Evangeline Beach Resort: Experiencing Pagudpud's Best Beach Resort with Senyorita

It was middle of December when I was planning my first trip on the upcoming year of 2012. What I intend to visit are the places of Singapore, Malaysia and Camarines Norte.  Due to my excitement, I researched thoroughly and read travel blogs about the places that I’d visited. After days of hard work, at last I was able to compile all information that I gathered. Everything was perfectly organized from my itinerary down to the smallest details like my accommodation contacts and transportation. I was so ecstatic already to travel since it was my first international trip but of course I didn’t pass the opportunity to visit and explore our very own country Philippines, and for that I chose Camarines Norte as my third destination to visit after exploring two countries in South East Asia.

As what I’ve mentioned, all information needed on my travel was organized already but all of a sudden I changed my mind. Instead of going to Camarines Norte as my third destination to visit, I decided to go to Pagudpud Ilocos Norte. Why the sudden changed? For just a simple reason that I miss Pagudpud. It was year 2009 when I explored the place together with my college friend. We were doing the Pagudpud-Vigan league and as a result to that, we haven’t spent much time in the place as we were rushing around to get into our next destination. We only stayed in Pagudpud for 2 days and unfortunately there as some places that were left unexplored that’s why the sudden urged to go back there gave me enough determination to push my Pagudpud trip.

The villa and the beach ...

Getting information about Pagudpud is just so easy on my part since I went there already as what I’ve mention on my previous statement. Now the problem that I only had was to find a place to stay, I browsed some resorts thru online and read their reviews but there’s this particular resort that caught my attention. The resort’s name was Evangeline Beach Resort. When I looked into their site I definitely fell in love (literally) because of the beautiful pictures uploaded on their site and then suddenly I remember that this was the resort that I dreamt of staying while I was in Pagudpud 3 years ago. Due to my excitement and fascination, I Immediately emailed the resort owner Ms. Anna and inquired about the resort availability on my travel dates, fortunately, she responded into my emails right away until we closed a deal about my stay into their fabulous resort.

The Travel;

The quaint international airport of Laoag 

My pagudpud league was supposed to be a solo trip but thankfully Micaela the owner of senyorita.net and a member of Pinoy Travel Blogger who is based in Manila accompanied me. We were supposed to meet-up here in Cebu last December but unfortunately our schedule didn’t agree to each other since I was busy with my work and she too was busy with her trip in Cebu provinces. That’s why when I told her that I will be going to Manila the following month she told me that she can meet me up for a dinner or coffee but I on the other hand ask her to go with me in Pagudpud. Without any hesitation at all she said “Yes” and then that was the time when we planned our trip together and both of us got excited since that was our first meet-up and travel.

Nilo Pillow with the veggies
photo credits by senyorita.net

Supposedly I was expected to arrive at the Laoag airport by 5pm but unfortunately the flight that I had with air Phil express was delayed by 30mins and that made me pissed off because I really hate delayed flights and staying at the airport is one of the most boring parts when traveling especially if you’re on a solo trip and the airport Wi-Fi is not working (lol). After an hour of plane ride, I arrived at laoag. Mica then fetches me at the airport together with her very kind aunt and we went straight to the bus terminal going to Pagudpud. Even though it was another gruelling 2 hours of land trip and the bus was almost full with passengers and vegetables was almost everywhere inside the bus, still we managed to pick a good seat (we’re the lucky passengers who got the 2 vacant seats left) and relaxed a little bit before arriving in to our destination.

Surprise , Surprise;

Mica and I arrived in Pagudpud at exactly 9pm and both of us were feeling groggy, hungry and tired. But still, we were trying our best to bring the mood up by talking about our travels and since that was our first met-up we were trying to pull the 20 minute-getting to know each other spiel. Immediately our personalities jive and clicked and the last thing we know we were passing out jokes and laughing already. After waiting for a couple of minutes, our van from Evangeline Beach Resort arrived and they drove us going to the resort.

