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Laswitan Lagoon: Surigao Del Sur’s Hawaii

The Philippines, by far, is a country paradise. It is a majestic paradise and splendor fenced by bounteous bodies of water. This country surprises everyone with its ecological and geographical diversity, and its special feature is even more magical in itself that no other countries and territories bear semblances. As well, the Philippines attracts foreign tourists. None can argue with us that the Philippines is one of the most-visited places in the world. Aside from the beauty of the country and its magnificence, it also gives some awe-inspiring destinations with stunning views and exceptional geological constructions and developments. In other words, the Philippines receives all the blessings and graces of nature and wonder. Misamis Oriental Journal readers wish to visit some places safe and sound or happy and pleasurable, such as Malibu, Hawaii, and we name it. Now, when we decide to have our weekend trips going somewhere, why don’t we consider the Philippines? Why don’t we try Laswitan falls and lagoon in Surigao de Sur?

Laswitan Lagoon is located at Barangay Madreliño, Cortes, Surigao Del Sur. If we are from Surigao City, we take the southbound bus to Tandag City and stop in the crossing of Cortes. The trip takes only 4 hours. Next, we ride the motorcycles locally known as “habal-habal” from Cortes crossing to Laswitan. We only take 25-30 minutes. Well, if you are from Tandag City, we take the northbound bus to Surigao City and stop in the crossing of Cortes. Perhaps, we can take the public utility vehicles called jeepney with Cortes signboard. We expect to have one (1) hour estimated travel arrival (ETA). Then, we ride the habal-habal from Cortes town proper to Laswitan to take 15 minutes.

However, if we are from remote locations in the country and around the globe, we can take Philippines Airlines or Cebu Pacific flights to Surigao City. If we have the options to make, we can take the daily flights to Davao or Butuan from Manila and ride buses to Tandag City. From Tandag City, we can hire a private van to Laswitan to take 7 – 8 hours. That one takes a long-hour drive or a long journey to the superb Hawaii.

As well, we can visit the place probably in the months of November through February. These months give us the best view of the splashing water locally termed “laswit” since the waves during these months are high. In fact, one of our friends Bhoy Rusiana Turtogo was there, too.

Did we mention that Laswitan is like Hawaii? No, we did not. We forget to say that. However, Laswitan Lagoon is like one of the beaches in Hawaii, right? However, we do not get confused about it. This scenic lagoon is at Barangay Madreliño, Cortes, Surigao Del Sur. We can contact the management of Laswitan Lagoon through this mobile phone dial at 0935 146 5683 if we want to explore the place. They would be happy to serve us.

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KAPEHAN SA BUKID: Davao’s newest coffee hub

Coffee lovers and adventurous people like us sometimes go together. During the trip, we manage to stopover at the coffee shops, while enjoying our hot cups of coffee. The steaming vapor from the hot cups of brewed coffee gives as the chilling effect to wake us up in the morning snooze or alert us from the musings. Perhaps, we decide to spend magical and interesting rides if we have nothing to do in life and long weekends are approaching. Davao Oriental can be the best option to consider if we want long rides, treks, and trips. When we get there, we must not forget to drop off at Compostela – Cateel Road, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines.

Well, traveling is fun. And also, any form of adventure excites us. We know that traveling gives us moments to unwind. However, traveling without minding and thinking some of the things from our past that bother us can transform us. It changes our views about our lives to the point that we feel happy to experience the beauty of sojourn. The panoramic view in the background, the hot cups of coffee on the table, the foggy ambiance of the surroundings, and the joy-ride that we cannot forget are some of the things we need to do to enjoy life – a life away from stress.

How Do We Get There?

We take the plane if we are from Manila, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. From Manila to Davao, we take one hour and fifty-five minutes (1 HR and 55 Mins). We can only spend ₱8,000.00 as the cheapest airfare costs for our round trip.

When we get to Davao City, we take the bus heading for Cateel. We only take five hours (5 HRS) that surely cost ₱500.00 for the air-conditioned buses and ₱400.00 for ordinary buses.

