leawalkerblog

Hog’s Breath Cafe

Posted on January 15, 2013 by leawalkerblog

… is Australia’s steakhouse. And now, it’s in SM Lanang Premier.

Sundays are Samal days for us. But after each trip, we eat out because we or should I say, I do not feel like cooking anymore. hehe

So now that we have SM in Lanang ( a km or so away from our office) , it has given us several options on where to eat.

Ok, so I was battling in my mind, between Hukad and HBC.

John asked what I wanted and I told him, suman with tsokolate , from Hukad. His eyes rolled and got big (haha..) Then said, that’s not dinner. That’s dessert! I said, I know. Since I saw some at Seagull Mountain Resort last December, I’ve been meaning to have one. But the opportunity has not presented itself. Now, it does.. lol

Exasperated, he said ok let’s go back there. 🙂 I couldn’t do that to John, you know. So I told him, let’s eat at Hog’s Breath , but I’ll have one order of suman for take out at Hukad.

Seriously though, I’m glad that we did try the steakhouse. I believe that he found a new sandwich place. The steak sandwich he ordered was delicious. It was tender and the serving was huge.

While I ordered prawn tempura. With rice of course. 🙂

Then, John ordered Mississippi Mud Cake. It was unbelievably good. The moist chocolate cake had a rich taste in it. Coupled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup, I thought that the whole package was a “redundancy of goodness”… If the phrase exists. LOL ..

If you’re on a diet, this place is not good for you. hehe.. I tell you, you will be tempted.

I forgot to mention that it also has a strawberry on top. And more cream…

Hog’s Breath Cafe is located at the back of SM Lanang Premier. Just head towards the fountain area. Then turn left. You won’t get lost. 🙂

Oh, the price is somewhat expensive. But well, steaks usually are. Specially if it’s made of imported beef. At HBC, we were told that it’s made of Australian Beef.

John and I agreed though that their ice tea is overpriced at Php115 per glass. For a small glass, I found that costly. And yes, it’s not bottomless.

If I had known, I would have just ordered a glass of water. hehe.. Drinking water is suppposedly healthier right? And it’s free! You know, Davao’s dumoy water is one of the best… I’ll have to remember this next time. ha ha

But well, after a hard day’s work, we all deserve a break right? 🙂 And a little pampering. Which reminds me that our waitress was very attentive. Their service was also fast.

So all in all, dining at Hog’s Breath Cafe was a nice experience. With a sumptous meal and a delectable dessert, I’d say it’s worth it.

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city, restaurants in davao | Tagged Australia's steakhouse, Hog's Breath Cafe, mississippi mud cake, prawn tempura, Restaurants in Davao, SM Lanang Premier, Steak sandwich, Steakhouse in Davao | 3 Comments

Thank God It’s Friday!

Posted on January 11, 2013 by leawalkerblog

Jack Daniel’s Chicken and Shrimps..
Oh so good! 🙂

When we were in the US, I got introduced to Jack Daniel’s pulled pork. It was so delicious, I searched for JD sauce here in Davao so I can use it to marinate the meat. he he..

I was so happy when I saw from TGIF’s menu that they have Jack Daniel’s Specials. I ordered their chicken and shrimps. And I wasn’t disappointed. It was really good!

TGI Friday has been opened in Abreeza , Davao for quite sometime already. But since we had a “not so good” experience at TGIF Mall of Asia in 2011, we never bothered to visit their Davao branch. Until a friend of ours mentioned that the one in Abreeza is actually nice, the food is good and the service is fast.

So we tried it once again. I’m glad we did because true enough, TGIF in Davao is indeed better. Plus there’s no blaring sound like you’re in a disco or something. You can relaxingly eat and enjoy your food. And have a discussion with your date. In my case, John. 🙂

Incidentally, he ordered TGIF’s famous burger. Their ad says they’ve sold 27,000,000 burgers per year. From looking at John’s burger, I believe them. The burger has a thick patty with bacon on top. It looks so scrumptious , I thought it was good. So that’s why it’s a best seller. He said, it’s the best burger so far he’s eaten since he lived in the Philippines.

The businesswoman in me made a mental computation. I mean, you know. 27M of burgers. That’s a lot of money right? LOL At $1 each, that’s $27M . And the price is far from being one dollar!

