Come and join this adventure of a lifetime and enjoy new and captivating ranges of vision in Sta. Cruz such as Cabarisan Hanging Foot Bridge, Jugapong Falls, Tudaya Falls, Tinikaran Holding Camps, Bagobo-Tagabawa Cultural Communities, Mount Apo Boulder Face, Summit and Lake Venado.

Registration fee is only PhP 1,800.00 and includes:

1. Transportation from Davao City to Jump Off-Point and from Exit Point to Davao City
2. Climbing Permit
3. Exit Fee
4. Guide Fee
5. Certificate
6. Activity I.D.
7. SOUVENIR T-SHIRT

NOTE: Maximum of 30 slots will be accommodated on a First-Come-First-Serve basis.

If the adventurer in you feels like joining, get in touch with the mountaineers-organizers for inquiries and reservation:

Engr. ALBERT C. GABRIEL
MCTCA Vice-Pres for ECO-TOURISM
Sta. Cruz Tourism Office
Cel # 0919-3142117
e-mail: gaboskimsurf@yahoo.com

Mr. JULIUS R. PANER
LOGSAC President
Sta. Cruz Tourism Office
Cel #0920-8567991
e-mail: trekjulpanz@yahoo.com

Here is the second and final installment of an article on Kadayawan Festival. This article is contributed by a Davao-based Internet writer who goes by the pen name Dabawenyong Robot.

Did you know?

Formerly a Kadayawan staple, the Bagobo Horse Fight has been scrapped off the Kadayawan calendar in recent years. It is widely believed that the event was shelved because several activists protested the idea of horses fighting and maiming each other in front of thousands of spectators.

During its active years however, the horse fight was easily one of Kadayawan’s most popular events. It was usually held near the AGRO grounds right along Bolton bridge. Oddly enough, it was notorious among townsfolk not because of the sight of horses slugging it out with each other, but rather because in many instances these restless horses end up kicking their cruel human handlers. Ouch.

***

Hiyas Ng Kadayawan

What’s a Kadayawan festival without the search for its Hiyas?

Last year’s search for Hiyas ng Kadayawan saw a total facelift in the mechanics of the pageant. Gone were the days when the criteria for the Hiyas and Mutya ng Dabaw were just almost the same. Also gone were the days that even male contestants could join in and march around the stage. Instead, we have intelligent and beautiful women representing each of the 10 indigenous groups, vying for the Hiyas crown. And it feels just right that way.

***

Fruits, fruits and fruits.

The month of August also happens to be the time of ample harvest here in Davao. So expect lots and lots of fruits here in the city during the Kadayawan Festival. Durian, Mangoes, Papayas, Watermelon, Lanzones, Mangosteen, Pomelos and the like… Davao has them all. Lots and lots of them actually.

***

Closed Entry Points

Certain roads in downtown Davao will be closed during the Floral Float Parade and the Indak-Indak. The roads usually closed are the intersections right along San Pedro street. So if you want to watch the Indak-Indak showdown just right outside the San Pedro Cathedral, you’ll have to park your car somewhere near the closed entry points and walk the walk.

***

Anyway, that’s all for now. Unless dummies like you and me suddenly disappear from the surface of the earth, we’ll be back to give you more.

Madayaw Dabaw!

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 “Floral Float Parade”), fruits (oh so abundant in August) and street dancing (called the “Indak-Indak sa Dalan”) are connected to these people and therefore serves among the many highlights of the festival.

***

Official Kadayawan press releases and articles are notorious for being too well-written, too deep, too rhetorical. Try reading three well-worded and vocabulary-testing paragraphs from these articles, and then tell us with a straight face if you get the idea right away.

If the answer is NO, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We feel that way, too. Thus we’re writing up this little sham of an article for dummies like us. And you.

Our aim is to let you understand the very basics of Kadayawan in the simplest, clearest way we can… heck we might even share a tip or two. Or maybe not.

Oh well, enough with that already. Let’s get on with the bloody thing.

***

The annual Kadayawan Festival is one of the major events in Davao City, along with the Araw ng Dabaw. The latter celebration is a tribute to the city and the Dabawenyos in general.

This year’s festival will be held from August 18-24. However, some official Kadayawan-related events such as the AGRO Industrial Trade Fair (slated for August 8-31) and Kaan Dawet (starts August 17) will be held beyond that timeframe.

***

The Kadayawan is a week-long celebration here in Davao City and features several events. Some of the events are way up in terms of grandiose, while some are rather of the solemn type but nonetheless as important.

The official Kadayawan events are those being conducted by the Kadayawan Committee. The Indak-Indak Parade is one, the Floral Float parade is another. The non-official events on the other hand, are conducted by outside sources but acknowledged by the Kadayawan Committee. The Kadayawan Fun Run by the Davao Sunday Runners Club Inc is an example of a non-official Kadayawan event.