Upon arrival at Cateel Town Center, we take the commercial motorcycles locally known as “Habal-Habal.” Within 20 minutes, we will reach “Kapehan sa Bukid.”

Oh, are we going to go now? We have not been ready for this one. We have been writing this article and featuring “Kapehan sa Bukid” to give us some discounts in the future, and now, we need to visit the place? Well, we just need to pack a few things up and head to “Kapehan sa Bukid” in Davao. By the way, we do not know anything to do. And yet, we can contact the management of Kapehan sa Bukid now through its mobile phone dial at 0998 196 0654. If we all have questions, we need to visit the Facebook Page of “Kapehan sa Bukid” management.

P.S. All photos come from Kapehan sa Bukid Facebook Page. Thank you.

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Cebu Waterfalls: The unseen jewel of South Cebu

We have visited a lot of places in the country. From those visits, we could say that traveling could be fun and interesting. We could, also, say that we would look to learn more about nature and people from different backgrounds in the country. We would always have the passion to learn more about people and to extend connections by talking to them. However, of all those journeys, we could not ignore the scenic spots that would remind us of utopia. Now, we can say that traveling is fulfilling and that it allows us to meet people and their conventional cultures. However, we cannot go to places too far to reach. Travel restrictions and quarantine protocols are underway. Besides, some places like tourist attractions are unavailable due to stern quarantine measures imposed by the local and national governments. However, some places are open to serve guests and visitors. They open their businesses, but they follow government guidelines. Thus, if we plan to go somewhere and wish to explore not only Misamis Oriental, we can set our adventure plans now and fly to Cebu.

Somehow, we want to travel outside our comfort zone. Since we are from Misamis Oriental, we also wish to fly to Cebu via Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines to reach the hidden jewel and utopia of Cebu. If we do not have enough money, we choose 2Go Travels and other vessels. To tell our readers, we have been to Cebu for many years, but we have not made our stops at the tourist attractions. Well, we were busy back then. The reason we visited Cebu was business meetings and field trips from schools. This time we wish to go to South Cebu to enjoy life. We want to enjoy the beauty of nature and its fascinating landscape. Additionally, we need to visit the spectacular Inambakan Falls in South Cebu. After Inambakan Falls, we can also visit Bugnawan Falls and Kampael Falls in three days. In other words, we can spend one day on each falls.

Well, from the airport or port terminal, we can go directly to South Cebu Bus Terminal and pay around ₱180.00 air-conditioned bus. We can also pay the commercial motorcycle known locally as Habal-Habal for ₱100.00 per person.

Once we land on Cebu soil, we go directly to South Cebu Bus Terminal.

    • Take buses going to Ginatilan Proper for three (3) to four (4) hours.
    • Ask the drivers to drop us off at 7Eleven.

Ginatilan Proper

    • We take Habal-Habal. We tell the Habal-Habal driver to drive us off to Inambakan Falls.
    • We can try to negotiate the driver if we may. We can ask if the drivers agree with ₱300.00 per person for the three (3) waterfalls. Then, they can wait for us to go home.

Then, we revel with nature. We quietly take some photos, ask nature to grant us good image captures and vibes, and maintain the area clean. We eat our delightful snacks and food. As we make every minute of excitement and fun in the three waterfalls, we just dive into the water, feel it, and swim without saying a word since magic and miracle of nature can surely cast spell beyond our imagination.

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Gumataan Falls: Salay’s entrancing tourist site

In times of crisis like this, we need to unwind. We need to find some activities to ease the pressure and tension from the coronavirus contagion, political drama and strife, economic injustice, and health problems. By finding these places for social activities, we can go to the beaches, pool resorts, mountain hills, and waterfalls to remove stress. For us, doing these social activities appears to be the best decision to make.

Of course, we need to relax. We need to stop doing what we usually do. As life is short, we have to spend time well. We deserve to celebrate every single day since we do not know what lies ahead – the ballooning prices of all products, the growing scarcity, and the swelling acts of dishonesty and fraud in some of the government agencies. Probably, we are right. We are correct to decide to unwind so that we can see the beauty of life and nature. Through traveling, we can, somehow, reduce stress. Instead of delving into the draining and straining technologies like smartphones, TVs, and the like, we can dive into the water, take a plunge, and enjoy the scenery.

