Friday, December 28, 2007

Museum Island Revisited

From the looks of it, Orange Beach in Peleliu is just one of those ordinary beaches with white sand stretching along the shore and attracting beach lovers but for Peleliu residents and those who are familiar with their history, the beach is a silent witness of one of the fiercest battles fought between the Americans and Japanese forces during the World War 11.
Peleliu World War 11 Museum director Tangie Hesus sat on a fallen log as he animatedly transported us to that fateful morning 62 years ago when the blood of thousands of American soldiers were shed on the beach, tinting the white shores till it was believed the water turned orange, hence the name Orange Beach came to be.
A few meters from the beach is the 81st Wild Cat Memorial site but every grave was exhumed in 1947 and the bodies of the soldiers were claimed by their families.
A tour of the island would provide one a view of scattered relics and remnants of the Battle and the Japanese Occupation, depicted in buildings, tanks, planes, battle sites, shrines, monuments and man-made caves used by the Japanese troops during the battle.
The World War 11 Museum is housed in an ancient block house built during the Japanese times. A musty smell greets a guest when he enters it, making the experience complete as he goes through alley after alley of war mementos. Japanese and American remnants like machine guns and cannons, broken shards of kitchen ware, water canteens, medicine bottles, helmets and all other reminders line up the walls, each telling their own sad stories about their long-lost owners.
Because of the rich history of the island, the United States Department of Interior designated the place as a National Historic Landmark in 1985.
It was dusk when we (Tangie, Jun R. of the other paper and I) returned and we were only able to visit the Peleliu WW11 museum, Japanese Shrine, US Marine Memorial at the Bloody Nose Ridge, 81st Wild Cat Memorial and the Orange Beach.
Peleliu island boasts of natural tropical forests and offers so much activities for guests, but it is the history and the deep secret of the island that lures thousands of not only Japanese and Americans but other nationalities as well to visit and see
“Every year, I get to guide a group of war veterans both Americans and Japanese in the island and its touching to see them cry as they reminisce the war they were part of 62 years ago,” Tangie said. He also added that families of slain soldiers visit the place to remember their loved ones who died in the battle.

Friday, December 14, 2007

A peek into Palau’s past

The sun was blazing hot and burning into our skins and we were all panting. We were approaching the fifth and final historical site in the State of Ngaraard in Babeldaob. Perspiration drenched our bodies when we finally reached the the remains of a traditional village that might have existed about 800 or 900 years ago.
Still reeling from a hangover, I had to drag heavy feet and was always at the rear of the group. There were eight of us, including two archaeologists, staff from the Historical Preservation Office (HPO) and a couple of Palauans who were well versed with the oral history of the countryside. The silence of the jungle was broken only by our heavy breathing and an occasional grunt when somebody’s foot got tangled in the roots of the trees. I was getting tired, my body unprepared for the long walk we had as I was thinking we will be covering only one historical site. But Rita, our Palauan archaeologist decided to cover the five registered sites in the State.
I had been battling the urge to drink water for almost three hours, not wanting to drink for fear I might be needing to empty my kidneys and I know it would be hard to do it just about anywhere in the jungle.
We were following a stone pathway about one meter wide that our American archaeologist companion said, are coral stones. It means that the former residents of the place must have been very strong and skillful to be able to drag the huge slabs of stones and cut them to form pavements and stairs. And to think that there were no backhoes or bulldozers or electric saws then!
The stone pathway snaked its way into several directions, and here and there we could see stone platforms where the village Bai (a meeting house) must have stood. We traced another stone pathway heading towards a dsried up pool which could have served as a bathing area and saw several broken urns and bowls- remnants of what could have been used as a container for drinking water.
I could just imagine that the hundreds of years ago, the place we were treading was populated with early inhabitants and bustling with day to day activities. I saw several burial places and felt a shiver of chill ran up my spine thinking that underneath us were the remains of long-ago Palauans.
An interview with an archaeologist from the HPO previous week led me into this expedition into the jungles of Babeldaob, where only a few feet have trod in the recent past. I am not much of a history fanatic. I passed all my history subjects with barely passing grades. I mean I found reading novels and short stories much more interesting than digging into what transpired thousands of years ago and memorizing dates and numbers but I have committed myself to write something about the remains and I had to do it.
I was silent on the trip back to Koror, my hangover completely gone. I was thinking way ahead into the future- probably thousands of years later, when archaeologists and reporters and HPO staff would trod on the very place we were living in and say to themselves- “this used to be a bustling city, and thousands of people lived here, based on the relics and pieces of things they left…….” while we might be lying beneath the remnants and never hear what they are saying…..uh-uh. Next week I’ll be visiting old graveyards and stone monoliths in Ngarchelong State.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Dry-diving in Palau

Palau has already carved its own niche in the tourism industry for its spectacular attractions and world-class diving spots. Every day hundreds of tourists arrive to sample the island’s natural wonders- both in land and underwater. Not everyone though has the chance, the financial resources or the guts to go diving and get a feel of the underwater wonders. At present, most of the visitors in the country are limited to scuba diving, sea kayaking and land-based tours but with the recent launching of the Flying Fish Tours, I finally got the chance to get a real feel of the underwater world and yet staying dry about it. Everybody on board the Kok 1 (there were less than 10 of us) waited with bated breath as the computer screen was set up and the camera was lowered into the water at the Neco Bay last Saturday. In a few minutes, we were looking into a wonderful array of corrals, colorful fish, and the whole underwater kingdom, a live video of what lies beneath the sea surface-while staying dry in our seats. The tour took two hours, with owner retired Divisional Chief of Police Columbus Sakuma at the helm. Sakuma said the trip includes a guided tour of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), Palau Aquarium, and Rock Islands eco-adventure. We also got the chance to see several wrecks of Japanese vessels which sank and had been there since World War 2. To sum it up, it’s one of those never-to-be forgotten experiences that everyone in Palau should grab (if you still haven’t done so)-the chance to get to know Palau’s history and culture through the trip. For information, call 779-0293.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Postscripts from Lake Sebu

