Davao City: A lazy day in the Park (5 days Mindanao Adventure: day 5)

June 12, 2019 (Davao City)

"Sometimes all you need is a great friend and a thirst for adventure"

A lazy day to call this last day in Mindanao (Davao City to be specific). We don't have enough time to do a whole day City tour and maybe because it wasn't our first time in Davao. We were too lazy to go out and wanted to just wait for our flight schedule. Since our plan is have at least half day city tour, We'd still push through to go at City Hall, People's Park, Jack's Ridge and Apo ni Lola Abon (Pasalubong center).

Starting our day with a breakfast near Davao's City Hall and having all the luxury of time to walk freely because it's Independence day anyway. People are in Holiday mode. We can't help but feel envy how good their City was. If only Metro Manila has been so clean and organized like in Davao. Then, it could be more beautiful than this. Considering Metro Manila has more historical sites to preserve. It was a typical day where pigeons gather in front of the City hall and we play like kids without thinking of time, Another childlike moment was when we spotted the dirty ice cream vendor and try its avocado & charcoal flavored ice cream. A perfect moment of an easy chill morning. 

With nothing to do, we walk all the way to People's Park. Similar to Quezon City Circle with a much good quality of air and more benches for what a park we always imagined to be. We spent some time here to just relax under the shed of trees and happily watching different People in the park. Somehow, A nostalgic feels during those time when People still go the park less with gadgets and malls. I wish we can still have it back. All those Parks be restored and once again filled with Families, group of friends, Morning joggers, dating couples and children playing. Sounds old? Oldies but goodies :)

After some relaxation, we wanted to have our lunch again at Jack's Ridge. The last time I went there was dinner time and didn't have the chance to see the whole place and what they so-called overlooking. We ride a taxi and make our way to the overlooking restaurant. I think, going there at night still better than daytime. It was too hot that we wanted a seat near the open space with a fan above us. We finished our lunch without disappointing ourselves of what we choose to eat. It is always a good dining experience in Davao. 

Our last stop for the day in the famous Pasalubong center in town. Featured in KMJS "Apo ni Lola Abon" This used to be a candy factory for durian & mangosteen products but now, they have plenty of items to choose from. Some Malong, Bags and other handcrafted products were also in sight. Even Pomelo just in case you don't want to go somewhere else. We secure our Pomelo and other Durian candy and get back to our accommodation. 

This might be a very short day but nothing to complain. We got everything we asked for during this 5-day adventure. Actually, too much of what we asked for. How can we not savor each moment, for each moment is a learning experience. A time where we discover more from ourselves and from our friends. From the first day of we cannot even grasp how can we overcome those unfortunate circumstances to actually learning how to adjust on the present situation. We have exceeded our expectations and limits to ourselves. Travelling out of your convenience is an eye opener. A test of skills and faith but will leave you better than you get started. So see you on our next escape? to another sweet escape.

Here's the link to our adventure: Day 1 to 4
Davao City (Samal Island): Day 1
Surigao del Sur: Day 2
Davao Oriental: Day 3
South Cotabato: Day 4

South Cotabato: Captivating beauty beyond compare (5 days Mindanao Adventure: day 4)

June 11, 2019 (Lake Sebu, South Cotabato)

"None of us knows what might happen even the next minute, yet still, we go forward. Because we trust. Because we have Faith." - The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

#SOXisNEXT
We don't have enough time for rest, don't have enough time for catch ups, don't have enough for time ourselves, don't have enough time for our loved ones and don't have enough time to rest. We always want to make the most of what we have right now, because we didn't know if we can still do the same thing tomorrow. Even though we lacked the luxury of time that we always wanted, We still go to try and risk for what is offered on us. A little time to rest, a little time for our loved ones and a little time to take a glimpse of the beauty our World has and that little time to build our trust that everything will fall into right place.  I'm delighted about this travel because I put all my trust in the Lord with what's ahead of us. It is always a harrowing thought when Cotabato is on the mention. There's bombings, kidnappings and other acts of terrorism to name it. Not until we came to know about South Cotabato. It has a reputation of being peaceful among the region and a rising destination for adventure seekers. We don't want to be persuaded and threatened by what the world perceived to what South Cotabato is. So we push through with the plan and put Lake Sebu on our list. I personally wanted to add Lake Holon, Sunflower farm and Pineapple plantation on our South Cotabato list but with limited time and budget, we have to pick the most convenient for everyone. And that's Lake Sebu for a day trip. 