Ok , so now you know how my brain works. And how our lunchdate goes. haha…

I meant to take picture of John’s order but I refrained from doing so. He gets embarrassed when I do that. hehe.. He understands that I like to blog but he hates it when I take photos of the food. 🙂

The price is on the high side. But it is worth it.

TGI Friday is located in Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Avenue , Davao City. It’s on the back side so just ask the guard if you’re not from Davao. There are parking spaces at the back so it’s not a problem if you have a vehicle. Or just park at the basement.

Brownie Supreme. It is sinfully good..

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city, restaurants in davao | Tagged Abreeza Mall, Davao City, Friday's, Jack Daniels, Restaurants in Davao, Thank God It's Friday | Leave a comment

Best of 2012! :)

Posted on January 2, 2013 by leawalkerblog

The past year has been a blast! And I thank God for the many blessings. 🙂

To look back, here are some snippets of the year that was…

JANUARY :

It was my first time in Tagaytay. So the experience was exciting for me. Thanks to our friend Marlic who drove us there. And to Mita, who lent us her condominium unit for a few days. 🙂

FEBRUARY:

At a restaurant in Otsenta, on our way back to Davao from General Santos City.

Our trip was work related. But I didn’t mind. I welcome any opportunity to get out of the city. 🙂

MARCH:

Lunch with James Betia of www.journeyingjames.com :)

Lunch with James Betia of http://www.journeyingjames.com 🙂

James is a famous blogger. And yet, he has remained down to earth. Visit his site, www.journeyingjames.com, for backpacking tips and trips all over the Philippines. 🙂

APRIL

Good friday sunrise. Taken at Aundanao, Island Garden City of Samal.

Group picture of family, friends and employees.

We rented Island Hills Resort in Aundanao , Island Garden City of Samal for 3 nights exclusively for our family, friends and employees during Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. 🙂 Check my blog entries dated April 2012 for the details.

MAY

Revisited Hagimit Falls with friends.

My friend, Ruby , wanted to take her visitor to Hagimit Falls. So of course, proud Samalnon , that I am – I offered to take them there. It was John’s first time in Hagimit too. So I was glad that him and my friends liked the place. 🙂

JUNE

I almost died this month. I had a gallstone that got stuck in my bile duct. And was about to rapture. It’s a good thing John took me to the hospital. Or as my doctor said, I had 3 days to live. Whoa! Thank God for an extension to my life…

JULY

If you haven’t been to Surigao yet, you really should include this place in your travel plans. It’s amazing. I have no other words for it, specially our experiences at Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte. We visited the stingless jellyfish sanctuary.Went through a cave going inside Sohoton Cove. Then there’s Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur. This family trip was a blast!

Inside the cave, going to Sohoton Cove. One has to wait for low tide to get inside the cave.

Lunch at Cinnamon Island. Fresh crabs, lapu lapu and the likes. 🙂

The beach at Cinnamon Island in Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte.

At the Stingless Jelly Fish Sanctuary. Read my July-August blog entries for the details.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur.

AUGUST:

Ahh.. who would forget the famous Kadayawan Festival sa Dabaw? Certainly not me… 🙂 Despite the heat, locals and foreigners alike come to watch the parade during its culmination period.

SEPTEMBER:

Underground River in Palawan.

When you plan a trip to the Underground River in Palawan, it’s better that you do it during summer time. When we went there, it was rainy season. The waves are big when there’s a typhoon. And the tour gets cancelled most often than not. That’s sad right? Specially if that’s your main reason for visiting Palawan.

OCTOBER:

Who would have thought that this beautiful river at Shiloh National Park in Tennessee, USA was once a battlefield? After watching the show, I felt really sad. Thousands of people died for nothing… 😦 I still think that wars are stupid. Its not worth dying for….

John brought me to his favorite place at Tishomingo State Park.

Most people love to go to the City. But having lived in a city all my life, I welcomed the peace that Tishoming County brought during my first visit to the U.S. The parks are gorgeous, specially during autumn / fall season. I found the kaleidoscope of different colors so beautiful.. Unbelievable! 🙂

At my sister inlaw’s yard in Mississippi, USA. Autumn is awesome! 🙂

October is my birthday month. And you know what, in October 2011, I prayed that I get to meet my husband’s family. God granted that prayer a year later.. So yeah, I have an amazing God. 🙂

At a cotton plantation in Tennessee , USA.

