Life is a Joni

The scorching sun always drives us to cool places where we can take a plunge. Since I live in Davao, the nearest destination would be Samal Island . Beach again? Not this time. We're heading to Hagimit Falls ! About 2 kilometers away from Peñaplata Terminal , the site is very accessible via any transportation preferably motorcycles. There are many at the bus terminal and the fare is only minimal. Entrance fee is also minimal, I guess it's P30 now. The place was developed into something like a resort. There are huts for rent. And lately, they offer accommodation. Hagimit is a cascade---composed of a series of small waterfalls. If you want to go to the source, it's only few steps away. I'm not sure though if it's really the source. I don't have any idea if there's another body of water behind the cave. With a little hike, you'll get into a concrete reservoir. Yes, you can swim there as long as you know how. As for me, never did I dare. I do...

One of  Kidapawan 's bests,  Lake Agco Mountain Resort  is an excellent treat of nature. Its hot pools were the answers of our 3-day tiring expedition through the vast forest of  Mt. Apo . With backaches and muscle sores, we dipped into the pool for hours feeling the heat that gently soothed us and took the pain away. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, Lake Agco serves as a refuge among mountaineers. The location is truly splendid due to the tall trees numbering around. Added to it are the sweet songs of birds and the cool mountain breeze giving you a whole lot of nature experience. Outside the resort is the sulfuric lake, a natural sauna cave and a waterfall which requires a little trekking. But we haven't had a chance to go there. We only stayed overnight and early the next day, after eating our breakfast, we hit the road back to Davao.

Compostella is not only famous for its hot springs. Far from the volcanic vents of the province flows a freezing river of New Bataan . Several resorts were developed in the area offering great amenities for your delight. One of the top destinations is Bamboo Garden Resort . It has a large pool, activity area and an access to the nearby mountain stream. New Bataan can be traveled via bus from Davao City. There is a direct route coming from Ecoland Terminal . Travel time is about 4 hours or more. Upon arriving, you just need to have a short motorcycle ride to the resort. It's uphill but the road is cemented, so there's nothing to worry. I don't know how much the entrance fee was because my trip was sponsored by a good friend whose boyfriend is a local resident. I haven't stayed there for so long. It was just a short visit. Still, the trip was worth remembering. I can't forget how I shivered when I dip into the pool and dive into the river. It was ex...

At work, me and my team buddies customarily go to places for a break. Samal beaches are popular destinations. But this time, we tried something different, a bit farther from Davao. All was set and we're off to Toyozu Hot Spring Resort in Nabunturan, Compostella Valley . About 3-4 hours from Davao City, Toyozu is a favorite spot not only among locals but also for foreigners. It offers Japanese-inspired pools, sauna tunnels, picnic huts and overnight cottages. So if you're planning to spend your night at the resort, big rooms are available at reasonable prices. Ours was, I guess, Php1500 only and we are like 12. It's also advisable to bring your own food. Most visitors do so. Although there are a number of stores outside but they hardly sell meat or fish. And so before heading to the resort, we went to the public market to save ourselves. It took us another 30 minutes to travel. The road was rough and winding. It was almost lunchtime when we arrived. The first thin...