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! 

Summer 2014 Festivals

The countdown to Summer and heat has officially started few weeks ago. But before I want to introduce you to my blog post today, I just wanna congratulate all the newly graduates! *Dancing and clapping*. I know what you're thinking, you need to getaway from hustle and bustle of the city PLUS a reward to yourself for accomplishing the semester and to finally step forward to the future. Here's what I got for you! The very first Summerfrolic: Feast on Waves and the very first Electronic Music Festival of Colours that will be happening this coming April. What excites me more is ... *drum roll please* SarBay Fest 2014! The town of Sarangani brings back the biggest beach festival in Mindanao this coming May. The fun and excitement continues this Summer! 

When in Cebu

Oh boy, I love Cebu! For a lot of reasons though. I can still imagine our endless food-trip and pig-out every night especially when it comes to grilled foods. Cebu is extremely famous to grilling almost any poultry and meat you can imagine! The rice they use is called "puso" (hanging rice), if you've ever been in Cebu, you know what it is. It's a rice wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. It is almost always eaten in pair with barbecues (which Cebu is known for) and you'll find puso at almost any store in the city. We all eat with spoon and fork, but forget about it -- you gotta eat puso with your bare hands. Shameless about it, don't be too conscious since almost everyone eats without the utensils! There are thousands of barbecue joints in Cebu and the fact that it's clean, sold on a very cheap prices, and really mouth-watering too! 

Out & In Cebu

The best thing in traveling is that you'll never expect what you're going to see. Honestly speaking, I never knew what the place looked like. As much as I'm concern, it's a 2-hour drive from the city proper. I din't have time to Google the place and see the photos. I asked my mom about it and she said it's a beautiful place. I wasn't disappointed of what I saw. But before that, on our second day in Cebu, which is still a tour-day, we went outside the city. Going to Simala will take you 2 hours from the city. You're going to pass by several cities like Naga, Carcar, Minglanilia (if I spelled it right). The place is very famous and a must visit too! The structure of the building is beyond gorgeous! As what I have said earlier, I never expected what I saw. Thousands of miracles happened to people when they solemnly prayed for their success. When you reach the inside of the building, you can see letters, pictures, stuff in every walls and corners of the place. It's beautiful and I had goosebumps when I saw it. The place is jam-packed with people, especially when it's Sunday. By the way, we went there on a Sunday. If you just believe, your wishes and prayers will come true.

The Queen City of the South

Major OMG! I finally got back from Cebu (yesterday) and I was so excited to be back in Davao and blog. If you're wondering why am I in Cebu for 18 days is because we had our OJT (On the Job Training) there in The Queen City of the South. But if you've been following me on Twitter, Instagram or even Facebook then you must be up to date on what's happening to me. LOL! But let me set aside first our OJT mems. Last month, February 15, all second year BS-Tourism Management flew to Cebu City. We arrived in Mactan at around noon, it was extremely hot. And I am quite excited to be back after 10 years! Long time ago, right? *Sigh* Plus we were a bit too late for Sinulog Festival, but whatever! So much typing, let me just share to you what went well on our first day. 

#Sembreak2013

It has been forever since the last time I posted an entry! Oh how I miss blogging! *cries*. I have been so busy with stuffs that's why and since today is already November and there are few more weeks before December, let me fill you up on what I've been up to! Last October 25th-27th, my friends and I went to another epic party in Mati City, Davao Oriental for the #Sembreak2013! And the crowd didn't disappoint us for being so wild and fun! It was waaaay better than last year. It's all over Instagram too! Just search for the key word #Sembreak2013. To make the story short, here are some cray photos we took before and after! 

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*. 

SarBay Fest 2013

Are you hitting the beach this May? Do you want to explore beaches and places you've never been to? Then this is for you, SarBay Fest 2013 (Sarangani Bay Festival 2013). This is the biggest beach festival in Mindanao, if you'd ask. Sarangani Bay is located on the southern tip of Mindanao here in the Philippines. General Santos City or commonly called by the locals as GenSan is one of the Philippines most important cities and ports, is located on the bay of Sarangani, making it one of the busiest. Well so much for that! Let me take you to the Festival. This coming May 24-25, 2013 (SAVE THE DATES!!!) it is gonna be a one hit of a big party knowing that a lot of people were talking about this on Facebook & Twitter, and that includes us! SarBay Fest will be held at Gumasa, Glan, Sarangani. 

TRIVIA! 

Did you know that the island of Gumasa is titled as the "Little Boracay" in Mindanao. 

You may check out this blog as well

www.senyorlakwatsero.com

or just simply type Gumasa Beach on Google to see more!

Since it's compared to the majestic, pure sands of Boracay it's hence in quite similarities. Though I haven't been there, my friends told me that it has really good quality of sands and clear blue waters of the ocean. Oh, this makes me feel so excited going to Gumasa, barefooted and enjoying the breeze of the wind and the pristine waters of it! Mindanao has so much to offer! I have been telling you this for the longest time. You can never go wrong if you will travel the highlands to Islands of Mindanao.

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! 

Day Four: Just Capture It

Our fourth and last day of the tour has finally come to and end! Awwweee sad but at the same time, we all had fun! So our itinerary for that day was to visit Overview which is amazeball, lunch at Seagull mountain resort and lastly, visit Philippine Eagle Center. Leaving Bukidnon was so much in a hurry since some of us woke up late and I haven't finished packing my stuffs yet. But thank God, the bus didn't leave us then. We have to travel hours to get to our destination, which is first the Overview in BuDa (Bukidnon-Davao) road. I have nothing else to say but... the view was truly captivating. It's so nature-y and refreshing but everyone went loco to the "pasalubong" corner which is on the hallway. So much for that, enjoy the view and the photos! :-)

Day Three: Bukidnon City

Blog post tour finally on day three! Hooray! Well, it's sad to leave and say goodbye to the awesome Cagayan de Oro but everyone has to. On the third day, we are heading to Bukidnon. It's like Tagaytay/Baguio scenery, yet it's located in Mindanao. It's cold and foggy even if it's summertime. The place is totally relaxing since there are thousands of pine trees surrounding the place! The view's are great too, sad to say I don't have photos of most of it since we were sleeping all through out the travel. This wasn't my first time in Bukidnon, but first time in Waig Crystal Spring Resort. Yep, that's we're heading. We had an overnight there, which we were freezing in coldness plus the air-conditioned rooms were bummers! There's so much in that place, though. You may avail with their cable cars, horse back riding, hanging bridge, the zip line and their pools and so much more! Check out their official website, just click the link: Waig Crystal Spring Resort. The tour wouldn't be complete without photos, right? Check out my shots! Enjoy :)

Daylight

FOURTH DAY:

Woke up did not know we'll be leaving Mati City by the afternoon.

It was a Sunny, great weather to spend time on the beach. It was early in the morning that we have to prepare because we are going to Masao. Supposedly, we'll be going home on the 30th but due to the schedule conflict, we had to leave so soon. We didn't expect it though. But despite from the unexpected plan, we DID enjoyed our day in Masao. We also went to Dahican for the last time to swim there, we stayed there for only 30 minutes.

Calm and High

Third day in Mati City: Overwhelmed

We woke up so late on that day that we can't

even remember what happened last night. Barely

remembered anything, it was insane! 

So we gotta hurry up 'coz we're going to the beach

to buy slippers and swim. By the afternoon,

we went back to Dahican Surf Resort because

Ate Neesha want to experience the waves in

Dahican! It was a quick swim though.