When You Say Nothing At All - Lea Walker

I love Windows Live Movie Maker! :)  And you tube, of course. hehe

I made a video using the pictures I've taken from our vacations in the Philippines and outside the country (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam).

The song in the background is my version of When You Say Nothing At All. :)







                                                                 Lea C. Walker
                                                           leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                         www.davaoproperties.com

Toyozu Mountain Resort

Toyozu Mountain Resort is located in Nabunturan, the capital of Compostela Valley. The region's main income is derived from mining of gold, silver and copper. Travel time from Davao City is about 3 hours.

The whole family and I went there sometime in 2006. I am so glad I found some photos through my flickr album because it reminded me how much we loved the place.

From Davao City, we passed by Panabo , Davao del Norte. Then, Tagum City and Mawab, before reaching Nabunturan. From the main town, we travelled about 30mins , on the way to the resort. I remember seeing a "lemonsito" farm. I thought that maybe, that's where the lemons in Davao City come from. :) It was a comfortable ride because the roads were mostly concrete. Plus the lush green scenery of the mountains and the forests was such a beauty to behold. You know, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Mindanao is indeed a gem.

We, Mindanaoans, are blessed with hotspring, coldspring, waterfalls, spectacular mountain ranges, beautiful lakes. And the beaches, specially in the East Coast, wow... I simply have no words for it. And then of course, let's not forget the rich minerals that thrive underground. Bottomline - when God gave away blessings, He remembered us. :)

We just have to take the time to enjoy these things. Dip in the hot and cold springs. Paddle our boats in the lakes. Fish in our mighty river and seas. Walk in the sand. Be excited with the adventure to the unknown. And have fun, in the process...

I had my first van in 2002, a Mitsubishi L300, which was awarded to me by my previous boss. Since then, my family and I , have been to places that most people would not go because it's tiring. :) It does not bother us though. My oldest nephews, Matt and Blaire,  who are now 12 years old started travelling when they were 3. Blaire was diagnosed of slow development. He got sick when he was 6 months old and the antibiotics left a mark in his brain. :( But if you see him, you would not know that he has a problem. He can't speak well and has difficulty in writing, but other than those, he's intelligent and caring. He grew up to be as normal as any kid in the block because we treated him that way. He can swim better than I do. haha... He's a great basketball player. And he's more adventurous than we are! :) So if you meet my nephews, they can be your local tour guide. I am not kidding. :) Matt tells me often that he's bored. I guess, that's our fault. Because they're so used to going anywhere since we take them wherever we go. But then again, that's pretty normal for ordinary families in the Philippines. Our motto - walang iwanan. :)

So we finally arrived at the resort. The fee was very minimal. It was only P30.00 per head. Maybe it's a little bit higher now. We paid for a cottage also - Php150.00 . And a private jacuzzi type pool for P500.00 . They have a bigger swimming pool and everybody uses it for free. Of course, it's better when you have your own right? Enjoy the hotspring without the noise of other people. :)

This is how it works. From the main source, the owner of the resort put up some small concrete canals that goes directly to each of the pool. It can be adjusted by closing the canals that has hot water. If it gets really hot, then you can use the hose that contains cold water to make it cooler.  It's very ingenous if you ask me. :)

Then, there's the Natural Steam Bath. I loved it! :) It's supposed to eliminate toxins from our body. Well, I tried it hoping that it would burn my fats away... ha ha ha. I got soaked with perspiration. So I think it worked. LOL


RANDOM PHOTOS:

                                     One of the water sources. :)

                                Dandan, Marjun and Matt. :)

                                            Marco,  at 1 year old! He's 7 now. With Adette. :)

                                               Pearlie and Marco.

                              Papa, John, Nanay Ligaya and Mama.

