First Time Ordering from Xpress Eats: An Honest Review

 

Now that we are in the middle of a pandemic, I can say that I have tried almost all online order activities. From clothes to home tools to food, there really is an app or website for everything. Of all things I order online, I am the most particular with online food trays and delivery. I want to make sure that not only is the taste good, the preparation should also be 110% safe. In the past months, we’ve tried many places where to buy online food in Davao. So many claimed theirs to be the best party trays in Davao, so I didn’t have my hopes up when we tried Xpress Eats. I mean, every place was okay and offered almost the same quality so I didn’t expect anything extraordinary this time.

When browsing through their website, I was about to swallow my words because I saw two very interesting food choices: beef caldereta with Malagos kesong puti and pork humba with Malagos chocolate. Malagos is a very popular place for us Davaoenos and that was how I found out Xpress Eats is part of their business. This made me more confident that I was going to eat healthy ingredients because Malagos is known for their local and home grown food. Not to mention, those two dishes are very unique.

The experience of buying from their website is not too different from other services. It’s fast, convenient, and hassle-free. I did appreciate that they also offer curbside delivery, which is better if we need to pick our orders up along with other things from other meet-ups. When we received our order, the packaging was secure, so the food was intact. I was happy to see that it was still fresh and we can still feel the home cooked part of the promise. Delivery was also quite fast, which is always good. We only ordered their a la carte meals since we didn’t have anything special to celebrate, but they also offer party trays for special occasions.

All in all, Xpress Eats’ offers are definitely worth your money. The experience is not that different from other food delivery businesses, but what really sets them apart is their preparation and ingredients. Like I shared above, Malagos is known for only using quality home grown ingredients and for preparing home cooked meals. Because of this, I would say that I will definitely order from them again. 

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How to Find the Right Diving Center

Going to strange places and far off lands makes us experience some things that we don’t normally do in our mundane lives. When we travel, it usually sparks a dormant love for nature - be it the mountains, the sea, or the woods. For people who have an inherent connection with the sea, you must have gone to the afar ends of the earth just to witness the greatest spots for swimming, diving and underwater exploration. The beaches here in the Philippines are most especially thriving with dive spots that offer some of the most memorable dive trips and courses. The only thing that is in question now, is how do you choose the best diving center that will cater to all your needs and preferences. Today, we’re sharing some of the most worthwhile tips.

 

Price is no reflection of quality - just because a shop or store offers great deals doesn’t necessarily mean they are the best. Remember, diving centers make they're living off of tourists. Never forget to put your safety on the top of your priorities, even before you consider practical factors. You need to know what you are looking for when choosing a dive center. There are reasons why some are cheaper than the others, so weigh your options and really take into consideration the other factors.

Don’t be afraid to ask - once you found the perfect store, be as inquisitive as you can. Ask the staff and the instructors questions that matter. They are there to assist you and help you make the right choices especially if you’re not familiar with the diving environments of the place. If you come across an unwilling staff, then choose another store.

Make an informed choice - asking questions will definitely lead you to this. Once you’ve eliminated all of the stores that made you uncomfortable or unsure, you’ll be left with one that’s probably the most fitting for you. Listen to personal recommendations of other divers who’ve tried the store, and if you can, try researching more about the store’s credibility from online reviews. Make an informed choice for your safety’s sake!

 

If you’re looking for the best place to dive in Davao, there is a new diving resort in Davao oriental that you can try out. It’s called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. Water activities include diving, snorkeling, and some water sports. The good thing about this resort is they have a team of resident PADI certified divers, so you’re in good hands. Check them out now at campbernardino.com

 

 

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What I’m Excited about in Malagos

6 months after Malagos closed its doors to the public, the word is finally out that they’re reopening within this year. About time, if you ask me! As an avid fan, it’s actually the only resort in Davao that’s worth the wait. Malagos, for years, has given its visitors a sense of homey feeling and pride as a Davaoeno. From their chocolate and cheese artisan products to being home to the first-ever chocolate museum in the country, I must say this resort is nothing short of excellent when it comes to their offerings. Today, I’ll be sharing with you the top 3 reasons I can’t wait to visit and rediscover Malagos.

