Why Spend Christmas at the Beach

Welcome to the penultimate chapter of the year. Around this time last year, you were already probably too busy doing some holiday shopping, or booking your travel plans in time for Christmas. Some might even be on break already during this time, taking that much deserved leave from work or school to relax and unwind with their loved ones. While others were busy decorating their homes, schools and offices with the most colorful and vibrant decors to really feel the spirit of Christmas kicking in.

 

In a matter of 10 months, the world has seen so much change - most might be in a not so good way. And in a short span of time, we all witnessed how our lives drastically change because of this pandemic. Where are we now and what has really become of us? We lost more than a million chunk of the population to this enemy, but still we fight on. And now, during the most wonderful time of the year (or is it still?), why not choose to spend it with the ones you love, amidst the bounty of nature? It’s such an opportune way to reflect on everything that has happened and think about what is best for everyone during this time. Go on, pack your bags, sleep under the stars and read the reasons below why you should spend Christmas this year at the beach:

 

It makes you reconnect with nature. When you’re at the beach, you instantly feel one with the earth while you watch panoramic views of sunrises and sunsets, and listen to the waves softly crashing against the shore as you feel the cool amihan breeze on your sunkissed skin.

It gives the family enough space to roam around and enjoy. If you’re a big family with kids, being at the beach during this time means a bigger space for everyone to play in. With a lot of water activities and games to choose from, being on the beach is definitely an enjoyable way to celebrate this time.

It gives you clarity of mind. Less crowd and abundant nature means your mind instantly feels relaxed and at ease. Spending this holiday break at the beach is beneficial not only for your physical body but for your mental well-being too!

 

If you’re wondering where to celebrate Christmas this year that is both safe and relaxing, you can check out the best resort in Davao Oriental called Camp Bernardino. This new beach destination in davao is perfect for the holidays with the fam. Check them out today at campbernardino.com.

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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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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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Come Ride with Us

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.

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Want to Feel Good? Check Out These Places

The recent months have been so stressful for all of us. Not all people might be able to show their stress levels, but this doesn’t mean the pandemic did not affect them in any way. Some really just prefer not to express it. But if you’re feeling really under the weather and you think you need a break, then go ahead. It’s best to take care of your mental health as much as you prioritize your physical health. It pays to go on vacations because it recharges your mind and makes you be able to think clearly. For residents of the Davao Region, you don’t need to worry about booking that flight to Boracay or Palawan for that quick break. It’s really risky to go to the airport because you might be at risk of virus exposure. Instead, you can try exploring these top 3 must-visit tourist destinations in Davao oriental that will make you feel relaxed, recharged, and ready for your own battles! They are just a quick drive from Davao, ranging from 4 to 5 hours of travel time, you’re already in the destination you need.

Aliwagwag Falls - boasting that staircase formation of waterfalls, Aliwagwag Falls is perfect for that mystical breather that you want because it’s tucked in the middle of lush trees that make a perfect panoramic view as you take a refreshing bath in the falls. You can even unleash the daredevil in you and try jumping from the highest point into the falls. 

Cape San Agustin - if you’re into taking pictures, then this is the perfect spot to get that coveted shot! Very IG worthy and located at a high altitude, Cape San Agustin is a favorite among photographers for prenup and debut shoots. You can check out this place and learn more about Davao Oriental’s religious roots.

Camp Bernardino de Lavigan - if you plan on staying for a while, but want to avoid the crowds, then check out this place. It’s a new beach destination in Davao Oriental perfect for that laidback nature vibe where you can really clear your thoughts. This beach resort in Mati has lots of activities to offer and delicious food that you can enjoy while you watch the mesmerizing sunset or the clear view of the stars at night.

Don’t pressure yourself too much and if you think you’re being drained, then go on a break. Check out campbernardino.com to see their rates and pack your bags now!

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Starting and Ending the Day at Davao Oriental

Camp Bernardino de Lavigan

The view of the sunrise is such a magnificent thing to look at. It’s like a holy reminder that today is a new day and a new chance to do the things that you want to explore. It’s like a sign of hope that new beginnings are coming for us all. Especially during a time like this, we all need a sign of hope and something to make us remember that despite what is happening in our world, there are still better days that we can look forward to. It’s best enjoyed with your loved ones over a full breakfast meal to get you started for the day. Sunrises are also best enjoyed by the beach where you hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore and the birds making their early morning wake up calls.

On the other side, many people enjoy sunsets more. It’s like this famous saying that “even endings can be beautiful” which is really true when you see a sunset view. It’s so romantic especially when you watch it from the shoreline with your husband or your special someone over a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. These simple things are what we need most right now to keep us positive. Sad to say, we can’t really enjoy them here in the city because we have been in quarantine since March. We cannot go out and reconnect with nature. Which is bad for our mental health.

Good thing, since it’s already GCQ here in Davao City, then we can go and have our vacation but with proper safety measures. We need to get health clearance and a private car to be safe. Most of you think of going to the usual Mati resorts. But there’s actually a new beach resort in Davao Oriental which is the best place for sunset and sunrise watching. Camp Bernardino de Lavigan offers the best of both worlds. It’s facing Malita, so on that side of the coastline you can enjoy sunsets. But just a few minutes away is a viewing deck called that is the best sunrise place in Davao Oriental. You can get up early to catch the first light there. To see the wonderful photos of these times of the day, you can check out Camp Bernardino’s Facebook page and be mesmerized!

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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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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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