You might already be drawing up plans for a family trip or a trip with friends after this pandemic as the tourism industry has slowly started opening again. You might already be thinking where to go in Davao city. Well, if you haven’t been to Malagos Garden Resort then you’re in for a treat. Here is some of Malagos Garden Resort things to do and what to expect in Malagos Garden Resort:

Watch animal shows. Malagos Garden Resort animal shows are one of the most meaningful shows I’ve been to so far. It’s not simply a show and tell but also a platform for the resort’s preservation and conservation advocacy. It features rehabilitated and rescued birds as well as native farm animals that city boys and girls might enjoy seeing doing a few tricks here and there. My favorite is bob the chicken who can fly through hoops!

Ride an albino carabao. Bianca is also a star of their Animal Encounter show. Bianca is an albino carabao, which, according to the show host, is a genetic disorder that causes the skin, hair, and eyes to have little or no color. Bianca then is not just any ordinary grey carabao but a white carabao! Bianca’s activity time involves lounging by the Malagos creek and doing a bit of exercise through the Kalesa ride.

Take a trip on their cacao farm. Their cacao farm is well—full of cacaos! It features cacao trees and their award winning heirloom cacaos that is internationally acclaimed. That and you get to know how chocolates are made from bean to bar. Their cacao facility is as amazing as their chocolate facility. Each has their own charm.

Mold your own chocolate. One of the Malagos Garden Resort activities my kids simply love to go back over and over. Molding your own Malagos chocolate at the Malagos chocolate laboratory is something you can proudly say is truly Davao plus you get to take home delicious, international award-winning chocolates you made yourself (which you can claim you made from scratch and get away with!)

Try their farm to table food. I have been on a mission to try out all of the offerings on their menu. I’ve been failing quite a few times since I always go back to their birdwatcher’s pizza, aglio olio pasta, and chocolate freeze! Their food is a must-try and the family and I quite enjoy trying out new things on (sometimes off) the menu items!

As Malagos Garden Resort plans to reopen soon, you can check out their homegrown products through their all natural online grocery store Malagos Homegrown Produce. Go check them out!

One of the greatest things about being Davaoeno, aside from the fact that we are a safe and secure city, is that we have the most convenient access point to so many beach resorts! Literally, when you cross borders from Lasang up north, you’ll encounter so many resorts on your way to the tip of Governor Generoso, or going further to Surigao. When you go South, then you’ll be greeted by the pristine waters of Sarangani Bay. If you’re not a fan of long drives, then the city still has you covered with its 15-minute boat ride to the Island of Samal. There’s just so many places you can choose from and you’ll never run out of destinations whenever you want a quick break from everything. Among all these pretty places, here are the top 5 beach resorts that every Davaoeno (and non-Davaoeno of course!) is sure to love:

Samal Island string of beach resorts - in this place alone, there’s like 20 or more beautiful private resorts that can fill up your list. 

Sarangani and Glan - hosting several beach resorts, this was once a go-to place for rave parties for people who love loud music and festivities. But aside from this reputation, Sarangani is home to the largest freshest tunas in the world. So pack up and dig in!

Siargao - accessible by both land and air, Siargao is the ultimate surfing capital of the Philippines. No questions about that! It’s very popular not only among Pinoys but also foreign tourists who really take time and effort to check out the large waves of this place. Many celebrities also flock in here to get a taste of the island vibe.

Dahican stretch of beaches - next to Samal, perhaps Dahican is the ultimate go-to place of Davaoenos. Many millennials flock in here as a quick weekend getaway trip especially during summer, holy week and other long breaks. Dahican boasts a similar vibe with Siargao which holds a lot of potential for international tourists.

Governor Generoso - the newest gameplayer is GovGen, which is also in Davao Oriental. With many budding resorts in the area, this is the perfect destination for people who are looking for a more laid back vibe resort near Mati Dahican Beach’s crowded surroundings. Davao Oriental’s new beach resorts include Camp Bernardino de Lavigan, a glamping place that offers a lot of water activities like snorkeling, diving, fishing and boating with a majestic view of the sunset.

Check out beach resorts in Davao now. Visit campbernardino.com if you want to know more!

These days, I’ve been having more buffalo wings than usual. Aside from the fact that it’s widely available thanks to Davao food delivery being greatly improved and optimized, it’s just a dish that you can have at almost any time of the day. Although it is technically an appetizer, its place in the Filipino table can be interchanged.  As a snack, as part of your meal, or as pulutan, it never disappoints. 

