THE STRAND RESORT, CAGDIANAO DINAGAT ISLANDS

The Strand Resort is located in Brgy. San Jose, Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands. Fronting the resort is the tempting Tagbiyaran Beach. The beach is surrounded with coconut trees and it is considered as undisturbed since it is situated far from the populace.  Its sugary light brown sand is simply inviting. Its crystal clear water allows you to see the school of fish in the shore.  Once you drench yourself entirely in the water, you will definitely feel relaxed.

In a few meters, you will see the Sayaw Island. You will perfectly get fascinated with its rock formations along the shore. You will also see different kinds of shells nearby. Rest assured that you will be entertained by merely seeing its panoramic view.

If you wanted focus, peace and serenity, then do not hesitate to choose The Strand Resort. The place is really ideal for honeymoons as it does not have cellphone signals. Surely no one will ever disturb the intimate moments you both shared with your partner. Hehehe

The most accessible mode of transportation is through habal-habal. The fare is quite expensive but I still believe it has significant economic returns. You spend but then again, you help!

The room is fully air-conditioned. The staffs are friendly. Chairs and tables are really unique.They also have videoke sing-along and bar (which happened to be our convention area during our writeshop). 

VILLA AZARCON MOUNTAIN RESORT

Knowing the fact that Surigao del Sur has plenty of tourist attractions, each municipality in the province goes out from their shells and enters the spotlight to showcase what they got! The Municipality of Tago is no exception of course. Indeed it’s like a snake sloughing off its old skin, then surprisingly blooms like no other. With justice, you can label this place as the land of waterfalls. 

Villa Azarcon Mountain Resort is one of the Tago’s hidden treasures. The paradise is located in Cagpangi, Tago, Surigao del Sur. It is only 3 minutes hassle-free away from its junction because the road is more than okay. 

Just inside the resort, you’ll see the Gacub Falls. Man-made wonder fuses with natural wonder will definitely result to awesome creation, that’s what you can see inside the resort. Also, the landscape is far different from other resorts.

CALO HORSE FARM

Calo Horse Farm is a private property owned by the Calo Family which is located in Brgy. Sanghan, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte which is more or less 15minutes away from the heart of the city.  It offers enjoyable horsebackriding and training for a very affordable price.It is one of the recreational activities you will surely enjoy in this place. The fee for 1 round ride is only P100.00 (minimum of 5pax)

The greenery spacious place is really conducive for meditation and camping. In fact, several campings were successfully done there.

The owner anticipated to make this place a mini-forest where hardwood trees (especially the endemic trees) in the country are brought together. I love green environment so I’m keeping my fingers crossed to his plans.

Other than horseback riding, the family is also known for their colorful candles. They even share their knowledge on how to make one! Candle is for sale and it costs P75.00. Candles are also for export. They also displayed variety of abaca products.

THE PRIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO(ANAO-ON)

It has been my lifelong dream to use my passion (which is traveling) into profession. Working in DOT is somewhat an answer to my dream. DOT serves as my gate pass to various travels. One more thing I like about this department is that it goes far beyond traveling, this department facilitates in the implementation of anything that has an involvement in giving a tourists a feeling of full satisfaction. My 2^nd official travel is San Francisco (Anao-aon), Surigao del Norte.

Not to mention, this Municipality is bestowed with a beautiful spot where City people are being lured with its look. A naturally pristine beach of San Francisco is a good example of a totally pollution-free atmosphere.This place has minimal internet information, no doubt, people from neighboring municipalities rarely choose this place for gathering.   

                                  

HELLO AGAIN TO DAHILAYAN: I LOVE DROPZONE

rates

Dahilayan is sweeter the second time around. All expenses paid by the Department of Tourism-Caraga Region and that perhaps made it sweeter.

Dahilayan is widely known for its zipline, tagged as “Asias Longest Dual Cable Zipline”. Evidently, the rate of their offered rides did not change. But I think several rides were added to satisfy the adventure-seeker’s desire.

This time I chose DROPZONE since I’ve experienced the thrill of the 940-meter zipline few years ago. After experiencing that 120 feet sky fall, I conclude that dropzoning is way better than ziplining. I’m running of words in describing how I felt after having that dropzone activity. It was indeed scary yet very fulfilling.  I must say, it was really cool! And if I am given a chance to be in Dahilayan again, I'd still choose that ride even if it's a bit pricey.

