Davao City Tour: Day 1

I was so excited about the trip that I was not able to sleep until it was time for me to go to the airport.  Our flight was moved 20 minutes earlier.  I'm not sure about the benefits of the self check-in kiosk in the airport since, you would still have to line up to check-in your baggage.

Our flight departed on time and arrived in Davao around 7 AM.  We met with our tour guide Dangge and waited for our other companions coming from Cagayan de Oro.  As soon as the other two arrived, we were on our way to our first destination, Outland Adventure.

Outland Adventure

Outline Adventure is a Zip Line Park and used to be the longest in the Philippines.  This is how we started the day.  It was drizzling when we got there, but it didn't stop us from taking the ride at 830 in the morning!

Lola Abon's Durian Factory

After the Zip Line, we were then taken to the Durian Factory of Lola Abon.  Here the famous fruit takes on many candy forms and flavors.  I sampled the yema combined with mango, pineapple and buko.  They even have coffee flavored candies.  Mangosteen variants are also on the stand.  For picky eater like me, you can't help but love the fruit.

Davao Museum

After stopping by for pasalubong at the durian factory, we were then taken to the Davao Museum.  Inside are collections that documents the history of the city.  We were introduced to the many tribes, that up to this point are thriving and is actively participating in the cities affairs.  Each tribe leader is appointed as a deputy mayor by the beloved Mayor Duterte.  Also, artworks from the many artist of the city are on display as well as the the many awards received.

The only area at the museum where photos are allowed.

Wild Safari Grill

We haven't had a good meal and was starving by lunch time.  We were taken to Wild Safari Grill for their lunch buffet.  The menu were a mix of seafood and filipino favorites.  They even have a halo halo and ice cream station for dessert.

Ponce Suites, Kublai Cafe and Bar

After lunch, we asked our guide to take us to Ponce Suites.  We heard about the great works of this homegrown artist Kublai, and just have to see it for ourselves.  We were not disappointed.  Every nook and crannies of the building are filled with his works.  Large sculptures adorn the exteriors while the the interior walls and ceilings we filled with paintings.  The roof deck bar is a also charming, with a view deck made of bended iron.  Fortunately for us, we were able to see the artist himself during our visit.

Japanese Tunnel

The Japanese tunnel were dug by Filipino slaves of the Japanese Army.  The original tunnel was said to reach as far as Samal Island, but collapse due to recent developments.  Only 150 meters is opened to the public and life size models were placed on some portions.

Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge is a restaurant complex on a ridge that offers a view of the city.  Band Performers plays at night and on weekends.  Also, the night view is a must see.

Aldevinco Shopping Center

In spite of the many malls, Aldevinco still remains to be the best place to get souvenirs and pasalubong items that the city has to offer.  We we're able to buy a 10 set of wallets for 150 pesos.  They also have bags, T-shirts, Pearls and other handicrafts.  Pomelo stands are also located nearby.

Green Windows Dormitel

Finally, after our Day long tour of the city, we were able to settle at our discounted rooms at Green Window.

Matina Town Square

For dinner, we opted to try Matina Town Square.  Its a restaurant and bar complex with band performances during weekends.  What's good is that you can have your dinner and continue with beer afterwards.

Tour of Davao City: Package Tour VS. DIY Tour

As early as June of last year, we are already preparing for our January 2014 Davao trip.  My former Interior Designer who is now based in Papua New Guinea bought us tickets together with my other designer in time for her January vacation with his new boyfriend.  As the day nears, I am on the look out for the many destinations that the city has to offer.  I booked them a room at Pearl Farm which eventually became a hassle, and tried looking for our tour itinerary.  That brought me to the site of Davao Tour Packages organized by PS Van and Travel Services.