NOVEMBER:

Our newest project in the Island Garden City of Samal opened. We’re selling it on a Straight Monthly basis for 5 years. So if you’re looking for an investment, please email me through lea@davaoproperties.com .

DECEMBER:

So I finally get to meet in person the world famous Mayor of Davao City, Rody R. Duterte. Woo hoo!!! 🙂

My long time dream, granted! 🙂

I have always wanted to see a Pitcher Plant. So when I found this resort in Malaybalay, Bukidnon through www.agoda.com, John and I went there. I know this is weird. lol But I found the fact that it’s a carnivorous plant really cool.. hehe.

The cottage at the Pitcher Plant Farm in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

I took this picture from the frame at the Pitcher Plant cottage. Yes, pitcher plants grow as big as this! Volker the owner, told me after reading my blog, that this photo was taken in Agusan , Philippines.

Seagull Steak House, revisited. If you’re in Mindanao, include a trip to Buda. You will not regret it. The mountains of Buda provide a cool breeze while each visitor enjoy its panoramic view. If you love nature, you will understand why I love this place a lot. Plus you get to buy colorful plants, fruits and vegetables on the way home. 🙂

So as I start the new year, I would like to thank God for a wonderful 2012.

I am praying for a beautiful 2013 filled with love and fun!

God bless us all!

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city, My Travels, Samal Island | Tagged Aundanao, Bucas Grande Islands, Buda, Cinnamon island, Davao City Mayor, Enchanted River, General Santos City, Hagimit Falls, Hagukan cave, Island Garden City of Samal, Island Hills Resort, journeying james, Kadayawan Sa Dabaw, Magkukuob Cave, Malaybalay, Palawan, Philippines, Rody R. Duterte, Samal Island, Samal Island Lots for Sale, Seagull Mountain Resort, Shiloh National Park, Sohoton Cove, Stingless Jelly Fish Sanctuary, Surigao del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Tagaytay, Tennessee State Park, tinuy-an falls, Tishomingo State Park, Underground River | 2 Comments

Davao – Bukidnon Road Trip

Posted on December 29, 2012 by leawalkerblog

You’ve heard of Buda right? 🙂

For those who haven’t, that’s short for Bukidnon-Davao. Referring to the road connecting Davao City to the Province of Bukidnon and Cagayan.

Recently, we had another road trip.

If you’re planning on going to Cagayan De Oro City via Bukidnon, I suggest that you give ample time for the travel itself. With the road repairs in Quezon and the bumper to bumper traffic in Valencia, it took us forever to reach our point of destination – Malaybalay.

Let me show you what to expect when travelling via Buda, these days through my photos. 🙂

We left Davao around 2pm. We were supposed to leave early but well, work happened. So there goes our plan. 🙂 I love going to Buda because it’s a lot cooler than downtown Davao. So most of the trip, I just open my side of the window to feel its cool breeze. Before reaching the boundary, we stopped at the Coffee Shop beside Seagull Mountain Resort for some coffee. I would have ordered “tsokolate with suman” if I saw it earlier. Too bad, I thought. But there’s always a next time…. I’ll make sure to order it then because the “tsokalate” smelled so good!

The Coffee Shop, beside Seagull Mountain Resort.

The winding road in Buda. I can’t say it enough, I love the place!

Pitcher Plant Farm, where we stayed at, is past Malaybalay City. Going back to Davao, that’s the welcome sign you will see upon entering the city proper. They have a Gaisano Mall there now. 🙂

Bukidnon is famous for their pineapple plantations. So you’ll find pineapple displays beside the road. And they’re cheap too! I bought the big ones for P25 / each. Perfect for the new year huh! 🙂

These pictures (above and below) were taken in Valencia, Bukidnon. Beautiful right? It’s never boring to do a roadtrip in this province because you will be entertained with spectacular landscape and mountain views.

NOTE: There’s Roadhouse in Valencia. So if you get hungry in that area, Roadhouse offers really good food.

