Jump & Splash @ Carmen Resort

Merry Christmas everyone! The holidays are here, its time to spread the Christmas cheer and positivity throughout the land. ~kekeke

As for our team (Team Ariane), our work performance is a little bit down in this season - I guess its because everyone is feeling a bit down heading out to work in a bad-bed weather and working at night, instead of spending holiday parties with friends and families. Thus, we all went for a well deserved break as a team, to gather our wits and release all the negativity and just have fun in a very much needed team building / Christmas party.

Carmen Resort is located in Baguio District, Calinan in Davao City - its a bit far from the metro and it takes about 45 minutes to almost an hour from downtown to get to this place but its definitely worth the trip. From buildings in the metro you slowly get a fantastic view of flora and fauna and the air gets cleaner and cooler as you travel by, you can already feel yourself relaxing even if your still on the car.

Arriving at the place, it seemed as if we're atop of a valley and its long way down to the resort but you can already hear the rushing water - that and the view in this place would definitely keep one's senses off the fact that you have 220 steps to go down to ~kekeke.  

The river is so clean and clear but  it actually took a lot of courage (for my part I guess) to fully submerge ourselves in the BITING COLD rushing water. True, the cascades are man made but it doesn't make it less fun. It actually makes one feel safer to jump and swim over the ledge knowing that  it was designed both for fun and safety of the visitors.

Honestly, I don't really indulge in adventurous things, coward that I am, but the water here is so inviting (after you get a bit used to the cold) that my teammates and I really have to jump over the ledge. It was my first time doing so making this a really memorable place and experience for me. 

The swimming pool uses the flowing water from the river so just expect for it to be real cold too. I just adore where slide was placed because it was surrounded by small and colorful flowers and the slide itself it short which would definitely result to big whoppin' splashes for anyone who would use it.

There are several huts and tables available in Carmen Resort and their policy is First Come First Serve. The huts and tables are free of charge and no reservations can be placed for them except for their rooms which costs P500 per day.  They only have two rooms for now and unfortunately,when we were there we weren't able to get reservations to the room so we have to spend the very freezing night on a open hut.   

I've been to several outings but this is the first time that I have to sleep fully swathed with clothes - donned my jacket, jogging pants, my sneakers and bundled by my dry towel and malong - but I was still shivering. It was not a nice experience trying to sleep while my teeth was chattering but looking back at it now, it was a fun moment since we just sang and ate our way through night trying to forget (in a useless effort if I might add) the cold.

Selecting a place during this time of the year is so hard because most places are packed and even have pending reservations in place, so its definitely a good thing that Jann (a teammate of mine) was able to suggest this amazing but a bit of a secretive place proving once more the beauty of Davao City.

Resort Details:

1. Entrance Fee - P20 Daytour / P50 Overnight 

Inclusive of:

*tables & chairs / huts

*pool and river access

*Grill and use of electricity

2. Videoke and a small store is available in the resort

3. Rooms - P500 per day/night

4. You can bring in a tent, but there is only one spot can be used to set it up

**Upon arriving into the resort, the only thing we paid for was P50 overnight fee and that was it. Cheap but such a wondrous place, the only main concern would be going to the area. It is somewhat hidden so if you don't have a car, you can rent a jeep or stop by Calinan central and ride a motorcycle to the place.

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Slidin' @ Maxima Aqua Fun

Restless energy (probably to too much caffeine) and a bit of spontaneity drove my friend and I to Maxima Aqua Fun. Spontaneity, because Taynee and I just bounded on a boat to Samal without any prior planning, decided that our usual "splash and chill under the sun"  won't be option being high strung as we are that day. 

True, that unlike most beaches in Samal that have long stretch of white sand, Maxima doesn't have any shoreline at all - but they offer a ton of fun water activities that will make your visit feel like an adventure.
Imagine yourself sliding down, hearing the wind whoosh in your ear and within 6 seconds you would hit the water that's 15-20 feet deep - definitely not for the faint hearted.

But small kids were venturing out the farther and deeper places than me so it kinda made me think Maxima's deep waters was safe for anyone of all ages.
Overall, it was a real fun and energy draining experience just what fun loving and high strung people would need. I'll be posting the Maxima Aqua Fun rates below, you can check it out but at times rates would change so you can call them for further inquiries.

Maxima Aqua Fun is located in Brgy. Cawag, Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal and there are several ways to go there - one of which is riding the bus to Samal and hop on to a tricycle that will drive you directly to Maxima or you can ride the Maxima Ferry boat from the Sta. Ana wharf. 

