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

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.

Despite the total firecracker ban here in Davao City, I, together with my family, my brother and his wife and two children who came all the way from Bukidnon,  still celebrated the New Year with a BLAST.  With their presence, our house came into life again like a firework because ,  my child, Chesska, had a new playmate, her 6-year-old cousin. Both kids ' noise and mess temporarily broke the silence and tidiness of our house, as you know how "hyper" kids are. Also, I was able to chat with my older brother and his wife for the longest time. We barely saw each other due to the distance of our home place, so a holiday like Christmas and New Year allowed us to be complete once again.

Here are the best parts of our New Year Celebration:

1. To make their 4-day vacation worth spending, I brought them over to eat-all-you-can buffet during my mom's birthday on December 29th.


2. On the same day evening later, I strolled my family at the Davao Rizal park. My friends posting Christmas events at the Rizal park over Facebook have convinced me to pay a visit on that place very soon since it's been a long long time that I haven't been there.  Finally, we were able to take pictures behind these colorful and attractive Christmas lights. Our picture is a bit dim though..





3. On the 31st , we went to the mall nearby just to go around and buy cake for my niece for her birthday, luckily her birthday coincides with the New Year. Her family saves time and money. hehe


4. Heart (my niece) blowing candle on her birthday.



5. Finally the highlight of our New Year, January 1st,  was held at Japanese Tunnel.

My husband and 3-year old in front of the Japanese Tunnel swimming pool

From the top view

Mom and my brother together with his family

Japanese Tunnel Swimming Pool

Bucket Challenge (haha!)

Beside the Japanese Tunnel Restaurant

Japanese Tunnel Restaurant Front View

Inside the Restaurant

Entrance of the Hotel and Reception Area

Inside the Tunnel

Replica of a Japanese Golden Buddha

Gold Bars Replica

Japanese Soldiers Statues

Inside the Tunnel

Main Entrance to the Tunnel

Slaves ' Jail

Japanese Tunnel Hotel. This picture was taken during our first visit here.

Hotel Lobby

Hotel lobby. This picture was taken during our first tour here.

Charges:

Entrance for Adults and Kids ......100.00
Japanese Tunnel ...........................50.00
Hotel Rate......................................2,100 per night with breakfast

Corkage:

Every Viand.....................100.00
Cake.................................300.00
Lechon.............................300.00
Soft drink.........................30.00
Rice..................................100.00

My New Year has been great so far. How about yours?