You’ll find this limestone mountain in between Maramag and Valencia. There are nice resorts in Maramag. But among them, I like RR Spring Resort. (I wrote about it here – https://leawalkerblog.com/2011/10/05/maramag-bukidnon/ )

One way lane in Quezon. So you will need to stop for about 10 to 15 mins, each time. They’re doing several repair works so give an allowance of at least an hour when you plan your trip. This is far from being over, so I guess my suggestion applies until next year. 🙂

Interesting mode of transportation in Bukidnon. I took this particular picture somewhere in Quezon. 🙂

After a tiring trip in Quezon, Bukidnon I am happy to be back in Davao again. 🙂 This is the view you will see in Buda – on Davao side of the trip. I love watching the valleys and the people taking care of their farms.

Lunch at Seagull Steak House.

We reached this side of Buda past 1pm already. We were actually looking forward to their coleslaw. But they said that they ran out of vegetables. I said, “I have a cabbage. Can you fix it for us?” Of course, we will pay the same price as their menu. But they won’t do it. That made us really sad. We skipped Roadhouse because of the coleslaw in Seagull. Can’t believe they ran out of vegetables when there are vendors beside the road nearby… 😦

John ordered Fish Fillet. It’s made of cream dory, which I find bland and tasteless. 😦 French call it Pangasius. So if you’re wondering if they’re the same, the answer is yes it is.

While I ordered the unhealthy but yummy, Lechon Kawali. hehe..

Pinetrees in Buda.. 🙂

John saw this plant on the way to Malaybalay. So on our way back to Davao, we kept looking beside the road for it. Until we found this garden beside the road. I asked Manong, the owner , what its name is. He said “uhhmm.. paper rose?” He sounded unsure but I said, ok. Since I had no idea what it was. hehe…

And then he mentioned, it was used as paper in egypt. In fact, the scrolls were made from these plants. That’s when John said – ahhh.. papyrus!

To cut a long story short, we bought some for our house and for our farm. 🙂

Thanks to Bing for this clearer picture.

Clean river in Lorega, Buda. 🙂

Ahh.. back to traffic again. Taken in Calinan, Davao City.

Like I said, it was a tiring trip. But it was worth it. We ended up buying several pitcher plants at Pitcher Plant Farm. Pineapples in Bukidnon. Vegetables and plants in Buda. hehe

So that’s why, we like roadtrips…. 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in buda, bukidnon, Davao, davao city, RR spring resort, seagull mountain resort, Uncategorized | Tagged Buda, Bukidnon, Malaybalay, Papyrus, Pineapples in Bukidnon, Pitcher Plant Farm, Pitcher Plants in Bukidnon, Plants in Buda, Valencia, Vegetables in Buda | 12 Comments

Pitcher Plant Farm

Posted on December 28, 2012 by leawalkerblog

A beautiful start to a wonderful day… Taken at Pitcher Plant Farm, Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

I found Pitcher Plant Farm through Agoda (www.agoda.com) . I got interested with it because I’ve always wanted to see pitcher plants. I found the fact they they thrive on insects as their food very interesting. I know I am weird, lol. But there it is.. 🙂

Pitcher Plant Farm is a small private resort in Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. From Davao City, the trip should have been 4.5 hours only. But it took us 6 hours because of road repairs. I’ll tell you more about it in my next blog.

Since we had no idea how to find the place (google map was wrong!), I called up the owner, Volker. And thankfully, he met us at the highway and led us to his place. It’s about 300 meters from the national highway. And when it’s dark and if you’re not familiar with the place, it is best to ask for assistance. Lest you get lost.

Upon arrival, they served us dinner (beefsteak with rice and passion fruit for our drinks), in our cottage. The beefsteak was good. But the passion fruit, it’s ok I guess, but not my favorite. hehe

The suite room was big for just John and me. But he doesn’t like being cramped up, so it worked perfectly well for us. It has a large living room. A spacious kitchen and dining area. And a big bathroom as well. There is a loft that serves as the bedroom with 1 queen size bed and a single bed. And yes, they allow the guests to cook if they want to. But I asked them to just prepare our food since we preferred to rest and relax only, while we were there… 🙂

The cottage at Pitcher Plant Farm.

The kitchen and dining area.

The loft type bedroom.

