While aimlessly scanning my photo album from my computer earlier, I quickly remembered that I failed to blog our getaway at Seagull Mountain Resort which happened last year November! I haven't given much attention to my blog since I actively started campaigning for my presidential bet online. (Glad to know he won by a big margin hehe..) Now, I am back into regular blogging (hopefully).

My Family

By the way, I grabbed a screenshot from my Facebook post, showing our trip while heading to Seagull Mountain Resort in an early, chilly morning dated November 15, 2015. Yeah, a kind of old trip but I assure you my memory is still fresh to detail out our itinerary.


I have been hearing a lot about Seagull Mountain Resort from my friends, much more in social media. I must admit,  though we are natives of Davao yet we have never been to this place ever. Until my husband and I decided to go there during our fifth wedding anniversary last year.
The trip would not be complete without stopping by at one of the Davao's landmarks, Philippine Eagle statue, located at Brgy. Marilog District, approximately 30-minute closer to Seagull. Believe me, the breeze is much colder than our car and home air-condition. Marilog is well-known for cool weather all year round.


As soon as we arrived there, we were mobbed right away by some native children who were selling hand-made products at a very affordable price. The children were unshaken by the cold weather while us were chilling terribly.


This girl was carrying her younger sister, tied at her back with a "malong" while begging us to buy her products. Who could ever refuse from this cute petite girl?


Seagull Mountain resort receiving area where you pay the entrance fee and book for cottages if you wish for an over-night stay.

On the way up for sight-seeing

The resort consists of two swimming pools, one is located at the main resort and the other one where the main source of water is coming from the waterfalls is around 500-meters away from the main. They have their own cab to take you out of the rough terrain going to the waterfalls.

My family while chatting and enjoying the foods we brought in the cottage.

Waterfalls view

Chesska and her cousin, unminding the icy-cold water.

Going closer to the waterfalls for picture-taking.

We didn't stay longer in the pool for the coldness was intolerable. Just imagine that you are dipping in a pitcher of ice-cold water.

One of  the few cottages

One of the few cottages located in the main

Campsite

Another captivating view

Breathtaking view

Reservations Office
Door 2, Braveheart Building, McArthur Highway
Davao City (Fronting Matina Petron or old ABS-CBN Station)
Tel. No.: +(6382) 298-5990
Mondays - Saturdays, 8AM - 5PM

Mountain Resort Office
Tel No.: +(6382) 286-4124
Mondays - Sundays, 8AM to 5PM

Beach Resort Front Office
Tel No.: +(6382) 301-0097 or +(6382) 301-0100
Mondays - Sundays, 8AM to 5PM

Inland Resort Office
Tel No.: +(6382) 286-3233
Mondays - Sundays, 8AM to 5PM

I am supposed to discuss /f/ sound and make a Frog Life Cycle but my model for each stage is not yet complete. For example, I couldn't find tadpole or even adult frog anywhere at the store. So I better skipped this activity and jumped into /s/ sound. If you are wondering why it is just too far, from F to S, don't worry, according to studies it doesn't matter if you teach letters in a sequential manner. I also decided to go through /s/ sound because I had materials ready for our sea creatures adventure in sensory bin. There are actually a lot of things we can discuss about that start with S using sea creatures sensory play.

Idea from: Teachingmama.org

To align with the concept, I prepared SEA creatures sensory bin. Chesska loves so much sensory play where she can explore or pretend making a story based on what she sees and feels. True enough, sensory activity has calming effects that it will help your child do away from tantrums.
Since we talked about /s/ sound, I took the opportunity to tackle about things that start with the letter S - shells, squid, seaweed, stone, sea, and many others.
It is a great and fascinating activity to do outdoor, too. Plus it does not only develop cognitive growth, as well as fine motor skills.
How do you like our sensory activity for this week? Be the first one to drop your thoughts on the comment form below. If you find this post helpful, please do like my Facebook page here. Your single click means a lot to me. Thank you and have a blessed weekend.

Hello! I'm still kicking, crawling, jumping. I am still alive. Back into blogging.

I was really stressed for the past months for so many reasons. Work. Motherhood. National Election...Work. Motherhood. National Election.... (Nope, I did not run in any position, I was just an avid supporter of a certain candidate hehe) Aside from that, the weather is getting hotter which is not helping at all so I decided to sit back awhile and research online a superb place just within the Davao vicinity to de-stress.

Until I found Villa de Mercedes Resort website. Upon looking at the nice pictures posted, my gut feeling told me that this place might be worth a visit. Of course, you can't justify how nice the place is by experiencing it first yourself.

Situated 535 feet above sea level, you will be delightfully greeted by the hypnotic view of Davao gulf and Davao city that instantly eases away your stress and worries. Please note that Villa de Mercedes is an exclusive resort subdivision, which offers recreation to its members and lot owners such as infinity pool, coffee shop, and other amenities. However, walk-in guests are welcome to enjoy and relax.

At Cafe's Veranda

Wonderful Scenery of Davao City

Uncrowded Infinity Pool

Acting like Senyorito and Senyorita

In front of the Cafe

Cottage View

Infinity Pool

Outside the Cafe

Outside the Cafe

Cafe

A little expensive, Villa de Mercedes is one of the resorts the family should not miss to visit to especially during summer season. I am extremely picky as what places to go on vacation for my family. As much as possible, I wanted a resort that is less crowded, cool, child-friendly, clean and having an excellent customer service. I guess, all the criteria I had been wanting for were satisfactorily met.

Entrance Fee with Free Use of Cottage

Weekend: 250
Weekdays: 200

Take note that bringing of foods is not allowed. The resort itself has a cafe where you can order foods but I have to tell you in advance, they are super expensive. The burger alone is worth 250 pesos, and 1 liter of soft drink is 150 pesos. To make your vacation worth spending, bring as much money as you can so you will enjoy the resort's amenities to the fullest.

The resort is located at Catigan, Toril Davao City. For inquiries or reservation, call (082) 226-8695/301-1751 or you may visit their facebook page.