Malipano Island

Sugary sand, crystal blue water and gorgeous tropical surrounding, that's Malipano!

It's a picturesque island under Pearl Farm Beach Resort Management that can be reached through a speedboat ride, approximately 30 minutes from Pearl Farm.

Malipano Gazebo ideal for conferences and special events

Outside Malipano Gazebo

Peaceful and quiet, Malipano is surrounded with tropical trees and stunning beach side. Going there will cost you nothing because it is part of the accommodation you pay when booking at Pearl Farm provided you will only go there for sight seeing. There are exclusive villas in the island directly facing the ocean and a Gazebo nearby. There's a small chapel also not far from the Gazebo.

This beachside is exclusive for Malipano Villa occupants. 
Visitors from Pearl Farm are only allowed to stay here for less than 30 minutes

Boat ride from Pearl Farm to Malipano takes only 20-30 minutes

I'd come to visit Malipano last August 2012 with friends, and we really enjoyed the moment we spent together while at this island. It has beautiful seaside especially the one facing the open sea, very impressive! With its sparkling blue water, ivory sand and exclusive villas, one can truly expect a wonderful holiday escape experience there.

The villas are so lavish!I only saw the exterior because it was closely guarded by the staff and visitors who are not booked at its villas are not allowed to stay at the beach side fronting the open sea (the one we visited) longer than 30 minutes, in fact we were reprimanded for staying there longer and for resting at the hammock hehe. So we moved back to the Gazebo area and waited for the boat to take us back to Pearl Farm. 

The coconut trees and lush green plants are so refreshing! We were able to do lots of frolicking and jumping around the area. We seated at its neatly-manicured lawn for 30 minutes and just laughed and talked. It was beautiful and I was able to fully relax with my friends.

 At the neatly-manicured lawn of Malipano Island surrounded by coconut trees

So many things to do at Malipano :-)

According to Pearl Farm website, there are two types of villas at Malipano: Five villas have 3 bedrooms and two villas have four bedrooms. Each villa is air-conditioned and equipped with minibar and coffee/tea facilities, cable television, living room, bathroom and hair dryer. Just like Pearl Farm's suites and rooms, there is a butler service available for food orders and other assistance. 

Description of Malipano Villas

Villa 1 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – 3 single beds
Powder room OUTSIDE of the main door to the villa

Villa 2 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – 3 single beds

Villa 3 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – powder room
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – Siesta Room (3 loft beds)

Villa 4 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – powder room
Left side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (queen sized bed with pull-out with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – Master’s Bedroom (king sized with 1 loft bed)

Villa 5 - rocky part of island ( 3 bedroom villa )

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Right side ( Guest Room ) – 2 Single Bed
2nd Floor - Rest Room
Third Floor – 1 Queen size bed and 2 couch

Villa 6 - rocky part of the island

When you enter,
Right side – powder room
Right side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Left Side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third Floor – 3 single beds

Villa 7 - rocky part of the island / facing the mini rainforest

When you enter,
Right side – toilet
Right side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Left side – powder room
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath with pocket garden)
Mezzanine – queen sized bed with toilet and bath
Third Floor – 3 single beds with toilet and bath
LIVING ROOM open onto a veranda stairway to the garden

Inclusions:

• Room Accommodation

• Welcome Drinks upon arrival

• Use of resorts facilities such as tennis court, basketball court, game room, mini gym, volleyball, swimming pool & beach area.

Note:

• Above Rates are per room per Night. Third person will apply extra person rate and full rate for meals and transfers

• Above Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 12% Government tax

Child Policy:

• 0-5 years old is Free of Charge on accommodations, a fee of Php 375.00 per child will be imposed for Marina Fees.

• 6-12 years old will apply the extra person rate on accommodation and 50% off on meal rates and transfers.

Peak Days Surcharge:

Surcharge of PHP2,500.00 per room per night will be added on accommodation rates during Chinese New Year, Holy Week, Christmas and New Year (December 21 to January 4, 2014)

 Ready to go to Pearl Farm and Malipano Island? Visit PEARL FARM SITE HERE

Dedon Island!