Well, going to Gumataan Falls in Bunal, Salay, Misamis Oriental is an adventure. It is a way to create excitement and fun. Instead of being hooked on numerous technologies, such as the Internet and social media, we can enjoy life. We can invite friends and social circles to enjoy life with us. Technologies construct barriers to keep us so distant to the point that we no longer see and recognize one another. Because of this reason, we need to spend time with members of the family and friends to explore Gumataan Falls as one of the gorgeous and stunning tourist destinations in Misamis Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. And this point, Gumataan Falls awaits us to get refreshed by the cool and refreshing waters of nature.

Going to Gumataan Falls in Bunal, Salay, Misamis Oriental can be the best option to make. This adventure may sound ordinary, but its impact takes us a lifetime. Gumataan Falls may not have the classy and exquisite look compared to other locations; however, the nature-look and view give us a taste of innocence and simplicity as dive into the crystal-clear waters of the falls.

Upon arriving in Salay, Misamis Oriental, we need to check Barangay Looc along the national highway to take a motorcycle locally known as habal-habal. It only takes us a one-hour drive to Gumataan Falls.

Finally, we can, also, contact this mobile phone dial 09458946454 for a van for hire, motorcycle ride, guides, and queries. Please try since we contacted this mobile just a year ago.

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Lourdes Bay Resort: Memories like no other

My trip to Lourdes Bay Resort in Binuangan was unintentional. It was because I had to escape the monotonous lifestyle at home. The boring four corners of my room, the repetitive DVD to watch, the boring backdrop of the house, the disappointing news every day, and the suffocating mandate to wear a face mask, a face shield and a body barrier permitted me to take a chance to have a road trip to somewhere. As I did not know where to go, I took my motorcycle and drove on the road going to nowhere. And yet, my foot pushed the break to stop. I looked at the scenery, searched around, and noticed that something was familiar. Here, I stopped at Lourdes Bay Resort in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental.

My view about the status quo in the Philippines compelled me to follow stern Inter-Agency Task Force  (IATF) guidelines and policies. I knew the growing confirmed cases of people who showed positive results of COVID-19 tests. However, I could not stay at home for six months. My friends and neighbors died because of staying at home and depression as if they were prisoners of their houses. My friends and I always felt fear of listening to the news concerning the actions of the national and local governments to discharge guidelines and rulebooks to keep our distance and even to let us stay at home. Yes, we observed such policies. However, we could not stay forever. Escaping to the places we loved most like Binuangan Lourdes Bay Resort in Binuangan, Misamis Oriental could be the best action to make.

As well, my friend, Gregg Cepe, was there. I did not have my photos of the place, but my friend had. Misamis Oriental Journal readers could see how exciting the place could be. We could tell based on our experiences that the place truly fascinated us. We could not ask for more because Lourdes Bay Resort has had a lot to offer.

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At Club Tara Resort: Our memories stay forever

My visit to Surigao Del Norte was amazing. I did not have any powerful adjectives to describe the place and my experiences, but I had countless memories to share with my Misamis Oriental Journal readers. I had so much fun. It was because the place gave me excitement and fun and created great moments that I had to live forever. I could not tell other people enough about my experiences because those moments were unique for me to share. I could not even write them down on pieces of paper, back to back, since those memories would only overflow if I tried to string along with those words on the pages. That meant that my Club Tara Resort experience opened my eyes to the opportunities to explore the world outside my comfort zone. When I got the chance to visit Club Tara Resort at Bucas Grande Island, Dona Helen, Socorro, Siargao Islands, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines, 84700, I just realized that I had so much fun managing my time to spend quality time with family members, loved ones, and friends. At Club Tara Resort, I could not ask for more.

