One of the things in my bucket list is to see the cherry blossoms in Japan or Korea. Thanks to COVID-19, I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. Thankfully, there is a variant of Cherry Blossoms in the Philippines (aka balayong). These are the Palawan ones (Cassia nodosa x Palawan Cherry) and we have some of these trees here in Ormoc City.

🌸 Cherry blossom season is fleeing; the beautiful burst of white and pink Sakura blossom erupts just as quickly as it returns to dormancy, allowing only a span of 3 to 4 weeks for us to enjoy their beauty. Despite the fear that runs rampant at present, they are a lovely reminder that we should enjoy life because it is fleeting. That’s what makes it so beautiful. So, go out there and appreciate the air, the sunshine, and the blossom. 🌸

It’s pretty fun to see them bloom once a year. They might not be as scenic as the ones from other countries, but here’s hoping they’ll plant more of these here so we get an abundance of blooms each summer. Those ones above can be found just behind the Ormoc Doctor’s Hospital, while the one below is in my sister-in-law’s front yard.

So, I just flipped a new page and added another chapter in my life. I’m grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Life is like being on a swing: ups and downs but always a good time! 

The rope reminds us there’s always hope. When you’re up, you know you’ll get low. So, keep pushing yourself forward to rise again! Happy birthday, self!

Good news to all our travel bugs in Ormoc City! The Lake Danao Natural Park is NOW OPEN and this is not an April Fool's joke! 

Since the pandemic started, the tourism industry had been greatly affected by the closure of many tourist destinations. The Lake Danao Natural Park - Protected Areas Management Board (LDNP-PAMB) saw it wise to mitigate the spread of the virus by closing down our eco-tourism site. The Technical Working Committee of PAMB did a proactive decision to come up with a Health & Safety Protocol/Guidelines in line with the DOT CO and DOT RO8 H&S Protocols and Health and Safety Guidelines at Protected Areas prior to reopening of a tourism site. 

Here are the new Guidelines & Protocols for the Operation of Tours, Ecotourism Activities & Visits in Protected Areas (PA) under the New Normal in Region 8:

1. Online Pre-Booking/Reservation Policy will be implemented. Inquiries and reservations can be done via official mobile phone or online thru official email add and official FB page of the LDNP on Areas and Facilities intended to be visited or rented respectively thru the PASu and official LDNP representative.
   
   
2. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to secure Visitor’s Entry Permit from the PASu office prior to the visit. Permit can be secured online from the LDNP Office thru the PASu.  Form to be posted at official LDNP websites & Official LDNP FB page. 
   
   
3. LDNP shall be opened to the public starting the date approved by its PAMB and subject to approve guidelines by the IATF on the community quarantine status in the locality.
   Note: The Park hours shall be from 7:00am to 4:00pm daily.
   Park Rest week shall be in August the 2nd week of August. 
   
   
4. All LDNP Visitors and guests are required to present the approved confirmed on-line booking at the entrance booth.
   *Visitors below 21 yrs. old and those who are 60 yrs. old and above shall not be allowed to enter the LDNP. (IATF Omnibus Guidelines & General Quarantine Item No. 3. Or until otherwise lifted by the IATF, RIATF, or the City LCE of Ormoc City.
   
   
5. The new Carrying Capacity limit of Seventy-Five (75) persons at a time per day shall be strictly observed at the LDNP.
   (Consistent with the intent of IATF Omnibus Guidelines, the PA can accommodate half of the average no. of visitors per day.)
   
   
6. All LDNP Visitors and guests shall submit to Temperature check at the Entrance Booth. Park Visitors and guests with temperature reading of 37.5 °C and above shall not be allowed to enter LDNP. 
   
   
7. All vehicles are required to park at the designated parking areas.
   
   
8. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to observe the following Health and Safety Protocols:
   a) Wearing of mask at all times.
   b) No mask, no entry.
   c) Practice physical distancing (at least 1 meter apart)
   d) Regular washing and sanitizing of hands (Alcohol dispensers are available at the entrance booth).
   e) Bring back their own trash (trash bag shall be provided).*
   f) No bringing/drinking of alcoholic drinks*
   g) Strictly no smoking*
   *per city ordinance
   
   
9. All LDNP facilities open for use or rental (ex. Kiosks, floating rafts, camping station, etc.) shall observe the maximum of 50 percent allowed visitors per facility except for safe family bubbles.
   Wearing of masks & physical distancing shall still be observed even while inside a LDNP facility.
   
   
10. All LDNP Visitors and guests are requested to bring their own food or access take-out/food delivery service and to use eco-friendly packaging of food.  A drop-off and pick-up point shall be designated at the activity area.
    
    
11. Companies/networks/professional filming who will be conducting commercial filming shall be required to send a request letter in advance stating the schedule and the number of people involved in the filming activity. The request may be sent online to PASu.
    
    
12. Only DENR/DOT/PAMB Accredited Tour Operators/Service Providers shall be allowed to operate the facilities inside PA.
    
    
13. LDNP personnel & employees shall be subject to rapid testing per IATF Health & Safety Guidelines.

In addition to the park's facilities besides the floating cottages, view deck, and picnic grounds are the pavilion or the social hall and open-air convention area plus the new Ecolodge for guests who prefer not to stay in tents at the campsite.

There are six (6) different rooms for day or overnight use: 

Three (3) rooms are DORMITEL/DORMITORY types. 

• Two (2) rooms are good for 8 pax with double-decker beds - Php 1,600/room
• One (1) room is good for 6 pax with double-decker beds - Php 1,200/room 

One (1) FAMILY SIZE room is good for 4 pax (max) - Php 600/room

Finally, there are two (2) more STANDARD rooms:

• SINGLE type - Php 400/room
• DOUBLE type - Php 500/room

They also have clean comfort rooms/restrooms. Daily rates are quoted for each room type as above.

Please take note of the Entrance Fee of Php 50 per person. You can contact +63 946 480 1393 for bookings and reservations at the Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc City. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the guidelines, please look for Ms. Merlyn Barte, the  DENR Protected Area supervisor or reach out to the LDNP-PAMB.

And always remember this when you go to our Lake Danao Natural Park:

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.