Showing posts with label misamis occidental. Show all posts
Showing posts with label misamis occidental. Show all posts

Friday, May 27, 2016

Feature Friday: Wow Panaon!

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!

Panaon, Misamis Occidental is a budding municipality located north of Ozamiz which is only three quarters of an hour ride through private transpo.  However if in public, an additional of 15-20 minutes won't break your neck 'coz there's never traffic jam here in our laidback province.  With that, I'd like to be called as a probinsyana (dreaming of Coco as my probinsyano).  Hehe.....  Anyway highway, enough about him and just allow me to start raving to you a place that surprises me this summer!  

Sideway, I never thought that my first write-up on Panaon's Punta Meriam would be such a hit!  Even after a year and a half, it's still on my popular posts list and I do get a lot of queries every now and then about it.  Some of my readers also asked other resorts they could visit in the area so I thought that I must do a follow-up post on it.

To start with, we checked into La Playa Azul (formerly Regalado's).  It just changed management so renovations are still on going.  Honestly, we found the place unwelcoming to guests because the staff was not accommodating.  Sorry to tell you this but I have to since I don't want to mislead people by "all praises" on this blog.  However, we understood and considered since the owner is not from the municipality and is residing in Cebu.  And when the cat is out, the rats always play, right?  So that's understandable.  But aside from the poor staff administration, the resort doesn't serve food too.  There's no resto so you better bring your own food.  The restrooms are also far from the cottages which is rather inconvenient.  Though the garden is still under reconstruction, the pools are not well-kept.  Hopefully the next time I'm gonna visit the place, renovations are done, personnel is already trained and prepared, and amenities and facilities are complete for the convenience of the guests.  Because with all honesty, we were not happy for the price we paid during our visit ('coz every move = price to pay).


      
In spite of that, we still enjoyed our day 'coz we went on a banana boat ride and island hopping!  Banana boat was P85 per pax and the pump boat ride to an island was P800 round trip.  But we waited for an hour for the captains of the ship to arrive.  The manang still had to call for them 'coz there's nobody on standby.  You can't also make bookings ahead of time as we inquired.  Tsk tsk.....  Actually, I got a little impatient 'coz I was only doing the outing on my 9 AM - 5 PM MWF class break.  Gladly, Rio was a speedy driver so she sent me back to school on time!



On the other hand, we also checked into Dela Paz Beach Resort.  It's a public one and it's just like Rama Beach in Clarin, another municipality in Misamis Occidental which is adjacent to Ozamiz.  The only entrance fee here is P10 for whatever car you're bringing including all passengers inside.  If by foot, you're not gonna pay for anything.  It's open to all so the beach is crowded.  The place is not really clean as expected but there are lots of water activities that are already in waiting.  There are more banana boats and pump boats with the additional kayaks and jetski.  However, they said that the jetski was privately owned and who knows you could talk to the owner to have a ride.  Haha!  Additionally, they also have this ride wherein you cling on to a big salbabida on your stomach and face down then you'll get tugged by a fast-moving motorized banca.  The ride was hilarious and would surely give you adrenaline rush.  My cousin Matoy even stopped the manong for she couldn't move forward clinging on to dear life anymore.  This ride was P100 per pax for an hour and oh, by the way, the pump boat ride to the island was only P20 per head here roundtrip so I guess La Playa also charged us more than the ride actually cost.  I feel like they snipped a big chunk of the P800 we paid.  Poor banca owners....

Now here are quick vids on what to expect of the water activities!  



With prices affordable at Dela Paz, our little cousin and nephew did the island hopping twice-thrice during our outing last Sunday for JP's birthday.  Everybody really enjoyed swimming with the fun water activities that are plenty in the place.  So there's no need to go to Boracay for white sand (though the island here is not as white) and watersports 'coz we already have 'em here in our nearby town, Panaon.  I just hope that one day, they're gonna also add parasailing.

