The Nokia Lumia 920 Chronicle: Hero's Journey

A lot of business and tech experts considered Lumia 920 a Hero device for Nokia having created a very loud buzz in the mobilephone space when it was announced which in turn brought a lot sales for the company, running out of stocks everywhere and people lining on the street to grab one. It became a comeback vehicle for Nokia in the smartphone arena and jump started interest of developers on Windows Phone. Well, who wouldn't want to buy the phone with all its advance features and specs; the PureMotion HD+, the powerful camera with PureView and floating lens stabilization technology, extra sensitive capacitive screen, wireless charging, among others.

For a highly reputed Nokia "Hero" device, I thought of leveling it up with a significant blog feature, by digging to the whereabouts of the countries National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, during his exile in Dapitan City, Philippines.

For a little flashback, Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled here in Dapitan in 1892 for writing an anti-spanish, anti-catholic and anti-friar novels that help sparked the Philippine Revolution. While in exile, he had helped the local residents by offering free education to all children, created an waterworks and lightning system which was considered the most advance in the country that time, built an eye hospital that became famous across Asia with foreign patients coming as far as Europe, discovered three animal species, the Draco rizali – flying dragon, Apogonia rizali – small beetle and Rhacophorus rizali – rare frog, created famous sculptures like the Mother's Revenge, made famous poems and so much more. These were the reasons why he was highly honored by Dapitan preserving all his relics, work of arts and most importantly, his property, which is now also regarded a National Heritage site.

Dr. Jose Rizal had an exciting and colorful life, so without further ado, lets begin the journey and discover a Hero's past within another Hero's critically acclaimed camera lens.

Dr. Jose Rizal's Landing Site Monument

Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo - The novels and started it all.

Original Blackboard and Table of Rizal's built school. Chalk wasn't created yet this time around so he uses white stones from the beach to write something on the board while teaching.

Some of Rizal's sculptures

Some of the documented Girlfriends of Rizal. Yes, he is a womanizer! :)

A poem dediated to Josefina. Take note how the Nokia Lumia illuminates indoor images, amazing!

Casa Redonda (Replica of the Octagonal Clinic of Rizal). He is an Ophthalmologist with patients coming from all parts of the world. Josefina, wife of Rizal, was a stepdaughter of one of his patients from British Hong Kong. 

The Hospital Ward

Casa Residencia (Replica of Jose Rizal's House)

Casa Residencia Veranda

Case Residencia's Bedroom. My grandfather use to have a bed like this. It was given to my father and now being use by my uncle.

Casa Cuadrada. Pupils Dormitory and Workshop house.

Mi Retiro Rock (Rizal's Retreat Rock)

Beach beyond the Rock

Panorama Shot

Canto del Viajero (Song of the Traveler)

The Travelers End - On this bay, Jose Rizal left for the Capital. He supposed to proceed to Europe from Manila but held up by Spanish authority in Manila and executed in December 30, 1896

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Love Places: Dakak Part 3

Summer is past approaching and Dakak Beach and Park Resort will be one of the best destination you can visit if you want nothing but the best.

How to reach Dakak.
By Air: Philippines Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air flies daily to Dipolog City from Manila while other connections from the provinces may be made via Cebu's Mactan International Airport. PAL Express and Cebu Pacific Air flies 3x a week Cebu to Dipolog. Flights from Manila take 65 minutes while from Cebu it take a mere 55 minutes via smaller express planes.
By Sea: Their are Several Ship dropping by the Dipolog/Dapitan wharf from Manila and Cebu.
From Dipolog to Dakak, theirs a roundtrip airport or wharf to resort transfer accomodation based on the bookings made.

