By
maej on January 22nd, 2008
Posted in Davao City, Travelogue | No Comments »
Sky rider located at Eden Nature Park Resort in Toril, Davao City was recently opened to the public in November of 2007 (barely a quarter old facility). If you have not indulged completely with the greens and the breeze up in the cooler part of Davao, then sky rider is a must ride to get more engulfed and get awed at Davao’s greenest view from the top at 100 ft. above for 400 meters. Its like a buffet table of lush greenery and blue skies.
So now you ask me how much? At only PhP 150.00 per ride, it has been an instant liking even to my niece, Alyssa (age 4) and nephew, Joshua (age 6). It was a great family weekend get away, perfect for all ages.
Remember the popular “Indiana Jones ride” at Eden? Well, the sky rider is the “godfather version” at a much higher depth, longer ride and with all relevant safety gears (i.e. harness and helmet). Oh, they also asked us to sign a waiver form. Should I get nervous? I must admit that I did, at first. The succeeding rides were addictive. I have to stop short because I was seriously considering putting the same facility in our farm in Bansalan. LOL. I could just imagine a “ride-all-you-can” facility like this. It would be a blast.
Mandy and I getting all prepped for the sky rider! Hell, i don’t look nervous, do I 
Behind us is the 100 ft. facility. Nerve-wracking, holy mother of steps :-X
Click here for more photos.
By
maej on October 14th, 2007
Posted in Beach, Davao del Norte, Travelogue | 8 Comments »
Hof Gorei Beach Resort (Kaputian Island, Samal, Davao del Norte)
“To exceed every expectation of every guest every time”.
So I am playing favoritism nowadays. After several weeks (seriously it has only been two weeks!) in the city, Mandy and I would just look at each other, our eyes speaking of the same thing: beach! But where? So many beaches to go to, so little time. HOF GOREI BEACH RESORT has become our likeness for several reasons:
a. Personalized Service. On any given day, especially during peak seasons, service sucks in beach resorts. It takes 48 years for the food to be served, or a glass of cold drink but at Hof Gorei, the service starts even before you ride the resort’s small boat. Their staff assists happily to arriving guests by getting their stuffed bags. As soon as the resort’s shoreline is within sight, the staffs are awaiting, beaming from afar and eager to assist their guests and guide them to the bar where a welcome drink awaits. Even the security guard by the gate greeted us with a perfect “Good morning, Sir, Ma’am”.
The pineapple drink, laced with a bit of vanilla-flavored vodka, is soooo good, and better than the welcome drink served at Pearl Farm. While enjoying the drinks and the fresh salt air, our bags were to be delivered ahead to our rooms and we’ve got only ourselves and a key to worry about.
Royal treatment. The staffs are sensitive to the needs of their guests. They are very courteous and polite. Its like dining in a first class restaurant and bringing that experience in a beach resort. They fill your glass with water without hesitation and without asking. In fact, the silverware is impressive, using Scheffler in table arrangements.
Butlers? We were told by Madame April, the owner, that part of her vision is making her resort well known for its personalized service. She even entertained us with the idea of having “butlers” (think of Alfred, Batman’s loyal butler in an island shirt and shorts). We felt that kind of service through Vic, a staff who has been evidently following us every now and then, checking if we needed towels by the pool or a glass of cold water or drinks. It wasn’t annoying at all. Its just great to have someone attend to our requests right then and there.
b. This is REAL vacation. Tranquil, silence and privacy. If you ever dreamed of owning a beach resort then Hof Gorei is the place where you can feel exactly that way for a weekend. They have a stone hut, perfect for candle lit dinners overlooking the Davao City lights. Since its fairly new, and still developing, few guests come here. So imagine, owning a resort with excellent service. Now that’s real vacation.