The Verandah. 🙂

Our early morning visitor. 🙂

What I love most about the cottage was its wide verandah. John and I enjoyed watching the birds the next morning. We just sat there for a long time after breakfast. I took some bread and spread it out on the porch. Then one by one, the local birds came to eat the small pieces I left there. It was really fun! Specially when you listen to them talking. I assumed they were talking. Because it seemed like the first bird called for the others when it saw the bread. haha

And then the wind started blowing… gently. I so loved the sound of the leaves, as if they were whistling and dancing. It was such a beautiful experience that we both enjoyed. If not for the business, I think John and I will just live in a farm with turkeys, birds, butterflies and cows, maybe.. hehe.

THE PITCHER PLANTS:

I first read about these carnivorous plants years ago. When the news said that a big one was found in Bukidnon. And then, I saw a picture frame at the cottage, showing one as big as an old man. Of course, I wanted proof right? lol So I took a picture of it.

I wonder if this was the one they found in Bukidnon? I took this photo at the picture frame in the cottage. 🙂

ACTUAL PLANTS AT THE FARM:

They’re beautiful right? 🙂 I saw a miniature size of pitcher plants in Bucas Grande Islands , Surigao del Norte. Those were really cute too. But I love the colors of the ones above better. 🙂

The Address:

Pitcher Plant Farm – Brgy. Kalasungay, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

Coordinates : 8.101935N 125.061235E (maps.google.com) While we were there, I made sure to get the coordinates so it’s easier to find it online. Hope this will help you. 🙂

Contact No. 09129492800

Website : http://www.pitcher-plants.com/

If you ever go to Bukidnon, this place is worth checking for. Specially if you like to commune with nature. 🙂

Please note that they do not accept walk-in clients. So before coming over, make sure that you have a booking already.

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in buda, bukidnon | Tagged Buda, Bukidnon, Malaybalay City, Pitcher Plant Farm | Leave a comment

My Christmas Celebrations…

Posted on December 24, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Christmas has been both sad and joyful…

Sad, because earlier this month, the southern part of our country got hit by a typhoon. In effect, it damaged billions worth of private properties, infrastractures and businesses. It killed a lot of people leaving their families in pain and in dire poverty.

If you read my previous blogs, you would have seen how heartbreaking it was. 😦 Five days after the typhoon, we went to Compostela to give relief goods. Hoping that in a very small way, we will be able to alleviate their hunger. The scene infront of me was dismal and so dark that I cried. For the people who lost their families and for the people who lost their jobs.

I pray that the victims and their families will recover eventually with the help of the government and non-government sectors.

Joyful, because I am blessed. I thank God for the gift of family and friends during this holy season.

I was at a party given by Santos Land Dev. Corp on December 19 at Grand Menseng Hotel, when I saw Vice Mayor Rody Duterte. I have admired him for as long as I can remember and have prayed that I get to meet him someday. God granted that prayer then. 🙂

Dinner with the Allea family. 🙂 We were supposed to have our christmas party in a beach resort in Samal on December 5. But typhoon Bopha happened. Due to the weather and the havoc in left in nearby provinces, we decided to postpone the beach party next year.

So we had a simple buffet dinner at Nanay Bebing’s Restaurant instead.

Another event, A Magical Christmas, with DMC UPDI. Taken on December 18, 2012 at the Apo View Hotel.

I thank God for both sad and happy memories.

And I am thankful for the fact that Jesus birth means God’s ultimate love for his children.

For me, it means that there is hope and that there’s a rainbow after the storm.

So on christmas eve, our family said grace and sang the birthday song to our celebrant.

And before midnight, mama led us into a prayer of thanksgiving. Simple celebration, spent with God and family.

This is what christmas is to me…

Our 100 year old Santo Nino. For us catholics, Sto. nino represents the young Jesus. 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Giligan’s Restaurant

Posted on December 15, 2012 by leawalkerblog

It was another sunny day. Perfect for a malling activity since it’s cooler inside. 🙂 But well, we’re there to pick up a client. We’re just 2 hours early because we wanted to have lunch at SM Lanang.

As we walked from the parking area near the entrance, we saw the stairs on the side. I realized that we’ve never tried it yet. So we went up and found new restaurants. Ok, the mini fountain and the garden looks nice. It looks relaxing despite the excruciating heat of the sun.

