Posts Tagged ‘davao’

Samal Island’s Hagimit Falls

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

hagimit

 

When we speak of “island” we often envision beach and sand. Samal Island is gifted with unspoiled beaches for you to hang out all day with the lone company of a cold bottle of beer. It may not be an big as other islands but nestled in its interior is another gem – Hagimit Falls.

Located in Penaplata in the Garden City of Samal, this falls is a not-to-be-missed attraction in the island. Signing up for an inland tour, Hagimit Falls will always be on the list. It is small compared to other falls we have in our country but it invites you for a calm retreat for everyone to enjoy some alone time with Mother Nature.

steps

We approached Hagimit Falls at the most comfortable mode of transportation – chartered van. As you see, it was one of our stops for our inland tour from Paradise Island Resort. The “hardest” part was to finish those steps as we go down, double that when you go back! :) . Most backpackers reach the place by riding a motorcycle locally known as habal-habal.

As you take one step at a time, carefully holding the railing,  you will see this short information about the falls.

info

This tarpaulin (?) narrates the life of its original keepers. Actually tragic with death painted on its story. Touching but I wish to edit it. Make it more informative with facts for its visitors. Like why is it called Hagimit ( do you know?). Sorry, I’m a freelance writer – can’t help. :)

Our driver said that there is another falls located further – taller and you can have it for yourself . That would be nice but we were contented with this one.

hagimit falls

Natural swimming pools in the midst of a bright forest with relaxing sound from cascading water. Yes, its a secret garden with birds tweeting and bamboos and leaves making music as they dance with the cool breeze of the mountain.

casace

I chose this part. Shallow almost like a stream. I call this my aquatic terraces. If you come here with your kids, this is your spot.
fat2!

It was very refreshing. Still, it was freakin’ cold! haha.

Thanks for reading!

FAT!

F-A-T..CAPS LOck! haha!

 

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Handmade Statement Accessories from Davao

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

 

 

aldevinco accessories

I came home from Davao with loots that financially crippled my husband and I’m talking about accessories and pearls. Women traveling to Davao must give in to this “temptation” and take home some statement pieces carefully crafted and can compete to even to the most sought-after designers in the country.

The quickest way to find these treasures is to visit Aldevinco Shopping Center, one of Davao’s pasalubong center. I was already tired of Samal’s pearls but these creations caught my attention with my jaws dropped open.

Artistically crafted. How much more if I will visit India’s Gem Palace? I’ll faint?!
aldevinco accessories

aldevinco accessories

 

Cocktail rings. Agate Stones set on aluminum wires. I bought 4.
aldevinco accessories

 

Drooling over this brilliant piece…Oh la la..
aldevinco accessories

 

I took this red cuff of amorano beads. Check out the intricacy of the wire’s looping. Designed by the owner, Sitti crafted y her aunt. I love women artisans. because I’m not.

bracelet

photo by: Geraldine Reyes

 

Loca over Sitti’s accessories..

at gerry's grill

 

So she is…

sitti2

Photo courtesy of Sitti Nur-Aimar Solaiman

 

Ms. Earth candidates visited Sitti’s store..

sitti

Photo courtesy of Sitti Nur-Aimar Solaiman

Take them home or give them to your girlfriends, moms and wives. Aside from these accessories, they also sell batiks, pearls and other souvenir items.

Nur Aimar’s Gift Shop (Store #3)

Sitti Nur-Aimar Solaiman

Proprietor

#0927-724-1493/ (082) 301-5099

Aldevinco Shopping Center

Davao City

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Eden Nature Park and Resort

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011

eden nature park

As the biggest city in terms of land area, Davao can offer things that can cater to any type of tourist. Most of all, its natural topography makes nature parks with wide range of outdoor activities common. If you are like me who would rather swim with killer sharks than go zip lining, then, you can commune with nature in Davao. If you want to combine both, go to  Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Named after the barangay where it is situated, this nature park is located more than 3,000 ft above sea level. I felt my ears popped on our way. Chew some gum if yo u wish to visit this place to minimize the effects of altitude. Those with little babies, let them suck something – pacifiers, bottle or mommy’s breast for breastfed angels.

Eden Nature Park and Resort was supposed to be our first stop. And as what I wrote in my previous post, I “tricked” my group and had a subtle detour to the Japanese tunnel before heading to this park.

