Archive for the 'About Davao' Category

For tourists all over the world, there are a lot of typical activities that one can participate in, whenever wherever. Let’s say, going to beaches in the area, or visiting landmarks and museums. And then there are kinds of activities that only a certain place can offer in their fullness. This time around, we’re going to discover the special activities Davao City can offer you tourists who are looking for something fresh and extraordinary. Here we go…

Public Transportation Fun: Riding with the King of the Road

Only in the Philippines would you find the “jeepney”. Before you go on criticizing the King Of The Road for causing the most traffic in the Philippine Streets, let’s at least hear his story, okay?

The legendary component of the Philippine public transportation system sprang forth from the war remnants of the Second World War. What used to be mean and green war machines from the United States are now the most accessible and most favored ride for the typical Filipino — with a lot of tweaks of course. Although the hood still looks the same, the jeepney is a long, well decorated version of the old American wheels of war. Of course there are a lot of variants, but do look out for that all-original old-school face. People also love placing a horse on the hood as if to say they’re not only mean, but also fast.

The thing about the jeepney is that when you’re inside, you might find how intimate people can get. After all, people flock this mode of transportation because it’s cheap and very much accessible. When in the city, crowding can always happen.

But since this article is all about the unusual way of wandering, jeepney rides would qualify as one of the must-tries when in Davao City and or in almost major cities in the Philippines. Because the jeepney is an all-around all-over-the-place mode of transportation, why not visit the countryside while riding one. Aside from traveling the roads less traveled, you can also rent one at a cheap price. And then, say hello to the off-road world, Filipino style. It never fails to get your adrenaline flowing!

Going Bananas

If you’ve eaten a very delicious banana in a faraway land (other than the Philippines, of course) before, chances are, you’ve eaten a banana from Davao. And yes, the region is one of the best when it comes to banana production and export. When you’re in the city, never miss out on the banana plantations in the outskirts of town. You don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate the richness of the Davao flora. This endeavor is not only educational, it’s appetizing as well as bananas come in cheap and fresh the way you always wanted them.

Davao Traveler Tip #1 :Now that we actually awakened the fruit lover in you, why not go and try other Davao fruits as well. Davao is known for being a fruit basket, and the abundance is all year round. Aside from the banana, you can also get tasty mangoes and pomelos, as well as the renowned king of all fruits, the durian.

The Japanese Connection

Old school Davao has always been special in a lot of ways. For instance, the city is a melting pot culturally — having had a lot of influences to draw from. So don’t be surprised if the city seems to be a bit Japaneesy. It just goes to show how the Japanese love this city. In fact, Davao was once known as “Little Tokyo” — even though it was actually bigger than Tokyo.

Aside from the evidences at the present, you can also walk the memory lane and see what the Japanese left as a heritage for the city. Not far from the city (about close to an hour’s worth of travel) are ancestral houses made by the Japanese for the Japanese; that is, the Japanese that once inhabited the city for business purposes. Also in some parts of Calinan (road going to Cagayan de Oro), are the Japanese memorial shrine, a cemetery for the Japanese, and a museum among many others.

The moment you go back to town, there are also Japanese funded schools in the northern side of the city. There’s also this Japanese grocery (which should make you feel warped to Japan in an instant). And of course, how can we forget food. The city has a number of authentic Japanese restaurants for your convenience and pleasure!

There goes another Davao City travel feature. We hope that on your next visit, you’ll try out these unconventionally cool travel plans. There’s always that special excitement in everything new. Davao is always a fresh source of travel fun.

See you around town!

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Wanderful Davao is written by Randolph Reserva.

Year in year out, Davao City (or DC, as I fondly call it) proves worthy of being considered as a strong contender in the tourism arena. Why so? Apart from the urban destinations found in the city, you also get the wonders that only a tropical paradise can offer in ample proportions – the best of both worlds, as they say. And since not all urban centers succeed to retain their “au naturale” look at its best, believe me when I say Davao City is truly one of a kind.

So why don’t you give the ailing traveler in you the chance to roam the world and see places? This time around, you better be in one of Asia’s most livable city. But before that, here are some things you might want to know before gearing up and taking off. They might just eventually convince you to visit us in the soonest possible time.

