Davao City and Samal Island [Archive] - Page 434

dinabaw

March 18th, 2011, 03:18 AM

Northpoint thrives on green architecture

Friday, March 18, 2011
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IN THIS age where living green has become more than just a fashion statement, more people are switching to this eco-friendly way of living as the moral thing to do. Even architecture has imbibed the essence of the green movement, coming out with what is called green architecture.

Green architecture, also called eco-design, creates buildings that are beneficial to human health and nature, designed to be sustainable with minimal impact on the environment. While one will be hard pressed to find a completely sustainable green building, having some of its many characteristics is already a big step.

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As a subsidiary of Vista Land & Lifescapes, the largest homebuilder in the country, Camella Communities has applied green architecture in its landmark condo development in Davao, Camella Northpoint. It is the first developer in the city to do so, marking another first for this trailblazing real estate company.

Camella Northpoint's condo buildings are designed to let natural air flow through the concrete structures and circulate freely around the building, its corridors, common areas, and the residential units. This design following the principles of airflow provides fresh air to each unit, indoor gardens and hallways of each level of the towers.

Buildings that do not employ smart ventilation can fall victim to the sick building syndrome which causes many health problems to its occupants due to poor indoor air quality.

Green buildings like the Northpoint towers with their healthy ventilation systems give its occupants a healthier living within the comforts of their condo homes.

When Northpoint residents go out their unit doors, they will be greeted by sunlight at any time of the day, with the refreshing sight of green indoor plants thriving in the natural light. The roof of each condo building is outfitted with skylights to admit natural light, illuminating the hallways, indoor garden, and the landscaped atriums found in each floor. These atriums have plants, water feature, mood lighting, and pathways that add to the overall refreshing feel.

The eco-friendly design reduces the use of artificial light in Northpoint homes, giving homeowners savings from power consumption and contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon footprint emanating from power generation.

The benefits of living in a green building such as Northpoint allow its occupants to live an enhanced lifestyle.

Homeowners get a sense of satisfaction knowing that Northpoint allows them to live a green lifestyle and that they are able to reduce their own carbon footprint.

Their comfort is taken to a higher level with Northpoint's single-loaded corridors that eliminate the claustrophobic sensation brought about by "doors opening to doors" that is experienced when walking along a corridor with doors at both sides facing each other.

Northpoint's design gives its occupants more privacy, convenience, and freedom of movement.

With all the benefits green architecture give to its occupants and its environment, it is no wonder that green buildings retain a higher market value than others. Northpoint sustainable design components and input to environmental protection undeniably set it apart from any other condo development in Davao.

Camella will introduce Northpoint’s third tower in a grand launch on March 26, 2011, at the clubhouse, Wakefield Manor. For more information, get in touch with Camella Communities at any of these contact details: 2nd floor, Delgar Building, J. P. Laurel Ave., Davao City (right across Camella Northpoint),

for more info contact ambie_cutler@yahoo.com or cel #. 09202831851 :)

dinabaw

March 18th, 2011, 04:16 AM

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1048/5516649206df9237ea54b.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/5516649206df9237ea54b.jpg/)

davaoeagle

March 18th, 2011, 06:33 AM

Arts & Leisure
Posted on March 17, 2011 05:02:28 PM
Take Ten -- Behn Cervantes
Hectic days

The UP Alumni Association (UPAA) Board flew in to Davao City early in the morning. It was so early we hardly had time for breakfast. Yes, it was a hectic schedule. Upon our arrival, the local alumni chapter gave the board members a mini tour of the city with lunch at the mountain retreat justifiably called Eden Resort.
Being mostly senior citizens we chose and picked our fare instead of partaking of the sumptuous buffet lunch. It was more than enough. Besides, we had brought along luscious marang which we ate with our meal. Naturally, we ate more than we should. Die happy, I proclaimed!

We returned to Marco Polo Hotel to rest for a few hours before being feted to a sumptuous dinner by Rita Caparas, Gari Tiongco’s sister.

Again, we overate. Lubos-lubosin mo na. (If you are overeating, enjoy it!)

The next day, I was astounded upon monitoring it that my blood sugar count didn’t skyrocket. But it was high enough despite insulin injections.

The next day was very busy with speeches almost coming out of our ears. It was difficult to keep awake when your stomach is full of rich food. Naturally, we resorted to imbibing coffee to keep awake. Nevertheless, quite a few in the large hall lost to Morpheus.

We ended the night with a Valentine dinner where a fine pianist and violinist rendered vintage romantic songs. When I heard them from the lobby, I thought it was a recording of a young Nat King Cole. Thus, after a number, I insisted that the table I sat with join me by clapping to show our appreciation for the talented duo.

Of course, on the sly, I was monitoring my blood sugar count. It was regularly in the 250’s.

A friend had suggested I increase my dosage of insulin but since I had not consulted with my physician on that matter I decided NOT to proceed with the tempting suggestion.

The UPAA Board left for Manila the next day. I stay behind and ate lunch with a friend. After a heavy lunch, I moved to a priests’ home. The priests/missionaries ate a simple dinner.

My blood sugar count improved the next day.

I was again invited out for Valentine dinner by a Malita cousin and enjoyed a delicious Chinese dinner.

Need I say we/I overate?

I expected my blood sugar count to soar. After all, you pay for what you eat.

I left the next day for Manila. I neither ate nor drank along the way fearing bladder demands. As soon as I reached Quezon City, I packed a smaller bag for a lecture in Central Luzon State University (CLSU) in Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

I hardly had time to eat either breakfast or lunch. However, I did eat as Dr. Alip insisted that I should eat less but frequently. Thus, I enjoyed my crackers and nibbled fruits whenever these were available.

When I got to CLSU, Gem and Del Soriano invited Aida, a cast member of six years ago, to join us for dinner. We ate and picked at the food. It was sufficient. I made up for it by drinking lots of water.

I was shocked the next day when my blood sugar count was a mere 81.

I hardly ate the day before.

Is that the answer then? That I should hardly eat and practically starve myself?

I think not!

davaoeagle

March 18th, 2011, 06:34 AM

dinabaw

March 20th, 2011, 05:49 AM

One more buffet

By Stella A. Estremera

Goin' Places

Saturday, March 19, 2011
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"EAT all you can" is a phrase to perk up the Dabawenyo's appetite. Buffet is a word that elicits the same. And perked went my appetite as I passed by one more new restaurant offering buffet entree one evening on the way to meet up with someone else.

It's the former Ranchero Grille at the corner of Tionko Avenue and Arella Street. Ranchero has now moved to the Metrolifestyle building at the corner of F. Torres St. and Jacinto Extension and Lassa Asyano moved in to the vacated property.

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Araw ng Dabaw week, however, was hectic for all of us and so friends were scarce. Busy was the word and I couldn't grab a hold of anyone. Luckily humba-crabs-chicharon-and-everything-laden-with-cholesterol buddy, Ganzo, was in town for the launching of their "Run to Reduce" in April. I'm not sure about the "reduce" part if we continue eating this way though.