Maxima's main attraction which made it a favorite destination for the adventure lover would be the 40 meters giant tarpaulin slide.

My heart was about to jump out of my chest looking down at the slide however going there and not trying out the slide would be such a shame so I did it, and let me tell you, after first slide you would definitely ask for more.

Other things that you can do in Maxima, is the diving board (which we didn't do - high strung as we are, I am not all ecstatic about the height of the ledge ~kekeke)..

..water ball, water trampoline, jet skiing, banana boat ride (that you can enjoy with friends)...

.. snorkeling and kayaking (just love the color of the kayak ♥ )..

Safety isn't a problem since no matter how well of a swimmer a person is, they are required to wear a life jacket and life guards always there watching out if everyone is fine and following the rules.

Aside from all the fun things to do in Maxima, I love the place because its clean, spacious and organized. There are several type of cottages you can stay while there and I just love the colors they used in the place. 

If you think that the water activities aren't enough to deplete your energy or if you're looking for out of water fun, Maxima also has a billiards hall, trampoline and the canopy walk.

Canopy walk is the other famous attraction of Maxima Aqua Fun and its located near the entrance. You climb up to the suspended bridge (you will be equipped with a helmet and a harness thus safety is ensured) , and walk across to the other side and rappell your way down. The bridge is real wobbly which makes it a nerve wrecking experience especially the rappelling part.

We only sat for a couple of moments since we came to the place and the majority of the time was spent on going through one quest to another. The sea water was really deep I was a bit of scared of swimming in it because I can't see anything below and I was imagining things like a kraken ~kekeke.. 

MAXIMA AQUA FUN RESORT, INC.

Location: Brgy. Cawag, Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal

Phone

(082) 286 1054 / 09236593725

FB Page:    https://www.facebook.com/maximaaquafunandcanopytours/info

Day Tour Package Option

Package A————————————————————P200

Free use of lifevest
Free use of tables and chairs
Unlimited use of Giant Slide
Unlimited use of Trampoline
15 minutes marine orientation including
use of mask and snorkel

Package B————————————————————P250

Free use of lifevest
Free use of tables and chairs
Unlimited use of Giant Slide
Unlimited use of Trampoline
15 minutes marine orientation including
use of mask and snorkel
Eagle view canopy walk with rapelling

Children rate (10 years old below)————————–P150
Eagle View Canopy Walk—————————————-P50
Camping-Overnight———————————————P350
Tent Rental———————————————————P300
Aquafun Close Cottage-Overnight————————P1,800
Bigote Dormitory-Overnight————————-P500/head

EQUIPMENTS AVAILABLE FOR RENT

Jetski——————————P3,500/hour
Jetski with Banana boat(max of 6 pax)——4,000/hour
Two Seater Kayak—————-P250/head/15minutes

TRANSPORT OPTIONS
Speedboat (max of 10 pax)

Round trip Sta. Ana Pier to Maxima—–P6,500
Round trip Penaplata to Maxima———P3,000
Round trip Beach house to Aquafun—–P1,000

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Samal Island's Little Secret

Just a few weeks away from Christmas and end of the year, most assuredly everyone is already planning where and how to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Having a get-together getaway with my closest friends even just for a day or two would be a lovely way to spend the holidays and one of the places were are considering to go to is, Pacific Little Secret (PLS). Haven't actually been to the resort since our plan to go there before for our team building was foiled but a friend of mine did visit the place just recently and shared the experience of it to me.

With a long stretch of white sandy shores and pristine blue sea, one might say that, in that perspective its just alike other resorts in Samal Island but PLS boasts of giving its customers "the resort owner experience".  PLS' marked difference to other resorts is that it offers privacy and exclusivity while giving its customers access and free reign to all areas and facilites in the resort. 

  

As seen on the images above, there are two cabanas - which contains comfy beds (pillows, blankets and electric fans) , a dirty kitchen (fully equipped with a stove, refrigerator  water dispenser, kitchen and dining utensils), shower and bath facilities. Everything is already being provided for in this resort and so you only need to bring food, drinks (no corkage) and change of clothes in going to this place.

The place also have several comfy reclining chairs with mattresses indulging the visitors to enjoy the view of the sea, hammocks that sway with the breeze of wind and one can even use the "bangka" to row your way around the sea. Magic Sing is also available and the beach being private and all, you can definitely sing as loud as you want without disturbing any other guests (well other than your friends ~kekeke). 

Being a private and exclusive resort, you need to set up reservations if you want to rent this resort out for a day or two.