• Experiences refined by nature. When a place claims to be purely nature-oriented, then they better be! The resort is really true to their promise of reconnecting you with nature. From the landscaping all the way to the kinds of activities they offer, Malagos has always been an advocate of edutainment. Now it is known that they will be hosting the first-ever bird-watching spot in Davao City. Wait till the public knows about this, and surely there will be an influx of guests coming in.

• Their rooms give you a sense of coziness and warmth. One of the most beautifully designed villas I’ve seen so far in Davao, Malagos proves to be an epitome of sophistication and class even in their accommodation types. 

• The alfresco dining areas. As we all know, Malagos is one of Davao city’s best food resorts, offering weekend buffet lunch that showcases the best of their homegrown dishes and products. Now that the new normal protocols have been enforced, they easily found a way to adapt and still be able to give the farm to table buffet set up in an alfresco setting. Talk about being innovative and resourceful! Make sure to add this place in your Davao city buffet resorts that you will be visiting. Just type where to eat a buffet in Davao and you will see their website easily malagos.com. Check them out today for more updates on their opening.

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Why Diving is More Fun in the Philippines

 With 7,641 islands scattered across 300,000 sq km of ocean, the Philippines boasts some of the best diving spots on the planet. It is home to nearly 9% of the world’s coral reefs and is considered the epicenter of global marine biodiversity. “From historic wrecks to stunning roller-coaster drift dives; from migrating giant whales sharks to record numbers of nudibranch species - the Philippines has a mind-boggling array of wonderful diving.” Here are our top 5 picks for the country’s best diving sites:

Puerto Galera - no questions asked. When you think of diving, you immediately picture in your mind the archipelago’s dive central - bustling, fun, and great value. Its crystal clear waters allow for great visibility. It has abundant marine life, being home to more than 800 species of nudibranch alone and a huge variety of diving environments. One of the most exciting would be the renowned Canyons. 

Malapascua island - a quaint picture-perfect spot in Visayas, this is one of the few places in the world where there are regular sightings of thresher sharks. The Monad Shoal which is a flat-topped, submerged seamount about 8km from the island, is used by the sharks as a cleaning station. These creatures get there early so be sure to be on the reef by dawn.

Anilao - located on the northern shore of the Verde Island Passage is Anilao. It has dozens of operators and resorts to choose from. The dive sites in this area range from seamounts and pinnacles to current-washed coral reefs.  You can even explore some shipwrecks, coral gardens and soft-sediment seagrasses and sponge. 

Coron Bay - “On 24 September 1944, a squadron of 24 US bombers burst out of the sky above Coron Bay on the northern tip of the island of Palawan, the most westerly of the Philippine islands, located the Japanese supply fleet hiding among the islands below, and proceeded to blow it apart. Today Coron Bay has the best wreck diving in Southeast Asia, all packed into one relatively small area. “

Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental - if you’re looking for a diving resort in Davao, you’d probably come to think of those located in Talicud Island of Camiguin. But think again, because one of the newest beach resorts in Davao with diving activity as part of its itineraries is Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. It’s in the far ends of Davao Oriental, which is conveniently adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The open waters make it a great spot for deep dives where you can see some of the rarest species of marine life. It’s now known to be a new favorite spot for macro photography underwater. You can check out more about this fresh spot at campbernardino.com and just type “what to do in Camp Bernardino de Lavigan” for more ideas.