We arrive Davao past 10 am and with the Japanese tunnel, we reached Eden in time for lunch. Since it located on a very high altitude, the breeze was so nice -reminded me of late spring time.

Lunch at Eden Nature Park was buffet style -400/pax. For those coming from Manila and other metropolitan city, price is cheap but for us coming from Iloilo, it was expensive. haha!

Food was great but their choices were not that much. Plus, they were not quick in refilling their food. Maybe because there were too many guests? We were there during a very long weekend. I love how fresh their food was and they spoiled their dishes with herbs and spices.

lunch

 

We love the scenery as we ate..

lunch view

 

Here is a peasant in their restaurant area. But I was more inclined to the brass details.

Eden Nature Park

 

After lunch, we decided to take their guided tour. This park is houses in a 10-hectare property. Guided tour was at 100/pax for 1 hour.

We had our guide, Tonton. He was very eloquent. Kudos to you dear!

tour

 

I find their guided tour one of the best. World-class to be exact. Their tour guide will not talk throughout the tour. Rather, they have prerecorded audio. So impressive that their audio recording coincides with our travel time. It was very educational. This park is actually on another peak which was supposed to be higher than Mt. Apo (eruption altered its height).

trou group

“On your right is our hydrophonics garden..”. Nice! They use these lettuce in their salads..

hydro

 

There are plenty of things to see..Trees like mangosteen, durian to this rare plant..

mickey mouse

 

Gardens are well maintained. They have prayer/reflection areas for checked-in guests regardless of their religious affiliation.

garden

 

Trekking and hiking are one of the best things to do here.

trail

 

Their herb gardens ( they use them in their kitchen) with the views of Davao City and Davao Gulf.

herbs

 

Wishing well with gumamelas of all hues.

well

 

Many activities and most of them are family-friendly but we skipped that. We lacked time and we chartered a van so it would be a waste of money if we spend our whole day at Eden.

They also have many cottages and accommodations that are secluded and you will feel living within the wilderness. Great for those who want to “hybernate” but as a mother and as a freelance writer, I wouldn’t stay there with my kids. Safety reasons. But if its just me and hubby, perfect for some solo time!

Most of all, like other business, I applaud on how they brought employment to the locals. In accordance to our law, majority of their workers are from Barangay Eden. It’s nice to know that they have provided jobs for people.

With my scarf, I can apply as one of their tour guides. hahaha!

on tour

 

I think that you can absolutely take advantage of their amenities if you will spend a whole day at Eden Nature Park and Resort. As a freelance writer, I recommend this place whenever you are in Davao.

For a complete list of their amenities and facilities as well their rates, visit http://edennaturepark.com.ph

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A Japanese Tunnel in Davao

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

tunnel

When I told my friend Rey ( who is currently enjoying his tea at the University of Manchester -gasp!) that I’ll be flying to Davao, he told me that Davao has the largest Japanese population in the entire country during WWII. Oh, a sweet way to insult my history blood, what I only knew was that there are many sakuras in Davao. haha!

Urging me to check for any temples or Zen gardens in the city, I then turned to my best friend Agnes who took Law in Davao. And she told me that the city has a Japanese tunnel. In a snap I was on  a rush to fly to Davao.

If you have been reading my freelance writer blog ( thank you by the way) then, you know that I love writing about old houses and the likes. And this is something new…

I was with a group and tourist traps in Davao means visiting its various activity parks offering endless outdoor activities. Sadly, they are not my cup of tea.

The Japanese tunnel that most tourists visit while in Davao is part of the D’Japanese Tunnel Family Resort and Restaurant. When I learned about it, I was a little skeptical. You see, I can be a vagabond and I “hate” crowds.

For a fee of 50php per person, you can have a guided tour. I forgot our guide’s name but she was very sweet and patient with us. Here is the entrance of the tunnel with these Japanese soldiers figures. Yokoso?

entrance

As she narrated, it was presumably built in 1942 ( that is 3 years before the Japanese surrendered) and was unearthed by the current owner during the 70s. This tunnel spans up to 300 meters but there are more of them throughout Davao with some intersecting with one another.

As Japanese forces were on the brink of failure, they built tunnels where they can hide and still continue their daily operations as underdogs. They built this structure and I assume with a little help from Filipino prisoners.

To make this tunnel a little bit interesting, the management tried to depict what it is like to spend some time inside a tunnel.

japanese soldiers

 

In one of their chambers, they have their Buddhist altar..

buddha

 

It reminded me of Kamakura’s Daibutsu ( Great Buddha). Sorry Mom, I have to humiliate you here.