John went inside Army Navy. And got him a burrito. While I proceeded to check the restaurant at the far end.

It is Giligan’s. I remembered that John and I once ate at their Makati branch. 🙂 I didn’t know that they now have one in Davao.

I liked the ambiance inside. And it wasn’t noisy too. There’s nothing wrong with loud music, but I like to eat in peace. hehe.. If at all possible.

One would think that it’s expensive, from the looks of it. But it’s not really.

The staff were helpful and the service was fast. So if you’re in a hurry, you don’t have to worry.

This is what I ordered. Binagoongang baboy. (Pork with fish paste). John says, it’s gross. haha.. He doesn’t like the smell of the fish paste. But well, I love it. The “kangkong” though didn’t taste good.

If he hadn’t ordered the burrito earlier, he would have tried the fish fillet or roast beef. Yep, the staff didn’t complain when John came in with an Army Navy food. 🙂 I told you they were nice.

We will surely be back to try the other food they had in the menu.

Giligan’s is located in SM Lanang Premier, Lanang, Davao City.

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city, restaurants in davao | Tagged Giligan's, restaurant in Davao, SM Lanang Premier | Leave a comment

Chiropractor in Davao

Posted on December 13, 2012 by leawalkerblog

A couple of years ago, a government dump truck hit the back of our van twice, while we were in an intersection waiting for the green light.

He explained that he lost the brake that’s why he couldn’t stop it. The back door of course, got smashed. But I felt ok. My client , a Judge here in Mindanao, who was with me that day had fever afterwards.

But I felt fine. Until several months later. I started having a tingling feeling on my right arm. I felt like I had needles pricking under my skin.

When I talked to Dr. Snow about it, I was told that whiplash does that to you. In my case, the problem was in my neck. With that in mind plus my hectic schedule, my neck, shoulder and back gets affected.

I am so glad that Davao Pain Clinic exists.

http://www.davaochiropractor.ph/home.html

Their theraphy and Dr. Snow’s adjustments have helped me a lot. I cannot say, thank you enough! It’s been a lifesaver to me and John.

If you have any of these problems – Headaches – Back Pain – High Blood Pressure – Dizziness – Colic – Jaw Pain or Popping – Neck Stiffness, or Pain – Shoulder, and Arm Pain – Elbow, Hand, and Wrist Pain – Chest Pain – Hypertension – Stomach Pains – Painful Menstrual Cycle – Middle Back Pain – Lower Back Pain – Hip, Leg, and Foot Pains, or Numbness – Sciatica – Arthritis – Muscle Pains – Rheumatism – Joint Pains – Nerve Pains – Musculoskeletal Pain – Spinal Curvature – Scoliosis – Vertebral Subluxation.

then maybe you should try visiting a chiropractor.

Hopefully, it will help you like it helped me.

Their address is:

Davao Chiropractic Clinic 2nd Floor, Door 1, Grace Bldg.
Ulas, Davao City, 8000 Philippines
Call:+63-82-296-2783 – 0908-885-8770

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city | Tagged chiropractor in Davao City, Philippines | 6 Comments

Bopha in Compostela

Posted on December 10, 2012 by leawalkerblog

We left around 6:30am yesterday for Compostela. From Davao City, it took us about 4 hrs to reach the place. The trip would have been 3 hrs only, but well, we got lost. haha

We noticed it when we reached Trento, Agusan Del Sur already. Some signages were gone, you see. And we were so busy looking at the devastation typhoon bopha brought to this side of the Philippines.

Unbelievable. Depressing. Dismal.

Unbelievable because having lived in Davao City with no typhoons at all, I never saw an actual result of a storm before. It uprooted huge and small trees alike. John said that it looked like the result of a tornado in the US.

It was so sad to see all of it.

I could still see fear in the people’s eyes. And despair over what will happen to them now that they’ve lost their houses, relatives and jobs.

My heart broke.

We spent a long time looking for our previous helper. She resigned about 4 years ago because her parents maried her off. 😦 We stopped her because she was studying then but well, parents supposedly know what’s best for their children. So she followed them.