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Healthy Meals Made Easier

When the pandemic broke out, there’s one thing that most of us have come to realize and really internalize: health is wealth. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a teenager or a senior citizen. No it doesn’t even matter if you’re the richest living person or the most impoverished one. No one is exempted from the wrath of nature, and all you really got left to do is to protect yourself from anything that might happen by strengthening your immune system. Today, we’ve rounded up some of the most useful tips to have a healthier meal at home:

Be creative with inserting your veggies into your meal. When making your patties or bola-bola for example, you can add a little more veggies, even more than what is recommended. Make sure to slice the carrots a little smaller so the kids won’t notice the added amount. You can also prepare flavorful salads with fruits to mix, and make your specialty more colorful and attractive to your kids.

Make smoothies. Smoothies are a fun and flavorful way to make things a little healthier at home. What’s more is that they can be so handy. You can just prep them a night before, and put them in your tumbler, chill ‘em and grab ‘em for your next day’s errands. Just sip from your tumbler and get your daily dose of nutrients and minerals while on the go.

Subscribe to meal plan offers. Now, there are Davao online grocery and delivery services that offer healthy and fresh-cooked meal kits and vegetable bundles that you can choose from. By subscribing to these Davao meal kits and bundles, you can already plan out your meals ahead and therefore know which veggies and fruits you need to prepare to give the entire family the exact amount of nutrients and minerals that they need. Aside from this, buying in bundles also helps you save money and be practical. You won’t have to deal with excess ingredients and food waste because they are already pre-portioned. 

For your healthy meal plan needs, you can check out malagoshomegrownproduce.com. 

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Why Staycation during the New Normal?

We’re moving towards a time of something new and different. With search volumes for staycation destinations continuing to rise up, we’re now seeing a new trend in the hotel and tourism industry - local destinations prove a higher potential for residents. Staycation means spending your breaks in one’s home country instead of traveling abroad. It can also mean staying in your hometown as you take day trips to local attractions and try local activities. So why the trend, and why go on a staycation spree?

In order to stimulate your curiosity and motivate you to try this new track and new things to do, here are some of the benefits of staycation. Perfect either for solo travelers or families, staycation really is the new thing when it comes to traveling. Without further ado, check out why you need to try staycation now:

• It limits the stress related to planning your trip: from finding accommodation to preparing several suitcases, and booking flights as you wait in a queue for cheap fares.
• It allows carrying out activities that you can’t normally do because of hectic workloads or school schedule. Think visiting museums and taking farm tours. The benefit of good weather can also allow you to engage in unique activities like bird watching for example, or seeing how to harvest honey.
• Staycation helps promote the local economy. You leverage the time of vacations to take a tour on the local markets, visit the farm to pick fresh fruits and vegetables, be a part of the seasonal competitions or artistic courses; or even to spend a night in an amazing hotel nearby.
• It allows you to rediscover the beauty of your city or hometown, which we often overlook due to stress and the familiarity of it all. It allows you to be in the moment and explore the locale in another perspective.

For the best and safest resort to stay in Davao city, you can check out Malagos Garden Davao Resort. They will be reopening their doors again to take you to a seemingly “Davao city tour” inside their property like never before. Check them out at malagos.com for more info.

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Fun Water Games for Kids and Adults

It doesn’t matter whether you’re kids or adults, this list that we have today will be something that you can use as a guide for some water games that all ages will enjoy on your next beach getaway. So without further ado, here are the water games that you can try!

1. Cup To Cup

Supplies: Two buckets and plastic cups

Prep:

• Put one full bucket of water in the grass and have one player sit right behind the bucket.
• Have the rest of the team sit in a straight line right behind the first player.
• Have the last person in the line turn and face the other way so the last two players are back to back instead of one after another.
• Put another either smaller bucket or a bucket with a marked halfway line in front of the last player.

Play:

• Give the first player an empty cup. They must dip the cup in the full bucket of water and pass it backwards over their head to the next kid.
• The second kid must then pass it over to the third and so on until the final kid on the team dumps the water in the cup into the empty bucket.
• Then pass the empty cup of water back up to the front. 
• Win:  The first team to fill their bucket wins. 
• Adult Version: Blindfold everyone in the line.