I was excited with their  Water and Pearl farm Package:

Water Rafting and Pearl Farm Day1 Airport Pick-up Pearl Farm

Day2 Water Rafting Crocodile Park Zorving

Day3

Zip Line

Davao Museum

San Pedro Church

People's Park

Crocodile Park

Butterfly Garden

Lunch

Japanese Tunnel

Shrine Hills

Durian Candy Factory

Aldevinco Shoping Center

Airport

This package will cost you:

With 3 Lunch/Entrance Fees	Without Lunch and Entrance Fees
2 pax- 10,770.00 3 pax- 8,787.00 4 pax-7,795.00 5 pax-7,200.00 6 pax-7,423.00 7 pax-6,649..00 8 pax-6,533.00 9 pax-6,445.00 10 pax-6,370.00	2 pax- 9,950.00 3 pax-7,967.00 4 pax-6,975.00 5 pax-6,380.00 6 pax-6,603.00 7 pax-5,829.00 8 pax-5,713.00 9 pax-5,623.00 10 pax-5,550.00

This is the package we preferred, but they have cheaper alternatives and is willing to customize a package for your schedule.  We interchanged Day 1 with Day 3 because we want to spend our last night in Samal Island.

I intentionally postponed the down-payment up to the last minute because I was not sure if the rates are too much or just right.  After consultations with friends from Davao, I was assured that the package is a good deal.  Bulk of the cost goest to Pearl Farm and the White Water Package and the convenience of a private van was priceless especially on a rainy weather that greeted us when we arrived.

To book with PS Van and Travel:

0926 2700808

0928 2866974

angelbm31@yahoo.com

psvanandtravelservices@yahoo.com.ph

http://davaotourpackages.blogspot.com

The only remaining item on my Davao to do list was our City accommodation.   A friend recommended Green Windows because of their affordable rates and location within the downtown area. Through PS Van and Travel, they were able to secure us a discount of 800 pesos from the standard rates.  Dorm type rooms are also available for as low as 188 pesos.

Deo Gratias: A Waray Christmas Carol

Since my Mom is in the country for the holidays and is staying at our hometown in Eastern Samar, I decided to spend Christmas there.  Fresh from the effects of the typhoon Yolanda that ravaged the eastern part of the country, the people in our hometown still manages to celebrate the season.  Caroling starts the same as the Midnight Mass.  The entire street will be filled with voices from carolers both young and old.  In our Barangay in Tabunan, each group would have the same song, although the tune may vary from group to group.  It's also the first time I have encountered a Christmas Carol, where the homeowner has singing parts.  I tried to write down the lyrics and translated it with the help of my Mom.


Deo Gracias amigo,

Thanks be to God friend

Kun sadang pasak-on niyo,

If you will let us in

Kun sadang kami mamuruko,

If you will please let us sit

Yad’ ‘in duduha katawo.

Here's two person

Kami yadi katiayon,

It us a couple

Nasarit iyo pasak-on,

If you will, please let us in

Bisan la dire pasak-on,

If you can't let us in

Didi la han iyo sirong.

We can stay at your shade

Response from the homeowner:

Hin-o ka ba, hin-o iton,

Who are you? Who is this?

Nga nagsasampit ha akon,

That's calling on me

Ano an tuyo mo dako,

What's your purpose here?

Nga imo titinguhaon?

What do you need?

The carolers will reply with this verse:

An si Jose nga bugto mo,

I'm Joseph your brother

Suok pa nga igpatod mo,

A close  relative of yours

An mahal nga esposa ko,

My loving wife

Suok pa, an himasuso.

Is in labor

The homeowner would answer with this:

Waray Jose nga bugto ko,

I don't have a brother named Joseph

Waray pobres igpatod ko,

I don't have a poor relative

Lunlon kami kapadian,

We're all men

Mga tulni hin kahadian.

Of noble blood

Response from the carolers:

Tungod la sa Diyos amigo,

It because of God my friend

An pagsarit han balay mo,

That brought us to your house

Han sirong la, han hagdan mo,

Just below your stairs is enough

Nga lukotan han hayop mo.

