D’ Hacienderas in Davao
Graduation times have passed (and I am yet to write about it), and as a celebration, my barkada (Aimee, Jessa, Shalee, & Leslie) and I went to Davao last April 11-13, 2011! 
Initially, it was nothing short of a talk outside a room in our school. I was amazed at how things fell into place, and the plan pushed through! 
I came fresh from Bantayan Island after the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge before my trip to Davao (I only slept for one night at home). 
Weeks before, we stayed overnight at Jessa’s house to plan our itinerary. And here it goes… 
Our flight on the first day was at 11am. We arrived at the Davao airport at lunchtime. 
We checked in at Alta Pension House (room for 5 at P1,500 per night), but since the available room wasn’t ready yet and we were in a hurry, we immediately had our trip to Eden Nature Park. 
I especially requested for this place because of the nature-y feeling and the urge to have a mini photo shoot there. Wuhaha. 
Anyway, for a total of P265 per head, we were able to enjoy the view of the place, tour around the area (with a tour guide), have our pictures taken at the 3 stops (Rainbow Path, Tinubdan, and Lola’s Garden), and yes, have our snacks (choices: palabok or sandwiches). 
It was such a serene place, giving justice to the 25 years of development (of the 80 hectares, around 95% is man-made) before going public. 
Rainbow Path.
Wishing well.
Our other stops during the day were the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague where we offered our petitions and thanksgiving prayers, and Jack’s Ridge. The latter reminds me of the view at Mountain View Nature Park in Cebu. 
We only had some picture-taking sessions there, but with the information in their website, I think their amenities are worth trying! 
Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague.
At Jack’s Ridge.
We planned on going to People’s Park at night after dinner at Mang Inasal, but it rained so hard, so we had to go back to Alta Pension House and just spend the night there. 
The whole of the next day was spent at Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark in Samal Island (only P90 per head, inclusive of entrance fee, open cottage, use of pools)! Whew, swimming, finally! 
Crazy moments at the beach came first before the ones at the pool. Since I spent a week under the sun prior to this trip, this day couldn’t be blamed for my sun-kissed skin. 
In the afternoon, we tried out the waterslides (unlimited use for P90 per head) — The Caliclic Escape, Pirates Revenge, and The Samal Shark! 
The first one is just an 8-meter slide while the rest are 130 meters long. Too bad the 75-meter Thunder Rapids whitewater ride is not yet open. 
While the rest of the girls went sliding over and over again, I went swimming after a few slides (and had a final swim before going home) because I like soaking myself in the water. 
The Caliclic Escape.
Pirates Revenge and The Samal Shark!
Thunder Rapids (not open yet).
We were back at Alta Pension House around 5pm and because we were beat, we all went to bed. 
We would have slept through the night had I not realized we haven’t eaten dinner yet, so off to KFC we went. And because we still had time, we went to People’s Park! It was already late in the evening (sort of), so when we arrived at the park, it was announced that there’s only 30 minutes left before closing time. Sayang. We were only able to take a few pics. The fountains and stuff like that were not operating anymore. Booo. Haha. But it’s okay. At least we were able to set foot in that fantasy-themed park.
The giant eagle!
The third day came fast. By 6am, we were already on our way to Camp Sabros in Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur. 
From Davao City, it’s a 2- to 3-hour ride, so we arrived at around 9am. The walk from the parking lot to the camp area was a bit challenging because aside from the rocky road, we were going against gravity! 
But the view and the scenic surroundings made up for it. We even saw Mt. Apo and a whole lot of pine trees! 
Mt. Apo.
Lots of pine trees!
When we reached the site, we couldn’t wait for the adventure to start! Partly because of excitement, and partly because we (Jessa and I) had a flight back to Cebu in the afternoon. We couldn’t afford to be late. Or I couldn’t. Haha. Anyway, of all the ride packages available, we chose the one including all rides at P750 per head — a tandem ride on the 380 meter zipline, a solo ride on the 400 meter zipline, cable lift, a solo ride on the 820-meter zipline, treetop rappel (with ziplines to and from the treetop), and another cable lift! 
It wasn’t my first zipline (we had zip splash on my 21st birthday), but the experience was way different! Why? Aside from the fact that the ziplines here are longer, we’re zipping superman style (lying down) 150 feet above the ground! 
