Isla Reta Beach Resort at Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS)

My wife and her classmates at her master's class decided to celebrate their passing in their comprehensive exam at Isla Reta Beach Resort. I heard of this place from some of my friend, but did not bother to look into it. 

I was hesitant to go along with them at first since going there to Samal requires you to ride a boat. And it was during that week where there were several storms that entered the Philippine area, and since I don't know how to swim I have second thoughts on joining them, but in the end I still end up tagging with them since my wife is really good at convincing me to join. 

Boats that are bound to Isla Reta can be found at Sta Ana Wharf. We arrive at Sta. Ana Wharf at 2 P.M. You can ask the guard station where the boat bound to Isla Reta is docking. The boat was scheduled to leave at 3 PM that day. 

I don't know if this is the Captain of the boat, but he did quite a pose in this photo hehehehe

Inside the boat. The boat is clean and it has life jacket available just the top of every seat.

The boat had to make a stop at Kaputian wharf  to unload some of its cargo (mainly sack of rice bought by people living in Kaputian) we dock there for 5 minutes and then left. The boat then sailed to Talicud Island where Isla Reta Beach Resort is located. When we arrive at Talicud Island's port we have to walk about 2 minutes to Isla Reta since the boat doesn't take you to the resort (the boat going straight to Isla Reta was only available on the morning trip).

The place has plenty of people already. But not as crowded as lets say Paradise Beach Resort. When we settle our bags on our open cottage that my wife's classmate has reserved earlier. I started to roam around, and I had to say the place looks great, it was well maintained and there are plenty of staff you could ask for assistance to. I could also see lots of tent . You can bring your own tent, but you will still pay a fee for it. In my case I had to rent a tent at Isla Reta, their tent will cost about Php 400 good for two persons. There will be additional if you want to add pillow, blanket and mattress.

The green ones are the rent you can rent at Isla Reta

There are shower and comfort room just near their canteen. There is also a place for washing utensils, and grilling areas.A volleyball court (2 of them one near the beach and the other near the shower and comfort rooms).

Comfort and Shower rooms inside and for the males there are a couple of outdoor shower too.

There are quite a few of this in the resort

I like playing in this court though, its open and no coconut trees around (hate to experience being hit by a falling coconut)

The canteen closes at 10 pm in the evening

Electricity is scheduled in this resort, it will be turned off at 6 A.M. in the morning and turned on in the evening. Better make sure all your gadgets are fully charged by the time the electricity is shut off.

You can also dip in the beach at night, although its really cold. There's a spot light at each end of the resort, so you can be visible to your friends and also for security purposes. But if you prefer not to be visible (a private time with a loved one hmmmm) you can swim in the middle. But its during the day when the sun comes up that you'll appreciate the beauty of this resort.

I would rather prefer swimming daytime

I'm glad my wife convince me to come, and I can't wait to visit this place again.

Isla Reta Beach Resort

Sta Cruz, Talicud, IGaCoS

Tel No: 234-7903

Cell No: 0928-214-1487

Davao's Very Own Sexy Erich Gonzales to do a Film with Thai Superstar Mario Maurer

Thailand's superstar Mario Maurer confirmed he will do a movie with Davao's very own ABS-CBN star Erich Gonzales. He said he didn't meet the actress but he is looking forward to working with the Kapamilya star. The movie will have a working title 'Suddenly It's Magic' and all the scenes will, be shot in Thailand. Mario already singed a one year contract with Star Cinema. He was first seen in "Love of Siam" in 2007 that was included in the Cinemanila Film Festival where he won the Best Actor award.

Photos of Davaoeña Beauties at Kadayawan 2011 Floral Parade

Last Sunday's Floral event at Kadayawan 2011 was a blast compared to the Indak2x sa Kadalanan. There were plenty of colorful floats that participated. People in the streets watching were so excited and happy. There were also celebrities in the parade which causes some of the spectators to go frenzy, but there were also some beautiful Davaoeña's in the parade that are also of star quality. Here are some photos of the beautiful Davaoeña's found during the floral parade at Kadayawan 2011.

