Davao Travel Related Tags

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

You can see it on the streets and smell it in the air when the best the time for those who crave for Davao's fruits is here.

When durians start to flourish throughout the city as it is being delivered down from the areas of Calinan and its neighboring towns, they can then be bought in its lowest price and from just about anywhere from the fruit stands of Magsaysay Park to every major street in the city in pick-up trucks and carts.

While it can be bought for about 60 -100 Pesos per kilo when not in season, durian can be purchased for only P 20 to 35 per kilo when in season. There are also those that sell durian by piece, ranging from 10 - 30 pesos depending on the size and the variety. Among the expensive variety (which differs from 10 - 20 pesos per kilo from other varieties) are the Arancillo and Puyat considered by many to be sweeter and has thick pulps.

Today, there are also stalls that offer "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.

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.

Davao City gets over-crowded with visitors on three important occasions:

1. Christmas Seasons – when everyone wants to know how everyone’s doing in Davao.
2. Araw Ng Dabaw – the founding anniversary of Davao City
3. Kadayawan Festival – A Thanks Giving turned into a Festival.

Madayaw! It’s a simple word signifying warm greetings from Davao. Madayaw! is to Davao as Mabuhay! is to the Philippines or Alloha! is to Hawaii. You will come across that word especially when you are here in Davao during the month of August when the city celebrates the Kadayawan Festival. It’s written all over the place: posters, billboard ads, and if you are quick, you can spot it reflected in everyone’s face.

Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of a bountiful harvest and a tribute to Davao’s rich cultural heritage. That’s to oversimplify the description of the festival.

Visit Davao on August and see what it really means to celebrate the Kadayawan. And if you do, go back to this blog and post your comment to share your experiences.

In the meantime here are some nice shots of the previous Kadayawan Festivals grabbed from Flickr.

Read the complete article »