c. Diverse flora and fauna. Paradise-like ambience. The vibrant owner, Madame April, loves flowers, birds and fish. So imagine this resort filled with those. Because there are flowers everywhere, I see lots of butterflies, sometimes diving the poolside, and swallows hovering above as I let myself float on the pool. We were told that she pets crows and so I hear them from time to time. All throughout the day and night, you hear chirping birds, chicks and even kabir! Its a sweet sound to put you to sleep, apart from crickets, and wake you up in the morning.
d. Pool Nestled in a Sunken Garden. So what’s so special about this pool? It has an underwater stool-type chair where half-dipped guests can sip a cold bottle of beer or a tropical fruit shake in a small shade provided by a bar built right next to the pool. Truly comfortable. Getting a good tan is no problem at all. I like the fountain-like accessory for a quick shade and a cool breeze on a very sunny day.
Just loving the hot sun, sea breeze and water splash!
e. Color-themed cottages. The yellow cottage is situated next to the pond where tilapia fingerlings were fed in the mornings. The blue cottage is located conveniently near the pool. The green cottage has an attic fit for big groups while the red and maroon cottages are nearer to the shore. The main building has three floors and an attic. It was called “Gorei house” was originally planned as a residential but was diverted to a restobar and more rooms in the third floor and attic with a glorious view of the beach, Malipano island on the right and Mt. Apo on a clear day. A small community rests quietly on the left and houses on stilts a few meters from the shoreline.
f. Sensible price for great tasting and generous serving of food. Ever heard of ridiculously expensive food in beach resorts that tastes nothing ordinary? Not Hof Gorei. The food selection includes European and Filipino dish, with a wide variety of salads to choose from. The pasta is served in heap serving, while the soups are great. Craving for something sweet? Order Madame April’s special (off the menu) desert called durian in cognac or “dugnac” (pronounced as “dunyak”) for a heavenly pleasure. I swear, its the next best thing to … you know what!
g. Getting there. From Davao Sta. Ana wharf, a small boat will transport 2-8 guests to the resort for a 50-minute ride. The motor’s noise is definitely deafening but patience is the key. The resort is just a few meters away from Pearl Farm and Malipano island.
Now you’re itching to check it out, right? And the inevitable question comes in to mind. How much would it cost? Think of it this way: You pay a package price that includes room accommodation, inclusive of boat transfer and free breakfast. Very practical.
Let’s check the history. The resort had its “soft opening” in August 12, 2007 slash birthday celebration of Madame April. Hof Gorei took 18 months in the making, and its still under a lot of developments. I can’t wait to come back here after 6 months. I’m sure its going to be much better!
Click here for more photos of Hof Gorei Beach Resort. Cheers!
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By
maej on October 5th, 2007
Posted in Davao City, Event | 2 Comments »
Date: 27 October 2007 (Saturday)
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Venue: 4th Floor, NCCC Mall, Ma-a, Davao City
Registration Fee: FREE!
Yes, I’m participating in the 1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit. Excited? Of course! I’ll be looking forward to meet Mindanao Bob, Blogie, la la la la la. It would be great to brush elbows with people who are so passionate about Mindanao and discuss more about travel and leisure, lifestyle, tourism, other than the usual conflict-related issues we see in the news. The timing is perfect to organize such event and I’ve only one thing to say: IT’S ABOUT TIME! 
Cheers and see you all there.
1st Mindanao Bloggers Summit Sponsors:
By
maej on June 12th, 2007
Posted in Food Trip | No Comments »
For those of you out there with a sweet tooth, here’s my top picks for dessert places to go to within Davao City:
1) Banana Macintosh. Basti’s Brew in Victoria Plaza.
2) Strawberry Shortcake. Yellowhauz Cafe.
3) Churros con Chocolate. Talaba Joe’s along Rizal Street.
4) Puto Maya at Bankerohan Palengke.
5) Any of the cakes, brownies at Lachi’s. Marfori Heights.
Did I missed anything?