Neighborhood kid (left side),  Matt (in green) and Blaire (Blue) @ 6yrs old. :) With papa, Marco,   Pearlie and Ruben.  :)

Thank you flickr.com for saving these photos. :)




                                                              Lea C. Walker
                                                      leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                   www.davaoproperties.com

Mindanao... A Misunderstood Paradise (Part 1)

Mindanao is often on tv or newspapers. Not because of our wonderful mountains, gorgeous beaches, beautiful and picturesque landscapes but because of what's going on in Basilan. Yes, it is part of Mindanao but if you look at your maps, it is just a small part of it. 


So I am hoping that through my Mindanao series, people from all over the world will understand that

no, we do not live in a killing field!

I'll start with my hometown, Davao. The first time my husband  John came to the Philippines,  on board the plane en route to Manila, an overseas filipina worker sitting beside him, told him not to go to Davao or he'll get kidnapped and might get beheaded. lol 

I'm sorry but I couldn't help but laugh when he told me about it. Jokingly, I congratulated him for visiting me despite of what he heard and read. I mean, you know , you have to be really , really brave to come to Mindanao right? hahaha  ... No, I am not being sarcastic. lol

I find it frustrating that even co-filipinos are obviously  strangers to our own country. Judgement is done based on what's in the news. It is sad because a lot of people are missing the chance to visit and enjoy what our province and its people has to offer.

If only they knew ... Davao is such a beautiful place to live in. We have no typhoons here. We have an abundant supply of seafoods. :)  Each month brings  different varieties of fruit - durian, pomelo, mangoes, mangosteen, etc. Making them cheaper than most cities in the Philippines since they are locally grown.

That's why we celebrate Kadayawan Festival on August of each year as thanksgiving  for the abundant bounty we receive, year after year...  

When the news kept on saying that there's a shortage of rice a few years ago, I was like "what are you talking about"? We have abundant supply of that here! You see, we get our rice mostly from Davao Oriental.

            Ricefield in Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental.  As far as the eyes can see. :)

And our previous Mayor, Rody R. Duterte, rides in a taxi pretending to be a passenger at nights, to check what's going on with the City. (And no, there is no entourage of body guards with him.  )  So yeah, even foreigners living in Davao , will tell you that it is safer here than most cities in the western world. :) Also, Davao is the only city in the Philippines that has 911. That's one of the best legacies Mayor Rody left to Davaoenos before he became a Vice Mayor.

Davao is home to the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Apo. I had the chance to visit Kapatagan , Davao del Sur last month. And there I stood for awhile, watching the majestic beauty of the Philippine's tallest mountain. The place has a cool temperature which reminded me of Eden and Buda.

                                                  Mt. Apo. Photo courtesy of my sister, Pearlie.

NOTE: If you want a clear picture of Mt. Apo, be sure to take one early in the morning. After that, it gets enveloped with clouds and thick fog.


Our city is also the home of Pag-asa, the monkey-eating eagle which was born at the Philippine Eagle center in Calinan. And the world famous Waling-waling, aptly known as the queen of all flowers.

The nearby Island Garden City of Samal boasts of its white sand beaches with beautiful corals underneath.

        Kaputian Beach Park, taken while we were on the boat, coming back from a boat tour.
                      (Boat Fee: P800.00             Entrance Fee: P10.00 per head)

     This is the garden in Samal. The corals at the Vanishing Island in Kaputian. :)

Samal is also famous for its batcave. A sanctuary for millions of fruit bats.

Then, there's Hagimit Falls , which the LGU developed into a beautiful resort.

One of the many "mini-cascades" in Hagimit Falls. Taken on October, 2011.

Of course, who haven't heard of Pearl Farm Resort? It is expensive, yes. But you get what you pay for. My nephews love the beach and their infinity pool!

                                        Matt and Blaire at the Infinity Pool of Pearl Farm.


Davao is the business center of Mindanao so yes, we have an international airport. We have an international seaport as well. It is a big city with all the comforts it has to offer, less the terrible traffic I hate in Manila. Sorry Manila friends, I just can't stand the smoke and the traffic there. :)


Yes, it's a busy city. But we live a laid back lifestyle. To borrow the city's phrase - Davao, life is here!

