Dakak Beach Resort – An Introduction

Dakak Beach Resort can aptly be described as a majestic beach resort and  a white sand beach resort with  crystal clear water ideal for family beach vacations considered by island vacations junkies as not only  among the best family resorts but one of the select luxury beach resorts and best family vacation destinations with island water sports facilities in Mindanao Island,  Philippines. It is located in Barangay Taguilon, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.

Dakak Beach Resort – Why I Visited the Majestic Beach Resort

Dakak Beach Resort was included in my vacation checklist during my heritage tours to Dapitan- the Shrine City of the Philippines. Hence, after my visit to the Rizal Shrine, I told the driver to bring me and my wife to Dakak Beach Resort which came to limelight after being chosen as one of the preliminary swimsuit competition venues of the 1994 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant.

After a 30- minute drive on a newly-completed portland cement concrete pavement project, this comely welcome signage had attracted my attention . . .

The comely Dakak Park Beach Resort Gate Number 1

A few more minutes of travel and we reached the holding area where we were told to alight and park our vehicle. . .

A comely structure in the holding area of Dakak Park Beach Resort where visitors would not surely miss holding photo ops. .

I extended my arms in excitement to savor the beauty of the resort right after stepping on the vehicle holding area . . .

After paying the PhP 200.00 per head entrance fee for sightseeing and free swimming on the beach and the use of the bath and dressing rooms, we boarded on the shuttle van en route to the resort proper. We passed by bungalows tucked on a scenic hillside overlooking the sea. I noticed busy workers engaged in construction works beside the winding road leading to the beach until the shuttle stopped on this area. . .

The El Patio . . .

The walkway leading to the beach front . .

I was enthralled when the 750-meter long, powdery white sand Dakak Beach was captured by my eyes. . .

The Dakak Beach viewed from the El Patio

Dakak Beach as seen from the other end

I could not help but admire at the array of island water sports facilities being displayed at the Aqua Sports Center with the jet ski cruising at Dakak Bay serving as an added attraction. . .

The Aqua Sports Center . . .

A Jet Ski speeding at the tiny Dakak Bay .

I felt very fortunate as birds hovered over me as I took shots of the tantalizing Dakak Beach . . .

Three wonderful birds flying at low speed and altitude as if conveying a welcome greetings for the incoming guests . . .

Eager to know what are in store inside the resort, I strolled at the amenities situated within the  beach front and was awe-inspired with the sight of the swimming pools of Dakak Beach Resort . . .

The swimming pool for adults . . .

The Kiddie Swimming Pool . . .

I and my wife then took time to have a souvenir photo at the pool side . . .

A pose for posterity at Dakak Beach Resort pool side with the beach and sea at the background

This structure adjacent to the adult swimming pool had caught my attention . . .

No mistake for the Noah's Ark. . . it is the Pirates Disco Bar . .

My wife was curious on what is in store inside the Pirates Disco Bar . . .

A further walk deeper inside the resort brought me to the newly-constructed Thai Restaurant . . .

The sprawling Thai Restaurant . . .

With imposing indoor design and facilities . .

After spending for quite some time in the beach front, we decided to go uphill passing by comely bungalows aptly designed with the verandas over looking Dakak Bay. . .

One of the bungalows eager to serve the billeting needs of Dakak Beach Resort guests.

A newly-constructed bungalow at the hill top inside the Dakak Beach Resort.

A further walk led me to some other important amenities of Dakak Beach Resort . . .

The comely Reception Center . . .	The Chapel . . .
The Tennis Court . . .	. . . and the Golf Course

We then boarded the shuttle bus and traveled back to the holding area.

Dakak Beach Resort – Final Thoughts

As an island vacations aficionado, savoring the minute, beautifully-shaped Dakak Bay; stepping on the powdery white sand of Dakak Beach; gazing at the pristine blue waters of the Sulu Sea and wandering around the built-up areas of the 15-hectares wood land is a very rewarding experience. Truly, a visit to Dakak Beach Resort is tantamount to a trip to a tropical Eden.

