Davao Escapade

January 16-18, 2014

Another Cebu Pacific airfare promo. Round trip tickets for two were worth almost 3.5k. We stayed at Viajeros Economy Inn at 1k+ per night. We booked an Eden-Philippine Eagle-Crocodile Park tour from Davao Tours for fun at 2.5k/pax for January 18.

Plan A for Day #1

On the wee hours of January 17, we would go to Bislig to visit the Tinuy-An Falls. Usual travel time was 6-7 hours via Bus from Ecoland Bus Terminal. We booked at Viajeros because of the fact that it's near the bus terminal. Sadly, due to the heavy rains last week, several roads were damaged and the travel time was extended from 6-7 hours to 10 hours. :(  Maybe I'll visit the Falls next time. So off we go to Plan B.

Plan B for Day #1

Since we didn't book any tour to anywhere in Davao because of Plan A's possibility, we decided to visit Samal Island's Hagimit Falls and Monfort Bat Cave, Museo Dabawenyo, San Pedro Cathedral, Jack's Ridge, and buy some goodies from Lola Abon's Durian treats.

January 16, 2014

     We arrived in Davao at 8pm. Get on a taxi to go to your hotel. Don't worry, Davao City is quite a safe place. You could even walk the streets late at night. 

    When we arrived at the inn, we ordered 2 cups of rice and a bowl of Tuna Sinigang at Yellow Fin Restaurant. The Tuna Sinigang had a big slice of tuna. Enough for 2 not-so-hungry people to share. Viajeros Economy Inn offers a delivery service of food ordered from the said restaurant for an additional 10% of the order's price. After eating, we walked to the Ecoland Bus Terminal to see if there's a scheduled trip to Mangagoy. We asked about the fare (320php/pax) and the number of hours of travel (according to the person we asked, it would take us 6 hours). So we went back to the inn to get a good night's rest for an early travel to Mangagoy.

January 17, 2014

      We woke up at 3:30am and started walking to the Bus Terminal. We bought 4 pandesal that costs 5php each. It was bigger than my fist. We were the only passengers for the bus bound to Mangagoy. It was a blessed thing when the conductor greeted us and informed us that the route will be different and it will take us 10 hours to arrive at mangagoy. So much for my excitedness. >.< We got off the bus, returned to our inn and slept again until 7:30am.

Breakfast at Taps

      Before our flight to Davao, I did a little research on where to eat and where to go. I suggested to my mom that we eat our breakfast at Taps, just to try something other than Jollibee or Mcdo. It's a bit far from the inn so you could ride a tricycle for 10php/passenger. We visited the branch across Ateneo along Gen. McArthur Highway right beside Jollibee. I ordered a Leckasilog = 90php ( lechon kawali-sinangag-itlog -or- deep fried pork-garlic fried rice-fried egg ) and my mom had a Bangsilog = 90php ( bangus-sinangag-itlog -or- milkfish-garlic fried rice-fried egg ). My mom preferred her rice to be plain steamed rice. I suppose that you could request the fried egg to be scrambled instead of the typical sunny-side up. Sorry I didn't get to take a photo because I was hungry and it wasn't anything special to take a photo of. In my opinion, nothing can beat the taste of bagnet ( also lechon kawali but can be bought at Ilocos ), the milkfish lacked salt and pepper and the sunny-side up was undercooked. After breakfast, we bought our lunch at Jollibee ( just to be sure that we'd have something to eat in case restaurants/canteens aren't available at the location ) then we rode a taxi going to Sasa Wharf to ride the ferry going to Samal Island.

Trip to Samal Island

      From Taps to Sasa Wharf, it cost us 200php riding a taxi. If I were with someone else, I would've ridden a tricycle to Quimpo Blvd. ( the highway parallel to Gen. McArthur ), rode a jeep to Magsaysay Park then rode the Island Express Bus going to Peñaplata. But I wouldn't want to stress out my mom so early in the morning so we rode a taxi instead. Proceed to the gate where you pay 10php/pax to ride the ferry. It was a short ferry ride.

Hagimit Falls

Lower tier

     If you want to go to Hagimit Falls, do as what we did-we rode the Island Express Bus to Peñaplata for 20php/pax then hitch on a motorcycle for 25php/pax to the Falls ( I wasn't sure if it was really the lowest rate but we wanted to get there immediately so we just agreed to pay the rate ).

Upper tier

     On the road going to the falls, you will be asked to pay 5php/pax as environmental fee. Pay 40php/pax at the Falls' entrance. It'll take 97 steps going down to reach the falls. The falls would've been nice if it weren't for those cottages. I wish the cottages were situated in just one section. An open cottage costs 150php and a closed one costs 250php.

