I'm Off to Dakak... I'll be Back in a Jiffy!

photos taken from Dakak's official website

It's summer! A number of surveys said that the #1 activity of Filipinos during the dry season is going to a beach with family, friends or both. Dakak Beach Resort near the city of Dapitan in Zamboanga del Norte is quite famous in the 1990's as it hosted a batch of Miss Universe beauties way back in 1994 when Manila hosted that prestigious beauty pageant. When I told my friends that I will go to Dakak most of them asked me if it still exists. Well, in the first place, would I go to an imaginary place like Neverland or the Atlantis? hehehe.

I can't say anything more about the beach resort as it would be my first time to go there. I don't really believe in what a brochure says as it is often sugar coated with adjectives that men use to court women. Anyway, here it is: (according to the official website of the resort)

"A timeless experience.........Imagine strolling on a pristine powdery white sand beach... looking across a beautifully shaped island cove stretching out to deeper blue waters. . .picture gazing a sunset horizon while lying on a hammock set under lush native trees, hearing the waves clash quietly against the shore. . . .only a few relaxing pleasure we have to offer.

Our resort boasts of 15 hectares of wooded land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, providing the ideal setting for a 750-meter private beach blanketed with powdery white sand.

Natural spring water and tumbling waterfalls feed our resort's two pools, whilst providing the ultimate hideaway at a private open air Jacuzzi where you can relax in the sauna and whirlpool amidst an atmosphere of blissful solitary refinement.

Entertainment and culinary treats abound as well. Dine on freshly grilled seafoods, sample exotic Filipino dishes, continental cuisine and feast on an array of fresh fruits. Be treated to a cultural show or party the night away at Dakak Pirates bar or Fusion Disco.

Get the family involved in a group sport! Whether it be bowling, billiards, tennis, basketball or golf we're the resort that has it all."

PINK Sand Beach Anyone? I'm Off to Zamboanga

This would be my first time to set foot in Asia's Latin City... Zamboanga. Many would be a fan of white sand beaches but do you know that there is also a pink sand beach? The sand of the Great Santa Cruz Island, in its natural state is uniquely "pinkish." It is a coloration effect of pulverized rare red organ-pie coral from erosion mixed in with the white sand.

Aside from Santa Cruz Island you will not be able to find any pink sand beach here in Asia as it is very rare that if you want to find other pink sand beaches you must go to Hawaii, Greece or in the Caribbean.

Why is Zamboanga City dubbed as Asia's Latin City? The major language of the locals is known as Chavacano which is based on 70% Spanish words and the remaining 30% from Tagalog, Cebuano and other Philippine languages. It may also be because of the similarity of the traditions with Spain, particularly the patroness Our Lady of the Pillar which is also the Patroness of Spain.

*picture taken from www.zamboanga.com