Here are some of the best things that can go with your spicy buffalo wings:

Rice - For Filipinos, having something savory to go with hot rice is one of the best feelings in the world. Having the buffalo wings sauce mingle with rice makes me reach for more servings. It’s not always the best choice if you’re watching your diet, but in the end, there are no regrets.

Potato fries/wedges - Hands down, these two together are finger food royalty. This pair is best to have when enjoying a movie or spending time with friends. The best part is eating it with your hands.

Pasta - Chicken naturally goes well with pasta, so it’s no surprise that some people also have their spicy wings with it. Having them together also leaves me feeling very content after every meal.

Garden Salads - The kick from the buffalo wings is such a good complement to the refreshing taste of the greens in your salad. What I like the best is that this pair packs the nutrients in every bite. For those who aren’t fans of leafy ones, any kind of salad will also do.

Drinks - In Davao, delicious buffalo wings are almost always ordered alongside the group’s favorite bucket of drinks. I think this is true for most parts of the country. It’s totally okay to have some sauce sticking on your chin as long as everyone’s having a good time in a get-together or winding down with a couple of friends with their trusted bottle of beer. 

Whether prepared at home for that 100% lutong bahay feel or ordered online for fast craving satisfactions, spicy buffalo wings can go with almost anything. When ordering online, I find it best to get it from a place with a wide range in their menu. Recently I’ve been trying out Xpress Eats, which recently added buffalo wings to their menu. Since their menu is always expanding, I also try the wings out with other choices to see what else it can go with. You can easily grab one on their website too. 

Every place we visit gives us a certain kind of feeling that we can’t forget. Every place we find ourselves in leaves us a memory we would always go back to whenever a sense of nostalgia kicks in and we’re feeling a bit under the weather. We just replay those moments inside our head and we’re on our way to feeling relieved and a little more hopeful for better days.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend 2 weeks in this sacred place that I now consider my home. I know it’s only been a mere two weeks of stay, but Camp Bernardino de Lavigan gave me so much to remember, to learn, and to appreciate that I’m feeling more motivated now to move forward in life despite everything that’s going on. I work as an editorial writer for a lifestyle magazine and my boss assigned me for an immersive trip to this place, and write about budding resorts in Mindanao in anticipation of the new normal tourism efforts of the country. I was really hesitant at first, because as a city girl living in Manila who’d be thrown into complete rurality without any good reception, that was not a completely good idea for me. But I accepted the project anyway and I definitely had no regrets that I did. The thing about Camp Bernardino for me was it was a very refreshing experience. As someone who’s used to all the hustle and bustle of the city, overwhelming with air and noise pollution everywhere, I was able to see life from a different point of view while there. The resort made me feel like I’m more at home than ever and suddenly it dawned on me that living simply and more laid back like that makes us appreciate the simpler things the world can offer - the bounty of nature, the pretty sunset that starts at exactly 5:10pm every day since day 1 of my stay, and the beautiful sunrises that reminds us every day is a new chance to get better. Its rawness and genuinely captivating island living experience really struck me. It made so much impact on me how people can be content with what they have, and be sincerely happy about others’ happiness also, like how their staff took care of me well while I was there.

Davao Oriental’s new beach resort is the perfect place to get a new perspective in life. So if you’re looking where to stay in Davao Oriental, check out this beach resort near Mati now. More info available at campbernardino.com

There’s just nothing that compares to the feeling of going to a long drive while you listen to your favorite track off Taylor Swift’s folklore album, and you sing along to every song with your friends! Road trips are very therapeutic and are a budget-friendly way to relieve your stress. All you need is your car, some gas budget, and your friends. Seeing the wonderful sight of trees and ocean while you drive off somewhere you’ve never before give you that feeling of relaxation and temporary freedom from all your responsibilities at work back home. It’s especially refreshing when the windows are down and you just literally feel the wind blowing through your face. All laughters and fun, road trips are one of the most-missed activities ever since the pandemic began. After months of being stuck in quarantine, finally, we’re here at the MGCQ phase where we can all finally go on a much-awaited road trip the new normal way. So, how can you plan the best road trip safely? Here are some tips:

1. Secure your travel and health documents. They are as important as your masks and shields! Make sure you’re cleared for travel and be considerate of the other people you will possibly interact with during your trip.
2. Prepare the best feel-good playlist for the trip. What makes a road trip even better is a road trip with a good background music. Just like the music videos! A mix of 90s old school and 21st century pop will be a surefire hit to all passengers. Oh and make sure to include Tay-tay’s Folklore, okay?
3. Find the perfect end of the road destination. The best part of any trip is the process of going there, where you can share random conversations with your friends. But make sure you also end up someplace good to chill and spend the night. When you’re coming from Davao, we recommend you stay in this new beach resort near Mati called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. It’s Davao’s new tourist destination labelled as the it-place for millennials because of its perfectly chill island glamping vibes. They’re easy to find! Just google “where to stay in Davao Oriental” and you’ll find campbernardino.com.

