a world class event.  This place is just beautiful!  But before I had the chance to appreciate what Hamilo Coast had to offer, it was duty first.  We had arrived around 1PM, just about an hour and a half prior to the race gun start so we only had enough time to eat lunch.  And lunch was definitely a feast with the great tasting food from the buffet of Sun Coral Café.

Then it started to rain, and with lightning too!  I didn’t mind getting wet, but my camera surely does.  This made my coverage a lot more difficult as I had to take pictures while holding my camera while keeping everything dry, and interchangeable lens cameras aren’t exactly like point and shoots where you can simply zoom with one hand.

At the end of the day it was Mat Ohalloran and Ali Fitch who came out on top in the PRO category, finishing the entire 1.2K swim, 35K bike, and 8K run course in 1:45:25 and 1:54:15, respectively.  You may view the official race results here.

I couldn’t have been more relieved once the event was done!  I can finally relax and enjoy what Hamilo Coast has to offer.

Check-in time is usually around noon but I first got into my room at around 6:30PM after fulfilling my “media duties.”  Saying that I’m “impressed” with Pico Sands Hotel’s room would be an understatement—their rooms are just amazing!  I’ve been to numerous hotels rooms both here in the Philippines and abroad but my room at Pico Sands Hotel easily beat them all!  It is just huge!  Personally, the best hotel room I ever had!

Coincidentally, March 31st is also the day that Earth Hour is observed and Hamilo Coast prepared something special for all guests that night in lieu of the event.  We were serenaded by Cookie Chua and Gary Granada as a bonfire was lit on the beach in front of Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club.

The following day’s theme is all about relaxation.  I had originally planned to run on the beach early morning but I was so tired (and the bed was so comfortable) that I had just opted to catch some sleep.  When I woke up I finished a blog post and by the time I published it, I got a call that it was time for my scheduled massage at Rain the Spa at Pico Sands.  There I availed of their “Vitality” massage which was an hour’s worth of pampering to relieve my stress and muscle tension.

Then it was lunch time.  Before finally checking out, we had our last feast at Pico Sands Hotel’s restaurant, Pico Restaurant & Bar.  It may not be a buffet, but every meal is just heaven!

Sadly, it was time to say goodbye to Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast.  It was just one of the most interesting weekend getaways I ever had, and I loved every moment of it!  I was able to watch world class athletes compete at Pico Tri Invitational, indulge in great foods served in Sun Coral Café and Pico Restaurant & Bar, relax with a massage from Rain the Spa, and stay in a luxurious room of Pico Sands Hotel.  My only regret was not having much more time to spend in this paradise called Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast.

I would like to thank EON and Costa del Hamilo Inc. for this wonderful weekend!  I had the time of my life there and this weekend is something I won’t soon forget!  Thank you very, very much for the warm hospitality! 😀

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Pico de Loro Cove at Hamilo Coast is for members only.  For more information, call: +63 2 858 0333 or visit www.hamilocoast.com