I couldn't agree more... If you don't come and visit our place, it is your loss. (winks :)






                                                        Lea C. Walker
                                                  leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                www.davaoproperties.com

Of Sunrise and Sunsets

This is just a compilation of the sunrise and sunset photos I've taken over the years.



1. My first sunset in our new house. Taken on February, 2011.





2.  This sunset was taken at Magallanes Condominium.

3. Still at Magallanes Condominium. This unit was facing Mt. Apo.

4. Sunrise taken at Nova Tierra, Davao City.

5.  I found this sky really weird. A colorful burst of different hues made the sky interesting that day. Taken at Priscilla Estate, Cabantian, Davao City.

6.  Samal Island, Philippines.

7.  Also in Samal Island.

8.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

9.  Kaputian Beach Park, Island Garden City of Samal.

10.   Valle Verde, Panacan , Davao City.

11. Taken in Camiguin, April 2008.

12. Sunrise at Olman's Seaview Resort, Bohol, Philippines. July 2011.

13.  Olman's Seaview Resort, July 2011.

14.  I took this photo  of Davao City Port while waiting for the ferry boat in Samal.

Maramag, Bukidnon

Since John and I had to work that day, we just followed my family to Maramag, Bukidnon. They left early that morning so the kids will have more time to enjoy the resort they found online.

We left Davao around 2 in the afternoon. The trip to Maramag is more or less 3 hours passing through the winding road of Bukidnon - Davao, famously known as Buda. I love the place because of its cool weather. Thick fog would envelope the road which makes it difficult to traverse if you're not using fog lights in your car. The first time I saw that, we stopped on the road, and just felt the cold breeze in my face. The cool sensation washed away the stress and tiredness from my body and brain. I wanted to shout and just let the sound echo in its mountains and hills. But of course, I didn't.  :)   

Foggy Road in Buda, Philippines.

John and I took our time cruising the road. Most people think that Davao, being a part of Mindanao, is dangerous. I can't help but laugh when I hear that. Well, it is frustrating for us Davaoenos. But we've learned to accept that we cannot please everybody. As far as I am concerned, Davao is safe. Even if you're up in the mountains. We've travelled this road several times in the last 10 years, day or night until mid-dawn. But we have never experienced an untoward incident, to date. We pray before we leave so I believe, that's why we've always been protected.

We arrived in RR Spring Resort just before sunset.

My nephews ran towards us, shouting Tito John and Mommy Inday. :) They were so happy that we made it. We were led to our cottage by no less than the 3 kids. Explaining to us that they've spent a lot of time at the pool. Several pools, actually. That there's a fishpond. And that our room is nice... Imagine, 3 kids excitedly talking about those all at the same time. lol


RR SPRING RESORT: 

The entrance fee for daytours is Php10.00 per head. They have several swimming pools with various sizes. The pool water comes from a spring. So it's clean and free flowing. The cottage cost is Php2,500.00 per night (good for 4 people) with hot shower, refrigerator and aircon. They also have a dormitory which can accomodate 20 people which costs Php2,500.00 also. Double deck beds with mattress are provided for by the resort.

They have a kitchen so you have an option to cook. Or just buy food from their restaurant. In our case, we opted to cook because we're in a group. As usual. :)

PHOTO GALLERY:

The Cottages.

Matt and Blaire. :)

Around 5 in the morning the next day, we went to Maramag Public Market, which is more or less a 10 min - ride from the resort. We thought of grilled pork and fish, that's why we were so glad that the market vendors were there already. We were able to buy a hot "pan de sal" also from a nearby bakery. :) I don't know why but I love going to the market... Weird right? lol

FUNNY STORY:

While the vendor was busy chopping the porkchops we ordered, I asked the other customer there. (You know that I'm a photography addict right? But he didn't... So I understand where this guy is coming from. )

Me            :  What time is the sunrise here? (a perfectly innocent question, right?)

Customer :   He looked at me as if he didn't know what to say. Finally, he said " I think , soon".

Me            : Talking to my sister. "Pearl, let's go. It's sunrise in a few minutes."

