Mati Park and Baywalk - Then And Now

It's time for some light blogging...

and there's nothing I could think of right now but the memories I had in Mati Baywalk. This might not be considered as a wondrous tourist spot but I think it is a great place for anyone.

Read More

The Waves In Amihan Sa Dahican

All of us have our own sweet escape. As for me, Amihan sa Dahican in Mati City is the place to be.

I've been there many times and still wanting to return. Why?

• It is just a 3 to 4 hour ride from Davao City 
• Ravenous beach waves 
• Inexpensive traveller’s get away.

Mati City is just about 3 to 4 our ride depending on the mode of transportation you're using. According to my friend who lives there, Mati City is derived from the Mandayan word "Ma-ati" which refers to a local creek that easily dries up even after a heavy rain.

Read More

Fun At Sunset Beach Resort In Samal

Nothing beats an unplanned trip more than anything else in the world.

After a venti cup of frappes at 2 am, my BFF's Karen, Kim and I decided to go to Samal --- Yes, thanks to the 24-hour Samal Ferry Services.

Travel Time and Fare

At Sasa Ferry Terminal, we paid 10 pesos for the terminal fee and made ourselves comfortable at the deck of the Ferry and waited for around 15 minutes to arrive in Samal Terminal.

Sunset Beach Resort is a 10 minute tricycle ride from Samal terminal. At daytime, fare is just around 10 pesos per person but since it was 3am, we were asked to pay 20 pesos each.

Upon arrival at Sunset Beach Resort, I witnessed a lively crowd and a pool of tents lying around. Party songs played, booze all around and nocturnal beings having fun. It was also pretty evident that there was a Bikini contest early on.

I remember being told by a friend that Sunset Beach Park in Samal is a lively beach resort especially during weekends, and she was right. Even at 3am, the party vibe never stops!

So we bought some drinks and snacks (stores are open 24 hours) and positioned ourselves in the shady part of the resort away from the lively crowd. We dipped our feet on the water and it’s surprisingly warm. Cold breeze plus warm water --- just perfect!

We were wide awake till dawn, lying on the sand and just talked about American Series, Anime, powers, etc. It was a non sense conversation but truly worthwhile.

I was also amazed to witness the Sunrise! Sun rising on the right side and witnessing the Moon setting on the left part of the sky. Magical! ♥

Water Sports:

• Jet ski rental – 3,500 pesos per hour or 2,500 pesos for half an hour
• Banana boat rental – 300 pesos per person (minimum of 5 persons) for 15 minutes.
• Jet ski rental contact number - 0942-399-8853

Entrance Fee Rates:

·         1 - 4 Years old = Free of charge

·         5-10 Years old = 10 pesos

·         11 years above = 25 pesos day tour and 35 pesos for overnight.

Corkage

Soft drinks and liquor

·         1 case soft drinks – 50 pesos

·         1 Bottle of Soft Drinks – 10 pesos

·         1 case SMB or SML – 50 pesos

·         Long neck – 20 pesos per 500ml

Accommodation And Cottages:

·         Open Cottage = 250 pesos per day or 300 pesos per night

·         Small Closed Cottage = 800 pesos per night (with ceiling fan)

·         Duplex = 1,500Php per night (airconditioned)

Getting a cottage is optional and you can just bring along with you your tent or lying down on the sand til dawn would be a better idea.

Photos above are from their Facebook Fan Page.

Read More

Samal Ferry Services Now Operating 24 Hours!

“Buti pa ang biglaang lakad natutuloy, ang planado hindi”

Unexpected excursions are always memorable and enjoyable. This holds true for my weekend adventure with my friends where the fun started in a much unexpected time of the day, here’s why:

After the last full show of Iron Man 3, we relaxed for a while with a cup of coffee at around 12 am but since the coffee shop that we were in closes at 2am, we decided to go to Samal, WAIT!!! At 2 am in the morning???

Yes! Sasa Ferry terminal going to Samal now operates 24 hours!

Transfer Schedule goes like this:

Read More

Scuba Diving Experience At Talicud Island

I always thought that SCUBA diving is expensive and is not for people who can't swim like me, but... 

I joined my high school classmates with this adventure last May 1, 2013 and listed our names in advance at Carabao Dive Center.

We paid 850 PhP for the Intro Dive package (for beginners) on the day of diving at their office. The package includes all of the essentials of SCUBA diving (scuba tank, wet suit, fins, etc.), the guide's fee, boat, and 4 CD's of underwater snapshots.

Itinerary: 8am to 5pm = Coral Garden, Babusanta and Angels' Cove.

Expenses: 850 Php for the Intro Dive package, 100 pesos for lunch, 25 pesos for Buko Juice. Total of 975 pesos only!!!

Diving At Coral Garden

At 7:30 am we gathered at Carabao Dive Center’s office in Sta. Ana wharf and waited for the others who will join us on board. We sailed for at least 45 minutes to reach Coral Garden in Talicud Island, Samal... and my adventure started there...

Me while practicing!

My 30-minute diving experience started panicky for the fact that I don't know how to swim, difficulty of breathing, and the idea of any glitches on my scuba equipment. I was thinking that I'll just stop and go back to our boat --- but I didn't let it take over me. So I say, KAYA TO!!!! 

I thank my master diver guide for the patience and reminding me to stay calm. After a minute of practice and snorkeling, he slowly led me down to start the diving experience.   

Aquatic Sights!