Fantasyland – An Introduction

Glorias Fantasyland is one of the emerging best family vacation destinations outside of Manila, Philippines offering theme park rides suited not only for a thrill seeker but among island vacations, sightseeing and unique vacations enthusiasts looking for ideal spots for fun family vacations with kids playground suitable for kid friendly vacations. It is located in the City of Dapitan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, nortwestern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Fantasyland – Why I visited The Place

The fantasyland in Dapitan was actually not in my vacation checklist in going to the place as my original intention was only to visit the Rizal Shrine. Nevertheless, my good friend Ben Canama of Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTMPC) had persuaded me to take my time while in Dapitan and visit Glorias Fantasyland by night. Hence, I together with my wife as well as the driver decided to spend our leisure time in the theme park.

As we approached the area, I was attracted with the street light effects leading to the fantasyland entrance . . .

The spectacular light effects lining the street enroute to the Gloria Fantasyland entrance

A few steps from the gate and I was amazed with the spectacular fountain. A comely welcome signage also awaits the visitors . . .

The dazzling fountain just outside the fantasyland walls .

The comely Glorias Fantasyland welcome signage enticing visitors to go inside.

We choose to forego the PhP 500.00 ride-all-you can and opted for the PhP 200.00 sightseeing as we only intend to see the various theme park rides and pay individually whatever rides we wanted to take.

It was timely that the fireworks for the Hudyaka ZaNorte in the adjacent ground had just started as I looked at the fantasyland vicinity map . . .

Firewoks display for Hudyaka Zanorte viewed from the fantasyland.

Glorias Fantasyland Vicinity Map situated near the entry point.

I and Vanjie decided to have a photo in front of the spectacular Tea Ride . . .

A picture for posterity in front of the Tea/Choco Cups Ride.The ride is composed of six giant tea/cups rotating simulateously with its huge circular 9-meter metal base

I then took photos of important views inside the fantasyland . . .

The imposing walls fronting the Glorias Fantasyland

The comely stage where fantasy characters display their talents

And the various fantasyland  spectacular thrill seeker theme park rides  . . .

The Apollo Ride which gives a thrill seeker wearing 3D glasses an illusion of being in the spaceship. . .	The Pirate Ship, a 32- seater exciting ride with an imposing 30 meter high A-frame
The Old Western Train- an I8-seater mini train powered by a two-seater diesel locomotive prime mover that pulls the train in an existing mini forest area of the Fantasyland.	The Giant Roller Coaster- a huge 20 meters x 47 meters based ride with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. This ride can accommodate 26 passengers at a time.
The Wonder Flight - made up of 8 fiberglass gondolas designed like the air balloon ride which has a circular base of 8 meters.	The Mini Coaster - A fast, fun roller coaster that even younger kids can enjoy. It is located in the vicinity of the Mini-Flume Ride.

Other fantastic rides include the MINI FLUME RIDE, a wild water ride located inside the mini forest of the park. The mini flume was placed under old tress of the park so as to create a river wild/forest ride atmosphere. Further, the FLYING BALLS WHEEL RIDE is a kiddie ride that functions like a Ferris wheel. It has six attractive ball-designed gondolas. Furthermore, the TELECOMBAT RIDE is a  24seater / 12-gondola ride, a modem version of the famous octopus ride. It has a circular base of 12 meters. On the other hand, the BUMPER CAR RIDE is composed of ten (10) exciting electric bumper cars, housed inside a 12 meter x 18 meter covered area with turbo lightings. Moreover, the SWINGER RIDE is a 32-seater circular ride with exciting light decoration. This ride has a 14 meter rotating base area covered by a fiberglass canopy. The HAPPY JOURNEY RIDE is an interactive ride which is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The six electric powered cars are equipped with 2 laser guns for each car. There are 8 fiberglass animal figures made for targets. The FIGHT SHARK RIDE, also a first in the country, is an interactive ride with 12 boats equipped with 2 water guns per boat. This ride can accommodate 24 shooters at a time. The GO KART RACE CIRCUIT is composed of 10 Go Kart racing units in an exciting and challenging course. Finally, the HORROR HOUSE is a place for suspense and thrill seekers. This house is designed by the group of Tony Tuviera of TAPE and APT Productions which is the producer of URDUJA,  the successful first Filipino animated movie.