Our long day started when we arrived Marbel Terminal 5 o'clock in the morning. Some were saying that UV going to Lake Sebu will only be available 7-8am, that we have to take the other option of riding UV going to Surallah which will be available by 6am then take another UV going Lake Sebu. Having no choice at all, we tried waiting for a Surallah route until 6:30am. But to our surprise, No UV available for Lake Sebu. They told us to ride a tricycle going to crossing and from there, we have to ride UVs or Shuttle of Teachers going school in Lake Sebu. We did as we've told. Thought of smooth sailing travel, we had another misfortune on the road. We were running out of time to catch the early morning Lotus Flower farm tour and there's this uncontrolled situation dawned on us. A landslide causes all vehicle going in and going out of Lake Sebu we're stuck and had no choice but wait for the equipment to arrive and be able to remove the big trunk of tree and eroded soil in the middle of the road. Almost 1.5 hours of waiting and it was removed. As we arrived at Lake Sebu's Public Market, we've come to know that there's a centralized and standard tour in the Municipality and those accredited guides were all in uniform. When met kuya Jorie, He told us we can still catch the Lotus flower in bloom since it could still be in sight until 9am. By the way here's his contact number if in case you want to talk to him since we assume he's the leader of Guide's assoc. 09058240725. He assigned 2 Habal -habal for us. By the way, whole day tour would require 6 destinations that could be of your choice, but of course with their suggestions. 

Marbel Terminal

Surallah Terminal

A little awakening of real life's situation dawned on us with the delay. We come to see how our Public School Teachers risk everyday of their life to travel from town going different Barangays and Municipality within South Cotabato. Their Salaries will be deducted for being late from unfortunate circumstances and yet still need to have another ride (habal-habal) after that UV to get to where they're assigned regardless of how hard the situation was. No one could disagree that's the noblest profession. 
Going back to our Lake Sebu escapade. We had some breakfast first in the market then hurriedly catch the Lotus flower farm blooming time.  We arrive just in time. There are improvised dual paddle boat so group of 4 - 6 can go together. Non-Chalanty sailing as if the sun was not up, we enjoy each and every minute before the blooming time fades out. Have you watched Catriona Gray's Promotional video in Miss Universe Pageant? It is in this spot where she gracefully dance and perfectly fits the beauty of the lake. 

Before heading to next destination, we dropped by Lake Sebu's landmark. I thought this will be just like any other landmarks in different provinces in the country. But, there's a word that captures our attention. "Kemdol" Kemdol Lake Sebu. Kemdol means "Move Forward". It has become their tagline to always remind them that there's a room for improvement and they can still go farther than what they were before despite and in spite of its past.   

Now, this spot is unexpected but a great relief. I remember having a tweet knowing we're heading to Divine Mercy Shrine "Best feeling when you're travelling and still had the chance to talk to the Lord. A solemn moment in the middle of adventure" and another one "In place where most of the impression was dominated by war. There comes a Divine Mercy Shrine. A place of Hope and Refuge." I thought South Cotabato was dominated by Muslim and Feudal war takes place and finding out that there's a Divine Mercy Shrine would be a big question mark. We asked our guide out of curiosity. He told us that South Cotabato especially Lake Sebu Municipality is different from any other Cotabato Province (North C. And Cotabato City to be specific). It is peaceful, tourist friendly and not dominated by just one Religion. Actually, Catholic are more in numbers than that of what we thought. That's why we don't have to get puzzled by how a Gigantic Divine Mercy has been in the place. Once inside its compound, we were asked to wear long skirts and they told us to put some shawl for those wearing sleeveless. Pictures are allowed but no wacky pose. We hike up to 70 steps in the scorching heat of the sun and say a little prayer with every candles we brought in. It is not just about finishing the 70 steps, when you look back. A vast horizon with a peaceful view right before your eyes makes everything feel so holy and purifying. Why did I say it is a place of relief? Because any doubts and fears unloaded after praying with the Divine Mercy feels like being able to purify one's soul. Right in the middle of fearsome region in the country, I find peace after not having to attend a mass on Sunday because we were in the middle of the trip. The Lord assures us that He is guiding us all throughout.

