OVER the weekend, we went on a fun trip to Eden Nature Park and Resort located in, guess where? – Barangay Eden – that’s right! in Toril, Davao City.
First, the group went to set up a rally for ALLFISH party-list in Barangay Daliao, Toril, also in Davao City, after which, we proceeded to Eden. The rally was in support of ALLFISH, the party-list genuinely advancing the cause of the fisherfolk, commercial fishing, and aquaculture in the country.
ALLFISH party-list is No. 46 in your ballot. I encourage all my readers to vote for ALLFISH thus helping our fisherfolk.
Back to Eden. I have heard of Eden Nature Park since the ‘90s but all opportunities to go there have been aborted for one reason or the other. However, there’s always a perfect time for everything and last weekend was that time. I travelled with the SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) team. It was a pleasurable adventure.
If you come from Iloilo City via airplane and land in Davao City, the trip to Eden Nature Park and Resort only takes 56 minutes. It’s only 35.1 kilometers from Davao City, a relatively short ride.
The park is authentically a gift of nature. It is spread over 80 hectares of rolling landscape and hosts a variety of trees, pine trees foremost, fruit-bearing trees, flowers, hydroponically-grown vegetables, bamboo grass, among others.
These scenes will fascinate you during the day tour including the Philippine “usa” which is bred there and has populated over the years – how could they not when they are given a well-deserved habitat, plus the views of the three stations that guests are directed to visit and experience: a) Flower Garden; b) Tinubdan – Datu’s House; and c) Lola’s Garden.
The flower garden is, of course, a hit among guests and you don’t need to ask why. Tinubdan features the 11 tribes of Mindanao while Lola’s garden offers a breath-taking view of Davao City.
Lest I forget, the thrill-seekers, brave or less brave, can dare try the adventure rides provided by the park, or in my case, merely watched with immense amusement, the riders shrieking in fear as they were hoisted and dropped by the Skyswing. It is truly a sight, haha! The screams vary from exhilaration to utter terror.
As a side line viewer, I had so much fun watching the different reactions. How’s that for a vicarious experience! There’s also the Skycyle which is likewise a favourite among guests and tourists.
I wanted to try the Indiana Jones but I got scared seeing the riders flung when the ride reaches the end and bumps into the stopper!
What I missed though was the horse ride. We thought there was no more ride by 4 p.m. and well, we didn’t confirm. Then we saw a single lady horse rider and when we checked, we were told she was the last ride for the day and it was already 4:30 p.m.! What a loss! I could almost scratch my head. Anyhow, we couldn’t ride the following day because it was dedicated to the tour.
I love the weather! With all the heat scorching us starting March, the weather in Eden is heavenly. It’s cold but not very cold that one needs to wear a jacket or sweater. No air-conditioning units are required in the cottages; just an electric fan should one need it. How I wish we have that kind of weather in General Santos City. Dream on!
The customer service is fast and efficient. I like that. Our shuttles arrive on time; pick us up on time. The food is served early when the guests arrive early with special mention to our team who came very early for dinner because everyone was famished after all the scary rides. When we checked out, MJ Sapalo-Villegas said the billing and payment process took only five minutes. She was quite impressed.
Over all, the trip was very satisfying characterized by lots of laughter, food, more food, exhilarating rides, flora and selected fauna, card game, and my sprained ankle for the obstacle course that I joined but did not finish. What a bummer! The following composed the SFFAII team: Osh Contreras, Sha Abdurahman, Tina Cañete, Virgie de Dios, Rocky Andagan, MJ Villegas, Dane Contreras, and myself, with the sprained ankle.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. – Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com/PN
