The Manor Hotel Davao

... will capture the heart of it’s visitors. One of the most famous and scenic is the Hagimit Falls with its rustling, spectacular displays of falling water. These amazing falls have natural swimming pools, unique rock formations with a rich variety of vegetation that grows along the river banks. Hagimit falls is a spot where visitors are mesmerized by its natural beauty; it is a treat to the eyes and the best way to get close to nature.

The ...

... airlines was delayed so we had to leave at 2pm.

While we were waiting, I, Michelle and Dad looked at shops around the airport we bought juice and durian jam bread and sugar durian in bread. I didn’t like it very much. Then we went onto the aeroplane. It smelt like durian because somebody bought durian and put it in his luggage. It was very smelly. We all ...

... lived close together. Every night I was invited somewhere to eat and. We all went out to the ...

... reclusive, no-frills simplicity of its cool waters and verdant foliage.

As dusk settles all over the place, I leave Hagimit thanking God for making that piece of heaven on earth within my reach. And for all it's worth, I wish — no matter how foolish it may seem — that it would forever remain the island's best-kept secret, untouched by the swelling tide of modernization that's bashing and changing the landscape of Samal's shores.

As it is Easter Sunday we visited San Pedro cathedral which was absolutely packed with people for Easter Mass, which seemed to go on all day. Stalls were set up outside selling snacks, souvenirs and junk. We did some walking around to see if the place measured up to the claims that it is the most livable city in Asia. Visiting a place is not quite the same as living there, so we didn't really find whatever it ...

Welcome to those of you who are new to my blog! I've recently added my relatives on my mama's (in Guiling) and now my papa's side (in Davao) of the family. At this point, there are a little over 200 people on my mailing list, following me around my adventures around the world. Yaaay! I just wanted to take the time to thank those of you who've taken the time to write me emails, wishing me merry christmas, happy new year and happy birthday, who've ...

Saturday... and I really want to get my visa extension. Alas, it's still a public holiday and no Government offices are open. FYI, a 21 day visa is given on arrival in the Philippines. If you want to stay longer, a visa extension is a formality. Two options are open, a) hand you passport in to a cooperating travel agent and about 3000P, or b) front up to an Immigration office (they are everywhere), and jump through the bureaucratic hoops. Anyways, the original ...

... in a proprietary manner, hoping she would take the hint and move to one of the free seats in other rows. Apparently I was too subtle. She sat there looking bored until we boarded. We finally took off two hours late. The flight had passages of fairly severe turbulence as we passed through the clouds during the ninety minutes flight. I had received an e-mail several days earlier informing us that we would be met in Manila by Mrs. Bing Soriano, a church member ...

... tried to go back to sleep.

Hours later, we decamped and proceeded downstream towards Agko in Kidapawan City. Surprisingly, I was unruffled by pain even as sharp twigs bruised my arms, thorny shrubs pierced my hands and bees stung my shoulder, neck and ear. The thought of the creature comforts awaiting us in Kidapawan must have helped eased it.

After a brief rest at Lake Mainit, we moved on with extreme urgency, as if afraid that tomorrow would ...

... but brownish and prickly on the outside, durian is said to be heaven in your mouth, but hell in your nose. It must be the most foul smelling fruit imaginable, and it can make actually one nauseous. Once past the nose and in the mouth it has a creamy texture like a very ripe mango, and a rich complex flavor. Many people here absolutely love the fruit. I don't enjoy the taste enough to be willing to put up with the smell, so I passed this time.