Madayaw!

You will most likely encounter this term often during the festival. Madayaw is often USED to convey goodness, beauty, and marvel. So when someone says Madayaw Dabaw, he means to say: “Davao is great and wonderful!”

***

The following are just some of the official events that are often considered as Kadayawan’s main attractions, especially for tourists looking to experience something unique and “truly Dabawenyo”. Now bring out the notes and jot these down.

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (Other variants of the name include: Indak-Indak sa Da’n/ Indak-Indak sa Dalan) - Street Dance Parade and Competition.

Pamulak Kadayawan - Floral Float Parade Competition.

Dawow: Tubod sa Kasaysayan - Davao River Festival

Tunog Mindanaw – World Music Festival

Moda Mindanaw - Fashion and Floral Design Competition

Sayaw Mindanaw - The Mindanao Dance Competition

***

Aside from the events listed above, there will also be lengthy showcases featuring each of the recognized indigenous groups in the city. This is called the “Lumadnong Bantawan”. This event will be held at both the Rizal Park and People’s Park.

The indigenous groups that shall participate in these activities are:

• Tribong Ata Manuvu
• Tribong Kalagan
• Tribong K’lata
• Tribong Maguindanao
• Tribong Maranao
• Tribong Matigsalog
• Tribong Sama
• Tribong Tagabawa
• Tribong Tausug
• Tribong Ubo-Manobo

The New Kadayawan Commercial (see Kadayawan 2008 video, above) features representatives from each of the ten groups. If you want to personally see more about these tribes, you already know where to go.

***

Indak-Indak and the Floral Float Parade

The two big parades of the festival are often held during weekends. This year’s Indak-Indak Parade will be held on Saturday, and the Floral Float Parade on Sunday.

The Indak-Indak has two main components. The first is the street parade, where performers groove it up while parading along selected points of the city. The second is the showdown, where the very same people perform on the same venue, which has traditionally been San Pedro Street. The parade normally takes place in the morning, the showdown from the afternoon to evening.

The Indak-Indak is wildly popular because of the distinctively Mindanaoan beat and costumes. Several tourists come to Davao to watch hundreds of people dancing with vigour in the streets, clad in their native attire and carrying extravagant props that would give Hollywood studios a serious run for their money.

The Floral Float Parade on the other hand, is a showcase not only of the best flowers and orchids that the city has to offer, but also brilliant Dabawenyo minds that never cease to run out of incredible ideas. Want to see giant replicas of animals the size of a truck made up of nothing else but flowers? No problem. Go watch the parade and you will see one.

***

In Part 2 of this article, we will touch on some other related topics like the following:

• Bagobo Horse Fight
• Hiyas Ng Kadayawan — sort of a search for beauty and brains
• Fruits (literally) of Davao

So please hang on tomorrow for the second installment of this series.

For the really, really first time visitors to Davao, assuming you don’t know someone here who can be your tour guide, it’s best to try the following tour packages from Kahsan Tours.

TOUR PACKAGE #7: SHOPPING TOUR WITH VISIT TO SPA

First stop is the famous Aldevinco Shopping Center. There you can change your Dollar, Euro, Yen, or some other acceptable currencies to the Philippine Peso, our local currency. Money Changers are all over the place and ready to do your Forex transaction in Davao. While at Aldevinco, you can shop around for Philippine native products like batik, intricately designed beads, colorful tubaos (head scarfs), abaca slippers, T’boli cloths and to other antique items. (Tip: Most items sold here are negotiable, so don’t be ready to accept the first price offer.)

After the Aldevinco Shopping Center, you will then check Tetel Tionko’s Shop. Tetel has carved a name in the European market for her delicately woven abaca cloth turned into placemats, table runners, throw pillo cases, blinds, wine holders, bags and other items. Just besides the shop is another shopping option with hand-painted jusi and pina blouses.

Then, off you go to Holiday Spa for some snacks from the kitchen of Chef Paddy and a soothing massage.

Tour Inclusions:
Aircon land transport with tour guide, snacks, entrance fees.

TOUR PACKAGE #8: EDEN NATURE PARK TOUR

Eden Nature Park is a mountain resort located at the foot of the Philippines’ highest peak, the Mount Apo. With its soothingly balmy atmosphere, a garden exploding with vibrant colors, a bird park, an enchanting forest and breathtaking view of the city, the Eden Nature Park is truly a must-see, must-experience destination in Davao.

And how about a buffet of organically grown vegetables for your lunch?

Tour Inclusions:
Entrance fees, buffet lunch at the park, aircon land transportation, tour guide, driver.

