Pearl Farm Resort (Davao)

It is not my first time to visit Pearl Farm but I can still recall how beautiful it was. I can still remember their famous pagoda where a huge chessboard resides therein. I never had the chance to play chess during my first visit as time was flying every minute. Sometimes, it is regrettable that being in an amazing place does not give one the license to save time.  If only time can be saved in a bottle, as what that song of long ago says, I could have saved more time and spend it in Pearl Farm to savor its splendor and play chess while nestled in its pagoda. It could have been wonderful to play chess at Pearl Farm while enjoying the vast expanse of the resort and dream of the best defense against the Winawer or the Najdorf.

This year, I got another chance to visit Pearl Farm – there is still the pagoda but without that huge chessboard.  I am not sure if I have not noticed the presence of the chessboard. Perhaps, a chessboard is misplaced in a place such as Pearl Farm. Who would want to sit all day playing chess in such a beautiful resort? But despite the absence of a chessboard, it is still definitely worth visiting Pearl Farm.

The travel from the Marina Wharf took at least an hour. While navigating, I cannot help thinking about how to eliminate garbage and trash in our seas. I cannot help being dismayed seeing plastics and other trash floating in the sea on our way to Pearl Farm. Why not deploy a “garbage police” to clean our shores and seas? It is time for everyone to refrain from throwing garbage into the sea. I don’t want to think that it is just a matter of time before we lose our great resource – our seas and ocean.

As our boat gets nearer to Pearl Farm, I was praying that the plastics, glass bottles, pieces of wood and other debris would disappear when we reach the resort. Either the trash has been accidentally or deliberately dumped into the ocean is matter hard to be known but the effect to the environment is the same – it is disastrous and a bane to tourism. Any form of litter whether on land or on the sea discourages travel. Who would want to travel to a place riddled with trash?

When the resort is on sight we saw its buoy that acts as an artificial divide or a territorial marker keeping garbage away from Pearl Farm. The sea is actually clear. It is only the biodegradables that threaten the beauty of the whole area.  

At the arrival in Pearl Farm, we were greeted with a sound of drums reminiscent of the tribes in Southern Philippines. Welcome drinks were served. Photos were taken. Sweet smiles from the resort’s staff are a silent announcement that we arrived in somewhere nice. Everyone was excited and happy to be at this resort. Except for the eyesore of seeming intrusion of informal settlers at the edge of the resort, everything is perfect.

At the Pagoda, water is crystal clear. The buoy kept the litter away. Corals are visible from above the water and several species of fish can be seen playing as if inviting the visitor’s attention. Try throwing a piece of bread and they can be seen scrambling for more to the delight of the guests.

Most travelers find paradise in Pearl Farm Resort. It is definitely one of the best resorts in Mindanao. Sometimes, it is difficult to describe something stunning unless you see it for yourself. It may not be the best in the world, but this resort is definitely a must visit.

I enjoyed their buffet consisting of a superb collection of flavorful cuisines. Perhaps, everyone who tried this resort’s buffet is more than satisfied. The Filipino desserts served together with a concoction of fruits and other sweets perfectly complement the different variety of main courses.  Nothing can be better having a buffet breakfast with a view of the infinity pool and the sea.

Our accommodation is the “Mandaya House” tucked at the foot of a mountain, well designed, comfortable, clean and near another swimming pool unknown to most visitors of the resort. Upon entering our room for the night, we immediately wished we stayed a little longer. Its design is superb and meant for a comfortable stay. There is a well - maintained aircon and flat screen TV. But who would have the time to watch TV inside Pearl Farm?

At Pearl Farm, an overnight stay is not enough. There are lots of things to do in this world class resort and enjoying the sand, sun and sea is just part of the fun. There are endless possibilities in Pearl Farm. Words will not do justice to fully describe the beauty of the place. Be there and see it for yourself.