When we arrived at the resort, the staffs immediately greeted us together with their perfect smile then ushered us inside Villa Anna and gave us Buko juice as a welcome drink. One of the staff opened our room while Mica and I was busy looking around the villa with fascination. The villa itself is a true paradise; I was fascinated by the way they designed the house from the antique furniture arrangement to the mini pool that was located outside our room down to their manicured lawn. It was as if you are staying in a private triple A resort in Maldives or Seychelles. After touring around the entire villa, I went straight to our room and bam I burst out laughing. I realized that the room was set-up into a romantic mood for couples. Mica and I we’re laughing very hard and at the same time we appreciated the way the room was set-up. The rose petals showered into our bed was so perfect and one thing we do noticed also, there’s a lot of complimentary foods and drinks (yum yum).

Our room was set for a very Romantic Mood 

After taking loads of pictures and placing our stuff inside the room, one of Evangeline’s Resort staff called our attention and informed us that our dinner was about to be serve already. We immediately followed the staff going to Emorhuo Restaurant, a beach front restaurant and were owned by Ms. Anna (owner of Evangeline Beach Resort). Same with the resort, the restaurant was so elegantly designed. There’s a lot of customer during that time and mostly foreigners. When the restaurant staff escorted us going in to our table that’s when Mica and I realized not only our room was designed for a romantic couple mood but also our dinner table. In fact one of the guest couple thought that I will be proposing to Mica for marriage but of course I immediately said “NO in fact we just met today“. It was a total bum for both of us on that day but in a positive way, in fact we we’re happy and very surprised how things happened during that day.

Montana The Explorer meets Senyorita.Net in a very romantic dinner (lol)

Emorhuo Specialty for the night. (Day1)

I'm totally inlove by the Pinakbet with Bagnet dish !

The room and the dinner could have been more perfect if I am with my special someone but of course being with Mica is as special as with my special someone too. Not only I experienced the best resort in Pagudpud but also experienced the best company that every traveller wishes they ever have.

The very humble Ms.Anna of Evangeline Beach Resort

It was indeed a truly memorable experienced for me and I don’t have any regrets at all changing my plans. I know that someday I will be back in Pagudpud (who knows?), of course I will stay again in Evangeline Beach Resort because for me it’s the best resort I ever found yet as an explorer. 

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Puerto Princesa Palawan: Gateway To Paradise

Once you are planning a trip to Palawan it is given fact that you will pass first the city of Puerto Princesa since it serves as the gateway going to the paradise of El Nido and other famous Palawan tourist spots. Of course like other tourist destinations here in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa has a lot to be brag about to tourist and travelers like me. In the city lies an attraction of historical sites, white sand beaches down to food tripping. Not to mention that the famous underground river and now one of the newly renowned Seven Wonders of the World is located in Sabang Puerto Princesa.


Puerto Princesa or famously know as the city in a forest is located 306 nautical miles of Manila. It has a total land area of 253,982 hectares that stretched around 106 kilometers making it as the country’s largest city.  Despite the fact that it is the country’s largest city, still Puerto Princesa managed to nurture its natural resources.  If you’re in the city you can see the booming commercialism that is present but in just a few minutes/hours away ride you can already see its lush rainforest and white sand beaches.

Recommended activities in Puerto Princesa 

If it’s your first time to visit Palawan, then going to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must.  The beautiful attraction is located in the town of Sabang that is still part of Puerto Princesa City.

After exploring the paradise of El Nido, me and my friends (Alex of Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler and Franco) headed straight to Sabang to witness how beautiful the underground river is. For us, going to the attraction was not easy at all due to the fact that we came to El Nido and there are only limited vans that go directly to Sabang. Unfortunately, the schedule that most transport companies have doesn’t fit to the schedule on our itinerary. But of course with the help of Lexus Shuttle Van we were able to arrive at the port of Sabang on time and headed straight to the underground river and witnessed its beauty.

On the following the day, the last day of our Palawan escapade we didn’t fail to check out the city’s tourist attractions. At first, we went to Plaza Cuartel.

