ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr

Davao: Day One

Another place to check in my list: Davao!

We would be taking Philippine Airlines PR811 flight, leaving the Centennial Airport around 10:30AM. Expected arrival at Davao International Airport is 12:15PM... one hour and forty-five minutes travel.

Centennial Airport

Since we would try to catch the 1:30PM boat schedule from Davao Marina to Pearl Farm Beach Resort, it was decided to hand carry our luggage/s. This way, we can leave the airport immediately without waiting for our cargo, grab a taxi and be on our way to Davao Marina.

Also, since we are thinking of going around Davao City the following day, we chatted with the taxi driver and made arrangements of possibly picking us up at Davao Marina around 11AM. But, we will still have to confirm it with him. He gave us his mobile number if our plans will push thru. (As if it won't. hehehe!)

Davao Marina

Pier

Reached Davao Marina 30 minutes before the 1:30 scheduled boat departure for Pearl Farm... enough time to freshen up and look around the place.

The regular boat schedule was set depending on the plane's arrival and departure.

To Pearl Farm: 8:00AM, 1:30PM, 4:00PM and 6:00PM

To Davao Marina: 6:45AM, 10:00AM, 1:00PM and 4:00PM

Samal Houses

Along with guests, those who joined us in the boat are staff of Pearl Farm.

It is a 45-minute boat ride. Since everyone is excited to reach Pearl Farm, we did not mind the hunger pangs (hey! have not yet eaten lunch) and fought drowsiness caused by the rocking motion of the boat, lulling you to sleep. The first glimpse of the Samal houses further raised the excitement as you hear "click"-ing left and right. c",)

Mandaya Houses

As soon as we stepped out of the boat, we were given welcome drinks. As my friend arranged with the reception, the rest of us had a fun time taking pictures and having our pictures taken as we enjoyed the view which welcomed us.

We would be staying at Mandaya house. The Mandaya houses are arranged in U-shape with the pool and jacuzzi at the center. Thus, it (pool) would just be a few steps away from where we would be staying.

Maranao Restaurant

As soon our things were safely tucked in our cottage, we finally "obeyed" our stomach. So, off we went to Maranao Restaurant for our very late lunch/merienda. Here, we made friends with the restaurant's staff, making kulit what brand of suha is the best. All of them are one in saying that it is Nenita's. According to one of them, Nenita's outlet is at Market Basket. Since Market Basket is on the way to the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague where we plan to attend Mass, we decided we would be stopping by Market Basket for a few minutes to buy some suha before proceeding to the Church.

Maranao Swimming Pool (Infinity Pool)

Parola view from the Infinity Pool

The Parola

After eating, it was decided to walk back to our cottage instead of taking the multi-cab. A good excuse to look around Pearl Farm and take pictures.

I guess the cat was not killed, we were curious what the inside of the Samal houses looked like. Since we would be passing by several Samal houses on our way back to our cottage, we were trying to determine which Samal house is empty so that we can sneak in and take a peek. An indicator it is empty? Aircon is not open, no television blaring, no lights open.... We found one! And we had our pictures taken, too. (LOL)

Once we were back in our cottage, changed to our swimsuits and had a dip at the jacuzzi... That was refreshing! Spent hours... and hours... and hours... Until it was decided to finally have our dinner.

Maranao Restaurant at night

For our first night, we were already "rubbing elbows" with the owner of Pearl Farm--Tony Boy Floirendo. (As if!) They were in the other table, we were on the other. hehehe! Not a bad ending for our first day... c",)

posted by ~GFA~ @ 6/03/2006 09:53:00 PM