1. Flight Schedules

First things first; let’s talk about how you can set foot on Davao soil via the skyline. The Davao International Airport caters to both domestic and international flights round the clock, seven days a week. This world class airport never misses the buzz when it comes to bringing tourists to town, welcoming them with a view of a young airport of the future nested in between the beautiful greenery the city is in abundance of.

For domestic flights, all airlines fly daily to-and-fro Manila and Cebu.

For international flights, Cebu Pacific flies from Hong Kong to Davao every Tuesdays and Saturdays. The return flight (Davao to Hong Kong) takes off on Mondays and Fridays. Cebu pacific also flies the Davao-Singapore route every Mondays and Fridays. The return flight (Davao –Singapore) leaves DC on Thursday and Sundays.

Singapore Airlines also flies the Davao- Singapore as well as the Singapore-Davao airways five times a week (except Tuesdays and Fridays).

Davao Traveler Tip #1: There are hotel shuttle services waiting in the airport ready to take you to your hotel of choice once you arrive. Ask the airport staff and they’ll gladly lead the way for you. Also, check out our Davao Hotels section for more information on Davao City accommodations.

2. Festivalandia

Like every region in the Philippines, Davao City is home to wonderful festivities. Not to mention the many festivals celebrated by communities all over the city, DC is known for two nationally acclaimed festivals – the Araw ng Dabaw Festival, and the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

The Araw ng Dabaw Festival is celebrated every 16th of March. This city-wide festivity is highlighted by a number of events including parades around the city streets by bands, dancers, and socio-civic institutions. However, this event’s spotlight would probably fall brightest on the Mutya ng Dabaw. The Mutya ng Dabaw showcases the beauty and intelligence of a true blue Dabawenya. This is one of the most anticipated event (if not the most anticipated) every Araw ng Dabaw.

During the second week of August, Davao City gears up for the country famous Kadayawan festival. What used to be a thanksgiving ritual for fertility among the citizens of Davao has now become a national attraction, and is slowly becoming a world class sensation by gaining endless plaudits from the traveling population.

Apart from the famous street dances and parades, as well as the Hiyas ng Kadayawan (another famous beauty pageant), the Kadayawan also highlights the indigenous tribes who serve as the foundation of what is now a modern metropolis. That is why the Kadayawan has this rustic feel to it. Witnessing it would mean witnessing the beautiful beginnings of Davao through the show of customs and traditions.

Davao Traveler Tip #2: These festivals include a week long stretch of various side events. So come in to town about a week before the day of the culminating event. Also, during these fests, touring packages are at their best while their prices are at a discounted rate.

3. The Booming Flower

As much as the land is fertile and provides us with abundant harvest all year round, DC has also established itself as one of the cities for the future. With BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) and ITes (Information Technology Enabled Services) companies sprouting at a near frenzied rate in the area, the local economy is steadily experiencing booms (sonic-booms, to be exact). Sooner or later, everybody would want to jump in and ride Davao’s bandwagon to success.

With projects showing up as time goes on, it won’t be long until this city will become a go-to-destination when it comes to high tech business. So if you’re looking for a place to invest at the same time enjoy, don’t ever hesitate – visit Davao soon!

Davao Traveler says: Davao City is not only a growing field of science and technology, it also is a consistent player in the global import-export arena.

4. Dial 9-1-1

We love cities that offer us a sense of safety and security really well. That one factor sets Davao City as one of the best among the rest.

The city offers a centralized system of paramedical, fire, police, and other auxiliary services that can be contacted by dialing three numbers (I don’t need to say that it’s 911, do I?). With high-tech equipment such as the ECAD (Emergency Computer Aided Dispatch), highly efficient and professional staff, and state-of-the-art tools for the trade (i.e. ambulances and fire trucks), you never have to worry about getting help in case of emergencies.

Davao Traveler says of 911 : Unlike other cities in the world with the 9-1-1 system, availing the Davao version actually doesn’t cost a thing.

5. House Rules

Like every home away from home, there are some things you might want to get adjusted to once you step foot on Davao soil. For instance, DC strictly follows an Anti-Smoking ordinance. When in the city, smoking is illegal in public transportation, enclosed establishments and public places. However, establishments offer a designated smoking area if you need to smoke.