Plaza Cuartel is one of Palawan’s treasured historical spot. This is the place where 150 more or less American soldiers were burned by the Japanese military. Some managed to survive but sad to say most of the prisoners were burned to death.  The remains of those who died were brought back to America and buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

After visiting and knowing Plaza Cuartel’s history, we jumped off to the next attraction which is the historical Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It is just located along Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag (just across the historical Plaza Cuartel site)

One attraction that can’t be missed by travelers and tourist is the Palawan Heritage Museum. By paying the amount of 30 pesos, one can have an entry pass to the magnificent museum in Puerto Princesa. Mind you guys, Palawan Heritage for me is the best museum I’ve ever been into. I am not really an avid visitor of museums because I really find it boring but when I entered and explored the Palawan Heritage, I was really impressed and amazed by what I saw inside the edifice. It was as if I travelled back from the past and lived among the Palawenos centuries ago.  The artifacts and pictures really brought the culture of Palawan back to life and experiencing it was so surreal. Good thing also that we have an amazing and very knowledgeable tour guide who never failed to gave us an accurate details of Palawan’s diverse history.

Another activity that can be enjoyed in Puerto Princesa aside from sightseeing is food tripping (I’m pretty sure many of you love this activity). Finding a place where you can have your dining experience in Puerto princesa is very easy. All their famous restaurants are just located along Rizal Street. In that street, you can find a lot of amazing and cool restaurants that serves different kinds of cuisine.

And the one that I can highly recommend is the Taverna Luna. Like any other restaurant in metropolis, Taverna Luna has a live band that will entertain its customers while waiting for the food but what makes the resto special is their mouth-watering food plus romantic yet cool ambiance. I can guarantee you guys, it’s one of the best in town.

After we had our amazing dinner in Taverna Luna, our friend Caesar Yuipco drove us to Kinabuch to try the Palawan’s famous exotic delicacy which is the Tamilok.

It’s a wood worm which they say taste like a typical oyster. Its physical formation looks like a worm but it is actually a mollusk found inside a rotting mangrove. Of course, I tried to taste it myself out of curiosity but to be honest I didn’t really like it. It was like eating a wood (literally) when I chewed it on my mouth! But I didn’t have regret at all when I ate the delicacy.

During our stay in Puerto Princesa, we enjoyed a lot of interesting and amazing activities. I never thought that the gateway to the paradise of El Nido and Coron is also boost with interesting places that needs to be explored.  After all, I realized that a night stay in the town is not enough at all to enjoy the place at its best. Definitely I said to myself after stepping into the plane going back home that soon I will be back in the town of Puerto Princesa and stay there a little longer perhaps a week or two together with my plans of staying in El Nido for a month.

Travel Recommendations:

If you want to have a worry-free and hassle-free trip to Palawan then it is best to book your dream travel through Panglima Tours. They are one of the best travel agencies in Palawan. They cater every travelers needs from accommodation, transportation to sightseeing tours.  They offer quality tour packages and services in the city of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan.

• You may contact Caesar Yuipco for tour reservations at 0915-322-8888
• Or email him at panglima.tours@gmail.com

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2011 Travel Buddies: It was nice traveling with you !

It was passed 12 midnight of Dec. 27 when I was still wide awake and feel bored. Browsing facebook and other entertainment sites seems don’t have an effect to kill the boredom that I felt during that moment, so I decided to go to my room and just lie down and wait for the time until I get tired and sleepy. One thing that I noticed during that moment was that my phone was in full battery mode and I really find it an unusual since every end of the day my phone battery dies down eventually. So out of nowhere, I took my phone and played some games on it. After a couple of minutes I feel bored again that’s why I decided to clean up my inbox messages and started deleting some old stored messages that I have until I stumbled to one of my friend’s messages to me when we were traveling. I re-read all the conversations that we had on that particular day and I realized how much I missed all my travel buddies that I had during my 2011 travels.

Yes, travelling is my passion and I don’t really mind traveling alone at all as long as I can go out and travel. I don’t usually rely on my friends because I know that most of the time they’re not available to travel with me due to some circumstances like schedule (time conflict) family and money but for me traveling with a buddy is always the best. The fact that you have someone who can share your expenses (accommodation, transport) and watch your stuff, it’s the companionship that they gave is really important. Sometimes we cannot avoid the moments of loneliness while we are on the road travelling that’s why I want to give thanks to these people who traveled and shared their passion with me this year. They really took an effort to leave their work , family and  other usual routines in life just to embarked with me on my crazy adventures.

List of my Travel Buddies for 2011

Kathy Yamas in Coron Palawan  ( Feb 2011 ) 

She traveled up way to Coron Palawan just to have a quality time with me. 

