The best definition of vacation is where you can actually be just yourself and be free from all the stress that you usually get from work or school. Picture a place that can be so quiet but relaxing at the same time. It’s the kind of quiet that makes your soul peaceful and makes you recharge your body. There are many kinds of vacation people go to. Some look for a fulfilling trek in the mountains. Some go to world-class hotels. While some are content with unwinding by the beach. The view of the sea is just so irresistible and it makes you feel like the world is not in a pandemic right now.

Locally, there are many choices for a beach escape. You can go to Samal for easy access. There’s also Mati, the next favorite beach destination of Dabawenyos. There’s Sarangani in the south area. But then there’s the new tourist destination in Davao Oriental named Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. It’s a glamping resort in Davao Oriental that offers many chill and relaxing activities perfect for that much-needed break after all the stress of this pandemic.

Glamping - it’s a new experience that you need to try because it’s like going camping, except it’s very comfortable and luxurious on so many levels. Imagine having your private yaya throughout the whole campaign experience, having the best seafood, and staying in an airconditioned spacious tent!

Board Games and Reading Nook - perfect for every mood. If you want to be extra social for the day, then go play some board games with your friends. But if you need some quality alone time, they also have a reading nook where you can enjoy your favorite book and get a refreshing drink from their restaurant.

Beer Pong and Bar - drinking is definitely not absent in any vacation. The best part about this beach resort in Davao Oriental is that their bar is beachfront! So you can enjoy your beer pong games in the afternoon while you watch the sunset. Sunsets are very beautiful in this resort.

Chill, unwind, and experience the best of Davao Oriental at Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. You definitely won’t regret it. Just check out their Facebook page to know more about their services.

Let’s all admit it, staying at home is not what it used to be under this pandemic. It has become a sort of mental torture. Working from home is also taking a toll on most employees as there is no longer a clear line between their professional and personal life. So how do people cope? Here are five stay-home-self-care activities that are more affordable than going to a therapist!

Indoor Jungle. Ornamental plants are all the craze nowadays. People have started their own backyard gardens and have even resorted in turning their common lounge area inside their homes into an urban indoor jungle of some sort. Facebook plant buying and selling groups are abuzz with plant exchanges. This is probably because grooming and tending to plants have actual psychological benefits. It improves your mood, relieves stress and anxiety, prolongs attention span, and even boosts self-esteem. Not to mention being a part of a big community with mutual admiration for plants.

Morning Coffee. There’s just something about slow mornings that are best paired with coffee. A good view, a snuggly weather, and a good brew is how one should start every day really. You know what I mean? Although I haven’t been that consistent yet, I have done it more often now that I’m working from home compared to having to prepare for the office and allot minutes or hours depending on the traffic to travel to the office.

Skincare Routines. If you’re wondering why more people are selling skincare products now, it’s because people are starting to focus on themselves under quarantine. Health-wise people are shifting to a more conscious lifestyle, physically people are investing in skincare. Being bathed in aromatic oils and rubbed with cacao or coffee scrubs is all I need for a weekend therapy session. Not only does it have many benefits, it is also natural!

Baking & Cooking. The pandemic has somehow brought out the inner cook in us. I myself had tried to perfect a brownie recipe 3 days straight. Thankfully I bumped into this Malagos baking meal kit and other DIY meal kits of Malagos which I obsessed for a week straight! So I sustain myself with these kits for both the main course, snacks, and even for dessert for 7 days! Don’t worry though they’re all natural and are not as preserved as you think. Their shelf lives last for I think around 3 days so better to consume them immediately afterwards.

If you’re wondering where to buy Malagos products you can purchase them via their online store Malagos Homegrown Produce. They don’t only have a wide array of meal kits to choose from but they also have fresh farm produce, signature cheeses and chocolates, meat and fish, baked goods, and even gardening essentials!

Chocolate Chip Cookies - among all the popular cookies, the chocolate chip was the happiest accident. In 1930, Ruth Graves Wakefield ran out of baker’s chocolate and substituted it with Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate. Then came the birth of chocolate chip cookies that everyone still loves until today!

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies - underrated but very healthy! Try this one out and feel very nostalgic of that Sunday afternoons at your grandma's house.

Crinkles - chocolate addicts raise your hands! Fudgy and chewy on the inside, powdery sugary on the outside. Baking this one might be a little tough because your patience will be tested. But it’s very worth it once you pull out the powdery cookies fresh out of the oven and enjoy the fudgy center peeking through the cracks.