During big celebrations, including the New Year’s Eve, DC citizens follow a strict code known as the Fire-Cracker Ban. This code prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, sale and use of pyrotechnic devices as well as other similar devices and explosives. Don’t fret though. The celebrations are never dull even without explosions all around. After all, this ordinance was made for everyone’s benefit. And while the locals deemed it a little bit “uncomfortable” during the early years of the code, everybody now understands what good it has done to everyone’s welfare.

But house rules aren’t all about creating a limitation – they’re about the welfare of the general populace as well. And so Davao, being one of the most livable cities in Asia, has a number of codes that provide the city’s general populace the needed protection. Humanitarian codes such as the Children’s Welfare Code and the Women’s Code, and business related ones such as the Investment Incentives Code make the area a favorable environment for interaction.

For more information, visit Davao City’s official website at www.davaocity.gov.ph.

That’s it for now as another Davao feature comes to a close. We hope this one serves as a good guide for all you would-be Davao Travelers out there. Be sure to tune in regularly for the latest buzz around the hive.

Stay fresh everyone!

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Randolph Reserva sounds like a travel agent in this article. Maybe it’s because he loves the place so much to the point of knowing how to market it even without being a real travel agent.

Yes, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Together with the tinsel and holly beginning to line the shop entrance at malls, plus the Christmas carol crooning on the radio, you know very well that Christmas is finally here. We Filipinos don’t celebrate “Thanksgiving” but all the same, we have the Christmas to counter that one out. A time when broken relationships usually mend, scattered family puzzles of sibling rivalry and squabbling finally put to an end, endless parties, Thanksgiving for a good year and the reunions that make it all worthwhile.

Reunions is a vital part for every Filipino home mostly during Christmas, this is when family members and friends from abroad go home and spend Christmas with families. Family reunions always start off in the same way a shake of the hand, a kiss on the cheek a little small talk and finding out what each other has been up to since the last time we all got together.

Even with tight strings in budget, Filipinos make each Christmas memorable because we believe that Family is a binding force why Christmas should be celebrated in the first place. Reunions is a tool to bind family ties tighter, it’s like a mandatory thing, it’s like Christmas won’t be complete without it.

Even beyond family, parties and reunions is everywhere when you are a Filipino. Personally, I find every December an experience worth learning, as a host for corporate parties I am a living witness what each smiles of each employees mean. What persevere them to dance like crazy in front of their bosses and guests and what makes them hope each year. In most corporate parties in the Philippines, December is a merry month, one thing is slowly creeping into the consciousness of the great host of salaried employees in the country: the Christmas Bonus or the hand out the much awaited 13 month pay (13th month pay is required and mandatory by Philippine law (Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended that all rank and file employees, regardless of status, who have worked for at least one (1) month are entitled to receive 13th month pay), with that cash every December who wouldn’t thought of Christmas parties and merry-making?

But with the current economic crisis one should be a little like Scrooge to plan wisely, to celebrate Christmas without being too tied up with money. Afterall being with family is what Christmas is all about. Here are several places in Davao where families can spend time with.

1. People’s Park – Stringkingly enough this public venue may be too crowded at night, but it is a haven for families alike. People’s Park boast a wide array of ornamental plants, statuesque work of art, an unique roof building inspired from a fruit, Davao is most famous for the “Durian”. It also has a playground, nipa huts, grand fountain, water display and etc. It is a one stop place for people who want to have a merry Christmas with many people (mostly strangers from one another) to celebrate with. It is a cheaper version of a Noche Feast, afterall no one minds should you carry a picnic bag and bring any comfort food you like. People’s Park is an inexpensive alternative to celebrate Christmas. Trees are decorated with different shapes of lights of a variety of color, Santa Claus hanging on every tree and life-size gifts placed in every nook and corner of the park. Security is even more than secure, you can simply roam around the place without much thought of danger, several polices is lined up on the area to make the place secures and safe for park- goers.

