Babu Santa

Babu Santa --- one of the best beaches I have ever been to so far! It's like just 2 hours away from Davao City. Yes, it's that far but I assure you, super worth the bumpy ride. A lot of tourists visits the island in a short while, mostly people who are island hopping and scuba divers, they usually spend an hour or two on the island to eat lunch and chill. Just like we did. But we din't avail the island hopping tour, we just go there with our stuff and spent the night over. Also met a lot of good friends! It was unexpected though 'coz they were on the resort before ours so we actually din't think of meeting friends there, well except for the locals. But it's a good thing since they were really fun and super accommodating! Shout out to the squad <3 Thanks for the good food too! It's so much fun that I don't even wanna leave the island #SEApanx. It's a remote island, means it has limited time using electricity, there's a bad reception, no internet connection, limited water (which you really have to secure!), but oh my goodness, unlimited fun! Yes, I can't stop using fun --- okay, euphoric x nostalgic! 

Babu Santa is located in Island Garden City of Samal, Talikud Island. From the word "Talikud" or "likod" which means back, is literally at the back and tip of Samal. To know more about the history of the Island, go check out this page. I will also post "How to Get There" and stuff like that below. Enjoy the photos and the long post <3

Canibad Escapade

 Summer is just around the corner - totes agree! But in my case, I came in a little earlier at the same time, queen of late. What's new? Lol! I actually forgot this blog post that was supposed to be posted last year. Say whaaaat! Hence, October 2014. I don't know if I was really busy (which I am) or totally, accidentally forgot about this. Oh my goodness, how could I possibly. It's the beach for crying out loud. And it's definitely not your ordinary paradise, but a virgin island, one hour away from the city called Canibad. It's literally located in the remote area, signal is weak, but the view is great! 

Spectrum Experience

Let me tell you a little secret of mine... I am such a Queen of all late! I mean, I totally admit it to myself but I couldn't care less. LOL! This post is suppose to be for August (right after Kadayawan Festival) but as you can see, it turned out to be posted today. Now, the long wait is over. Today, I'm going to share to you my very first Spectrum Experience. Last August 16, 2014, during the celebration of the famous Kadayawan Festival was the Spectrum Experience: Invasion Tour goes to Davao, entitled Kadayawan Invasion 2014. I know! It's the ever first Spectrum Experience in Davao City despite of so much forbidden and prohibited stuff here, they still pushed through the invasion because the organizers knew that people here in Davao loves music! Who doesn't?! The lineup was amazing, the people were excited about it, and the crowd gone wild all throughout the party! What is more exciting is having the best company you could ever think of. I've been to so much music festivals in the country, and Spectrum Experience is totally on my checklist. More fun photos below! 

Kadayawan 2014

At long last! I could finally able to face my laptop, review my photos, edit it a little, put watermarks on each, and the most awaited, to blog! Oh my gosh, I am the busiest person could be, I'm actually in the midst of my long trip in college (graduating!). To be honest, as much as I want to post an entry, I couldn't seem to find spare time on doing it. From the past months that I'm away with you guys (actually, just here but I feel like away-away), I've been thinking of "what am I gonna post", "where would I could possibly be", and such. I missed so much of blogging that I forgot how stuff works! LOL! Good thing, after almost 2 months, I am finally here, ready to share what is suppose to. If you happen to know, last August was the celebration of Kadayawan Festival 2014. To those people who doesn't know what "Kadayawan" means...

Festique 2014

 rave (noun) : a large party that lasts all night in which people dance to electronic dance music 

Last June 28, my friends and I went to Digos city to attend the celebration of "Araw ng Davao del Sur". Luckily, one of our closest friends lives there so we don't have to worry about accommodation (and food! Thank you Kim). The famous outdoor (and indoor) party organizer, The Manic Nightnings Productions came up with the party entitled Festique: EDM FESTIVAL. It was wicked! Well, if you happen to be following me on Instagram, you know what I'm talking about. Hence, I totally miss blogging AND I have so much stuff lined up for you next month. I'm so excited to share it to you, my loves! Going back to the party, it was on the evening when we left Davao City. It was drizzling on the way but thank goodness it stopped somewhere. To make the long story short, enjoy the photos below! (Thank you Gab De Cadiz for the photos!)