Fantasyland – Most Unforgettable Moments

Nothing beats my 5D cinema experience in Glorias Fantasyland. A pretty lady manning what seemed a booth baited me into watching a 5D cinema which, according to her, is the only one of its kind in the Philippines nowadays and 2^nd only to Hongkong in Asia. That sounded like a worthwhile experience, so I bit the bullet, convinced my wife Vanjie and driver Ronel, paid the PhP 50.00 per head admission fee  for a 5-minute interactive show and finally got to sit down in the cinema chair. . .

A pose taken before the start of the 5 Dimension interactive film show.

We were told by the lady assistant to fasten our seatbelts and wear the provided 3D glasses. It turned out that we were watching an horror tunnel film. It seemed that I was riding a train speeding up to 150-200 kilometers per hour. Seemed enjoyable at the start , just waiving my head when I passed over stalactites and at times when I was threading on giant crab’s feet.

I enjoyed the moving seats and a combination of scents, wind, and water vapor sprayed into my face. The scents were definitely interesting and the  wind and water vapor were nice additions.

Then there were the moving chairs: when my train slid through a narrow tunnel, I had assumed the chair I was sitting to sway around; instead, it bounced back and forth and shook me hard every time I reached the opposite direction. It was as if the movie makers wanted to ensure that I don’t even think about getting comfortable.

Nevertheless,  the next scene was a tragedy for my wife who has a heart problem. It came with a scene on a Jurassic Park wherein, a Syntarsus, a fast-moving, meat-eating dinosaur from the Jurassic period had chanced upon me. And,  the animal’s neck sprang quickly as a flash and I watched helplessly  at the wide mouth with the horrendous teeth coming over  to devour my head. Candidly, I felt the impact of the scene on my wife as he held my hand firmly, occasionally pinching my skin as if telling me why on the hell that I brought her over there. It was then that I calmed her down with an advise  to just close her eyes and wait for the film’s end.

A pose in front of the 5 D Cinema Screen after the interactive show.

We then posed for a picture after the 5-minute film, with a vow that never  shall I have to go experience that crap brutal film in Glorias Fantasyland or any other venue again.

Hidden Valley Resort – An Introduction

Hidden Valley Resort, one of the best family vacation destinations and ideal couples retreat location and sight seeing spots and among the best family resorts and couples resorts suited for fun family vacations, kid friendly vacations as well as spiritual retreats and meditation retreats for island vacations enthusiasts, urbanites,  religious groups  and other people from all walks of life situated in the hinterland village or barangay of Lamac, Pinamungajan in the island province of Cebu, Philippines. It is owned and managed by one of the best performing cooperatives in the country, the 47,394-member strong Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMC).  It can be reached from Cebu City in 2 fronts, the first being the circuitous route by travelling 65 kilometers  via a paved road towards the town center of Pinamungajan, Cebu and traverse a 14-kilometer cemented road to Barangay Lamac. The second option is via the short cut route by travelling a 40-kilometer paved road from the main city towards Barangay Bunga, Toledo City and maneuver on a bumpy 7-kilometer intermittent paved and rough gravel road towards the site.

Hidden Valley Resort – Why I Visited The Place?

Being the Chief Executive Officer of the Socorro Empowered People’s Cooperative (SOEMCO), the strongest and biggest cooperative in the province based in Socorro, the lone town of Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte, Philippines, I lead the 43 regular employees of the cooperative who were very enthusiastic to have a study tour in the renowned Cebu-based cooperative. On board four (4) hired vans, we left Cebu City at exactly 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon of April 21, 2011. Opting to travel via the short cut route, we traversed through the 40-kilometer winding road until we reached Barangay Bunga, Toledo City at 3:30 PM. The vehicle then turned left and our travel calvary begun as we went on a bumpy ride via a sometimes paved, but most of the time, rough gravel road passing by farmlands and occasional narrow passageways like this. . .

