A Millennial's Undying Love for Meal Kits

They say millennials are entitled. They say we are too free-spirited and we don’t have long term plans in life. Aside from that, people also say that we are a little spoiled and only want the “good life” and the convenience that the world has to offer. Well, I’d rather look at it this way: we are the generation that is living between the age of the digitalization of things and the time before that. We know radios, cassettes, CDs and we are also familiar with how to use iPods, mp3 players, and now Spotify. We had to watch our favorite movies both by transitioning from DVDs to Netflix. In my opinion, we are actually the generation that enjoys the best of both worlds.

This can be the reason why we are more explorative of the types of lifestyles that we want for ourselves. We have experienced the world in a less advanced time and now we are in the middle of technological innovations all over the world. So, I guess, we are just being so resourceful and conscious of our decisions especially in the things that affect our overall health and mental state. For one, we are more cautious in choosing the kind of job we want to live with. We don’t want to be employees all our lives, not that it is something bad. But it’s the feeling that we want to be in control of our time, our life direction, and when we can take a break. Another thing is the food we eat. We tend to research more on the ingredients and make sure that we are eating healthy. That’s why a lot of food innovations have been made during the millennial years as they would call it. One of which is meal kits. I really love meal kits and this is because of two reasons.

Meal kits are just so millennial if you ask me. They are convenient. Yes, because it’s an in-betweener of taking out food and cooking at home. You get the ingredients delivered then you just cook it yourself which makes it both time-saving and an assurance that your food is safe because you’re the one who prepared it! Second, it makes me creative! As a millennial, we always love to DIY stuff and something that makes us express ourselves more. With meal kits, you can improvise and continue to add ingredients to make it more personalized.

If you’re like me who’s living in Davao, you can easily find easy to cook meal kits and even Davao baking kits! They’re all available in Malagos Homegrown Produce’s DIY meal kits. Check them out on their website now at www.malagoshomegrownproduce.com to try meal kits in Davao and get the millennial food you need!

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How the Ocean Affects Your Brain

A strange attraction to the ocean is after all not so strange because as science says, it has a strong link with the happy hormones that we produce, and the ocean has a great impact on the stability of our mental health. The ocean affects people on all levels so if you want to get your next therapy, then better visit the ocean soon and experience how it positively affects your brain.

According to research, being in the presence of the sea or ocean significantly reduces symptoms of depression. When you hear the sound of the waves and the leaves of coconut trees against the wind, your brain is in a state of relaxation. Seeing the wonderful blue bed of the ocean also makes you feel more calm and at ease. This makes you take off your brain from negative emotions and thoughts.

It also reduces stress. Studies show that people living near the ocean experience reduced levels of stress compared to those who are in the city most of the time. Ocean water is actually filled with positive ions which have a calming effect on the human brain. This is probably why when people come in contact with water to swim, to play, surf, or just dip their feet, then you are automatically changed to a more pleasant mood.

With many activities you can enjoy like snorkeling, surfing, diving or paddling, the ocean also encourages people to have a physical exercise. You won’t realize it because you’re having fun while doing these things but you’re actually sweating a lot when you simply go swimming. When you exercise physically, your body produces more happy hormones and gives you a positive vibe. You will feel exhausted after the activity, but it’s the kind that leaves you happy and satisfied.

Relaxing at the beach surely has a lot of benefits and in your next beach escape, you might want to consider going to Governor Generoso’s new beach resort called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. Considered the best place to stay in Davao Oriental, this resort has a lot of activities for relaxation and recreation that can bring you to a positive state of mind! Visit them on their Facebook page to learn more about them.

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Patience is a Virtue

The routine that you’ve experienced while you were in the quarantine period is not only physically draining but emotionally and mentally tiring as well. We’ve been in our houses for such a long time that you almost forgot what it feels to be outdoors and experience the bounty of nature. Sometimes you feel like you’ve lost the passion to do your interests and engage in hobbies that are beneficial to your well-being.

You might not realize it, but the routine in the new normal time is slowly taking the life out of your system. That’s why it’s highly recommended to take a break once in a while. No, of course, it’s not about breaking the rules of the government, or being reckless and going out without proper precautions. But it’s simply about going outdoors and seeing the beauty of the landscapes and seascapes that will bring you back the positive outlook in life. You can go to the beach and still be safe by wearing masks and practicing social distancing. You can relearn the things that you forgot like the patience or the reward of doing things that are considered simple pleasures of life. 

The best and new beach destination to unwind and relax is called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. If you’re wondering what to do in CBDL, there are tons of exciting things ahead! You can go from land to a variety of beach activities that will help you forget for a while the stress of the pandemic. In CBDL, they offer unique activities like squid catching which is very new to many of us. It’s not frequently offered in many beach resorts in Davao, but it’s an experience worth trying since it not only tests your patience but it also makes you realize that the ocean is full of wonderful mysteries even at night when we don’t really appreciate its beauty. CBDL Squid Catching is available for group trips which is a very exciting bonding experience for friends. It’s something you definitely don’t want to miss! Head on over to Camp Bernardino’s Facebook page if you want to find out more about the exciting and unique activities they offer.