Still, time was a-ticking and I had to check out a new place for this article. And so, Lassa Asyano it was on the night before Araw ng Dabaw; a relatively late dinner at 8 p.m. because festival days can be cruel to us, the working masses. Imee and Kim agreed to meet up although they have already eaten much earlier. That leaves two empty tummies to fill, that's not enough space for a test-run; still two are better than none.

We entered through the Tionko Avenue door and I sniffed something not so pleasant. Was it the dirty water from fresh seafood display that was hastily thrown to the ground, maybe? I'm not sure. Bad start. I hope the resto management cleans up and fast, first impressions last, you know. Or, they can always just close up the Tionko door so sniffing people like me wouldn't pass that way. (Or better yet, put a guard out there on the lookout for someone who looks like me with strict orders to bundle her up and haul her out before she sniffs around. Joke!).

We were hungry and so we headed for the buffet table that was laden with lots of food. There were ulam and pansit. They were the food you'd see when your mom goes wild in the kitchen.

Off to a corner table were the guso and sashimi and sushi. I decided that no one can go wrong with guso and sashimi and sushi, and so I didn't go that way.
On the main table were crabs. Darn.

But I was not about to be enticed into eating more cholesterol that night, I thought, and so just got two crab topshells and ladled in sauce and chili and stringbeans, just to get a taste...

Moving on to the other dishes, the resolve to cut down on cholesterol-laden food was quickly demolished by the sight of binagoongang baboy. Weak.

The last I picked was a small piece of spicy chicken wings, just to check on what spicy means. Wrong move, and not because it was very spicy nor not spicy enough...

The crab sauce was spicy hot, yummy too. The crabs needed a little bit more nourishment though (if you get my drift). Still, I liked the sauce.

The binagoongan baboy was spiked with chopped chilli peppers and tasted so lutong-bahay, I returned for another serving. Weak, so weak.

The spicy wings? The sauce has been allowed to stay out there too long. Bad. Very bad. It wouldn't hurt if this resto gets a food checker or whatever you call a person who would regularly check on the state of the food on the table.

Stick to the crabs and the binagoongan, they are good. Although, the crabs might be too hot for those not inclined toward spicy food (I remembered Dengdeng and worried about her tastebuds, good thing she was very busy with work that night).

Maybe I can be forgiving for the two red marks, they've just opened after all. But running a food place isn't a joke, even for the ubiquitous turo-turo. The food always has to be fresh, and yes, it'd help if top management sniffs around too, because food being food, customers are enticed by what they smell, and of course, taste. It should be that once you open the door, you can smell the oh so enticing smell of something really lip-smacking good.

Sun-Star (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/03/19/one-more-buffet-145782)

allenation

March 20th, 2011, 04:02 PM

nami gid ni di.:)
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188253_200086956680338_100000371054303_625982_3627208_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190244_200086966680337_100000371054303_625983_3162860_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196562_200087003347000_100000371054303_625984_887530_n.jpg
:cheers:

allenation

March 20th, 2011, 04:18 PM

at Crocodile park
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198020_200087100013657_100000371054303_625992_4827158_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189614_200087113346989_100000371054303_625993_7282760_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200236_200087156680318_100000371054303_625996_299208_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189140_200087163346984_100000371054303_625997_140280_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190177_200087196680314_100000371054303_626000_7779024_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190679_200087203346980_100000371054303_626001_5040167_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189206_200087256680308_100000371054303_626005_1338375_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196626_200087286680305_100000371054303_626008_1245850_n.jpg

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188965_200087363346964_100000371054303_626014_6780327_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200629_200087590013608_100000371054303_626030_7209682_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199879_200087640013603_100000371054303_626032_5691073_n.jpg

si carlo...hehehehe nituwad
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198561_200087700013597_100000371054303_626036_3406468_n.jpg

the funniest among 'em all. this bird just shouted "ESTROYAHHHEEEE" and that caught my attention hehehe..
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188860_200087833346917_100000371054303_626048_3317965_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197309_200087896680244_100000371054303_626054_5647150_n.jpg

tribu K' mindananawan
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200267_200087946680239_100000371054303_626058_6032577_n.jpg
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200267_200087946680239_100000371054303_626058_6032577_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189788_200087953346905_100000371054303_626059_4923687_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197341_200088013346899_100000371054303_626064_7682431_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197009_200088033346897_100000371054303_626065_197624_n.jpg

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189792_200088056680228_100000371054303_626067_8248678_n.jpg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189764_200088070013560_100000371054303_626068_6772366_n.jpg

this is all from:
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190253_200088043346896_100000371054303_626066_2620072_n.jpg

dinabaw

March 21st, 2011, 03:34 AM

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5772/5538606471b43fe8c5c3o.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/5538606471b43fe8c5c3o.jpg/)
Davao International Airport

mCx2

March 21st, 2011, 05:21 AM

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5772/5538606471b43fe8c5c3o.jpg (http://img12.imageshack.us/i/5538606471b43fe8c5c3o.jpg/)
Davao International Airport

It's only 7yo but already looks tired.needs a fresh coat of paint especially the roof and external walls.Apparently the toilets inside are in disrepair and lacks maintenance.The gov't agency in charge of looking after this main gateway to Mindanao should hang their heads in shame for neglecting this important infrastructure.When are they going to act on this problem,when the building starts to fall apart?

eflex

March 21st, 2011, 06:52 AM

It's only 7yo but already looks tired.needs a fresh coat of paint especially the roof and external walls.Apparently the toilets inside are in disrepair and lacks maintenance.The gov't agency in charge of looking after this main gateway to Mindanao should hang their heads in shame for neglecting this important infrastructure.When are they going to act on this problem,when the building starts to fall apart?

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/3affda73-3317-45c1-9e7f-179dd527c081.aspx

Aquino opens skies for foreign airlines
By Manolo B. Jara March 18, 2011 Print Send to Friend

MANILA: President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino on Thursday issued an executive order adopting a “pocket open skies” policy that allows foreign airlines to expand their flights to other selected parts of the country, a Malacanang official announced.

Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Malacanang press office also announced that Aquino issued a separate order for the revamp of the two panels authorised to negotiate with other governments in the implementation of the policy.

“Open skies” is defined as an aviation policy that allows foreign airlines to operate services in a country like the Philippines without any limitation but subject to an agreement. But in the order, Malacanang pointed out such access to the country’s other airports other than those in Metro Manila is limited. Thus, the “pocket open skies” policy.

Local tourism

In his order, Aquino justified the adoption of the new policy as he stressed it would promote local tourism by making available to foreign visitors access to more and varied destinations outside of Metro Manila.

To achieve this, he said the order allows foreign airlines to expand their flights and bring the tourists to other selected tourist spots in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Moreover, Aquino said the order would promote trade and employment as well as spur competition in the country’s aviation industry.

Aquino has said he hopes that that the entry of more foreign airlines will increase the number of tourists in the Philippines from last year’s 3.5 million.

Local airlines have opposed the adoption of the policy, warning that this would adversely affect their operations especially in their competition with the bigger and more financially-stable foreign counterparts.