Kadayawan 2011 Indak Indak sa Kadalanan

One of Kadayawan's highlight that I am looking forward each year is the indak2x. This years Indak Indak, well to be honest, I am kinda disappointed. The performers were all just either walking or running. I already know that the performance will be judged near San Pedro near City Hall. Even though that was the plan this year, I was hoping for a little performance on the street on their part. A few performed a little but it was nothing compared to last year.

Well for the performers side(the contestants) who mostly are students, it was a relief on their part, since the kids wont be too tired when they reach the judges, no more performing on the street under the heat of the sun(but to tell you during that day, it was not sunny, the clouds are dark and it was due to rain).

Disappointed maybe, but still I have taken a few photos of the parade for you guys. I did not finish the parade because my interest and excitement has already gone out the window. I could have went to San Pedro to take photo during the performance but I know it will be too crowded, and you cant get near to get a decent photo, unless your a professional photographer who is under a organization, then maybe you can have access to a much nearer position. I hope things will be different next year, and hope that Sundays floral parade wont be like the indak indak.

John Lloyd, Maja Salvador and Coco Martin Heats up Kadayawan Festivities at SM Davao 2011

SM is gearing up its Kadayawan festivities at SM Davao Parking C this August 20 with ABS-CBN bankable actors.

John Lloyd was recently named as Yes! Magazine’s Most Beautiful of 2011. During the press conference held July 28, John Lloyd said that it was a "very interesting recognition." JLC is set to do a movie project with Angel Locsin under Star Cinema.

Maja Salvador and Coco Martin on the other hand is on their last taping dates for the very successful "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin" series. Maja rose from a family of celebrities while Coco gained popularity through starring in award-winning indie films.

Join the fun and excitement at the Kadawayan Kapamilya Caravan on August 20, Saturday, 4 PM at the SM Davao Parking C!

If all of that is not enough, this is what I was waiting for SM Davao will have its Kadayawan Sale on August 15-20. Mall Hours extend until 12:00 MN on August 19 and 20.

Design Your Slippers Contest this Kadayawan at SM Davao 2011

Kadayawan is fast approaching, compared to Araw ng Dabaw I always considered Kadayaw to be the best. There are more floats, more participants, and its livelier and to top that of, it will start in the afternoon. That means no more sunblock for me this time.

Aside from the Indak-Indak and Floral parade, most establishment has their own gig, and contest before Kadayawan starts, one would be SM. SM has many contest and event that would be held in their place. One such event would be the Design Your Slippers Contest.

SM Davao Department Store once again brings the Design Your Slippers Contest this Kadayawan Season!

Beginning August 1 to August 19, interested participants may submit originally-designed slippers at the SM Department Store. To qualify, all they need to do is present a Php 500 worth proof of purchase from the shoes, bags and luggage departments, inclusive of Beachwalk slippers.

There will be 1 winner from the 3 categories—Men’s, Ladies’ and Children’s.

Design your Kadayawan flops and get a chance to win up to Php 15,000 shopping money!

Experience Davao and celebrate Kadayawan only at SM City Davao—where we all come together!

Lunch at Hukad inside Abreeza Mall Davao City

Grandpa invited us to have lunch at Abreeza mall yesterday, he wants to show us a place where he had previously eaten. He had all praises for the place because of its delicious foods. The place he was referring to is Hukad which was located at the 2nd floor of Abreeza mall, not much familiar yet with the exact place in the second floor so if you ever decided to go there, just ask around.

The place is not that big though but the waiters and waitress are very accommodating. We only ordered a few foods, I hope we had ordered more because the food was (and my father was right) DELICIOUS, to be exact lutong pinoy and on top of that unlimited rice!!!! that alone my friend is a big YES for me hahahahahaha. Here are photos of the place and some of our orders.

Hukad sa Golden Cowrie

Accommodating staff (rice please hehehehe)

Some of our orders Cebuano Kinilaw, Bicol Express, Blue Marlin, Chicken Barbecue, Sago at Gulaman.