Witerary - SunStar Davao Text and Photos by Jojie Alcantara
There is a little known private beach resort in Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur that’s been around for years and which is popular among locals. Owned by the long time Mayor Rudy Mariscal of Sta. Maria, the resort is accessible, simple and private enough for some quiet time with oneself or the family.
Mayor’s daughter Joyce happens to be a good friend of mine (we’re both dog lovers and she is my kumare because we both have grandpuppies from our dachsunds whom we paired off), and the long put off plans finally pushed through one day when I needed to shoot some beach images for a magazine.
It took two hours of a scenic and smooth ride to Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur by private vehicle to reach the Mariscal Beach Resort, otherwise known as Little Boracay. The sea was at high tide in the morning, but by lunchtime, the tide pulls back to sea and exposes a wide expanse of white sand beach. With the sparkling blue giving a tempting call for a cool swim, Kaloy did not hesitate to dive in while I and buddy Mark Ryan preferred to shoot the fisherboys. Lyn and Joyce did a little trek of their own by the rocky cliff side pockmarked with interesting patterns brought about by the impact of the waves.
It’s easy to reach Little Bora by public transport, non-aircon buses bound for Malita cost Php80, Metroshuttle aircon buses at P142, while non-aircon buses are at P132. From Malita, ride a tricycle (P20 per head) and head for the beach. Entrance fee costs only P20 per head, and so is a fun banca ride along the shoreline. Cottages vary in shapes and sizes, and costs only P1000 a day for aircon cottages. There is no corkage fee on anything. Little Bora also has a canteen and a function room to accommodate seminars and retreats. We were treated to a sumptuous lunch of kinilaw and fresh sugba.
We bade our goodbyes to Mayor Rudy, while I ogled at the numerous pet canines in huge cages looking out at us excitedly. Joyce told me the mayor loves to let these dogs loose running freely on the beach in the mornings. And I mean a couple of Rottweilers, St. Bernards, Pitbulls, Labradors, German Shepherds that are so adorable I would have loved to bring home one.
We were back to Davao by 2pm, passing by Mers Restaurant on the way to Digos for a baon of the famous bibingka and other delicacies.
**** Location: Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur Owner: Mayor Rudy Mariscal and family Thanks to daughter and good friend Joyce Mariscal for inviting us on a short trip to their private resort, a 2-hour ride away from Davao City.
Driftwood (The Ent in Lord of the Rings) 3 Comments
sana paguwi ko, babalik kayo jan, tapos isasama nyo ako ni ronson. hehehe kapal ba ng nguso, ininvite ang sarili?? :D sorry ha, can't help it, ganda eh.
I remember sabi namin ni ate Lyn2 kay Mark, "Oi Mark, pag kaulo (speak in their kaulo dialect) basin maalaan ka na pedophilia dinha (u myt be mistaken as a phedophile by the boys)
sana paguwi ko, babalik kayo jan, tapos isasama nyo ako ni ronson. hehehe kapal ba ng nguso, ininvite ang sarili?? :D sorry ha, can't help it, ganda eh.
NO problem, adventure uli tayo. By the way, mabait ang owners who accommodated us, for those interested contact Joyce na lang in her multiply site: http://imperialromanov.multiply.com/
joyce bungga najud na!abi nakog c kaloy inung gi modil!kamo2 raman diay ni mark nagposing!hahah
mas daghan tawon picture si kaloi! Naa didto sa cam ni mark (AKA Jackie TIYAN ), wla pa tingali nahuman ug liposuction kay Kaloi sa photoshop =D . Excited na tanan sa modelling debut ni kaloi kay pwerte na panabi sa panuway!
makitid pa rin ba ang road to the beach? kasi the last time i went here was 2000, i guess. haha :) as what i can see, developed na yung compared to my last visit. :)
ok! a new photo op site! this is a neat find mam idol!