Double Dark Cookies - Just imagine the gooey inside oozing through the crack of that first bite. This type of cookie is indeed the perfect symbol for your love for dark chocolate. It’s very indulgent and you will feel less guilty eating it because it uses dark chocolate, which is healthier than other kinds of chocolate.

Whatever cookie you can come up with, there are other types also you might want to try like fortune cookies, macaroons, butterscotch cookies, and more! If you want more chocolatey flavor, then start typing where to buy chocolate ingredients for baking now. Davao Chocolate is simply the best as proven by the Malagos brand, an internationally awarded brand that now also offers baking supplies in Davao. They now have baking kits too! You can check out their products at www.malagoshomegrownproduce.com.

Have you ever been to Davao Oriental? If you’re from Davao City or Tagum City, you probably have gone there countless times before especially in Mati City. It’s the most popular tourist attraction of that region, where thousands of Filipinos from all over the country or even foreigners go to catch the biggest waves for surfing. But aside from surfing, there sure are a lot of things to do in Davao Oriental.

• Be mesmerized by the staircase falls at Aliwagwag. It’s a beautiful spot to get that instagram-worthy photo. Try jumping from the highest level and let your inner daredevil come to life!

• Learn about science and at Pusan Point Science Discovery Center. After a much educational tour, you can take a dip at their pool. Sounds like a perfect field trip place.

• Be in awe of the centennial tree. I’m sure you already saw one in other places but how about making it your bucket list to see all centennial trees in the country. They’re just so mesmerizing.

• Make a stopover at Subangan Museum. After you go surfing, make sure to drop by Subangan and learn about the history and culture of the Mandaya tribe.

• Take a virtual tour at Mt. Hamiguitan Museum. Located at San Isidro, this is a must visit place to learn more about ecosystem and biodiversity.

• Climb Mt. Hamiguitan too! After you take a tour at the museum, consider climbing the actual mountain itself. It’s a 4-day worthwhile trip that will get you amazed at the different vegetation types.

• Buy the empanada at the Seaside restaurant in Mati. A famous delicacy, this one is a must-try! Don’t forget to buy the lumpia too and its delicious vinegar dip.

• Take a rest at Pintatagan welcome park. Unlike other regions, Davao Oriental’s welcome signage is a show stopper. Take a bathroom break, chill at the lounging area while you prepare yourself for the trip of your life.

• Visit Cape San Agustin. It’s a must visit place especially for those who want amazing photo shoots. You can get a clear view of the Pacific ocean and learn more about their history.

• Stay at Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. This one might be new, but it’s the best place to visit in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental for its unique features like glamping, snorkeling and not to mention the freshest seafood catch!

There are really a lot of things to discover in Davao Oriental. Because it’s such a wonderful place for family and friends’ bonding sessions, you don’t have to stick with Mati. If you’re wondering how to get to Camp Bernardino de Lavigan, just check out their website at www.campbernardino.com. Surely, you will be amazed!

A lot of people have jumped into the bandwagon of being plant moms. From snake plants to montserrat to succulents, you can see your newsfeed and IG feed now flooded with pictures of these green babies everywhere! Everyone seems to be so engrossed about the idea of adopting a plant and talking to them and making them grow as if they’re humans. This is because plants give you the sense of fulfillment when you see them grow healthily. They are also a little low maintenance compared to keeping a dog for example. No monthly grooming needed. No too much attending. Just a little bit of sunlight, water, and a good potting mix and you can leave them be.

But one interesting aspect of this fad is the edible landscaping trend which seems to be more appealing for some. Edible landscaping, from the term itself means growing a garden that can be used as your main ingredient for food. This includes herbs and spices like mints, basil, rosemary and more. For some, this is more practical because they are so easy to maintain plus you can just pick out whatever you need for the day’s recipe. So here are the reasons why you should try making edible landscaping 101:

Growing a mint plant is so easy and very diverse. You can choose from peppermint, spearmint and more. Then before you know it, your entire house will be smelling mint! And based on scientific research, inhaling a minty smell helps keep you relaxed and calm. It also helps you focus more and improve your memory.

Rosemary is equally beneficial because it has a lot of antioxidants. It can be used as an added ingredient to almost any recipe because it provides a nice aroma and herb-y flavor to the food. It can also be used for your tea or essential oil.

In many cultures basil is considered as the holy herb and for a good reason. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients. It’s a good anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial ingredient that not only adds color to your salad, but makes your immune system stronger.