So this is my local summer adventure!  I never thought I could experience summer this year for our school's second semester also covered April and May.  I am just glad that Panaon gave summer to me so hail to the municipal government officials for making the place a tourist destination!  Let's explore Misamis Occidental further, friends!  #tosomfeatures   

P.S.  Follow @exploremisocc on IG here! :)


I Heart Panaon!
(c) Rio

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For questions, invites, and collaborations, direct message me on Facebook.  For updates on my whereabouts and whatabouts, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! :)

Friday, September 11, 2015

Feature Friday: Alona's Dreamland Beach Resort

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!


Long weekends on short notice are a loss to me.  Why loss?  It's because, I couldn't grab the chance to take advantage of it by going on a distant weekend destination.  Kasi nga, short notice.  Meaning, no flights booked in advance, no hotels checked, no place to go.  Just like last month when there were two long weekends only spent here at home and at the store.  


But I think I'm just focused into giving in to my travel vice again.  I always say, "Mahalin natin ang sariling atin" yet, I still fail to consider seeing what is nearby.  So without the advanced bookings, reservations, and any careful plannings, we can still manage to have that long weekend getaway in a not-so-distant place.
    

Anyway, there's this must-see resort in our nearby town, Jimenez that we can conveniently visit for a relaxing escapade.  And that is the newly-refurbished Alona's Dreamland Beach Resort.  The resort has a beach (of course), two pools, cottages, picnic tables, function hall, and rooms for overnight stay.    


It is hassle-free to go to the resort since Jimenez is only a 35 to 45 minute-ride away from Ozamiz.  Once you get to the junction at Jimenez, there are already easy directionals pointing to the resort so you'll never get lost!  The road is also smooth so no need to worry for your car's well-being.  Hehe..... 


Gladly, the Alona's was not crowded when we were there so we enjoyed the place for ourselves.  It was so clean, well-maintained, and tranquil.  Aside from that, the entrance fee is also very cheap at P50 per person (adult or child) only, already inclusive of the use of the swimming pools. I think that is just super sulit for a place like this!


I'm sorry for bombarding you with too much photos.  That's just how I liked the place so much!  Eating without limit and talking with family, having fun pictorials, taking in the view of the sea, and reading a good book under the Talisay tree.  Well, that is just the perfect loooong weekend getaway anyone could wish for!


So whenever up for a quick weekend escapade, just hop into your car or any public transpo to Taboo, Jimenez, Misamis Occidental and check into Alona's Dreamland Beach Resort!   Like their FB page here for more info.


Tag along your whole family or barkada for a super fun and memorable outing that you'll surely enjoy! :)  Come and explore Misamis Occidental!  See related posts below for more about the province! :) #tosomtravels

P.S.  Follow @exploremisocc on IG here! :)

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Friday, October 17, 2014

Feature Friday: Punta Meriam Beach Resort and Spa

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!


Celebrating my birthdays for two consecutive years outside Ozamiz had been helpful for me to forget that it's my birthday on that day.  Last 2012 was in Albay and last 2013 was in Iloilo.  I did that 'coz I wanted to forget my special day so I won't feel lonesome in any sense.  And since we (JCI-Ozamiz Red Rose) missed NatCon this year, I ain't got a birthday destination but I'm beyond glad to have had celebrated the actual day of my birthday with my family. 


So with this, my birthday for this year deserved another destination!  And I'm happy that there's Punta Meriam Beach Resort and Spa which is only a 40-minute drive away from Ozamiz.  There's no hassle bringing kids over for we don't have to endure a very long drive with kulit ones.


Punta Meriam Beach Resort and Spa is conveniently located just a few meters away from the public market of Panaon, Misamis Occidental.  It is accessible to any vehicle because the road leading to it is not bumpy.  Right from the hustle and bustle of the highway, you'll enter a tranquil place where you can see a vast expanse of the sea.



