HONG KONG HERE I COME

April 12, 2017

I'm still preparing...

Will be out of the country in a few days from today...

God-willing...Inshaallah!! Hong Kong here I come!!!

Throwback

Funny how I was made to write an article about Hong Kong some years back when I applied as a writer for a BPO company. Since I knew nothing about such place except that it's a very exciting holiday destination from what I read, I wrote, "I haven't been to Hong Kong ever in my life, so I can't fully describe the place...blah blah blah." And what do you expect? I wasn't taken in!

Because I'm a positive thinker, I applied for the same position in another BPO company and good that the COO told me to write about something closest to my heart, as part of my application process. I wrote something about peacebuilding among the tri-peoples of Mindanao. That very same day, I was told to go home and get my laptop and start working. And the rest is history.

I've written about a thousand articles for various niches - food, health and fitness, business, even porn, done some adverts and marketing contents, among others. I even tried making reviews on TripAdvisor which I fancy so much - this after I've gone to so many places and eaten various food offerings!

Today is another exciting day for writing because I am going to write about my Hong Kong experience! Below is what I found on Google:

"Hong Kong is an autonomous territory, and former British colony, in southeastern China. Its vibrant, densely populated urban center is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline.

Central (the business district) features architectural landmarks like I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower. Hong Kong is also a major shopping destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market." 

This I'd like to find out for myself...Good Luck to me! Hong Kong here I come!!

Dahican Beach in Mati City – Paradise Worth The Extra Mile

10 April, 2017, Davao City

It was a long and winding road to Mati City from where we were in Toril in the southern part of Davao City, Philippines. Yes, it took us around 3½ hours to reach this now-famous destination, the latest pride of Davao Oriental. But, we didn’t mind the long drive, for all our efforts paid off. Dahican Beach in Mati City is so awesome!

You know you're near Mati when you see this landmark.

This is called the Sleeping Dinosaur coz it resembles one from a certain angle.

We were a convoy of 3 vans and one pick-up, carrying all young and old members of the clan. We were actually going to Dahican Beach to celebrate the birthday of our Nanay Gloria, the family’s long-standing governess, who in her more than 60 years has quite a string of grandkids to her name.

You can make use of the comfort room of gas stations you happen to pass by along the way.

This is Nanay, the birthday celebrant.

Exploring The Dahican Coastline

Upon arrival, we proceeded to a private property by the beach at the far south-end of Dahican, a 7-kilometer stretch of fine white sandy beaches. It’s owned by Dondon’s family, our friend from the place. Sadly, this piece of beach land hasn’t been managed well since most of Don’s family are staying overseas.

It was low tide when we arrived in Dahican at around 8:00 AM.

The terrific view from where we stayed.

Accommodation For The Economy Traveller

Our family opted to stay at Dahican Surf Resort. If you’re vacationing on a tight budget, DSR is the perfect place for you. The cottage where we stayed overnight is only P2,000.00 good for 5 people. Travellers in small groups can avail of the dorm-type accommodation with a capacity of 12 guests at P400.00 per head. 

If you don’t intend to stay overnight, there’s an entrance fee of P100.00 per guest and you get to use everything inside for free – shower room, comfort rooms, kitchen where you can cook food using their LPG stove, grill area. If you fancy sleeping on the sands, they have available tents for rent at P300.00 good for 3 people.

Dorm-type accommodation that can accommodate 12 people.

You can pitch your tent right by the shore.

Then if you forgot to bring some basic items – salt, MSG, knife, chopping board, ladle, pots and pans, garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes- yes you can grab them from the same kitchen. Just return equipment and utensils after using and clean the kitchen sink after using, too. The resort staff will just be glad to receive a bowl of whatever you’re cooking. If you’re too lazy to bring food and just want to delight in the beauty of nature, they have a restaurant that offers affordable meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and merienda.

Anyone who comes round will instantly fall in love with Dahican, as the place is teeming with stunning beaches, crystal blue waters. With mighty winds from the Pacific Ocean, it’s highly suitable for skimboarding. It’s good that all the resorts along the coastline don’t have fences otherwise, we wouldn’t have the chance to walk barefoot on the sands of neighboring resorts.

The landmark is on the neighboring Menzi Resort.

The view on the south-end of Dahican.

Crystal blue waters, clean, cool.

My team enjoying the waters.

Here, you can ask for skimboards for rent.

To Get To Dahican

If you’re traveling in a big group, vans for rent pile up at GMall of Davao or Victoria Plaza along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. They offer P4,000 per day including driver and gas. There are also buses bound for Mati stationed at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland. Once in Mati, the habal-habal drivers will gladly show you the way.

Words aren’t enough to describe Dahican Beach in Mati City which has easily gained a spot in my heart. Just view my pics and figure out why this beautiful paradise is worth the extra mile. 

View of the north side of Dahican.

Early morning. The sun isn't even up yet.

Magnificent sunset in Dahican.

The path less beaten.