Archive for the 'Events' Category

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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It’s party time!

Yes, it is! As family and friends gather together during these holidays, sharing a whole bunch of laughter and stories amidst sumptuous meals and drinks, Christmas has almost become synonymous with the word party.

Food, drinks, games, gifts and more is what Christmas parties constitute every year making it one of the most anticipated activities as the year comes to a close. The very reason why it now becomes part of the Christmas traditions here in the country.

But like every happy, enjoyable and fun gathering, Christmas parties have to be planned carefully to satisfy the attendees’ party craving.

In holding a Christmas party, the venue is always one of the first things being considered and you will be glad to know that the most exquisite places to hold parties hast great Christmas offers for you.

The Marco Polo Hotel Davao

The towering Marco Polo hotel, the perfect party venue for people who has a quite bigger budget. Feel the Marco Polo party experience this Christmas as they offer an affordable Php 600 per person Christmas package with your choice of Western Buffet or Oriental Set menu. Nothing could be memorable than holding your party in the hotel’s function room with other offers to highlight your celebration such as their sing-along party equipment and admirable Christmas decorations.

The Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao

An alternative venue, far from the hustle and bustle of the city street is the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Lanang, Davao City. The entrance towards the hotel is already inviting, giving you the feel of Christmas Spirit with Christmas lights illuminating the pathway.

This year, the Waterfront also offers good Christmas packages with your choice of Php 450, Php 650, and Php 750 per person with wide array of meals to choose from. While its function room is best for parties, you can also try their garden tent for a more close to nature, outdoor party experience or their La Prilla Grill, Pirata bar or Vinta bar inclusive with an inhouse singer, pianist and videoke equipment. All of these are available with a 4-hour use of function rooms, sound system, decorations and dance floor.

Casa Leticia

For only Php 20,000 pesos, up to 70 people could enjoy an exclusive indoor party at Casa Leticia’s Toto’s Grill while 40 people could satisfy their party craving with only Php 15,000 at Sagay Ilongo at Casa Leticia’s Ecoland Branch. All these offers complete with TV with player, decorations, and standby waiters.

The Grand Regal Hotel

Four choices of Christmas package is available at the Grand Regal Hotel also in Lanang. Offers range from Php 440.00, Php 480.00, Php 520, and Php 560 per person package all with the use of well decirated function room, sound system, two-set menus to choose from and many more add-ons with complementary freebies.

Dencio’s Sa Hilltop

If you want to try other exciting venues, you may visit the Dencio’s at Hilltop or Jack’s Ridge both at Maa Diversion Road which offer a breath-taking sight of the city with its dazzling lights during nighttime. You may also try Jack’s Ridge specialties of the month like the delectable Hawaiian Pork Hamonado only available for the month of December.

The Pearl Farm Resort

Luxurious it may seem, but nothing beats a holiday over at the Pearl Farm Resort. Pearl Farm offers packages suited for families and couples alike. Their family package worth Php 15,000 for parents and 2 kids – 12 years old and below with the complementary use of the resort’s facilities. A Dream Honeymoon Package for couples worth Php 24,000 with lots of freebies.

BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark

If party guests love the waters, its best to try BlueJaz Resort and Waterpark located at the Island Garden City of Samal. If party means water adventure to you and your friends, the resort is perfect with its facilities like water skis, kayaks, wakeboards, waterslides and even zipline which now offers a panoramic view of Davao City. It also offers a wide array of international cuisine for you to choose from and enjoy. Blue Jazz now boasts to be one of the best resort destinations in the city.

K1 KTV and Music Bar

Love singing? Turn your party into a whole night singing and dancing spree with a lot of places to choose from here in the city. For one, there is the K1 KTV and music Bar at Prime Square in Torres St., which offers an exclusive KTV room for you to party on. World Palace along Quimpo Blvd. offers differently themed rooms for you to enjoy. This place is perfect for group of friends no more than 10 people.

Wherever you may hold your Christmas party, just keep in mind to enjoy every minute of it. After all, there are a lot of reasons to be merry this Christmas.

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There you have it, Matt Regis’s guide on the best places in Davao to hold your Christmas Party.

Imagine this: Six towering mountains all over Mindanao…. Eleven Mountaineering Groups… Each mountain climber determined to reach the peak.

“What to do there?”

Simple: Raise the Philippine Flag. That’s it.

“Are you nuts?”

Not for those mountaineering folks from the Philippine National Mountaineering Society. The group aims to gather the mountaineers all over the country to organize the biggest celebration of Independence Day in different Mountain peaks all “over the Philippines as a tribute to our fallen heroes in commemoration of their gallantry and struggle for our freedom.”

“Independence Day, you say?”

Yes my friend, at exactly 7:00 AM in the morning of June 14, 2009, a simultaneous flag raising ceremony will be done.

Now that’s one heroic and patriotic idea.

All Mountaineers Unite

So for those who want to participate in this big event you can coordinate to the Mountaineering Groups involved in this activity.

Here in Mindanao area, the following mountains will be conquered:

• Mt. Apo – Needs no mention, this is simply the highest of them all.
• Mt. Kitanglad – said to be the fourth highest mountain in the Philippines. This is located in Bukidnon Province
• Mt. Putting Bato – the highest peak in the nearby Samal City
• Mt. Talomo – this one is just in Davao, going farther up the Toril area.
• Mt. Magwawa – in Davao del Norte
• Mt. Katambad – somebody please tell me where this mountain is..
• Cliff Hanger Peak – do we really have this in Mindanao?

And the eleven Mountaineering Groups that will be joining the activity:

• MFSM (Mountaineering Federation of Southern Mindanao)
• TEAK (Telecommunications Ecological And Adventure Klab)
• LOGSAC (Local Government of Sta. Cruz) Adventure Club)
• SAVERS (Sta. Cruz Active Volunteers for Emergency & Rescue Services)
• MOSS (Apo Mountaineering Outdoor Sports Society,Inc.)
• MOSACA (Mountain Scaler Asian Club Adventure, Inc.)
• ADAMCI (Adventist Davao Mountaineering Club, Inc.)
• Care Group (Coordinated Action Responding Emergency)
• TRIMMOC (Tribong Mindanao Mountaineering Club)
• CALMOC (Calinan Mountaineering Club)

So, all mountaineers in the Philippines, unite! The date is one June 14, 2009, (Independence Day is June 12) but you should get in touch with your mountaineering group prior to that.

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This article is contributed by:

Engr. Albert C. Gabriel
MCTCA Vice Chairman for Eco-Tourism
Freedom Climb Coordinator for Mindanao