Hello travellers! Are you looking for a new holiday destination to spice up your summer break?

Here's the newest beach resort in Mindanao I discovered recently while watching Kris TV. It's called Dedon Island. Utterly beautiful!

I never heard about it even if I came from the same region (Caraga), so while watching, I could not help but be captivated with its gorgeous surrounding and facilities.

Formerly known as Pansukian Tropical resort, Dedon Island is a secluded holiday destination located in the southern part of Siargao, Surigao City, Caraga Province, Philippines just around the corner of the legendary surfing point, Cloud 9.

The accommodation is extremely luxurious, the management would even allow visitors (maximum of 34 people) to book the entire resort for an exclusive stay  just like what Kris and her entourage did!

The Island

The villa

The resort boasts world-class amenities, incredible architectural design, outdoor lounge furniture and lush tropical environment. It is surrounded with mangrove trees, powdery sand and fringed through Rainforest hills and lagoon.

Absolutely fantastic! According to Kris Aquino, Dedon Island is more stunning than Amanpulo in Palawan. Oh my! We all know how expensive and how ultra-exclusive Amanpulo is, it's like taking a Caribbean holiday. Now, we've got an idea how expensive Dedon Island is, haha!

Spectacular views of Dedon Island, Siargao

Well, dreaming to get there is not bad...

Let's just hope the resort will offer promotional rates one of these days :-) I was really amazed with the beauty of Dedon island, simply gorgeous! I like the outdoor furniture, especially the swingrest, the one where Kris seated during her interview.

Its restaurant serves both local and international cuisines. I was able to watch a German chef, interviewed by Kris while preparing a unique Kinilaw of Tangigue.

The swingrest hanged between trees. Visitors may take a 

a good rest here or maybe sleep

I saw Kris sat on the swingrest and I thought it's just a normal sofa built outside the villa, but when I saw its view from a distance, it's another outdoor lounge furniture wonder! Perfect to take a short nap or rest with friends. It looks superb and very cool! The calmness of the environment and soft breeze from the trees will make visitors drowse to sleep when taking a rest there, perhaps :-D

The furnishing at its cottages and villas are made from local materials, wonderfully crafted but designed under the influence of Filipino culture. The materials from fabric to chair covers down to the last details of the roofing of the villas, the structure of the verandas and the furniture showcase the regional heritage of the Filipinos.

Aside from the architectural design and tropical environment of the resort, there are lots of things you'll enjoy doing there, activities to indulge during the day include windsurfing, Kayaking, island excursions, stand-up paddle among others. The Padie activity along the river is one of the most exciting because visitors can experience the thrill of paddling while on top of a wake board. There's nothing to fear since you have to wear a life vest.

Kris Aquino walking on foot along Dedon's shoreline.

Don't be discouraged with the black images you saw, it's the corals, normally present
 in all Surigao beaches. It's not harmful, there's nothing to fear because it will just "hide" during high tide, it is only visible during low tide. I used to play with this kind of coral when I was still growing up in the province, it's lovely to hold, it is slippery but won't make your skin itchy. 

Walking on foot around Mangrove and a the Sea Pagoda is another exciting thing to do in the island. I saw Kris taking a walk at its long coastline and at the mangrove area, it was beautiful, a perfect moment to indulge while taking a break from swimming. While at the Sea Pagoda, Kris kept on praising the thrilling big waves at the surfing area not far from the resort.

With its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, luxury accommodation and gorgeous architectural design, Dedon Island is truly an exciting holiday destination to consider this summer!

It's a mix of fun and adventure. As I watched Kris and her entourage frolicked around the area, I  must say that there's no other beach resorts in the Philippines that offer the best of both worlds other than Dedon Island.

The Nestrest at Dedon with Sea Pagoda in the Background

And there's another piece of art of an outdoor furniture that amuses me--the Nestrest! Never saw this stuff before. Nestrest is beautifully designed for an outdoor respite. Visitors can take a rest there, sleeping or reading books or talking with friends.