For anyone who seeks peace of mind, body and spirit, the tranquility of the countryside and the fresh mountain air in Lake Sebu, some 45 minutes away from Koronadal, South Cotabato is the answer. It’s fantastically reviving that would make one wish to stay there forever and forget deadlines and pressures of work breathing down one’s neck everday.After being jam-packed in a van which transported us all the way from Davao City, we finally came to the lake which offers the opportunity of experiencing genuine serenity which is too good to pass.Situated at an altitude of 1000 meters, Lake Sebu irrigates the fertile Allah Valley.
It is home to two peoples, the T’boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, woven work, intricate beadwork, and brass ornaments, and the Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people.Visiting Lake Sebu would be incomplete if one will not go on a boat ride around the lake, so with my companions Cha, Kuya Ben, Roland, Rhonson, Arjoy, Mai, Maam Marilyn, Edit, Germie, Romeo and Juliet from different media outfits, we spent the next 45-minutes taking in the breathtaking wonder of nature at its best.
On the way back to Punta Isla resort, we came to a portion where the water was very frighteningly and darkly green. It’s surface was so smooth, broken only by the ripples created by the boat.Nervously looking around for a lifeboat, the guide seemed to sensed my uneasiness and casually said, “Mga 100 meters na ang lalim ng tubig dito.” I didn’t listen to the rest of his recitation. I gripped my seat so hard and tried to recite the Last Prayer silently.
The trip around the lake brought us very close to the three islands in the lake and the fish cages that ring the tranquil 364-hectare lake.The three guys Roland, Rhonson and Arjoy stole a chance to go fishing at the lake but either they were too humble or they didn’t catch anything because I never heard mention of a single fish they caught.We had broiled tilapia and native chicken soup for lunch. Lake Sebu tilapia is simply delicious, giving off a distinct sweetish aroma that leaves us wanting for more even though we were already filled to bursting point.
Only 18 of the 32 servings of rice we ordered were served so the guys had to make do with the meager rice servings.
When only Tatay Rene and Michael of the Davao Camera Club were eating, in comes the waiter with the remaining 11 servings of rice. We wagered whether the two could consume it all but even the hungriest man on earth would go dizzy with the rice. They only consumed 5 servings.SouvenirsWhile Tatay Rene was busily selecting trinkets for pasalubong to friends back home, Edit and I were also busily selecting from Tatay’s collection for ourselves. Albeit grumbling, he still paid for our choices.
I contemplated on buying a pair of earrings which caught my fancy but was hesitant because I only have one pierced ear. Rhonson of Tourism (DoT) offered to split the price with me and said we would take one earring each but changed his mind at the last minute.Enterprising T’boli women in their clorful costumes spread a wide array of malong, shawls, embroidered and beaded blouses, coin purses, necklaces, key holders, penholders, and several other crafts produced by creative hands and minds, all screaming to be brought home. Only the limited contents of my billfold stopped me from doing so.World-class tourist destination.
Just recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has chosen Lake Sebu town as among the focal areas for the country’s ecotourism development program and as a world-class tourist destination over the next decade.Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun said the Lake Sebu watershed forest reserve, which covers the entire municipality, would be developed as among the country’s major ecotourism destinations in Southeast Asia by the year 2012.The 92,450 hetare town of Lake Sebu was recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the country and was proclaimed as a Protected Landscape on 24 September 1985.*

Getting your fill of waterfalls

What's a much better way to beat the summer heat than to go falls hopping and soaking your bodies in the cascading waters of the region's waterfalls?For adventurers and nature lovers, give in to the lure ofCompostela Valley, a province blessed with nature's mixture of magnificient natural attractions.

The province boasts of several multi-tiered water falls. The highest of these are Marangig and Tagbibinta Falls, which serves as the entry and exit points respectively of Mt. Candalaga.Falls hopping lets you experience the chance to walk, climb up or go down steep slopes, wade, jump from rock to rock, and finally swim in the pool at the very edge of the water's drop-off. A whole day's river trekking and falls hopping last month on our way to the peak of Mt. Candalaga allowed me to experience reactions varying from pure exhilaration to sheer terror but it was worth the trip.

Marangig Falls

A few minutes' trek from Barangay New Albay, seven kilometers from Maragusan centerpoint brought us to Marangig Falls, composed of a series of thirteen (13) smaller falls. Delighted with the spectacular view, we lingered for a while but our guide egged us on as we still have the whole day to spend for river trekking before reaching our camp site.A few meters upstream, we encountered another waterfalls. It is another straight falls with much vegetation growing in the falls itself and jutting out of the cascading water.

After reaching the fourth falls upstream from Marangig, I lost count as I paid more attention to the rocks and boulders I had to maneuver before reaching another falls.Luckily, I was among the few of us who was able to avoid deeper portions of the river. Others were not so lucky and fell in deep waters with their backpacks while others intentionally took a bath.

Tagbibinta Falls

A feast awaited our eyes and consoled our tired and aching muscles as we reached Tagbibinta Falls the following day after conquering the peak of Mt. Candalaga.Tagbibinta falls, a series of seven falls is located just five kilometers from the center of Maragusan in Barangay Coronobe. The first falls measures approximately 700 ft. high and provides an ideal trekking and climbing site.There is a camp ground in Tagbibinta with open cottages for rent ranging from P20, P50 and P100.

Aliwagwag Falls

Go beyond Compostela Valley and treat yourself to a summer you will always remember by visiting the famous Aliwagwag falls in Cateel, Davao Oriental.Located amidst thick forests just some 25 kilometers away from Cateel proper, Aliwagwag Falls towers from a total of 1110 feet, cascading over 186 stairways of varying heights, the tallest single drop of which is 100 feet. Bathing in Aliwagwag's clear and cool waters is an experience one will find hard to forget.

Safety tips:

*Carry practical all-weather clothing and remember that your mobile phone may be out of range.

*Wear sturdy footwear with a good tread.

*Always carry water, food, matches and a torch, map and compass.

*Walking tracks involves uneven and slippery surfaces, water crossings and rock-hopping so be extra careful.

* Respect the environment and stay on marked paths. Take note of signs and landmarks.

* Don't wander off alone but stay with your group. Its so easy to get lost in the forest.

Believe me, its worth the trip to Maragusan or Cateel just to see and take a bath at the water falls, particularly in the summer season when the weather is at its hottest in the city. The trip will do wonders to your soul.

Getting there

Cateel, which is some 360 kilometers from Davao City is accessible by bus at the Ecoland Transport terminal. L300 vans are also available from Davao City.MaragusanMaragusan is about three and a half hours bus ride from Davao City. Bus fare is P140. Motorcycles abound in Maragusan to transport visitors to the jump off area in Marangig or Tagbibinta falls.

