I’ve been to Kona only twice so far, but it feels like my second home because of all the Filipinos on the Big Island! I could never thank each and every one of them enough. Nel Venzon, the best tour guide around, is always ready to take care of us. Our homestays were both Pinoys, first we stayed at Gelly Borromeo’s place in Alii Lani, and this time we stayed with Bong Agatep and his family in Lanakoi, just up Hualalai road…. very conveniently located, except for the fact that we had to climb uphill every time we went home haha… great workout in our huffies that’s for sure!
Of course our day would not be complete without hanging out at Tante’s… which served as our base while in town. It makes me proud to see the Filipino Resto brimming with so many people… and of course Kuya Tante and Ate Telly and the rest of the staff are just wonderful! On race morning we even watched the swim portion from the roofdeck… if you look closely at the picture in the newspaper, I am one of the tiny tiny people, wearing a pink shirt, with the white headsweats visor and a dslr camera (thank you nanay for lending it to me!) … well of course you will need a magnifying glass haha… i just found that so cool!
I did some artwork with cray pas that I found in Borders for Tante and Bong’s family… a small way of showing my appreciation.
Filipina Ironwoman 