One of the perks of the probinshal life is the 15-minute boatride to the beach. This means that it is possible to have lunch at the beach then go back to work with a tan.
I am talking about Paradise Island Beach Resort (or Paradise, for short) at Samal Island. Now, I want to inform my readers that I am like a tourista in Davao. Yes, I am Filipino, but since I lived my entire life in Manila, I am not accustomed to life in the province, specifically here in Southern Mindanao. I have been here around 2 years pa lang since I did not fully transfer until Pippa was 6 months old. I am learning every day. From the language (Davao Bisaya), to the culture, to the places to go. So, I do not claim to be an expert in Davao. I am simply embracing the life our family of three is building here right now. For now, Davao is home. Ok na ba ang disclaimer ko? Hehe!
After all the preparations at home Sunday morning, we left at 11am and decided to have lunch first since there might be delays. We went to Jollibee (again!) at Buhangin, for probinshal life reasons: 1) Few kid-friendly choices, 2) Being Manilenos by heart & upbringing, we choose convenience above anything else, and 3) Pippa LOVES Jollibee (see previous post).
I am talking about Paradise Island Beach Resort (or Paradise, for short) at Samal Island. Now, I want to inform my readers that I am like a tourista in Davao. Yes, I am Filipino, but since I lived my entire life in Manila, I am not accustomed to life in the province, specifically here in Southern Mindanao. I have been here around 2 years pa lang since I did not fully transfer until Pippa was 6 months old. I am learning every day. From the language (Davao Bisaya), to the culture, to the places to go. So, I do not claim to be an expert in Davao. I am simply embracing the life our family of three is building here right now. For now, Davao is home. Ok na ba ang disclaimer ko? Hehe!
After all the preparations at home Sunday morning, we left at 11am and decided to have lunch first since there might be delays. We went to Jollibee (again!) at Buhangin, for probinshal life reasons: 1) Few kid-friendly choices, 2) Being Manilenos by heart & upbringing, we choose convenience above anything else, and 3) Pippa LOVES Jollibee (see previous post).
Our love affair with the Big Bee continues. Can I just say, I love the fastfood's new look. Modern, streamlined and clean. In harried Manila, it is difficult to appreciate things like this because well, Jollibee is ubiquitous. Also, there are way too many restaurant choices to choose from that we tend to overlook the usual places. Only here in Davao will I, for one, comment on the interiors of Jollibee. Lol! Look at the restroom! Clean, dry, even with a roll of tissue paper! It is spacious for a toilet inside a fastfood chain. And there's soap inside the dispenser, which is a plus. Kainis kaya pag pindot mo tapos walang sabon?! Argh!
While eating, I noticed a man who sat beside us who was slightly overdressed for Jollibee. By most standards. He was wearing a light yellow long-sleeved polo, black slacks, black socks and black shoes. He took a seat first, and then his companion arrived with their food, a lady dressed in matching light yellow shirt, beige skirt that falls just on the knees, and sensible, black leather shoes. I do realize that they probably came from church. I am simply impressed with the way they carried themselves. Because the last time I was in a church, I did not notice young people (oh gosh, I sound so old!) dress so well. The married couple (I took note of their wedding bands), maybe 22-25 years of age, were in their "Sunday's best," so to speak. I sneaked photos just so you could see! Look, matching colors pa sila! (Sorry, I will ask permission next time!)
I really like the way they conducted themselves that I had to share it with you. I like that people are old-fashioned here. Naka-postura, tapos ang babae ang nagsisilbi sa lalaki, they speak softly, etc. Minsan kasi masakit na sa mata ang mga naka-shorts and revealing tops. (I know, confirmeeeed, I am really getting old.)
After eating, we continued on our journey to Paradise. After parking the car, we walked towards the bay where we had to ride a bangka to cross over to the beach resort.
It was P's second time to ride the boat. Well, it takes a couple of leaps and bounces to make it to the boat as you have to walk a couple meters with your stuff, and the bay is rocky and sandy. But this is the probinsha, so we are cowboys! I do hope there is a special arrangement for seniors, pregnant women and PWDs though.
The bangka docked and after paying the entrance fees, we sat on the restaurant row by the beach. We had sizzling sisig with egg, fish and fries, and leche flan for dessert. I love their buko juice on the shell, complete with a beautiful yellow flower! P did not waddle much on the beach, but it's ok. The sound of the waves and smell of the sea is enough to refresh our souls. We will be back!
Tips: Boat ride is P15.00/pax one way. Entrance for daytrip is P200.00/pax. The last boat trip is at 5pm. You may bring your own water to drink. Please visit their website for more information on overnight accommodations and attractions like the aviary.