If you had to choose between crab, tiger prawns, squid and lobster? Which would remain and which one would you unwillingly sacrifice? Absolutely nothing. Seafood is like a foodie’s dream cuisine and there’s no wonder why. Who can resist a plate of freshly boiled crabs and shrimps? If you’re like us who cannot under any circumstance say no to a seafood feast, then continue reading cause you’re in for a treat! Today, our absolute favorite lobster is here to grab the spotlight.

Hosting a party for your friends? Having flowers or plants on the table when having an intimate dinner with friends and family really helps to set the mood. Depending on the occasion, putting plants as table centerpieces can be a cost-effective way to easily grab the attention of people entering your abode. If you’re out of ideas about which plants you can use, then keep reading and allow us to introduce 3 best plant centerpieces ideas for every occasion.

Daisies - vibrant and bright, daisies make for a great casual centerpiece. Whether it’s for a sunday brunch with the girls or a Saturday afternoon tea party, adding a touch of daisies’ colorful flowers will definitely lighten up everyone’s mood. 

Poinsettia - now that we’re nearing the holidays, this one is a classic. Allow its bright red petals to take the center stage as you host a thanksgiving party or a countdown to Christmas Eve. Always so elegantly beautiful, you won’t have to spend a fortune for a new set of table runners and placemats. Just place this holiday classic in the center of the long table and surely no one will notice that your runners are the same as last year’s theme.

Moses in the Cradle - “Moses In the Cradle plants produce rosettes of long, waxy, sword-shaped leaves that are glossy green or green, purple, and white striped on top and a rich purple on the underside. The very small white flowers, tucked away in a purple boat shaped bract, give Moses-in-the-Cradle Houseplants their many common names.” For a change of ambiance, how about adding a touch of green with hints of fuschia into your interiors? This subtle but elegant house plant is perfect to exude elegance and coziness in your home.  

Truly, plants are a great and effectively low-cost way to add a pop of color and warmth into your interiors. These are just some of the choices you can try out on your next lunch with friends. You can check more affordable online plants in Davao that can also be used as a stunning centerpiece at malagoshomegrownproduce.com. Type “where to buy plants near me” on google and you’ll see a wide array of ornamental plants on their website. Worried how to transport your plants? They also got you covered. When you search “online grocery delivery near me” you’ll find that Malagos Homegrown also offers great delivery service anywhere in Davao.

Birthday bash? Graduation party? Retirement celebration? Those things have been quite difficult to arrange because of the pandemic. Thankfully, our homes are still there to let us share the moments we treasure the most with our loved ones. Celebrating at home doesn’t have to be plain and simple all the time. Here are some things to check to make sure your intimate celebrations are still bursting with joy and energy.

Finalize guest list - Make sure that the people who are going to your celebration are people you are most comfortable with. Aside from your immediate family, having some friends who have seen your ups and downs is sure to make your celebration complete. Don’t forget to follow your LGU’s rules on social distancing!

Select a theme - Celebrations with a theme help you plan everything else a little more easily. You can ask your guest to come dressed accordingly, and your decorations can also have a unifying concept.

Curate your music - A good playlist can really liven up a party. Make sure that everyone can vibe to the tunes by including something all the guests love. Balance it out with soothing meal-appropriate music, sing-along favorites, and dance floor jams.

Prepare hearty food choices - What is a celebration without food? Whatever the occasion is, a good party tray is sure to bring everyone together. Make sure that all guests can enjoy the food (take note of allergies) and prepare the guest of honor’s favorite dish!

We know that preparing food for many people can be quite exhausting, especially now that we are in the middle of a pandemic. In Davao, party food packages are the norm. You can opt to have some family members or friends assist in the preparation. But for a stress-free route, you can also order online. Thankfully, Davao food order and delivery services have been popping up everywhere! For the best healthy and fresh food trays to go in Davao, try Xpress Eats! They have all kinds of food choices suitable for any kind of celebration. What’s more, they will bring it on time for your gathering. Celebrations at home are made easier with Xpress Eats!

Spending more time at home means more chances for bonding moments with our family. A lot of families now have movie marathons on weekend nights. Others exercise at home together. I also hear of some who have really been belting out karaoke tunes together even when there’s no special occasion. Most importantly, there’s more time for heart to heart talks or simple catching up with our family members.

