Durian

1. Durian at the Airport

Durian Sculpture at the Davao International Airport

If you are going to Davao via air travel, the Davao International Airport is your main entry point. As you try to stroll around the premises of the airport, right outside where people are waiting for their expected guess, you’ll soon find that spot where there is a sculpture of the famous durian.

Durian, of course, is a fruit known for its foul smell and good taste that grows in this part of the Asian region. Some foreigners say it smells like hell, but tastes like heaven.

I’m not sure what Kublai Millan (the artist who created this sculpture) is trying to covey with that work of art, but this very prominent piece can be counted as one of Davao’s architectural landmarks.

Could it be that the fruit is so abundant here in Davao?

Do you have any idea?

2. The Marco Polo Hotel

(Click here to book at the Marco Polo Hotel, Davao.)

When you say first-class accommodation in Davao that normally means being booked at the finest hotel right in the middle of the city: the Marco Polo Hotel. Take note that there are a lot of hotels in Davao offering first-class accommodations as well, but the site of Marco Polo makes it very advantageous for business travellers and others who consider accessibility of prime importance while staying in Davao.

Davao doesn’t have high-rise commercial condominium towers just yet — the highest I think is still the Landco Tower — and so the structure of Marco Polo can be considered one of the tallest buildings ever built in Davao. As a matter of fact, Marco Polo’s structure is very visible if you try to go up in high places in the City such as the Jack’s Ridge Restaurant and the Eden Nature Park.

Booking in Marco Polo Hotel Davao is a snap if you use a facility like the one implemented by HotelsCombined.com. The website list a number of hotels (big and small) in specific cities you are interested in visiting. One of good tools provided on the site is the price comparison feature. Click here to see it for yourself.

3. The Mt Apo

The Mt Apo

Talking about high places, the Mt Apo is know as the highest peak in the entire country. And yes, this majestic mountain can be seen standing tall as you direct your sight farther south especially in the earlier time of the day. For the nature lovers, this is a wonderful sight to behold.

Asides: f you are planning to climb the famous Mt Apo, there are three access points going there and all of them are outside of Davao City. It is best to hire the services of a competent tour guide, who is a true expert in the trails of that mountain.

4. Statue of David in Baywalk (Queensland Hotel)

David who?

David is a Biblical figure from whom the Renaissance artist, Michelangelo, derived his inspiration when he created this masterpiece. And no, we did not steal that sculpture from Italy. Ours is only a replica of that sexy figure.

Take a look:

The Statue of David in Davao

This famous structure has its share of praises and criticisms, but consider this: They say there are only four places worldwide where David’s statue can be found. Luckily, you can find one in Davao if you go to a place known as the Baywalk, which is just beside the Queensland Hotel.

The development of Baywalk (also known locally as the Seawall ) takes a somewhat slow pace. Once you are there at the site, you can’t find much interesting stuff to do or things to see, except maybe take pictures of David, the guy himself.

5. The Pearl Farm Beach Resort

(Click here to book a reservation at the Pearl Farm.)

The Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal some 45 minutes from Davao Unknown to many tourists and travellers, both foreigners and locals, this popular beach destination in the south is not really in Davao City. The hotel-resort is located in the nearby Samal Island, some 45-minute boat ride away from Davao City.

But people can’t help it. Pearl Farm is a brand in itself. When they think of a beach resort Davao, the first thing that props up is Pearl Farm.

If you are looking for luxurious beach vacation in this part of the country, book one at the Pearl Farm Beach resort.

If you have not heard of the Pearl Farm before, it is best to get an overview of the resort and read feedbacks from people who have actually visited the place. Click here to get such kind of information.

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This article is written by Carlos Velasco.

The best time of the year to satisfy your Davao fruits frenzy

When I attended the recently held 2nd Mindanao Catholic Educators Summit last August 19-21 at the University of the Immaculate Conception in Fr. Selga Street, a lot of the participants who came from different cities and provinces here in the South expected to have the best buys for fruits in Davao because it was then the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival week. The festival gave them the impression that fruits would be bought in lower prices since it is the season of harvest, but what the price tags that met brought a slight disappointment.

True enough, the Kadayawan Festival falls during the harvest season which is usually between the months of July to September. Three years ago, the “Kadayawan” felt the abundance of fruits like the revered durian, rambutan, marang and lanzones which are season fruits along with the common pomelo, banana, mangoes and others that are available all throughout the year. However, this year’s celebration had a different experience, season fruits are costly, and the harvests were not ready yet. But then again, the harvest has always been unpredictable especially now that the climate is constantly changing.

But when September came, the abundance of season fruits started to be felt and on its second week, fruit vendors sprung literally from every street and corner of the city with cheaper and more delicious durian, rambutan, marang and lanzones. When fruits starts to flourish, season fruits could be bought anywhere in the city with its prices cut to almost half and sometimes more than it.

Fruit Shopping in the Midst of Abundance

Eat all you can” for durians for only 80 – 100 pesos, enough to satisfy your durian frenzy. Buyer beware… especially if you have a high blood pressure. Durians don’t need to have the label “No Approved Therapeutic Claim” from the Bureau of Food And Drugs, but their deadly stories abound. Check your blood pressure, guys.

Rambutan, marang and lanzones which are also in season during these times can also be bought in lower prices. Rambutan and lanzones range from 20 – 40 pesos per kilo and marang (which is most of the time sold by piece) costs from 10 to 20 pesos depending on the size.

Prices of fruits are lower in carts, makeshift fruit stands along the highway and in pick-up trucks turned stores that can be found in almost everywhere. From the north, makeshift fruit stands could be found in the areas of Bunawan, Tibungco Public Market, Panacan to Buhangin Diversion Road. Low cost fruits could also be found in Bankerohan Public Market and other public markets around the city.

If you are lucky enough, during nights, around 8-9 pm, some vendors cut prices down to almost half of the original price just to sell off all their products.

For those who want to buy in bulks, it is advisable to buy it straight from farm owners in Calinan, Mintal, Tugbok, Marahan and Baguio District which is only an hour and a half (the most) from the city. You may avail of special discounted offers and may bought these fruits with a 20%-30% less than those being sold in the city.

Tastes Like Heaven, Smells Like Hell

In selecting the best quality of fruits, a general description could not be fitting. Durian are said to be best when it begins to crack or fall off its branch, but being available already in baskets and stands, it is really hard to tell. Others say that a durian is sweeter when its odor is stronger. “Tastes like heaven, smells like hell,” as they say. Yet, common sense may suggest that those stands being patronized and crowded by most people could offer the best value for your money.

By buying fruits in season, you can enjoy it in its best quality and in a more affordable price.

Opening A Durian For Dummies

Hmm… by the way, in case you have not tried it before, opening a durian can be a real challenge. But you want to know how, this short video should help.

(Email subscribers, please visit the page to view the video.)

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Buying Davao Fruits In Season is written by Matt Regis.

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