The Proposal

We all have the perfect dream proposal setup that we have in mind. Most of us take inspiration from the movies we watch, and girls most especially get all lovesick when they look at their favorite actors on bended knees and finally put a ring on it. It’s just so romantic and we can’t help but think, can this happen to me in real life? Well of course it can! Guys don’t need to feel pressured because the perfect proposal doesn’t really mean hurting your bank account just to make her say yes. We all get that misconception - that we need to spend a luxury just to make her feel special. But most of the time, it’s really just how you pull it off and make sure that it’s genuinely from the heart that you want to make her your one and only for the rest of your lives. And even the simplest gesture will win over anyone’s heart. 

So today, here are some tips for guys out there who might be thinking of settling and tying the knot already:

1. Do it in the perfect place - the perfect place doesn’t mean 5-star hotels. All you need to do is set the mood right. You can do this with the help of your friends!
2. Catch her off guard - this is a bit tricky because you’ll never know what you’re gonna get. But a little thrill and a big hint of surprise is usually what gets the ladies. Just make sure you don’t make it seem too obvious that you’re about to do it!
3. Pick the perfect time of the day - some do it at night over a romantic dinner arrangement. You can also do it during sunset when the sky is all golden and really moody. It makes for the most romantic scenario, especially by the beach.
4. Be sincere and genuine - the most important tip of all is to be sure about what you’re doing. Don’t do it if you have even the tiniest bit of hesitation in you. Don’t do it just because you’re worried about your age or if you have other thoughts going on inside your head. Most often than not, it would just end up in a disaster. So before doing anything and choosing the perfect ring, be sure this is what you want!

If you want to know where‘s the best beach resort for couples in Davao, and where to celebrate romantic moments like this, then check out this beach resort near MATI called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan now. It’s serene, romantic, and breathtaking. Truly one for the books!

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Spa for the Soul

Perhaps the only bad thing about spas and therapies is this - they can get so addictive! It’s like heroin that once your body gets a taste of it, then you keep coming back for more. And honestly, we can’t blame you for it. The spa is just a piece of paradise here on Earth that allows us to recharge our body and minds after long days at work, or after being stressed for a long period of time. It goes without saying that the spa is the body’s best friend when we want to rejuvenate and keep a healthy disposition in life. For some of you who still hasn’t made their first-ever trip to the spa, here are the benefits that it promises:

1. It helps you destress. It’s a fantastic way to relax and offers a great opportunity to temporarily separate you from everyday stressors and have some precious me time. This can clear your mind and increase your productivity later on.
2. It helps with anti-aging. Facials are known to help delay and prevent the onset of wrinkles by hydrating the skin. 
3. It promotes better sleep. Massages relax your muscles and lower your blood pressure, it also helps maintain a healthy heart rate which is important to have a good night’s sleep.
4. Relieves muscle aches and pains. Get a massage that focuses on the problem areas which will help to fully relax the muscle tissue.
5. Improves blood flow and circulation because they regulate your blood pressure. This is very beneficial to your health including helping fight off diseases.
6. Increased happiness levels. Massages at the spa are known to release serotonin, which is the happy hormone. This helps lift your mood once your therapy is finished. You can also reap the benefits of this boost in the coming days, too!
7. Reduced frequency of migraines. Because of stress, headaches can become more prominent. But with the spa, the chances of a frequent annoying headache is greatly reduced. This is because massages help relieve the tension that often causes these headaches.

There are indeed a lot of promising benefits you can reap from getting a massage. The best ones are those that give you the best relaxing views! If you want to know a spa resort in the Davao region that gives you the best place to relax and unwind, you can check out Camp Bernardino de Lavigan’s Lim-aw Spa. They offer massages by the beach which is perfect for you to have some quality time to yourself!

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The Untouched Wonders of Governor Generoso

We all know Davao Oriental to be the ultimate go-to place if you want yourself to experience the best that nature can offer both on land and water. They have lots of natural resources and beautiful sights that are just so mesmerizing. We have Mati to satisfy your cravings for large waves and have the ride of your life. Then there’s Aliwagwag falls if you want something mystical and larger than life. Their beautifully designed falls that have a lot of pavilions and picnic tables make the spot an ideal destination for family outing that is not too formal, just a classic Filipino picnic with the family on a Sunday. There’s also Pusan Point at Caraga if you want to know more about science and astronomy and all those kinds of stuff. Surprisingly, they also have a deep pool if you want to go on a quick batch after touring the science discovery center.

But among all the municipalities in Davao Oriental, there’s always this municipality that never fails to amaze us. It’s Governor Generoso, which is located at the farmost eastern tip of the region. The beauty of Governor Generoso is timeless basically because of its geographic location which makes it a beautiful navigational starting point, and because of the abundance of natural sights that are still waiting to be discovered. Unlike more urban areas like Mati, Governor Generoso is left unspoiled.  There’s not much crowd in there, which makes it a peaceful and calm place to just appreciate nature. Aside from this, there are a lot of emerging resorts in the area which tells us that tourism is booming but the pristine and virginness of the place is still maintained. The place also boasts a lot of stories and information about the people’s culture and history, which is beautifully passed on to tourists through the locals who are so welcoming and warm.

One of the most famous attractions in the area is Cape San Agustin which is significant in the religious aspect and navigational advantage of the place. Another one of the rising places to go in Governor Generoso is the best beach in Davao Oriental called Camp Bernardino de Lavigan. Where is Camp Bernardino? Just check out their website campbernardino.com and be amazed!

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Governor Generoso’s Dive Spots

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

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

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

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Camp Bernardino: An Unfiltered Review

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

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

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

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

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

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Things to Do in Davao Oriental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Waniban Island Mati Davao Oriental

Waniban Island is known as an island that is surrounded by blue crisp water that is ideal for swimming, scuba and skin diving.You can explore it in less than 1 to 2 hours  on foot.

How to go to Waniban Island

Waniban Island is a  4 hectares in Barangay Tamisan, approximately 25 kilometers from Mati City, and is only a 30 to 40 minute boat ride from Mati City Wharf or if you stay in Cinco Masao Beach Resort it will just be  15 to 20 minutes pump boat . Wanniban Island is owned by the Linsag Family. 

What to Expect in Waniban Island

The place is very natural there are no people leaves in the island. No Electricity, No Beach Resort, there is only one cottage that visitors can stay also NO Entrance fee. The view of this island is really refreshing in the eyes and brain. So bring everything you want to, the foods and the drinks. Safe wise you better leave the island before 4pm because the waves will not be the same it become bigger.  

If you are watching the survivor series then you can relate to this very native island. 

My Own experience in Waniban Island

We stay at the cinco masao beach resort one of the cheap best resort in Mati City Davao Oriental. At Night we ask to book a pump boat that will bring us to Waniban Island because from where we stay we can see an Island that we can’t deny to explore. As an outdoor enthusiast we love to explore new things and my best dream is to see and conquer all 7,107 island of the Philippines.

So after booking a pump boat at night we are sure at the morning we will be at Waniban Island. At 8 AM we ride an pumpboat and reach to waniban island at 8:30 then starting exploring the island it just took me 2 hours to walk around the entire island. I was a fulfilling thing to explore the beauty of waniban. After roaming around we cook our lunch and swim into the water of waniban. Then go back to masao to pack and get back to the real world.  

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