Food is a very important part when we’re talking about family bonding. Nothing gets people gathered around the living room or dining table as good food. If you have a family bonding night coming up, here are some meals or snacks you can feast on together:

Crispy chicken skin - These are crunchy and serve as a substitute for the usual chips for movie nights.

Calamari’s Fritos - Start your meal right with a crunchy appetizer!

Buffalo wings - Chicken is a family favorite when eating together while catching up over a bottle of light beer.

Breaded shrimp with Tartar sauce - Another seafood finger food makes its way to movie nights with easy-to-eat breaded shrimp. The tartar sauce also makes it extra irresistible. 

Beef caldereta with Malagos kesong puti - Looking for an exciting way to enjoy a Filipino classic? Try cheesy caldereta but in a healthier homegrown way with Malagos kesong puti.

Pork humba - Perfect for Sunday lunch meals paired with a cold glass of soda, this will make the heat melt away.

Vegetable chopsuey with egg - Make family bondings happier and healthier with a fill of veggies.

When bonding with the family, it’s important to focus on the fun. Save yourselves the hassle of going through a long preparation process by ordering affordable food trays to go in Davao. With Davao online food and delivery businesses being more and more common, it’s easier to gather more options. For the best experience, try Xpress Eats in Davao! Party food tray, express meal, combo trays - they have it. And it’s not just that they can offer a wide selection of food, but they also make sure to pack each order with care and quality that your family deserves. All the food recommendations are available on their website now. They’re just one click away and your family bonding is complete. Try Xpress Eats now! 

Science is a way of helping the brain grow in finding new knowledge and helps us defeat our curiosity about how the world develops and works today. Science is important because it has helped form the world that we live in today. As important it is to our everyday lives, it is undeniable that teaching our kids to love this quite challenging subject. I remember when I was in the fourth grade. Our teacher made us memorize all the bones in the body for the entire weekend and gave us a test about it. Boy, that was hard. But despite this, science can be fun! It does not have to be as hard as you thought it to be. You can even learn it with nature. There are some Malagos Garden Resort activities that will help you learn more. 

The science behind the chocolate making. Said to be one of the forgotten arts in the City, let the kids experience the sweet world of chocolates on this one. Let them hear how cacao beans are grown, how they are harvested, and then turned into chocolates. Discovery is the first step to learning. Simply be there to guide them. 

The science behind the life of the butterflies. With their small, colorful wings, these creatures are a sure delight to the kids. Pique their interests and make them learn about the cycle of life and how each one transforms into the beauty they are today. 

The science behind the life of birds. Tickle the minds of the kids as they know more about the different species of birds and how they survive in the wild. A gentle warning on this one: there will be a lot of questions on this one but it is a learning process you don’t want to miss. 

The power play playground. What used to be the kid's playground, this new family-favorite spot features interactive state-of-the-art play equipment such as atom-inspired monkey bars, energy- and music-themed installations, and informative readings all set around the Treeline Bird Watching area.

On places to visit in Davao City with your kids, don’t miss the Malagos Garden Resort on your list! Where nature, fun, and science meet, it is surely one of the best resorts in Davao City. They are opening their doors very soon. Watch out on their latest news to know more about it. What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits!

If you’re the one who’s inclined to doing fun-filled adventures but haven’t tried the maximum benefits of snorkeling yet, or haven’t done it for a long time, then today is a high time to rethink and reconsider. In today’s topic, we’re giving you a rundown of 5 reasons to fall in love with snorkeling all over again.

The underwater experience that doesn’t require you to go deep. Ever tried watching underwater episodes of National Geographic or some Youtube channels? Don’t you agree that the underwater world is just so mystifying filled with endless discoveries? When you binge-watch these things, you tend to get inspired and curious about how it feels down there being one with marine life. The best part is you don’t have to go hundreds of feet below to appreciate it. Snorkeling is done without leaving the surface of the water. You won’t even have to worry about sinking because the mask itself keeps you afloat.

Being one with marine life. With snorkeling, you get a full unobstructed view of the beautiful corals as you swim with different species of fish. Coming in different forms, shapes, sizes, and colors, you’ll truly fall in love with the beauty of life as you lose yourself in the moment.

You stay fit and healthy. The good thing about snorkeling is that it doesn’t only give you an educational form of recreation, but it also keeps your health at an optimal state. Snorkeling is very helpful in improving your breathing patterns and is a good cardio exercise that allows you to burn calories. You’re sweating a lot, you just don’t realize it because you’re submerged underwater.

Minimal equipment required. If you don’t see yourself prepared for an all-out dive, then you can start with snorkeling first. You don’t have to carry tanks and heavy gear for this sport. All you need is a face mask, a snorkel, fins if you want, and a good spot!