2. Sponge Toss

Supplies: Two plastic buckets, large sponges

 

Prep:

• Place a bucket full of water on one side of the yard and place an empty bucket on the other.
• Have teams line up their players anywhere between the two buckets but once they’re lined up – they are frozen in place and cannot change their placement.
• One player on each team should be next to the full bucket and one next to the empty bucket.

Play:

• The first player must dunk the sponge in the full bucket of water trying to soak up as much water as possible.
• The player must toss the sponge to their next teammate who tosses it to the next and so on until it reaches the final player by the empty bucket.
• That player wrings out the sponge and passes the empty sponge back down the line.

Win: First team to fill up their bucket to the marked line wins.

Adult Version: Place the buckets much further apart so the sponge has to be tossed harder and longer to get to the next teammate

For the safest waters where you can enjoy these easy games, just type “where to go in Davao Oriental” or “davao oriental beach resort’ and you will be redirected to campbernardino.com. Water activities in camp Bernardino are better enjoyed with games like these for the entire family.

 

 

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Taking the Kids to the Beach

When was the last time that your family had a nice long weekend at the beach? It’s probably been ages. Now that we’ve all been stuck at home for almost 10 months, and the kids with no choice but to do online classes, we’re all so vacay-hungry for sure. Of course, it’s not a question of whether or not we can go back to our normal routine. We still have to be vigilant and follow the safety protocols whenever we go out. The thing that we should consider the most is the safety of the immunocompromised and younger ones. It is for this reason that we need to find child-friendly beach resorts in Davao before booking any vacation plans.

 

This new Davao oriental beach resort boasts a lot of things that can be done for families, and especially those with kids. It’s an ideal destination if you want to unwind and are worried about the safety of the little ones. Camp Bernardino de Lavigan recently opened its doors to the public last July and since then it has gained a reputation as being one the best family beach destinations in Davao. For one, it has a lot of activities that the kids can enjoy.

 

1. Water Activities - aside from the physical benefits that water activities can give, it’s also one creative way to strengthen family bonds by getting to know each other’s weak points. When you do interactive activities together, you get the chance to be more aware of each other’s limitations and therefore will be able to understand each other more.
2. Glamping Site - the great thing about glamping is it gives that feeling of excitement of being closer to nature but without sacrificing your comfort and convenience. That’s why this activity is perfect for kids. With glamping, you can introduce them to nature by doing bonfire sessions, stargazing and more. But at the same time, they still feel comfortable with their stay.
3. Food Selections - if there’s one thing that a parent prioritizes the most, it’s what the kids will eat because some tend to be really picky. At Camp Bernardino, you don’t need to worry because their menu selections are easy to understand and digest. They also have a menu curated specifically for kids’ taste buds To know more about the safe and exciting adventures they offer, check out campbernardino.com now.

 

 

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pending Quality Family Time at Malagos

One of the reservations that many of us would probably come across in this new normal phase is this: Where can I bring my family safely? Unlike before when booking vacations and breaks were so convenient and fast, the new normal entails for everyone to be extra vigilant and cautious with our decisions. One wrong move and you might be putting the life of someone in great risk. For families with little kids and immunocompromised household members, it’s even more difficult because this would mean that they need to put the safety of these people on top of their priorities. So today, we’re helping you find your way through by leading you to the best Davao staycation place, and the classic favorite among the list of Davao family resorts: Malagos. Why stay in Malagos? Keep reading to know more:

• There’s something for everyone in Malagos. Whether you’re a senior citizen or a toddler, you’d probably find a thing or two to enjoy in this staycation resort. Oldies can enjoy a quiet stroll under the canopy of lush trees, while the little ones can take a quick plunge in the pool for a refreshing break.

• It’s a wholesome and nurturing destination. The thing about Malagos is that they stay true to their advocacy to educate you as much as they entertain you. Just being in the presence of everything that inside gives you an insightful experience. They’re home to 2 museums that you can explore on your own, and they even offer farm tours where you can have a deeper appreciation of the chocolates they’re producing. 