Hi Nemo!

lovely sea creatures

Hey there lionfish! ROAR!!!

Fish eggs I assume

Picture2x daw

Babusanta

 Food is not inclusive of the 850 Php Intro Dive package so we brought packed lunch with us and dined at Babusanta.

Babusanta

Buko Juice

They are picked per order. Yes... you order one, and they'll climb up the coconut tree to pick them for you. Costs 25 PhP each.

Diving At Angels' Cove

After our lunch at Babusanta, we wen't to Angels' Cove to let the remaining hopeful divers witness the wonders of the sea. A second dive would require additional fee of 350 PhP.

Jenny at Angels' Cove

I asked the master diver of which is more beautiful between Coral Garden and Angel's cove and he just said that it's the same.

(From left to right) - Kristil, Me. Rhea, Jenny, Cindy, Maria Fe and Lampel

Hulog-Piso Gang of Sta.Ana Wharf

 You throw a coin on the water and they'll come rushing down to get it.

Do's And Don'ts Of Scuba Diving

S.C.U.B.A. (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) – by what the name implies, we need to bring gears with us to uphold our trip under the sea. Luckily, the 850 PhP Intro Dive (for beginners) package includes all of the essentials for diving.

Prior to getting into action, we had an orientation with the master diver about the do’s and don’ts of SCUBA diving. He taught us what to do when water gets inside the:

·         mouth – swallow or just blow it even if the mouth-piece is on, or you can just remove the mouth-piece and spit the water making sure you don’t forget to put it back on your mouth.

·         goggles – press the top part of the goggles and blow your nose.

And how to fight the pressure – equalize by pinching the nose then blow your nose (feel the air coming out from your ears), or swallow, or move your jaw.

We were also instructed of the Hand Signals as well:

He ended the orientation with the words --- Breathe, Equalize and Enjoy!

My Whole Experience!

It was a very great experience for someone like me who considers activities like this too-risky and I am sending my deepest gratitude to my guide for keeping me safe down there!

 This might sound funny but during the dive, I felt like a mermaid lol --- like a child again :-)

I also enjoyed my close encounter with Nemo (clownfish), needless to say I was amazed to pass over a sea snake (rarely a threat unless hurt - accdg to diver) and the beautiful corals. It was a different world down there - only more MAGICAL!

I will definitely go back and try this again without a guide, hopefully ;-)

Contact details:

[landline] +63(82)300-1092, 302-6255
[mobile] +63(928)504-7642, +63(922)861-0874
E-mail: john.neri@divedavao.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/carabao.divers

Location:

Door #1, F.Hermanos Bldg., Sta. Ana Wharf, Monteverde St., 8000 Davao City

Read More

Rophe's Chicken Davao Experience

Decent and comfortable dining place doesn’t always come with pricey food on their menu and I can prove that with my experience at Rophe’s Chicken Davao.

Based on my research, Rophe  is a Hebrew term that means "to heal" --- implies spiritual, emotional as well as physical healing. Hmm... that made me feel secure by the sound of it.

Rophe's Chicken Davao

I sensed a Christian atmosphere around the place as there are some religious figurines on the tables. I must say, that was a good reminder for their patrons to pray before eating :-)

Rophe's Chicken Salisbury Steak

I ordered Salisbury steak with mixed vegetables and oriental rice (99 php). I liked the oriental rice but the Salisbury steak was just a "so-so". Not bad for a 99-peso meal.

Rophe's Chicken Baby Back Ribs

My friend ordered a Baby Back Ribs with buttered vegetables in their so-called "Hawaiian Sauce" and oriental rice (99 php). We also ordered Chopsuey which is great-tasting because of the splotch of butter in every spoonful. 

Rophe's Chicken Mango Crepe

Rophe's Chicken Davao Menu

 Conclusively, it is a relaxing place that’s right on a budget which is great for dates, friends, and family. Great interior and lighting.

Price Range: 75 pesos and up

Location: Tiongko Street, 8000 Davao City (082) 282 4138 / 09228810682

Read More

Like A Child Again At Malagos Garden Resort

Malagos Garden Resort is not new to the locals of Davao City as most of the school educational field trips happen there. In fact, it is not only a great place for kids but for adults as well as it will make you feel young again.

Paperkite on their butterfly sanctuary

Read More

Clawdaddy Mississippi Mud Pie Experience

I remember asking someone before about what he would prefer between the two – “friends or food?” Not surprised, he answered FOOD!

I thought he was right for the reason that food is a part of the basic needs of humans, be that as it may he explained, FOOD brings people together forming friendships and relationships.

I reckon I’ve applied that into my life... as I don't care if I spend a lot as long as it's for food. After a long time of not seeing my bff Ellen, delicious selections in Clawdaddy’s Great American Picnic at SM Lanang Premier brought us together.

The Highlight!

Clawdaddy Mississippi Mud Pie

Read More

Cebu Chorizo VS Ilocos Longanisa

“The more you hate, the more you love”...

– This holds true for my personal experience --- not about superfluous heartbreak stories here, but to my long time loathing turned casual craving to two local specialties from Cebu and Ilocos – their chorizo/longanisa (whatever you call that!).

Read More

Oslob: Fun Encounter With The Gentle Giants

Summer is always represented by beaches, waterfalls and any body of water... and that being said, I didn’t missed the opportunity to play under the sun and get wet. The most interesting part... is my encounter with the gentle giants of the sea, talking about the Butandings (whale sharks)!!!

Whale Watching

Read More