By
maej on June 4th, 2007
Posted in Travelogue, Zamboanga City | 2 Comments »
So I was gone for a long time. Can I explain? I promise not to make so many excuses. Just read on…
I was invited to attend a dinner with U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney during her latest visit in Zamboanga City. Just don’t ask how I got in to that list. Let’s just say it’s part of the perks of my job. Of course I was thrilled especially after I learned that the dinner will take place somewhere extraordinary ~ somewhere afloat, like the USS Harpers Ferry.
We were told that the assembly time is at 5:00 p.m. but stuck as we were in downtown Zamboanga City, the rush hour stays true to its name. We arrived past 5:30 p.m. and were only fortunate to have been accommodated to a smaller boat that will transport us to the main venue.
Okay, I’m not going to pretend as if I know what I’m talking about. After all, it was my first time to be onboard a U.S. Naval vessel and mingling with foreigners in such a limited space. It was a great experience but what was more unforgettable were the following:
a) Red Carpet Treatment. Remember the red carpet scenes you see on TV? They have exactly the same red carpet treatment onboard the vessel. Despite the cold metal gray that’s abundant in most ships, the USS Harpers Ferry was converted into a graceful venue with lots of colorful flags waving in the sea breeze and a red carpet fit for a diplomat’s dinner with limited guests. After trekkling different flights of stairs, in almost slippery metal gray floor (I was only too happy to have worn my low heeled shoes), we were greeted by the U.S. Ambassador as we officially stepped in to the ferry’s flight deck where dinner awaits.
b) Twilight Zone. I’m not kidding. I’ve never seen so many U.S. military men and women, adorning different medals and metal plates on their carefully tailored, crisp uniforms. It was a wonderful, surreal sight. I could have counted up to 30 seconds just to realize that this was real and I was going to be with them in such a limited space for the next couple of hours. Of course, my colleague, Yen, and myself enjoyed chatting with some friendly folks on board.
Oh, we were told that the kind of ferry we were in can accommodate up to 800 people. Of course its still a small ship compared to other vessels that have thousands of officers on board. I guess when you’re staying in a ship for months, pretty soon you’ll know everybody’s names.
Capturing a beautiful sunset while onboard USS Harpers Ferry in Zamboanga City.
c) Sunset. The most glorious sunset I have ever seen as I watch 2 men in uniform, fold the American flag, against the setting sun, creating a dramatic hue on these two figures that have become shadows while the rest of the guests on board fervently observed. I had goosebumps all over.
A quick thought crossed my mind: The Americans have such loyalty towards their country that it reflects in the way they pay their respec to the U.S. Flag, while Filipinos (I’m not referring to all, but mostly) have taken for granted the ways and means by which we honor our flag/national anthem. Take for example, in movie houses. You hear the national anthem before the movie starts, right? What do you notice? Its a disgusting sight to see Filipinos who stay on their seats even if they hear the anthem playing. I have shouted once at a couple (some College kids) for not doing so.
d) Buffet. Unlimited wine, beer and punch. There was a wide array of food to choose from: potato salad, meatballs, roast beef, shrimps, lumpia rolls, fruits and the great desert table. I managed to go around to ask which among the food served was their favorite before I got hold of a plate. Madame Ambassador recommended the chocolate chip cookies which was such a delight! Its chewy and just melts in your mouth. A good friend whom I met during the event, Jay, recommended the meatballs and its sauce was just superb! It left a tiny hint of spice for each bite. Both Charly and Jon suggested shrimps which were great, too! Michael mentioned about the great American beer, Budweiser and by the time I was ready to try Heneiken, they ran out of it. I was telling the bar tender that either they ran out of stock, or there were too many beer drinkers on board!
By the buffet table, several navy officers were waiting by each dish, serving a scoop or two to hungry guests. There was navy guy whom we have grown fond of. His name is King but Yen jokingly baptized him as “Kinky”, which created a few laughs among his colleagues.
e) Full Moon. Need I say more?
Click here for more photos taken during the dinner party. Cheers!