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Take a Trip Down Memory Lane in Davao Oriental

When one says cultural tourism, some may find it boring though, others really become so engrossed in the idea. Cultural tourism, in simple terms, refers to the kind of tourism where visitors engage and really immerse themselves in the culture and tradition of a specific place.

In the Philippine setting, there are fortunately a lot of places where tourists - both domestic and international - can experience the richness of our heritage and history. If one wants to immerse in the historical vibe, then you can go to Vigan and take a trip down memory lane. If you want to experience the colorful traditions of Muslim Mindanao, then look no further and go to cities like Cotabato and Tawi-tawi. There are definitely a lot of choices where you can immerse yourself to see how the Philippines is so diverse and rich and how the different colonies that spanned centuries have each left a hint of influence in our identity.

As for some who want to try out cultural tourism in their own DIY way, there are still spots where you can find yourself in for a treat. In Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, there’s a community that is rich in both culture and heritage, but is still not known to many. They have several forms of livelihood such as fishing and pawud making. In the area, you’ll experience the unique history of Mandaya, and the different cuisines endemic to the region that not many people have heard of.

If you’re looking for where to stay in Governor Generoso, better check out Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. Because this place is considered unspoiled and is still in the early stages of development,  island living hits differently in this place. It allows you to really be immersed and connect with the locals. Because there is hardly any signal in the area, it also provides you with a much-need digital detox and a remote feeling. In Davao Oriental’s best beach resort, you can try out tuba harvesting, mandaya henna tattoo, and all the other colorful activities while being at your most comfortable stay. It offers the perfect spacious accommodation for those who want to experience the unspoiled beauty of the region. There are a lot of menu items to choose from and friendly staff who are all community based who will help you learn more about their culture making it the next favorite tourist destination in Davao.

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Where the Abundance of Nature Meets Luxury

Glamping - this may be a familiar word to some. But what really is glamping? Glamping is basically a play on the words glamorous and camping. 

It was initially introduced in the United Kingdom in 2005 but it was not until 2016 when it finally became an official entry to the oxford dictionary. Glamping was rather foreign to some of the favorite international tourist destinations, including the Philippines. But now, the idea of luxurious tent living is already all too familiar to be ignored. If you’re one of the few who still haven’t heard of this new type of vacation yet, then you should definitely check it out and try out for yourself!

The typical image that comes to mind when one thinks of camping is usually a sleeping setup in tents with a bonfire prepared right outside where food is cooked. But with glamping, you’re provided with hotel living whilst spending more time with nature. There is still the presence of camping elements like bonfires, tents and freshly burnt smore since we don’t want to skip that part! Glamping just makes the typical camping experience much better through the integration of luxurious elements like air-conditioning units, being in a proper camping location like a resort, and having proper food to order in instead of hunting for your own.

Since its introduction in 2005, it has steadily risen in popularity and eventually it found its way to the Philippines. Currently, there are only a few choices where one can really experience the unique concept of clamping. Most of them are in Luzon, such as the one in Tagaytay and Batangas. Here in Mindanao, there are fairly new sites such as the new tourist destination in Davao called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. 

Camp Bernardino is a new Gov. Gen Beach Resort that is perfect for those who’d want to go on glamping trips with their families. One of the reasons is their tents being huge! With a maximum capacity of at 8 persons plus extra bed, the entire clan can go on a one-of-a-kind glamping trip by the sea where there’s abundant catch of fresh seafood and a priceless view of the Pacific sunset. With the tagline “where sunsets and bonding moments meet,” this is really the best place to stay in Davao Oriental.

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Ride the Waves with this New Spot

Whether you’re a newbie or a professional surfer, I have the place that might just be the perfect spot you’re looking for. I know you might have heard of Siargao, Mati, Baler and all those other usual surfing spots in the Philippines and you’ve probably visited those countless times too. But what if beyond these typical destinations, there is someplace else that’s not yet known to the public but is definitely worth the long trip. Directly facing the Pacific ocean is the latest surfing gem that will get you excited in some of the most impressive waves of the country. Located in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, it can be an understatement to say that this is the best for all levels of surfers. 

The waves are mostly consistent throughout the year. Though you are in for a treat in the month of February, when waves are at their biggest. The best thing about this surfing resort in Davao Oriental is that there are 2 areas where you can catch waves - the one in Lanka, and the one near the tip of the Oriental coastline, near Cape San Agustin. The first is known for the picturesque rock formations nearby, and the second for its pristine and calm environment perfect for a quiet time of learning to dance with the waves.

What makes the location even better to visit is there’s a very good place to stay that offers both comfort and peace. Just 10 minutes away is Camp Bernardino de Lavigan, Davao Oriental’s new surfing place, that is perfect for chilling while waiting for the waves to come back to the shore. For travellers who are not really sure when they want their surfing vacation to end, you wouldn’t even have to worry because the resort is working on cashless transactions which means, you do not even have to bring much when staying there! Sounds tempting? Wait til they finally go on their grand opening. For now, you can check the best surfing place in Davao Oriental on their Facebook page and see what else you can expect in this piece of paradise for all levels of surf lovers.

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