Nature therapy. Swimming is undeniably one of the best forms of natural therapy. It has been proven to show healing effects to people, which can benefit your physical and psychological state. At the end of the day, you get to be closer to nature while taking care of yourself all the while.

Snorkeling is undeniably one of the best resort activities in Davao Oriental. You can try it out at the newly opened resort in the place, Camp Bernardino. Water activities include snorkeling, diving, fishing, and more! Still curious about what else to do in Camp Bernardino de Lavigan? Check out their website now at campbernardino.com

Pancakes are like the go-to snack of Filipinos. Back when I was in school, I would usually see street vendors selling freshly cooked pancakes along the sidewalks of our school. The inviting aroma of these freshly made sweet goodies, all topped with margarine and sugar, would be the culprit for me getting broke! No doubt, pancakes are easy to make. Various pancake mixes are available in your favorite grocery stores which are easy to follow and low maintenance. 

Today, we’re going to talk about ways to up your pancake game. Make pretty pancakes in three easy steps! Below are some of the decadent pancake recipe ideas kept at three steps max because pancakes are supposed to be easy as they are pretty!

Pride Pancakes - Make a basic recipe. Divide batter among several bowls, one for each desired color. Add food coloring to each; prepare as instructed.

Red Velvet Pancakes - Mix basic batter. Add 1 tbs. cocoa powder and red paste food coloring. Top with cream cheese frosting (4 oz. cream cheese, 2 tbsp. butter, 3 tbsp. milk, 2 cups powdered sugar).

S’mores Pancakes - Make basic batter with chocolate chips; top with marshmallow crème and graham cracker crumbs.

Double Chocolate Pancakes - Make basic batter. Add 2 tbs. cocoa powder; fold in chocolate chips.

Caramelized Banana Pancakes - Make basic batter and cook pancakes. Sauté sliced bananas in canola oil; add a few spoonfuls of brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Serve over pancakes.

These are just some of the ways to recreate your usual pancake experience. If you’re not in the mood to rummage through your kitchen for additional ingredients, that’s okay too! Just pair up your pancake with your freshly brewed copy. Slather a generous amount of maple syrup and chocolate syrup on top of your fluffy creations and you’re all set for a restaurant-style pancake dining! Craving for one right now? Yummy pancake meal kits online are now available at malagoshomegrownproduce.com, Davao’s online grocery and delivery that sells different kinds of meal kits. Just type “where to buy an online meal kit near me” and you’ll find them easily.

Are you sick of hearing all about the hype in Mati? I mean, all we really ever try to go to is Dahican. Whenever we’re in need of a quick escape, then the default destination for most of us is Dahican. Then we go there to chill and drink our hearts out. But beyond the long stretch of white sands of Mati, there lies a quaint underrated “it place” that would definitely capture your hearts, dahican lovers! We’re talking about this new beach resort in governor generoso, the best place to visit in davao oriental, none other than Camp Bernardino de Lavigan.

Quite a longer drive than your usual Davao-Mati trip, but we promise the coastal road scenery is definitely worth the extra hours! The road going to this place is not a problem at all because all are paved well with concrete. You’re in for a bigger surprise once you get there because of its unique accommodation, many water activities, nearby tourist spots, and exemplary local cuisine that will surely capture your taste buds. Today we’ve rounded up some testimonials why Camp Bernardino:

Byaheng Lokal from Facebook says:  If you are planning a long weekend vacation, this place is perfect! They offer a glamping style of accommodation.

Ian Garcia from Facebook also says: “Aside from the paved highway that cut travel time to half, GovGen now has world-class resorts, like El Don Resort in Barangay Pundaguitan and Camp Bernardino de Lavigan in Barangay Lavigan. There are now 28 inland and beachfront resorts in the municipality.  According to tourism officer Joey Gamao, the municipality is also a favorite destination for diving, boasting of, at least, 16 dive sites. GovGen has also lured various bird watching clubs, both national and international, as migratory birds from China, Korea and Japan have made the municipality as one of their stops on their way to Indonesia. While tourism is starting to recover as we continue to brave the pandemic, the DOT and the LGU still require the wearing of face masks, practice physical distancing, regular washing/disinfection of hands, and logging in for possible contact tracing for both locals and visitors.

These are just some of the testimonials that say the next time you’re wondering where to go in Governor Generoso, better check out campbernardino.com!

Kare-kareng gulay is a dish every Filipino has tried. We usually eat it with rice if we are having a simple meal at home. But like most Filipino food, it’s better when it’s paired with something. Just like dinuguan and puto, or suman and mangga, kare-kare shines brighter and tastes yummier when paired with something else. 