Goin' bananas


More than 20,000 sticks of cardava bananas were grilled over 658 grills or (gang-gangan) which stretched for a kilometer of the circumferential road in Kapalong, Davao del Norte as they celebrated the first Musa Banana Festival lastAugust 1.
It was the first time that I ever laid eyes on so much grilled bananas. At the ceremonial go-signal from mayor Dominador Cruda, participants from the town's 14 barangays lit up their fires, undeterred by the drizzle as they bent to showdown the main product of the place.It was a free-for-all grilled banana feast as the parpticipants handed grilled bananas to all passers-by.
Bananas were everywhere: on motorcycles, trisikads, stores and houses, at the gymnasium, on the streets, trampled under people's feet and literally everywhere! People from all walks of life went to join the feast.My companions tried to outdo each other on how many sticks of ginanggang they had eaten but I kept silent because I was unable to eat any. I was too emersed shooting photos of banana eaters with the heavy camera I was carrying that I forgot to eat.
Highlighting the celebration was the unveiling of the biggest-ever three-meter long Cavendish banana cake covered with green and yellow icing. Stuffed with 4,000 banana cupcakes, the gigantic cake was set on steel stilts on top of the three-by-five meters base cake made of 377 loaves of banana cake.The whole cake consumed 1,000 eggs, one sack refined sugar, flour and 30 boxes of bananas supplied by Dole Stanfilco.
Kapalong municipal information officer Edna Parcon said it took them two weeks to set up the frame of the cake, three local bakeries to bake the banana loaves, another baked the cupcakes and another bakery owner volunteered to coat the cake with icing which took them nine hours to finish.Keeping hands off from the cake, especially kids' hands, was the hardest part while the program was going on.
Expectedly, when pandomenium broke loose and a confusing tangle of banana loaves, cupcakes, white, yellow and green icing, kids and adults swooped all over the cake to have a taste.A sticky war of icing followed (yucks!), hitting anybody even those far away from the cake. At the end of the celebration, everybody went home banana-satisfied and happy.

Igacos escapades


The invitation to join a beachineering activity with the Pundok Habagat-Davao group came at an opportune time, when I had no plans for last weekend.The invitation came packaged with "tempting activities" (spelled as snorkelling, kayaking, cave and falls and island hopping) which would be irresistible to one who always hungers for adventure outside the four walls of the office. So come along and let's sample some of the delightful places the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) has to offer.

Thinking that we would take a tour around the Igacos on board a boat, I was surprised when it was a hired jeepney waiting for us at the Wind and Wave dive shop at Sta. Ana Wharf."Ay, land tour diay," I nudged Au-au, who said that she too, thought we were going on an "island" tour.

Into the bat cave
The first on our itirenary was the bat sanctuary in Babak. A few meters from where we parked our vehicle, we heard a commotion coming from under the ground. We followed the direction of the noise and came to our first destination. I will leave you to imagine the smell emanating from the hundreds of thousands of bats, suffice it to say that only a few of us dared to go inside.

Falls-hopping we go
After a short respite at Punta del Sol beach resort where we were to set up camp, the group proceeded to Hagimit Falls, a newly-developed resort accessible by motorcycles (habal-habal) where we partook of our 'baons'.The group got a taste of spelunking at the Tamborong cave in barangay Tamborong. No bats this time but did not venture far into the cave's end because only a few of us brought flash lights. Besides, we were not properly-dressed for caving (as in most were wearing slippers..etc).To rinse off the smell of the bats and cave, the group proceeded to Tagbaobo falls in barangay Tagbaobo and had their fill splashing and enjoying a massage from the cascading water of the falls.

Tagbaobo cave is a sight to behold. On one side of the falls is a rocky wall ideal for rapelling (watch for this page in the future for I might go with the same group next month if I gather enough guts and write an article).The second day was spent on the beach swimming, snorkelling and kayaking until everyone got tired and packed up for home.More adventures are being cooked up every month by the Pundok Habagat group.

Feel free to visit Habagat at the second floor of SM Davao and contact Bernarjery "Benjo" Tenchavez, or any of the staff including Eric Rosete, Cliffer Lucilla, Francis Cunanan, Jerson Ray Rayona, Cyril Carrion, Romeo Laruan Jr., Ronald Renosa and Loreta Sacriz.

Into the darkness of Kapalong caves


THERE is more to caving than meets the eye. The word bespeaks a formidable yet exciting challenge of crawling, squeezing or climbing your way in through cold neck-deep waters, or muddy and slippery track. Beyond the twilight zone, your life depends on your skullguards and flashlights, but don't resist the thrill of adventure. Gather your guts and let's go into the darkness.

OKBOT CAVE
After an hour's bumpy ride from Kapalong town to Sua-on Nature's Park in Davao Del Norte, 35 media practitioners partook of the bountiful fruits in season courtesy of our gracious hosts, the local government unit and Kapalong Tourism Office before proceeding to the first cave on our itinerary, Okbot cave.Our guide told us that several years ago, a man named Datu Okbot lived in this cave for a long time and until his death after he was driven away from the village, hence the cave was named after him.

Water flows through the narrow passage, but the sheer beauty of crystal stalactites and stalagmites, delicate curtain formations, columns and draperies that nature has wonderfully carved through the years met our eyes and put us in a trance.In Okbot cave, one has no choice but to get wet. The water that flows on the cave floor and water that drips from the ceiling surely would make the caver wet.After hours of surmounting several hard maneuvers including the 'slim test' passage, we reached the cave's end, posed for souvenir photos and made our way back. Ah, nothing's sweeter than a long night rest after Okbot cave.

OTSO CAVE
After a hearty breakfast the following morning, we trekked to Otso cave, some 20 minutes away from the road accessible by vehicle. Unlike Okbot cave, one would hesitate to enter the dark entrance to Otso cave but once inside we were again treated to a spectacular view of nature's wonders.Otso cave lived up to its name. One has to perform the movements of the popular dance 'Otso-otso' to dodge the stalactites or the stalagmites.A few meters from Otso cave's entrance, Arjoy's camera flashed. He then pointed towards the cave wall three feet from where I stood. I trained my flashlight towards the direction he pointed and thought it was just another masterpiece of nature.

What Arjoy had just taken a photo of was a coiling banakon, or the feared black mamba. Black mambas are known to abound the caves but they have never hurt anyone before.We emerged from the Otso cave looking like we had just engaged in a mud fight. Trekking through a portion of the 19-km Banakon River Trail which features an underground river and a number of small waterfalls washed off the mud from our bodies.