Aside from the beach, Punta Meriam also has a swimming pool for the kids to enjoy.  For swimmers out there, you won't like it because you can't have a fill of it.  It is only good for kids and for pictorial purposes.  


Since I'm into much pictorial, I enjoyed the place quite pretty well for its rustic design.  I love the details of their wood works and they are Instagram and Pinterest worthy.



Other amenities are the resort basics - a function hall, clean toilet and bath, cottages for day use and rooms for overnight use.  However, since the name says "Beach Resort and Spa", we haven't found any spa at all.  And when we asked the staff about their massage, they simply replied that there's no hilot available.  Hehe.  Maybe the hilot is on call.  

Function Hall
Massage Area
Cottages
Anyway, they also have beach volley, boating and island hopping to a sand bar which we haven't tried anymore.  But the kids enjoyed their kayak session spearheaded by cuzzy Rio.


And what I like about the resort is the safety they give to their guests.  The life guards are so strict in looking closely to each child in tow.  With that, you don't have to keep watch all day so you can also have some time to catch up with the others, have some me time to do muni-muni, or take a nap while enjoying the calming sea breeze.


If the kids enjoyed, then that makes a happy tita!  Tag along the whole family for a fun-filled day at Punta Meriam Beach Resort and Spa.  I suggest that you bring your own food and beverage because it's corkage-free so you don't have to buy inside the resort.  Food inside costs an arm and a leg, you know.  Visit their FB page here for more information!

For questions, invites, and collaborations, direct message me on Facebook.  For updates on my whereabouts and whatabouts, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! :)

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Feature Friday: Oklahoma Island Rafi's Resort

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!


Planning on a summer getaway with the whole family or barkada?  Well, this one is for you!  My dear blog readers, may I present to you - Oklahoma Island Rafi's Resort!  This gem of  an island in Misamis Occidental must be in your summer wishlist this year for the following reasons:

Pristine Beach and Crystal Clear Water

As the photos show, the resort is clean and well-kept.  There is no world-class infrastructure or the likes which makes it beautiful by nature in itself.  It has a laidback atmosphere that one would surely enjoy going back to the basics!  Additionally, it is secluded and just lets you experience ragged nature in solitude.


Affordable Rates

Entrance fee to the resort is only PhP50 and that already includes the pumpboat ride to the island!   There are cottages and rooms for overnight accommodations and also an open-style mini-function hall for events.  Food in their menu has reasonable prices but you can also bring your own with a corkage fee of PhP200 only for all the food and beverages that you had brought.
   

Fun Nature Experience

When in Oklahoma, you can be one with nature!  You can play, swim, snorkel, or just laze around inhaling the fresh air.  The sea is just so generous with aquatic finds and I also found the place suitable for a Biology field trip. 


The Bonding Moment

Should I say more?  Beautiful island, white sand beach, pumpboat ride, homey food, great people - you'll surely make the most out of your outing together! :)


The Unforgettable Journey

No matter how many times you've been to a place, it is the experience that counts.  So for us who are living here in Misamis Occidental, we may find same old places from last year since there ain't always something new.  Although we may find it already boring, just take a look at who you're with.  For this, you'll still gonna have that great adventure without stepping too far from our local roots.


The Pictorial

Of course, any outing won't end up without a pictorial!  Checking-in with photos in FB or IG would be an evidence that you were really there in that awesome place.


Visit Oklahoma Island Rafi's Resort and experience nature at its best!

How to Get There:  

If from Ozamis and in private transpo, take the Ozamis-Oroquieta road.  Just follow signages up to Calamba and I guarantee that you'll never get lost with the small province that we have.

If from Ozamis and in public transpo, take a bus bound for Dipolog, drop off at Calamba, ride a motorcycle/habal-habal to the resort!

For questions, invites, and collaborations, direct message me on Facebook.  For updates on my whereabouts and whatabouts, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! :)

Friday, November 30, 2012

Feature Friday: Bluewaves Resort

Feature Friday highlights businesses, people, fashion, and basically anything under the sun!