Customer :  (looking seriously bewildered, he asked my brother inlaw, Ruben.. ) "Why? Are you scared of the sunrise?

We all burst out laughing when we realized that he  actually thought,  we're some kind of dracula who are afraid of the sunrise.  ha..ha.

I explained to him that I  wanted to take pictures of the sunrise. That's why we had to leave and find a good location for it. :)

He was still chuckling when we left. That was the funniest experience, ever. LOL

That's why I love going to places. If I was stuck in Davao working that day, I wouldn't have encountered a man who thought of me as a vampire. hahaha...

On our way back to the resort. Photo courtesy of my brother in law, Ruben.

It took us forever to get over what happened at the market.  We would burst out laughing until now, everytime we remember that joke. Or should I say, serious thought of that customer. hehe...

And no, I did not get a good sunrise that day. It turned out to be cloudy. But it's ok. I got a beautiful view of the lake instead. Which more than compensated for the sunrise photo I missed. :)

HOW TO GO THERE:

Maramag can be reached by bus or van, via Buda highway. If you're coming from Davao, the Terminal is in Ecoland. There are public transportations also from Cagayan City to Maramag, Bukidnon.

                                                                 Lea C. Walker
                                                          leawalker.blogspot.com
                                                        www.davaoproperties.com

Philippine Road Trip - Day 4

I woke up in an unfamiliar bed. For a moment there, I forgot that we were in Tacloban City. Yes, we're still travelling. :) You notice the smiley after the word travel? lol  I just don't smile but grin when I think about going to places. My heart starts thumping. And I find myself singing, not just in the bathroom.. haha

John was still sleeping. So I quietly took a bath, changed and went down. The street wasn't busy yet. Maybe because it's a sunday. Most people get up late on Sundays. Not me though.. I always wake up at freakin' 5:00 in the morning. Same time with the chicken huh? haha... Gee, am I that old now?

Downtown Tacloban on a Sunday.

I hired a tricycle and went to church. I did not know that Tacloban City's patron saint is the Sto. Nino. I'm glad because he's our family's patron saint too. And it gave me the chance to say thanks for bringing us to this place safely.

Tacloban Church

The flower vendors outside the church.

Tacloban City is a small place. I asked the driver to roam around its downtown area and see what's there. He turned towards the pier. I'm glad he did since it gave me time to take pictures again. :)

When I got back to the hotel, John and I had breakfast. Our conversation:

Me   :   do you remember the bridge last night?
John:   yes
Me   :  can we go back there?
John :  why? (in a funny sounding voice)
Me   :  because I want to take pictures of it. It was so dark last night, I was not able to do so.

John looked at me as if I was crazy. haha...So I explained.

Me   : That is San Juanico Bridge. When I was in elementary, it was part of our history book. So I'd
           like to go back there and take pictures.

John :  (Rolling his eyes) Seriously?! 30mins of travel to take pictures of a bridge?

To this date, John still thinks I'm crazy. hahaha....

San Juanico Bridge, Samar , Leyte.

Another thing I learned is that Tacloban City has one of the best Lechons (roasted pig) in the Philippines. We had no idea where we will have lunch and what awaits us on the road. So  we bought food on the road again. I bought rice and lechon for me. (That's how I found out that it's Tacloban's specialty. ) And pizza for John.

Okay, so off we go.. looking for Mc Arthur! :) Tsk.. tsk.. Leyte adventure will not be complete without checking the "I shall return" guy right? Of course!

Mc Arthur Landing park in Leyte, Philippines.

John and his countrymen. :)

The rain was drizzling. But well, it did not bother us. We were having fun cruising the road. Leyte to Liloan was a beautiful ride. The ricefield, the mountain view and the beach... wow, our government should seriously consider promoting this island to the whole world.

We found ourselves at Liloan Port. The ferry leaves late in the afternoon so we had no choice but wait. Liloan , Leyte to Surigao is a 4 hour trip.  Without typhoons or a low pressure , that 4 hour trip is heavenly.  

Coin divers at Liloan Port.