Davao City, Davao del Sur

I have got the chance to visit Davao City when I attended the RTV15 in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. When I heard about Davao City, I easily remember the famous durian fruit and Mt. Apo, which is the highest mountain in the Philippines. Durian, the king of fruits, distinctive for its size, unique odor and thorn-covered husk.

Taking flight PR 811 at 09:00 at NAIA Terminal 2, we landed at Davao International Airport at 10:50. At the arrival area, you can already smell the scent of the durian fruit. Maybe because most of the visitors who goes back to Manila got some pasalubongs.

It was hot that time as the summer season still at its peak. The airport got great view as the city really welcomes every visitors.

We took some minutes to take a rest and headed to our destination in Surigao del Sur. On our way, we stopped at Arman's eatery. Forgive me, for I forgot the exact location (maybe somewhere in Compostela Valley) I enjoyed sinigang na bangus for my lunch.

After a week of seminar, time to get back to Manila again. We left Bislig City earlier so we have more time to visit Davao City.

We headed to Aldevinco Shopping Center. Aldevinco is located between Claro M. Recto and Manuel Roxas Avenues. It is a place to go for antiques and ethnic products. It showcases the cultural and heritage of Mindanao.

Bought some sarongs and room decors at Aldevinco. Got also the chance to see Ateneo De Davao University which is just on the other side of the street and also the Marco Polo Hotel.

Before going back to Manila, we checked-in at the Forest Drive for us to take a nap before the flight to energize ourselves from the one week seminar.

Wish someday I can visit the city again so I can see more interesting places in the city. 

Tinuy-an Falls: Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur

the majestic Tinuy-an Falls

This is what you called Tinuy-an Falls, the Niagara Falls of the Philippines. I never had any idea that there is a falls like this in my country until I went to Bislig City in Surigao Del Sur.

TRIVIA: 

Tinuy-an Falls is known as Niagara of Caraga Region. It is a 3-layered falls, with a height of 55 meters width of 95 meters. This is possibly the widest in the Philippines. It is the main tourist attraction in Bislig City, a city known as the "booming city on the bay".

picture taken before trying water rafting

Tinuy-an Falls on the background!

It is one of the best waterfalls I have seen in the Philippines because of its majestic and unique natural formation. Centuries of old amazing giant trees, ferns and vines add up the beauty of this nature's wonder.

Upper deck portion of Tinuy-an Falls

View from the Top

The upper layer of the falls shows another great view. You can reach the upper layer through climbing the bridges made of steel attached along the mountainside and big trunk of trees. Picture perfect on the upper layer where you can enjoy the fresh cold water. You can as well sit there and enjoy body massage coming from the raging water.

How cool is this?!

Activities on the falls also include water rafting wherein the bamboo raft was tied underneath the falls from the other side. The raft can accommodate more then 10 persons. Had so much fun doing that. All of us had so much fun pulling the rope in order for us to go underneath the raging falls.

Tinuy-an Falls is located in a deep ravine in Barangay Borboanan, Bislig City Surigao Del Sur. It is a 45 minutes ride from the city proper.

PICOP Causeway Bay: Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur

I was a participant on the 15th Return to Vaugigard (RTV 15) which happened in Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur last April 25 to May 1, 2011. I was excited with the event because it will be once in a lifetime opportunity to meet my co-employees from all the different branches in the country. Aside from that, it will also be an awesome experience to visit different places that I have never been.

The event was great and enjoyable. I was able to meet new set of friends. We discussed environmental problems and solutions. Through the event exposure, we were able to visit different places around the city.

We visited the Paper Industries Corporation of the Philippines, Inc. (PICOP)

TRIVIA: 

PICOP refers to Mangagoy and Mangagoy was known where the PICOP resources is located. It is formerly the largest paper mill in Asia and one of the largest in the world.

The place is huge and it is great! We enjoyed taking pictures at the rocks which created as a division of the sea. It is the Philippine Sea. I never thought I would stepped on this place. Bemzy, my new found friend and co-participant who was from that place, was our tour guide.

We strolled the place and climb trees which you can see at the causeway. There is also pool at the middle of the causeway filled with sea water. The waves are big and strong. No wonder it is the Philippine Sea.

The old port was still there at the causeway but it was already rusty. We were also able to see yatch in the area. The view fantastic as it was already sunset at that time. The view of the sky is magnificent. Fantastic!

Laiya White Cove: San Juan, Batangas

Batangas is well known for each white and sandy beaches. This year's company summer outing was on the beach and we were all excited that the location was in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas. I have been to this place and I had a nice vacation here. I am excited as it is my first time to go there again, the only difference was that I am with new set of companions.

Laiya White Cove Beach Resort is a 1.5 hectare private compound which is naturally endowed with white sandy beach resort, calm blue waters in the cove and rich marine life in nearby snorkeling sites.

As part of the committee team, who handled the parlor games, I was asked to demonstrate the mechanics of the game. The game was really fun. I was bit nervous when I started but as I am doing it, I had a lot of fun.

After the games, the heat of the sun was strikingly hot but we did not mind it. We did not waste our time as we bonded together. Taking pictures here and there. We also had a lot of fun with different activities like kayaking and snorkeling. And who wouldn't love to eat food it you were on the beach. Food trip too!

As part of the committee, I stayed at the resort for one night as I was assigned two days for the 4-day outing. I got the chance to see the beauty of the resort at night. Take a look!

Chapel Area