If I am to compare ziplining versus dropzoning?

Zipline- I say things like “wow….heaven” during the ride.

Dropzone- I say things like “oh my God…oh my God…please forgive me” during the ride. I was calling all the names of the saints I knew during the ride. hahahah

For dropzone video, CLICK HERE.

Since we finished dropzoning in less than 5 minutes, I swiftly went outside to try horseback riding. Horseback riding rate is P100.00 per 15minutes. If you only wanted to have a quick ride for picture taking purposes, you could just pay P20.00 to the in-charge. 

A SIDETRIP TO BLUEJAZZ RESORT AS PART OF OUR ITINERARY

BLUEJAZZ WATER SPORTS RATES

From Talicud Island, we rode a ferry boat going to Kaputian with a fare of P20.00/each. The trip took only 15minutes. From Kaputian to Bluejazz, the mode of transportation is either bus or motorcycle. Our cousin advised us to take a bus going to Babac Pier instead of a single motorcycle. As to my cousin, bus is safer compared to motorcycle. But time is really limited for us… so whatever it takes, we have to cross the bridge whenever we get there. Sadly, there was no bus available in that area and we have to wait for an hour for another bus. Since we were in a hurry, we hired a single motorcycle going to Bluejazz resort with a fare of P250.00 (good for 3).  The asphalt road is good but again the driver must focus on driving because the road going to paradise is a bit curvy. Kaputian to Bluejazz Resort road trip took 40 minutes.  

Entrance fee:
for adult is P90.00
for kids is P70.00

Unlimited usage of giant slides is P90.00

unlimited usage of giant slide cost P90.00 / head

RANDOM PICTURES OF BLUEJAZZ RESORT. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE PICTURE SAYS IT ALL. :-)

good for 6 pax worth P600.00

souvenir shop

 

kayak rate is P200.00/hour

TALICUD ISLAND, HOLY WEEK 2014

It was extremely hot 7 in the morning when we arrived in Sta.Ana wharf. Endless queue in paying ferry boat ticket pissed me off. Plus, people from different places kept on arriving from time to time. Some were haggling to the people who fell in line near the ticket booth. Some were even using their dirty tactics just to reach Talicud Island at earlier time.  We haven’t taken our breakfast yet. We we’re damn starving. I was about to give up. A large number of people drive me to push through with my travel.  I could assume that the place is worth a sacrifice.

“If you won’t stop pushing me, I will really kill you” I said with anger to a lady who pushed me just to catch the trip. I did try not to lose my temper but my life was at risk that time. One false move and you will surely find me lifeless in deep water since I do not know how to swim. Right after giving her an ultimatum, we were able to catch to MB Pacific ferry boat around 10:30AM. We arrived in Talicud roughly 12 noon. We went directly to my 1^st cousin’s house. We had our quick lunch and then proceeded to Isla Reta as part of our itinerary.

Isla Reta Resort is situated near the pier. Its panoramic view is truly superb and alluring that everyone is compelled to see the place. No wonder why those people in Sta. Ana wharf patiently waited for their turn to witness this God’s fabulous creation. The sandbars are really white and fine.Its surrounding remains clean even if there are many people who stayed there overnight. We were really enticed to swim in its clear turquoise water while looking to its charming façade. There were so many vacationers there. In fact, rooms for rent and even cottages were all occupied. Glad to know that everyone is allowed to set up their tents along the shore. I think it is more romantic to stay in a tent along the shore during night time while having a bonfire. 

DINAGAT ISLAND: year-end trip

Dinagat Island- youngest province of Caraga Region and is dubbed as the "Mystical Island Province of Love."  The place where the controversial cult Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) originated. It is the land of the very influential Ecleos. This province offers nice attractions which is ideally good for total relaxation.

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The castle located in the top of the mountain caught my attention the moment we arrived in San Jose Pier around 4pm. We took picture of it using my friend’s 50x optical zoom point shoot camera.

