3D2N@PF - 2 of 2




The Davao Pearl Farm was previously known as the Aguinaldo Pearl Farm. It was originally a real aquatic farm where pearls are said to be have been cultured. Not much is known about the pearl farm itself except that the original owner was one named Aguinaldo (not the Katipunan leader), and that the place produced cultured pearls in a much similar fashion as the Japanese pearl farming was done.

But there is a story told to us by two of the more senior employees of the resort (one was a boatman and the other a shuttle car driver). A story that no one it seem has bothered to really do a research on, or perhaps has been dismissed as a mere rumor. But the sources of the story are both long-time employees who have stayed on or were kept on inspite of the changes in ownership. Both are at least more than two-decades old in the farm's employ.

Their story tells of a man named Aguinaldo who opened the farm and took out a business license to operate a pearl cultivation farm in the area. But this was just a clever cover for his real objective in the area. And so the story goes that this man was actually after the gold bars and other treasures in a Japanese World War II ship sunk during the war in the vicinity of Samal Island, and that the workers who were seen diving into the water were actually retrieving the gold. After getting what they came there for (which presumably took sometime), Aguinaldo offered the place for sale. And it was the new owners who converted the place into the beach resort that it is now, but retaining it's original name - The Pearl Farm.

I don't know if the story is true or not. Well, it's just a story of two old men, but fascinating nonetheless, and adds mystery and magic to the already romantic aura of the island.

*It pays to spend some time and have a chat with some members of the staff especially the more senior ones. Personally, I believe this is what makes an ordinary visit an extra-ordinary and special one.*

Related posts:
- http://chitoirigo.multiply.com/photos/album/115/3D2NPF

- http://miriyammqx.multiply.com/photos/album/66/Summer_in_January

Comments

  1. mags pasadillaJanuary 13, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    Loved the photos! I want to go there too!! Maybe someday!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Tochie **January 13, 2011 at 8:24 AM

    Definitely someday soon, Mags, not maybe. By the way, best time to visit are the months of December to April. But April may be a bit crowded na. As you can see in this visit, we almost had the place all to ourselves. There seems to be very few visitors in January, especially after the New Year holidays. Just holler when you plan to go. We'll help you with the arrangements, if needed.

    ReplyDelete
  3. mags pasadillaJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    I will certainly do that. I know how you plan your travels, esp with Cecill's expertise.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Tochie **January 13, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    Understatement of the day! When it comes to travel, it's not just "expertise" that Cecill has. It's like she possesses a "third eye" or a "sixth sense" on this matter, hahahaha....

    ReplyDelete
  5. zed rocksJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    galeng!

    ReplyDelete
  6. oselle ♥January 15, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    ganda dress ni ida, dyan di ba binili?

    ReplyDelete
  7. oselle ♥January 15, 2011 at 2:26 AM

    akala ko inagiw na si lola dyan...LOL

    ReplyDelete
  8. Tochie **January 15, 2011 at 7:27 AM

    Hahahaha...grabe ka talaga Oselle.

    Seriously though, she is very much like a spider who patiently weaves a beautiful tapestry mula sa kanyang sapot :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. oselle ♥January 16, 2011 at 8:31 AM

    ang tyaga nya, were you able to see the finished product? baka naman spider web nga ginagawa nya...mwahahaha

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ida :)January 16, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    thanks po :) pasalubong sa'kin 'yan ni mama from boracay dati

    ReplyDelete
  11. Tochie **January 16, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Ang tiyaga talaga. Bata pa siya nga-simula. Hanggang ngayon, do pa siya tapos, hehehehe...

    ReplyDelete
  12. oselle ♥January 17, 2011 at 3:30 AM

    grabe, sana maabutan ko pa sya dyan!

    ReplyDelete
  13. oselle ♥January 17, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    you're welcome, bagay sa 'yo :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Faith & Gari kaintulogbyaheJune 2, 2011 at 10:53 AM

    Naks.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Faith & Gari kaintulogbyaheJune 2, 2011 at 10:58 AM

    Nice. Skwalado!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Tochie **June 2, 2011 at 1:14 PM

    Naks ang tiyan? Hahahaha...

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tochie **June 2, 2011 at 1:15 PM

    What's skwalado?

    ReplyDelete

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