But Malacanang justified the policy, saying the access of foreign airlines to other airports in the Philippines is limited and is not an “open sesame” for them to operate in all the country’s airports.

The ongoing row between flag carrier Philippine Airlines and its labour unions was also partly the reason why the Aquino government hastened the adoption of an open skies policy.

The ground crew and flight attendants labor unions of PAL have threatened to stage strikes to paralyze the airline’s operations as separate negotiations with PAL management stalled.

Key airports

In his recent state visit to Indonesia and Singapore, Aquino offered to businessmen the “pocket open skies” policy to encourage them to invest in tourism-related projects in the Philippines.

Reliable Malacanang sources, who requested anonymity, disclosed that five international airports in the country are being upgraded in anticipation of increased air traffic as well as tourist arrivals.

The sources revealed these include Laoag City in Ilocos Norte province in Northern Luzon; the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial International Airport in Pampanga province as well as Subic in Zambales province, both in Central Luzon; Davao City in Mindanao; and Cebu-Mactan in the Visayas

KING CITY

March 21st, 2011, 05:20 PM

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x478/johncarlo2012/DSC03973.jpg?t=1300720773

rodincouch

March 22nd, 2011, 04:22 AM

^^ Nice. I hope it starts in the soonest possible time. :)

eflex

March 22nd, 2011, 08:39 AM

http://www.davaotourism.com/ctoo2010/view/Main.php?page=news_view&newsid=198

M.I.C.E. CALENDAR IN DAVAO CITY 2011
Posted Date: 2011-03-17 08:52:20

M.I.C.E. DAVAO 2011

Mark those important dates!

Come to Davao City and make us your venue for your Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events!

February 9-11 : 32nd National Convention of Philippine Association of Water Districts (Grand Men Seng Hotel)

February 23 : International Classical Pianist Rudolph Golez Concert (Apo View Hotel)

February 27 : ASAP Rocks Davao (Davao Crocodile Park Football Field)

March 4-6 : Davao Mega Travel Sale (Gaisano Mall)

March 12-13 : 1st CPE -“The Bottomline: Controversies in Pediatrics” (Apo View Hotel)

March 12 : 3rd Phoenix Golf Open Tournament (Rancho Palos Verdes)

March 13 : Araw ng Dabaw Phoenix Run

March 15 : Mutya ng Dabaw Coronation Night (Davao City Recreation Center)

March 16 : 74th Araw ng Dabaw (Parada Dabawenyo, Banda Hudyaka, Pakonsyerto ni Mayor Inday) - (Main city thoroughfares)

March 15-16 : League of Municipalities in the Philillipines (Grand Regal Hotel)

March 18 : Small Hotels Association of Davao (SHAD) Induction of Officers (Villa Margarita)

March 18-19 : Davao Tattoo Convention and Workshop (TBA)

March 20 : Football Tournament (Davao Crocodile Park)

March 25 : Tourism Sector Tree Planting (Marilog District)

March 26 : Climate Change Conference, 8AM-12NN (Marco Polo Davao)

March 26 : Earth Hour Switch-Off, 6-9 PM (SM City)

March 27 : Drag Race & Motocross (Davao Crocodile Park)

April 13-16 : Association of Municipal Health Officers-National Conference (Grand Regal Hotel)

April 18-May 18 : 1st DAVAO SUMMERFEST 2011 (Various venues)

April 26 : Grand Master’s Cup 10th Sonny Razon Golf Classic (Rancho Palos Verdes)

April 29-May 1 : 17th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs Annual Convention (Matina Town Square)
April 28-30 : Annual Convention of Free and Accepted Masons (Davao Convention & Trade Center)
May 7-9 : EENT Convention (Waterfront Insular Hotel)

May 13-16 : Davao Food Appreciation Tour (Davao Bloggers) (Various venues)

May : Davao Food Expo 2011 (BSP Convention Hall)

May : Manufacturing Technology Davao 2011 (BSP Convention Hall)

May : The T.O.P.S Show Davao 2011 (BSP Convention Hall)

May : WoodMach Davao 2011 (TBA)

May 14-16 : ObGyne Convention (TBA)

May 16 -June 3 : MPI -12th Annual Peacebuilding Training (TBA)

May 17-20 : 104th PMA Annual Convention (Davao Med Society) (Grand Regal)May 19-21 : Phil. Medical Association National Convention (TBA)
May 26-28 : 62nd Multiple District 301 Lions State Convention (Lions Club) (Davao Central High School/Grand Regal Hotel)

July : HVAC/R Mindanao 2011 (BSP Convention Hall)

July 7 : PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao (TBA)

August 18-19 : 7th Mindanao Statistics Congress (TBA)

Aug. 19-21 : Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival (TBA)

(TBA) : League of the Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines National Convention (TBA)

sandman.ink

March 22nd, 2011, 08:50 AM

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/3affda73-3317-45c1-9e7f-179dd527c081.aspx

Aquino opens skies for foreign airlines
By Manolo B. Jara March 18, 2011 Print Send to Friend

MANILA: President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino on Thursday issued an executive order adopting a “pocket open skies” policy that allows foreign airlines to expand their flights to other selected parts of the country, a Malacanang official announced.

Secretary Ricky Carandang of the Malacanang press office also announced that Aquino issued a separate order for the revamp of the two panels authorised to negotiate with other governments in the implementation of the policy.

“Open skies” is defined as an aviation policy that allows foreign airlines to operate services in a country like the Philippines without any limitation but subject to an agreement. But in the order, Malacanang pointed out such access to the country’s other airports other than those in Metro Manila is limited. Thus, the “pocket open skies” policy.

Local tourism

In his order, Aquino justified the adoption of the new policy as he stressed it would promote local tourism by making available to foreign visitors access to more and varied destinations outside of Metro Manila.

To achieve this, he said the order allows foreign airlines to expand their flights and bring the tourists to other selected tourist spots in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Moreover, Aquino said the order would promote trade and employment as well as spur competition in the country’s aviation industry.

Aquino has said he hopes that that the entry of more foreign airlines will increase the number of tourists in the Philippines from last year’s 3.5 million.

Local airlines have opposed the adoption of the policy, warning that this would adversely affect their operations especially in their competition with the bigger and more financially-stable foreign counterparts.

But Malacanang justified the policy, saying the access of foreign airlines to other airports in the Philippines is limited and is not an “open sesame” for them to operate in all the country’s airports.

The ongoing row between flag carrier Philippine Airlines and its labour unions was also partly the reason why the Aquino government hastened the adoption of an open skies policy.

The ground crew and flight attendants labor unions of PAL have threatened to stage strikes to paralyze the airline’s operations as separate negotiations with PAL management stalled.

Key airports

In his recent state visit to Indonesia and Singapore, Aquino offered to businessmen the “pocket open skies” policy to encourage them to invest in tourism-related projects in the Philippines.

Reliable Malacanang sources, who requested anonymity, disclosed that five international airports in the country are being upgraded in anticipation of increased air traffic as well as tourist arrivals.