A pinched gravel road on a cut limestone boulder en route to Barangay Lamac

As we went on, one of my lady staff blurted:  “Sir! Are we really sure with our destination? I promptly calmed her down with an assurance that we were on the right track. Twenty minutes later,  we reached the mountain top and this exhilarating sight of a hidden valley on our left, which our driver pointed out as our final destination, had caught my attention . . .

Bird's-eye view of a hidden valley where Barangay Lamac nestles tranquilly. . .

We then maneuvered through an all-downward route until we reached the Lamac community at the foot of the valley situated 7 kilometers away from the junction. Our van then traversed through a barangay street, climbed on an upward route and stopped in front of this signage. . .

The imposing Hidden Valley Resort signage . . .

As we stepped out of the van and looked in all directions. . . and after seeing the sceneries,  my staff shouted in unison : “WOW! This is great . . .

The exhilirating view of the Hidden Valley Resort cottages built on a hillside with white mountain rock formations on the background. . .

After the usual check-in procedures, we were ushered to our respective cottage assignments. On our way, my eyes were glowed on this sight . . .

A concrete stairway leading to the Hidden Valley Resort Chapel . . .

From the chapel, I savored this alluring view . . .

The mesmerizing sight of the Hidden Valley Resort and its environs . . .

As the western sky turned crimson to orange, I took this photograph . . .

Sunset at Hidden Valley Resort . . .

We then gathered in the Narcisa Hall for the much awaited orientation on the history, products and services of the LamaC Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC). Truly, the stirring speech of the cooperative’s General Manager Ellen Canda-Limocon was among the best speeches I have had heard in my lifetime. Her soft voice detailing the woos and glees of the cooperative could easily capture a cooperative leader-listener’s attention even on a standing position from dusk to dawn.

After the sumptuous welcome dinner, we retired to our respective beds. I was the first from among the group to rise in the morning purposely to take morning shots of the resort sceneries like these . . .

The Lourdes Retreat House . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort Reception Center with the imposing LMPC logo on the foreground . . .

The resort's Kiosk where the Karaoke Challenge among guests are held . . .

The Sinungkulan Hall and Veranda Cafe . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort's Main Swimming Pool . . .

The Hidden Valley Resort Amphitheater . . .

The Kiddie Swimming Pool . . .

... and the Pond cottages

I went back to the main Swimming Pool and saw the SOEMCO lady staff headed by the Accounting Manager Racquel Kristina T. Ocon gearing for a languorous swim into the turquoise waters . . .

The SOEMCO lady employees on their best swim attire . . .

The SOEMCO calendar girls posing for posterity at pool side . . . with some smiling boys at the back

Struggling not to not to be left behind by their counterparts, the SOEMCO male staff had also shown their capability to be posted on the men’s magazine cover . . .

The SOEMCO male staff on their best pool pose . . .

HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

Hidden Valley Resort – Final Thoughts

The  study tour was the best trip the SOEMCO staff had gone so far in their entire life as it left a tremendous impact on each and every employees’ lives. As we left the place, each one of us made a vow to continue spreading with renewed vigor and vitality the virus of cooperativism back home and conquer Caraga Region the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooepartive (LMPC) way! Truly, the spot had been lost from our sights as our van had sped away, but the LMPC and the Hidden Valley Resort would always remain in our minds and hearts forever.

Malapascua Island – Where Is It?