Lost at Sea

Summer has officially ended --- I don't like the term but I can't do anything about it. But before all the sadness overflow, let me take you to a paradise called Isla Reta. The resort is located at Talikud Island, IGACOS. It's far from the hustle and bustle life in the city plus it's just an hour away from Davao by taking the boat. It's already June and we have to make the most out of what's left before school starts by Monday! I have the busiest schedule this time. Boy oh boy! Really fully loaded but thank God for no Saturday classes! Alright, back to the post. I just had an amazing weekend with my college friends. It's my first time to go to Isla Reta and it's such a beauty! I could live there and bonus to the fast 3G connection. LOL! Oh, I tell you, the water is just as clear as crystal and the sand is fine as powder. They also have rooms/cottages which we had stayed at over the night, it's cozy and nature-y too. If I'd rate the place, I give it a 10/10! 

Beach Day

Spontaneous adventures are always the best especially when you have one of the best companies ever! Last Tuesday, my good friend, Iris and I finally reunited after months of not being able to see and hangout with each other due to lack of time and believe it or not, we are always busy and booked! We decided to head to the beach and unwind for the whole long day. She's been one of my high school buddies back then but time changes and we have to separate ways to college (drama lol). It feels so good having back your closest friend with you to hangout again in ages plus it's already starting to heat up, Summer 2014! What makes it even more special is that, it's her first beach trip for Summer 2014, though, and I'm glad we spent it together. For those of you who don't know, Davao City proper is just minutes away from the gorgeous Samal Island. You just have to ride a barge or boat to get to the destination, usually barge is very accessible to everyone. You can go to Samal via barge anytime you want! It's very convenient to every tourist/s who wants to escape the hustle and bustle life in the city - even to our part as locals, if we have spare time and longer weekends, we always head to the beach to unwind. Speaking of the beach, we went to this beautiful resort called Villa Amparo. It's located at Sitio Dasag, Barangay Camudmud, Island Garden City of Samal. From Samal wharf, it's a 30-45 minute drive via motorcycle, private vehicle/s or you may avail their shuttle. To make the long story short, scroll down and see our photos using my Monopod and 3-in-1 lenses for the first time to the beach.

Earth Hour X Spectra

Davao will always be the place to be. Why? For a lot of reasons. And by A LOT, I mean, unending speech. Hi readers/bloggers! Tonight, I just reached to 21k viewers on this Travel/Photography & Lifestyle blog, which I am so proud about! Thank you so much, it means a lot to me.

To begin with, last Saturday, March 29, 2014 at SM Lanang Premier - Fountain Court, a neon-glow party was held by which of course made by the one and only ManicNightnings Productions who was also the creator of the biggest party in Davao -- Carte Blanche 2013, Reverie, Liberalia and the recent party, Spectra 2014 ... and so much more! In celebration of Earth Hour 2014, at 8:30PM, people gathered to celebrate, participate and dance to the beat of the drums as we switched off all our lights/gadgets/etcetera for full one hour. In relation to the event, Manic came up with an idea to why not double the fun? PLUS, IT WAS FOR FREE! Can you imagine it --- FREE FOR EVERYONE TO JOIN THE WICKED PARTY! Everyone loves that, who doesn't? Though it was pouring hard all over Metro Davao, it didn't stopped us to party and enjoy the night full of colors! 

