Gardens of Malasag Eco-Tourism Village

Speaking of communing with nature, like visiting Eden Nature Park, I recalled visiting a similar place when I was still working in Cagayan de Oro City. I and Dennis had decided to go back to Davao City and work telecommute. So, it was like the last hurrah for us - enjoy and see CDO's sights before we leave the city. Supported by two of our close friends, Mhai-Mhai and Clyde, we went nature communing in Gardens of Malasag.

The information we gathered at this site enthralled us so much. However, to our disappointment, some facilities were already, shall I say, obsolete. These were not maintained and, thus, fell to deterioration. Nevertheless, the four of us were determined to enjoy the place regardless of its state. There were still nice spots. Hiking the acres-large establishment and absorbing the scenic views along the way, I'd say, we have conquered the Gardens of Malasag. *wink*




Some photos are taken from this site.

Eden Nature Park

The first time I've heard about Eden Nature Park was also the first time I visited this place. That was years ago, when my high school bestfriend had this venue for her 18th birthday celebration. The place was still quite raw then. A work in progress, an employee said. However, I could already see the makings of a fantastic place for those who enjoy Mother Nature.

I had visited the place twice since. Each time, new attractions were added. Each time, Eden Nature Park became more and more beautiful and enjoyable for me. Indeed, Eden Nature Park has established its reputation as one of Davao City's premier destinations for nature lovers, like me.

Eden Nature Park has a lot to offer for all ages - guided tour, hiking and trekking, camping, swimming, and fishing among others. The place also boasts of using farm-grown organic herbs and vegetables in their restaurant's fares. The flowers, trees and others plants also come from their garden and nurseries. They also have an animal sanctuary and scenic spots like ponds and waterfalls. For more information, visit their website. Pictures shown are courtesy of their site. (P.S. I'm berating myself for not bringing a cam each time I come to Eden!)

The Venue

Watch. Dance. Eat. Play. Where can you do all these in one place? The Venue!

Located beside Davao Central Bank, the Venue is a big factor why the city's residents changed their nightly habits. The party place as it's called, the Venue features a very large space for entertainment. The country's top comedy acts, bands, and solo artists are usually featured. When such live performances aren't offered, live bands play on stage for crowds to dance or simply listen to. Outside is a compound of cafés, bars, restaurants and other places to hang out. The usual crowds are a varied mix - from teens to yuppies to the more mature patrons. Dress code is anything goes. But as this is a party place and where you might just bump into someone interesting, it might be a good idea to don up your best rags! hehe

Photos courtesy of their site.

Davao Crocodile Park

Shame on me... Had it not been for friends from Cagayan de Oro wanting to see the sights of the city, I wouldn't have set foot on the new Crocodile Park. Tsk, tsk, tsk... Me, being a native Davaoeña at that!

Oh, well. There's a reason for that, see. I visited the park a long time ago and was dismayed by its conditions. It was called Crocodile Park - but a park it was not. It was more like a large backyard where the owners bred crocodiles. It was also like a so-so zoo where a number of different animals where caged and displayed. I thought back then, "So, this is it, huh? I'm never coming back to this place."

Years passed, news of the park's renovations and new attractions spread on to ears from far away. It was with this fame that my CDO friends egged us Davao locals to accompany them to the park. Though I was hesitant at first, I was soon caught up in their excitement to see the famous Pangil, the park's resident giant croc. And was I ever surprised! The place was transformed! Now, I can truly say, Davao Crocodile Park is a park! Lol!

We thoroughly enjoyed the place. The park was clean and the animal exhibits very orderly. The animal shows were fascinating as well as amusing (thanks to the playful orangutan, Vivian). The Crocodile Dance was quite frighteningly mesmerizing. I didn't think heavy, short-legged crocs could jump and lift its whole body out of the water to snap at the dangling dressed chicken! But it did! It was awesome. I wish I had taken a snapshot of that exact moment. Oh well, maybe next time.

For more information about the Davao Crocodile Park, do visit their site here. Picture credits to the Davao Crocodile Park site.

The Apo View Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Davao City's bustling metropolis is the imposing facade of the 10-floor city landmark. The Apo View Hotel is a first class hotel with world-class facilities - 159 guest rooms, ballrooms and conference rooms, business center, live-music lounge, discotheque, pool, casino, and spa services among others.

I got a chance to taste this hotel's luxurious amenities when my mother became a member of the Diamond Club. Armed with complimentary tickets, the family trooped inside our spacious room for a night's stay. We swam in the exclusive pool. What's nice about this experience was the view. Situated at almost mid-height of the building, we could see the busy streets below. It was specially made beautiful because it was nighttime and the city's lights were twinkling a different colors. After rinsing ourselves, we roamed the hallways and discovered where the casino, the restaurants and pubs are. We dined at the Top of the Apo, the hotel's restaurant, aptly named so as it was located at the topmost floor of the building. We dined on the scrumptious buffet offerings while gazing the city's nightscape. It was with satisfied smiles that we plodded back to our room. With the very inviting bed before us, we tried to delay the inevitable by watching the television and talking non-stop with each other. When we could no longer keep our heavy eyelids from closing, we laid down on super soft comforters and slept soundly. The morning after was again spent on roaming around the hotels grounds and facilities. We left the hotel before lunch. Short though the stay was, the experience was well worth it. It isn't everyday that common people like us could sample world-class service and surroundings.

Manila Ocean Park

A picture paints a thousand words... I'll give a you a few pictures for a few thousand words! Lol! What can I do? I simply feasted my eyes on the marine life exhibited on Manila Ocean Park, the Philippines' first state-of-the-art oceanarium.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel

I had a chance to be billeted in this premier hotel for two nights. Was the experience ever luxurious! With the exquisite furnishings, elaborate designs and the friendly staff, I felt like a star. Unconvinced? See for yourself!






To learn more about the hotel, its rates and packages, and reservations, check this out.

Reminiscing Camiguin

Who could forget such picturesque views? It was the summer of 2004 - my first ever trip to Camiguin. We filled our schedules with bathing at cold and hot springs, visits to the sunken cemetery, the old church, and plodding our way through all fourteen stations of the cross.

Oh! Did I forget to mention our trip to Katibawasan Falls? Yeah, the water was very cold but very invigorating. Our trip to White Island was somewhat so-so. We were a bit regretful we didn't bring our bathing suits! Lol! We'll have to go back and be ready the next time.