TOUR PACKAGE #9: DAVAO BY NIGHT

Experience Davao’s roaring night life. Pickup time is at 6:30 PM from your hotel. While taking dinner at the Taboan at the Matina Town Square, you will be entertained by some cultural presentations by Davao’s local artists. At 8:00 PM, you will have a coffee or after dinner drinks at Jack’s Ridge Restaurant for a breathtaking view of the city at night.

End the night with smiles and laughters as you proceed to Studio Onnie. There you will be entertained by Davao’s stand up comedians Tour Inclusions:

Tour Inclusions:
Aircon transportation, set dinner, entrance fee and drinks at Studio Onnie

Don’t forget to get in touch with the friendly staff of Kahsan Tour Travel Services. Call them up at 0063-082-225-4213.

In this second part, let’s explore the islands and see what Kahsan Tours has in store for you.

TOUR PACKAGE #3: ISLAND’S ULTIMATE BLISS

Take a dip or just get great tan at Isla Reta Beach Resort, Coral Garden, Isla Cristina, Fish Sanctuary or the Wishing Island. It’s all fun under the sun with lunch at the Pearl Farm. This package requires a minimum of 10 persons. Pickup time at the hotel is 7:30 AM.

Tour Inclusions:
Boat, service of a tour guide, user of five sets of snorkeling equipment, use of one kayak, refreshment, fruits and lunch at Pearl Farm.

TOUR PACKAGE #4: WILD WATER RAFTING

A day of exhilarating experience as you go down the rapids of mighty Davao River. Tour starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM.

Tour Inclusions:
Round trip transfers — hotel to Crocodile Park, RT Transfers from Park to jump-off site, packed lunch, experienced river guides and equipment.

TOUR PACKAGE #5: SCUBA DIVING

Get a chance to dive at the deep blue waters of the Davao: Davao Gulf-Ligid Island and Aundanao — considered to be the best diving sites in the region.

Tour Inclusions:
2 dives with Korean-, German-, or Japanese-speaking divemasters. Lunch will also be served.

TOUR PACKAGE #6: DAY TOUR OF PEARL FARM

This is perfect for those who are curious about the Pearl Farm Beach Resort. You’ve seen it on glossy TV commercials. You’ve probably read it in travel magazines. Now is your chance to visit the Pearl Farm Beach Resort, even for just a few moments. If you like it, you can always come back.

This particular tour package, the meeting place is the Marina Jetty in Lanang, Davao City. The boat leaves from Marina Jetty at 8:00 AM and leaves Pearl Farm at 4:00 PM on the same day.

Tour Inclusions:
Round-trip boat ride, welcome drinks, buffet lunch, free use of selected resort facilities.

There are more Kahsan Tour Travel Services to be featured in the next article. If want to try any of their tour packages, jot down the phone number now. It’s 0063-082-225-4213.

If that sounds like a good idea, reach for your pen and paper now and got down the contact number of Kahsan Tours — a travel agency that focuses on In-bound Davao Travel and Tour services around the city. You can reach them at 0063-082-225-4213 or via email at kahsantours[at]hotmail[dot]com. Take note of that number, because you will seldom see a travel agency offering in-bound travel services. (Most of the travel agencies here want you to go out of Davao, instead of come here to Davao.)

Listed below are some of the tour packages you can avail from Kahsan Tours.

TOUR PACKAGE #1: CITY TOUR

A great introduction to this metropolis! The tour starts at the newly renovated Davao Museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the colorful tribes of Davao: Bagobos, Mandayas, Kalagans.

Next stop is the Crocodile Park. Watch them at a close but safe range. Not only that, the Crocodile Park is also a home to orangutans, boa constrictors, rare birds, bear cats, ostriches, and colorful butterflies.

Your tour guide will then bring you to the Gap Farming Resort or the Japanese Tunnel Restaurant, Shrine Hills of the Holy Infant Jesus and the Jack’s Ridge Restaurant, where you will get a chance to view the whole of dowtown Davao from atop a mountain view.

From atop the mountains of Davao, you will then go back to the downtown area passing Davao’s popular landmarks like the San Pedro Cathedral, City Hall of Davao and a short shopping trip at the Aldevinco Shopping Center.

Tour Inclusions:
Aircon land transport, entrance fees, services of tour guide and other tour amenities like distrilled water or fruits in season.

TOUR PACKAGE #2: COUNTRYSIDE TOUR

Enjoy Davao’s pristine countryside passing through verdant farms as you find your way to the Philippine Eagle Breeding Center in Malagos. The endangered raptor us known to be the second largest in the world and reportedly there are only 500 left majestically soaring above the Philippine forest.

Next, the wonderful Malagos Garden Resort. Take a walk through its impressive collection of endemic plants and flowers, bird park and butterfly sanctuary or simply watch a race ostriches and horses.