Where you keep your animals

Response from the homeowner:

Hala kadto iwas kamo,

Go now, go away

Paharayo han balay ko,

Go far from my house

Hala kamo, kadto iwas,

All of you, go away

Naglilipong, pakangiras.

You are getting on my nerves

Response from the carolers:

Pirit na kami mahapit,

We sorry but we have to impose

Hi Maria nasasakit,

Mary is in pain

Madali na an kaaga,

It's almost morning

An Mesiyas masirang na.

And the savior is about to be born

Response from the homeowner:

May kamalig nga bungkag na,

There's a worn out granary

Hunongan hin mga baka,

That's being used for the cows

Didto kamo pag-agwanta

You can stay there if you must

Kay kami didi suok na.

We're already full here

The carolers will end with this verse:

Por amor de Dios tagbalay,

God a Bless you our host

Malisensya kami anay,

We have to go for now

Dire niyo igkabudlay,

We hope you don't mind

An pagsarit nga mahinay.

Our short passing

Tagbalay makadi kami,

Our host, we have to go

Kami na la perdonahe,

Please excuse us

Nakangiras kami dinhi

For the disturbance cause

Han amon dinhi pag-agi.

Of our passing here

Here's a few verse sang by these little kids!

New Year in the City of Pines (Baguio 2014)

The cold weather in Baguio has lured us to visit this mountain city for New Year.  Last December 30, me together with my parter and a group of friends drove the 6 hour trip taking the newly opened TPLEX route.  TPLEX is an extension of SCTEX that will let you exit at Paniqui Tarlac instead of Tarlac City.

We left at 5am and after  a few stops, arrived just in time for lunch.   Since we were extremely hungry from the long drive, we decided to eat at the Turo-turo establishments at Burnham Park.  Because of the holiday season, the more popular restaurants are packed with people and we don't want to wait in line.  Here, instantly we were guaranteed of a seat and the meals are served as soon as you made your choice from their display stand and pots.

After the meal, we settled to the house we were renting for the next 3 days.  We got the 4 bedroom house that can accommodate 15 persons for only 3,000 pesos a night.  The house comes with a functioning kitchen, a living room, a dining area, a veranda, a picnic hut and grill area and the toilets are equipped with hot water.  What's also good about the house is its proximity to Burnham Park.  You can just walk your way to major spots and is just right across the tennis court along Kisad Rd.

Our house on the hill.  Nanay Flor the caretaker usually relies from referrals instead of advertising.  Post comments for their contact details.  They only rent out the lower unit as the owner stays above.

One of the four bedrooms

The outdoor shade with grilling station.

The veranda that overlooks Kisad Rd. and Burnham Park

The Living, Dining and Kitchen area

After settling our things, we went out for dinner at Hill Station near SM City Baguio, and proceeded to Starbucks at Camp John Hay for coffee.  The temperature then was 12.2 degrees, just what we came for.  Our original plan was to sample the night life of the city, but since my partner was not feeling well from the fatigue of the travel and lack of sleep, we decided to just stay for the night.

The next day, we went to Cafe by the Ruins for late Breakfast.  We have visited the city a couple of times and want to forego the usual destinations.

The most expensive Champorado I ever had!

After eating, we went to visit BenCab's Museum along Asin Road.  Going there is a bit of a challenge with winding steep roads.  The museum showcases the work of Ben Cabrera, as well as other local artists and local handicrafts.  If I remember it right, they have four level of galleries and a coffee shop at the bottom level that opens to the pond.  The entrance fee to gallery is only 100 pesos.  They also have an eco-trail that will let you explore the valley beside it.  The view from all levels is breathtaking.  I admire how they bring the beauty of the outdoor scenery inside to blend with the art pieces with picture windows and open balconies.