Veranda or Lanai

The island has two types of cottages: The Tropical Villas and Garden Cottages and both have window seats that can doubled as extra beds. Not sure if the resort retains the garden cottages which are a lot cheaper than the Villas. Just contact the management by visiting their OFFICIAL SITE  if you have further questions.

Rates however are quite expensive. For Filipino travellers, it's like going to a foreign country!

Click the above list to enlarge. If you find the above image blurry please CLICK THIS LINK

Facilities at Dedon Island:

• Infinity Pool
• Sea Pagoda
• Hobie cat
• Lanai
• Volleyball/and tennis
• Billiard area
• Massage center
• Nestrest
• Swingrest
• Gardens
• Hammocks along trees
• Restaurant
• Cocktail bar

What to do at Dedon Island:

• Island Excursions
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Offshore Surfing
• Sports like volleyball, tennis
• Padi Diving
• Walking around mangrove trees
• Windsurfing
• Ocean kayaking
• Mountain biking

How to get there:

For international travellers, the quickest way to get to Siargao is via Cebu International Airport. You will be picked up from the airport to the resort. For those who want to travel at their leisure time, there are chartered flights available from Cebu to Siargao Island. For Mindanao travellers, you can take a bus ride from any point in Mindanao to Surigao City.

Eden Nature Park

Got to visit Eden Nature Park once again. Peace. Serenity. Stillness. Bonding. You've got the best of time and relaxation at Eden.

Entrance Area

Last January 5, 2012, Saturday, we'd a Christmas Recollection at Eden, it was the second time that our annual recollection was held there, the first time was in November 2008. You might wonder why it was called "Christmas Recollection" here's a little explanation: In the Catholic calendar, Christmas season officially begins on the birth of Jesus (December 25) and ends on the Feast Sunday of His Baptism, normally falls on the second Sunday of January (Sunday after the Epiphany or Three Kings), this year, 2013, Feast Sunday of Baptism is on January 13, thus our recollection still falls on the Christmas season :-)

It's good to be at the heart of nature once again with the stunning backdrop of the mountain, rolling hills and green plants, it makes me feel good. The cool breeze of the countryside provides comfort and serenity, it's a welcome respite from the clutters of the daily life in the city.

Actually, I am not really very obsessed with Eden as I grew up in the province with the same landscape of trees and hills but the well-developed environment, organic farm and amenities that Eden provides are what make the  the experience very different. 

Eden is located at Toril approximately one hour ride from Davao city. Visitors may hire a cab from  the city proper as no public utility bus or jeep directly travelling there. What's good at Eden is the private leisure it provides. 

Cottages

Organic Farm

It is a home to botanical garden, bed of flowers, pine trees, organic vegetables, adventure and lush tropical foliage. It has indigenous creatures too with Deer park and Bird walk. Extreme sports adventure can be experienced at Eden too. At night you can go camping at its trail site. Or go walking among boulders in the morning and try zip line in the afternoon. 

Eden offers the best experience of being relaxed and stress-free. The cool mountain air, the fresh organic foods harvested from the farm and the calmness of the surrounding. This nature park resort is truly a good destination to unwind and loosen up.

Green Salad fresh from the resort's organic farm

The first time I visited Eden in 2001 the surrounding was not yet fully developed but the basic facilities were already there, got to ride the cable swing for the first time :-) and we did fishing. In 2008 more amenities were added and the foods had improved!

Taking Indiana Jones this year for the third time

 Second time in November 2008

What to do at Eden:

• Fishing
• Bonding with family and friends
• Eat and eat :-D
• Mountain trekking
• Mountain and sky adventure
• Swimming
• Relax and unwind
• Contemplate :-)

Facilities, Amenities, Leisure Areas:

• Indiana Jones (cable swing)
• Swimming Pool
• Camp site
• Fishing Village
• Skyride
• Botanical Garden
• Restaurant
• Boutique/Souvenir's shop
• Bird walk/Deer park
• Organic farm
• Cottages/Suites
• Function Hall
• Garden Party

At Eden, you can choose to stay overnight or just take a Day tour with family, friends and special someone.