­Fed up with the humdrum of daily routine?  Get a quick escape and relax for a little while at Bluewaves Resort!  With only 20-30 minutes drive from Ozamiz City, you can get away from that hurly-burly city life and have that feel of paradise!

Bluewaves Resort is located at the tranquil beachline of Lupagan, Clarin, Misamis Occidental.  Originally a weekend beach house of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Yaplito, the resort became open to the public last October 14, 2012.   
Unlike any other beach resort, the place is so spacious that you can have enough room for everyone!  It is so ideal for big family outing, company team-buildings, and high school reunions!  Complete with facilities and amenities, you'll find comfort like no other! There's a resthouse with three airconditioned rooms, living, and dining area, a function hall by the adult and kiddie pools, cable TV, and the most looked after, Karaoke!
   
Moreover, toilets and baths are accessible in any part of the resort.  Cleanliness is well-maintained that you can breathe in really fresh air from the sea breeze! 
But what I love most at Bluewaves Resort is their laid back patio that I felt like a Donya while sitting on their comfy rattan long couch!  It is also nice to lie down on their rattan hammock with a good book.
So want some chillaxing time?  Come and visit Bluewaves Resort!    If you want the whole resort by day, resort time is in between 10 AM to 5 PM.  But for only P8,000, you can have an overnight stay with check-in time 10 AM and check-out time 9 AM the next day.  

So what are you waiting for?  Book now and have a wow of the day!  For bookings and reservation,  contact (088) 521-1474 and look for Oliver or Arbie.  You may also see them at any Supermix branch in Ozamiz City.

For questions, invites, and collaborations, direct message me on Facebook.  For updates on my whereabouts and whatabouts, follow me on Twitter and Instagram! :)

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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

EOS Destination #1!

Right after getting my first DSLR camera, I'm onto my first blog destination!  And it's no other than, the town of the oldest church in the province of Misamis Occidental - Jimenez!  I had traveled with triple purpose - to attend the christening of the firstborn of my college classmate Angelie, blog about the town's national cultural treasure, and get some shots of old houses in the municipality.  Unfortunately, I was late for the baptismal rites so I just grabbed the chance to interview the churchkeepers who were left behind after the service.
  

Founded by the Augustinian recollects on the day of St. John the Baptist, June 24, 1859, the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist is at the forefront of the municipality's history.  Like any other Catholic churches, the aim is not just to further spread Christianity but also to serve as a political backbone of Spanish colonial rule.  When during those times, the church and state were regarded as one.    

Nonetheless, the church served as a fortress during the Spanish and Japanese wars.  There was a hidden tunnel as passageway for the townsfolk to use whenever there were rumblings around them.  I didn't fail to imagine all the chaos the church must had been.  But like a mighty fortress, it stood the tests of times and is standing still as a cradle of Christianity in the locality.


As a centuries old church, its facade tells its antiquity.  It is made up of coral stones from each churchgoer who were obliged to bring one during its construction as folktales said so.    
Holy Water Basin Made From Coral Stone
The interior boasts of its ceiling which is painted Trompe-l'oeil style.  The three-dimensional illusion is something to be compared with that of the churches in Vatican.  Most importantly, the gold-plated altar hosts a number of saint relics of course including St. John the Baptist.  But sad to say, it is not the original relic anymore because the former was stolen right before his feast in  the beginning of the 21st century. 


The wooden pillars along the sides are also intricately decorated.  In order to preserve them from termites, careful inspection and protection are made regularly. 


And never ignore the floor.  Once you step on it, you can experience stepping back in time as it is made of tisa tiles.  These are not just ordinary tiles.  These were handmade out from clay, the ones made from make-shift ovens in the olden days.   


At present, Father Mario Magcanam is the parish priest governing the church wherein baptism and weddings are frequently held.  Even engaged couples from other places go to the town of Jimenez just to get wed!