• The food is excellent! The next time you look for where to staycation in Davao city, you need to check out malagos.com because their food quality is incomparable to other resorts here. Besides if you’re planning to be away from home for quite a while, then you better make sure that the food you eat is well-prepared. Malagos has quite a reputation for serving some of the best artisan dishes in town. Make sure you don’t miss out on that! From chocolates, cheeses, pizzas to everything in between, you’ll find something fitting for your taste buds.

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Al Fresco Dining in the New Normal

There are now many cautious diners due to the onset of the pandemic. Amidst all this craziness, you can now treat yourself to a quiet day out with some delicious food without worrying for your safety. Alfresco dining or dining alfresco is eating outside. In temperate climates, al fresco dining is especially popular in the summer months when temperatures and weather are most favorable. It is a style of dining that is casual in its atmosphere. This is, by far, the safest way of eating out for everyone. There are many Davao buffet that offers this service and here are some reasons why:

This is a way to enjoy an enhanced atmosphere. Nature gives us a certain beautiful ambiance and great views. Plus, when the weather is beautiful, it is an added enjoyment to the experience. This can be the rawest way to enjoy nature and good food at the same time. 

It is spacious. Because the setup is in the open air, it means that there will be more space for people to practice proper social distancing. Alfresco dining tends to offer lesser cramped areas compared to indoors. Tables and chairs are usually spread out and placed properly at good distances given the open space outside. This will not only ensure privacy but also the security of the people in the place. Staying in a place with good ventilation is a must these days. It’s better to breathe in natural air with healthier air circulation outside.

The sensory experience is worth it. Eating outside not only provides a myriad of physical and mental health benefits, but it can also help to inspire creativity and allow you to enjoy new experiences. When eating outdoors you are surrounded by interesting settings that provide new scents, visuals, textures, and sounds. Eating outdoors can allow you to experience new senses and can help you to enjoy your food more.

These are only some of the many benefits when you try al fresco dining. One Davao resort and restaurant that will be offering this is the Malagos Garden Resort. Known as the best buffet resort in Davao, they are brewing more exciting offers for everyone. So you better prepare your palates because a gastronomic experience is coming your way very soon. And to be honest, we simply cannot wait!

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Stressed and Skipping Meals at Work? Here’s Why You Should Eat Properly!

Are you stressed out while working from home? Is your task load getting really overwhelming as the days go by? Or maybe your Internet connection is always acting upright when you have an important meeting. We can all relate. Because we’re so busy, it might be tempting to eat little by little while working or in between breaks. On the surface, that makes us feel more productive, but did you know this is not at all good for us in the long run? 

Here are some benefits of eating a full meal while working:

• Better digestion and bowel movement

Eating a proper meal at the right time helps our bodies recognize patterns. This will in turn help us maintain proper digestion and avoid problems like constipation.

• Allows for more conscious intake of food

When we are not mindlessly shoving food in our mouth, we have enough time to focus and know what we are putting inside our bodies. This helps us be more careful and make sure that we are having healthy meals.

• Saves more time

The benefits of multi-tasking have long been challenged. By doing only one thing at a time, we can give our full attention and energy to it, which makes us more productive. Have you noticed that if you are concentrating on your current task without having to do anything else, you can actually finish it faster and feel more confident about the quality? That’s why eating should also be a separate activity.

With these reasons, I hope you can think twice before bringing your lunch plate in front of your computer. I know that eating is one thing and preparing it is another. But don’t worry, you don’t have to think of eating a full meal as tiring because you can just simply order packed and nutritious food online! Of course, you have to make sure that you’re eating the right kind of food with the proper preparation. Thankfully, in Davao, lutong bahay food is also available through Xpress Eats’ website! When I was looking for where to order lutong bahay near me, they really stood out among all the Davao food delivery services because of their unique menu (humba with Malagos dark chocolate!) and because they really put in the tender loving care I need when I’m eating during work hours. I keep forgetting that I bought it online because it feels like my mom just made it for me in our own kitchen! You can feel the same thing too whenever you  order from Xpress Eats. Try it now!

