Coron (Gateway to Paradise on Earth)

I have got the chance to travel a lot in the Philippines. But oh,, of all the places I have been to, Coron is on top of the list. Two ways to reach Coron. Throug plane that will only take an hour from Manila to Busuanga. Or if you love long hours of travel and enjoy the beauty of nature, you could book your flight from Manila- Puerto Princesa Airport. At the Airport, a lot of Gabay sa Turismo labeled van (Tourism Guide Van)that will take you to El Nido for about 6 hours of travel. Upon reaching El Nido, you will be amazed by the formation of Taraw (Mountain-rock formation) all over El Nido.

Whooaah.. It was really a jaw-dropping experience the first time I saw Taraw.. MAybe you could stay for an overnight in El Nido to enjoy the night life along the shoreline and perhaps you have missed the Coron trip for they only have one way trip a day, and that is only available at 8 am. So while in El Nido, just enjoy the food, music and the lights. Around 8 am, the boat that could carry a maximum of 20 persons,is ready to take you to the gateway to paradise on earth, Coron. In 9 long hours of travel, you only have two things that will surely do. Enjoy and take pictures whatever pleases your eyes or just simply sleep. hahaha. But when you get there, My oh my enjoy and enjoy God's creation. it's all yours.. hahaha.

Here are some of the destinations we availed during my visit in Coron. Sietti Picados, where famous Philippine Mermaid TV series shot. Enjoy fish feeding and be amazed of the colorful corals underwater.

Cayangan Lake

CYC Island

Revisiting Davao

Davao city is not just a place for me. It is already a home. This is not because I was born and raised here but because I feel so secured whenever I am here. I can roam anywhere and anytime I want. the fact is that, security is the main attraction in this city. The good governance and strict implementation of policies of Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte are the main reasons why tourists (local/foreign) and investors choose Davao to be their home away from their own home. Last Nov. 26, 2013, I was lucky enough to be chosen as the facilitator for the Lakbay-aral for Stockholders of CARD Bank Inc. I was with 21 nanays (mothers), who were given the privilege to take a two-day vacation where they could relax and enjoy the scenery of the chosen destination.

It was really an honor for me to bring them to my very own Davao.I was so excited knowing that it was their first time to be in the city.they were requesting during the orientation, to bring them to beautiful places in Davao for them to experience how it feels to be in this city.

Upon arrival in Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, a personnel from Microtel, a luxury hotel situated in Damosa, Lanang,welcomed us and gave us a ride to the hotel. few minutes after disembarking our baggages, the tour started..

Eden Nature Park

Eden, pronounced as [idεn]--- as it is shortly called--- has been developed years back but not everybody within and outside Davao City has gone to the place. It is not found in the heart of the city but people endure the distance only to experience the wonders of the place. …and I must say that reaching the place is worth the journey. Going to the place takes time but the view heading there is already exhilarating. Even with the rays of the sun, it is ironic at the same time amazing how the place feels so cold. Upon reaching the park, one has to pay for the entrance fee. They have a lot of choices for their guests--- if one wants to stay overnight, cottages are available, if one wants to spend the entire day in the park, there is a buffet for lunch. Foreigners who visit the place can drop by at the souvenir shop where they can buy Filipino made products such as T-shirts, hats, accessories, bags and other Filipino traditional products. Aside from that, the place offers different spots where people can explore and feel the nature at its finest. To make the journey easier, customers are given maps upon paying the entrance fee (maps are only helpful if you know how to read one haha).

The dining area where people gather to eat snacks, lunch or dinner is the cleanest. It is mirror-walled and even from inside, one can still see the green surrounding. One amazing fact about the restaurant is that the vegetables served are harvested from the park’s garden---- tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onion, cauliflower, cabbage and many more. Green, fresh, delicious, just try to imagine. The food is just so inviting.

One of the attractions that welcome the guests is the roaming peacock. People just can’t help but take pictures of it while displaying its elegance.

