The Islet @ Amandari Cove

Amandari Cove is a nature and swimming resort in General Santos City, Philippines. The place, more known to older people as Dacera Farms, had a major makeover early this year after new investors took over. The resort boasts of fairly large recreational pool areas for adults and children, as well as a half Olympic-size pool for swimming sporting events. It also features a restaurant, coffee shop, hotel and function rooms, picnic kiosks and sprawling grounds for party and other group events. "Amandari" means "peaceful spirits". The "Cove" in the name is probably lent by the presence of a large shallow pond at the back end of the resort where guests can have fun angling fish or riding flat-bottomed rowboats, or commune with its environs on a quiet morning. The pond itself has a unique feature - an islet off the middle connected to the nearest bank by a footbridge made of bamboo. I call it simply The Islet; but the resort staff have a different, rather curious name for it: Amandari Solo Island.

The Farm @ Carpenter Hill

This is the facade of the Japanese Courtyard hotel which is among the featured services of The Farm @ Carpenter Hill in Koronadal City, Philippines. I took this photo during the Photojournalism Workshop for Soccsksargen Bloggers in December 2009. The Farm @ Carpenter Hill sponsored the venue and food for the workshop and served as the subject and backdrop during the workshop's practicum.

The Farm @ Carpenter Hill is all of hotel, restaurant, garden resort, and events center rolled into one. It is situated in a 12-hectare expanse along the National Highway just outside the poblacion (center) of Koronadal City; and is fast becoming a destination for locals and tourists alike who want to dine, unwind or celebrate life in a fabulous manner. Its Japanese-themed villas and hotel, all set up with a touch of Zen, offer perfect accommodation for transients in Koronadal and South Cotabato. Within its spacious grounds are different venues that suit every type of occasion - from the Island Cottage and the Mini Conference Room for smaller meetings to the Japanese Hall, the Convention Center, and the Grand Gazebo for big parties. Gastronomes will not find The Farm wanting either as its Aviary Bar & Cafe and its Sushi Bar offer a diverse selection of food and drinks that satisfy even those with more discriminating tastes.

For bookings, reservations and other inquiries, one may visit The Farm's office along the National Highway, Barangay Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City; or call the following numbers: +63 (083) 228 1888 or +63 (083) 228 9010; mobiles +63 918 9210425 / +63 922 8489098

The Farm's Sushi Bar