Amihan sa Dahican

Okay, so I stayed here for the night. I lost my hammock so I received a new one from a friend. I'm glad it's pink. I think pink is a masculine color. lol.

Yes, in case you noticed I was using the not-so-right shorts. It's a pain in the ass -somehow literally. Next time, I'll also not forget to wear that long-sleeves surf shirt.

I'm in love with surfing. I think I'll be doing this until my hair gets gray. If she likes, I'll do this with my future girl friend, fiance, wife -whoever she may be. I'll do this with my future children, and grand children. I love surfing so much that it's starting to haunt me in my dreams!

I was wiped out so many times, but I kept on paddling. I can hear my friend passionately shouting: "PADDLE!!!! SIGE PA!!! PADDLE LANG NG PADDLE!!"

(Paddle!!! Paddle more!! Continue on paddling!!!)

There were traumatic times when after long tiring paddling, big waves wiped me back to the shore. It creates a mixture of feelings in me; discouragement and shame (because some people are watching).

I was uneasy to have shame as my motivation to ride, so I rested first. After few minutes, I knew I wanted a ride. Not for anything nor anyone else, but to satisfy my longing!

Look at that 'emo' boy.

I learned that surfing needs a lot of patience. You need to wait. As in WAIT a lot. Then watch for the best waves. You'll know if a surfer is pro by the waves he rides on. You don't just ride any wave, you choose the best one. Riding all waves will exhaust you. So you better choose the best wave to ride on.

To some extent, life is like surfing. We don't grab all opportunities. We should wait for the best. We need patience. We need to delay gratification. We do not exchange what we want most for what we seemingly want now. We better choose the best wave to ride on.

Finally, I was able to do it! Without any help from my instructor!

Photo from Fredie Allan Uy

I also love skim boarding, even though it's killing me. Let's see if I'll be in good mood to post my videos playing this sport. But yea, they said I'm sexy here, so might as well post it. lol.

Oh btw, in case you're dying to know... This is in Mati, Dahican, Davao Oriental. Specifically in Amihan sa Dahican. People there are really great! They're very accommodating, and they're like a family! I know I'll come back again soon! I love the place and the people!

I'll show you how to go there, and how much you need to prepare for the trip! I asked some of them how much their regular rate was, and this is their answer.

How to go there?

Habal-Habal

From Davao, straight from the airport you can ride a bus/ van going directly to Mati City. If you ride the van, it's a 3-4 hours ride. Bus will take about 5-6 hours. Van costs P220, bus costs P290. I know, it's a no-brainer option.

When you're in Mati, ride a habal-habal, a motorcycle. Tell the driver to bring you to Amihan sa Dahican. It's only P50 per person. Watch out! That single motor can accommodate 4-5 people.

Where to stay?

I'm not recommending the house, because it's expensive. But if you really want, go find it yourself. lol. It's easy to find. I just didn't get their number.

Staying in hammock is still the best thing to do. Tents are also welcome. Especially if you're coming as a group. Waking up with this view will really put a smile-up-to-ear in your face:

CR? For women this is a big deal. Don't worry they have a Comfort Room. It's not the 5-star quality lavatory, but it's usable and clean.

Food?

Oh, this is easy. Just contribute P300 per day to the locals there, and they will be very glad to feed you. When you arrive, ask for kuya Jun. He's very accommodating.

Picture with Kuya Jun (the guy in the middle)

Tutorials and Board Rentals?

Photo from Fredie Allan Uy

Tutorial is only P400/ hour. Board is P500/ day. You know what's admirable? 50% of the profit they receive is for the children in the community who want to study but cannot afford to. Cool right?

Not only that! The instructors they have are not just ordinary instructors. They are actually national champions! Most of them are not just national champions, but also champions internationally!

Schedule Throughout the Year?

January - May = Surfing season
June - September = Snorkeling
October - December = Surfing season
Almost all throughout the year, Pawikan hatching
(Get a chance to watch a pawikan laying eggs!)

Bumped in with this cool guy a.k.a. Journeying James

What are you waiting for? Start your adventure now! Give me a call, pm me in fb, or tweet me if you're planning to go! I'll see how I can help you.

God bless you!


*most photos are Courtesy of Sharayah Padilla