After our exciting inter-branch summer outing at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, we decided to stay for another day for an extended vacation. Well, it was no longer part of the all-expense paid trip so we had to pay for the expenses we had incurred. No big deal, what with all the fun we had to experience!

The very accommodating resident manager of our Davao branch (one of the two only female resident managers in all of our branches) recommended a tour of the whole island to make our trip worthwhile. We found out that Pearl Farm Beach Resort is only one of the more than 20 beach resorts scattered all over Samal Island. She mentioned the many wreck sites around Samal which were ideal for scuba diving, as well as great caves for spelunking enthusiasts to explore. Mountain climbing up Mt. Puting Bato is another thrilling prospect for an adventure, and finally, there are waterfalls worth visiting.

Well, after having said the magic words, none could be any more convincing. We took a cruise around Samal Island aboard a motorboat and we got to see all the resorts scattered all over the 116-kilometer-stretch of white sandy beach. Then we took a hike to Hagimit Falls, and I had to get my digital camera ready to capture the excitement on my son Gabriel's face. True enough, as any mother would anticipate, he jumped up with glee at the sight and sound of the lovely natural wonder surrounded with trees and grass. We all took a dip at the water, and I had to watch lovingly and thoughtfully such genuine joy that Gabe displayed.

One more day of fun at Samal Island captured on cam was more than enough to last a lifetime, and loads of fun-filled memories of Gabriel are worth remembering. My son is fast growing up, and I am so glad that he had lots of exhilarating experiences with nature. Thanks, Samal Island!