We directly went to Amas Lodging House where we stayed overnight. After putting our things in our room, we headed to White Castle which fascinated us upon our arrival. The mansion is owned by Governor Ecleo. Being mesmerized of how the mansion looks like, I at some point thought that I am snowhite living in the world of fantasies.  It definitely looks like a big house in cartoon movies with pointed canopies that captivate people in mainland areas. I am really running out of words to describe it. Perhaps it’s my time to see such unique mansion. Elegant, inviting, attention-grabbing, nice, beautiful, every human being’s dream, you name it...  It seems like the mansion is labeled with “come on and see me” considering that my eyes can’t resist from looking at it. Just like a typical house, sightseers are not allowed to enter. However, they never forbade us in taking pictures. We were just lucky that the guard opened the door for us to see its splendid façade. We stayed there ‘til sunset.

Our single motor drivers who happened to be our guide told us to see the Holy Land (white castle); it is where the PBMA members gathered. It is also the place where Mr. Ruben Ecleo Sr, founder of PBMA, is buried. We were hesitant at first knowing that we did not wear skirts and white t-shirts because we did not know their basic protocol. But our luck continues as we leaped the place. They allowed us to enter their sacred place despite the fact that I wore sleeveless and knee-level short. Having been aware about the negative feedbacks of the cult, I am honestly petrified as I moved closer to their so called Holy Land. 

We spent our second day mainly in the middle of the sea. We did island hopping. Boat rental for the whole day activity is P2,000.00. Better go there in group to save money. The more, the merrier! 

BITAOG BEACH

LAKE BABABU

Getting there.

*Nearest airport of Dinagat Island is Surigao City Airport.

*Mode of transportation- boats and ferries

*Boat Fare- P100.00

*Schedule- daily 1PM

BUCAS GRANDE, I shall return!

Bucas Grande, Socorro Island- situated in the eastern part of Surigao del Norte and  Southern part of Siargao Island, approximately 2 hours away from General Luna (the place where annual surfing festival takes place.) Socorro is 1 hour pump boat travel from HAVODA Terminal, Hayanggabon, Claver, Surigao del Norte. Furthermore, it is prevalently known for its Sohoton Cave.

Another piece of history is being listed in my journey. This is honestly my first time in seeing and holding a real and alive jelly fish. I was apprehensive at first because I didn’t believe that it’s stingless. But I still got a nerve to hold it with all my senses for the sake of memorabilia. FYI, jellyfishes are really sensitive, thus, no one is allowed to swim with them.

After our meet and greet with the jellyfishes, we moved to our next itinerary which is caving.  We have seen the horseshoe-shape rock formation along the way. We are also feeding our eyes with the lavishness of isolated green undisturbed forests while inhaling the extraordinary freshness of air as we hopped from one island to another.

horseshoe-shape

In an instant my dream of having a fairer skin came true as I drenched myself in the luminous cold water trapped in a huge cave. Yeah, you've read it correctly...it is indeed luminous! My skin goes back to its normal color as I moved out from water. It thought me a lesson somehow and learned a lot of things such as worldly things that comes easily will surely goes easily and it goes the same with “love”. Charr…  

Knees trembling, hands are cold and hair ruffled…I’ve surprisingly defeated my acrophobia by virtue of no choice. We have explored one cave tourist destination where you need to jump into the water for memorable exit compliance. But then again, life is a matter of choice and with this experience, you have a choice; either you waste your time and go back to its proper entrance with no one to guide you or just bravely jump about 15 feet above water level for you to move on to your next destination. Which is which?? I bet you’ll jump. 

Bolitas Cave, if your physique is beyond the normal size, I suggest don’t bother going to this cave. The entrance which also happens to be the exit is too small that everyone is required to crawl just to reach its dead end just to have a short glimpse of those marble-shape stones (locally known as bolitas). Getting there is not easy, but it is worthy! The cave is really unique. Stalactites look like pointed boobies while stalagmites' formations are quite similar to man’s private organ. Hahaha     

“I SHALL RETURN” is the only phrase I could remember from my friend the moment we depart this place. And I seconded the motion.To some (especially the cave enthusiasts), they said Sohoton cave offers more enjoyment compared to other caves in the country. Some even rated Bucas Grande higher compared to other tourists spots. With that, Socorro only proves that it is simply the paradise where you will find peace, serenity of the mind, simplicity of the heart and tranquility of the soul. My P1,100.00 budget for 1 day Socorro Island  trip is truly awesome.