Caving evokes insatiability. Each cave has its own personality and after exploring a cave, The need to explore more is irresistible no matter how exhausted we are. One can hardly resist the pull to be taken into the bosom of the earth.Not satisfied with the two-day media tour, photographer Arjoy and I decided to come back for more exploration a month later. This time we have the chance to experience real caving.

MALTAG CAVE: the ultimate experience
Maltag cave is located in Dakudao Ecotourism Park, an hour's ride away from Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The park hosts 18 caves and two cascading waterfalls. The area is unarguably an epitome of nature's bounty.We hiked on a rough road under the heat of the sun for more than three kilometers (it is never wise to trust the local folks who estimated the distance by pointing with their lips) before we came to Maltag cave's entrance. It was hidden beneath thick foliage. Kapalong tourism officials considered this as one of the technical caves (meaning challenging).

Entering through the narrow passage, we were filled with awe once inside. We could not stop the oh's, ah's and wow's to express the intense emotions we felt as we passed through stalactites suspended from a thirty foot ceiling, delicate curtains and shimmering white crystal formations flanking us on both sides.

Maltag cave requires a caver to execute all kinds of movements- crawl, kneel, duck, climb, go over or under stones, roll, jump, swim, cry, name it, Maltag provides it but unless one has gone caving in Maltag, he or she has not really gone caving at all. The ultimate test came when we have to leap from a ten-foot cliff straight into neck-deep cold water below. There was no other way to go but I miraculously made it.After more than three hours of exploring, the cave's end was in sight. Thankfully, Maltag cave has an exit point and we didn't have to make a return trip.Maningo caveJust a few minutes' walk from our camp site in Sua-on is cave. Hiding behind the shelter of a robust companion gave me the chance to really look at the eyes of a black mamba poised ready to strike.

On the way out, we had to maneuver 10 feet 90-degree slope but we did avoid meeting the black mamba this time.Kambal CavesIt was almost dark and we were tired but we willed our last few shreds of energy to conquer yet another pair of caves, the Kambal (twin) caves are short caves adjacent to each other. You get in at one cave, go out its exit and come back through the other cave. For the experienced caver, this one is not set with challenges but for a non-swimmer like me, it was hard. I had to hold on to a rope for life as the entrance to the second cave was filled with murky water.
(Lesson learned: take swimming classes)

KIBYAWAN CAVE
Nah, you really have to be good in ducking when entering this cave because Kibyawan cave is home to thousands and thousands of bats, filling the cave's ceilings without an inch to spare. We had to wade in knee-deep 'guano' (excretes of bats used as fertilizer)We came out of the cave practically covered with bat dung and carrying the terrible smell of bats. We had to endure a 20-minute ride on a dumptruck scratching our itchy bodies after our other companions informed us we can't go to the waterfalls anymore as it was already flooded. Uh-oh.

Eco-Tourism Destination
Kapalong is truly a mecca for cavers, enthusiasts and tourists. Kapalong Municipal Tourism and information officer Edna Parcon said Kapalong has been slowly carving a niche in the tourism industry as the caving and spelunking capital of the region and is attracting a fair share of local and foreign tourists.

Parcon said that of the 42 caves located in seven adjacent barangays, only 32 are explored, 24 are documented and 12 are open for spelunking and caving. The rest are for research and reservation purposes.Other identified caves for exploration are the Datu Balong, Putol Putol cave, Ungoyan cave,Datu Kugsing cave, Busay and Kapunit caves.

Caves contain so much treasure but violating simple rules can damage them. Few years from now, there may no longer be wonderful caves in their natural beauty to explore. They may just disappear from our midst with the growth of modernization and misguided activities of the people.It didn't matter that I went home with all the mucles in my body aching (rightly termed as 'grabeng pamaol') but I have no regrets. It's an adventure I will never forget, and will grab again given the chance.*

Magnaga Resort: A sun-and-sand lover's haven


One simply can not miss Magnaga Waters Beach Resort in Compostela Valley, owned by Tagum City mayor Rey Uy because it is located just along the highway a few kilometers before reaching the municipality of Pantukan.This summer, take time to pack an overnight (or a whole weekend) bag and take your loved-ones for a dip in the sea or simply enjoy frolicking along the long white sands of Magnaga Waters.
The sprawling 13-hectare resort is well suited for families, providing a wide playground of soft white sand where kids can ran around barefoot or build sandcastles. The shoreline is fringed with talisay trees offering plenty of shade to tourists.Without doubt, the resort is an ideal place to just relax, enjoy and unwind with nothing to do but live in the sand, sun and water for the moment.
Sunsets at Magnaga, according to Ate Lily (the resort incharge) are just superb. I was unfortunate not to have witnessed the sunset in Magnaga when I went there as my buddy and I arrived there very late after a series of 'mishaps'. (I haven't included in my schedule a flat bus tire that had to be changed while we waited, not to mention nearly spraining my legs when just a few minutes away from our destination, everybody scrambled for the bus door to get out when some connecting wires at the bus' rear end caught fire).
Guests can spend the night in one of the resort's luxurious cottages, dormitory, in a tent by the sea or at the bungsod (cottage at the sea). Room rates range from a dormitory good for 16 persons at P250 per person, cottages at P800 to P1,200 good for two, tent rental from P250-P350, or the bungsod, which could accomodate 50 for a rate of P300 per person.The resortt offers access to various activities like kayaking, fishing, boat rentals, billiard and pingpong, beach volleyball, and diving facilities.
It also offers amenities like a restaurant/fastfood, convention halls for meetings and conferences, lodge and cottages, open area for catering, videoke machines, catering services, souvenir shop, and a grocery store.For inquiries and reservations, feel free to contact Sammy or Nita at the following numbers: 0918-5754229, 084-218-1216, fax: 370-1986.Getting there:An hour and a half ride in a Mati-bound bus from Davao City can transport guests straight to Magnaga Waters resort.