The sources revealed these include Laoag City in Ilocos Norte province in Northern Luzon; the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial International Airport in Pampanga province as well as Subic in Zambales province, both in Central Luzon; Davao City in Mindanao; and Cebu-Mactan in the Visayas

wow! thanks for this info sir :)

hopefully, they will scrub the roof of DIA with this news coming in... haha

sandman.ink

March 22nd, 2011, 08:52 AM

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188965_200087363346964_100000371054303_626014_6780327_n.jpg

nagbalik na diay ang ilang tiger? thanks for the pics

rodincouch

March 23rd, 2011, 03:46 PM

Opening soon:

Crepelato - NCCC Mall branch
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5051/23032011001.jpg

allenation

March 23rd, 2011, 06:08 PM

Opening soon:

Crepelato - NCCC Mall branch
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5051/23032011001.jpg

wow!hehehe my fave!:cheers:

davaoeagle

March 23rd, 2011, 06:09 PM

Home » Davao » Business
P5B health, wellness complex soon to rise in Davao (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2011/03/23/p5b-health-wellness-complex-soon-rise-davao-146547)
By Carmelle Marie Harrow
Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A 10-HECTARE health and wellness complex that will bring more investors in Davao City will soon be constructed in the southern part of the city.

This developed after groups of hospital owners, together with the Davao Investment and Promotions Center (DIPC), Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), held a meeting and positively agreed on the project.

"This is our commitment to the city to bring in investors and making the city a health and wellness hub," said Carlos Vargas, the president of the Chamber of Real Estate And Builders Association Inc. during Wednesday's Club 888 press conference.

The complex will be composed of a Medical Arts Tower along with condominium units for foreign and returning Filipino retirees and a commercial complex that will cater to the future residents needs.

Vargas noted that there have been reports from PRA that there are 500 foreign retirees in the city that are having problems in terms of their health benefits because no hospitals here accept retirees' health cards.

Investors of the project will be mainly from Manila, Yargas said hence, doctors also expressed their interest to invest.

"The complex will also have a green development where pockets of gardens will be seen," Vargas added.

He added the hospital will be the catalyst of the project and that the development period of the whole complex will be up to five years.

To build one hospital, Vargas noted, it needs P350 million while the whole complex is worth P5 billion.

With Vargas was Darren Evangelista, a sport's organizer of the Evangelista Aquatics Inc. who expressed his interest in not only investing in the project but also uplifting the tourism industry through sports.

He said the weather in Davao, being fair and with the beaches here is enough to facilitate any sporting events. "Davao is a sports haven itself, and combining sports and tourism is what we have also discussed by the group," Evangelista said.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 24, 2011.

oradude23

March 23rd, 2011, 10:19 PM

Kapamilya Karavan at Araw ng Dabaw
By Ver Paulino

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Our flight from Manila was full of passengers eager to attend the Araw ng Dabaw festivities. Marco Polo Hotel was buzzing with guests because Kapamilya Karavan was in town to make this fun-filled weekend more colorful. ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (RNG) flew in the cast of Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin: Coco Martin and Maja Salvador, with Ron Morales and Erik Santos.

In an exclusive coverage with ABS-CBN corporate communication manager Kathy Solis, we witnessed how security personnel stood ready to protect thousands of men, women and children from overeager fans who might forcibly break the barriers to get a glimpse of their favorite stars at SM City Davao Parking Lot.

Everyone screamed when Erik performed OPM songs. The crowd got a closer look at the Prince of Pop when he went down the stage. Ron serenaded the audience. He elicited shrieks when he threw his shirt to the crowd.

“Grabe ang crowd, sobrang saya nila, kaya ginawa ko yung request nila na maghubad ako ng shirt,” Ron shared after the show.
Hosts (from left) EJ Ortiz, Redge Ledesma, Lady Bambam, JV Navales and Ian Garcia.

It was the guys’ turn to stare when Maja took centerstage. Maja teasingly asked a guy from the audience to come up on stage and serenaded him with the song Baby.

Ladies broke out into screams when Coco ascended the stage while singing Ligaya and Minsan Lang Kita Iibigan. The screams became deafening and the barriers separating the crowd from the front part of the stage threatened to give way.

The cast expressed gratitude for the support they received in Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin’s successful premiere last March 7. The show obtained a record-high of 37.8 percent. It topped the list of the most-watched programs nationwide according to Kantar Media/TNS. The onscreen sweethearts sealed their duet of Dahil Ikaw with a kiss.

ABS-CBN Davao talents Nadia Shami (MagTV Na, Sadya Ta, Sunday at 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.), EJ Ortiz (Maayong Buntag Mindanao, Monday to Friday, 6:15 to 7 a.m.), Redge Ledesma (Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka!, Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.), Lady Bambam, JV Navales and Ian Garcia (MagTV Na, Sadya Ta, Sunday, 8:45 to 9:30 a.m.) hosted the show.

oradude23

March 23rd, 2011, 10:21 PM

More national conventions in city: Duterte
By Jereco O. Paloma

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday said the city is expected to play host to around 1,000-1,500 participants to different conventions slated this summer.

With the recent hosting of several assemblies including the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) forum last week and convention of Cavite provincial government officials, Duterte said there will be more to come this month.

"So far, wala pa 'mi nakita na problema ug daghan pa mag-abot na mga meetings ug conventions diri sa Davao (We haven't seen any problem yet as more meetings and conventions are expected to be held here)," Duterte said after a luncheon meeting with South African Ambassador to the Philippines Agnes Nyamande Pitso at the Marina Tuna restaurant Wednesday.

The mayor said the chief executive officers (CEO) meeting of Business Product Outsourcing (BPO) companies earlier this month is a proof that Davao City has been identified as one of the most preferred BPO destinations in the country.

Duterte said hosting national conventions is part of the city's target to be the next top Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (Mice) destination in the country.

She said this only shows that Davao is able to satisfy its visitors, adding that conference participants see no problem in terms of hotel accommodations, availability, and services during their stay.

She, however, assured that there are an ample number of hotel rooms.

Earlier, Art Boncato, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Davao Region, said efforts have been made to position the city as the top MICE destination in the country.

Boncato said this is not impossible as several stakeholders see Davao as the next prime destination in any aspect of doing businesses.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 24, 2011.

dinabaw

March 24th, 2011, 02:42 AM

wow 5 billion medical complex, another medical tourist destination! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

P5B health, wellness complex soon to rise in Davao

By Carmelle Marie Harrow

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
More Sections

A 10-HECTARE health and wellness complex that will bring more investors in Davao City will soon be constructed in the southern part of the city.

This developed after groups of hospital owners, together with the Davao Investment and Promotions Center (DIPC), Philippine Medical Association and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), held a meeting and positively agreed on the project.

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"This is our commitment to the city to bring in investors and making the city a health and wellness hub," said Carlos Vargas, the president of the Chamber of Real Estate And Builders Association Inc. during Wednesday's Club 888 press conference.

The complex will be composed of a Medical Arts Tower along with condominium units for foreign and returning Filipino retirees and a commercial complex that will cater to the future residents needs.

