Davao Travel Blog

Being in Davao City on a limited budget does not mean crappy lodging. St. Camillus Dormitel definitely gives the weary traveler a pleasant and affordable place to stay.

It is the Davao Dorm made better.

More often than not, as transients in the city, we would like to spend our time and money exploring the place or attending to what is necessary. At the end of the day, when resting and recharging is what we need, a cool and clean dormitel gets the job done.

St. Camillus Dormitel is located within the clean, green, and spacious grounds of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Bajada, Davao City. (SPMC is formerly known as the Davao Medical Center (DMC). But expansion and upgrades have made this state medical facility worthy of its new, more encompassing name.) The SPMC Cooperative Building houses the St. Camillus Dormitel, along with a foodcourt, a Chowking outlet, an internet café, and a beauty salon and spa. The necessities of a busy and stressful life all in one building give guests of St. Camillus an easy and comfortable residence. Moreover, trees and greenery in the parks beside and near the dormitel give refreshing air to balance living in a bustling city. One can choose to study, or hold small meetings, or just chill in the parks. A Holy Mass is celebrated daily at the chapel in the main SPMC building just a few meters away from the dormitel, for those of us who want to honor the Lord’s supreme sacrifice and seek spiritual strength and refreshment.

The region’s best doctors and medical professionals work in the SPMC (several of them live at St. Camillus) and are accessible from the dormitel, if ever need for medical attention arises. It is thus that your stay in Davao City is made more wonderful with lodging at St. Camillus.

Photos of St. Camillus Dormitel

Dormitel Capacity

St. Camillus Dormitel can accommodate 120 people in its 15 fully air-conditioned rooms equipped with double-deck beds, dresser, and cabinet.

Who Should Stay at St Camillus Dormitel And Why

This place is perfect for interns, reviewees, seminar and convention participants, and other transients. There is a lounging area with study tables, TV, and a snack bar highlighting Apo Natural Spring Water and Provida Sugarcane Juice for the enjoyment of the guests. Local and national newspapers are also provided daily to keep one abreast of current events.

Run by a kindly couple and friendly and efficient staff, St. Camillus Dormitel is a warm haven that previous visitors always return to. Sometimes, valuable relationships and friendships form in the hospitable atmosphere of the dormitel.

Ideas and information are freely exchanged by people who were previously strangers to each other. Students, artists, interns, lawyers, doctors, nurses, sales people, tourists, seminar participants, and many other transients have all found their way to St. Camillus and many of them have returned. They rave about the nice and clean accommodations, the very affordable rate, the friendliness of the management, and the convenience of the location. There are also others who have established temporary residence at the dormitel and pay monthly rates, apparently recognizing great value for money.

Affordable Rate

At the very friendly rate of PhP 180 / person / day, St. Camillus Dormitel can be a very pleasant home for you in Davao City.

Contact St Camillus Dormitel

For reservations and inquiries on your next accommodation in Davao, please contact St. Camillus Dormitel at:

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This article is written and shared by Vida Valverde.

The month of August translates to Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. Officially, the Kadayawan is a week-long event that, this year, started last August 16 and will commemorate on August 22 with the much-awaited floral parade. I said officially, because for many of us here in Davao, Kadayawan really spans the whole month of August. That means roughly 30 days of fun and excitement.

For first time visitors of the city, the Kadayawan also provides the best opportunity of getting a feel of what real Davao City can be.

So for visitors and locals alike, the single, common question is, “What can we expect in Kadayawan 2010?”

The short answer is, “A lot.” There are so many to be enjoyed in the city this month. Here are some for you to consider.

Cultural Events

The Kadayawan Festival was really started by the natives of Davao. (informally though, because there was no Powers-That-Be to formalize it yet.) The local folks noticed that the month of August was really the month of fruits, vegetables and overall bountiful harvest. Naturally, they gave thanks and attribute their produce to a Higher Being.

In other words, it is the festival by the natives that we modern Dabawenyos have taken to a whole new level to make it more formal – and lively. Still, the spirit of the event is there. And thanks to our local government, the natives of the land are being honored and recognized for their contributions during this event.

So remember: Kadayawan is a celebration of a bountiful harvest and it is also a cultural festival. In fact, the Kadawayan Festival will be highlighted with the following Cultural Events the festival has been known for:

• The Indak-Indak Sa Kadalanan — A street dancing show and competition. You’ll witness native dance steps accompanied by native tunes – all these while the dancers are taking the busy downtown roads of Davao; minus the jeepneys of course.
• Pamulak (A Floral Float Parade) — This one is considered to be the main attraction of the festival. Flowers and orchids in full bloom will be showcased in beautiful colors and decorative designs. Expect to see this on Sunday, 22nd of August.