Fantastic 9th tuna festival


Who would ever say no to an invitation to be at the only tuna festival in the world, and instead of being cramped in a passenger bus enjoy a trip within the cool comfort of Ford Philippines’ latest model, the Ford Focus? No one in his right mind would, I guess. And for someone blessed (or cursed) with an itchy pair of feet, I grabbed the chance not only with both hands but feet, too.It was my first time actually to be at the Tuna Festival even though it was their 9th celebration.
We were met by General Santos Chamber of Commerce executive director Pilar T. Afuang and Manila-based media coordinator Shane “Ayo” Gunting for a huge dinner in one of the restaurants in the city before retiring for the night. We were billeted at the ABCD Stars, a luxurious resort on the outskirts of GenSan, far away from the noise of the partying people and the concerns. It was like renting the whole place to ourselves, a rare place in the city where birds chirped outside my window and crickets lulled me to sleep but despite the semi-provincial setting, I locked the windows out of habit.I had a room to myself, a cozy single with floor to ceiling lockers, cool wood panels, and a huge mirror on the dresser which I had a hard time covering when I went to sleep at my usual 3 a.m. bedtime.
It was hard to part with the bed when my cellphone alarm shrilled at 5 a.m. and with eyes still closed, I stumbled to the bathroom.After a complimentary breakfast from ABCD Stars owner, we proceeded to the center of attraction where the tuna float parade was about to start. This year’s contest brought in 15 colorful floats, each float a showcase of art and craftsmanship displaying the vibrant tuna industry that has propelled the lives and livelihood of the people. However way they were decorated, the floats conveyed the common theme “One pulse, one force, one cruise”, a message of unity among the people despite the diverse cultures.Adventures of an amateur at the lensI was having a field day being with the two professional photographers Rhonson and Jojie and watching them as they took photo after photo with their “high-powered Canon cameras”.
The protruding lenses seemed like an automatic pass because crowds always gave way for us (comment from a by-stander- hala taga National Geographic siguro sila). I tagged along with my toy camera, a 7.2 megapixel point-and-shoot Sony which had served me in the past with my photography needs. I love this camera even though this got me ‘arrested’ by Task Force members at the Ecoland bus terminal but that’s another story.Back in Davao I had a grand time laughing when I downloaded all the contents of the two 256 MB memory cards into my laptop. Only then did I discover General Santos has so many electric wires. In some of my pictures, the floral floats were carrying huge billbords advertising fertilizers, feeds, and fastfood outlets. One tuna float was even carrying a huge haplas billboard sticking out in my photo.
When I joined famous photographer George Tapan’s f-45 photography workshop last month, I heard something which concerns electric wires but I was too busy texting and you caught me, I was not paying too much attention, and I had to learn the hard way.Ah one more thing, I made the second mistake by riding when the heat and my feet were killing me and took photos from the comfort of the Ford Focus window, and had the guts to wonder later on why my photos seemed blurred and milky.
Our hosts pampered us with food but alas, sad to say I went to the tuna festival but we hadn’t tasted even a tiny weeny slice of tuna at all… I went home carrying only a mouth-watering vision of tuna in all its glory—sashimi, inihaw na panga , palikpik (the meat near the tuna fin) or tiyan (belly) dripping in its juices over live coals, kinilaw, sushi, bagaybay, tuna longganisa or sitsaron…a reason to be back for the future celebrations of the tuna festival.

Sunset in Masao


The sun has just set and the cool seabreeze slapped our faces as we gazed at the cross by the shores of Masao, Butuan City a couple of months ago, the place which nurtures the past and claims its place in history as the original site of the First Easter Mass in the country.We felt as if we were transported back several centuries ago and I could just imagine Ferdinand Magellan's party stepping up in the Philippine soil for the first time.

The two-day trip with companions Cecille Tri¤o of the Office of the President in Mindanao, Marilyn Roque of dxRP, Ben Diansay of the Mindanao Gazette, CQ Francisco of Mindanao Times, John Paul Seniel and the late Jay Glodo of GMA-5TV network took us to this place which has seen over 1,677 years of recorded history and has been the subject of controversy as it fought with Limasawa Island for recognition as the original site of the First Easter Mass in Philippine Soil in March 16, 1521.

The issue even came to a point when Limasawa and Masao both held a grand celebration of the 475th anniversary of the recorded First Mass in their respective places. The dispute has been going on until now as experts have been called to intervene and to settle it once and for all.Only the base of the original wooden cross remained in the site. The present barangay settlers planted another cross a few feet back from where the original cross stood but its still there. A short stop at the Butuan National Museum that afternoon told us that Butuan's history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th Century as showcased in museums and festivals.

The accomodating curator of the museum told us that as early as the 11the century, Butuan has become the center of trade in Agusan.We were given a tour of the museum and glimpsed how the early settlers existed as indicated by the things they used like earthenwares, cooking utensils, coffins, boats, jewelry, farming tools and other things.

She however apologized for not allowing us to take photos or take a video footage as the exhibits were of sensitive nature and could produce a negative reaction to the flash of cameras.It was completely dark when we left Magellan's cross. I came away feeling fortunate because its not often that one gets to experience watching the sunset on a place bathed with a significant history of the country.*

Sunset at the Lighthouse

There’s a certain magnet of this particular lighthouse located at the Southernmost tip of Mindanao that lures me to come back again and again. I’ve been to this place in Cape San Agustin, Governor Generoso early this year but for only a few hours and I do wanted to see the sunset from the lighthouse. Text messages were exchanged between us and the local government unit of Governor Generoso and soon a plan was hatched for an overnight visit to the place.

Two days before we were to leave, Atong Cadiena, personal secretary of GovGen mayor Jerry dela Cerna texted that we will be fetched at 2 a.m! No problem for me but for the whole group it is a problem. Ten of us originally planned to go but first to back out was buddy Michael of the Mindanao Cross in Cotabato, followed by Mai and Rodulph until only only Dennis of Daily Inquirer and I were left. Joey never answered all our text messages and calls.

It was raining and I was so sleepy I began to pray Dennis will also back out but I was wrong. At a quarter to two a.m., he texted he was on his way. I frantically stuffed things into a small backpack and rushed to the meeting place at Magsaysay park but we grew dizzy with the strong smell of durian and no car showed up to fetch us. We finally decided to call it off and went to Jolibee for a very early breakfast but have just barely started when the call came, informing us the car was there for us.I slept through most of the trip to GovGen.



Later that afternoon, a motorcycle took us to the place that bewitched me in the first visit. The three lighthouses stood there as proud as ever, a silent witness to the history of the place where St. Francis Xavier was supposed to have said mass centuries ago. The place was deserted and we seemed to have entered into another time where we were the only ones existing.For the second time I climbed the 93 steps of the spiraling staircase of the old lighthouse, this time minus the dizzying spell that crept up on me as we neared the top the first time I climbed it.