Day Packages:

Entrance and Meal
        Adult: P470.00 Child (4-10 years old): P300.00
Plated Snacks 
       Adult: P200.00 Child (4-10 years old): P170.00

Rates:
Shuttle Tour: P120.00
Skyride rate: P150.00
Horseback Riding: P55.00
Fishing Village: P85.00
Swimming Pool: Adult - P80.00 Child - P55.00

For more information about the resort's room rates, accommodation and other packages for special occasions, visit Eden's official website

Summer time!

It's summertime in the Philippines!

The surrounding seems like a terrible "sun ball" already!Even in the morning, the sweltering heat of the sun is so unbearable that everyone would like to escape to a quiet beach or a scenic mountain to avoid being "roasted". 

Hmmm, with this current weather condition in the city, my longing to go back home is more intense than ever. Though there are several beach and mountain resorts in Davao City, I always feel that my home province is still the best place to hop in when I think of taking a relaxing and fulfilling "nature" adventure. 

I came from Surigao del sur, a beautiful province in the outskirt of Mindanao peninsula almost forgotten by many tourists because of its faraway location and underdeveloped neighbourhood. It is directly facing the mighty Pacific Ocean on the opposite side of Guam, Hawaii.. 

Due to the province's location in the Pacific, the place, no wonder, is endowed with breathtaking pristine and gorgeous beaches and stunning shorelines. The province lacks promotional machineries on tourism, thus, most of its finest beaches and countryside tourist attractions remain undiscovered and unheard.

Tourist attractions in the countryside include the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, but unknown to many, Surigao del sur also houses some of the finest and pristine beaches in the Philippines! The province also has the longest coast line in the country with almost all sea side has no break water. 

When I was still living in the province, I and my friends would love to play around the coastline, waiting for the sunset to grace the earth, we would frolick around at low tide then we would pick sea shells, walking, traversing the vast area not knowing we already arrived in a different place!

Here are three of the undiscovered stunning beaches in Surigao del sur, one of these locations is my home town, the other two municipalities are our direct neighbours, 30 minute ride each.

We have our own Marihatag Tree Park beach, a government-operated resort not far from the town proper. Fronting the resort is the beautiful island which is still unspoiled because it is privately owned. It can be reached through a "bangka".

We call this "puro" or island in Marihatag

One quiet December afternoon at Marihatag Tree Park Beach

Two of our neighboring towns have terrific beaches too. Cagwait Beach Resort and Britania Group of Islands in San Agustin. With its sugary shorelines, sparkling green water and relaxing countryside, these attractions will truly make your beach adventure a fulfilling experience.

Britania composed of 24 islands and islets, it has a stunning blue and green water plus mangroves, rock formations and caves. If you are into adventure, then this place is surely the best destination for you. This beach side is still undiscovered so you will experience a very exclusive, private holiday adventure. San Agustin is just 30 minutes from our place (Marihatag) and roughly seven hours from Davao City. 

Britania Island in San Agustin

Ivory sand of Britania Group of Islands

Another terrific beach resort in our area is located at Cagwait beach resort. Reports claim that it is very similar to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii with its ivory sand and shimmering green water. The municipality of Cagwait is only next to my home town.

The stunning seaside of Cagwait Beach resort

I would love to go on adventure in my home town and two neighboring municipalities one of these days, next week maybe when I return home, Yeeey!So nice, why I have to dream to go to Boracay and other beaches when I am surrounded with spectacular seaside near the Pacific ocean?

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Christmas in the Philippines

There's nothing merrier than having a Christmas celebration in the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country in Asia. This nation celebrates Christmas holidays longer than other nations in the world.

The tradition kicks on the 16th of December with Mesa de Gallo or the Early Dawn Mass (nine days novena for the preparation of the birth of Jesus Christ on the 25th day of December and held in all Catholic parishes all over the country) and runs until the first week of January. 

