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Braving Davao

© Eva Goyena

After all the hostilities reported in some areas of Mindanao I can’t blame tourists who might still be afraid to set foot in this province. But I tell you, Mindanao is not all about war. My 5-day adventures in Davao proved it.

Pearl Farm

A 1 and ½ hour transport by plane brought us early morning in Davao airport where a service van of the Pearl Farm Beach Resort gave us its initial service deluxe by picking us up. A 45 minute-boat ride from the wharf inside the grounds of Insular Century Hotel then brought us to the famous Pearl Farm Beach Resort. During the early 70s, only families belonging to the high posts could get pleasure from this property, but now it can be enjoyed by anyone who wishes for a tranquil and delightful vacation.

Pear Farm was certainly a farm of pearls, long-long ago. Though you cannot see a single pearl being cultured today, its picturesque beauty is a pearl in itself . Situated at Samal Island, Pearl Farm is a rustic haven furnished with modern amenities. All its accommodations –from the hilltop and over-the-water-rooms to the astonishing villas –are equipped with 5-star hotel amenities and adorned with ethnic materials. Wanting to feel how sleep is like when hearing the waves splash beneath our room, we preferred the over-the-water bungalows. Would you imagine that just a few meters from our room is a shipwreck? And that is one of the best dive spots offered at Pearl Farm, not to mention yet the breathtaking coral garden.

When in Pearl Farm you’ll never run out of activity. On our first morning we were greeted by the chirping of birds while we hiked around the resorts. Then we went paddle boating till noon that we almost ignored the burning sun. If only time permitted, we should had enjoyed hobie cats, jetski, and the ever daring banana boats (which you will be dragged along by the speed boat).

After those vigorous activities, we set for relaxation by watching the big turtle locally called “pawikan” crept and swam in a garden-clad lagoon. Though I already tested the water in the morning, I couldn’t bear the thought of not being able to bathe and soak like what the pawikan did. Running towards the beach I felt like a young girl heeding to the simple pleasures of life. Who would let go the wonderful beauty of the resort’s 4-white sand beaches?

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