Tropical Dream Package Includes:

DAKAK 'TA BAY

Package A:
Php: 3,300.00 net per person (twin/triple sharing)
Php: 1,350.00 net (extra night)
Plus: 1,300.00 net per person (single supplement)
Inclusive of:
Two (2) nights / Three (3) days deluxe bungalow accommodation
Daily breakfast
Roundtrip airport/wharf to resort transfers
Complementary welcome leis
Complimentary welcome drinks
Complimentary use of swimming pool, beach volleyball, outdoor jacuzzi, disco and darts
20% discount on sports facilities except Aqua Sports
Peak season supplement : P 800.00 per package

Package B:
Php: 3,750.00 net per person (twin/triple sharing)
Php: 1,350.00 net (extra night)
Plus: 1,500.00 net per person (single supplement)
Inclusive of:
Two (2) nights / Three (3) days PRIME Deluxe bungalow accommodation
Daily breakfast
Roundtrip airport/wharf to resort transfers
Complementary welcome leis
Complimentary welcome drinks
Complimentary use of swimming pool, beach volleyball, outdoor jacuzzi, disco and darts
20% discount on sports facilities except Aqua Sports
Peak season supplement : P 800.00 per package

HONEYMOON 'TA SA DAKAK

Php 10,500.00 net per couple
Inclusive of:
Three (3) nights / Four (4) days deluxe room accommodation
Daily breakfast
One (1) mixed seafood lunch at Kinilaw ug Inihaw sa Fishpond Restaurant
Dapitan/ Rizal shrine Tour,
One (1) Romantic dinner for two (2) with two (2) glasses of red wine
Roundtrip airport/wharf/resort transfers
Welcome leis, welcome drinks
Complimentary cake, complimentary one (1) room night for the couple
Complimentary one (1) hour massage for the couple
Peak season supplement : P 1,200.00 per package

BARKADAHAN PACKAGE

Package A:
Php 2,800.00 (quadruple sharing)
Inclusive of:
One (1) night / two (2) days stay at deluxe bungalow room accommodation
Roundtrip airport-wharf-resort transfers
Welcome leis
Welcome drinks
Complimentary use of swimming pool, beach volley, outdoor Jacuzzi, disco and darts
Peak season supplement : P 800.00 per package

Package B:
Php 5,500.00 net (quadruple sharing)
Inclusive of:
Two (2) night / Three (3) days stay at deluxe bungalow room accommodation
Roundtrip airport/wharf/resort transfers
Welcome leis
Welcome drinks
Complimentary use of swimming pool, beach volley, outdoor Jacuzzi, disco and darts
P 2,500.00 - extra night after two (2) nights/ three (3) days
Peak season supplement : P 800.00 per package

GABI-I SA DAKAK

Php 1,700.00 net per person (double/triple sharing)
Plus 1,000.00 net (single supplement)
Inclusive of:
One (1) night / two (2) days stay at standard bungalow room accommodation
Free Breakfast
Roundtrip airport/wharf/resort transfers
Welcome leis
Complimentary welcome drinks
Complimentary use of swimming pool, beach volley, outdoor Jacuzzi, disco and darts
20% discount on sports facilities except aqua sports
Peak season supplement : P 800.00 per package

DOMINGO SA BAYBAYON (Day Tour Package)

Php: 550.00 per person
Inclusive of:
Set Lunch
Roundtrip airport/wharf/resort transfer
Free Entrance
Free use of the Beach
(Minimum of 10 Person)

DUAW TA SA DAKAK (Day Tour Package)
Php: 275.00 per person
Inclusive of:
Set Lunch
Free Entrance
Free use of the Beach
(Minimum of 4 Person)

Valid From January 2009 to March 2010
Peak Season:
Thursday to Sunday of Easter Sunday
December 24 to January 3 (Christmas Season)



Rates Applies Only For Local Residents, Expats and Balikbayans



For Informations:
Contact Numbers:
Cellular Phone: 0919-795-9416, 0920-947-3498, 0915-318-6647
Landline Phone: 065-213-6813
Fax: 065-213-6647
Official Website: www.dakakdapitan.com
Email: dakak28@yahoo.com

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Love Places: Dakak Part 2

More of Dakak Beach and Park Resort Friends, as promised! c",

I fell in love with the place and yes I love the beach but the locale offers something more and different and that's how it took me. The place is quite and serene in contrast to the over populated, polluted and highly commercialized Boracay over north or Bohol Beach Club and it contour more of nature with vast wood lands surrounding the place rather than the rest, just a perfect place to relaxed and indulge to customary luxury, it was even cove naturally with two gigantic stone walls on opposite sides. Just magnificent.




