And Davao's Best Pool Goes To...

There are a handful of swimming pools and resorts in Davao City but I haven't seen the kind that would be able to compete with the ones we see in Cebu or within the vicinity of Mega Manila. There are those who captured my interest, but they are not just something that we can really boast or rave about. Either they are just too plain or the facilities aren't too inviting.

But that all change when I went to this new posh subdivision at Eden, Toril. Newly-established Villa De Mercedes just opened it's world-class infinity pool August this year and I am very lucky to be able to see and take a dip at the newest tourist attraction in the city.

Villa de Mercedes is an 8-hectare property, which maintains its natural east-sloping terrain, the waterways that caress the land and the vegetation at the banks of the waterways. At 535 feet above sea level, Villa de Mercedes offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Davao City, Mt. Apo, Davao Gulf, the Samal Island and Davao's city lights at night.

So imagine yourself soaking and indulging in the cool waters of the infinity pool and right in front is the view of the beautiful Davao Gulf...truly amazing...I just wish I could go back to this place and enjoy it's fantastic amenities again...

Mati - through a friend's lens

Mati is one of my favorite place in Davao. It's serene sea waters and captivating landscape is truly one of a kind. I also love the people and it's empanada (yum, yum). My friend Jus,a University student at the Ateneo De Davao, just visited the place for their photography class and he captured the natural beauty of the site.

Check out this amazing place through the lens of a budding artistic photographer.

I wish I was dog

Allow me to indulge in a state of insanity. Yes folks! you just read the title correctly. Indeed,I was hoping that I was a dog,particularly the dog in this picture. He was the dog I met 3 days ago in the beautiful Island of Samal.

When we met this dog, we know he's kinda timid and shy, but he doesn't really mind the attention he is getting at that moment.He is a beach dog anyway (no pun intended),so basically, he is used to people coming in and out of their resort.

Well I just wish that I was as free as this dog. I wish I would be just like him basking under the sun, all day long,enjoying the serene view of the sea, playing in the wide white sand area and just leaving everything behind. I wish I never have to think about work. I wish never have to think about problems. I wish I never have to deal with stress and anxieties...I wish I wouldn't have to think about the depressing global crisis and how would Obama's win would affect the Outsourcing industry in the Philippines...I wish I could just have stayed in this island and just have fun,fun and fun like I've had last weekend...

How I wish I was a dog.

(first published on Nov. 24, 2008)

Pure bliss at Toyozu Mountain Resort

I have always been a nature lover.I love the sight of green meadows,the chirping birds,the flowers,most especially when it's early in the morning and it rained the night before.It is like heaven on earth. That's what I always look forward to when I was younger.I would stay in our attic then and let time pass watching the trees as they were swayed by the wind.

When I got older.I never paid much attention to the little plants that bloom in our backyard. I guess I was so busy, that I even forgot appreciate the beauty of nature that I so use to love.

This year, my life just got more and more complicated,with the account that our company handled. I actually work in a call center. The account is so toxic that I would pray for the week to end and hope that it's another weekend.

And my weekend wouldn't be complete without going to the most beautiful places within my reach. The last getaway that I've been to is the Toyozu Mountain in Mainit,Nabunturan,Compostela Valley.

There I enjoyed nature once again in it's finest. It healed me in and out. The sight of the lush greenery, the relaxing hot spring and the abundant flora and fauna, has somehow relieve me of the stress and the complications of the real world. There, I become one with nature again, to the feeling of being comforted and nursed.I'm home indeed.

The Wonders of Mati

I can't believe it's been a week since I've gone to it's wonderful beaches...Truly it's untouched, and world-class. It's refined, powder like white sand, is truly captivating...the sites and the scenes are truly remarkable and the memories we've created will truly last a lifetime...Thank you Evan, PJ, and Team Audioslave for making this Waniban, Pujada, Masao, Mati experience one of a kind...and that I'll treasure for life...

And as I touch my sunburned skin, I can still feel the scorching heat of the sun I felt a week ago...I could still hear the "oohhhsss" and the "ahhhsss", as we were all moved by the sites that we see from time to time...I can still feel the cool air and the wind that seem to whisper "come back" and sure "I will!"

I admit I've been mystified and I can't get over Mati and I am missing every single moment of it right now...


(first published on March 29, 2009)

Villa Cristina Davao

Whether one enjoys sports or just leisure time with family members or neighbors, Villa Cristina have been designed to fulfill all those needs.

Located at Los Amigos, Calinan, Davao City, the inland resort, is one addition to the many tourist spots in the city.

The time with friends and family becomes much more enjoyable and affordable at the same time, with the Villa. The focal point of the resort is the Olympic size swimming pool, which definitely stands out among all the other pools in the city.

Aside from the size, the lush landscaping and green surrounding of the resort provides a relaxing feel that will truly make you ask for more. Visit them today or make your reservations at 297-1498

Mergrande Ocean Resort

Better known today as Mergrande Ocean Resort - this pioneering inland resort is just twenty five minutes drive from downtown Davao.

Formerly known as "Villa Victoria", this inland resort is nestled in an 8.8 hectares beachfront property in Bago Aplaya, Talomo District here in the Southern area of Davao City, 

Mergrande Ocean Resort offers a unique playground for the kids and a choice of whether enjoying the waters of the beach or the pool. Mergrande also has lawn and basketball tennis courts. 

You can also enjoy fishing at the fishing village of the resort. A restaurant near the beach is also available to all those who would like to dine and unwine.

If you want to experience a grand vacation the Davao way, visit Mergrande today. It is indeed a great place for relaxation and fun.

GAP Farm Resort Davao

The GAP Farm is one of Davao City's very first landmark resorts.

Located at Diversion Road, Barangay Ma-a, Davao City. It is about 30 to 40 minutes from the city proper via the Buhangin-Panacan Diversion Road and through the Ma-a Diversion Road, then finally past the Ma-a Bridge, the Gap Farm or completely named as the Philippine GAP Farm Resort is a place where Davao City newbies shouldn't miss.

The Gap Farm is better known as the resort where we can find Davao's aptly titled name “The Land of Promise”.

It has deluxe cottages and campsites, Olympic size swimming pool, picnic area, horseback riding facilities, convention hall, and a World War II cave among others. Like Davao in general, it is filled with a long variety of flora and fauna. In fact, its garden is filled with exotic flowers and tropical fruits.

Inside, there are animal statues we can ride on, statues of heroes, of former presidents and statues of tribal people with their costumes. It is also known for the cave area with a smiling Cyclops statue model.






A recent addition is the statue collection of mystic creatures dubbed as “Conferencia ng mga Multo”. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by statues of popular Philippine ghosts and monsters like the white lady, “tikbalang” (half man-half horse), “kapre” (smoking giant), among others.

A visit to GAP Farm is breath-taking and invigorating. The lush greeneries and the beautiful forest on top of the hills make the place a must-see among nature lovers.