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Corporate Events in the New Normal: Top 3 Things to Keep in Mind

After almost a year after COVID-19 has hit the world, its effects are still raging and will seem to last for a long time. We are all trying to get used to the new normal, not just in our personal lives but also in our work environments. As many businesses opt for remote working or skeletal workforce, corporate events have to be more creative and inclusive, ensuring that the same tasks are done without compromising the quality. If you are setting up a corporate event, here are some things to keep in mind in the new normal:

Always make sure that all participants are accounted for. - Whether the event is offline or online, don’t leave any member behind. Some of our colleagues are not so fortunate to have the means to go out anytime or have access to a stable Internet connection. Check if everyone can participate in their current individual situation.

Follow health protocols strictly at all times. - Since this is a company event, the management should always take extra steps to protect their employees’ health and safety. Make sure not to have large crowds, follow social distancing, and have everyone wear their masks at all times if the event is offline.

Make sure food handling is safe. - Of course, food is an important part of any event. To ensure that no contamination will happen, opt for contactless delivery when you are choosing your caterer Also, having individually packed meals may be the best to prevent any unwanted contact among people.

When you order food online, make sure that they will provide not just the best-tasting food, but also the safest preparation, packing, and delivery. Try Xpress Eats when checking out places to get your party tray in Davao. Not only do they have various choices when it comes to your food tray and party tray in Davao, but they also serve express meals and ala carte food. These are perfect to make sure your colleagues will not be sharing any utensils or plates when eating. Behind the scenes, they also take extra care in preparing your food in the kitchen, so that everyone can enjoy it without worrying about their health. Order from Xpress Eats, the place you can trust for your next corporate event!

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Sneaking In Fruits and Veggies

Convincing kids to eat their veggies is a hard task. This often leaves parents feeling defeated. So if you’re like us who’s struggling to get these picky eaters to increase their vegetable intake, read on for some of the tricks and hacks in sneaking more veggies into your child’s plate.

Play with food - hide them in plain sight! Kids are visual and extremely imaginative, so parents can also use  this to their advantage during meal time as a sneaky hack to get them to eat more veggies. When food is presented in a fun way, kids are more likely to eat whatever is on their plate - even broccolis and cauliflowers! Instead of disguising them for toddlers, let your kids make art with food. Or give their food a cool name. Let kids pretend that broccolis are “trees” and carrots renamed as “x-ray vision carrots”

Disguise the veggies in muffins and pancakes - great for toddlers and kids, being creative with your muffin or pancake mix is another great way of getting kids to eat them. Adding in veggies provides more vitamins and minerals that can actually improve the texture of whatever you’re whipping up in the oven. Mashed sweet potato, carrots, avocado are some of the varieties you can try to add more moisture to baked goods. This means you don’t need as much oil.

Subscribe to healthy bundle meal plans - make a meal plan with creative veggie names, and get your kids to participate in the planning process. When they see the colorful varieties with cool names, they are most likely to enjoy the process of prepping their meals.  You can even add in more veggies into your DIY meal kits and encourage your kids to help out in prepping them.

There are a lot of other ways to sneak in veggies onto your child’s plate. Produce bundles and meal kits in Davao are now available on malagoshomegrownproduce.com, a Davao online grocery and delivery that offers the freshest farm produce and world-class signature products. For your next hassle-free and instant food delivery in Davao, check them out today, add to cart, and it will be delivered to you in no time!