Guests can enjoy the place on foot or through the aid of a park’s cab with a tourist guide on it. Among the spots that are especially illustrated in the map are: Butterfy garden—where you can actually see butterflies of different sizes, colors and varieties. You can maximize your time there just “catching butterflies”, as what an idiom explains.. ; there is also this rainbow garden as if you are just like entering a paradise of fairies; the vegetable garden is just so amazing. Once you go right there, you would surely feel like you own the entire area..; another most interesting thing about the park is that while you are on your way, you can hear gongs and cultural music from afar, inviting you to come and visit the “Tinubdan”, it is a showcase of Filipino ethnic groups and there are youngsters who are really performing when visitors gather. It’s very refreshing.

That just that. One can also do ziplining, horse back riding and a lot more.

When the world seems so crazy and crowded, there is still a place where you can experience solitude at its finest. Go and try Eden. If you have gone there, perhaps, it’s high time to go back and savor the taste of nature. See you there!

McDonalds: Why do I still Say “Love Ko TO”?

French fries. Fried Chicken. Burger. Coke Float. Nuggets. Ice Cream. Spaghetti. These are just among the common found served in McDonalds (of all branches). Even with the new existing restaurants, pizza houses and fast food chains, people still embrace its tag line “LOVE KO TO”.

Why do I still love Mcdo? Generally, why do people still love it? Simple: it is a place for everybody. You can just get inside to wait for someone, to study or to prepare for reports, to avail internet connection or to go the toilet. All these can be done without an order. Such a place! Seriously, the place is really for people of different walks in life. For kids, couples who fight and make up, friends who are just bored at home or at school. Moreover, most busy people opt to drop by at McDO whenever they feel like eating quickly; it doesn’t take much time to wait for the order. Foods are affordable and you can stay there even if you have finished eating what you have ordered. McDo (as most Filipinos call it) is undeniably becoming a part of the Filipinos’ system. It is open 24/7, it has DriveThru, it has an area for kids to play and also it hosts special occasions especially kid’s birthday parties. Moreover, it is accessible. It has branches almost everywhere. When one’s busy or when one feels so lazy, McDonald’s a place to be. Keep loving

Outback Grill~ You’ll Keep Coming BACK

This restaurant is such as discovery. I first visited the place when I was invited by my officemates. Since then, I keep coming back, too and this time, with my line of friends. It is not located in the city proper yet it’s incredible how people flock in this place after a day’s work. It is an open place, that is, you can see the view from the street, you can feel the fresh air yet you will never be disturbed by the presence of any public vehicle. It is located somewhere in El Rio Bacaca and opens from 6:00 pm onwards. The restaurant carries with it an image of a house in the middle of the forest. It is like a home in the middle of the jungle and its owner, Mr. Cross, an American owner (I must say that he’s an American by citizenship and a Filipino at heart) is accommodating enough to welcome the customers, talk to them casually as though long time friends. The place is actually a sum of Western and Filipino cultures. The crew wears a uniform in the jungle, like that of cowboys, making them more pleasing to the eyes. The place also has an area for customers to take pictures while waiting. There is also a huge frame that fit people for picture taking purposes. If it’s your birthday, be ready to be overwhelmed by a unique greeting from the crew. They come to your table surprisingly, sing you a birthday song as loud as their voices permit them, make noises to tell the world someone is actually celebrating right there plus you will be taken a picture with the entire singing crew. Sounds too much? The place also has a stage where a band performs. While waiting for the orders or while eating, you will be entertained by the songs played and the highlight of it is that there is a 15-minute fire dance show. The group of the fire dancers is composed of men; people just can’t help but top eating to take pictures of them or just watch them. Mr. Cross’ place is jam-packed especially on weekends. Families, group of friends, couples, officemates, classmates and the like have an extension place for the chitchats and for making up while dining. Even when tables are all occupied, making reservations isn’t a bore since the place itself is already an entertainment other than those it can provide. The place also offers a one of a kind goliath burger, bigger than you can imagine. This is good for 8 people and if you can finish eating it in a minute or less, you don’t have to pay for it, yes, it’s now free given the condition, and you’ll get a free goliath shirt plus your picture will be posted on outback wall of fame. Now, how’s that? Even with all its amenities, don’t be deceived. The place is honestly clean, elegant and expensive-looking but it is unbelievably affordable. You won’t regret after enjoying everything about the place. The place is truly welcoming. It is indeed costumer friendly---- friendly to our wallets and pockets. Try once. Trust me, you’ll keep coming back.