Here are some dishes you can serve with your veggie favorite:

Pork Chop

Vegetable dishes are so good when paired with crispy pork. The flavors from the veggies 

mixed with the sinful greasy goodness of pork is a match made in heaven. 

Lechon Kawali

Just like pork chop, lechon kawali offers a very luscious balance when paired with 

kare-kareng gulay. Make your meal times feel festive by serving it with a fiesta favorite.

Roasted chicken 

Chicken also goes well with vegetables, especially when it is cooked in the oven and not 

fried. Roasting allows the natural flavor and juiciness of the chicken to come out and 

ooze into the vegetables of your kare-kare.

Chicken cordon bleu 

Another chicken recipe goes well with your kare-kare, but instead of roasting or deep 

frying it, cordon bleu is wrapped in foil before being pan-fried. The cheese inside of the 

meat and the breading gives a different nuance to the taste of this combination.

Pritong lumpiang gulay

Yes, if denim on denim exists, then vegetable on vegetable can thrive as well. Although 

both dishes have vegetables as the main ingredient, lumpiang gulay is made by deep 

frying, giving it a similar feel as with most of the choices above. This is also a great option if you’re trying to stick to a vegetarian diet.

Preparing two kinds of dishes just to achieve a perfect pair in mealtime can be quite a hassle, especially if you are juggling work or school tasks. Now, with Davao online food and delivery businesses dominating the food market in the city, I can easily order an affordable food tray to go near me. My number one choice is Xpress Eats. Kare-kareng gulay and all of the five things to go with it are all available on their website now. Not only do they promise convenience in ordering, they also make it easier to have a healthy food tray in Davao, especially now that we are experiencing a pandemic. If you’d like to make your kare-kare meals more exciting, order any of the food above from Xpress Eats to experience a glorious pair in no time!

Unknown to many, corals are a colony of animals called polyps. They may look like one, but actually, corals are not plants. They serve as the “forest of the sea” making the entire seascape so beautiful and colorful. The little animals in corals live in a symbiotic relationship with algae, building calcium stone houses for themselves. The houses are piled on top of each other, forming larger structures that serve as “apartment buildings” or termite hills for marine life. Corals come in different shapes that may look like boulders or branches. They can also form flexible structures that move with the currents. At night, corals usually come out to feed although there are some specific exceptions.

Unlike branching corals, boulder corals grow out onto the substrate on a single plane, and then they grow upwards earning that massive “boulder-like” mounds. They are among the many species of corals whose growth and survival have been drastically impacted by climate change and other environmental conditions. Stony coral tissue loss disease being one of the major stressors that these types of corals face. “The cause of the disease is unknown, but it has been making its way through the Florida Reef Tract since 2014. It destroys living coral tissue, leaving multiple blotchy lesions in its wake. Once a colony is affected, it will die within weeks or months.”

With the loss of boulder, coral species comes a range of repercussions, because of their many ecological and economic importance. They are the main coastal protection from storm surges. Boulder corals, among many other stony coral species, also provide refuge, nursery, and feeding areas for marine biodiversity. They support the fishing and scuba diving industries. This is why it is important to grow, propagate and outplant stony boulder coral species to immediate combat this problem.

If you’re looking where to find diving spots in Davao that is abundant in stony boulder coral species, then look no further. Davao Oriental’s new beach resort, Camp Bernardino de Lavigan, offers scuba diving and freediving activities where you can have an up-close encounter with these beautiful creatures. Considered one of the top Governor Generoso Beach resorts, Camp Bernardino de Lavigan’s water activities also include kid-friendly ones like snorkboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking. Check out more info on their website campbernardino.com.

Ever wonder why pancakes are like the staple food for snacks or merienda? Simply put, it’s the secret to inner peace. To know why, keep reading below!

Stressed out? Flip a pancake. A lot of stressors might be affecting how your brain works lately. If you’re overwhelmed by everything, don’t flip out, flip a pancake! Find a happy place or do something really simple to divert your focus and concentrate. With cooking pancakes, you get to forget your worries for a little while and have fun flipping them. Practice your concentration skills by flipping a pancake or two! When you have enough confidence in the kitchen and mastered your pancake flipping skills, you can come up with all kinds of tasty creations and use up available ingredients in the fridge. This is very therapeutic and helpful in forgetting your frustrations at work, relationships and school.