 

Even a prison. Gosh! Living underground in a tunnel is already a prison! Oh, that”s me, looking like a fattened cow for a banquet. haha!

prisoner!

 

Our guide said this is the chief’s quarter (?). And it is the dead end for tourists. And I was thankful.  I was no longer comfortable. You can see it in my dorky smile.

chief's quarter

 

There are installed lights to illuminate your navigation. See that ditch? Its from a natural spring inside the tunnel. (FYI, Davao has the best water in Asia in terms of safety).

tunnel

Our guide proudly shared that Kuya Kim ( ang buhay ay weather-weather lng) featured this place on TV show.

tunnel

 

As you traverse back hoping to see sunlight again, nature is still creating wonders in this rather gloomy place..

On its roof…

stalacs..

On one of its walls…

minerals

 

A few inches from its entrance are swallows’ nests, a.ka. bird’s nest ( yeah, the soup) hanging above us. I think we saw like 6 nests. Felt safe little bird?

Balinsasayaw

 

When this was “discovered”, they were able to collect bombs, coins and even a truck. Our guide said, all items are now housed in the Japanese Museum. Our driver had no idea ( was not shocked) where it is so I guess I will drop by to that museum on my next Davao trip.

It was a nice stop! Domo arigato gozaimasu onee chan!

exit

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Davao Day 4: Guess, it’s Goodbye

Monday, November 7th, 2011

 

No need to for words that all of us had a wonderful experience in Davao.  My enjoyment goes beyond the beautiful scenes and the tasty dishes that we devoured while in Davao but to new friendships. My job as a freelance writer entails more on hanging out with my laptop, iPad and of course my 5 mugs-a-day of coffee so it was refreshing to interact and laugh with real people.

Day 4 means we have to go back to mainland Davao and prepare to fly back home. Most of us would fly directly to Iloilo while others have to fly to Cebu.

Like other travelers, we ended our last hours in Davao with last-minute shopping. As if splurging on pearls we bought in Samal was not enough.

If you are not a dinosaur then you know Davao is synonymous with durian. So after boarding our van, we went pasalubong shopping at Apo ni Lola. But I chose a different store which just a minute away from Apo ni Lola.

Durian made into different sweets from candy bars to tarts. I gave in with durian ice-cream ( another entry…yes, yes, I keep saying it here but I will. haha!)

durian goodies

Then we went to Aldevinco ( just beside Marco Polo Hotel). My friend Agnes who went to law school in Davao and practiced law for sometime in the city was the one who recommended this shopping place.

Warning! If you don’t have money..stay in the van and eat durian! hehe

aldevinco

 

Told yah!

shops

 

Our original goal was to check if the pearls we bought from the  Badjaos in Samal were cheaper but it turns out..

More “damage”..haha
borloloy

 

I will go back to Aldevinco. Aside from accessories, you can shop for batik and even brass ornaments. Good thing, I’m broke. haha!

After Aldevinco, we went fruit buying. No, not durian but Pomelo. No pics, sorry. I was busy admire my “loots” from Aldevinco. haha!

Happy with our new treasures, we went to Abreeza Mall for lunch.And yikes! It was so tempting! Nice shops and all. God was so good that I can’t find any ATM..or else. haha!

We had lunch at Gerry’s Grill..happy me with my new cuff!
gerry's

 

After lunch, we went on separate ways. Iloilo bound and have to catch our 4pm flight..

Till next time Davao!!

aerial

 

To Mark, Geri, Jesha, Sarah and Ray…thank you!!
pfizer

 

Thanks for the ride! hehe – from Wendy, Mommy Rems, Celmar, Theo and yours truly.

Sa uulitin? haha!
team

 

Davao it is! Mobalik jud ko og Davao!!!

places

photo by: Geraldine Reyes

 

Voted Best Travel Buddies..haha!

davao dates

photo by: Geraldine Reyes

Join me in our Davao adventure!

Davao Day 1

Davao Day 2

Davao Day 3

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Davao Day 3 – Island Garden City of Samal ( tour de las islas)

Saturday, November 5th, 2011

tour boat

Another exciting day for the whole group during our Davao adventure.

Caution: This post is filled with photos of me..ahem! Sorry, a local newspaper used one of my photos without my consent so I have to post photos with me in it. I assume they don’t want to add “model” in my freelance writer portfolio. Therefore, bear with me. haha.

