Weekend Getaway at Bucas Grande and Enchanting Sohoton Cove

It was one long weekend when me and my friends went on a trip to Bucas Grande and Sohoton Cove, Surigao Del Norte. It took us sometime to decide whether we're going to avail of a package tour or discover the place ourselves.

As the travel date was approaching, we have decided to avail of a package to avoid all the hassles of planning the trip and to make our lives easier when we're there especially in terms of food. This trip was arranged for us by Arthur Yap a.k.a Atoy of RTrous Mindanao Travel Escapades. He has awesome sense of humor and amazing skill in photography. You may contact him at his mobile no. 09233535477 or at their FB page: https://www.facebook.com/thertoursmindanaotravelescapades. We have paid P 4,800 each for 12/pax. It includes everything. We've left Friday night and came back by Sunday. Or should I say Monday morning because we've arrived in Davao at 12:30 am due to stop overs. Basically it covered 2D and 2N inclusive of travel time.

It took 8-hour drive from Davao City to Hayanggabon Port, Claver, Surigao Del Norte. From there we took a boat/bangka for an hour and a half to get to our accommodation at Cinnamon Island in Bucas Grande. It is called as such because of the cinnamon trees that grow in the island. While we were there, we were served with unlimited cinnamon tea. It's so perfect when you mix it with coffee. The Island is managed by Strengthened Association of Volunteers for the Environment of Sohoton (SAVE Sohoton), composed mostly of fishermen in the area.

Below is the picture of our accommodation for the night and it's view in the morning.

That's my friend Mica still fast asleep.

That's Egie, swimming early in the morning.

With the friends I'm with in this trip. 

We have left Davao City at 11:00pm on Friday night and arrived at Sohoton past 8 o'clock in the morning of Saturday. Breakfast was already prepared for us when we arrived.

Sohoton is a maze-like place consisting of limestone islets. The only way in and out is the cave entrance passable only during low tide. 

Entrance to Sohoton Cove

Below is the picture of Hagukan Cave, the name was derived from the root word "hagok" which means snore because that is how the waves sound like inside the cave. It can only be entered during low tide and is decorated with magnificent stalactites.

Then we went to another exciting spot in the cove, the Magkukuob Cave where the only way out is to jump off the cliff.

That's Shobe jumping off the cliff.

We had also visited the friendly and playful jellyfish of Tojoman or Jellyfish Lagoon. Yes, they are stingless.

I look so scared of the jellyfish here.

Best picture with the jellyfish.

It was late in the afternoon and so we came back to our cottage. Below is the picture of the beautiful sunset on our way back.

Picture of the resort nearby, Club Tara.

On the last day we went spelunking at Bolitas Crystal Cave, it's also home of Balinsasayaw, a rare bird that produces a very expensive bird's nest that is a popular soup ingredient in Chinese restaurants. 

Our last stop was snorkeling in this part of the island. We've left the place after lunch of Sunday. 

Enjoyed swimming before leaving the place.

August 2013 Holidays

One of  the things I like about my job is that I don't have to work during holidays. August have so many holidays here in the Philippines. So most of my weekends this month are long.

August 9 is Eidul-Fitar. It is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is the month of prayer and fasting. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food). 

It's been a long time since I haven't gone home so I invited my mom and cousin to spend the long weekend with me. We went to Paradise Island, Samal. It is just about 10 minutes boat ride from Lanang, Davao City. Fare is Php 15/pax to the resort. Entrance is Php 200/pax with consumable Php 50. We've stayed there for breakfast and lunch. Mom and my four-year-old cousin enjoyed bathing at the sea while I just kept myself dry for the reason that I'm too lazy to change clothes. ^^ 

Reading a book while hearing the sound of the sea splashing the sand.

Sweet tasting buko ornamented with beautiful orchid :)

August 16 is Kadayawan Festival. It is the annual festival of Davao. It is about the celebration of life and thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and the serenity of living. The holiday fell on Friday so it was supposed to be another long weekend for me but our department had always been on duty during this holiday. The parade was on Saturday but I didn't went out of my apartment because my muscles are hurting. Next year, I'll go out to the streets. 

Kadayawan Festival, Photo credit to my friend Shin

August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day. It is observed annually to commemorate the 1983 assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. He is treated as one of the heroes of democracy in the Philippines. It fell on Wednesday and it's just so good to have a day off in the middle of the week. I just stayed at home and have a good rest. 

August 26 is National's Heroes Day. It commemorates all the nations heroes throughout history. It is a regular holiday marking the 1896 Cry of Pugad Lawin by the Katipunan, led by it's Supremo Andres Bonifacio, which began the Philippine Revolution. This holiday happens every last Monday of August. Which means, another long weekend! 

While most people use this opportunity to go out of town or off to the beach, I'm just staying at my apartment sleeping, dreaming, eating, reading, writing, watching TV / movie. Well aside from eating meat and having long hair, I'm a monk. I guess I'll be like this until I see a real monk at the City of Angels, Krung Thep. See you soon Bangkok.

No fuss R&R at Hill 88

Same things never happen the same way twice.

Situation changes. People come, people go. But good memories with them are gold. 

It was Christmas season of 2012 when BDOLF Dept. invited us to their Christmas party. There were only four (4) of them in their department that time. We went on a 2D 1N uphill getaway. We've headed to Hill 88, Lorega Bukidnon. It is located at Budda, along Davao - Bukidnon Road. It was an hour and 45 minutes drive on moderate speed. There you could just feel like Don and Doňa or simply a retiree.

The food was good. We were served three buffet meals and two snacks with free flowing coffee. There was a pool outside about 5 feet. We went swimming in the evening despite the freezing cold weather. It's foggy early in the morning and late the afternoon. Unlimited videoke is also available at the living room. We had a small program, games, exchange gift, and raffles. 

God has been good. 

Picture of the Cabin House

With Chief Albert and friends from Combank and Leasing. Sir Jong covering himself with malong because it's cold.

With friends from Combank, Leasing, and BBG

Picture of the smaller house outside. 

Garden Fresh Vegetable Salad. Healthy and delicious. 

Group A winning pose. Haha okey. We've conceded. :)

Go kuya Jerry. Group B performing something for the program. ♬ 

Jingle bell rocks

That's Sir Arthur sleeping on the sofa. Behind him is ate Sha, Ma'am Cheb and friend Gang eating in the kitchen.

"Why do you look sad, Lek?" #Ma'am Cheb's son.

Leri and Sir Jong posing on the Christmas houses.

With my favorite Ate and my twin friends Gang and Ging