It was exhilarating to be on top of the world where you can see a wide expanse of the sky and sea below. I didn’t want to go down but we had things to do. We had to catch our sunset.Dennis and I looked for strategic positions to catch our sunset on the lens but few minutes before, the sky turned gray and dark, threatening to rain. I was frustrated and desperate to see the sunset from the lighthouse.“Please,” I wished loudly, “just this time let a mixture of colors splash on the sky for the sunset.”And suddenly my wish was granted. It was not the round full sun setting and casting multi-colored silhoutte on the sea that I was dying to catch on the lens but a sunset just the same.




For a few seconds Dennis and I were busily snapping at our cameras, then it was suddenly over. We had to really rush as the road was newly repaired and somewhat difficult to maneuver at night with the motorcycles although the drivers were experts.We slept in an open cottage at Buso-buso beach, some kilometers away from Cape San Agustin, oblivious to the millions of mosquitos that roared in our ears as we were quite tired. A visit to Cape San Agustin is one that will leave memories for any one to treasure. Dr. Reden Bersaldo, tourism officer of GovGen said that plans are underway to develop the area to attract more visitors.“For now, road accessibility is one of our problems but we are hoping this will soon be given enough attention. Other developments will follow.


There are so many wonderful sights in GovGen like caves, waterfalls, superb diving spots, and many others,” Bersaldo said. Getting there:Buses from Davao City to Pundaguitan, Davao Oriental are available daily. From there, you may board a jeepney or habal-habal to Cape San Agustin. Contact Dr. Bersaldo at cellphone # 0915-2878141 for details.

Seagull in the mountain


Hunger, which overtook us on a recent visit to Marilog, the summer capital of Davao City, took us to this mountain resort which has been earning its niche in the tourism industry.Seagull mountain resort is about an hour and a half ride away from Davao city proper, untamed beauty of nature that gives you a feeling of floating in the skies after fog envelops you especially in the early mornings or late afternoons and visibility point is reduced to two meters around you.While waiting for our order of half a serving of fried chicken garnished with chicharon, a pot of sinabaw na lapu-lapu and kinilaw, friend Manny and I took the chance to go for a quick tour around the cool resort.Seagull Valley Cool mountain resort provides guests with a spectacular view of the woodland of Marilog District.
Aside from the restaurant, the resort also features a mountain trail, waterfalls, swimming pools, chapel, day and overnight cottages, viewing area and sprawling garden of colorful flowers.Minutes after lunch, I declared I will not leave the place without going to the waterfalls, so I dragged Manny again to go with me (our other companion Jojo begged off). The waiter said the falls is just some 300 meters away from the restaurant, but I swear it was further. Remind me again and yet again never to trust distances gauged by pointed lips.I was wearing sandals and quiet unprepared for the descent. But when we finally got there, it was worth it.
If you got insufficient time to go to the mountains, Seagull Beach Resort with white sand beach is at your fingertips located at the tip of Punta Dumalag peninsula providing one a breath-taking sight of Mount Apo.It contains a floating restaurant, cottages, overnight facilities, sea slides, picnic huts, seminar halls, children's playground and aqua sports facilities.Meanwhile, if near Digos City, Seagull in Guihing provides almost the same amenities but with the added attraction of an excellent shooting range for shooting club members. Feel free to call Tel. Nos. 221-5727 or 227-4370 for details and reservations.

Pujada: An island adrift in time


"Beware of quicksands.."Our guide warned but his voice faded into nothingness as we excitedly jumped from the patrol boat of the BFAR into the ankle-deep blue water and made footsteps in the unspoiled fine white sand.Wow! At last my long-time dream of coming to this island was fulfilled. Time seemed to stand still as we entered a totally-secluded territory.Here was an island totally unblemished by coarse tourism, adrift in the Pujada Bay, undiscovered yet by the mass market, and yet is accessible provided one gets in touch with the owners through the Mati Tourism Office.

Forgetting about time and quicksands, I ventured farther from the group with the enthusiasm of an amateur photographer, straining my hands from holding the battery cover with my palm while trying to aim and shoot.Ben's digicam looked like it figured in an accident and just came from the hospital, wrapped with surgical tapes but it didn't stop me from capturing the magnificent and unsullied view the island has to offer.To add to it, the eight batteries I took were all 'low-bat' that I had to turn off the camera for a second for every shoot I took, turn it on again before shooting the next picture.

Next in my wish list was to see the dolphins but no matter how hard our guide whistled, not one showed itself to us. We learned later that dolphins usually show up from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It was already 3 p.m. We were too late.Pujada island is approximately 156 hectares only accessible by more than an hour's boat ride from Mati wharf. We sailed past two smaller islands- Waniban and Oak island, an oblong-shaped sand bar connected to Pujada Island which disappears during high tide before docking at Pujada island.

The three islands boasts of one thing in common- fine white sand and pristine blue waters around it.Mati mayor's wife Edith N. Rabat said plans are on the way to develop Pujada island, one of the municipality's main attractions to entice more tourists to visit Mati."We are just waiting for the go signal from the Angliongto family, the owner of the island before any development will take place to make it as one of the prime tourist spots not only in Mati but in Mindanao," Rabat said.

Mati councilor Allan Andrade said the island is one of the 42 tourist attractions in the province of Davao Oriental, mostly natural attractions that include hot springs, islands, beaches, lakes and waterfalls.There's nothing like an hour's journey by sea giving that would give you a sense of leaving things behind than visiting this strip of paradise in Mati- and if you're lucky, you might just get a chance to see the dolphins in their exhibition.*