Demoore in Bantayan Island ( March 2011  )

Though 3 months pregnant , she still opted to accompany me in my beach addiction and that makes me love her more.

Dianne Christinne in Gumasa Beach , Sarangani ( April 2011 )

Left her job for days ( though she was not permitted to file a vacation leave ) and traveled with me in Gumasa Sarangani. 

Dian in Boracay Island ( September 2011 )

From her hometown in Leyte , she traveled way back to Cebu and took a flight going to Boracay just to be with me.

Travel Blogger Alexandra in El Nido Palawan ( November 2011 )

When i learned that she's going to have her South East Asian tour , i convinced her to visit me in the Philippines so that we can meet up and travel together. Luckily , she didn't hesitate to booked a flight going to my hometown and we teamed up together on our 10 Days exploration.

Franco in Puerto Princesa Palawan ( November 2011 )

A friend of mine who also loves travelling. He was one of my travel buddies when I visited Camiguin and Cagayan De Oro way back 2010.  That’s why when I asked him to travel with me in Palawan, he didn’t hesitate at all. He booked his flight directly without minding the ticket fare and I really appreciate him for that.

Travel Blogger Alexandra in Bohol ( December 2011 )

It was the last league of our exploration ( after Palawan and Cebu ) and the last travel that i had this year.

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El Nido Palawan: Benchmark Of A True Paradise

Who says going to El Nido is expensive? Well to be honest that’s what I thought first. That’s why it took me a year or two to book my El Nido trip. It was year 2009 when my dreams of exploring El Nido Palawan started but the urged of booking a ticket and going there was not that really strong since I always had this impression that if ever I go there I know that I will spend a big amount and as a budget traveler, that’s a big no no for me. That’s why when I plan a trip and choose a destination, El Nido was always the last destination that came across my mind. But that impression changed when I started taking some time researching about the place and reading some blog reviews. I found out that the paradise that I always longed for is not that really expensive at all. Of course the town has a lot of expensive resorts but by researching thoroughly one can find affordable inns and lodges that sprouted  in the town.

Luckily , when the time I knew that I can go to El Nido Palawan through limited budget that was the time also when the budget carrier CEBUPAC had their PISO Fare promo. Immediately I booked my ticket together with my friends.  I was so happy at that moment and I was swept away by my emotions to travel around Palawan since it was one my dream destination. Though the travel was still on the 4th quarter of the year, I started to have an extensive researched about the place already.

El Nido as Best Paradise

El Nido is a first class municipality and managed resource protected area in the province of Palawan with a total land cover of 92 thousand hectares , surrounded by 45 breathtaking islands and has 2,645 hectares of mangrove forest. It is about 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and about 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa (Capital City of Palawan). The town is accessible by one hour plane travel to Manila or 6 hours travel by land via Puerto Princesa. It is said that El Nido is the best or one of the best tourist destination in the Philippines.  But upon exploring it on my own eyes, I came into conclusion that for me it is the best tourist destination ever. I’ve been to a lot of beaches and towns here in the Philippines but El Nido won my heart. Along with its humble town, one can find otherworldly rock formations and friendly locals who are willing to help you anytime if you have questions or inquiry about the basic facts of the place.

El Nido also has a lot to offer to tourists, one can enjoy snorkeling, diving, cliff climbing and of course island hopping. But of all possible activities that could be done in El Nido, for me island hopping is the best way to enjoy the destination since that is the time where you can discover the mysterious rock formations and the stunning beaches.

Actually there are four major island hopping tour that awaits every tourist in El Nido. One can find many establishments in the town proper and Bacuit Bay that offers such tours.  Of course all establishments in El Nido that offers tours has the same rate because the local government of the town set a standard rate to them but you can try to haggle the rate down so that they can give a lower price just like what we did with Servant Tours.  Instead of the standard price of 700 Pesos for the tour A, we managed to lower it down into 600 Pesos.

Here are the Stunning Pictures of our Island Hopping Tour :

On our way to Small Lagoon

Pardon me but i forgot the name of this island but this is the place where we had our lunch

Entry way to Big Lagoon

Seven Commandos Island

This island is just so stunning that it took my breath away ...