Malapascua Island, one of the favorite island getaways of island vacations enthusiasts and among the best vacation spots in the world and best family vacation destinations suitable for family beach vacation goers and host of a number of couples resorts and best family resorts especially if you are looking for a white sand beach resort fronting crystal clear water suitable for island water sports,  is situated off the coast of the town of Daanbantayan in the southern part of Cebu, Philippines. The tiny island can be reached via a four-hour public utility bus ride from the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City to Maya Port within the jurisdiction of the municipality of Daanbantayan, Cebu for a Php 165.00 fare and, afterwards, riding on a passenger boat for a 30-minute voyage to the island at a fare of PhP 80.00.

The 137.7-hectare Malapascua Island. Photo courtesy of www.gotomalapascua.com.

Malapascua Island – Why I Visited The Place

My eyes glowed with excitement when my brother, whom I fondly call “Ingko” Ben Sangco told me about the beauty of Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan, Cebu, Philippines. As he related the beautiful spots of the place, as told to him by his best friend, Emmanuel Manalili of the Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort, I told to my self… “now I know where to go to apply my newly acquired knowledge on basic photography.” It is worthy to mention that I had just graduated from the April 15-17, 2011 Cebu Basic Photography Workshop held in Cebu City and sponsored by the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation in cooperation with the Cebu Photo Works! Typical of a soldier who have had just finished the jungle warfare training, I wanted to go to the battlefield immediately to put into acid test my knowledge on the basic photography rule of FEWCD which stands for Focus, Exposure, White Balance, Composition and Decision. After packing my Nikon D 7000 camera, lap top and  few belongings into my backpack, I boarded a south-bound bus with MAYA signboard and embarked on a trip that started at exactly 6:48 in the morning of April 17, Monday. We were traveling on a paved road passing through various towns until we reached Bogo City Bus Terminal at exactly 9:40. An hour later, we reached the port of Maya…

The Maya Port

I chanced upon a cargo boat bearing the name Malapascua Legend Water Sports and Resort and I asked the operator if “Sir Maning” Manalili was in the island which he answered affirmatively. As I was about to walk towards the ticket booth, the operator invited me to ride on the cargo boat as they were leaving towards Malapascua Island. Without batting an eyelash, I jumped overboard and, after a few minutes travel I was breathing with excitement as the distant island came nearer to my eyes…

Distant view of Malapascua Island seen from the cargo boat

As we were moving a little bit slower, we arrived Malapascua Island exactly 45 minutes after we left the port and I almost shouted “Oh! it’s paradise…” when this beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort was caught by my watchful eyes. . .

Alluring beach front view of Malapascua Legend Watersports and Resort . . .

As I was walking towards the resort’s bunk house where the staff were taking lunch, I was fascinated with the resort’s swimming pool but chose to shot it at the appropriate time.

After exchanging pleasantries, Sir Maning Manalili instructed his aide Ricky Ducay to tour me at the resorts amenities and facilities. The amiable Ricky then showed me the way towards the Deluxe Rooms and was really fascinated to see these place capable of hosting members of the royal family . . .

A romantic scene at the De Luxe Room featuring the twin queen-size beds . . .	Another view of the De Luxe Room's twin queen-size beds. . .
The De Luxe Room featuring the partially-covered floor-to ceiling windows . . .	The De Luxe Room with fully exposed floor-to-ceiling windows. . .

I was then ushered to the Presidential Suites and was awe-inspired upon seeing these . . .

The Presidential Suite viewed from the door . . .	The Presidential Suite seen from another corner . . .
The floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample sunlight to the Presidential Suite . . .	The breath-taking view of the veranda, beach and water scenery as viewed from the Presidential Suite . . .

After taking a rest for a while, I embarked on the trip around Malapascua Island. And this was the sight that first struck me . . .

A European tourist sleeping soundly under the shade of a coconut tree enjoying the feel of the powdery-white sand on his back . . .

I was able to befriend a motorcycle driver who willingly toured me around the island. Our first stop was at the light house and I was so struck and awed upon viewing this . . .

Bird's Eye view of Sitio Guimbitayan Beach

Heading to our next destination, we passed by a building labelled “Pilar’s Residence Haven By Sea” . . .