So let’s start!

Here is our smiling  boy in his robe. Thrilled to ride the boat that will take us to the coasts and beaches of Samal..

sarah and theo

 

I love how spacious the boat was. See that center table?
our group

 

Our food. Well just some of them..Part of our charter fee is a full meal of lunch and snacks with someone to cook and serve us. Butler-style so to speak..Yeah, we were spoiled.
ba'on

 

With the best weather and the scenic landscape, it was truly indulging for all of us. I love seeing him so relaxed, free from the perils of the corporate world..
chillin2

 

What a life!

chillin

 

Here is Mark. Releasing his inner child..

marky

 

Wendy..sitting pretty like she should be. :)
wendy gwapa

 

We took time to admire the pristine and calm environment and realized that Philippines is indeed one beautiful country..
boat ride

 

Do you agree?
white-sand beach

 

rcok formations

 

One of the Malipano Islets ( ?).  Take note, there is a slide. What a fun way to dive  into the crystal-clear water.

my island

 

We passed by Pearl Farm Resort.  This is one of their cottages..love the architecture!
pearl farm

 

We don’t know ( should have asked the boat crew) this islet. It has a very exclusive resort too.
dadda's island

 

Another Philippine irony. Just a few meters from those luxurious accommodations in Samal is this humble fishing village..
Fishing village

 

A protected area. I believe ( and praise them) there is a tight cooperation between the local government and the locals to protect their corals.
corals protection

 

We passed by many beaches ( as Mark says, “bitches” haha!) but we demanded to have a beach of our own. Most of them are “privately-owned” if that’s the right term to use so it took us hours to “land”. To kill time, we posed (or I?) for photos.

SPF 1000!
happy me!

 

I am Tyra Banks’ best student..haha!
feelingera

 

Diwata ng Dagat..in fiery red nails! haha.
wendy

 

We were supposed to snorkel at Coral Garden ( best to bring your own gears) but we were “attacked” by pearl vendors..Bittersweet memories therefore, another post in the future. haha!
pearls!

 

Finally “our” beach..
boat arrives

 

I will write a separate post on this so I will only share few photos.
batunana beach

 

Happy Mammy!!
im so happy

 

The hue of blue playing with the clear sky. Sorry for the big obstruction. haha!
beach bum

 

Lunch!

lunch

 

After hours of romancing the shores, we headed back to our next destination. It started to rain with the waters a little bit rough but totally fine. Can you see the rainbow?
bahaghari

 

Our next stop was supposed to be Maxima Aqua Fun where they have this structure that will drop you directly into the water. Looks scary to me. We all agreed that we just pass by Maxima.

maxima

 

No other words to say it but it was fun!!
i had a good time!

 

When we arrived back in our respective rooms..we had this.
welcome fruit

 

So sweet of them!

Our island tour ended before 5pm. All of us skipped dinner, we were well-fed that day. I slept from 15 hours that night…talking about indulging!

 

..to be continued

 

Related Articles

Davao Day 2

Davao Day 1

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Davao Day 2 – Samal Island ( Inland Tour)

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

 

Woke up feeling blue that day. My first to wake up without my Liam gazing up on me but it was my time. Obviously, I woke up quite late than the usual. Hurriedly packed my bags and washed up. True, the rest of the group were already having breakfast. Oh, it felt so good to be “late”. haha.

Sarah here brought her adorable toddler Theo. They had their breakfast at 6am. haha!

breaky

 

With our chartered (just to make it sound sosyal) van, we headed to the pier where we can take boat to the Garden City of Samal. It toook 15-20 minutes to go there from our hotel and I realized how “stretched” Davao City is. Can’t imagine the taxi bill..oh!

When we got to the pier, some of Paradise Island Resort’s staff came to our rescue. Hauled our bags in their cute cart and off we went for our island adventure.

Let me acknowledge this trip’s “sponsor” that gave salvation to my very limited freelance writer funds.haha!
welcome!

 

Walking to the “pier”. My hips can’t lie.boo!
oil depot trail

To my left is the sea. To my right is a creek. Amazing huh?
hello! Samal

 

Look how clean this beach is! White sand with happy fish population living..Right beside an industrial plant. Not sure if its an oil depot or something..
depot

 

Under the talisay tree. So Pinoy! hehe
waiting

 

Finally Samal Island! Water is crystal clear with lively fish swarming around.

waiting for paradise

 

We stayed at Paradise Island Resort ( I’ll blog on this later)

beachfront paradise

 

Such a lovely day it was!
paradise island beach

 

After lunch and settling in our respective villas..sorry, rooms ( hehe), we rested for a few hours to kick off with our inland tour. Samal Island reminds me a lot of  Guimaras Island.