The rates for the overnight stay are as follow:

- A flat fee of Php 6,000 per overnight stay limited to 15 guests only.  A Php 250 surcharge will be assessed each head in excess of 15.

For day tour, the rates are:

- A flat rate of Php 3,000 for the first 20 guests. Additional Php 100 per head in excess of 20 guests. 

Thanks to Mr. Roy Drilon.

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Anime Season: Current Addiction

Had so much fun with all the new anime shows that started this month which is the main reason why I've been neglecting to update my blog for the past few days now. 

I just ♥ ♥ ♥ anime but even if a lot of anime are being released every month, only a few anime can stir my interest. Just in case, you - dear reader might be interested with anime too so I'll share with you what anime shows I find interesting this season - so you can check it out (not to mention I also want to gush out the stories I've seen and read in the manga ~kekeke ) .

New Anime Releases

• Sword Art Online

Kirito is an avid gamer who got a 1 out of the ten thousand limited edition copy of the game Sword Art Online. Though their bodies in the real world, their minds are inside the game world - Aincrad. It turns to a perilous death game when the gamers are not able to get out of the gameworld and being killed by any monster within the game would mean certain death in reality, thus the only way for them get out of the game is to level up, go from level 1 to level 100 and beat all monster bosses per level while making sure that their life points wont be drained during each fight. Why I like this: I don't really play online games but if this type of technology would exist I definitely would love to try it out. To live inside an imaginary world, to see and feel things as if its real and make friends with people who in reality live in the other side of the world - the idea of the technology used in the plot, not to mention, the star crossed love story Kirito and Asuna of this anime really excites me.

• Kamisama Hajimemashita

Nanao Momozono is a homeless highschool girl who was bestowed the power to be an earth deity when she saved the earth god from a dog. She is learning the ropes to become a good earth deity with the assistance of a handsome fox demon. Why I like this: I so love kitsune characters like Tomoe. The strict and gruff exterior of Tomoe (who's actually caring and loving on the inside) and Nanao's cheerful but stubborn personality makes their interactions so fun and giddy. I just die when Tomoe does his puppy eyes expression when he's reasoning out! LMAO! 

credits to: GrandCaps

• Tonari no Kaibutsu

Mizutani Shizuku is the type of person who only cares for her own grades and isn't interested in making friends. And then she meets Yoshida Haru, a very strong and smart (sort of a genius martial artist) but also is very gullible and childlike guy who falls in love with her. Why I like this: Haru reminds me of my love Tamaki from Ouran Club in terms of their intelligence and innocence.! Haru yearns to be a normal kid with loving friends since everyone seems to be afraid of him and so he was happy to know Mizutani who approaches her without fear. Mizutani has her own little world but it slowly expanded and grown livelier ever since she met Haru. A cold-hearted girl and super-troublemaker romance with a fresh new perspective. Cute cute love story!

credits to: h01anime

• Say that I love you / Sukitte Ii-inayo

Mei Tachibana has spent her life wihout making friends (bullies just love this girl). One day, she injures a popular boy in school, Yamato Kurosawa, because of a misunderstanding but for some reason it seems that he takes a liking to her and one-sidedly claims that they’re friends. Why I like this: True, that Mei seems a bit like Mizutani from Tonari no Kaibutsu and their story is a bit mainstream - popular guy likes weird girl - but the story doesn't fail to deliver romantic scenes that makes you giddy. Also, Yamato reminds me of  my beloved Sebastian in Kuroshitsuji ♥

chu ~ ♥

• Code: Breaker

Sakurakouji Sakura stalks her classmate Oogami Rei after she saw him burning criminals with a blue fire coming out of his hand. Oogami is a Code Breaker, one who "does not exist" assassin who kills criminals that escaped the law. Convinced that killing is not right, Sakurakouji sets out to stop him and penetrate his icy heart. Why I like this: This is my fave anime this season because of all the bishounens ~kekeke. It started as a serious and action based anime but reading the manga there's a LOT of funny scenes (courtesy of my Toki). I love the idea of government hired supernatural assassins driven to hilarious madness because of a stubborn and strong, "rare" girl.  

On Going

• Kuruko No Basket

Kuroko is a member from the legendary middle school basketball team known as "The Generation of Miracles", and while nobody seems to know about him, the main 5 players of the team all admit that he is a better player. When he joins the high school basketball team, everyone is surprised to find out that he is small, weak, and easy to miss. Why I like this: I adore sports based anime and this story is something new since the main character isn't your typical hero because he's not the best player who can beat anyone but its interesting because he does have a special ability that makes the best player acknowledge him! 