I grew up in the province, so I had the most wonderful and memorable memories of Christmas season in my life. In the province, Christmas celebration is merrier and happier, lots of native foods are prepared, there are never-ending laughters in the neighborhood, and we would roam around the town at Christmas eve for the caroling. Such a fascinating and joyous celebration indeed.

So if you are living in a far away land and want to experience a unique joy of the Christmas holidays, come to the Philippines and visit the provinces and you will see how people welcomed the birth of Jesus with a bang. In most of the key cities in the country, magnificent and elegant Christmas decorations dominate the thoroughfares, the twinkling and sparkling of Christmas lights with captivating brightness and color combinations ignite a different spirit of relaxation and contentment.

In Davao City, the gorgeous spirit and wonders of the Christmas season is truly felt when you pass along Lanang. There's a store of antique collections there called Mana Davao that had been practicing a tradition every Christmas of putting up a giant Christmas decorations in front of their building. Over the years, this becomes the best attraction at Christmastime in Davao City.

Everyone could marvel at its huge and amazing Christmas decorations. The environment is swathed with lanterns, twinkles and sparks coming from the gigantic trees wrapped with Christmas lights and other magnificent Christmas ornaments. Mana is a store of antique tapestries and artifacts collection and its owner traditionally turned the surrounding of the store at Christmastime into a breathtaking avenue of lights. It is always crowded at night as people thronged to the area with friends and relatives, of course carrying their digital cameras.

Mana 2008

Mana 2009

Mana 2010

Mana 2011

The area is not really huge, in fact there's no bench to take a rest, so you have to endure the long hours standing, jostling and banging with the crowd just to get a good view to take pictures and because the trees and the decorations are just within the side of the road, you could hardly get a nice view for picture taking because of the thick crowd.

This scene sometimes attracts irritation and annoyance, so better prepare for this reality the moment you go there. Mana Davao creates a different, magnificent theme to interpret the holiday season and to amaze the crowd so the decorations vary each year which build additional excitement. Mana unveils its magical creation every December 16. 

It's always wonderful and relieving to marvel at the glittery lights of Mana, seems like the magic of innocence never end. It's pretty amazing to see people having fun with their family and friends frolicking around the area. Now you know,  there's always something to look forward comes Christmas season in Davao City, so why not plan your next trip to Davao next Christmas.

Happy Holidays every one!

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Enchanted River and Tinuy-an Falls

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Enchanted River

Location: Talisay, Hinatuan, Surigao del sur

The crystal blue water of Enchanted River at sunrise, touted to be 30 meters deep.

The river turns aquamarine green when meet by the aggressive day light (especially at noon)

Yes!Finally, I was able to visit the other side of Surigao del sur! It's been (or more than)20 years since my last travel to Bislig, so our trip last October 16, 2011, Sunday (coincided with my mother's 64th birthday), felt like a refreshing experience of traveling to the northern part of my home province. A very special thanks to Ms. Maribeth Galindo, coordinator of the social science division of UIC,  for inviting me, and thanks also to the social science faculty for a wonderful accommodation. It was truly a fantastic weekend!

Preparing my first dive..hehe!

Swimming at the clear blue water 

We left Davao at 1:30 in the morning and arrived at Barangay Talisay at 5:30 am.

Enchanted River opens at 6:00 and the entrance fee is only P10.00 because it is operated by the local government. Visitors are allowed to bring foods and drinks but if you want to eat fresh sea foods, there are several fish vendors along the resort, you can also request them to grill the fish, price is very affordable. Inside the area, there are several cottages ready for rent.

Hinatuan is one of the two municipalities in Surigao del sur, aside from San Miguel, that situated in the most secluded part of the province, almost located in the middle of the rainforest of Surigao del sur. Aside from its location, the road leading to Enchanted River is very rough and not yet develop. But the weariness is worthy as soon as you reach the hidden treasure of Enchanted River.What a stunning blue lagoon!

