Samal Island

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Tuesday morning Nino and I left early for a day trip to the Pearl Farm Resort on Samal Island. The boat left at 8am and took about 45 minutes, the resort is at the end of the island so it's a reasonably long trip considerng how close Samal Island is to Davao City (DC). Upon arriving we received a welcome drink of iced tea, we then claimed a outdoor Nippa hut to put our things and went for a swim, it was high tide and the water was very clean and refreshing. After swimming we played 8 ball in the games room (2 - 1 my way) and then toured the resort in one of the resort taxis. We decided to have an early lunch, the buffet was excellent, my favourte was the Lapu Lapu fllets (Lapu Lapu is a very nice fish) and the Thai Green Chicken Curry. Next on the agenda was a boat ride to a small island about 300 metres from the resort, we did a walking tour led by one of the employees there, this island had some nice white sand beaches. We then returned to the resort and launched another raid on the buffet, this tme I concentrated on the fruits and sweets. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool, reading my book and swimming. The whole day trip cost 1,500 pesos (about $Au40) but it included everything, the buffet lunch, use of resort facilities inluding taxis and boat trips plus transport to and from the resort to the mainland.
Wednesday morning we left for the farm(s) on Samal Island. We travelled in Tito Pal's 4 wheel drive to the wharf, we then drove onto the ferry that took us to the island and then onto the farm via a reasonably rough road. Tito Pal had sent an advance crew to prepare our lunch so when we arrived the fresh chickens had just been roasted over an open fire, the fish had been grilled and various other dishes prepared, it was a real feast that set the pace for two days of serious eating. When you see me on Monday Eleanor you're gonna say that I've put on weight, and it's NOT the beer. That afternoon we took a walking tour around the combined farms of Tito Pal, Mummy, Tito Pal, Tita Benny, Tita Sising and GI. Including stops it took over two hours, we saw the Mango trees, Bamboo plants, Gemilima trees and met Mummy's care takers - Nading and his wife. That night was another feast and we were joined by Tita Benny, Nino, NN's, Chito and his wife Velvet, Joey and Shine plus an array of kids. Tito Pals caretaker also joined us for a few drinks. That night Chito took Joey, Shine and I to Tita Sisings beach house where we slept, it was very nice and right on the water. The next morning we all took a swim then Velvet prepared breakfast for us which we ate in the Gazebo near the water.
Later in the morning we drove back to the farm and had a very nice lunch prepared by Tita Benny, the barbeque pork was delicious. In the afternoon we visited a resort that's being built by a relative of Mummy's, it's about 80% complete.
This morning (Friday) we returned to the mainland. After a shower and shave Tito Pal took me to the mall and treated me to lunch at a barbeque restaurant, we had pork, chicken and sizzling blue marlin steak, it would have to be one of the best barbeque reataurants I've been to. I'll now finish my blog and do some shopping.
Tonight we are seeing GI, tomorrow I'm going white water rafting and tomorrow night Tito Pal is having a going away party for Mummy and I; I think he will be roasting a pig (Lechon). Sunday morning Mummy and I fly back to Manila and on Monday Eleanor, Michael and Justine arrive. Next update will be from Marinduque if I can find an Internet Cafe there, bye for now.

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Photos

Mango Trees
Mummy's Farm

Gemilima trees
This one's for Ronald

Caretaker's House
Hanging out with Nading

View to DC
View from Tita Benny's upstairs Balcony

Meet the Chito's
Chito, Velvet and their 2 youngest

Going back
The 4x4 is packed and we're ready to return to DC

Comments

[Jimmo]

Now I'm really envious
Dear Glen, The places you have been look really great and the prices of accomodation and food etc. are super value. We saw mum on Tuesday, she's o'k and eating quiet well and looking forward to going to Jenny's on Easter Sunday. Dave Fenn is close to finishing and the place is going to look nice when finished as you can imagine. Rhys has gone over to Epping tonight and will be staying the night at his girlfriend's place, whle Tris has gone into the City with his mate Phil to meet some Uni friends. Eva leaves for the U'K on Wednesday for 6 weeks, she's saying it will be her last trip as she feels she is getting to old to travel. That's all for now Regards Jimmo