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Kadayawan Festival 2009: The Fever Continues

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The South’s most extravagant and celebrated festivity is here again and once more Davao City will unravel the very reasons why it is considered a land of bountiful harvest and melting pot of people of diverse backgrounds.

The streets will once again show the colors, the sights, the sounds and the experience of Kadayawan sa Dabaw. This week-long annual festival speaks of the beauty of the Dabawenyo culture that made name throughout the globe and earned the admiration of millions.

From exquisite ethnic crafts, exciting destinations, beauty and glamour of the waling-waling and the majestic Philippine eagle — these and more is what Davao offers to local and foreign tourists and visitors who would take the time and have a glimpse of this cultural haven.

What To Expect In Kadayawan 2009

17th August. This year’s celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw has the same texture and appeal that made the former celebrations a thing to keep on coming back to for many tourists. On the opening day August 17, the celebration will feature Davao’s best fashion designers and creations at the Gaisano Mall in “Moda Mindanaw“.

18th August will as ever be exciting with an exhibit of Indigenous People’s photos to be shown in Hulagway sa Kaliwatan at the Museo Dabawenyo with the festival’s grand opening at the People’s Park during the afternoon followed by the Indigenous People’s Festival Opening themed “Lumadnong Kasaulogan” at night.

19th August. A thorough peek into the lives of the tribes will compose the whole day of August 19 with an exhibit of their crafts and traditions at Rizal Park that will last until the 24th, while beauty and brains continue to battle at the Search for the Hiyas ng Kadayawan during the evening to be held at the CAP Auditorium in Anda Street.

20th to 21 August. The World Music Competition will be staged August 20 at the NCCC Mall of Davao in Matina. SM City Davao will be the host venue for the World Dance Competition which will be staged the following day.

22nd August. The traditional Davao River Festival will be held on August 22 after which fashion designers will again set ramps on fire with Moda Minadaw’s Fashion Night in the evening at the Venue or music lovers may find the Evening Tugtogan at Rizal and People’s Parks more interesting.

23rd August. The popular Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan or the Street Dancing Competition will take place August 23. “Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” has been flocked by people because of display of Davao’s rich culture depicted in colorful costumes and feisty music in which performers turned the highway to a dance floor despite the heat of the midday sun or haste of falling rains.

24th August. Beautiful and colorful floats will parade the street on the 24th with the Floral Float Parade and Competition dubbed as “Pamulak sa Kadalanan“. The festivity will be concluded with Mayor Rodrig Duterte’s free concert treat for the people.

Suggested Davao Hotels

In preparation for this momentous event, hotels, inns and suites have prepared the best for every visitor and are more than willing and ready to give you the care like you have never been far from home.

The Marco Polo Hotel. You may try the most luxurious hotel in Davao, The Marco Polo Davao — with its world class hotel service, amenities and facilities that is sure to give you the best of staying in Davao. Marco Polo is located at corner Roxas Avenue and Claveria Street and is the best place to witness the happenings, even when you are just inside your room.

The Waterfront Insular Hotel. If you want to enjoy the celebration but opt to stay away from the noise during the night to give you a more relaxing rest, try the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao at Lanang. They have the same amenities and facilities that are truly world class.

Other Small Hotels: Las Casitas, La Anclar, Microtel Inn and Suites

Staying in Davao for the Kadayawan festival does not have to be that expensive. If your budget is tight but still want to experience the thrills of the festivities, there are inns and suites that offer comfortable stay in less the cost. You may try Las Casitas along Rizal Avenue or La Anclar Hometel in Bonifacio and there are a lot more.

Another spot where big activities for the festival will be held is at the Damosa Gateway. Concerts, live band performances and night parties will be held there — the best for all the party people out there. If you wish to be stay at the Damosa Gateway, you may try the excellent service being offered by Microtel Inns and Suites, the best place to stay for young professionals and tourists who want a modern experience in Davao.

These exciting activities could only be seen and experienced in Kadayawan, so step in to Davao and indulge yourself with the Kadayawan fever.

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This Kadayawan Festival 2009 article is written by Matt Regis.

Let’s Get Physical

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For the adventurous traveler, there’s no better drug than a dose of adrenaline rush. Consider Davao City as your one stop shop not only for savvy and exquisite activities – more than that, Davao also offers the extreme. This time around, let’s look at what you can do while in town to get your adrenals pumping hard, and make your trip a truly unforgettable one.

Hike (and bike) your way to the heavens

If at one point or another, you’ve researched about Davao City, chances are, the highest peak of the Philippines that is Mt. Apo have come to your knowledge as well. Also, there’s a big chance of that knowledge spurning your dreams of conquering peak after peak after peak.