A cool and refreshing cerulean-blue, crystal-clear water that attracts local and foreign tourists to dive into and swim in it…

At Club Tara Resort, I felt joy and love. Other tourists who spent their honeymoons in the hotels had celebrated affection and even happiness. The cerulean-blue, crystal-clear beach waters have been so inviting that my family members and I were unable to refuse that tourist attraction. Truly magnificent as it has been, Club Tara Resort, surrounded by woodland islets, has remained prestigious in its form. This cool resort embracing various channeled cottages that rested on columns and pillars over Sohoton Bay could be a one-minute walk from Sohoton Cove. I could surely imagine how I enjoyed swimming in the cool and refreshing waters without minding the sun’s rays that burst flames into the thin air.

As well, I could notice the serene rooms with a stress-free Filipino-style color scheme that would offer bay-view patios and verandas. I did not try the Jacuzzis, but others did. I could still have my drinks at the minibars, as well as my favorite brown tea in the coffee-making facilities. Oh, wait a minute. I did not have children, but kids under six years old could stay for free. One more thing, I could also bring this topic to my attention. The spartan, adults-only dorms in which they could accommodate 10 to 12 people to sleep could be possible. I could, furthermore, notice the bunk beds, shower rooms, and the chances to access a lounge, as well as the balconies to see the grandeur of the forest views, while waiting for the room service to come and to break the silence. All these things seemed to be fascinating.

An amazing aerial view of the Club Tara Resort and the surrounding woodland isles…

What’s more, I could mention these things, too. I could have a good breakfast before kayaking and snorkeling. Did I mention that Club Tara Resort has had a cafeteria, a pool with a bar, and a sequestered seaside with a jetty, as well as a swimming pool table and an orchard? Yes, I did. While promoting this place, I should mention that Club Tara Resort has had free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, air-conditioned, room service, child friendly, and a restaurant. In the end, people asked me if I enjoyed my visit to Club Tara Resort a lot. I surely said that I did.

Indeed, if we wished to create meaningful and sweet memories again, we could call or send a message through the mobile phone dial +63 917 522 5500. We knew we had to spend meaningful and quality time with family members and friends. We should not say that we have had so much to do in life and that we have had no time at all. We have spent our time working in the office or wherever we might be. It would be about time to be happy…

KEEP IN MIND

If you like this article, you can deeply express your appreciation by donating any amount of money from ₱20.00, ₱50.00, ₱ 75.00, ₱100.00 to ₱200.00 through ₱1,000.00 for the survival of our website. Times are tough. And we know that, for sure. For that very reason, we need some support from outside sources to let us continue writing and publish myriad exciting places for our next adventures.

Here, you can donate through the following channels:

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Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa: A home to stay

Giving ourselves chances to explore the best spot in the country can be an exciting treat. We can imagine going to places quite far and striking, but we don’t have any chance to visit. If we choose to go and make some adventure, we surely can. We can think of the stunning places, the classy and exquisite, yet reasonably priced ones, such as Boracay, El Nido, Coron, Siargao, White Beach, White Island, and more. However, we can’t ignore Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa at the Tourism Road, General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. Why? It is because the place is so amazing that we need to plan our next adventure and excitement.

An entrance to your can’t-miss experience and fun-filled adventure at Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa in Siargao, Surigao del Norte

Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa gives us the possibility to look at the smile of the sun. The sunrise, as we imagine, can give us a sense of life to move forward after relaxing and unwinding. The status quo of life seems to break to pieces and almost all of our resources will lose. Horrifying as it is, this COVID-19 pandemic does not allow us to smile. It only lets us focus on the present situation to survive the crisis as if we were hunted by the unknown entities – the unseen viruses. The enhanced and modified systems of quarantine protocols, somehow, confuse us that we lose our focus to think properly and go back to normal. Before we get submerged into the pit of confusion, we need to create plans and make them possible to save us from this pandemonium. Since business establishments are open, we have to execute our plans to unwind by traveling to places to let us enjoy ourselves. Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa gives us this sense of excitement as we experience the magic and the wonder of nature.

This exquisite accommodation gives us a sense of comfort and fun at Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa…

Well, at this point, we may ask how we get there.