Whatever other herbs you want to try, growing your own food is always a good idea especially during times like this. So if you’re typing in where to buy herb plants near me, Malagos Homegrown Produce’s plants and herbs hold all the answers. No more fuss when looking for herbs for sale near me because you can order them online now at malagoshomegrownproduce.com

Even before the onset of the pandemic, online stores are already taking the lead among industries nowadays as it provides people convenience while shopping. Meanwhile, as the COVID pandemic has made going out risky, online shopping has climbed itself up from being a leisure into a necessity as stay at home restrictions were implemented. 

Like many people, I am also one of those who made a switch from the usual shopping method to online. I am one of those whose health- consciousness had been heightened because of the threat Covid-19 poses against our health. Since going out is risky, not to mention that it is a total hassle, I have decided to switch for the better which is to buy my needs while I'm at home. At first, I thought that online stores wouldn't be of much use for me as a mom. After all, they'd just be selling fashion items and other things I won't need since there are a lot more things to buy such as COVID essentials and other necessities. As much as I want to stay safe at home, I would have to go out from time to time since I need to do groceries on a regular basis. And since online stores just sell fashion items, I know I won't be able to put my trust in it to spare me from going out. 

However, all these misconceptions were made clear as I stumbled upon a grocery and delivery called Instakart. Never have I thought that my phone can serve me this well. When I checked out the site, there it is, a complete list of products I need. I was really delighted with the fact that I can do my task of doing groceries at home too. 

Ever since I have tried buying grocery items at Instakart, I have become an avid fan of their outstanding service. First of all, It was the wide array of their product that saved me from going out to public places. Even condiments are available, kitchen essentials, and everything a typical supermarket would have. 

Also, there is an evident shortage of COVID essentials on brick and mortar stores nowadays, but because of Instakart, I get access to COVID essentials without the hassle of going out. What's even more interesting is that they offer disinfectant bundles too so I can save much. 

As what has been mentioned, the wide array of product selection is impressive, from home, kitchen essentials, they also have a comprehensive range of COVID essentials such as cleansing wipes, Lysol, alcohol, face shield, and masks. 

This local online supermarket is really convenient for me and I won't have to go to multiple places just to buy items because it's the all-in-one store I can trust. It is where to buy Lysol near me, and other products at an amazingly affordable price. Instakart, my trusted online grocery and delivery, is really impressive and nothing beats it when it comes to service reliability, product quality, and affordability. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone!

Going on a vacation during a pandemic might not seem like a very good idea especially for protective parents or heads of the family. But that’s understandable because of course everyone’s safety is the top priority at the moment. But sometimes you’re torn because you don’t want your kids and family to miss out on all the chances to go on vacation. After all, you deserve a break after all the stress and the feeling of being suffocated during the ECQ stage. Don’t get us wrong, we don’t want you to break rules here. But instead, we want you to still be able to go on vacation, only in the safest possible way.

First of all, you need to consider going on land trips instead of flying. Unlike before, our overseas vacation dreams are temporarily stopped because airports are really not a good idea right now. It’s like the main area where the virus is scattered and carried off to different places all over the world. So if you’re from Davao, you can just check out beach resorts near Davao and consider those for now.

Second, you need to secure all your travel documents. Get medical clearances first. Go to your family physician to make sure everyone in your family is fit to travel. You might be experiencing some kind of sickness now which is not really related to COVID, but it’s best to just stay home if you’re not that well. Even if it’s just a stomachache, or you have a bad migraine, just postpone your trip. Unless you’re all really healthy and in good physical condition.

Third, consider going to less crowded places. Governor Generoso’s new tourist destination, Camp Bernardino de Lavigan is known to be an isolated place perfect for families and friends to just chill and relax. Its spacious grounds are a safe space for your kids to run around. Although they need to wear masks, it’s still nice because you can be free from the closed rooms like they used to here in the City. You don’t need to worry where else to go from Davao, or where to go in Davao Oriental for a perfect and safe vacation, because this resort holds all the answers. Check out their website at www.campbernardino.com to see all the activities they can offer.

You all know how it is when I make reviews. As much as possible I make them as unfiltered as possible just to set your expectations and lay out what’s waiting for you in a certain place like resorts or restaurants.

So here goes my unfiltered review for this beach resort near Mati where I spent my long weekend with my family. Named Camp Bernardino, it’s actually from the owner’s father. It’s an average size resort that is good and spacious enough to give you the fresh air that you need from all the quarantine measures you’ve been through. It’s not too big which is good because I hate being lost in resorts without a proper map. Good thing this one has a proper map and is easy to navigate.