Just Finished

• Arcana Famiglia

 

The story takes place on the small island of Regalo in the Mediterranean Sea. The island has been protected by a vigilante committee called "Arcana Famiglia". The members of the family have psychic powers gained by a secret ritual. Felicita is a 16-year-old girl who was raised by her strict mother. She visits Regalo to see her father who is the head of Arcana Famiglia. He tells her to become the leader of "Serie of Sword", the arbitrator section of the family. As one of the members of Arcana Famiglia, Felicita interacts with other handsome but eccentric members. Why I hate this:  The idea about the characters and their qualities is amazing, like a Fairytail / The Godfather sort of way and to just have it wasted by the storyline. Its an okay show but you cant help to feel frustrated about storyline wasting the characters and idea that way. Hmpft!

 Anime Characters Mentioned Above: 

Just want to post their pics for the heck of it! Love these guys and their anime shows (Kuroshitsuji and Ouran Host Club)

                     

                       Sebastian ♥                                          Tamaki ♥

Credits to AnimeCrazy~  and Animelist

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Girls Day Out in Bonhomie Leisure & Resort

Stressed with sudden changes in the office, my friends and I decided to pack our bags and travel as far as we can away from the noise and energy in the metro to look for a place to relax. It was also Taynee's birthday so she asked us if we can go to Bonhomie Leisure & Resort and since neither of us (even her) have been there, we thought heading out in Davao Oriental would be an adventure and a first for all of us.

And indeed it was such an experience starting from the trip to the resort. From a scenery of establishments and cars, it changes to a lush vivid green trees and plants as we travel farther north and there was even a light drizzle that makes the air so fresh. It was so much FUN and nerve-wracking to be on a bus going to a place you've never been or even heard of before with your friends, whose eyes are darting from the left to the right to make sure that we can spot the resort and stop in the right area. Our clueless faces were so HILARIOUS and when we finally spotted the resort (Thank God it was just on the highway) we were jumping up out of the bus while giggling.

Bonhomie Leisure and Resort is along the National Highway in Puntalinao, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental and its something that is really hard to miss because of the big bold "Bonhomie" sign in the center of two bright yellow posts on their gate. Bonhomie's location is great not only because its easy to spot and accessible since its just along the highway but on the other side of the highway there is the foot of the hills while there's a vast pristine sea in the front of the resort. Its a cute and convenient little getaway where you can get a view of the mountains and the sea.

Upon entering the resort, you will be greeted with bright colors splashed in bricked ground while their reception area has these chic but comfy sofas and art pieces hung on the walls. The place has several spacious cottages, billiard tables, darts area, a muti purpose area, an infinity pool, and they also have an acoustic band every weekend. 

Another first that we did in this resort is to build a tent. Amongst the five of us, only Ellyn "knows" how to set up one and it was such a huge tent (10 people can sleep in it) so we were all trying to help Ellyn out at first but later on Taynee and Ariane gave up and just posed while I (also gave up) was taking pictures. Thanks to Ellyn and Joan's perseverance that we have a place to sleep into that night. ~kekeke 

It was still twilight when building tent was done and we stopped to enjoy the scenery and I loved the sea at that time, it was as if I was looking on a sea made of mercury instead of water. The sea looked as if its glistening silver, and I am not exaggerating since all of five of us had the same thought and we were staring at the sea in awe.

One of the things that really made this experience stand out was because we went there on a weekday, we expected only a few people would be there but we were the only guests that day so it was as if we reserved the whole area..Yay! - Resort Owners for a Day.! 

After our early dinner, we decided so relax in the pool and I just so love the pool because the color they selected for it (deep cobalt blue) really makes it look so inviting. The pool also have this fountain, underwater lights and "water spurts" (don't know what its called but its water spurting from the side of the pool that forms an arc) and even if we were already having fun splashing in the pool, the resort staff still turned on all those pool features for just the five of us together with the Christmas lights on the pool recliners and trees.

The resort staff were friendly and assisted us in taking pictures and would smile to us and ask us if everything is well. They even showed us the octopus' that they caught that night. 

In the morning,we decided to swim in the sea and the scenery was amazing because if we look in front, left or right of us we can see the mountains. Love ♥ We really don't want to leave since it was really a relaxing two days and night but of course, we have to and even leaving that place we also have first time experienced. It was the first time that either of us hitchhiked!! !LOL! 

Overall, it was a nice and relaxing experience with a lot of first time experiences,thus it was really a memorable trip for me and my friends. 

Please visit their FB page if you have further inquiries:

Bonhomie Leisure & Resort FB

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