Want to escape from a "hustle and bustle of city life" for a while? If yes, Paradise Beach Resort is a perfect destination for outing and family gathering.  It was actually the fourth time that my family and I went to Paradise Island,  simply, for its very relaxing atmosphere - clear blue water, fine white sand, and cool breeze.  But if you want adventure, Paradise has exciting sports activities too such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, island hopping, and many other activities to enjoy. The resort is also safe. They have lifeguards watching over you and your children while swimming on the beach. When you swim beyond the restricted area, the lifeguard will not hesitate to whistle and remind you not to go far beyond that danger zone. The resort has also a lot of staff, designated in a different area to attend to you if ever you need anything.


Getting to Paradise Island Beach Resort

Going to Paradise is easy and hustle-free since it is only a few minutes away from Davao City. From the airport, it is more convenient to take a taxi going to the pier where you can take a boat to paradise. Most taxi drivers know where the location is.  The taxi fare may range from 100-150 depending on the traffic.

On the other hand, if you are based from the downtown area of Davao City, let's say Gaisano or  Abreeza Mall, you may ride a Jeepney and take Sasa Route for 10.00-12.00. From the highway (right), you will see this signage, get off, turn right,  and take a walk for 5-10 minutes. Don't worry they have tourist guides telling you the directions.


Driving directions from G-Mall to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort


View Larger Map


Driving directions from Bangoy, International Airport to Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort(via Barge at Sasa Wharf)


View Larger Map

For car owners, the resort has a wide parking space within the docking area. It has also security guards to secure your cars 24 hours, so you are worry-free.



When everyone is on board, the crews will remind you to wear your life vest. Paradise services are absolutely great because they also implement safety measures.  The boat fare is 15 pesos - very affordable!Take note. The boat operates at 5:00 am up to 5 pm only.  If you intend for a day tour only, you must go back before 5 pm.



Entrance Fee:

Entrance fee is very affordable. The day tour is P200 per person and P300 per person for an overnight stay. If you wish to get a cottage or room, the prices may range from 3000-4000 pesos.


Foods:

Foods are delicious and affordable. They served both Filipino and international cuisines. They also offer a different kind of beverages like buko juice, shakes, and other cool favourites, perfect for quenching your thirst. You could also bring your own foods and drinks but they have corkage for beverages.


Wifi-Zone:

The area is also wifi-zone for internet surfers.


Live Shows:


If you are a music lover likes gigs, your ears will be entertained by their live band playing POP and R & B music. But if you want to laugh out loud until your belly hurts, then the resort has Carnival shows.




Water Sports Rental Rates




Other Recreations:

You will not get bored while on Paradise, they have other recreations like children's park and other sports activities.


Souvenir Shop



Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort
Samal Island, Davao
TEL # (63) (82) 233 – 0251, 234 – 1229, 300 – 2343
Mobile # (63) 0920 – 954 - 6780

We are supposed to throw a themeless 3rd birthday for Chesska as I mentioned in my previous post. But apologies, we lied. Well, that happens sometimes (hehe).  The decision was quickly changed after Chesska has become a fanatic of Frozen stuff.

So the story goes this way.

Last Christmas, she was gifted a frozen doll and a dress by her ninong and ninang. She absolutely loved them!  And a week later, I thought of letting her watch a frozen movie so she could appreciate the gifts even more.

You're right! Her love of Frozen stuff has become more intense after knowing the characters, especially Elsa, Ana, and the cute snowman Olaf. As a matter of fact, she had watched the movie multiple times. OMG...

Because of that, we finally decided to have a Frozen-themed party but ensured to retain the simpleness based on our limited budget.  So we went to buy birthday cards, balloons, buntings, loot bags,  all designed in Frozen at Balloon World located at Uyanguren. Mind you, it's the only store I know that sells all birthday supplies at a very affordable price. Everything is cheap especially if you buy in bulk.

So here's the outcome of our one-week preparation just for tots.

Believe it or not, the cake is only worth 360 pesos, bought at bread factory NCCC.

The Family

Chesska

Auntie Arlyn serving foods to the kids.

The Kids

The 150-watt smile. hehe

One of the parlor games: Paper Dance

One of the parlor games: Trip to The Jerusalem

One of the parlor games: Pass the Balloon

Giving away of candies.

Giving away of loot bags.

Dinner with the neighbors.

So this is how we celebrate Chesska's 3rd birthday. It's all worth it despite the tiredness and preparation that we've been through. That's all folks. I hope you enjoy reading. Till then....

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via: http://nafconusa.org/2015/01/nafcon-hopeful-to-work-with-pope-francis/

Warning: Long Read.

If I were living in Manila, I might have been part of the crowd, cheering and welcoming Pope Francis's during his 5-day pastoral visit here in the Philippines. But unfortunately, that was not the case. However, I was able to observe several events on TV which involved the Pope. The social media and other news had also kept me updated.

Though I noticed some hurtful criticisms and comments thrown against him (which are expected naman). One of them is calling him anti-Christ and false prophet. Some of the comments are against the concept of apostolic succession, and the like.