By air, we can have a direct flight from Davao City and Cebu City to Siargao for only forty-five minutes via Cebu Pacific and PAL. If we are from Manila, we surely take one hour and forty minutes via Sky Jet Airways. If we are from Davao, we can have a direct flight to Siargao for one hour and fifteen minutes via Philippine Airlines.

By sea, we can take a ferry to depart daily from Cebu to Surigao City at 7 PM, except on Sundays. Then, we take a speedy craft from Surigao City to Siargao Island for two hours and 30 minutes.

By land, we can take a twenty-four-hour bus service from Cagayan de Oro, Davao City via Butuan, and Surigao City to Siargao. If we are in Surigao City, we can easily take a RoRo to Dapa Port, Siargao.

We tell everyone this. Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa gives us a can’t-miss destination, a fun-filled experience, and an instagrammable site to post for our friends and relatives. For inquiries and reservations, we can call Siargao Bleu Resort and Spa management through its mobile phone dial at 0917-772-4188 or email it at <[email protected]>.

KEEP IN MIND

If you like this article, you can deeply express your appreciation by donating any amount of money from ₱20.00, ₱50.00, ₱ 75.00, ₱100.00 to ₱200.00 through ₱1,000.00 for the survival of our website. Times are tough. And we know that, for sure. For that very reason, we need some support from outside sources. We need help to let us continue writing something worthwhile, as well as publishing myriad exciting places for our next adventures.

Here, you can donate through the following channels:

    • GCash Account: 09613923592
    • PayMaya Account: 09613923592
    • PayPal Account: [email protected]
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Larry’s Hill: A playground of excitement and fun

Amaya View as a nature-themed park, as well as a leisure destination, has been offering excitement and fun among guests and visitors. Positioned its glorious grandeur in the peak of Cagayan de Oro, Amaya View has stood, among others, to provide guests and visitors various levels of delight and amusement. Formerly recognized as Sierra del Oro, Amaya View introduces an avant-garde, classy, and exquisite side of the local people and their cultures, as well as the Filipino culture in general. It, also, offers its guests and visitors with its cerulean and turquoise-blue water of its infinity pool, its eternal greatness of fun and pleasure in the amusement park, its sumptuous food in the restaurants, its exhilarating drinks in the café, and its carbon copy of the celebrated scriptural figure called the Noah’s Ark, as well as the Hugo Skye Lounge. With all these, Amaya View, particularly Larry’s Hill, gives guests and visitors like us a unique experience to enjoy what life is.

Larry’s Hill as an exciting place to visit offers us a venue to enjoy life. It serves as a playground of excitement and fun. Guests and visitors, who consider Larry’s Hill a picture-perfect site to play, can join, of course, Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and friends at Larry’s Hill if they want. They can make Larry’s Hill a playground to perform various activities. Readers and visitors of Misamis Oriental Journal want to ask if Larry’s Hill management allows kids to enjoy. Well, this is what the management wants to accommodate. Additionally, guests and visitors can enjoy the only outdoor Ball Pit in the Philippines. They can enjoy all the fun with the high ropes, the two-way zip line, and the rappelling action from the helicopter. Of course, there can be more. They can, also, do the bungee trampoline and the maze adventure. More than anything else, Larry’s Hill offers team building activities and outdoor camping experiences.

Larry’s Hill at Amaya View – A Place to Quench Our Thirst of Excitement and Fun

As well, guests and visitors can only pay ₱50.00 for the entrance fee. Then, they can choose the different rates for their select activities, such as Ball Pit, High Ropes at Skye Level, and High Ropes at Grass Level, as well as Two-Way Zip Line, and Rappelling from the helicopter.

Below are the prices for the activities:

    • Ball Pit – ₱150 (Kids and Adults)
    • High Ropes at Skye Level – ₱250
    • High Ropes at Grass Level – ₱150
    • Two-Way Zip Line – ₱250
    • Rappelling from the Helicopter – ₱150

Now, where can we find Larry’s Hill? Again, Larry’s Hill is in Amaya View. And we know for sure that Amaya View as owned the Unabia Family is in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro City, Mindanao, Philippines.