Street Party

Last March 15, during the 77th Araw ng Dabaw, there was a big party happened in Davao. Hence, Step-Up Street Party. If you happen to see me and was able to go to the epic party, then you haven't missed half of your life. LOL! I know, this has been 6-days later. I just wanna say sorry for the delay since I am sort of busy doing my journal (which I already finished), did some school stuff (though we don't have classes anymore), and watched movies most of the time! Now back to the party. It was held along the street of Palma Gil, Bo., Obrero where the night life of Davao always happen. The fact that it was free --- Yes! It was free for everyone so I think half of the population of party people in Davao came and witnessed the chaos. Good chaos! Not denying it, there were a lot of parties happening on that day, on that hour. During the street party, I saw a lot of my friends whom I thought they weren't going, but they did. The calm before the storm, my friends and I happen to avail on the second floor of World K-Box which is really near from the stage where the DJ's rocking the night, fronting Starr, Cork & Barrel and so much more. 

Retaliate

Hi there folks! I haven't been on the track lately since I was so busy at school. Thank God, it's Friday! Ugh! I have pending posts that're waiting for my approval but I don't have spare time to do such. Anyway, accept my apologies. Teehee! I have exciting news and event for you! Comeback Presents...

Party Poppers

As we all know, we are only left with 3 months 'til we say goodbye to the year 2013! How time flies too fast, and it's too odd if we aren't even gonna make use of this year. What I got right here to share with you are the two parties --- Hence, 2 PARTIES! The Sembreak 2013 and The Carte Blanche 2013! If you happen to follow me in any of my accounts (i.e., Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) you will know what am talking about. I've been posting their official posters on my accounts too! As far as I know, there are a lot of people who are interested about it. Who doesn't? Apart from the fact that these two parties will be on October and November, I have to post this on my blog for you to think about it and save up your allowance for this surely be remembered event! Well, don't get your hopes down since the official Carte Blanche team is giving away tickets! 

Kadayawan Festival 2013

Kadayawan Festival, one of the most celebrated festivals in the country. It commemorates the town's thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and blessings to each town's and tribes. It's celebrated yearly during August usually held on the second week. It's been an honor to participate at this event. Gladly, our school also performed during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan. It is participated in numbers of categories consists of participants in different schools, places, etc. Despite of the security measurements that was implemented during the whole event, locals and tourists didn't hesitate to go out, explore and enjoy what Davao City offers! Likewise, my friend (Dina) and I didn't waste any time. As early as 7 am, we were preparing for our cameras and lenses to be use during the event. It was sizzling hot that we had to roam around (of course, with our ID's) for us to enter the site. Since everyone can't enter the main stage/performance area then. Luckily, we have the Photographer's Pass. It was very different this time. It was unexpected for some reasons. But then, I'm glad nothing bad happened. Somehow, we did enjoyed covering the event (which we usually do every year). Well, so much for preaching. Let me share to you some of my shots during the Indak Indak sa Kadalanan 2013.

August Mayhem

Hello August! Can I tell you how excited I am for this month? Like... very very excited! Jam packed of activities and parties! Why? Because it's another year to celebrate the Kadayawan Festival. It's one of the biggest and grandest festivals in the country, tourists come to Davao for a week or maybe even a month to see and for the one week festivity. I am much more excited to tell you that there are lined up parties on the festival. Time to put on some dancing shoes then! I am lucky since our school's also participating on the event and compete on the street dancing category. Our midterm exams will be up ahead than any other schools (since we are Trimester) and yep, you will definitely see me capturing timeless moments on Kadayawan! Where? On the streets of Davao City, of course! Don't hesitate to say hi! ;) Speaking of which, back to the parties. If you're too awesome and definitely a party goer, here's for you (and for me too!)

Korean Night

I finally have a chance to post something on my blog before this month's end! Ahhh this day was so much fun! Reunited with some of my closest friends in high school and catch up a lot of news and stuff and did A LOT of unending photo sesh with those guys! Tiring and cray but worth it! Getting back to what went well tonight. So I had to hurry and head to SM Lanang Premier to meet with my friends. Unfortunately, it's a very long ride from our house and the fact that I left the house on a rush hour! When I arrived at SM, I have no idea it was jam packed with people since the mall is having a 3-day Sale and there were so much guests in one night. Eun Joo Park, a Korean rock violin diva at the Atrium! I really don't know her and it's my first time to see her. I never thought she's really good and rocked the whole place! My friends was also at Manna Davao, a Korean restaurant that serves really good Korean dishes! I think I fell in love with it *winks*. 