That’s a thrilling trip above a lush forest with the cool breeze sweeping on your face. Adding to the excitement of the whole adventure were the bumpy truck rides! We were literally screaming our lungs out from one stop to the other! Believe me, if you won’t hold on tight, you’ll fly out of your seat! 
They were all such fantastic rides, but it had to end soon. We had lunch at the site before going back to the city. And it was time to say goodbye to the three girls who were to stay in Davao for two more days. 
From a dream to reality, our whole stay in Davao is priceless! 
We were finally able to cross the borders on our own, and I know we’re going to repeat that kind of experience soon! Thank you, D’ Hacienderas, for such a kick-ass adventure! 
Thanks to Jessa’s parents, too, for the rides to and from places. And of course, thanks to my mom big time for this because this is her graduation gift for me. Weee! Till the next escapade! 
See more of our Davao pics in this album.
Category: Hacienderas, Photos, Rants and Raves. Comments: 19 Comments. RSS
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weeeeeeeh!! padung pa kuh suwat sa akuh blog entry… i really don’t know unsaon pg.write.. hahaha!! mura man gud ma.redundant ang idea.. saonz… hihihi..
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Haha ga.narrate ra pd gni ku sa nahitabo. Bahala na bsta naa lng documentation. Hahaha.
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weeeeeeh!!!!..pwede usab??..hehehehe..usab ta pero sa cdo,camiguin and bukidnon na guys ha!!!!..lets start to save money na para naa patai nxt time!!!!..thank you Hacienderas for giving me this kind of experience..i know if wala mo boring pud kaayo ni buhaton s.o.l.o. noh?
hahhahahaha..till nxt time!..mwah!!!!
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Mao jud Les, tigom na ta for the next laag! Kuyog japon ta ninyo hap!
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OMG I so love these kind of blogs! I am in love with the photographs bes. Idooool! Davao looked more beautiful dahil sa pictures. I’m planning to go there rin at the end of the year. Sana matuloy!
And sana bes you can come with me in Bantayan!
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Weee, thank you bes!
You should go there, esp. sa Camp Sabros! 
And about Bantayan, I’ll think about that bes! Hihihi. 
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BAGO LANG TO? Q__Q Parang nainggit ako. Ang saya saya nila. I miss the sun. D; Nakapunta ako dun sa Eden nung field trip namin. Pero parang hindi ko napuntahan ang rainbow park. Ilang days kayo nyan? And ba’t parang ang dami niyong dalang pera. Hahaha. Nainggit akoooooo D;
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5 kami jan Chiro-chan — I and a friend stayed only for 3 days, and my other 3 friends stayed for 5 days. Ang saya talaga dun! You should visit Davao again! It’s sort of graduation gifts ng families namin, so ayun.
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suya kos inyung camwhoring…I need to enhance mine!!!
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Enhance your what? Your photography skills? Or your camwhoring skills? Hahahaha.
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OMG! Finally fount the time to read. Hahaha! Sorry for the delay.
Well, well!!! MAKA-SAD! MAKA-MINGAW! OMG! I miss you, guys. Haven’t seen you in a while. Kita na ta tomorrow na! Hahaha!
Anyhooo, ang aku new roommate kay taga-Camiguin. Yes, imagine that! Hacienderas to invade Camiguin super soon… Murag, sign nah ni Lord?? Haha!
Dugaya na jud naku wala ka-blog. I miss TwiB. I miss my Internet. Dili ko comfortable mag-blog outside my room. Dili ko comfortable mag-blog sa mga Net Cafes..
Sad life!
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*Finally found the time to read…
TYPO!!! AHAHAHA
Anyway, out ko anang “graduation gifts ng families”.. hahaha. bitter?
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Dghan na na.add nga places! Mg.planu nsad ta soon! Hahaha. Mishoo all, too!
And about the grad gift sa family, ahahaha. Cge lng, family mn japon c Eugene.
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Wow Ate Miks, ang ganda ng pics ninyo. :]
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Weee thanx Kimeh!
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NICE!!! I love the Mt. Apo shot!
How much did you pay going to Samal Island again and pls give me details…I’ll be going there this friday eh…
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Mga 100+ ra man tngali to Rab to the Island via bangka, but I’m not sure. I forgot na. Hahaha.
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[...] post all about? Well, it’s just about reminiscing, really. It’s been 5 months since D’ Hacienderas’ Davao adventure, and every time I watch this video I’m about to share, I still laugh at it and I miss it. [...]
[...] yes, the adventurous Davao trip! [...]