Spice up your life. Can’t agree on what to eat? Pancakes are the key. There’s always the sweet and savory kinds for all taste preferences. Chocolate, lemon, strawberry and more - pancakes can be personalized to suit the fussiest eater there is. This also teaches you how to compromise, adjust and be resourceful when applied in real life.

Love that Conquers All - a bit too dramatic but have you ever tried indulging yourself into something that you actually literally forget everything else? You just lose yourself in the moment, digging into that pure satisfying goodness. Taking comfort in good food, and appreciating the simpler things in life is the key to genuine peace inside.

Going Green - “Did you know that saving all the food in Scotland that could have been eaten (but ended up being binned anyway) could have the same positive environmental effect as taking 1 in 4 cars off the road?” Over-ripe fruit is a common culprit when it comes to being unnecessarily wasted. Next time you see it on the turn, turn to this recipe instead and feel proud that you’re doing something positive for the planet.

Who knew eating and making pancakes could go a long way. One bite means the extra mile for the community and the people around you. Pancakes can be so deeply philosophical! For the best pancake meal kits in town, check out malagoshomegrownproduce.com and start whipping up that homemade goodness now. Malagos Homegrown offers affordable meal kits in Davao city available for delivery anytime. Just search Davao meal kits on google and you’ll easily find them.

Let’s all admit it. Any relationship that has reached a certain level of confidence, security and comfort becomes stagnant at one point. You feel like you already know the other person too well and there’s nothing left to explore. You’ve done almost everything together, and have had your share of ups and downs through the years, and have memorized all the lines and strokes of each other’s palm, the flaws in each other’s skin. There’s just nothing new to discover. This feeling is normal for all relationships that have stood the test of time. More than being a couple, you’re now partners in everything that you do - with every decision and action almost too dependent on the other individual. 

Some couples are lucky enough to be standing strong for as long as 50 years. That’s such an achievement not many of us here are able to unlock. As someone who’s been in a long term relationship myself, I can definitely relate to all this. I and my partner have reached our breaking points countless times that sometimes you can’t help but wonder if pushing on and going forward is still the right thing to do. I’ve seen her worst, she’s seen mine and we both know the things that piss the hell out of us. It was a struggle especially when we reached the 7-year itch. But now that we’ve been together for almost 2 decades, I’m beyond grateful that we’re able to find that thing that holds us together: diving. Yes, diving. It’s an activity that not a lot of people appreciate or are daring enough to try but it’s one thing that keeps our relationship deeper. Diving has been our therapy as a couple for almost a decade now, and it’s an important part of this commitment that we have to each other. Diving helps us understand our fears, our anxieties, and take care of all of them. With this activity, we were able to get to know each other better and understand our limits as individuals. It’s also a good ground zero sort of thing to go back to the simplest pleasures, and just appreciate life for what it is whenever we become too overwhelmed by everything that’s going on.

If you want to try out this therapy, or are looking where to celebrate your special moment as a couple, then head on over to the new Davao Oriental beach resort called Camp Bernardino. They are one of the few beach resorts with diving activity perfect for couples therapies. Check them out today at campbernardino.com.

Filipino food is undeniably very diverse. Because our culture is a melting pot of different others that have had a significant influence on us, the flavors and tastes in our cuisine have a very wide range. Since we are an archipelago, many regions have different versions of the same dish. This makes our food really one of a kind, and although it’s not as famous as our neighbors (yet), Filipino cuisine is slowly but surely making waves in the global scene. Now, in the ear of online orders and food tray delivery, we can now easily enjoy top Filipino dishes in the Philippines with just a simple click or tap of a button. One of these services is Xpress Eats, a place that serves yummy food trays. Davao City is very lucky to have a very accessible way to enjoy authentic, fresh, and delicious Filipino food with Xpress Eats. Here are some of the most famous Filipino food that you can order from their website:

Chicken Adobo with Boiled Egg - Can you imagine a list of Filipino food that isn’t led by adobo? This dish is always in the top 3 representative recipes from our country. This warm and cozy treat made by marinating the chicken (or other meat) in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices. It sounds so easy but the taste is always premium that you’d think it went through a lot of steps.

Lechon Kawali - No Filipino event is complete without lechon or its younger cousin, lechon kawali. This variation makes it easier to serve and eat our favorite roast pig because it is already cut in appropriate serving sizes.

Sisig - This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, part of the main course, or pulutan. This is best served when it is sizzling hot, but it is still good even when it is served as is.

Kare-kareng gulay - Kare-kare is also a go-to Filipino recipe, whether it’s for a gathering or a simple family meal at home. The vegetable variation is humble but still has all the flavors as any other way of preparing this dish, plus it is extra healthy.