After enjoying the paradise of El Nido for 3 days and 2 nights, it made think that I must have been lucky enough to be given the chance to explore the place and experience its wonders. El Nido for me is no doubt a true paradise and no other tourist destination here in the Philippines that can compare its beauty and uniqueness. And during the day that i left the paradise , i made a promise to myself that one day i will be able to go back there and experience its wonders for not just a couple of days but for a month.

Travel Recommendations:

If you want to have a worry-free and hassle-free trip to Palawan then it is best to book your dream travel through Panglima Tours. They are one of the best travel agencies in Palawan. They cater every travelers needs from accommodation, transportation to sightseeing tours.  They offer quality tour packages and services in the city of Puerto Princesa and the province of Palawan.

• You may contact Caesar Yuipco for tour reservations at 0915-322-8888
• Or email him at panglima.tours@gmail.com

Guides for DIY traveling to El Nido:

Transportation:

·    If your gateway to Palawan is through Puerto Princesa and you’re going to El Nido, much better book your seats first before your scheduled trip at Lexus Shuttle Van and Fort Wally.

1.       Lexus Shuttle Van -  0912-100-2651, 0917-585-9602

2.       Fort Wally - 09209815702 or 09172762875

Accommodation:

·         Me and my friends stayed at Lualhati Cottage. Though this is not a beach front accommodation , still the place also shares the same stunning views of Cliff side resort in El Nido.  What makes the accommodation special is that they offer affordable rooms that ranges from 600 pesos/night ( good for 2 ) , the privacy and the serenity that you always longed for when you have your dream escape.  It also has a shared kitchen where you can use for cooking if you don’t feel like eating in the town’s expensive restaurants.

• For room reservations , you can contact directly Susan ( owner ) at this number +63919-319-6683 ,  +63 919-319-6683
• Email her at athan_lualhati@yahoo.com

Tours:

·         As what I’ve mentioned, all establishments in El Nido have the same rates with Island Hopping Tours but it is best if you book at Servant Bookings. They’re one of the best travel tours that the town can offer.  You can contact them at 63 927-398-2175  , 63 927-398-2175 for island hopping reservation or visit their office in Rizal Street, Barangay Buena Suerte, 5313 El Nido Philippines.

           Tour Classification:

1.  Tour A – Small lagoon , Big Lagoon , Miniloc Island , Simizu Island , Entulala Island , Payong paying and 7 Commando Beach.
2.  Tour B – Snake Island , Cudugnon Cave , Pinagbuyutan Island and Cathedral Cave. 
3.  Tour C – Mantiloc Shrine , Secret Beach , Hidden Beach , Taputian Island and Helicopter Island.
4.  Tour D - Pasandigan Cove , Paradise Beach , Nat-Nat Beach , Ubogon Cave , Cadlao Lagoon and Ubogon Cave. 

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Boracay Island: A Second Visit to the Country's Best Beach

The last time I stepped into the island of Boracay was when we had our class tour way back 2007.   After that, I never had a chance of going back into the famous island until I decided to book a flight last August of 2011. Based on the vague memories that I have in  mind, yes I enjoyed the island the last time I visited but that doesn’t mean I really had this chance of exploring it on my own. I never had a chance to drench into its azure-colored beach because it was raining on that time and the weather was really hideous so we just opted to stay in our hotel room most of the time. Yes we partied the nights when we stayed on the island but the idea of getting wet and wild was not really happening since it was an educational tour and teachers are still with us on the last three days of our stay. So for me if I were to conclude, yes it was a memorable and fun experience because I traveled with my close friends and we had this special bonding but the explorer side of me is not satisfied at all. That’s why when I had this chance of traveling again last September; I never hesitated to book my flight into the famous island.

When Cebu pacific air had their promo last august, I immediately booked a flight from Cebu to Iloilo. I opted to have that route since direct flights from caticlan boracay are really expensive and I just can’t waste my money buying an expensive airfare every time I travel. I was not born with a golden spoon on my table that’s why I always choose to book a flight that is cheaper and less inexpensive.  So you see, airfare promos are such a big help and big deal to me when it comes to my passion “traveling”. I guess without promos, I could not travel more since I fall into the category of budget traveling.