Davao is known of its orchids. If you love those, you will love your final destination for this tour. At Sul Orchid Farm, you will have a chance to see a variety of orchid collections including the beautiful Waling-waling that Davao is most proud of.

Inclusions:
Aircon land transport, all entrance fees, snacks, services of tour guides and other tour amenities.

In Part 2 of this series, we will continue on the other tour packages offered by Kahsan Tours.

Why, yes of course if you include occasional breaks like picture taking, a little dip into the shores, tummy-filled lunch and some chit chat with friends.

How about actually doing it with a group of friends? You think it’s fun? If you happen to have attended the Strategic Planning Seminar last week, now is the time to put it into practice. Get your creative juices flowing. Sit down with your pen and paper and try to strategically plan a trip to the Samal Island this month of May.

If that sounds crazy, you can simply call the team at Wind And Wave Davao. They can assist you in your Island Tour Adventure and all. Take a look at what’s in store for you this month.

• Island Tour only PhP 399.00 inclusive of boat fare. This will be on May 25.
• Diving 101 - obviously, a diving lesson. Only PhP 999.00 inclusive of scuba gear and PADI dive instructor. This is scheduled for May 18.

Each activity comes with buffet lunch served with fruits. As a guest or participant, you will also get a personal copy of pictures and video in a single CD.

For more information, get in touch with Wind and Wave Davao at 082-305-3483. You may also send SMS to 0905-330-5045.

Falling In Love With Isla Reta

Davao Traveler’s pick for this summer is the lesser advertised (too bad) beach resort in Samal, or more specifically in Talicud Island. The name is Isla Reta. Now thanks to the Internet, the resort is getting its share of high-tech exposure.

Here is Isla Reta at a distance:

Got a few words to describe it? Here are some from those who have been there (including the author):

• Very clean, white sand
• Nice view of the mountain in front
• Secluded and very quite
• Perfect for snorkeling
• Peaceful and relaxing

Well, you can add yours on the comment of this article after you have visited the beach yourself. You will definitely like it there, just like the kids on the photo shown below.

If that is not enough, here is a short video of kids (former kids, I think) having their time at the Isla Reta enjoying the beach and each other’s company.

Some Tips For Isla Reta Guests

Isla Reta is some 30 to 45 minutes of motorboat ride from Davao City. If you intend to go there and be back in Davao on the same day, better make your trip to the place early in the morning. They have scheduled motorboat trip from the Magsaysay Wharf in Davao City. To be sure of the schedule, better get in touch with their staff over this line 082-234-7903.

There’s not much commercial stores in that part of the island. So it is advisable that you bring with you the necessary things and enough foods for your beach activities. Products coming from the city are more expensive there (think about the distribution cost) so take that into consideration.

You may also request the staff to cook for you for a minimal fee.

So, if you are thinking of going to the beach this summer, think of Isla Reta.

Mark your calendar on April 8 to 13. Yamaha Motor, a Japan-based motorcycle company known for its innovative motorcycle technologies will be coming here in Davao to showcase its latest offerings. The Yamaha Evolution 2008 will be at SM City Davao to give you a taste of Yamaha’s latest models like the Yamaha Mio Soul, Nouvo, Cryptin and Sniper.

And oh, if you have a valid driver’s license, this will be your chance to experience a test-ride of Yamaha motorcycles during the exhibit.

*********

Ambulance Services Needed

Yamaha is looking for a company offering Ambulance Services, which will be needed for up-coming the exhibit. If you are a company offering such services, please contact Yamaha representative immediately:

ANALYN TRINIDAD
Mobile: 0917-5404301
Landline: (02)634-4925, 636-4500

I was asked that question by a site visitor a couple of months ago. He said he was born in the Philippines, but is now based in the US of A for about 20 years already. Wheeewh! Funny how easily a native Filipino can forget that there are two ways of spelling that word.

Ahh… I remember Andrew Jackson, he said: “It’s a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.”

To the Davao Travelers: Dabaw is to Filipino (the language) as Davao is to English.

Got it? You should.

The month of March is when the whole of Davao will celebrate the Araw Ng Dabaw or Davao Day if you may. It’s actually just a single day event. To be exact, that’s on the 16th March. The entire schedule of events is available online. For everyone who will be there to celebrate the Araw Ng Davao, the city government has prepared some merry making events to spice up the day.

And since we are a nation crazy for boxing, all eyes will definitely be glued on the screen sets for the morning (Philippine Time) boxing match of the greatest Filipino boxer — sort of a living legend.

“Is it Pakyaw or Pacquiao?”

I bet, Andrew Jackson will have an easy way out. It’s just “Pacman”, st_p_d.