WE MADE a promise.
After the failed sunset sighting in Davao - Bukidnon Highway (Buda) on March 20, our team made sure to witness the sunrise at the Hillsview Mountain Villa in Datu Salumay village, Marilog District, Davao City.
So, on the following day, we set our alarm clocks at 5 a.m. but failed to wake up on time because our body had to wrestle with the frigid weather first before we found the strength to rise up. To lay on the comfy bed while wrapped in a thick blanket may be enticing but the drop of golden sun slowly peeking from the mountain is a sight to behold.
At the impulse, 30 minutes after 5 a.m., we grabbed our cameras and rushed into the balcony overlooking the mountains that were already wrapped in fog. We were oblivious to the fact that we had not combed our hair yet and had not even washed our faces. But we went on with the photo ops, shrugging off the grogginess. After all, we were not there for a pure get-away trip but for business. And who could resist the marvelous sight? None, I would bet.
It was beyond luck that I made the trip with my fellow colleagues and friends Ace and Macky and VoxPop Davao Newsroom/HR supervisor Donna Cuyos on March 20 and 21 for the Davao Yearbook 2017 coverage.
I was already itching for a break from my daily routine but did not have the chance to do so since there was work needed to be done that cannot be set aside. So I decided to tag along with them for the coverage with a promise to not leave any work assignments behind – this means having to prepare materials in advance while I am away for the coverage. It was work and fun all hurled into one. But it was more of fun than work stuff – a perfect adventure.
I had never seen such a wonderful sunrise in my entire lifetime. Our eyes bathed at the sight of the sharp green coming from the grass and trees, the soft orange glow of the sun in the morning, the detailed outline of the mountains before us and the blue sky and the fog we’re not used to seeing in the city. All of these scenes were even amplified by the sound of the chirping birds, the rustle of the leaves, and the sound of running water from the nearby faucet.
As we marveled at the sight, we took snapshots of the place and the villa to our heart’s content, which was an understatement because we can never get enough of the place as it was naturally perfect. If you are wondering where to catch the best spot to watch the sunrise, then Hillsview Mountain Villa is the place.
We could have spent all the SD card’s memory by taking snapshots of the scenery but we had prevented the urge to do so since we have to saddle up and save some memory for our next stop: the Jive Highland resort.
How to get there
From Davao City, take a bus bound for Cagayan de Oro and stop in Barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District in Davao City. Look for the sign board that says “To Hillsview.”
You’ll know you’re near the place once you passed by a huge Philippine Eagle sculpture in Barangay Baganihan. The sculpture, which is crafted by Mindanaoan artist Kublai Millan, is just 15 minutes away to the nook leading to Hillsview. From that corner, take a skylab to Hillsview. The overall fare to the destination would just cost around P150 (P300 for back-and-forth ride).