After the Museum, we drove the steep road back to the city and decided to just cook our dinner since its new years eve.  We went to the public market to get our ingredients.  We even bought lechon, since we felt no celebration would be complete without it.  On our menu was Pansit Canton, Korean Style Barbecue Pork, Fried Chicken, and of course the Lechon which we stewed with vinegar after the late lunch because it's loosing its crunch.

On our menu was Pansit Canton, Korean Style Barbecue Pork, Fried Chicken, and of course the Lechon which we stewed with vinegar after the late lunch because it's loosing its crunch.

We finished cooking around 9pm just in time for a really late dinner.  At 10pm, we were driving around the city in search of a place for the countdown.   We were surprised that in spite of the number of tourist who flocked the city, very few establishments were open.  The Manor package was too costly at 1200 pesos.  We were close to giving up and just return to the house we were renting when we heard of the countdown package at Forest Lodge, just behind the manor.

We arrived just a few minutes past 11.  With the ticket costing us 300 pesos each, we have a complimentary drink, a paper trumpet as giveaway and view of the fireworks display.  We didn't even have to order because they were serving sparkling red and whites a few minutes before the countdown.   We positioned ourselves on one of the cocktail tables in the balcony.  As soon as the clock strikes 12, fireworks display both from the neighboring hotels and the one at Forest Lodge lit up the city.  The excitement mellowed a few minutes later.  We decided to go back to the house and feast on our leftover from dinner.

We woke up late the next morning.  After packing our things, we bid goodbye to the caretaker and went to eat at Good Taste Restaurant for lunch.  We made a quick stop at Good Shepherd for their Ube Jam, but was disappointed since it went out of stock and just settled on the ones being sold at the market.

It was almost 3pm when we left the city, taking Kennon Road to La Union.  After a quick toilet stop in Sison in Pangasinan, I was asked to drive the automatic vehicle for the first time.  I started out slow, but got the hang of the pressure on the breaks after a few kilometers.  We made a stop in San Fernando, Pampanga hopefully to catch the Giant Lantern Festival, but was an hour short.  We just ate at one of the restaurants at the Gas station along JAS Ave. near Dolores Intersection and arrived home just before midnight.

Sulyap Gallery and Cafe

Every visit down south would not be complete without visiting Sulyap Gallery Cafe located in San Pablo, Laguna.  My first visit was April of 2012 and had been constantly coming back ever since.  We went back after a month coming from Villa Escudero on our way bact to Manila.  

After our trip to Padre Burgos in Quezon, I brought 4 friends to try and experience the food as well as the experience of dining in an old house.

Since there's five of us, we were able to share on the many viands family style.  We ordered Kare-kare, Sinigang na Liempo, Fried Tilapia and Kulawing Puso ng Saging.  They have big portions and was able to bring home some leftover.

The property is now expanding with swimming pools and accomodation to add to the restaurant and gallery!

Visit www.sulyap.net for more details.

Back in Borawan 2014

In pursuit of finding a perfect survivor type venue for Summer, me and a couple of friends went back to Borawan Island last Sunday.  It took us 4 hours to get there because of the roadworks being done along Maharlika Highway.  It is located off the coast of Padre Burgos a town at the Bondoc Peninsula of Quezon Province.  Boat Service with standard fares are available at the many roadside establishments in the area.  We were charge 800 pesos to get to the island plus an additional 80 pesos for the entrance. Going Island Hopping would cost more.  Be prepared for other incidental charges since the use of the toilet facilities comes with a fee.

Read more about my first visit in this blog:

http://moleinthefoot.blogspot.com/2013/02/borawan-padre-burgos-quezon.html

It called Borawan because of its main features.  The limestone cliffs along the beach resembles that of northern Palawan, and the sand is as white although not as fine as Boracay.

We were blessed with calm cool water and a good weather on our visit.

Picnic Huts are available for 700 pesos, but if your just dropping by for a swim, you can just leave your things at the store nearby.

You don't need an airline ticket to have the experience of Boracay and Palawan... Just Visit BORAWAN!