This is the main facade of the beach park, don't be deceive by the its size, the beach park covers a 15 hectares land area, that's how huge it cover.




The Front Desk Area with friendly and accommodating staffs. You will be greeted here with a welcome leis, drinks and of course warm smiles. This also serves the reservation area, the information and the business section.




The Main lobby that leads to the Port Orient Restaurant. A cozy place in here, somewhat like a hotel lobby with a beach front. Right side of the images is the Gift Shops which offers variety of Souvenir Items. Bought a T-Shirt in here that cost Php180, a good price.



This is part over here is the pathway going to the bungalow guestrooms. Its a pathway going south front the beach front and the heart of the woodland. Trees were scattered allover giving a natural appeal and a sense of bewilderment.





Part of the mini Golf course set up for distinct sportsman, the riched of course, this is a game that only rich people can afford. Kinda annoying actually, hehe.




Of course, the beach front, I can still remember how it feels like just lying along the shades of a beach tree, listening to the sea breeze, letting the warm sea air engulf your body, calm, tranquil and relaxing. It makes you feel rejuvinated, refreashed.




The long beach strand. The white and prestine powdery sand that runs a kilometer and a half. Breathtaking!! I would have love to jog in this vast shingle early in the morning but the problem was, I sleept very late because of the though drinking spree I have with my cousins. I woke up late already and miss early morning breeze.

More Of Dakak in my upcoming Blog!
Pictures were taken using Nokia N82 Black..

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Love Places: Dakak Part 1

Dakak is a First Class Park and Beach Resort located in Dapitan City, Zamboanga Del Sur, Philippines. Covered with a pristine powdery white sand, natural spring water, 15 hectares wood park, plunging waterfall, it exudes serenity, generation, tranquility, nature.. and toppled with the best amenities, accommodation, food and dining experience pooled with expertise and Filipino warm hospitality, it comprises the best elements for a relaxing and fun vacation.

I was here two days ago and have the best time of my life. The place was majestic, the ambiance was serene and I haven't been to a beach resort before that combines quiescent, nature, landscape, white and powdery sand and crystal clear water, only here, and I haven't been so drunk rather in my life, only here haha.

Anyways, back to Dakak, accommodation includes 144 bungalow style airconditioned guestrooms (inset images), cable TV, International Direct Dial phone, wide bathroom, fridge, mini bar, balcony with terrace (veranda) and round the clock room service. What I like about most of this rooms is that, it is situated on hillsides so you have an overwhelming view of the park from the rooms balcony. Some rooms were along the beach side thus giving also the best view of the beach front rather.

Best Facilities includes Whirlpool, Adult 11 feet pool, Kiddie pool, outdoor jacuzzi, Fitness Center such as Spa/Massage and Hot Tub, Sports Facilities such as Tennis and Basketball Court, Mini Golf Course, 4 Bowling Lanes, Billiards, Horseback Riding, Jogging Track and many more. It is also equip with Aqua Sports Facility for Water Skiing, Boating/Sailing, Kayak, Jet ski, Banana Boat Ride, Hobie Cat and Scuba Diving. Disco pubs dances all night long as well as the Videoke Bars and the Nightly Bistro with a Singing Band performing. For business matters, their is the Convention Center that can hold 200 guests or more.

If food is your thing, very much like me, devour yourself to the the informal seaside and breezy ambiance of the al fresco Port Orient restaurant with a delightful, all day setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They offer Japanese flavor of the Sushi Bar at the Verandah as well as delectable Filipino food, savor to the best taste they have mastered for years, and the "Litson Baboy" is the most tasty one I tried ever. Feed your mind, body and soul with a lunch packed piano tune and for those who loves adventure, take a lunched trip up a mystical river to Lab Kamayan, Dakak's very own prawn farm built over the water on bamboo stilts, where fresh seafood is the order of the day. Dinner is sprinkled with an interactive and fun cultural show with different themes played every night. I personally love the Hawaiian Theme and the Philippine Folks Dance as they pinched a fun flavor on this remarkable dances thus giving entertainment to the utmost.

Next Stop! More of Dakak's great scenery and Recent Travel Packages!
(Images were taken using the omnipotent Nokia N82 Black)

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