Postscripts from Lake Sebu

For anyone who seeks peace of mind, body and spirit, the tranquility of the countryside and the fresh mountain air in Lake Sebu, some 45 minutes away from Koronadal, South Cotabato is the answer. It's fantastically reviving that would make one wish to stay there forever and forget deadlines and pressures of work breathing down one's neck everday.After being jam-packed in a van which transported us all the way from Davao City, we finally came to the lake which offers the opportunity of experiencing genuine serenity which is too good to pass.Situated at an altitude of 1000 meters, Lake Sebu irrigates the fertile Allah Valley.
It is home to two peoples, the T'boli, a highland tribe famous for their colourful costumes, woven work, intricate beadwork, and brass ornaments, and the Tasadays, a cave-dwelling people.Visiting Lake Sebu would be incomplete if one will not go on a boat ride around the lake, so with my companions Cha, Kuya Ben, Roland, Rhonson, Arjoy, Mai, Maam Marilyn, Edit, Germie, Romeo and Juliet from different media outfits, we spent the next 45-minutes taking in the breathtaking wonder of nature at its best.
On the way back to Punta Isla resort, we came to a portion where the water was very frighteningly and darkly green. It's surface was so smooth, broken only by the ripples created by the boat.Nervously looking around for a lifeboat, the guide seemed to sensed my uneasiness and casually said, "Mga 100 meters na ang lalim ng tubig dito." I didn't listen to the rest of his recitation. I gripped my seat so hard and tried to recite the Last Prayer silently.
The trip around the lake brought us very close to the three islands in the lake and the fish cages that ring the tranquil 364-hectare lake.The three guys Roland, Rhonson and Arjoy stole a chance to go fishing at the lake but either they were too humble or they didn't catch anything because I never heard mention of a single fish they caught.We had broiled tilapia and native chicken soup for lunch. Lake Sebu tilapia is simply delicious, giving off a distinct sweetish aroma that leaves us wanting for more even though we were already filled to bursting point.
Only 18 of the 32 servings of rice we ordered were served so the guys had to make do with the meager rice servings.
When only Tatay Rene and Michael of the Davao Camera Club were eating, in comes the waiter with the remaining 11 servings of rice. We wagered whether the two could consume it all but even the hungriest man on earth would go dizzy with the rice. They only consumed 5 servings.SouvenirsWhile Tatay Rene was busily selecting trinkets for pasalubong to friends back home, Edit and I were also busily selecting from Tatay's collection for ourselves. Albeit grumbling, he still paid for our choices.
I contemplated on buying a pair of earrings which caught my fancy but was hesitant because I only have one pierced ear. Rhonson of Tourism (DoT) offered to split the price with me and said we would take one earring each but changed his mind at the last minute.Enterprising T'boli women in their clorful costumes spread a wide array of malong, shawls, embroidered and beaded blouses, coin purses, necklaces, key holders, penholders, and several other crafts produced by creative hands and minds, all screaming to be brought home. Only the limited contents of my billfold stopped me from doing so.World-class tourist destination.
Just recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has chosen Lake Sebu town as among the focal areas for the country's ecotourism development program and as a world-class tourist destination over the next decade.Environment Secretary Elisea Gozun said the Lake Sebu watershed forest reserve, which covers the entire municipality, would be developed as among the country's major ecotourism destinations in Southeast Asia by the year 2012.The 92,450 hetare town of Lake Sebu was recognized as one of the most important watershed areas in the country and was proclaimed as a Protected Landscape on 24 September 1985.*

Friday, November 30, 2007

A cool stop-over at Marilog


Up and away.
A scenic hour and a half drive away from the heart of Davao
city will give you a chance to deeply breath the cool mountain breeze of Marilog District, Davao's summer capital which rests at an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea level.

The place is not only known for its lush vegetation and bountiful flowers but with terrains where one can experience Davao's great outdoors to whet the stimulus of the adventurous.

I instantly said yes to the invitation of friend Manny Quisol to see something of the place last week. We reached sitio Epol and alighted from our vehicle, feasting our eyes on the array of lovely flowers displayed beside the highway.

We stopped by Foggy Mountain Garden owned by Bagahisan barangay kagawad Bilma Fuentes and were treated to a spectacular view of her vegetable, flower and strawberry gardens.

The place is very cool. No, I take that last word back, The right terms are cold and nippy because I was shivering in my thin shirt the whole day we were there.
We took a leisurely lunch at Seagull Mountain Resort and proceeded to Green Valley waterfalls at sitio Epol.
Manny and I had to drag Jojo, our driver to go down to the waterfalls with us instead of nursing his overfed stomach sleeping.

We trekked down a narrow and winding pathway, enjoying the peaceful quiet of the place broken only by the sound of crickets and gushing water until we got to the water falls.

Oh wow! The sight and sound of waterfalls always soothe my being. It made me regret I did not bring extra clothes. Entrance to the Green Valley Waterfalls is P7 for day guests and P12 for overnight guests. An overnight cottage with an attic and porch can be rented at P50 per person or for a fixed price of P1,000.
Tents can be pitched at no additional cost and guests are advised to bring their own baon. However, food can be ordered if reservations are made,

Open cottages can also be rented for P20 each, overlooking the waterfalls. This 2.8 hectare property, owned by Lolita Lopez Tan and Winston Tan started operating in 1993. There is not electricity in the place, giving guests a chance to commune with nature it but resort caretaker Bebeth Abergos said they can assure guests of security in the place. For reservations, you may contact Bebeth at cellphone # 0920-8179325.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Beachside Bungalows

The bungalows are set in the ocean’s edge, right in the picturesque traditional fishing village in Melekeok, giving one a complete feeling of ‘getting-away-from-it-all’ and going back to the basics of sun, sand and sea. We arrived at the Palau Beach Bungalows at dusk, breathing in the salty tang of air from the sea and settled in for a relaxing weekend.
This ‘Palauan style’ site for relaxation, as aptly described by owner Palau Community College (PCC) president Patrick Tellei brings you the basics of traditional Palau, far away from traffic and roaring of vehicles, blaring television sets, crowds and your daily routine.
A respite at the Palau Beach Bungalows gives you a chance to do what you want- enjoy the view of the long stretch of green blue sea, surf the huge waves at the edge of the reef about half a mile away from the beach, stretch on the bed in your cottage while sniffing the fresh sea breeze, or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the rolling waves crashing on the breakwater. You can also swim and snorkel, fish for brilliant colored fishes, hike through verdant green jungle to see one of Palau’s meeting houses (bai), walk though the village along the water’s edge to find an ancient stone monolith. Time is never enough before you have to go back to “civilization” once again.
Patrick designed and built the bungalows on weekends or during his spare time until the bungalows were opened for business in July 2005. Patrick said he built the bungalows to help pay the electrical bills of the family, and to give interested family members a way to get their hands into the tourism business.
He also said that since the Capitol was moving to Melekeok, and boats going back & forth to Koror were dwindling, he wanted the place to be there for people working on the construction of the Capitol and for anyone who wants to get away and relax.
Four of the five bungalows have a private bath, a bedroom with an air-conditioner, and living room with a furnished kitchenette, complete with coffee maker, electric burner, toaster, refrigerator, cookware and kitchen utensils
The fifth bungalow has two studio units with an outside bath.
Guests can bring their own groceries, or for a chance to savor delicious Palauan specialties, meals can be ordered from Ubal Tellei’s family living nearby (with 12 hours advance notice).
And oh yes, the place has a signal in case you need to contact somebody via cellular phone.
The rate is only $40 plus 14% tax per night per bungalow ($46.30) but Virginia, Patrick’s wife said weekly and monthly discounts are available. Palau Beach Bungalows is about an hour’s drive away from Koror, passing scenic views and the new Capitol building. For more information, please call 680-587-2533 or email palaubeachbungalows@palaunet.com.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Inter-action under the sea