Not too far from the Shrine we drop by our next destination. It is where we got know and see why South Cotabato is dubbed as Land of the Dreamweaver. We were in Lang Dulay weaving center. A brief history telling. Tribe used to dream and in that dreams, the gods showed them the design of what to be reflected in their works. Lang Dulay was the oldest weaving artist in the region and some of her works displayed in the area. Weaved T'nalak is available for purchase and they will taught you how to handle and take care of it. Like it shouldn't be use to make foot ware or any thing that could degrade its sacredness. Another thing, before cutting the fabric one should take a bite of it first. A way of asking permission to the gods who gives the design. A kind of giving courtesy to the spirits guiding them. Having a T'nalak is a little bit pricey but when you get to see how its done and the materials they use would be reasonable enough to forget about the price. 

For our next adventure would be additional on the list of #unlifalls hahaha! We are now heading to the famous 7falls zipline. If you have plenty of time to hike and go over 7 tier falls then good for you but for some to really see what's this place makes to it a must try then zipline is much recommended. Another adrenaline rush experience, this time with the highest zipline in Southeast Asia. It is always a victorious experience to conquer fear of heights with the bonus of a sight to behold. A towering falls with a rainbow beneath you as you passed by a cold breeze that gives you shiver and unexplained happiness. A two-part zipline with same amount of thrills. Once done, you have the option to go for a trek and get a closer look at the falls but we were too hungry to go for another trek.
We were told by our guide that we will be having lunch with the great view of the lake. true enough, Viewdeck resto has its own appeal because of its fresh ambiance. Of course, there's no reason at all for us not to try the Municipality's famous Tilapia. A satisfying lunch for tired and hungry traveler like us. 

Having this kind of sight while eating lunch

After filling our stomach, we were about burn some of those calories again. Together with unpredictable weather starting to have drizzles, we hurriedly make our way to T'daan Kini Falls. A natural spring that serves as a refreshing ground to everyone. While we were on our way, it rained hard. We thought we can't even take a glimpse of it but our guide still pushed through. When we get there, We saw few People having a dip on tolerable current. We tried going there too, the current was too strong that we can't even go farther than we were. We didn't take any photos too since it was too risky to swim there longer than hour for the water current is getting stronger as the rain from the mountains starting to affect the water. We changed clothes and get off to our last destination. 

Our last but not the least to our trip is an exceptional conclusion to our Adventure. Evelandia Lake Vista. A view deck where you can see the whole Lake Sebu and a little Baguio ambiance. It was a wide range of view with a promising vibe. Another must try in this area is their Cafe Lucena. I wish I could stay longer to have a coffee while staring at the horizon. Or get an overnight stay and get a chill night with its enticing fresh air in the night. How can I not love this place? I didn't know if its just me or really the place has something that you will have to keep quiet for a moment and think of your life ahead. As if this place is an assurance of a promising tomorrow. I am thankful that we have this last on our list. Saving the best for last.

Additional bonus for a great travel conclusion is the lovely sunset view at Marbel Terminal while we're waiting for a Davao bound Bus.

Now, I believe what Mark Jenkins once said "Adventure is a path. Real Adventure, self-determined, self-motivated, often risky forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world". Nothing in this experience is to regret and forget. Every bits and pieces of it is to be treasured. From the causes of delays that we were able to learn the real situation in remote provinces like this. To actually talk to the locals and not just be a visitor to them. To learn and appreciate what we have in life that we are still complaining that these People were too grateful even though they lack of the convenience we had. We only want adventure at first but the real encounter of other's life is one enlightening experience. Breaking your own impression of what the place is all about, would be the most liberating one. It was actually realizing that you cannot judge a place just by how the world perceived it to be. You have to see it in your eyes and feel it in your heart, that there's a beauty in the darkness. A rewarding surprise for facing the fear of the unknown. 
I've only been to Lake Sebu but with heartwarming South Cotabato has given me, I am now looking forward to go back and can't even wait to see Lake Holon and other parts of South C. It has open my eyes to many life lessons and realizations that I'll be bringing to another one memorable travel I had. I am loving how travelling in this place makes me feel comfortable and safe. Making feel I am really home though I am far from my home. If every travel comes with this kind liberation, then how can we stop? We should not. We shouldn't stop, not until there's no room for growing up. But everytime we discover something new from the world and from ourselves, we feel that we need more, that we know only a little from this world and there's more to explore. That's life in general not just on travelling. I may say goodbye for now but will continue to experience the beauty of land by wandering. 

Thank You South Cotabato!