A Hotel, A Restaurant, A Wavepool Under One Name: Emar’s

Tucked away in the unassuming community of Times Beach at the Matina Aplaya is a resort that comes across as an oasis in the otherwise simple, down-to-earth area. Emar’s Hotel, Wavepool, Restaurant, & Beach Resort, as the name thoroughly states, gives Times Beach a jolt with its relatively upscale offerings. Their tagline says, “Luxury, Pleasure, [...]

Wakeboarding in Davao

When you suddenly find yourself aching to stretch some muscles and have some serious water-fun under the sun, the city of Davao will never disappoint. From long pristine shores to varied water sports to epic water slides, the city also boasts of indoor facilities that exhibit pools of Olympic proportions. And when you thought that [...]

Absolutely An Adventure

Haven’t you thought of flying pretty much like your favorite superheroes? Well, an adrenaline pumping experience such as that is possible as the urban city of Davao recommends some new and must-try adventures for the young, corporate and civic groups. Branded as the home of the longest and fastest zipline in Asia (the Xcelerator Zipline) [...]

The Captivating Wonders of Mount Hamiguitan

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 Philippine Eagle — 19 Years After

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 [...]

Bonsai Forest: Backpacking As Giants

The municipality of San Isidro, which is the smallest town in Davao Oriental, is not only known for its miniature land area. It also owns a Bonsai Forest with 16 species of century old trees that stand 1 foot to 5 feet tall covering an area that spreads to almost a thousand hectares with an [...]

Kadayawan For Dummies, Part I

This article on Kadayawan is contributed by a Davao-based Internet writer who goes by the pen name Dabawenyong Robot. Myth: The Kadayawan Festival is all about those pretty flowers, fresh fruits and tireless street dancing. Fact: The Kadayawan Festival is actually a tribute to the indigenous people of Davao City. The flowers (showcased via the [...]

Summertime Is Beach Time in Davao

Most people would agree that summertime is best spent on the beach — swimming, snorkeling, or getting your skin colored under the heat of the sun. For us here in Davao, the best place (or beaches) to be is to jump out of the city’s land mass into the nearby island: The Samal Island. Falling [...]

The Davao Region

When people talk about Davao, they usually mean the Davao City. But did you know that there are three more Davao provinces? Yes, they are the Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Add the province of the Compostela Valley and you get a larger land mass known as the Davao Region. Just [...]

Kadayawan Festival in Davao

Davao City gets over-crowded with visitors on three important occasions: Christmas Seasons – when everyone wants to know how everyone’s doing in Davao. Araw Ng Dabaw – the founding anniversary of Davao City Kadayawan Festival – A Thanks Giving turned into a Festival. Madayaw! It’s a simple word signifying warm greetings from Davao. Madayaw! is [...]