Monday, August 30, 2010

Our Davao Vacation- Pearl Farm

Hey Folks, I'm again back in the hot and humid country of Qatar after spending 17 days back home in the Philippines. One of the places Yeng and I visited during my vacation was Davao. If you'e not yet been here before, now is the best time to go, since Philippine tourism really needs a lift after that tragic incident in Manila.

Our first destination was Pearl Farm where we planned to spend 3 days and 2 nights in one of the Balay Hill-Top rooms. The Pearl Farm is located in the southern part of the Philippines in the Samal group of Islands, an archipelago consisting of nine islands which stretch out over a land area of 28,000 hectares. According to their website this fourteen (14) hectare spread was once a pearl farm, where thousands of white-lipped oysters transported from the Sulu Sea, were cultivated for their pink, white and gold pearls.

The resort was designed by Bobby Manosa who is famous for his bahay kubo inspired designs. And indeed the Pearl Farm is a place where the humble bahay kubo is transformed into modern, beautiful and functional structures that dot the face of the resort.

We took the first PAL flight out of Manila and landed in Davao city at around 6am. From the airport, it was a 20min cab ride to the Davao Marina where Pearl Farm has a receiving area/hotel where guests were asked to check in and where the boat transfer from the main land to the Pearl Farm was taken.

Here is the how the break water/boat dock of the marina looked like as Yeng gets ready to board the boat to Pearl Farm.
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After about 40min on the boat, Pearl Farm came to view. The Samal Suites came to view first and of course the iconic Pearl Farm gazebo, the Parola Bar, was where the guests were first received (with fresh pineapple juice!). The other view of the Parola Bar was taken from our Hill Top Room.
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Since we arrived a couple of hours too early to check in, we lounged beside the infinite pool and also walked around taking pictures of the other room types. Below you see the Samal Houses which were built over the water.
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We checked in at 2pm after having lunch at the Maranao restaurant. After a quick cat nap, we hit the infinite pool which was just beside the Parola bar. The pool has a children's area, and an adults area, which wasn't deep enough. Nonetheless, the pool was quite refreshing as it was a freshwater pool. We also had some drinks at around 4pm, since all the drinks were 50% off between 4-6pm. I had a mojito with calamansi instead of lime - as the barman claimed that they have already ran out of it.

As the sun began to set, I took out my camera again as this was my favorite time to shoot. Here's Yeng modelling for me again hehe.
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The following day, before having breakfast, we headed to the main beach to sun bathe a little and also for us to get some pictures while on the beach. The beach had a very gentle slope and was only waist deep even after some significant distance from the shore. Here is a now you see us, now you don't shots of the beach and Parola Bar.
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After having breakfast, we headed off to the other Pearl Farm owned island, the Malipano Island. We first stayed on the beach facing the main Pearl Farm island, but at around 12nn, we headed off to the other side where the Malipano Island Villas were located. Unfortunately by this time, my SLR battery ran out on me and I had to rely on my P&S. Here are some pictures of the Malipano Island Villa and Yeng resting on one of the hammocks along the beach.
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The breakwater was also a nice feature of the beach and though it was not allowed, we could not resist jumping off the end of the structure into the deep blue clear sea.
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At around 2pm we headed back to the main island, sun burned hungry and thirsty. After getting some snacks and some drinks, I lounged on the poolside while Yeng made for the pool again. Just before the sunset we made for our room for a quick shower and change of clothes and we headed back outside where I again started snapping the sunset at Pearl Farm. Here by far is my favorite picture of the Parola.
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The Samal Suites were quite difficult to shoot at night because of the strong lighting they had underneath them.
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The next day, we just walked to the other parts of the resort that we haven't yet visited. We checked out at 12noon, had lunch and at 1pm took the boat to the city where the adventure continued as it was the start of the Kadayawan Festival in Davao.

Pearl Farm is a place that's very relaxing and where everything is within reach and prepared fpr you. It's definitely not the place if you want the diversity of islands that El Nido or a Bohol offers, or if you're looking for the nightlife of Boracay. But if you just want the solitude of a nice beach and great accommodations, and don't want the stress of planning where you will go to next or where you will eat next, then the Pearl Farm is the perfect resort for you.

Here are some other pictures mostly of me and Yeng, mostly Yeng in front of the camera and me, behind it.
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Hope you enjoyed looking!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tick Tock

As Dale mentioned in his previous post, we've kind of stopped preparing for the wedding. Sometimes I feel there isn't much to do anymore. But as I looked at our list, only a few items are finalized. To add to that, Dale is only in Manila for 2 weeks so it is more challenging to get things done that needs the both of us - seminar required for marriage license, church requirements, finalize food for reception and dinner, finalize set-up for reception and dinner, etc..

As of writing this post, we only have 5 months and 5 days before our wedding day. Realizing how time flies makes me a bit worried if we can handle this especially that Dale is out of the country most of the time.

Yes, my HMUA backed out when I was just about to sign the contract with her. Now I'm having a difficult time looking for one that fits the budget I've allotted. I've been stressed out looking for a replacement who is as good but fits our budget. I'm too stubborn to go for someone that has higher rate even if Dale has given me the go signal. This is my biggest worry right now. So if you have suggestions, please please leave a comment. :)

On a happy note, I'm scheduled to meet my designer next Saturday to finalize the design of my gown. Dale still refuses to go with me to the meeting because he doesn't want to see even the design of the gown until the day itself. The first measurement will probably be taken on that same day too. Which reminds me, I seriously need to start going to the gym!! The clock is ticking and before I know it, it's our wedding day already.


--Ahh, our wedding day... saying that still gives me goosebumps :p