Vargas noted that there have been reports from PRA that there are 500 foreign retirees in the city that are having problems in terms of their health benefits because no hospitals here accept retirees' health cards.

Investors of the project will be mainly from Manila, Yargas said hence, doctors also expressed their interest to invest.

"The complex will also have a green development where pockets of gardens will be seen," Vargas added.

He added the hospital will be the catalyst of the project and that the development period of the whole complex will be up to five years.

To build one hospital, Vargas noted, it needs P350 million while the whole complex is worth P5 billion.

With Vargas was Darren Evangelista, a sport's organizer of the Evangelista Aquatics Inc. who expressed his interest in not only investing in the project but also uplifting the tourism industry through sports.

He said the weather in Davao, being fair and with the beaches here is enough to facilitate any sporting events. "Davao is a sports haven itself, and combining sports and tourism is what we have also discussed by the group," Evangelista said.

Sun-Star (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/business/2011/03/23/p5b-health-wellness-complex-soon-rise-davao-146547)

dinabaw

March 24th, 2011, 02:45 AM

dinabaw

March 24th, 2011, 03:05 AM

Davao City: The perfect tourist destination

By Henrylito D. Tacio

Wednesday, March 23, 2011
More Sections

"MURDER City" - that was how the defunct Asiaweek described Davao City in the early 1980s. Some two to three people were killed each day and thrown in the ditch. Foreigners and even those from nearby provinces shunned what became the country's "killing fields."

In 1988, a few years after the historic people power in Manila, the son of the last governor of the then undivided Davao Province became the mayor of the city. Rodrigo R. Duterte did the most impossible task of restoring peace and order that was divided by religion and ideological belief.

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By the time his first term ended, Duterte had regained much of the city's positive image as an ideal investment haven and tourism destination. During the 67th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commented: "The Philippines is just catching up with Davao City which seems to be always leading the way for the rest of the country."

For such accolade, Duterte had this to say: "I hold it as an article of faith in government that there can never be development and progress in any city or province in the country, unless there is stability, unless there is peace and order."

Indeed, Davao City has gone a long, long way. "Over the last two decades, we have seen tremendous progress in infrastructures and linkages, trade and communications, and human resource development," said Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, the 32-year-old first lady mayor of the city, during the recent anniversary celebration. "We continue to attract not only investors but people who have seen paradise in Davao."

"A resort city" was how Catalina Dakudao, former regional director of the Department of Tourism described Davao. After all, it has "all the ingredients of a successful destination. You have the mountains, the seas, the fruit baskets, the orchids."

Today, Davao is the trade and commerce center of Mindanao. It is just one hour and thirty minutes by plane from Manila (45 minutes if from Cebu City). Davao is also the gateway to East Asian countries, particularly Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

In 2006, Davao hosted the tourism forum of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "Davao is slow compared to Hongkong, Bangkok, Manila, and Cebu," wrote Ernie Abella, editor of Madayaw, a magazine that was released in conjunction with the event. "But you can get from sea to mountain by the time you finish the juice of a fresh coconut."

For those who want to know more about Davao City, log on this website: www.discoverdavao.com. Or, visit the Department of Tourism office at fifth floor of Landco Building located at J.P. Laurel Avenue.

Davao is home to three Philippine icons: the exquisite waling-waling orchid (which you can see at Puentespina Orchid Center in Agdao), the controversial durian fruit (have a taste of it at the Madrazo Fruit Stand in Bangoy Street), and the endangered Philippine eagle (travel about one hour from the city to Malagos, Calinan where the Philippine Eagle Center is located).

If you are a first timer to the city, your first stopover should be the Davao City Hall in San Pedro Street. The place is spacious and you'll see some activities being done at the nearby Jose Rizal Park. Along San Pedro Street is the Camp Domingo Leonor, which happened to be the quarters of the Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s.

Just a walking distance away from the city hall is the Sangguniang Panglungsod building. In front of it is a freedom statue designed by Kublai Milan. At the back of the building is the Museo Dabawenyo, where you get a glimpse of what city looks like in the past.

Adjacent to the Sangguniang Panglungsod is the San Pedro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Mindanao. The original structure of the church was built in 1847 in honor of St. Peter, the city's patron saint. The old altar is preserved at the right wing of the cathedral.

If you have already done the walking tour, call a taxi and tell the driver to bring you People's Park in Camus Street. The expansive and beautiful 70-million park features many delightful treats for its beholders to discover. Grand landscaped waterfall, strategically scenic benches, a small but fun playground, amazingly breathtaking gardens, arranged multipurpose trees, lovely traditional cottages and sophisticated sculptures.

Before the day is over, go to the Davao Crocodile Park, Inc. in the diversion road in Maa. It is home to some 700 crocodiles, including Pangil, the country's second largest reptile at 18 feet long and is more than 60 years old. Witness breath-taking stunts done by tight-rope walker on top of a crocodile pond.

Having your fill of crocs, you might want to check other animals in small cages or glass-encased enclosures. There are raucous parrots, eagles and mynahs. Snakes are coiled inside their cages, their heads tucked under their shiny skins. There's a bearcat hanging precariously on a branch and in front is a swinging orangutan. Smaller animals such as macaques, porcupine, civet, leopard cat, monitor, and deer have their own cages too.

Davao also has a number of beaches to offer. Times Beach, two kilometers from the city center, bustles with picnickers during Sundays and holidays. Historic Talomo Beach is best remembered as a landing site for Japanese and American forces during World War II.

But the best beaches are located in nearby Samal Island. Highly recommended are Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark (www.bluejaz.net). Pearl Farm (the only triple A beach resort in Mindanao) is a 45-minute boat ride from Davao City while Bluejaz (whose biggest attractions are the two giant slides) is only five minutes away.

One of the things that make Davao unique is its durian. If you can't stand the smell, you can always drink it. At Bluegr‚ Caf‚, you can try the durian cappuccino - a unique brew of durian and coffee. Other noted caf‚ bars are Basti's Brew, Bo's Coffee Club, Caf‚ Marco, and Claude's Le Caf‚ de Ville.

Don't worry about food; restaurants and bars are aplenty. The city is known for its inihaw (grilled tuna) and kinilaw (local version of sashimi using tuna or blue marlin strips). For international cuisine, you can choose from any of the following: Ranchero (don't miss the delicious baby back ribs or the sizzling bulalo) Krua Thai, Farfalla Pasta Bar, Tsuru, Hanoi, and Jack Ridge.

There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao. Among the famous ones are Marco Polo Davao on Claveria Street, Royal Mandaya Hotel on Ponciano Street, Apo View Hotel in Bonifacio Street, Grand Men Seng Hotel in Magallanes Street, and Grand Regal Hotel and Waterfront Insular Hotel, both in Lanang.

Other recommended hotels are Bagobo House, Hotel Galleria, Casa Letecia, Regency Inn, Davao Tower Inn, Villa Margarita, Orange Grove Hotel, Hotel Elena, and Sampaguita Tourist Inn.