For our inland tour, we were supposed to visit the Monfort Bat Sanctuary, the rice terraces, view of Samal and Hagimit Falls. From the start, we skipped the rice terraces entry..we had  lot in Negros.

Sorry, I personally will not recommend the Bat Sanctuary. You can throw stones at me but with an entrance fee of 100Php, I don’t find it pleasing. I don’t know any local and natural attraction that costs higher than 50php. As what Wendy said ” daghan ra man na sa simbahan oi ( we can see those bats in churches!)”. You nailed it girl! haha.

But anyway, here is a pic of their entrance.
monfort bat

 

It was drizzling and our next stop was that view of Samal island from the top. Maybe because of the rain, again it was not that nice. I think it was just me and hubby who went out of our van to take some shots. I hope they can fix their viewing deck or hut. It could have been a nice place to enjoy the cool and fresh air.

Sorry for the hazy shot.
view of samal

 

Finally..Hagimit Falls ( separate entry coming)
hagimit falls

 

I love water..definitely my element
hagimit falls

 

Just before 5pm, we were back to the resort. Fast forward..dinner!  Tried to finish some freelance writing tasks while waiting for our food.

Read: Travel writer.
paradise resort resto area

 

Enjoying the cool breeze and icy seawater with the warmth of my pashmina scarf ( “stole” it from Mommy Evangeline :(   )

 

paradise resort - night

 

This is what they call “escape”…
paradise resort- night

 

to be continued…..

 

Related Article

Davao Day 1

 

 


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Davao Day 1

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

 

Welcome to Davao

 

Finally, Davao…and Davao will be this blog’s “flavor” of the month. To my FB friends, I will just share my photos here so I can also fulfill my tasks as a freelance writer while trying to brag on how pleasing my Davao vacay was. hahaa.

Okay, this is just a glance on what we did on our first day in Davao.  I will also write individual posts to the attractions and places we’ve been to during our southern trip.

 

So let’s start!

My Davao trip was different because we left our boys in Iloilo with Mom as their governess. The last trip that my hubby and I took together was 2 years ago in Ilocos ( I was pregnant then)

On that day, I slept for only 2 hours. My boys were so cranky ( they wanted to punish me ahead for leaving them behind). I promised to sleep while up in the air but simply couldn’t. So this is the result. No L’Oreal concealer can bail me out..
Plane to Davao

After touchdown and meeting some turistas from Cebu and Dipolog to complete our group, we headed straight to our tour. Since my love for history extends to my chosen niche in freelance writing, I “cheated” my buddies and detoured to another destination… THE JAPANESE TUNNEL

 

Japanese Tunnel

After going underground, we went up to more than 2,000 meters above sea level to EDEN NATURE PARK…
Eden Nature Park

 

Eden Nature Park was so vast that it stole our hours but we loved every minute of it. After lunch and a luxurious guided tour, we went back closer to the city center to CROCODILE FARM ( read: it is more than just crocodiles here)
Crocodile Farm

 

Yikes, I don’t like crocodiles and reptiles. I was already drained that time and I missed my boys already. You can see it in my smile here. So fake or should I say, a little scared that the eagle would peck on me? Ouch!
Crocodile Farm

 

Close to the Crocodile Farm  is Tribu K’ Mindawanan. They showcase traditional houses in Mindanao along with some tribal shows. Artists will love this place. Again, the thought of leaving my boys back home was sinking.
Tribu K'Mindawanan

 

So tired ( sign of aging?!) and finally BUTTERFLY GARDEN.  Not that much to see really. I was dying to rest in our hotel..
butterfly Garden

 

Finally, we checked in and washed up. I  tried to enjoy the “freedom” of traveling alone that is, without my” tabobosh” but still wondering if my baby was doing fine without Mama :( .

Around 6pm, we went to Jack’s Ridge for dinner and treated with Davao’s nightscape. With much time, I was able to do my hair. Bangs galore!

Jack’s Ridge, reminds me of Mr. A’s in Cebu
bangs @ jack's ridge

 

So that our Day 1 in Davao..to be continued…..

 


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