Nevertheless, I didn't bother reacting on the negative comments. I rather chose to see the positive sides instead of judging and striking the haters back. After all, only God has the power to judge us at the end of the day regardless of our beliefs.

What matters most is how the Pope has gathered all the Filipino people as one family in Christ. As a matter of fact, he urged all Christians not to pray to him (Pope) but to Jesus Christ Himself.  The Pope truly radiates humility, simplicity, and godliness that each of us must emulate.

Anyways... Long Story Short..

Since I didn't watch everything on TV of what was happening then, I ensured not to miss out the most important part of the liturgy, the homily. He said a mouthful and the messages he delivered have impacted many lives including myself.

I was completely touched and enlightened of what he relayed to us, Filipinos, though I could barely grasp some of his messages. Glad to know there were Filipino priests and newscasters who expounded what the Pope meant in a separate panel discussion on TV.

So here are some of the calls and challenges by Pope Francis which are addressed to every Christian. And I just wanted to point out the important messages that hit me as a person.  I would like to share with you my feelings, thoughts, reflections, and the things I need to do as a Christian.


1. Always take time out to pray every day. 

To be upfront with you, it hits me like a ton of bricks. As a home-based and hands-on mom, I was so caught up with responsibilities that I tend to forget praying to God. I can rarely slow down to reflect and re-examine of what has been transpired throughout the day. After what Pope said, I came to realize that with God in silence, we can pour out our problems and frustrations. It is also the great opportunity that we can be grateful of  all the blessings he has bestowed upon us.

2. Just focus on what really matters. 

I recently listed down my goals for this year to focus on. Goals that are attainable and doable which can contribute to our over-all health: mental, social, spiritual, financial, and physical. Unlike last year, my mind was diverted into many attentions (actually less important stuff) , which drained me physically and mentally. Now I learned to entrust all my plans and dreams to God, and allow His grace to work.


3. If we don't learn how to cry, we cannot be good Christians. "Our response should be silence or a word that is borne out of our tears. 

Seeing the girl cry while sharing her tragic experiences with Pope during the "Youth Encounter" at UST, caused my tears to drip. Though, I tried to hide my emotion secretly because I was ashamed to do so in the presence of my mother and husband who were also watching closely on TV (hehe).

True enough. When we acknowledge our weaknesses to God by shedding tears, we immediately feel His comfort.  We are relieved instantly. We feel that we are not alone. That means we always need Him during the lowest moment of our life.

4. Protect the Family. 

I am fortunate for having a complete family. Husband and I are working home-based where we can keep our eyes to our daughter. What I can do more is to strengthen our relationship by giving quality time to each other. That's why I seldom see myself in social media (**ex. facebook, online games**) as we know how these culprits can steal much of our time, thus can be a source of dispute.

With all our might, let us care and protect our family for it is the foundation of our society.

5. Love the poor. 

As a product of a poor family myself before, I couldn't help but pity those people whom I happened to pass by in the street warmless and foodless. This is a big challenge to all of us of what we can do to help these people. However, we don't need to go far. We may have neighbors, too, who suffer the same where we can lend our helping hand.

6. You know how to give but you have not yet learned how to receive. Become a beggar. 


Let me know your thoughts about Pope's visit and homily.  Always feel free to ask questions or you may leave your comments below. I am always up for chit chat.

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

I would love to hear from you by writing your comments below. I am always up for chit chat. Thanks for stopping by.

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.

Hello January and hi everyone!

It's been a week since the New Year has formally started. And sadly , my two-week-vacation leave is also over. This means I have to go back to the reality like you do: regular routines and work. Though, I don't feel getting back to work yet,  but I have to, so I can make up from the expenses incurred during the holidays.

By the way,  how did you start your New Year? For me/us, when January comes, a bunch of preparations are lining up and to be prepared/worked for. Want to ask me why? Here they are:

1. Chesska's Birthday

We all know how holidays have left us nearly bankrupt, but then, we have already set aside something for Chesska's 3rd birthday. But this time, we choose to prepare a simple, less expensive, yet meaningful 3rd birthday.

Since she's no longer timid, unlike last year, we plan to hold it at home and invite her friends her age from the neighborhood. The birthday theme is Chesska and her friends themselves.


2. Bills 

In addition to birthday preparation, it is also the first month of the year where we are piled up with bills and other expenditures including car registration, insurances, property tax, among others. But long before this month, I have already the budget laid out intended for these priorities.


3. Goals  

It's been said, "Start the Year Right". I mentioned my goals  in my last post, which keep me motivated and on track in life. Without goals, I think, life would have no direction.

As soon as I can, I will work on saving and investing smart but not hard. I guess, it would be a smart idea to invest money in stocks than engage into networking business which is risky and hard.


4. Self

It is also first week of the month that I return to work.  Though I don't feel working yet because of the nature of the project, I just think of a million people who are jobless or underpaid by their employers, then I get relieved right away.  I feel grateful for still having a 5-hour job, yet still get a substantial income.

Join me not to procrastinate during work hours. hehe

photo credit: http://www.colormebrave.com/2015/01/start-your-year-off-right.html

What about you? What do you prepare for when January comes?

I would be forever grateful if you help my blog grow by liking my facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you so much.