The Malapascua Island residence of former Miss Philippine's Pilar Pilapil. . .

We then proceeded to Bamboo Resort and managed to take shots of alluring views . . .

Concrete rails on rocky coastlines . . .

The Bantay Dagat Guard House standing proud atop Lapus-Lapus Islet . . .

The other side of Malapascua Island - its rugged coastlines fronting the azure seas . . .

We rushed to Bantigue Beach to catch the Malapascua Island sunset . . .

Malapascua Island's Bantigue Beach . . .

My best shot so far on Malapascua Island sunset . . .  comments please from my co-basic photography workshop participants and professors.

Malapascua Island sunset viwed from Bantigue Resort . . .

It was already dark when I returned to Malapascua Legend Resort and this sight had caught my attention . . .

Malapascua Legend Water Sport & Resort at Night

After taking a sound sleep at the resort’s bunkhouse, I woke up early in the morning to shot this awe-inspiring view of the resort’s Swimming Pool, the only one of its kind in the island . . .

The turquoise waters of the swimming pool enticing guests to take a quick deep or engage in a languorous swim. . .

I then took time to shot the island’s sunrise . . .

Malapascua Island sunrise . . .

Afterwards, I bid good bye to the very accommodating resort staff. As I walked and headed towards the docking area in Barangay Logon proper, I chanced upon this view . . .

One of Malapascua Island's best beaches situated just a few meters from the wharf with two lovely European ladies enjoying the sun and sand. . .

I then boarded on the passenger boat and headed back to Maya port for my travel back to Cebu City. . .

Sailing away from Malapascua Island on board a passenger boat

Malapascua Island – Final Thoughts

While the Spanish sailors, who were stranded in the island on a Christmas day more than three centuries ago, had cursed the place as they were spending a “bad Christmas” without potable waters available, hence, the name “malapascua,” but my visit to the island was one of the most fulfilling trips in my life. Lots of sea, food, sun, sand and fun in great resorts are the most acceptable ingredients for a very great vacation. In Malapascua  you can find all these attributes in one paradise setting. Vowing to return with my family and spend our island vacations thereat, I strongly encourage visiting Malapascua Island and savoring its beauty yourself.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – An Introduction

A Lakeside Resort and Hotel, aptly named “Kasili” after a popular freshwater eel, is an emerging favorite among island vacations enthusiasts considered as one of the best family vacation destinations in Caraga Region and among the best family resorts in this part of the country capable of hosting kid-friendly vacations and fun family vacations situated in the scenic lakeside town of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Why Visit The Place

Through the invitation of my good friend Virgintina Garrido, the town’s Municipal Agriculturist, and in my desire to prove the veracity of the words being spread on the increasing influx of tourists and visitors to the town I considered my second home while I was studying in an agricultural college situated in one of its progressive barangays, I visited the place last January 18, 2011. Truly, I saw for myself the reasons why the Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel has steadily become favorite  island vacations destination for 4 concrete reasons:

1. Its Location. Built on the edge of the awesome Lake Mainit, this lakeside resort and hotel offers the guests and visitors the chance to view the beauty of the 4^th largest lake in the Philippines. Standing at the veranda of the presidential suite, you can have a total glimpse of the scenic view of the lake’s 17,340 hectares surface area and see for yourself the reasons why only Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao and Taal Lake had surpassed this large body of fresh water surrounded by land in terms of area. If you happen to be there in the summer months of April to June, you can savor the purplish bloom of water hyacinths abounding its periphery. And, if you are one of the adventurous breed of nature lovers, you can take a ride on the resort’s M/B Mainit Kasili service boat and stroll on its 62.10 kilometers lakeshore, visit to the 31 lakeshore barangays in 4 towns, and cut across its  placid and azure waters classified as Class A by the Environmental Management Bureau and wonder what lies on the floor of the lake’s deepest part measured at 223 meters.
2. Its Facilities and Amenities. As you approach the site, you can view the concrete signage of the lakeside resort prominently installed on the roadside. As you enter the gate, you will definitely be struck by the resort’s sight and extra-ordinary ambiance. A walk further inside would bring you to the sprawling 200-capacity convention center. A few more steps and you would be welcomed by a comely fountain strategically located in front of the main building. Upon entering the reception center in the ground floor, you will be stunned by the sight of benches, tables and chairs made from centuries-old  molave tree stumps and trunks neatly arranged on the foot of a large painting of Lake Mainit prominently displayed in the wall. After exchanging pleasantries with the nice receptionist, you would be ushered upstairs and view the equally large portraits of the town’s ecotourism destinations- the Silop Lake, Mapaso Hot Spring and Dayano Cave- to name a few conspicuously hanged along the corridor walls. A quick tour of the building would led you to its 3 dormitory-type rooms; 30 single-bed; 8 double-bed and 5 suite rooms all fully air-conditioned. When you open the door suite room’s exit door leading to the veranda, your eyes will be greeted with a spectacular view of  3 romantic swimming pools of varying sizes with its turquoise waters enticing you to have a quick dip or a languorous swim. The presidential suite fronting the lake emits the aura of executive setting. For the music-loving guests, two videoke bars are available featuring a live band every weekend. A tennis court is on hand to cater to the sports-minded guests. Most importantly, a restaurant is at hand offering, aside from the favorite dishes made from fishes that abound in the lake like the “kasili” or giant mottle eel, but also oriental and European foods depending on your taste.
3. The Services. The lakeside resort is not only known for its scenic venue and comfortable facilities but also with its excellent and charming services. The staff running the place are very professional, polite and ever willing to meet all your requests from room service and any other guest-related concerns. On top of all, security service is provided 24/7.
4. Its ownership. A product of visionary leadership of the town officials headed by its mayor, the Honorable Ramon Beltran Mondano, this lakeside hotel and resort is fully-owned and operated by the municipal government. Knowing pretty well all the facets of local governance being an agriculturist myself and Municipal Administrator-designate of my town, it takes extra-ordinary guts for the local chief executive of a municipality which is dependent on the internal revenue allotment from the national government to build such an awesome resort. I was told that the Mayor was even ridiculed at the start for conceiving such ambitious project and vigorously pursuing its implementation despite limited funds. But,  I for one can attest that the decision and passion to build such a surefire income-generating tourist facility against all odds is worthy of emulation. Hence, for the professionals and the academe, your visit to this comely lakeside resort and hotel is a scholastic journey to observe local governance at its best.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Final Thoughts

Great sight, extra-ordinary facilities and amenities, heart-warming services and round-the-clock security are time-tested ingredients for perfect island vacations. The Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel is one place where you can come and actually forget your daily routine and busy urban life. Its ambiance, filled with serenity and beauty, is what mesmerizes its visitors. The resort stands out from the rest because of its unique architecture and the location simply proves to be icing on the cake. Any number of visits you do to this lakeside resort and hotel cannot take away the charm it offers to its guests and you will surely vow to have a return visit.

MAINIT KASILI LAKESIDE RESORT AND HOTEL VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The comely Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel Signage

The imposing street side concrete marker greets the lakeside guests and visitors

The lakeside resort entrance

The Convention Center

Inside view of the 200-capacity Convention Center

The sprawling restaurant and function building

The Lakeside Resort's Main Building

The Reception Center

A Lake Mainit painting on the wall fronting the reception desk

A painting on the 2nd floor corridor depicting Togonan Falls-another awesome natural attraction of the town.

Another painting... that of Dayano Cave.

Painting of another Mainit pride . . . the Mapaso Hot Spring.

The suite room

A spectacular sight of the resort's swimming pool viewed from the suite room's veranda.

The swimming pool viewed from the other end opposite the veranda.

The kids' swimming pool.

The resort's Presidential Suite.

The scenic Mainit Lake viewed from the Presidential Suite veranda of the Lakeside Resort and Hotel.