Anyway, their accommodation is unlike any other as they try to create this brand of glamping destination. This explains why their rooms are tents but it’s also amazing because they managed to install air conditioners in all those tents. It’s also big enough. There were 6 of us and we all fit into one tent without any problem. There’s even space left for all our luggages. As you know, my husband is a very heavy packer and he’s the one in charge bringing all the protective stuff we might need to avoid risk of covid exposure.

I was also quite amazed by their staff who are so welcoming. They were very friendly and really helped us through our stay. They would explain their culture and livelihood, and they even explained the difference of some of the fishes in the menu which are not really common here in Davao City. And speaking of their menu, the food was great too! They are not overpriced. Well, technically, they are priced higher than most city restaurants but I think that’s okay since this is a very remote place. So you have to understand that too. 

The place is still on soft opening so if you’re wondering what to expect in Camp Bernardino de lavigan, I wouldn’t say much… yet. They still have ongoing works for additional tents and a separate area for day tour guests which is good. But right now I consider it as one of the best places to stay in Davao Oriental because of its untouched beauty. If you want to be closer to nature and experience hospitable staff, then book at www.campbernardino.com now.

To experience the colorful wonders of marine life is every diver’s ultimate dream. The joys and thrills of being underwater and just being mesmerized by the creatures there is so surreal and it makes you feel like you’re in another dimension. We’re lucky enough that the Philippines has a lot of diving spots from Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao. We’re blessed with rich natural resources and because of that we have the responsibility to take care of them by doing responsible diving also. According to one professional scuba diver, diving tourism has grown greatly over the past few years which means more and more people are appreciating marine life. 

In Mindanao, there is one particular region that is now considered to be a rising diving capital of Davao Region. The best diving spot in Davao is actually in Governor Generoso. Right now, there are 3 diving sites identified in the region - Sigaboy Island, The Wall and the one near Cape San Agustin.

But there is also another rising diving spot in the area called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. The resort just opened their doors last month and now they are building their reputation to be the next diving destination in Governor Generoso. So if you’re wondering what to do in Davao Oriental or what are the resort activities of Camp Bernardino, definitely diving comes first on the list. They are still preparing their staff and equipment because they have their own PADI certified divers. The good thing about this site is it can be an easy dive and even beginners will enjoy the experience. The next time you find yourself in Governor Generoso, try checking out these diving sites to see the difference in the wonders they offer. At Camp Bernardino de Lavigan for example, you can start out with snorkeling first before you proceed to diving. They also have other activities in the resort that you can enjoy. Unlike diving in Sigaboy, you can actually stay overnight in Camp Bernardino de Lavigan because they have glamping tents. They also have a restaurant that offers the freshest seafood. Check them out now on their website at www.campbernardino.com to know more about this diving spot!

If you ask me, the beauty of snorkeling is not limited to what meets the eyes. Yes of course, who could deny the pretty corals that bless your eyes or the cute little fishes that you see wherever you go underwater. Snorkeling also gives a lot of benefits for your body like it helps you develop body coordination, improve your breathing, and improve your cardiovascular health. But aside from these benefits, did you know that snorkeling also has a lot of psychological benefits for you!

Mental health: Exercise, including snorkeling, can help relieve stress and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. The controlled mouth breathing required of snorkelers is similar to many of the meditative breathing techniques that seek to relax and calm the body. Snorkeling regularly may help you feel more calm and at ease through simple relaxation.

Overcome risk factors: Snorkeling is great for overcoming a fear of diving. Since you don’t have to go deep and you can stand up at any time, it is a great introduction to what wearing a mask and breathing through your nose feels like. If at any time you feel claustrophobic, just stand up!

Better mood: Like all cardiovascular exercise, snorkeling has been shown to release endorphins that elevate mood. Snorkelers must practice controlled breathing in a rhythm similar to that used in many forms of meditation, which can calm the body and promote general relaxation.

Connects you with nature: Snorkeling allows you to encounter the most colorful creatures on earth. Watching their natural habitat and observing their behavior can be very helpful for patients who suffer from anxiety disorders and ADHD.

Snorkeling is definitely a simple and fun activity that provides you with a lot of benefits both physically and psychologically. It makes you feel calm and relaxed while you enjoy the beautiful marine biodiversity. If you’re looking for a Davao Resort with water activities like snorkeling, then you can check out Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. It’s a new resort in Davao Oriental that has a lot of offers and activities that make you relaxed. They just recently opened and no doubt, the reviews say the best thing to do in Camp Bernardino de Lavigan is definitely snorkeling! Check out their website at www.campbernardino.com now to know more about them!