If you’re a newbie climber wanting to experience the Mt. Apo climb once and for all, this is one big leap for you. For experienced climbers, the climb never fails to offer good recreation — a clean environment, pristine flora and fauna, wonderful views. Either way, whether you’re a novice or a pro, climbing Mt. Apo is a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But it’s not only Mt. Apo that’s worth trekking in the region. Davao City is also home to immaculate forests and eco-parks. Of course you might have come across the name Malagos Garden Resortwhere you can find indigenous plants and animals at their healthiest. You can also hike or bike around Samal Island, Eden Nature Park, the Kapatagan Trail, or perhaps Davao’s entire third district. Wherever you go, you’ll greet the green and just keep on going!

And if you’re tired of walking and pedaling, how about flying? Try zip-lining! A number of resorts such as Eden and Camp Sabros in Kapatagan, Digos are offering this really exciting ride. So, prep your lungs and shout out loud when you’re riding the air while you’re hanging on a line.

Davao Traveler Tip 1: Just as the responsible mountaineer’s credo says, we’d appreciate it if you take nothing by pictures and leave nothing but footprints. And, of course, come back when you have the chance.

Davao Traveler Tip 2:Come September 2009, a group mountain climbers has organized a team and inviting every adventurer to conquer the Mount Apo. For details, please visit this link.

Water Adventures

Under the sea…
under the sea…
Darling it’s better,
Down where it’s wetter
Take it from me

I just can’t help but sing that song whenever I think about Davao’s rich waters. And no, Davao’s water isn’t only one of the world’s best when it comes to potability, it’s also world class when it comes to recreational value.

Go snorkeling or underwater diving in the Davao Gulf, where the coral gardens are still young yet already blooming with beauty. Just as the Davao Gulf is filled with a lot of “dive-stinations”, Davao also has a number of dive shops to cater to your underwater needs.

For the lovers of speed and power, Samal Island resorts offer a variety of water sports for your total fun under the sun experience. Speed boats, banana boats, jet-skis, name it, and they probably have it. Or if you want to relax, why not rent a boat and tour the gulf and Samal’s resorts for a whole day? That should be fun.

If those weren’t extreme enough for you, then white water tubing and kayaking should push you towards the edge. Tube the rapids of the legendary Davao River and feel the thrill of speed, and the rush of turning and twisting while maneuvering the rocks. If this doesn’t make you shout your lungs out, rinse and repeat – just have fun as much as you can.

Davao Traveler Tip 3: Although these activities are monitored by professionals who will be always there for your safety and comfort, watch out for your kids. Also remember that some activities may require a minimum age limit of 9 years old, a signed waiver, and a lot of guts (the last one shouldn’t be a problem, right?).

Be the Tiger of Davao’s Woods

If you didn’t get that, it means we really want you to become one of the world’s best. And while in Davao, you can practice your strokes in the city’s beautiful golf courses. While the view is breathtakingly relaxing, the courses in the city are never short of challenging. Two of the must visit courses in Davao are the Davao Golf and Country Club, and the Ranchos Palos Verdes. Year in year out, these two courses attract golfers from all over the Philippines, even ones from outside the country.

Davao Traveler Tip 4: If you weren’t born to play golf, don’t fret – Davao is never short of sporting activities to cater to your athletic needs. Basketball courts all over the city can be rented on a per hour basis for you and your friends. You can also play beach volleyball and Frisbee in Samal. And for lovers of football, you don’t have to go far from the city. You can visit the Tionko field in Quimpo Boulevard for a day of kicks under the sun.

So there you go, another feature on what you can possibly do while in Davao. Tune in again next time for more of these. Hopefully, you’ll experience these things yourself.

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Let’ Get Physical is written by Randolph Reserva

The Wanderful Davao

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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.

5 Things You Ought to Know When You’re Davao-bound

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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.

The Captivating Wonders of Mount Hamiguitan

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Have you ever seen a Bonsai (pygmy) forest? Well, there were only a few places where it can be found. The province of Davao Oriental is lucky enough to have been blessed with such a captivating wonder of nature. As a matter of fact, Davao Oriental is home of the country’s largest pygmy forest – The Mt. Hamiguitan. Indeed, it is mother nature’s gift to the Filipino people! Not only that, Mt. Hamiguitan offers many wonderful sites and can truly give the best destination and satisfaction to the adventurers visiting the province of Davao Oriental.

