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A Date to Remember

According to the dictionary, dating is a form of courtship consisting of social activities done by two people. In my situation, it was me and the whole town of Daet who were going on a date. Date in Daet just gave me one of the best experiences in discovering the beauty of the Philippines. Dating the whole people of Daet and experiencing what they can offer made me admire the Filipinos’ undeniable hospitality and cheerfulness more. Date In Daet did not just give me a front seat view on how we could enjoy the town, but it also gave me great new friends along the way.

Here is a first fun fact:

According to the first Bicol-Spanish dictionary “Vocabolario de la Lengue Vicol by Fray Marcos de Lisboa, Daet also originated from the ancient Bicol term “daet,” this means, “to make friend” or “to be reconciled.”

I have visited Daet before and the first time I was there, I missed a lot of what Daet has to offer. It was my second time visiting the progressing town of Daet this year and I’m very thankful for my second round. I got to see and experience, firsthand, Daet, Camarines Norte! So, without further adieu, here is my fully story on how my date went on at the newest emerging town in the country!

The Provincial Capitol of Camarines Norte, with its Spanish style architecture, stands out in raging yellow color that goes well with the blue sky and the cotton candy-like clouds—a perfect combination and is just one of the best places to take a selfie!

What better way to start our Date In Daet by first discovering Camarines Norte’s rich history? Museo Bulawan, which was just beside the Kapitolyo, is the place to go! We were welcomed by the staff, who gladly told us stories about Camarines Norte’s past and how it became what it is today.

The Museo Bulawan houses the collections of photographs of past government officials and activities of the capitol, paintings by Daet artists, and vintage artifacts.

After exploring the past of Camarines Norte, we got to try, not only Daet’s first tea shop, but also the entire province’s, Kick Milk Tea. Now, that’s another one for the history books! What a better way to beat the heat this summer. You can just walk from the Kapitolyo to the tea house and it is just what we did.

We got to try their freshly brewed, not premixed, milk teas and tried out their delicious sandwiches, Belgian waffles, pancakes, and pastries that are very affordable.

Kick Milk Tea is located at Vicente Basit St., formerly Salcedo, Daet, CamarinesMorte. Operation hours is from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

More on Kick Milk Tea Here

Our next stop was the Bantayog. José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. Yes, you read it right. Our national hero. Who knew that a Jose Rizal Monument was here?The three-tiered stone pylon, with its square base supporting a triangle in two stages, the last one tapering off to a point was made from coral stones that came from the demolished carcel where many native revolutionaries were imprisoned, tortured, and killed. Each side, bearing both Rizal’s work: the El Filibusterismo, and Noli Me Tangere and his translations and annotations, with a patriotic fervor, of Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas.

The first Rizal Monument was unveiled on the 30th of December in 1898, which was built with voluntary contributions from the people of Camarines Norte led by Lt. Col. Ildefonso Alegre and Lt. Col. Antonio Sanz of the revolutionary army.

Now you’re wondering how to get here? Just take a tricycle and tell manong driver to go to the Bantayog. The First Rizal Monument is located at the intersection of Magallanes cor. Justo Lukban St. which is just across the former Daet Municipal Hall—now the Daet Heritage Center.

After visiting another first in Daet and in the entire world, we just felt hungry! So, what better way to have our lunch date at Bicol’s pride—Bigg’s Diner, which just recently opened its doors to the people of Daet.

When someone is visiting the Bicol region, it has been a tradition for us here in Naga to take them to Bigg’s Diner. The Saying is “You’ve never been to Bicol if you’ve never been to Bigg’s”. Now, fellow Bicolanos in Daet can share the tradition with the newest Bigg’s Diner!

More about my Bigg’s Diner Daet Experience here.

After eating lunch more food again, time for dessert!

We went to the Daet Food Producers Association production headquarters and got to learn how exactly they produce their famous pasalubongs.

They showed us how they made the PiliPIÑA Pie and got to try it for ourselves.

The best things in life are free and one of it, I can include, is Bagasbas beach. A lot of beaches today are not free anymore; we need to pay the mandatory entrance fee, but not here in Daet. The beach is free for everyone to swim! That’s what I love about Bagasbas, now you can make your strolling along the beach, a daily habit.

Some of my co-bloggers got the chance to learn basic surfing from White Wave Hotel Bar and Restaurant. While some of us took photos of our co-bloggers learning how to ride with the waves. I also had a chance to have a short photo shoot with Jamie for an outfit post.

Check out the complete set of photos I took of Jamie Here.

After an afternoon from the heat and waves, the next stop on our date was Kundalini Healthy Cuisine which serves refreshing and healthy smoothies, teas and delicious cuisines. Kundalini is the natural energy of the self that nourishes and awakens it. This is the place for those seeking a healthy but tasty alternative.

More on my Kundalini Healthy Cuisine experience here

Pineapples of Daet

Our next destination, pineapple farm! We got to experience how to pick the right pineapple, peel off the skin and eventually devouring it.

Daet’s Pineapples are juicy and one of the sweetest pineapple in the world.

Last stop for the day on this wonderful experience was the house of our host the Mayor of Daet himself, Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion. We toured his house which was filled with pineapple displays all around. He also dedicated a room for his collection of pineapple.

We can all say he is not only Daet’s mayor but also the “Pineapple King of Daet!"

Mayor Tito told us-- his entire guests should touch this pineapple statue which gives good luck. The first thing that came out of my mind; quick hold it and let’s make taya sa lotto! Haha!

After showing us his collection of pineapple. We ate dinner which was prepared by Mayor Tito Sarion’s Family. It was a night of food and karaoke at Mayor Tito’s house.

photo from www.elaljanelasola.com

After the Dinner and Karaoke I stayed the night at Jamie’s house while my co-bloggers stayed at the Pineapple Island Resort. The resort features newly constructed buildings for more guests and pools which are good for kids and adults. One thing good about the pools-- it has slides, who doesn't like slides? Kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy having a splash or two. The Resort also houses a pineapple plantation where Daet’s signature sweet pineapples grow. Boating, a fishing lagoon and a butterfly garden are also present at the resort.

Well that was my first day in Daet. I got to discover new restaurants to come back to and experienced more than what I bargained for. My Date In Daet was jam-packed with surprises and happiness. More discoveries to come in Daet as it progresses to become another must go in Bicol. Will definitely return to Daet to see and share more about what I can learn from the people.

Check out my second day post of my Date In Daet, The Bloggers Getaway.

Watch my Date In Daet Video!

Date In Daet 2014 from Nick Pahati on Vimeo.

Wait! Did I mention that the Pinyasan Festival is just around the corner? Daet celebrates its 22 years! Come and join me on the 15th-24th of June, for the complete schedule of activities click here.

DATE IN DAET (#DiD2014) is tourism advocacy campaign organized by Apple Allison of SoleSearchingSoul.com in partnership with ChoosePhilippines.com, supported by DigitalFilipino.com and co-presented by the Local Government Unit of Daet

headed by Mayor Tito S. Sarion under the Daet on the DOT Program.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS:

Accommodation - pineapple island resort - daet / Pineapple Island Resort - Daet, Camarines Norte

AM Snacks - KICK Milk Tea

Lunch - Bigg's Diner Daet SM Hypermart Branch

PM Snacks - #Kundalini Healthy Cuisine

Dinner & other arrangements - Mayor Tito SarteSarion & LGU #Daet

Breakfast & Boat ride to Apuao Islands - LGU Mercedes

Lunch - COP

PM Snacks - Alvinos Roast, Grill & Fry

Dinner - Chef Mama

Yummy Goodies & Gift Packs - Jannah'sPasalubong