Tag Archives: Mindanao

#100days, Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, Leisure Trip, Provinces

#100days Photo 7: Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao Oriental

Image April 9, 2014 geralynrigor Leave a comment

When people think of Davao, probably the first thing that comes to mind is durian, followed by the Philippine monkey-eating eagle, and perhaps the Pearl Farm in Samal Island. Getting more and more popular though, not just with the locals but the visiting tourists alike, is Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort also on Samal Island. Actually, Paradise, as it is popularly called, is one of the most accessible and I’m guessing (last visit when this photo was taken was in 2011) most developed beach resort in the island garden city of Samal. It’s quite easy to get there via the regular boats that ply the route, found in the (if I’m not mistaken) port in the northern part of Davao City. If you’re in the recognized capital of Mindanao and have time to spare, a quick beach getaway to Samal Island is definitely a must!>

Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, FotoFolio, Leisure Trip, Provinces

FotoFolio: Waling Waling, the Queen of Philippine Orchids (and Malagos garden Resort)

May 3, 2013 geralynrigor 2 Comments

Did you take Sibika and Kultura classes wherein the teacher always discusses the “national something/someone” of the Philippines? I know it’s not the Philippines’ national flower (unless the Senate bill has been approved with an HoR counterpart) but being the “Queen of Philippine Orchids”, I’ve always wondered what the Waling Waling looked like in full bloom and splendid color.

Waling Waling, scientific name Euanthe sanderiana after orchidologist Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, is found in Mindanao island. While it is endemic in Cotabato and Zamboanga del Sur provinces as well, it is more popularly known to be seen in Davao as more people “know” that Mt. Apo, Waling-Waling’s home, is in this province.

So, when we had the chance to visit Malagos Garden Resort, we did not miss the chance to have face-time with the “Queen of Philippine Orchids”. (Well, at least that’s what I thought I was seeing or taking a photo of. hehe)

It was mainly purple in color, with spots of a darker shade. I can’t remember how it smelled though, only what it looked like. I haven’t seen that much orchids in my life but really, the Waling Waling was a beauty to behold. I find it, uhm, detailed and intricate. In the sense that though the flowers essentially seem the same at first glance, a lingering look will prove otherwise.

Apart from the Waling-Waling, there are other flowers and orchids to see and admire at Malagos Garden Resort.

There’s an area that serves as a playground both for kids and adults. I think Malagos also serves as a team building, retreat and/or camping venue. There’s also these huge chess pieces that you can play with, or have photos of. The chessboard is more of these squares spread over patches of grassy land.

What I particularly liked at the Malagos Garden Resort area was the topiary of different forms and shapes. I am no gardener and neither is any of my immediate family members. But, I like landscapes, natural or man-made and the topiary at Malagos made me happy!

So yes, whether you’re interested in seeing the Walling-Waling orchid for real or you just want a soothing green space to relax, a visit to Malagos Garden Resort as part of your Davao itinerary is hereby recommended!

Activities and Itineraries, Backpacking, Budget, FotoFolio, Leisure Trip, Provinces

FotoFolio: Philippine Eagle Center, Davao (eagles, and more!)

April 18, 2013 geralynrigor Leave a comment

I was just looking at old photo albums in Facebook when I came across some photos of animals and plants, not to mention eagles, at the Philippine Eagle Center during the trip I made to Davao City with my brods and sisses from UPLB DevComSoc.

Suffice it to say that it brought me down memory lane. So before I succumb to the nostalgia, I “hurriedly” selected some photos which I would like to share with you. They’re not all eagles, but of other flora and fauna as well. The Philippine Eagle Center, apart from being popularly known as home to Pag-asa (hope), the first Philippine eagle bred in captivity, is also the home for several other avian species (birds) and animals. And yes, insects and flowers too!

So, if you can’t go to Davao to watch these birds and insects and walk along the green pathways of the Philippine Eagle Center, I hope that some of these photos can somehow transport you and let you enjoy a visual wildlife (though no longer as wild) encounter!

If you enjoyed this visual tour of the Philippine Eagle Center, wait till you actually see the eagles and animals and walk through it’s pathways! These photos were taken almost two years ago and for sure, there’s more to see at the Philippine Eagle Center now, especially after Pag-asa and Kalinawan gave birth to another eagle!

Accommodation, Activities and Itineraries, Budget, Business Trip, Cities, Food, Leisure Trip, Provinces, Transportation, Uncategorized

Dine Out Davao: Ice Giants, a ton of delight awaits!

August 3, 2011 geralynrigor 4 Comments

I’m supposed to be sleeping already but since I can’t really sleep yet, I decided to write the post for Ice Giants as part of my “Tribute to Kadayawan coz I can’t be in Davao” series. (intro written two nights ago! changed below!)

I’m supposed to be working for moolah already but since I wanted to share the joys of eating and as I promised to write a new post for my “Tribute to Kadayawan coz I can’t be in Davao” series, here’s a post on Ice Giants Desserts and Snacks parlor at Damosa Gateway Complex in Lanang, Davao City. (Supposedly for Lyndon’s but let’s skip that one first!)

Again, as with the previous post on Ahfat Seafood Plaza, prepare to be hungry. Hehe 😀

Chocolate Ice Giant — Chocolate Giant: Chocolate Ice Cream, Choco Fudge Brownie, Choco Wafer Sticks, Oreo Cookies, Choco Pillows, Chocolate Chips, Choco Syrup and other Choco Stuff plus very fine shaved ice topped with marshmallows and milk mix. To die for!

Continue reading Dine Out Davao: Ice Giants, a ton of delight awaits! →

Activities and Itineraries, Business Trip, Cities, Food, Leisure Trip, Provinces, Transportation

Dine Out Davao: Ahfat Seafood Plaza

July 28, 2011 geralynrigor 5 Comments

As promised in my earlier post on arriving at Davao Airport, I now bring you my recommended best eats while enjoying your stay in Davao, especially during Kadayawan 2011.

As explained before, I love eating but I am not a foodie. I don’t even remember the exact names of the food I eat! All I know is I like photographing food as much as I like eating it. I enjoy good company, atmosphere and superb service as much as I enjoy savoring the last bite and eating the last rice grain. These said, expect that my recommendations are not just because these food tasted greatly but also coz I had a great time while having what I am about to share with you. So, if you are in for a gastronomic armchair traveling and/or bent on trying Dabaweño food while enjoying Davao’s King of Festivals or just chilling while in your well-deserved vacay, GET READY TO FEEL HUNGRY AND DROOL. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Hehe 🙂

This post features the food at Ahfat Seafood Plaza, an immensely popular Chinese restaurant among locals and tourists alike. It’s located at Victoria Plaza. Don’t worry about not finding it coz all you need to do is ask anybody where Ahfat is and chances are, they’ll point you to the right direction.