When the time I got my booking confirmation, I was so really happy because it means that I have this chance of going back into the famous island, that I can drench into the waters anytime I want without following a certain schedule or itinerary, that I can party all night until I pass out and of course, I had this chance now of exploring the island on my own without worrying since it is no longer an educational tour

The Trip That Almost Got Cancelled

September 17, early morning when I received a text message coming from Cebu pacific air. The message states that my flight has been canceled and I need to call their customer service number for flight alternatives and rebooking. Ok I was panicking already because I don’t want to cancel my flight and the fact that I packed my stuff already. I am so excited the night before the trip and canceling it is not a good idea at all.

I immediately called their customer service and talked to one of their representatives. At first she didn’t give any flight option to me and that made me piss. Until it came into a point where I had no choice but to lie. I told them that I will be attending my brothers’ wedding and I just can’t miss it plus the fact that I let them know I owned a travel blog. And if ever they fail in giving us another flight option then I can easily do shit on their name. I know the wedding part is big white lie and my parents taught me not to lie because it’s bad but I’m sorry. I just can’t picture out canceling my flight and missing out all the possible fun that I will experience in the famous island.

After a couple of minutes of ranting over the phone and agents placing me on hold several times, they finally figured out a solution by giving me an alternative flight. Of course the route has been changed. Instead of Cebu to Iloilo, the new flight itinerary that they gave is from Cebu-Manila-Kalibo and I really find it perfect and more convenient.  Perfect because we will still arrive in Boracay the same time as what we expected and convenient because instead of grueling 6 hours long ride from Iloilo to Aklan it will become a 2 hours ride now. After hearing the agent confirmed my flight then that was the time where my panicky mode has been subsided and I was getting back on my self already. Of course I immediately thanked her for the service that she gave, letting her know that I felt sorry for ranting over the phone and lastly for the white lie that I created though I kept it on my self. 

Exploring Around

Being free and able to do what you want in the most popular beach in the country is one of the best things in life you can ever experience. In my Boracay escapade, what I planned is to take pictures of the island as many as I can (poor me I didn’t have a camera the last time I visited way back 2007), lounge and have a relaxing moment on the white sand, drench and dip into their amazing beach without worrying of getting a sun-burned skin and of course food trips are on the top of my lists.

Station 1 Boracay – This is where big and fancy resorts located. In this station also where you can find the Famous Mama Mary Grotto and of course Jonah’s Fruit Shake, a definitely must try shakes if you happen to visit the island.

 

Station 2 Boracay – This is where Me and my friend Dian opted to stay. Not only they have reasonable accommodations available, station 2 also serves as the center for dining, shopping (D’mall), clubbing and other activities happening on the island.

 

Station 3 Boracay – This is the station where most numbers of affordable accommodations being placed. In this station, one can find serenity and relaxing moment since it is located at the far south end of the island and most of the activities on the island are being held in station 2.

For me, my second trip to Boracay was the true winner compared to my first visit if I were to give my opinion. I know that it sounds bias but during my second trip where I experienced and enjoyed the place the most. This is where I savored the moment when I was having fun lounging on the beach and not staying on the hotel room, this is the moment where I satisfied my craving by eating all the delicious foods that I saw because I already got money on my own and was no longer relying for a  student allowance, this is the moment where I got drunk during traveling (I don’t drink alcoholic beverage every time I travel but Boracay was an exemption) and lastly this is the moment where I was able to do what I really want to do because It was no longer an educational trip under the supervision of our professors. 

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Gumasa Beach : I was CAPTIVATED by its BEAUTY

Monfort Bat cave. Check! Hagimit Falls. Check! Whitewater Tubing. Check! Ok I have visited, explored and done every activity that was on my list when I visited Davao.  But I Know that there was still missing on my trip and luckily I have figured it out right there and then. The missing is THE BEACH! Lets jus say that my trip won’t be complete if I fail to visit a beach because admittedly I am a total beach bum person. I don’t know why but every time I travel beach is always included on my itinerary. That’s how beach bum I am.