Before you leave the city, you must bring with you something from Davao. Since you can't bring durian, buy durian bars and preserves. Sweet pomelos, particularly the seedless varieties, also make a good pasalubong since these have a longer shelf life compared to other fruits. Women can also flock to Aldevinco Shopping Center at C.M. Recto Street; here they can buy various sizes and forms of malong, tinalak and other souvenirs.

The best time to visit Davao is the months of March and August. On March 6, the city celebrates its anniversary. One of the most anticipated events is the Parada Dabawenyo (a parade where government agencies and private sectors joined together to show their solidarity) and search for Mutya ng Dabaw.

On every third week of August, Davao celebrates the festival of all festivals in Mindanao. It's called Kadayawan sa Dabaw (coined from the Dabawenyo word dayaw, which means "good"). Actually, the week-long event celebrates the blessings of God upon the people of the land, the wealth of culture and the serenity of life.

Madayaw!

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 10:06 AM

Crepelato NCCC branch will open on March 26, 2011.

http://www.facebook.com/crepelato

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 10:10 AM

Kisan Lu very aggressive in its mid- to high-end projects (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18444)
Written by: Escovilla , Joel B.
Thursday, 24 March 2011

Kisan Lu Lands Inc., the oldest property developer in Davao City, is infusing at least P1 billion more for the new expansion of its Bambu Estates project in Mintal, about an half-hour drive from the urban center.

The expansion represents the land development and construction for 280 new high-end residential houses, located in the south zone of the gated property, which comes in three standard models that are sold between P2.1 million to P4.5 million each.

Kristin L. Lu, who took over the company about a decade ago, said they took advantage of the natural creek that cuts the property as the boundary that divides the north and south. The creek will be spruced up which is also in keeping with the overall “Zen” theme of the Bambu project (so-called because the area is teeming with bamboos).

“All our projects has the best proximity. Location still matters,” she said. “Our target market are the overseas Filipino workers and the foreigners.”

She said the company has always prided itself of always using premium materials for its housing projects. In order to fulfill that promise, the company is using its “in house” architects and builders instead of outsourcing the job to outside contractors.

Her father, Kisan D. Lu, was once known as “King of Low Cost,” after delivering about 10,000 residential units. He was visionary enough to turn over the company to his children who immediately introduced some changes, the most obvious of which is the company’s venture into mid- and high-end housing units and commercial properties.

The company has been very aggressive in real estate in recent years after it was forced to hibernate, along with other property developers in the city, by the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s. It has two ongoing upscale subdivisions, the Amiya Resorts and Residences and Twin Palms Residents, with investments upward of P1 billion.

An architect by profession, Kristin herself personally designs most of the houses.

Ramesis Michael A. Lu, vice president for operation, said Bambu is their second project intended for mixed use after Amiya Residences. About 2.3 hectares of the total 27 hectares of the Bambu project is reserved for a mall that will be offered to another company.

“We really have no experience building a mall, we stick to what we know and that is building houses. If there are no takers, however, maybe we will build the mall ourselves,” he said.

The “family affair” enables the company to constantly innovate so even with bigger property developers like Sta. Lucia Property or Vista Lands coming in the city with big ticket projects, this smaller Davao-based company still managest to compete.

Andrew Bautista, Kisan Lu sales and marketing manager, said they already received bookings for the new models although they couldn’t pre-sell yet without first securing an authority from the local government.

“We started offering just last week and we already booked about three percent of the total (lots),” he said.

While other developers are building condominiums left and right, for now, Ms. Lu said, the company will stick to the building houses with a lawn as she observed a still untapped market there, which are particularly popular with migrants from adjacent provinces in Davao City.

http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18444

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 02:54 PM

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 02:55 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/48892649.jpg

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 03:26 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745892.jpg

rodincouch

March 24th, 2011, 03:31 PM

Must-do things in Davao (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/march/24/lifestyle2.isx&d=2011/march/24)
by Harold Geronimo

One of the best things I’ve done at the start of the summer season this year was a four-day visit to Davao City. I’ve been such a huge fan of this city since I first visited last year. First, it’s a typhoon-free city. Second, it has the second cleanest tap water (yes, you can drink it without filtering) in the country. Third, it has one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Fourth, I love Davao pomelos so much. And fifth, Marco Polo Davao is my favorite hotel outside Metro Manila (their Lazuli Spa is the best in the city!). So if you’re still planning for your summer getaway, it’s time to visit Davao and enjoy the best from the islands to the highlands!

1. Take the Eden Nature Park tour

Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Davao City, Samal Island and Davao Gulf at 3,000 feet above sea level. This beautiful man-made nature resort at the foot of Mt. Talomo in Toril is home to over 100,000 pine trees, hundreds of flower species and fruit trees. This is also a perfect place to harvest your favorite fresh vegetables and to go fishing for your favorite tilapia and other freshwater fish at the Fishing Village. For the adventurous spirits, take the Skyrider challenge—a 200-meter long zipline atop a canopy of trees with a spectacular view of the Davao Gulf. You may also spend the day trekking in its famous four-kilometer mountain trail.

2. Breakfast at Paradise Island

Undoubtedly, the best Filipino breakfast is served at the Paradise Island Resort in Samal Island. A quick five-minute boat ride will bring you to this resort for a refreshing morning indulgence – from my favorite seafood valenciana to the fresh fruits and tropical drinks. After breakfast, you may take a plunge in their white sand beach, explore the clear waters for some scuba diving or take the jetski ride for an awesome view of the city and Mt. Apo. The resort also features a mini-zoo where you can find various bird species, and of course, the famous giant python snake which has been a resident of the resort for quite some time.

3. Enjoy the Deca Wakeboard Park

The biggest wakeboarding facility in the whole of Visayas and Mindanao is the Deca Wakeboard Park. It is also the first wakeboarding facility inside a residential development. Just a 30-minute drive from the city proper, this wakeboard park is even bigger than the one in Camsur so wakeboard enthusiasts will enjoy even more! Unlike other commercial wakeboarding facilities in other parts of the country, Deca Wakeboard Park is relatively new with mostly local residents visiting the facility. So it’s less crowded and you need not queue too long to wait for your turn.

4. Visit the Philippine Eagle Center

When you’re in Davao, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Philippine Eagle Center which is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 10 other bird species, four species of mammals and two species of reptiles. This facility is managed by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, a private organization dedicated to saving the endangered national bird of the Philippines and its rainforest habitat. It is just about an hour drive from the city and entrance fees are very minimal: P50 for adults and P30 for children. A guided tour may be arranged for you to better understand and appreciate the Philippine Eagle. Donate to the foundation by sponsoring a trail block (for only P300) where your name will be imprinted.

5. Try Blugre’s Durian Coffee

If you talk about Davao, one of the first things that come to mind is their endemic fruit Durian. To those who just couldn’t take the whole fruit, then you have the option to try it in a coffee. The first one to introduce the unique durian coffee blend is Blugre – one of Davao’s signature coffee shops that is now dominating the city’s coffee scene. It has three branches around the city (Landco Corporate Center, Matina Town Square and SM City Davao). Order the famous Durian Gatchpuccino (hot) or the Durian Larcepuccino (ice-blended) and pair it with the Durian Cheesecake for a complete durian indulgence in one sitting.