Yes! It was truly fascinating, the place is endowed with rich natural resources, the river is shrouded with thick vegetation with a narrow passage connecting to the sea. The river forms a long deep water, somewhat a fjord flowing from below the ground, it is touted to be 30 meters deep and the first time I saw it, because it was morning and the blue water is very clear, I was afraid to take a plunge.

Early morning at Enchanted River

Calm environment of Hinatuan river while having our boat ride

We took a boat ride at 7:00 after breakfast (P160.00 per hour with a capacity of 5 persons per boat, so you have to divide the P160.00 each) around Hinatuan sea for two hours:

First stop: Sibadan Fish cage and Pawikan cage. Entrance fee P5.00

Second stop: Pangasinan White sand (yet to be developed) Entrance fee P5.00

Third stop: The Ponta Cave (you cannot go down to the cave unless you request a tour guide--available in the area). Entrance fee P5.00

Part of the boat ride destination, Pangasinan White Sand on the opposite side of the river

Hinatuan sea is not really ruthless as it never produced gigantic waves like in my hometown, infact the sea along Enchanted River looks like a lake. For people who are not used to travelling in a rough, bumpy and punishing road, going to Hinatuan might bring some discomfort as the road seems endless with so many signboard pointing to "enchanted river". But I am used to this kind of travel because in the past the road going to my hometown is similar to this, so the experience was not annoying anymore.

Due to the danger of swimming in a deep river, travellers like me who are not good in swimming, should wear a life vest which can be rented for one hour at P15.00. The experience of swimming in a long deep narrow river provides a different joy and relaxation.

After a few swim with a life vest, I immediately pulled out from the water because it felt like the current gradually became aggressive, slowly pulling us in different direction. Surprisingly, this river has a salty water because of its connection to the sea.

We took lunch at 11:30 then left Enchanted at 12:30 for Bislig.

Tinuy-an Falls

Location: Borboanan, Bislig City

The majestic water curtain of the Tinuy-an falls. This is the highest level of the multi- tiered water falls

The fourth level of Tinuy-an falls

Our next stop was at the Tinuy-an Falls!

We arrived there at 2:00 pm on the same day (October 16). Such a magnificent view of the mountain and my God, the clusters of falls were fantastic! What a stunning gift of nature! Entrance fee is P50.00 per head, there's additional fee for cottages. In our case we did not rent a cottage, we just gathered in one area (fronting the waterfalls) with big rocks under the trees when we took our mid-afternoon meal.

Tinuy-an falls form in clusters of water falls beautifully cascading from the mountain, its white curtain water have five levels, but the highest level, on the second layer, was the strongest of all where you cannot use your camera for picture taking at close range because the splashing of the water will make it hard to capture the subject.

Dubbed as the Niagara Falls of the Philippines, Tinuy-an so far is the best waterfalls in the country because of its majestic, natural formation at the foot of the hills, beautifully covered with rainforest and tropical trees.

At the top most part of the falls where you can enjoy the cascading water

Going to the upper part of the falls with a picture-perfect view of the relaxing environment 

It is located in the rainforest of Borboanan, Bislig City. The second layer of the waterfalls is the most exciting because of its strong current, you need to ride in a "balsa" to get closer to the falls and feel the relaxing experience of being "massage"  by the water!

This layer, according to geography, plunges 180 feet high from the top of the multi-tiered cascading waterfalls and 95 meters wide. 

The water falls look like drops of Snow

For people who want to visit these natural wonders of the earth, you may hire a van from Davao city all the way to Hinatuan. Travelling time is between five to six hours, you will pass Agusan del sur province first before going to Surigao del sur. Hinatuan to Borboanan, Bislig is only an hour drive. From Bislig, you may follow the route from Mangagoy to Cuevas near Trento, Agusan del sur, for a shorter trip going back to Davao.

Such a beautiful feeling of being "at home" once again because it was my home province, everything seems very familiar. The scenic view of the environment, the serenity of the surrounding, rainforest, the soothing scent of wild plants, everything reminded me of my home town and I just can't wait to return home this holiday season! 

