Mama and Papa at 25 :)

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-02f9-6098-a7a4?lb

“…I am a working girl, I’ve got no time for love…”

But we have time for vacay!

Together with Cindy, Gigi and Missy, we spent August 28-30 in Davao. The four of us booked the promo plane tickets two months before the trip, not knowing it will fall on a long weekend.

Our flight was 4:30 in the morning but our day started by 12 midnight. This was my first distant escape since my college graduation. It was also my first time to ride a plane! (Shameful confession!) But witnessing sunrise above the clouds of Butuan City Agusan del Norte was priceless! 

We were welcomed by our officemate, JC, who's designated in Davao for the past year. He served as our very reliable tour guide, driver, photographer and many more. First things first, EAT. Taste of Malaysoa was our first buffet for the next days. The food was good and the buffet only costs 70 php. You can also buy coffee and the mug is yours. 

Next stop, Eden Nature Park. The entrance fee is 100 php and additional fee for activities. As for us, we availed of the tour for 180 php, inclusive of tuna sandwich (the only preparation that I liked, so far). The park is a 60-hectare land with cottages and huts open for public rental; plant nurseries where they grow what they say are organic plants; aviary and animal land composed of not more than 30 species of birds and other animals; Fishing Area where you can catch your own fish but you still have to pay for what you caught ; and activities such as ZipLining and Horse Back Riding. 

We then had our lunch at Marina Tuna. I ordered Durian shake. It was my first time to taste a shake of durian and I liked it, only I and JC actually liked it. It's refreshing and exotic  Durian has never been an alien fruit for me because my grandparents are from Davao and we normally have candies, fresh pulp, and durian shake when any relatives from Davao arrive . 

Then, we headed to Crocodile Farm to be entertained by the Animal Shows and Tribal dance act. Looking at the collection of animals is a bit boring but when the show started, we were all in awe. Cockatoos that played basketball, hornbills that can catch their food in mid-air, an eagle (but not monkey-eating) with a powerful grasp, and Kuya Karlo, the 9-year old ape who kissed a girl for grapes :)

Tribu K'mindanawan showcased both Mindanao tribal dances (singkil, gandingan, etc.) and fire dancing. Tribal dances involved colorful costumes and seems like a storyline which I am really fond of watching. After that part, lady dancers asked four of the audiences to dance with them and I am one of those. The result? As people who knew me knows, i'm really not body-kinesthetically intelligent (if there's such an adverb as that). 

The fire dance was literally hot! Aside from the fact that we are seated in the second row, the lady dancers are so sexy. Unfortunately, only one guy caught our attention, Mr. Ryan Eigenmann look-a-like. It was really one hell of a performance.

We finished the day with a buffet dinner at Davao Green Buffet House. We forgot the diet and the rule not to eat like a king after 6pm. At 8 in the evening, we finished not less 2 plates of full meals and 3 plates of fruits, which Gigi have to fistfight in order to fill the plate even if the serving just landed the service table. With just 128 php, we did have a very sumptuous and delightful meal.

It was just Day 1 but upon arrival in the hotel, we were already exhausted. 

Good thing, Day 2 is relaxation day. We went to Isla Reta, Talicud Island (at the back of Samal Is.) on board Pacific Ferry. The ride took around an hour while we are seated on wooden chair. A total of two hours spent in that boat is the epitome of 'pain in the ass.'  Upon arrival, JC  and the grill pips cooked Oreochromis niloticus (tilapya) for lunch. We enjoyed Ria's adobo and grill team's tilapya (Sayang! Our partner griller did not trade their porchop).

The first thing we noticed, aside from the serene place, is Kuya LifeGuard. Why? Because, our sensual mate, Gigi, observed that Kuya LG seem to have no underwear! And, if that is the case, will you be willing to be saved by LG? In the end, we found out that he's wearing cycling shorts. :P

The pristine water of the island was welcoming. But the sandy/rocky seafloor drops suddenly. We need not go as far as 10 meters before the water is way past my height with arms raised. By 2 in the afternoon, we started to get ready for that painful ride once more since 3pm is the last trip for Isla Reta. The trip cost us 375, inclusive of ferry ride, entrance fee and Ria's prepared buffet. 

Back in the city, it's pasalubong time! I bought Batik  bag and skirt and souvenir Davao shirts. Aside from that, a lot of thrift buys can be found in Aldevinco- 80 php shirts, Batik bags as low as 180 php,Batik skirts, polo, shorts, shawl and scarves starting at 100 php, colorful pearls and accesories, and a whole lot more. My company also bought suha, mangosteen and candies for pasalubong. 

Despite the tiresome day, JC managed to drive us to my Nanay's house in Panabo City, more than an hour away from Davao City. Dinner was courtesy of Tita Luz. Grabe! It has been 6 years since I last laid foot on that land. But i spent only not more than two hours because we have an early call time the next day. But I'll definitely return, I hope on December.

Time to rest for tomorrow's Extreme Sport!

We checked-out in the hotel before 7 am. After some safety and paddling lessons, we faced the rapids at around 9 in the morning. Three hours of easy and hard paddling, dipping and pulling (most awaited was ** saving *****). We encountered not less than five rapids in the 13 km course in a total of 3 hours. I can't explain how breathtaking the activity was and how startling the natural landscape was. What I can clearly describe is that our color darken, not less than 5 tones! Define burnt.

We took a bath and met Kuya Weng's daughter, so CUTE! 

Our last buffet in Davao was in Edcil Restaurant (if I remembered it correctly). But this is the most notable, not because of appetizing food, but because of bland food and bland service. I don't think food for 99 php in this resto is not a wise buy. 

At the end of the most exhausting yet noteworthy three days, so far, we were left broke for almost a month. But it will not end here. This is just the beginning for AMG. We will conquer what Philippines has to be conquered and then the world! Way to go!