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Introducing Kids to Scuba Diving

Perhaps the best thing about being a parent is having your kids with whom you can share your passion with. You can pass it on to them and let them understand the things that you’ve dedicated most of your life to. If one of these things happens to be diving, then you’ve already most likely thought about introducing your children to the sport as early as possible. Yes, it can be done! There are a lot of scuba diving programs and courses designed specifically for kids. Diving can be a fulfilling experience for young people as it teaches them how to work under pressure, trust their instincts, listen to classes, and develop focus and mental concentration under stressful conditions. Moreover, it increases their sense of responsibility and confidence while enhancing their skills in certain classroom concepts such as physics and maths. Today we’re going to take a look at how to introduce kids to scuba diving in the most fun way.

Scuba Diving Courses 

“PADI offers a choice of youth programs for kids aged eight and older. The most basic of these is the PADI Bubblemaker program, which allows children to experience the thrill of breathing underwater in a confined environment no deeper than 2 meters/ 6 feet. The PADI Seal Team program is more comprehensive.” For children to become fully certified, the minimum age requirement is 10 years old to be able to enroll in the PADI Junior Open water diver course. There are of course restrictions and limitations that follow upon enrolling, including the maximum depth to be dived in, and the age limit of who they should be diving with.

Diving Destination

If you sign up your kids for a scuba course while on a family trip, it’s always helpful to choose the right destination. You need to be realistic in choosing the spot that has the best conditions for novice and young divers. We all know how frightening bad visibility or strong current can be during your first time - and if your kids get scared, the chances are they won’t want to continue with their course. Choose somewhere with calm and clear seas that have an abundance of marine life and sandy dive sites. Locally, there are a lot of best places to scuba dive in Davao, like this new resort in Davao Oriental called Camp Bernardino.

 

Camp Bernardino de Lavigan’s activities include free diving, scuba diving, snorkeling, and snorkel boarding perfect for kids who are curious about the water. Wondering what else to do in Camp Bernardino de Lavigan? Just check out their Facebook now and learn more!

 

 

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Best Dive Sites in the Philippines

Scuba diving is such a liberating and fulfilling activity to try. You just feel one with the fishes when you’re down under, and all your inhibitions are released. It’s such a great way to relieve stress and just calm your minds even for a couple of hours. It may be a rewarding thing to do, but there are a lot of things to remember to make sure that when you dive, you dive safely. Here are some of them:

Make sure you are certified to dive - dive operators require you to have a certification or proof and special competency depending on the type of dive that you’re going to do. Earn your dive certification from a licensed diver operator before going on a diving trip. Some operators like Davao Orient and Tours offer introductory dive courses to help you start out. Don’t ever think about going on diving trips without any certification as you won’t be covered with travel insurance. 

Make sure you’re physically fit - if you haven’t tried diving before, go through a medical examination first to ensure you’re physically fit for the activity. If you’re generally healthy, then there should be no problem. But if you have heart and respiratory issues, it’s best to seek professional consultation before going on any trips or learning to dive at all. When you’re already certified, avoid diving if you’re not feeling well a hundred percent. Save the party for the end of your diving trip.

Make sure to check your scuba gear - days before your scheduled trip, take time to set up your gears, and double-check if everything is functioning alright. If you’re not sure about anything, don’t be embarrassed to ask a professional. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

For a top beach resort in Davao with a freediving spot and scuba diving must-visit places, check out this best resort in Davao Oriental called Camp Bernardino. They have an in-house group of divers to help you out in your diving journey. Just search where to scuba dive in Davao Oriental and you’ll be led to their website campbernardino.com.

 

 

 

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Looking for a Quarantine Hobby? Enjoy and Prepare These 3 Filipino Food Recipes!

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!

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Snorkboarding 101

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.

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5 Most Popular Filipino Dishes and Where to Order Them

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!

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A Deeper Relationship

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.

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Pancakes for Peace

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.

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What Makes Boulder Corals Important

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.

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Two Bites are Better than One: What to Pair with Your Kare-Kareng Gulay

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!

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An “It” Place in the Oriental Coast

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!

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Pretty Pancakes

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.

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Reasons to Love Snorkeling

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

 

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