Anniversary Getaway

I was finally able to completely upload today the photos from our recent anniversary getaway. The hubby and I flew to Davao last August 10 to celebrate 20 years as a couple. Mushy as it sounds, we became a pair on August 9, 1987 while studying in UP Diliman.

Our destination of choice was the same place where we spent our honeymoon in 1996. Luckily enough, the rains brought on by Typhoon Chedeng finally stopped on the Friday we were scheduled to leave Manila for our four-day break. 

Our first stop was Pearl Farm Beach Resort. The sky was overcast upon our arrival but the weather eventually improved. In fact, the next day was so beautiful that I was inspired to write this in my journal:

“Journals were invented for moments like this – lounging on a wooden bench jutting out into the sea; listening to Enya with the sound of the gentle waves in the background; basking beneath the bright blue sky peppered with cottony clouds; and taking in the crisp, fresh air with just a hint of breeze.

The morning is soothing and lazy. But my mind is as busy as can be. I’m eager to take in everything, praying that it is humanly possible to keep this moment within reach at all times…”

It was quite a pleasure to find that Pearl Farm preserved many of the things we liked about it during our first visit. Tranquility is something we really treasured. That’s why we  made it a point to travel off-season. While certain areas were closed for renovation, the resort was generally well-maintained.

The staff was very warm and friendly. From the moment we checked in at the Marina to the boat ride back to the mainland two days later, I enjoyed every opportunity to chat with them. They should get a pat on the back, particularly Dodoy of houskeeping and Victor the boatman who went out of their way to fish out a camera accessory the hubby accidentally dropped from our balcony. (Our cottage on stilts offered a beautiful view of the marine life underneath, including poisonous sea urchins.)

We were also happy to find an old friend in Charlie, the Australian cockatoo. We first met him during our honeymoon. We were told that he was brought to the resort 15 years ago as one of its first residents. He was one year old then. We hope to see him again on our next visit. The kids are certainly looking forward to meeting him after we brought home a Charlie stuffed toy which came with one of the drinks at Maranao Restaurant.

The menu could use some updating (we expected more island cuisine) and it would be nicer if the chef smiled at the guests but, overall, we loved our stay.

The resort remained rich in awe-inspiring scenery. Both the sea and the nearby foliage provided very memorable images.

If there’s anything we regretted about this trip, it’s not having enough time for a massage at the Ylang Ylang Spa, an attempt at the different watersports available or a trek up the hill.

Day 3 was filled with activities as we left Samal Island to explore the city and meet with some friends. A van we rented through our agent in Manila drove us all over town. After an early check-in at Marco Polo Hotel, we eagerly rushed to our appointment with Dr. Bo Puentespina at the Interactive Bird Show at Malagos Garden Resort.

Located about 37 kilometers from the city proper, the resort is a 12-hectare compound and can usually be reached by car in 45 minutes. However, our travel time was slightly longer as we found ourselves in the middle of Davao’s first bike tour, which was apparently part of the weeklong Kadayawan Festival. 

We reached Malagos just as other guests were arriving. Some pre-school kids sat on banig while the older ones were at the bleachers. The hubby quickly found a spot for his photo gear while everyone anticipated the start of the show.

The indefatigable Dr. Bo, the veterinarian son of the resort’s owners, entertained the audience while teaching concepts like biodiversity, Filipino culture and responsible pet ownership.

The audience was regaled with impressive tricks and interesting stories. Different birds flew through the crowd. Raptors (like hawks and eagles) were showcased along with colorful birds (like macaws and hornbills). Animals from the resort’s petting zoo were also paraded.

Since the Puentespinas are family friends, we were fortunate enough to join them for Sunday lunch. We were lucky to meet new friends while reconnecting with old ones. Lunch was followed by a short tour of the compound. The hubby and I eventually found our way to the Butterfly Garden where we took more photos.

Although it was not part of our original plans for the afternoon, we made a quick trip to the Philippine Eagle Center which was about a kilometer away from the Puentespinas’. We wanted to take photos of the magnificent bird before leaving Davao.

Braving the flies that tried to get into our eyes (they are apparently most active in the late afternoon), we took quick photos of some of the animals in the reserve.

We bought some souvenirs at the center’s main store and grabbed some pasalubong from the shops by the gate. 

We got back to Marco Polo just before sundown. We managed to squeeze in a business meeting at the lobby lounge, a buffet dinner with friends at the cafe, and a few drinks at the bar. By the stroke of midnight, we dozed off feeling accomplished but dead tired!

Although we wished we had more time to explore Davao, we were also eager to go home the next day since we missed the kids very much. We arrived in Manila with the resolve that we will visit Davao again soon. And next time, we will be booking for four.