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Surigao del Sur!

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Philippines is truly a country of beauty and undiscovered paradise and its secluded provinces are home to several resorts and spectacular beaches. One of these secluded provinces is my home province--Surigao del sur.

Endowed with natural wonders of exotic and pristine beaches, untouched shorelines, thick vegetation, lush forests, streams, valleys, rivers and waterfalls, Surigao del Sur is an exciting destination for people who love to indulge in an extravagant nature excursion.

Earning a monicker of being the Shangri-La of Southern Philippines, Surigao del sur provides a unique haven of relaxation, artists will surely love its picturesque surroundings and tranquil sceneries.

I practically grew up in a quiet village nestled by mountains and beaches. Back then, my favourite afternoon ritual was to go to the beach when low tide and stroll around the area with my youngest brother and picked seashells or built a sand castle, then running off with waves with my friends at high tide.

Sea turned harsh during stormy weather but we loved it because we enjoyed watching the gigantic waves wobbling along and reaching up to eight feet high. At Christmastime back in my grade school years, after carolling in the neighbourhood on the early morning of December 25, we would sit in the beach eating the "kakanin" we received from carolling, watching the calm sea while waiting for the sunrise to greet the earth.

Strategically located in the outskirt of Mindanao peninsula, Surigao del sur, which is composed only of 19 municipalities, is facing the Pacific Ocean, thus gifted with lovely beaches and romantic coastlines. The cool afternoon breeze and the fascinating surroundings at sunrise offer a magnificent feeling of being so relax. The tourism of Surigao del sur is still waiting to be developed so most of its mountain and beach resorts are located in rough and bumpy areas.

The crystal water and sugary shorelines of Cagwait White Beach Resort. Often compared to Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, USA. It is located in the province of Surigao del sur, just a 35 minute drive from my home town, Marihatag.

But despite its less-developed tourist destinations, the province offers several terrific spots to visit. The Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig, Enchanted River in Hinatuan, White Beach in Cagwait, Blue Lagoon in Cantilan are just some of the magnificent tourist spots waiting to be explored. I lived in a town almost covered with seaside and mountains so I know how beautiful it is to live in a quiet and laid-back environment. 

The gorgeous white sand with lined coconut trees at Cagwait White Beach

...Crystal green water with Talisay trees

Though I lived near the shoreline of Marihatag, my favourite beach however is the Cagwait White Beach Resort, just 35 minutes from our place. When I was still in high school, I often heard people comparing it to Waikiki Beach resort in Hawaii, USA with reasons I could not understand since I grew up around the beach so I couldn't spot a difference or the grandeur they were talking about.

Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig

One calm afternoon last December 2009 while visiting my home town. The sea was not quite harsh at that time so it did not produce giant waves. Beaches in our place offer a wonderful experience for surfers, but I am not into this sport because the Pacific Ocean might eat me up hehehe. The only thing I did with wobbling waves back then was to tie up my self in a bamboo cane and glided with the rushing waves :-D

Cagwait Beach resort is where the "Kaliguan Festival" of Surigao del sur is held every June. It is truly a fascinating beach, well I just appreciated its beauty when I lived in the city hehehe because I rarely go to the beach.

Beautifully surrounded by Talisay and coconut trees, this resort has a long coast line which provides enough time for travellers to roam around the seaside and explore the beauty of nature. The resort is just a 10 minute ride from the national road of Cagwait. 

For people who may want to visit this resort, you can catch up a bus ride for Tandag and just drop by at the municipality of Cagwait and from there you can take a pedicab ride all the way to the resort. Cottages are very affordable. Travelling to Surigao del sur is a bit tiring because of a long hour drive (about 8 hours from Davao) but because the area is shrouded with thick vegetations, coconut trees, green sceneries and rivers, the journey is a thrilling adventure and if you are into photography, my home province is surely a perfect choice for your creativity.

More pictures of Surigao landscapes and beaches when I return home this Christmas holiday.

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