Anyway a few weeks before my Davao trip, I researched some of the best beaches in Mindanao that I can possibly visit with. On my list are the Samal Island, Dahican and Gumasa Beach.  I know that Samal Island is just located in Davao and it is just a minute ride if you’re starting from the city while Dahican beach is just a 3 hours ride, but after reading some blogs and reviews about Gumasa beach I opted to choose the place.  Out of curiosity is the reason why I chose Gumasa Beach though it is far from Davao city. I’m curious on how the beach looks because based on the blogs that I read, the place and the beach is really captivating and magical and the fact that it is located in Sarangani which serves a Manny Pacquiao’s hometown.  So no wonder why I immediately added Gumasa beach of Sarangani in my itinerary on the trip. 

The Beach Bum

When I saw the beach personally I was so captivated by the beauty of it. It boasted with 750 meter stretch of glorious beach possessed with fine white sand and azure colored waters. I am just so happy that I chose the right beach for me and it really shows on the picture as i was jumping and smiling while enjoying the beach.

By the way, for those who intend to stay an overnight in the beach like me need not to worry. Though the place is not that famous compared to Boracay , still a resorts is sprouting around the beach area. Plus it has a restaurant so guests can have delicious meals and dinner during unplanned weekend or day trips.

Long stretch of white sand and the azure colored beach

The captivating sunset of Gumasa Beach

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Whitewater Tubing : One HELLUVA RIDE!

It was my second day in Davao and it appears that it was going to rain. The sky was gloomy and the rain was drizzling when I peered on the window outside my hotel room. It was as if the weather wants to sabotage all my plans that day. I really don’t like rain showers and I hate rainy season especially when I’m traveling and also due to the fact that I am a big worshipper of the sun but on that moment I really didn’t care if it rains because I know later on I am going to drench and submerge myself into to the river. It’s going to be a wet and wild adventure.  You know the reason why? Simply because the activity that I had on that day was to go to Davao del Sur and have my white water tubing.  Yes, you’ve heard it right, White water tubing. I know that some of you never heard of it before but let me tell you guys that the activity is more extreme and fun compared to the famous white water rafting.

In white water tubing, it was you ALONE controlling the inflatable tube while passing through difficult rapids but of course if you’re not an expert and only a beginner there will be an available guide who is ready to help you along with your adventure.  I know it sounds scary and crazy to do the activity but hey I’ve got to experience it. I realized that this is the moment in my life where I want to experience all the adventures and craziness. Missing the extreme activity would be a total bum on my Davao trip. 

The location

If you’re not from Davao and just want to experience white water tubing , simply take a public transportation going to the location. The white water tubing activity is located in Santa Cruz , Davao del Sur Brgy . Darong. It is just close to Davao city and an estimated time of 30 minutes travel from the city will take you to the spot already.  But mind you guys, you have to keep your eyes open and be alert since there is no indicated signage going to the attraction.  What you need to look is the sign of Barangay Sibulan and the Ayala Agricultural Development Corporation. Once you’re in the place already, just make a right turn or better yet ask locals who live near the area just like what I did. I am pretty sure that they are willing to help you and in fact accompany going to the site of the white water tubing. 

The experience

The white water tubing in Darong is very affordable compared to the white water rafting in Davao and Cagayan .In tubing you can just spend at least 400 pesos that includes the guide, the tube and other rental gears while in rafting a minimum of 1500 pesos will be spend for the gear , guides and everything.  So for that humble amount being spent still you will get the same adrenaline rush since both extreme activity is being done in a river that has so many rapids and the currents is just so crazy.

Before reaching the starting point of the river, you need to pass a trail that is so muddy, slippery and rocky but on that moment I really didn’t complaint or care. I am just so freaking excited to do the activity and whining up doesn’t help at all. Upon hearing the strong waters of the river splashing through big stones I was so relieved because it means that I am so close to the river and I am just so eager to start the adventure.

Anyway when we finally got into the river I know that it’s going to be a wet and wild ride and there’s no backing out anymore. I finally prepared myself into the action while my guide was giving me a few lessons on what to do if ever I fall off on the tube.  I listen to him religiously taking some of his warnings and advices and putting it on my mind.  

I really enjoyed the activity as I recall it. I fell off ones on the tube and we’ve passed though gigantic stones but that didn’t worry me because my guide took care of me from the start until the end of the activity. I still remember the fresh bruises that I acquired on that day but the excitement, adrenaline rush and the joy of doing it can’t just be paid off. In fact I am so willing to do it again if ever I have a chance or if I visit Davao again.

It’s a total one HELLUVA RIDE !

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