My Lakbayan Grade August 2011

My Lakbayan grade is B+!

 How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan! Created by Eugene Villar.

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Finding the perfect beach: Kisulad, Sta Maria, Davao Del Sur

Kisulad beach is a small stretch of white sand beach located in a remote town of Sta. Maria, Davao Del Sur. As a traveler, Im always in constant lookout for new, exciting beach destination and this trip was a big bonus because to many, it is still unknown especially to the city dwellers of Davao.

The trip to Kisulad was planned years ago with my colleagues and usually planned trips are at risk for cancelling due to various reasons. I was waiting for this to be materialized, money was not the issue but the time. We wanted everyone to go but with work restrictions it never happened until the day I met a fellow Davao travel blogger CJ. It was just a normal get-to-know chat but eventually we agreed on exploring an unknown beach destination. At first, Kisulad was not our choice but a nearer Passig Islet just a 45 minute from Davao City. But when we met at the bus terminal, we decided to go to Kisulad. Not sure where to go but we head on. Thats what travelers do, go lang ng go. 

Finally, we arrived at Kisulad and I was about to go on depression because all we see was a farm-like town. Many locals have houses nearby where they care for animals such as ducks, chickens and pigs. But as we moved on, I recalled that Kisulad beach is located in a cove, so its quite hidden. According to a friend, the way to Kisulad is only during low tides so we can walk along it or else we might hire a motorized boat to cross to the beach. Fortunately, it was 12nn and was low tide.

One thing that separates Kisulad from other beaches around Davao region is the scenic backdrop. The mountain ranges provides a dramatic scene as if you are somewhere else or is lost in nowhere. 

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North Cotabato celebrates 97th Foundation Day - The Kalivungan Festival 2011

The Province of North Cotabato will be celebrating their 97th Foundation Anniversary on August 25-September 1, 2011. Now, its called the Kalivungan Festival, although Im not sure what Kalivungan means. As far as I can remember, previous years the province has been using the name Hinugyaw Festival but I believe that some other place in the country also has this festival name. Now, I feel that their name is original.

Personally, I have not been able to witness even 1 of the festival ever since. As a local of this place, I feel ashamed that I have not explored this province much compared with other places around the country. But anyway, the new governor of North Cotabato has been very active in transforming this unpopular town to be on the Philippine tourism map. 

Several activities were prepared among them were sports activities, street parades, music festivals, food exhibitions and what I am excited about is the extreme trail run that extends upto 30.7 kilometers covering difficult terrains. 

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Bring it on Baler

Even at sunset Baler remains to be beautiful, rays of light appeared out of the horizon illuminating the town. 

Its my final day in Baler, Aurora and the last trip to Manila is at 3:00pm via Genesis Bus. That night while I was walking at the beach, I saw what seems to be a lighthouse but it was dark and I decided to go back to my room and explore it the following day. So that day came, what was a lighthouse was part of the governors mansion facing the Pacific ocean.

This was my first time to seea house with a lighthouse or a tower.

Baler has so much to offer when it comes to ecoadventures like waterfalls, beaches etc but my time is limited. I hired a tricycle that took me to Ermita Hills,  not much to see around here but a view of Baler town. 

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A Surfers Paradise - Baler, Aurora

Travelers to Baler must not leave without trying to surf and even for non-swimmers like me, its no excuse.

One of the things I fear is water because I dont know how to swim but I could not just stare surfers and get envy of the thrills they get in surfing. Great thing is that surfing in Baler is also offerered for “drowners” like me. Here, you can get affordable surfing lessons for beginners like the one I experienced in Siargao. 

Surfing is sure alot of fun but not an easy thing to do but Im up for the challenge. Surfing lessons are done by a qualified instuctor, they will teach us basics like balancing and proper positioning. 

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