Separate falls from the first two

     I would've wanted to lie down on those big rocks but we're on a tight schedule. We still have a lot to explore and that changing room located underneath those cottages is just so d*** creepy. There were no people when we went there (except for the caretaker), probably because it was a weekday. After a short picture-taking session, we just ate our lunch and went on our way to Monfort Bat Cave.



Monfort Bat Cave

Colony of fruit bats

From the falls to the cave, it took us approximately 30 minutes. It was a scorching motorcycle ride. The entrance fee to this location is worth 100php/pax. Yes, it was that expensive.

One of the caves filled with bats!

Guinness World Record

The "tour guide" wasn't much of a tour guide. We just walked our own way. I had known more from the motorcycle driver - probably the reason why we had to pay more. From the falls, the rates going to each location on the island are displayed on a black board. Falls to bat cave = 80php/pax and bat cave to ferry boat = 30php/pax so I assumed that we'll pay 210php. But in total, he charged us 280php. Maybe he charged us for waiting up during our bat cave viewing. After our adventure in Samal Island, we went back to Davao City and rode a taxi ( fare: 170php ) going to Museo Dabawenyo.

Note: According to the motorcycle driver, the reason why there's still the ferry boat instead of a bridge going to and from the island, is because the tribal chief in Samal Island disagreed to the idea in order to control the flow of tourists. It's commendable on the part of the local government to respect the wishes of the tribal chief.



Museo Dabawenyo

If you're planning to visit Davao, it would be helpful for you to go here to gain more appreciation for this city. Thanks to our museum guide (Sorry I forgot her name) for giving us an enriching tour. Don't forget to take a picture of the art made from durian. The left side is taken without the flash and the right side is taken with the flash. Entrance is absolutely free!

Without flash

With flash - you can clearly see the
male and female person, eagle,
waling-waling, and the fish

After our museum tour, we rode a jeep ( fare is 8php ) going to NCCC mall and from there, we took a taxi going to Lola Abon's delicacies to buy pasalubong. We asked the driver to wait for us ( + 40php on top of the meter ) and proceeded to Jack's Ridge.

Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge playground strictly for children

Jack's Ridge amphitheatre and the view

We planned to eat here. Little did we know that the restaurants will open at 5pm and it was just 4:30pm. Since we wouldn't want to stay late outside AND we didn't know that we could call for a taxi to pick us up later on, we decided to just have a look around and it costs 20 php/pax. Could you believe that? Anyway, we didn't wait for the restaurants to open. After a long and exhausting trip, we just went back to the inn. We ordered Tinolang Native Chicken (comfort food!) for dinner from Yellow Fin restaurant.

Food Trucks @ Capitol Commons

December 28, 2013

How to get there:

From Trinoma, ride the MRT then alight at Shaw Blvd. station, Shangri-La side. Walk until you  find a jeep bound for Pasig Palengke. Ride that jeep and alight at the rotunda. It's near the Ynares arena. You could also have a picnic at Capitol Commons.

Food Trucks

There were *I think* 10 food trucks. I couldn't remember all of the trucks but I'll name some of the products I've tried. Some trucks not tried were: Made in Pares, Truck Bun, and  Amazing Cones.

Cheese Steak Shop

I didn't get to take a picture of my 5" sandwich because I was excited to take a bite from it. I'm not sure how Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches should taste like, but for me it was okay. The good thing here is that despite of the 5" size, there was an abundant amount of beef, cheese and grilled onions inside. I guess I should've asked for the cheese sauce. Price: 200++php

Mio Gelati

At 160php for a cup of 2 kinds of ice cream (mint truffle and salted caramel), I loved it! Kudos to the person who served us for being patient and polite even when 2 foreigner girls took forever to make up their minds on which flavor to get.

Shawarma Bros

I've tried their beef shawarma rice before at Cucina Andare. This time around, we got their chicken wrap and beef wrap. It was a bit salty this time but  I still liked it. If you're not fond of cumin or those other spices used in Indian cooking, maybe you'll get to like them once you've tasted this. Price: 100++php each wrap

I Have 2 Eggs

We got 2pcs. pancakes with Mangoes on top with cookie butter spread and chocolate waffle (2 plate-size pieces with chocolate syrup). It was quite presentable. Usual pancakes. Chewy waffles. Price for both: 320 php

Mexicombi

We got a plate of their nachos at 100php. Typical nachos. Great for beer. Loved their van.

Jasper's HOC

This shop was what irritated me most. I ordered their "Chicken Karaage" worth 95 pesos a cup. I'm estimating it the same size as that of the cup used by Mio Gelati, only to find out that it was just fried chicken skin! It was not even crispy! It's also poorly seasoned. The only good thing that I could mention is that the oil used was not rancid. Please name the product accordingly. "Chicken Karaage" was too misleading.

Beerology

We tried all their available beers. Pricey but none of the bitter taste. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I could get used to these beers.

So there you have it. I wish they could offer foods like the food trucks featured on TV.