Fun and Parties

Now, I know party people would consider all those Cultural Events as kind of boring. And sure it’s difficult to argue with them.

There’s only one thing that can fire the adrenaline alive: Party. Of course, this it would be boring indeed if the Kadayawan will not include such fun and exciting events.

Here’s something to consider for all you party peeps out there: SMART Concert — This will be on Aug 21, 8:00AM till 11:00AM at the People’s Park.

If you can’t go there because it’s a morning event and no party person ever parties in the morning, you can always visit any party place and bar at night-time. They definitely have something in store that blends with the Kadayawan Fever.

Not to be left behind, the malls around the city always have something to surprise you at these very times. From singing and dancing to shopping and dining, any mall in the city is definitely a way to go once you are here in Davao for the Kadayawan.

Fruits… More Fruits

Kadayawan is not without fruits all around the city. They come in abundance and at very affordable prices. For example

• Lansones at P 10 / kg
• Durian at P 20 / kg
• Mangosteen at P 15 /kg
• Rambutan at 20 / kg

Thanks to the bountiful harvest, that’s already the cheapest price these fruits can get. The other reason you would want to buy these fruits is they come at the highest (sweetest) quality during this season.

Shopping Galore

Speaking about malls, those from the nearby towns and cities already know that Kadayawan also brings with it the best in business deals. In other words, discount offers abound. Plus, competitions are just next to each you don’t even have to drive a car to compare prices and strike a deal.

I’d like to make special mention that there is currently a Horticulture Exhibit next to the SM Parking Area. For all you flower and orchid lovers out there, that’s the place to go.

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The Kadayawan 2010 is written by Carlos Velasco.

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Do you want to stay in a place where you can completely feel at home while visiting Davao City? Well, Red Knight Gardens may just be the place that you are looking for.

As an accommodation establishment that has served local and foreign guests in Davao City for more than a decade, Red Knight Gardens boasts of expertise in providing ideal accommodation services to its guests. Its experience in the accommodation business is enough for it to be considered as one of the most efficient accommodation establishments in the city. It is conveniently located in Guadalupe Village, Lanang, Davao City; only a few minutes from the downtown area. The place is also accessible to the most celebrated beaches in the city as well as top establishments there is. Its location is perfect for those who prefer for a serenely comfortable stay in the city but near enough to the heart of it.

Far from traditional hotels, inns and suites; Red Knight Gardens is designed to provide a home environment for its guests. The area is very quiet and is perfect for a relaxing accommodation. Looking around, you will see that the place is well kept to resemble a garden house with all the greens and flowers. The staff and personnel are very friendly and ready, at any time of the day, to cater to your needs. Your security is also guaranteed twenty four hours a day.

Rooms and Amenities at Red Knight Gardens

Red Knight Gardens has 23 fully furnished rooms and apartments with sizes that vary from studios to three bedroom rooms. All apartments are well cleaned to provide a very comfortable stay for guests. These are complete with modern amenities that spells utmost convenience and coziness. Room amenities include air-conditioner, bathtub, cable television, safe, telephone and a private bathroom. The rates are all inclusive of local telephone calls, daily maid service and tax, among basic inclusions.

Red Knight Gardens has a swimming pool which is best for cooling-off especially in the hot summer weather. There is also a bar and lounge that is great for few drinks and chitchat with friends and family members. Also, the establishment offers access to wireless internet facilities which is perfect for visitor’s business needs. The Red Knight Garden boasts of “home-cooked” meals prepared at their very own restaurant. The meals suit local and foreign tastes. Food available ranges from Western cuisine of pies and pizzas to local dishes like kinilaw and lechon kawali. Guests can also have a sip of the resto’s local and imported drinks, wine and spirits.

Room Rates:

Studio Suite = PHP 1,500.00

• Small kitchen
• Refrigerator
• Hotel Room type

One Bedroom Suite = PHP 2,100.00

• Large Living Room
• Large Dining room
• Separate Bedroom
• Kitchen

Two Bedroom Suite = PHP 2,600.00

• Large Dining Room
• Large Living Room
• Two Bedrooms
• Kitchen

Three Bedroom Suite = PHP 3,000.00

• Large Living Room
• Large Dining Room
• Large Kitchen
• Three (3) Bedrooms
• Master with en-suite bathroom

Truly, Red Knight Gardens offers guests with a feeling of being in a home away from them home.

Contact Red Knight Gardens

Red Knight Gardens
88, 8th Street, Guadalupe Village,
Lanang, Davao City

Telefax : 234-3408
Telephone : 234-8899, 233-0618, 300-1020

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This article is written by Matias Regis.