BLUE HOUR AT THE BEACH

While waiting for our dinner, i took random photos at the beach. Here are some pictures of the sky and the beach shortly after sunset. Paradise resort is a truly relaxing and peaceful place; great place for those who wants to get away from all the stress of life and the pollution in the city.

I WONDER AS I WANDER

The best version of the song entitled "I Wonder as I Wander" sang b Jillian Aversa via YouTube.  The song was written singer John Jacob Niles.  Here's the lyrics:

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die

For poor on'ry people like you and like I;

I wonder as I wander out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall

With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all

But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall

And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing

A star in the sky or a bird on the wing

Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing

He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King

MOUNT PUTING BATO

Hello! How are you enjoying your Christmas holiday so far?  I mentioned in my earlier post that I was awed by the view of this mountain covered with clouds, so, here are a few snapshots.

Mountain climbers, sports lovers and local dwellers stay overnight at the highest mountain peak in the Island known as Mount Puting Bato. I was told that when you get to the summit, you’ll be able to see the Island Garden City of Samal and the entire Davao Gulf.  If you haven't been to Davao and want to try something new, you may want to climb this mountain in the future. Mount Puting Bato is situated in Barangay Guilon, Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte Province.

LUSH GREEN

We're exploring the islands of Samal once again. And I'm seeing lush greens this time. Getting in touch with nature is what keeps me well grounded and balanced. The beauty of nature and the company of loving family and friends make me realize that things don't have to be complicated to be worth living. 

What I love about the islands is that it is not polluted, not  over crowded with tourists, natural, rustic and serene. Most of the islets are not yet inhabited by humans. I wish that people living in the nearby islands will not spoil the beauty of this place...that they will let this place be as it is!

Finally, I will leave you with these beautiful words from Mark Twain:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Dream. Explore. Discover.” 

How to get to Samal Island, Davao City, Philippines: 

“For International Visitors, you can fly direct to Davao City, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Airlines or SilkAir from Singapore. Or if you're entering the Philippines via the capital city of Manila, take a domestic flight to Davao City. The domestic flight to Davao City from Manila is serviced by Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines.” For directions on how to go to the Island from Davao City, please click this website.

OF THE SEA AND SKY

It's obvious, I can't get enough of the view of the sea and the sky in Samal Island. Bear with me, please : )

 ...so refreshing, so airy, so fresh, so calm...it's like nature telling me to go with the tide and let go of all worries in order to be light and free.  I hope that in the future, more tourists will come to the Philippines and visit Davao. Although it is located in Mindanao, the city is so peaceful, laidback, and the fruits are so delicious and very cheap. Truly, nature-tripping is more fun in Davao.

IN PARADISE

Warm morning to all  and Welcome to Paradise!

Sharing with you random photos from my early morning walk around the resort.  And these are what i saw:

1.  Clear skies

2.  pristine sand

3.  fresh coconut juice for breakfast

4.  pink gumamela flower

5.  another pink flower

6.   low tide at around 6:00 am 

7.   soft morning light and sand art (at least for me)

8.   massage area

9.   tourists and locals swimming on the beach

10. seashells from the sea shore

A BIT OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

We left the city of Davao for Samal Island at the crack of dawn. We headed at the Paradise Island wharf at Sasa Km. 11 where we rented a motorboat to ferry us to Paradise Island Resort. The motorboat navigated the gulf of Davao. The view was simply breathtaking - the calm  and clear water, the blue skies, and the mountains covered with clouds. I can't help but be awed by the beauty of this place; it evokes a sense of peace, calmness and joy.

Lunch was served by the beach, near a small cave - the usual Filipino fare of crispy fried tilapia, chicken-pork adobo, lechon (roasted piglet), steamed veggies, and baskets full of fresh Davao fruits, such as pomelo, mangosteen, watermelon, and the popular durian.  After eating, the younger ones snorkeled and swam like crazy onto the clear and warm water.  

After an hour break, we continued our journey. Along the way, we came across slow boats ("bangka"), fishermen, and fish pens. While enjoying the view,  the cool breeze of the wind and the sound of the waves will lull you to sleep; the occasional heat from the sun will wake you up; and by late afternoon, you will find yourself mesmerized by the sky view - the sun descending from the horizon and the skies changing its colors from cool blue to pink to orange. This place is a photographer's haven, indeed.