2. Mana Davao – It started two years ago, but it was only last year that Mana created a stir in Davao. Mana is a one stop antique shop located in J.P. Laurel St., the annual Christmas decorations are even more popular than the product they sell. What makes people draw to the place is the oversized Christmas trees beaming with too many lights, you thought you’re in another planet. The place is an eye candy for passersby, who can’t help but stop the speeding car to take pictures. It’s lighted structure allows visitors to awe with the colorful combination of Christmas ornaments. It is a highly recommended place for people who worry too much of their light bills, but still want to witness a grandeur of lights, going to Mana is yet another experience worth to be doing this Holiday season.

3. City Hall – This is another cheaper version of Christmas bonding without doing much effort to please your family. You can take pictures all you want with your kids and the entire family. City Hall’s every corner boast colorful lights pasted on its structure and even the humongous trees sitting their for years. Colorful fountains of green, red and yellow makes you feel relax while sitting on the bench. If you don’t have a camera of your own, a photographer is on stand-by everywhere, for 20 pesos and 3 copies of 2 poses you can get a photo to frame it for your own personal memories. Food is no problem, a wide-array of street foods and at cheaper cost is a treat to every visitor, even for a budget of 100 pesos, you and your family can had the thrill of your life. Across the hall is a pandemonium of cheap gift shops, a mini Chinatown where you can buy for the family, everything and I mean everything you can think of. Every Christmas a free carousel ride and magic shows are showcased for everyone. If your family feel a little religious, one of the oldest Churches in the Philippines, the San Pedro Church, is only a few steps away.

4. Eden Resort – A long trip from home but for families with a much higher budget to risk, Eden Mountain Resort is the place to be, located at Toril Davao City. This one stop haven is a sanctuary for families who needed a more serene and quiet place outside the city. Its luscious greenery and animal kingdom is a truly captivating place to be in. The cold breeze of the mountain top, activities abound and the beauty is never-ending

5. Crocodile Park – The name is not something to run off with, I had my share of celebrating a Christmas once with my family here, some cousins were home for the Holidays and we thought an educational and fun place is what we need than stay home and listen to our Parents, Aunts and Uncle’s sing their heart out on karaoke.Boarding a much bigger vehicle to accommodate all us, we strolled the park and was awed by the natural habitat and the animals around. Some went running and shrieking after a tiny crocodile almost jump off the fence, a yellowish Phyton looks at you like he would break your bones and so many other creatures you can feast your eyes on. .Then you can check out a River Restaurant for your lunch and you cook a fish straight out of the fishing area. We also enjoyed a paintball game that we barely notice it was almost evening and we should hurry home. You can also check the Butterfly Sanctuary and be one with this exquisite winged creature, for 50 pesos you can enjoy the day with butterflies.

6. Malls – So you think spending Christmas is a bit of a bore, routinely been staying home for years? I had a change of routine that started a few years ago. After spending Christmas Eve with my family, I and some friends troop to movie theaters and feast our eyes on all Metro Manila Film festival Tagalog Movies, well until our eyes bleed and watch almost all the movies showing on that day. What started as a crazy bet became a Christmas tradition. And you can do that with your family too, afterall movies can make a family bonding worthwhile. Try it….its an awesome feeling!

But what makes Davao outstanding among all other cities in the Philippines during Christmas? Is the fact that there is less danger and threat to firecracker disasters. The sale, possession and use of all fireworks in the City are prohibited by City ordinance. Persons found in violation of this ordinance shall upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine or by imprisonment for a period of not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment. What started as a short-term ban, which infuriates some firecracker businessman, has become a big campaign pushing for a permanent, city-wide ban on so-called safe and sane fireworks and it has been a practice almost 12 years now.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, the author of the “No to Firecracker Movement” and insisted on it, drew a lot of praises and indifference from people alike. But for the Mayor whose objective is the safety of his people, he risked no effort in making it a Citywide law. The bigger problem caused by fireworks is not fire but injury. For all the “safe and sane” talk, surveys of hospitals show that, year after year, fireworks cause more than a third of fireworks-related visits to emergency rooms in Davao, in cases where the type of fireworks is known. Children and teenagers are by far the most common victims. I couldn’t agree more with Mayor Duterte, people of Davao would be better off doing without fireworks each year, especially if they live in brushy areas.

So you want to have a less danger zone environment and celebrate Christmas with natural fun and no fear? Davao is the place to go, truly an amazing experience.

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This “Christmas in Davao“article is written by Stephanie Morales.