Lumpiang gulay with sukang sinamak or sweet and sour sauce - This dish that we got from our Chinese traders has become so ingrained in our culture that we have really identified it as a staple in Filipino cuisine. Like sisig, lumpia is very versatile in that it can be served at various times of the day. What’s good about lumpia is that the filling can change according to your preference. One of the most popular variations is filled with vegetables.

There are many other runner ups since the list of the most popular Filipino food is quite long. As a nation that really loves food, we also have many items that we really cannot do without. If you are craving Filipino food for your meals at home or if you are hosting a party or gathering, don’t forget to get the Filipino food you deserve from Xpress Eats!

When you think about snorkeling, you would most probably picture out the usual mask and tube that you wear. Unfortunately, if you’re a newbie or a younger enthusiast, this is not the gear that you might want to start with. You can instead choose to use aboard our raft. Not only are they safer and easier to use, they also provide you with an incredible window to look at the sea creatures without having to dip your head into the water.

If you’re looking to get snorkel boards or rafts, there are a lot of best boards available on the market right now. You can also use a guide on the details and specifications that you need to look for when buying or renting this equipment. It’s previously referred to as a board and is a piece of inflatable floating equipment with a transparent bottom where you can see the underwater through that window. This method saves the person from having to put on the snorkeling mask when heading into the sea. Over the years, the rafts have evolved in different designs, from a flat shape to something more versatile that will allow more movement and comfort as a snorkeler is viewing. Many brands also design them lightweight so you can easily carry them along with you in different viewing spots. You can also easily just tug it as you go out of the water. Their sizes are also accommodatable to kids and adults. From the snorkel window such as the lookup board to the raft where you can actually lie on the transparent glass to view, they have proven to be the safest option, especially for weak or novice swimmers.

If you ever wonder where the best place to snorkboard in Davao, water activities in Camp Bernardino, Davao Oriental include both snorkboarding and snorkeling. This means that you can enjoy the waters from up above as much as you do down below. This makes the resort perfect for families with kids who want to enjoy marine life too but are afraid to go down with the usual snorkeling gear. For more things to do in Camp Bernardino, you can check out their website now at campbernardino.com.

In quarantine, I’ve discovered so many talents I didn’t know I had. For some reason, I started exploring our kitchen more and more. Before this year, I honestly didn’t have that much interest in cooking. But now, I always look forward to the chance when I can prepare our family’s lunch or dinner. It has become such a great stress reliever for me whenever I feel weighed down by the demands of work and life. 

I used to be intimidated by traditional Filipino food because I always assumed they would be difficult to make. But one thing I learned for sure is that most Filipino food is actually quite easy. All you need is the spirit to prepare it so that your food tastes extra delicious. It sounds cheesy, but putting your heart into your cooking can really make a huge difference. Here are three Filipino food that you must definitely try out:

Chicken adobo with a boiled egg - Adobo is one of the most popular representative dishes of the Philippines. To prepare this, all you actually have to do is marinate the chicken in soy sauce, vinegar, water, and spices. Then, put it on a stove and let it boil and simmer until it’s tender. You can add more ingredients like pineapple bits or potatoes, but even just a hard-boiled egg can enhance this dish.

Cheesy beef caldereta - If you’re looking for a twist to an old favorite, try this one. Prepare your beef caldereta by stir-frying beef along with sauteed garlic until it’s brown. Next, add the other ingredients to make up the sauce such as tomato sauce, peanut butter, and chili, while stirring. Lastly, add your preferred vegetables and grated cheese. 

Pork humba - One of the favorite foods of the Bisaya people is humba. This sinful but sumptuous dish is hardly absent when there are gatherings. There are actually many versions of this dish depending on where you come from, but most people always add banana blossoms and tausi beans to make it distinct from similar recipes like pork adobo. Simply brown your pork and add in spices. After, add water, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and vinegar, then let it boil and simmer until tender. Add the beans and banana blossoms when the dish is almost done cooking.

If you want to have this Filipino food but don’t have the time to prepare or learn the recipe, you can always lean on Xpress Eats. They specialize in party food delivery, but they also have other serving sizes if you’re eating with a small group of people. They are the place I really recommend eating 100% lutong bahay Filipino food in Davao City if you’re looking for where to buy Filipino dish. In Davao City, many food services are really stepping up their game, but Xpress Eats is always one step ahead. For instance, their cheesy beef caldereta is made with Malagos kesong puti, and their humba has Malagos chocolate as a special ingredient. No other place offers Filipino favorites with extra healthy and delicious goodness like Xpress Eats. So next time you are craving Filipino food, head to Xpress Eats and be beyond satisfied!