New Year Get Away – Secdea Beach Resort

The image of blue skies with its beautiful cloud formations, reflected on the crystal clear waters of Samal Island was playing in my mind. That’s when I knew that the sea was calling me… It felt like a magnet pulling me towards it. Weird I thought because I am always there. In the island, that is. But then again, it’s mostly about work. So I guess, it doesn’t count.

So on the 1st day of the year, my family and I headed to the waters of Secdea Beach Resort in Brgy. San Isidro, Babak, Island Garden City of Samal.

I’ve been there once with John on a day tour. This time though I wanted to enjoy it a little longer. So we opted to stay overnight. My sister did the booking – 1 Seaside cottage for me and John. And a 2 bedroom , 2 bathroom bungalow house with wide verandah for her family and our parents.

The Seaside Cottage.

The Sea Breeze Cottage.

Check in was fast. Thanks to Sheila for being nice. 🙂

John rented a golf cart for me to practice driving. Yep, I do not know how to drive. And I would not try. I told you it’s scary to drive here. That’s why I so admire all of you my friends, who do. You’re awesome! And brave… 🙂 And yes, I am lame. ha ha

The seaside cottage is large. Its bathroom has separate shower and toilet. I just wish that they would install a heater. The glass sliding door in the room opened to the terrace, which overlooks the mangrove walk. I could hear the water splashing under it. Beautiful view. And so relaxing…

Ahh I am home….

I loved the mountains and the cold weather while we were in the US. But I love the sea as well, despite the scorching heat of the sun. I feel blessed that I get to experience both worlds.

ROAMING AROUND SECDEA:

John, at the mangrove walk. 🙂

On the way to the Floating Cottage. 🙂

Chillin’…. 🙂

I love their floating cabana. It’s in the middle of the sea with a panoramic view of the mountains. You have to check my sunrise pictures later in this post to understand where I’m coming from.

My date and I. ha ha

John’s teaching marco to drive. 🙂 I wish someone did that to me when I was younger….

Night time came so dark and quiet. The glow of the Christmas lights seemed like fireflies from a distance. After having a “nightcap” of ice cream with the family, John and I took a walk. Before I forget, I would like to say thank you to Tommy for going out of his way to look for medicines – my brother in law had fever. So do 3 of our employees. And John developed stomach sickness. I told Tommy that should he ever need a job, I will give him one. Employees like him are a keeper. 🙂 I really appreciate it. Thank you.

My nephew wemce is having a blast with the rocky road. ha ha

January 2, 2014:

I woke up about 5 in the morning and walked towards the beach. I can only hear the birds and the sea splashing beneath the mangrove trees. I looked for a comfortable location as I wait for the sunrise. The peace and quiet gave me time to pray and say my thanksgiving. I am grateful that my first 2 days of the year were spent on the beach. How awesome is that?! 🙂

And then a kaleidoscope of colors started playing in the skies…. My first sunrise photos of the year!

Beautiful sunrise! 🙂

And then everyone woke up. The day has officially started… 🙂

Mama , papa and the rest came to enjoy the beach as early as 6 in the morning. I told them that the water is cold. But that’s how they like it! Then came my nephews. Who frolicked for a little while in the beach before proceeding to Secdea’s infinity pool…

Before 9am , we all headed toward the restaurant for breakfast. The buffet consisted of scrambled eggs, beefsteak, garlic rice, fruits (watermelon, banana, pineapple) and all you can drink coffee. John ordered pancakes. He said that he would have liked it better if they hadn’t ran out of syrup. lol

Buffet Breakfast is included in the booking.

Mama and my aunt. 🙂

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN SECDEA:

Ok so I don’t know how to jet ski. 🙂 But I liked kayaking. So that’s the first order of business after breakfast. ha ha

My sister, Pearlie. My nephew, Cholo. And me. Remember I do not know how to swim. I thought I knew how to paddle. But somehow we hit the floating cottage. So Cholo, being a good swimmer, dove into the water and pushed the kayak. ha ha ha… I am just so amazed because Cholo is a special child. And yet, he’s better in swimming. And in kayaking. In diving. And in driving the golf cart. I told John, between cholo and me, I think I’m the special one. ha ha ha…. Seriously, right?! lol

Cholo and Marjun. Looked like they won in an unknown competition. LOL

Other than kayaking, the nephews enjoyed fish feeding so much. Secdea has a fishing lagoon but they are still letting the fishes grow larger. Hence, the fish feeding program.

The Mangrove Walk:

I spent a long time in this area. I loved the fact that they put some concrete benches where people can meditate, relax and just enjoy nature at its best….

I have no idea what are the names of those fishes and crablets but I love their colors. They looked cute right? 🙂

While I was enjoying my moment with these crustaceans, the owner of the resort walked by. So we ended up chatting for a bit. What she said got stuck in my mind. Secdea indeed has a quiet space for everyone…

I am glad that I was able to enjoy the new year there with my family. Thank you Lord for such blessing. 🙂

I may be a little late my friends, but I still would like to say “HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU” …. 🙂 May this year bring more happiness, good health and success to all of us!

For more details about Secdea Beach Resort, please check the following:

Website – http://www.secdea.com

Tel. No. – (082) 305-2774 or (082) 305-4028