But we couldn’t find her. So finally, we went to the City Hall of Compostela, hoping that someone could help us. Then, we met Ms. Emm, the Incharge at the rescue center. She referred us to Councilor Edwin Atamosa, who brought us to Brgy 17.

This is when we met a lot of local people who all said the same thing. Most of the donations from the national group and non-government organizations just passed them by because almost all of them go to New Bataan, another town of about 15kms from Compostela and has so many casualties.

They feel sad because they have not been eating well since Wednesday.

According to Councilor Atamosa, there are 12000 families affected by the typhoon. Some of them are housed temporarily (make shift tents) at the City hall and on the roads. Some of them have lost their relatives when their houses got washed away by the flood. Others are now living with their neighbors.

For those who lived, the saddest fact is that they don’t have jobs as of the moment. Ninety Five (95) percent of Compostela live on the banana plantation. With 1500 hectares of it wiped out, there’s just nothing to do anymore. Until such time the rehabilitation starts, these people will live in severe poverty. With no food to eat, at all.

I was told by the local officials that they emailed President Aquino for help already. But no one has replied yet.

Exporting of banana is a billion dollar industry in the Philippines, giving thousands of people work and a means to live. Without this, I don’t know how the local government unit of Compostela can help their constituents. It’s so sad…

Can you imagine not feeding your child? A mother told me yesterday, “ma’am, i’ll let go of the rice. I need milk for my baby. ”

I am crying as I write this. Because I know how it is to be poor. I grew as one. But to lose almost everything is worst. And not knowing what to do next is very depressing.

I am hoping that through this blog, the national government and other ngo’s will help the people of compostela too. There are 700 casualties there. And 400 people missing. And thousands , with no food.

Please, let us all help them too…

Thank you. 🙂

And oh, someone from Purok 17, knows Jovy. So yes, we finally found her. Other than the help we gave her, we offered her a job. Again. I’m hoping that she would come back so she can help her family recover from this tragedy.

Bopha in Compostela (3) The remains of Gaisano Supermarket.

My secretary, Emelie , was incharged of the kids. We prepared 220 packs of snacks for them. There was one kid who asked for two packs because he said the he was so hungry. 😦

I told Councilor Atamosa that we only have 200 packs of rice and goods. I wanted to make sure that everybody present would receive their share. So he asked everyone to fall in line. The people were so nice about it. And was so happy to receive food.

The lady in red above is Ms. Emm Obenieta, the incharge at the Information Office in Compostela. For those who want to help, please contact her through 09999958442.

Beside her are my staff, Amor, Emilie and Boyet. With Councilor Atamosa in yellow shorts. What amazed me about him is that his family is also a victim. But he was there to help rescue people and assist the victims. We need more government officials like him. 🙂

Thank you Councilor for your assistance.

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Compostela | Tagged Bagyong Pablo, Compostela, Davao del Norte, Typhoon Bopha | 3 Comments

Typhoon Bopha

Posted on December 5, 2012 by leawalkerblog

As of this writing, Typhoon Bopha has wreaked havoc in the Philippines. It landed on Tuesday at Banganga, Davao Oriental. And has been all over the country since then. Leaving millions of damages and at least a hundred casualties in Mindanao, specifically the East Coast (Cateel and Banganga in Davao Oriental) and in Compostela Valley.

PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) reported as of 4pm today that Bopha’s eye is in Northwest Roxas, Northern Palawan. I pray that it will no longer hurt anyone until it leaves the country on Friday. 😦

My family and I did an East Coast trip on the holy week of 2011. I took some pictures then which I treasure until now. The place looked so beautiful, I can’t believe it’s in ruins now.

BEFORE BOPHA:

Taken in Manay, Davao Oriental on April, 2011.

This is considered a very small wave in Banganga. 🙂

The mountains in Davao Oriental.

AFTER BOPHA: (Courtesy of Davao Oriental Facebook Page by Ms. Cynthia Rodriguez.)

These are just partial photos of Bopha’s result in Davao Oriental. 😦

We are going to Compostela Valley soon to give relief goods. Hopefully, I will be able to give you a better perspective after that.

For now, I am asking all of you my online friends to please pray for the Philippines. Specially for the victims and to those who have lost their loved ones. 😦

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com