If you’ve always dreamed of diving into the deep blue sea and interacting with the marine life but you still haven’t got the chance to do so, a visit to the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) can offer you the rare experience of an adventure under the sea without getting yourself wet.
The Palau Aquarium at the PICRC is the best place to experience the wonders of Palau’s unique marine world without even getting your feet wet. The Palau Aquarium was opened in January 1, 2000 but it was formally launched on January 18, 2000. Kambes Kesolei, Chief Aquarist of the PICRC said the aquarium was established to stimulate interest, increase knowledge and promote stewardship of Palau’s coral reefs and the world’s ocean environment through innovative exhibits, education and awareness programs, and scientific research. He said it also shows the inter-relationship of the habitats in the ocean.
He said this also gives visitors a first hand look into the world of the diverse coral reef ecosystem. There are over a hundred different species of fish in the aquariums. He added that keeping corrals alive inside aquariums is no small task because it requires extra care, skill and knowledge
PICRC is the only aquarium who has 18 exhibitions and among these are the exhibits on Palau Islands, the legend of Chuab, mangroves, sea grass bed, inner reef, reef crest, marine lake, camouflage, creatures of the deep, cave creatures, symbiosis, the outer reef, coral biology, video on Palau, coral cultivation, crocodiles,
Kesolei said the Aquarium is getting at least 34 percent of the market share of the total number of tourists visiting Palau. He said the peak was during 2004 when the number of tourists and visitors was at its highest.
“For last year, the number of visitors has declined but this is based on the decline of the tourist arrivals in the country, too,” Kesolei said. One’s visit to Palau won’t be complete without visiting the Palau Aquarium. It’s a whole new world full of revelations and discoveries.
Entrance fee for the aquarium is $7 for tourists and $5 for local residents. There are also group discounts and special rates for students on a fieldtrip.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Kiss from a dolphin

I had mixed emotions of fear and excitement the minute the dolphin’s cold mouth landed on my cheek-and stayed there for about a full minute. It was the first time I saw real live dolphins outside the television screen and got a kiss from one, too. We were at the Dolphins Pacific Bay, one of the rare places in the world where people could experience close encounter and interaction with the dolphins, lessons you will not get in the classrooms. Eight dolphins occupy the lagoons and only two of them are males, Echo and J. The females are Surech, Rubak, Ariel, Ekei, Layla, and Roxanne. Ramirez said each dolphin can be identified by its own distinctive features. We watched in fascination as the dolphins dived, executed perfect somersaults, flipped over, waved their tails tumbled and did as the trainers ordered them to do. “Training the dolphins takes at least two months and you have to get them into activity everyday,” Arturo Ramirez Jr., our Mexican tour guide said. He added that using the reward system helps, which means they will reward a dolphin with fish or ice cubes if they follow the instructions and do something right. Because dolphins tend to eat leaves that fall into the lagoon and eventually get sick from it, the trainers taught the dolphins to retrieve leaves and give it to them, and the dolphins get rewards for doing so. It is also a puzzle that dolphins live in salt water yet they drink fresh water. Every couple of days or so, dolphins are given water through a funnel and a hose and they sure drink a lot, says Ramirez. Interaction with the dolphins starts with an educational lecture about the natural history of dolphins and getting acquainted with the eight dolphins from their photos. This is followed by a walk along the lagoons and finally getting into a wading platform where one is given the rare chance to touch a dolphin’s body, and get a handshake or a kiss from them. For the more daring, you can snorkel, swim, scuba dive or dive with the dolphins to get a really close encounter and see their world beneath the surface of the water. Dolphins, Ramirez said, are sensitive creatures. “If you make unnecessary movements or actions they will get confused and this could affect them but they are very playful,” he said. “The purpose of this dolphin facility is to teach people to study the special abilities of dolphins, to put them as teaching materials for environmental education,” says Ramirez. He said it is important for people, particularly the children to learn the importance of protecting the dolphins and saving them for the future generations. The Dolphin facility costing $2.5 million was established in July 20, 2000. Ramirez said the dolphins were brought in from Japan in 2001 and were trained here. The Dolphin Bay is one of the main tourist attractions of Palau (A visit to Palau won’t be complete without going there) and is becoming a destination not only for tourists but for locals, for children, elderly people and the handicapped. For more information, visit www.dolphinspacific.com or email smiles@dolphinspacific.com or call 680-488-8582.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Seagull in the mountain

Hunger, which overtook us on a recent visit to Marilog, the summer capital of Davao City, took us to this mountain resort which has been earning its niche in the tourism industry.Seagull mountain resort is about an hour and a half ride away from Davao city proper, untamed beauty of nature that gives you a feeling of floating in the skies after fog envelops you especially in the early mornings or late afternoons and visibility point is reduced to two meters around you.
While waiting for our order of half a serving of fried chicken garnished with chicharon, a pot of sinabaw na lapu-lapu and kinilaw, friend Manny and I took the chance to go for a quick tour around the cool resort.Seagull Valley Cool mountain resort provides guests with a spectacular view of the woodland of Marilog District. Aside from the restaurant, the resort also features a mountain trail, waterfalls, swimming pools, chapel, day and overnight cottages, viewing area and sprawling garden of colorful flowers.
Minutes after lunch, I declared I will not leave the place without going to the waterfalls, so I dragged Manny again to go with me (our other companion Jojo begged off). The waiter said the falls is just some 300 meters away from the restaurant, but I swear it was further. Remind me again and yet again never to trust distances gauged by pointed lips.I was wearing sandals and quiet unprepared for the descent. But when we finally got there, it was worth it.
If you got insufficient time to go to the mountains, Seagull Beach Resort with white sand beach is at your fingertips located at the tip of Punta Dumalag peninsula providing one a breath-taking sight of Mount Apo.It contains a floating restaurant, cottages, overnight facilities, sea slides, picnic huts, seminar halls, children's playground and aqua sports facilities.Meanwhile, if near Digos City, Seagull in Guihing provides almost the same amenities but with the added attraction of an excellent shooting range for shooting club members. Feel free to call Tel. Nos. 221-5727 or 227-4370 for details and reservations.