Special thanks to our models Anthony and Alec Van Dierendonck, Nigel Fisher, Meg Sta. Ines and Patty Basa of Marco Polo Davao, and to Art Boncato of DOT Regional Office. For your comments and views, you may e-mail me at high5.harold@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter: harold_geronimo

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/march/24/lifestyle2.isx&d=2011/march/24

eflex

March 25th, 2011, 03:53 AM

The Greening of Camella Northpoint
Comment| More |
Tuesday, March 22, 2011

CAMELLA's landmark condo development in Davao City, Camella Northpoint continues to make new paths in condo living in the city as its first green condominium.

Northpoint buildings are designed and built following the principles of green architecture, an eco-design that creates structures beneficial to human health and has minimal impact on the environment. But it is not only Northpoint's buildings that are eco-friendly, its natural environment of ancient trees, pine, trees and verdant plant life is as green as it gets.

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"Camella has preserved the ancient Acacia trees living on the condo grounds, and we have even augmented these with Caribbean pine trees imported from New Zealand to create a cool, pine-scented ambiance in Northpoint," Marlon B. Escalicas, general manager of Camella Communities Davao, said.

From the very start, Camella has committed to preserve the old Acacia trees that Northpoint's property is known for. As the condo buildings and amenities are constructed, Camella and its contractors are careful to work around the existing trees and the natural creek, preserving them as they carefully incorporate modern development to blend with the natural surroundings of Northpoint.

The first batch of pine trees were transplanted over a year ago, costing around P2 million. This year, Camella intends to add another P2 million worth of these all-weather pine trees to further green Northpoint. With over 2000 pine trees growing within an already verdant land of 2.8 hectares, no other condo development in Davao is greener than Northpoint.

Not only that, the manicured landscape and lush pocket gardens all add to the fresh, green environment, and even the buildings have a taste of the natural outdoors with its atrium garden inside the concrete structures.

The clubhouse, Wakefield Manor, has a wellness swimming pool that utilizes salinated water, which requires less chlorine for maintenance and is healthier to swim in than pools using heavily chlorinated water. The salinated swimming pool complements the healthy living proposition of Northpoint.

Future development of its commercial area has also been designed to respect the natural topography of the site. Instead of plowing through and flattening Northpoint's undulating land, the planned wooden decks and walkways will hug and follow its natural contours and snake around the existing trees. This rustic, natural walkway will allow people to stroll around and enjoy the towering trees that provide a green canopy above their heads.

But it's not only Northpoint's buildings and natural environs that allow its homeowners to live a green lifestyle; even its location gives them the opportunity to live green. As the condo community is a stone's throw away from all the modern amenities of urban living, it requires a shorter commute to everything, translating to lesser fuel consumption.

Its strategic location at the heart of north Davao's growth area makes it a walkable and sustainable community, decreasing automobile dependence and providing more transportation choices, both of which in turn reduce carbon footprint. All these make the greening of Northpoint an answer to the call of times.

"With the green movement sweeping all over the globe, we can only try to do our share by building a green, sustainable condo community like Northpoint, because that is not only the smart way of living, it is also the smart way of creating communities," Escalicas said.

For more information about Camella Northpoint or any of Camella's developments, visit their offices at 2/F, Delgar Building, J. P. Laurel Ave., Davao City (across Camella Northpoint) and the Camella Information Center at Northpoint, call 222-0963, 222-5221, 222-5223, 0917-857-6572, email vismins@camella.com.ph, or log on to www.camella.com.ph.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 23, 2011

eflex

March 25th, 2011, 03:56 AM

Kisan Lu's new house models unveiled
Comment| More | By Jhun Gatmaitan

Thursday, March 24, 2011

KISAN LU Lands Development Inc. (KLLDI) has launched its two newest residential masterpieces during the unveiling on March 9, 2011 at its new development project Bambu Estate in Sto. Niño, Tugbok district.

KLLD unveiled its Maki and Nori house models, carrying a Zen motif. The first of its kind in Mindanao, the master plan incorporates beauty and elegance that no other can compare. With Zen motif, it redefines life to all not just as a development but a destination in Davao City.

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"Owning a unit at Bambu estate is like living in Okinawa, Japan. The brand new units are also like living a lifestyle and the prestige of being a part of Bambu Estate," KLLD president and chief executive officer Kristin Lu said.

Bambu Estate will house 280 units that are designed for quality and innovation.

"We go for the quality of each structure, for our clients' fulfillment and satisfaction," Lu said.

Bambu Estate utilizes innovations that bring unit owners closer to nature, such as Zen landscape, pine trees, outdoor garden for natural air flow. The innovative plan aims to emphasize that there is more to urban living and is also eyeing to make Bambu estate comparable to developments in Japan.

Bambu Estate is a 20-30 minutes ride from downtown area, strategically located in Sto.Nino, Tugbok district, the cool side of Davao city. A 500 ft. above sea level that is far from flooded areas.

Its address will share with developments on rise in the future, such as commercial areas, mixed-use developments, high-end retail and shopping centers, business establishments, church, schools and hospital.

"We promise to bring more innovation in our coming themed projects and we promised to not just to bring innovation but also quality homes for our buyers," Lu said.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 25, 2011

eflex

March 25th, 2011, 04:10 AM

Davao City: The perfect tourist destination
Comment| More | By Henrylito D. Tacio

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

"MURDER City" - that was how the defunct Asiaweek described Davao City in the early 1980s. Some two to three people were killed each day and thrown in the ditch. Foreigners and even those from nearby provinces shunned what became the country's "killing fields."

In 1988, a few years after the historic people power in Manila, the son of the last governor of the then undivided Davao Province became the mayor of the city. Rodrigo R. Duterte did the most impossible task of restoring peace and order that was divided by religion and ideological belief.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

By the time his first term ended, Duterte had regained much of the city's positive image as an ideal investment haven and tourism destination. During the 67th Araw ng Dabaw celebration, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo commented: "The Philippines is just catching up with Davao City which seems to be always leading the way for the rest of the country."

For such accolade, Duterte had this to say: "I hold it as an article of faith in government that there can never be development and progress in any city or province in the country, unless there is stability, unless there is peace and order."

Indeed, Davao City has gone a long, long way. "Over the last two decades, we have seen tremendous progress in infrastructures and linkages, trade and communications, and human resource development," said Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio, the 32-year-old first lady mayor of the city, during the recent anniversary celebration. "We continue to attract not only investors but people who have seen paradise in Davao."

"A resort city" was how Catalina Dakudao, former regional director of the Department of Tourism described Davao. After all, it has "all the ingredients of a successful destination. You have the mountains, the seas, the fruit baskets, the orchids."

Today, Davao is the trade and commerce center of Mindanao. It is just one hour and thirty minutes by plane from Manila (45 minutes if from Cebu City). Davao is also the gateway to East Asian countries, particularly Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore[/B].