Boys Night Out

 The month of June has been a cray yet fun and unexpected month for me! The both last 2 weeks of it: Well spent! As promised, here are the photos from last week's night out with the Boys of Magic 89.9. If you're familiar with them, then you're cool! They've been touring around places/cities in the Philippines and fortunately we've been so lucky to be part of their SmartBNOxDavao visit! Since I am a Smart user, and that party was courtesy of Smart, I was then had a free entrance ticket and a meet and greet pass with the DJ's of Magic! Lucky? Super! And that doesn't end there, my friends and I met them all and had an opportunity to chit-chat with them and make friends with 'em! Thanks to Smart, Live More for the letting me in FREE! A party went well by Magic 89.1 Davao and everyone was having F-U-N! Ecstatic! Take a peek of what went cray last week's Friday night.

Jack Daniels

Being a college student need A LOT of effort. Even on a Sunday, you really have to work instead of being at home or church with your family. But in our case, we were at the airport to take photos for out Tourism Planning thesis making. We had a 50-50 chance 'cause of the weather. It did rained so we had to pull over and wait for it to stop. Was also lucky since we took photos from outside (since we aren't allowed to go in for some security reasons and definitely if you are not a passenger) before it rained. Didn't expect to rain since Davao was having a really humid weather. You really can't detect Davao's weather sometimes and it just suck! But thank you to SMART LTE, I had to update socially! Woop woop! And fast! Before anything else takes place, here are some of my "so me" shots taken by my good friend Eunice. She instantly had a good relationship using my SLR though and I am so happy about it! ;) 

Motion

It's once another month to deal with. More of only a month before classes will begin and that doesn't want me to start yet! May 1 & 2 has been both productive to me well because of so many reasons. The second day of this month has been more of like it! I did a night photo walk, it's my first time so I am not good at lightning and my I can't control my hands on being shaky. So I decided to title my work today "Motion" since people & cars are moving. The subject I have today is a bit more interesting since I went to two of the busiest streets in Davao City. First stop: China Town (Uyanguren) and the second stop: San Pedro Street. I think most of the photo-walkers loves to go here since it has so much! From dusk 'til dawn or sunrise to sunset. Besides, you can find everything under the sun in these so-called people's shopping retails! If you've been here, probably you know what I'm talking about. Well if you're Manila, it's like Divisoria or Baclaran--- something more of it like that BUT cleaner and much safer because there are Patrols who roam around the street! If you're fun of the so called "Ukay-Ukay" or "Wagwag" then here's the perfect place for you. From clothes to shoes to bags, name it and it's there. Well patience is totally in need to this place since there's thousands (or millions) stuff to find! 

Let the Sunshine In

Oh hooow there! I never in my life was a morning person. For the record, I sleep by morning and wakes up by afternoon. That's how my Summer rolls, maybe I just have to deal with it. Why don't I like mornings? First, I don't get the essence of waking up so early. Though I like watching the sunrise and that's it. After watching, I get back in bed. I know, I'm that weird. Since today is a Sunday, family day and so on. This has been my first time for a longest time to wake up as early as 5AM, because usually during regular days, I get up by 7AM and do something real productive. Like today, going to church with my Mom, listen to the homily and be blessed! After which, the mass ended at 7:30AM which I still got to drop by at McDo and eat something while going back to the house. Actually, the real deal is, church is just blocks away from home which is having an option between walking and walking. Just kidding! But it's actually true. As promised, I had a mini photowalk with my camera (yipee) and Mom who held my things. Thanks Mom! 

I got some shots while passing by to the streets. Since it's early in the morning, it's not yet a busy hour for mostly everyone. And it's Sunday, like duh! Anyway, the morning was gloomy. So I didn't get too much of what I was about to.