Happy New Year 2014!

January 3, 2014

New year...new adventures...new posts....stay tuned!

My 2 year old niece

December 23, 2013

These events happened last week ( December 17-22, 2013)

My dad came from the market and bought a small plastic bag of dried fish (tuyo). My niece, who always looks forward to anybody who'll come through the door with take out, would always take whatever it is that you're holding. And so...

My mom (to my niece) : You smell.

My niece (without knowing what she's gotten herself into, smelled the contents of the plastic) : Eeewww...dirty...trixie (meaning: eeww, it's dirty, give it to trixie-our dog)

My mom : do you like to smell it again?

My niece : No

==================================================================

When I got home from work, they were busy taking the box of cake away from my niece. She was holding a spoon and wanted to get some of the cake's icing. 

Me: Hi baby, what are you doing? (I didn't expect an answer when suddenly she answered with a firm...)

Niece: Eating

==================================================================

While watching her favorite youtube cartoon series "Peppa Pig" on her own sofa, she noticed that her feet were a bit dirty. She looked at me and said...

Niece: Eeewww...Feet dirty...hol (meaning: Eeewww, my feet is dirty, put some alcohol ) 

March 9, 2014

On the way home after driving my uncle to the airport, they experienced traffic.

Niece: "Mom, push, push", "Shoo cars", "Move"

My free PANTENE treatment kit

December 10, 2013

I would like to thank Viviamo! Inc. for this free Pantene treatment kit:

I hope that my hair wouldn't need another rebond session.

Where is He?

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with You above the storm
Father you are King over the flood
I will be still, know You are God

- "Still" by Hillsong United

I have recently viewed videos/pictures of the aftermath of the typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that devastated the Visayas and part of Palawan and Mindoro in the Philippines. I have also experienced the feeling of hopelessness during the typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) 2009, Habagat 2012, and Habagat 2013, but not in the degree of hopelessness that the victims of the storm Yolanda might have been experiencing. During these dire times, I wonder why some people would ever take the time to share in social media their own bitterness in life by saying hurtful remarks to those who have suffered and survived the storm. I have even encountered this comment: "...where was God...". Honestly, I am angered by this comment, but more than being angry, I feel sad and burdened that there are still many people who need to know the Lord. So in this blog, I'd like to respond to this comment. God is with each and every person during the storm. He is present when a father, a mother, a grandparent, or a child died. He is within that person who saved another person, He is that tree that served as a lifeline for someone who was swept by the flood waters, He is within the building that protected those who survived. What I'm saying is -- He is there. In case you are wondering why I kept on using the present tense "is" instead of "was", that's because He is still there. He is within that person giving out relief goods, He is within that person comforting those who are broken and He is within that person of the search-and-rescue team. I can't visibly prove it because all I have is faith. Let me give you another question to answer: "If God was not there, why were there survivors?" I am not posting this to have an argument, all I ask is for an open mind and an open heart. All I ask is for people to stop making such unhelpful comments and start being a blessing to other people. If you can't share our faith, I hope and pray that you will soon see God's blessings in your life. To my fellow Filipinos, I share to you this verse:

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ.

Kids say/do the darndest things!

November 10, 2013

Setting: Evening. Inside the bedroom. Watching TV with my dad.
My 1 yr. and 10 month old niece, not wearing a diaper, pee-d on the bed.
My sister (who takes care of my niece) enters the room.
Knowing that my sister would be really mad at her for wetting the bed, my niece took the blanket and rubbed profusely on what seemed to be the wet spot.
Seeing her reaction, my sister, instead of getting angry, changed my niece's underwear and laughed while telling us the story.

Setting: Later that night. My niece is usually washed by my sister before letting her wear bedtime clothes.
My sister: Come, let's go wash.
My niece articulately says: I don't want.
But of course, she doesn't have any say in it once my sister carries her over to the bathroom

November 24, 2013

Setting: Morning
My two sisters went out to buy a birthday cake for my mom. My niece saw them go out then she cried. My other sister took pity on my niece, so she offered that she could take her to walk outside provided that she wear her slippers by herself. So my sister went up to get changed while I sat beside my niece figuring out how to wear her slippers. The moment I sat, she pushed me while saying:
My niece: away...don't like (meaning: she doesn't like me. she could only be assisted by my sister)
Me: ok (That was new. It was a bit heartbreaking but it was also a bit funny)

After being assisted by my sister(instead of letting my niece wear slippers, she wore shoes), my mom double checked on her attire and teased:
My mom: Maybe you wore your shoes the wrong way.
My niece: No.

Setting: Evening
My niece: Mi-milk. Mi-milk.
Me: I'll give you milk but don't play with it okay?
My niece: Promise. (So at almost 2 years old, she knows how and when to use this word. Little did she know the gravity of the meaning of this word because after a minute, she played with her milk.)