Mt. Hamiguitan has a height of 1,620 meters with a total land area of 6,834 hectares. It is located in Sitio Tumalite, Brgy. La Union, San Isidro Davao Oriental. This majestic wonder proudly stands at 5,345 feet above sea level and looks like a huge vegetable garden in the middle of the jungle. Its vicinity holds one of the most diverse wildlife population in the Philippines, a sanctuary of rare and exotic birds, such as the famous Philippine Eeagle. It is also the home of impressive flora of 878 species, such as Nepenthes which are endemic to areas like Nepenthes Peltata. It is home to eleven endangered vertebrate species.

Bonsai Forest

Not only that, Hamiguitan also has the vast of 600 hectares old century Bonsai Forest. This vast field of about two to three feet tall, century–old trees covers almost 1,000 hectares of Kapatagan Valley. From afar, the Pitcher plants and ferns as well as mossy patches will dominate the view. Unsurprisingly, it was being recognized as a heritage site.

Tinagong Dagat

And, here is more: Have you heard of the mysterious Tinagong Dagat? If not yet, that proves that it is indeed mysterious. “Tinagong Dagat” roughly translates to “Hidden Sea” in the English Language. It is actually a lake lying deep into the uninhibited mountain. The lake is reported to have high-tide and low-tide schedules. Amazing, isn’t it?

Mountain Adventurers, Welcome

Mt. Hamiguitan is also a favorite campsite of local and foreign tourists, mountaineering or plain adventure-seeking people! It has also received a lot of media attention lately. Popular TV Shows like Rated K and Magandang Gabi Bayan have already featured the Mt. Hamiguitan. It had also been reported that medicinal plants have the potential to cure cancer were discovered in the mountain.

Experience the world of paradise being on the top of the Hamiguitan. From the peak of mountain one can see the breath-taking view of the Pujada Bay, Sleeping Dinosaur, Pacific Ocean and Davao Gulf.

Leaving Hamiguitan, you’ll feel awed with the beauty of the mountain that you can treasure forever.

It is Davao Orietal’s optimistic dream to include Mt. Hamiguitan in the World Heritage list.

Mount Hamiguitan in Magandang Gabi Bayan

Here is a 3-series short video snatched from YouTube featuring the Mount Hamiguitan in ABS-CBN’s Magandang Gabi Bayang program.

If you are adventure-seeker, this video might give you an idea on what to expect climbing the Mt Hamiguitan.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

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This article is contributed by Cristine Faith Andan. Cristine hails from Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The Philippine Eagle — 19 Years After

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I guess I was lucky to have visited the Philippine Eagle Center some 19 years ago in 1990. Back then, we were high school students doing the usual field trip to the city. It appears to me that the Philippine Eagle Center was a favourite attraction for students doing field trips in Davao. It’s still true this time around as it was when we were in high school.

From what I can remember back then, the scientists at the Philippine Eagle Foundation were still experimenting with techniques for artificially reproducing an eagle from parent eagles in captivity. The daunting task results from the fact that a mature female eagle can only lay a single egg in a year. That is, if she’s lucky enough to have found a male eagle in the wild who is equally, madly in love with her. Having a hard time reproducing its kind coupled with the destruction of their natural habitat caused the Philippine Eagle to become endangered as a species. For someone with a curious brain of a child, that could lead to a lot research work in the library, especially during the time when Internet was as strange as the UFO.

Long story short… Finally in 1992, the first Philippine Eagle conceived by artificial method successfully saw light. The baby was named Pag-asa, a Filipino word for hope. The success of Pag-asa has inspired the scientists to perform a series of successful experiments along that line.

The Second Coming

I was finally back to the Philippine Eagle Center last December 2008. (You might say this article is a little late. Better late than never, as they say.) It’s funny how a lot of things have changed while a lot also remain the same.

The old wooden house (visitors’ lounge) where we had a video film of the Philippine Eagle was not there any longer.

The lonely crocodile is still lonely in his cage surrounded by seemingly centuries-old trees. I’m not sure if I am older than the croc, but I believe both of us cannot be trusted. Has grandma ever told you not to trust anyone above 30? I maybe in my early 30’s and the croc… I don’t know. But a croc is always a croc regardless of the age. You just don’t wait for grandma’s advice to not touch its sensitive skin.

There are monkeys, eagles from other countries plus a host of other Philippine Eagles raised in captivity… But, hey, don’t you think they should be freed in the wild? Hmmm… I guess, they are there for a reason other than just for you and me to view.

The Third Coming?

I really missed the place. I don’t know when I am going back again nor do I know what to expect in my Third Coming. But for those who haven’t been to the site yet, I would personally invite you to come and visit the place, which is located in Malagos, Calinan, Davao City.

Here some of the recent photos taken during my last trip to the Philippine Eagle Center:

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This article is written by Carlos Velasco. He is responsible for running this website and most of its contents. Carlos runs a web development company in Davao.