In 2006, Davao hosted the tourism forum of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "Davao is slow compared to Hongkong, Bangkok, Manila, and Cebu," wrote Ernie Abella, editor of Madayaw, a magazine that was released in conjunction with the event. "But you can get from sea to mountain by the time you finish the juice of a fresh coconut."

For those who want to know more about Davao City, log on this website: www.discoverdavao.com/www.davaotourism.com. Or, visit the Department of Tourism office at fifth floor of Landco Building located at J.P. Laurel Avenue.

[B]Davao is home to three Philippine icons: the exquisite waling-waling orchid (which you can see at Puentespina Orchid Center in Agdao), the controversial durian fruit (have a taste of it at the Madrazo Fruit Stand in Bangoy Street), and the endangered Philippine eagle (travel about one hour from the city to Malagos, Calinan where the Philippine Eagle Center is located).

If you are a first timer to the city, your first stopover should be the Davao City Hall in San Pedro Street. The place is spacious and you'll see some activities being done at the nearby Jose Rizal Park. Along San Pedro Street is the Camp Domingo Leonor, which happened to be the quarters of the Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s.

Just a walking distance away from the city hall is the Sangguniang Panglungsod building. In front of it is a freedom statue designed by Kublai Milan. At the back of the building is the Museo Dabawenyo, where you get a glimpse of what city looks like in the past.

Adjacent to the Sangguniang Panglungsod is the San Pedro Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Mindanao. The original structure of the church was built in 1847 in honor of St. Peter, the city's patron saint. The old altar is preserved at the right wing of the cathedral.

If you have already done the walking tour, call a taxi and tell the driver to bring you People's Park in Camus Street. The expansive and beautiful 70-million park features many delightful treats for its beholders to discover. Grand landscaped waterfall, strategically scenic benches, a small but fun playground, amazingly breathtaking gardens, arranged multipurpose trees, lovely traditional cottages and sophisticated sculptures.

Before the day is over, go to the Davao Crocodile Park, Inc. in the diversion road in Maa. It is home to some 700 crocodiles, including Pangil, the country's second largest reptile at 18 feet long and is more than 60 years old. Witness breath-taking stunts done by tight-rope walker on top of a crocodile pond.

Having your fill of crocs, you might want to check other animals in small cages or glass-encased enclosures. There are raucous parrots, eagles and mynahs. Snakes are coiled inside their cages, their heads tucked under their shiny skins. There's a bearcat hanging precariously on a branch and in front is a swinging orangutan. Smaller animals such as macaques, porcupine, civet, leopard cat, monitor, and deer have their own cages too.

Davao also has a number of beaches to offer. Times Beach, two kilometers from the city center, bustles with picnickers during Sundays and holidays. Historic Talomo Beach is best remembered as a landing site for Japanese and American forces during World War II.

But the best beaches are located in nearby Samal Island. Highly recommended are Pearl Farm Beach Resort and Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark (www.bluejaz.net). Pearl Farm (the only triple A beach resort in Mindanao) is a 45-minute boat ride from Davao City while Bluejaz (whose biggest attractions are the two giant slides) is only five minutes away.

One of the things that make Davao unique is its durian. If you can't stand the smell, you can always drink it. At Bluegr‚ Caf‚, you can try the durian cappuccino - a unique brew of durian and coffee. Other noted caf‚ bars are Basti's Brew, Bo's Coffee Club, Caf‚ Marco, and Claude's Le Caf‚ de Ville.

Don't worry about food; restaurants and bars are aplenty. The city is known for its inihaw (grilled tuna) and kinilaw (local version of sashimi using tuna or blue marlin strips). For international cuisine, you can choose from any of the following: Ranchero (don't miss the delicious baby back ribs or the sizzling bulalo) Krua Thai, Farfalla Pasta Bar, Tsuru, Hanoi, and Jack Ridge.

There is no shortage of accommodations in Davao. Among the famous ones are Marco Polo Davao on Claveria Street, Royal Mandaya Hotel on Ponciano Street, Apo View Hotel in Bonifacio Street, Grand Men Seng Hotel in Magallanes Street, and Grand Regal Hotel and Waterfront Insular Hotel, both in Lanang.

Other recommended hotels are Bagobo House, Hotel Galleria, Casa Letecia, Regency Inn, Davao Tower Inn, Villa Margarita, Orange Grove Hotel, Hotel Elena, and Sampaguita Tourist Inn.

Before you leave the city, you must bring with you something from Davao. Since you can't bring durian, buy durian bars and preserves. Sweet pomelos, particularly the seedless varieties, also make a good pasalubong since these have a longer shelf life compared to other fruits. Women can also flock to Aldevinco Shopping Center at C.M. Recto Street; here they can buy various sizes and forms of malong, tinalak and other souvenirs.

The best time to visit Davao is the months of March and August. On March 6, the city celebrates its anniversary. One of the most anticipated events is the Parada Dabawenyo (a parade where government agencies and private sectors joined together to show their solidarity) and search for Mutya ng Dabaw.

On every third week of August, Davao celebrates the festival of all festivals in Mindanao. It's called Kadayawan sa Dabaw (coined from the Dabawenyo word dayaw, which means "good"). Actually, the week-long event celebrates the blessings of God upon the people of the land, the wealth of culture and the serenity of life.

Madayaw!

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 24, 2011

exyobbo

March 25th, 2011, 11:35 AM

asa ni dapit?

rodincouch

March 25th, 2011, 11:37 AM

Market Basket, DAMOSA.

eflex

March 25th, 2011, 01:07 PM

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=198001873567335&set=a.144117645622425.18145.144110445623145&theater

CHOCOLATIER BOUTIQUE CAFÉ

MtApoStandard

March 25th, 2011, 02:49 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5554880273_121e38ff24_z.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erwinpoy/5554880273/

Rodel

March 26th, 2011, 08:35 AM

People's Park

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Davao%20Trip/DSC_1352.jpg

rodincouch

March 27th, 2011, 02:22 AM

^^ Nice photo! :)

rodincouch

March 27th, 2011, 02:25 AM

Heaven in Davao (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311442/heaven-davao)
By MA. GLAIZA LEE
March 26, 2011, 3:42am

A simple bahay kubo in Lola’s Garden
A simple bahay kubo in Lola’s Garden

Lub-dub… lub-dub… lub-dub…

My heart was beating fast as I was ascending the 250-foot high tower, where cables for the zip line ride were attached.

It wasn’t initially part of our trip. We were in Davao City just to cover the opening of the Philippine International Arts Festival organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. But well, Davao is too beautiful a place to not tour around.

So, we went to Eden Nature Park and Resort, a beautiful man-made resort at the foot of Mt. Talomo, for lunch and as a side trip.

From over 80 hectares of forested land, which was primarily covered by wild grass, rose a resort park that serves as home to flower gardens, fruit orchards, vegetable patches, hydroponic greenhouses, and animal sanctuaries. Situated at the foot of the mountain, guests can enjoy distinct crisp and fresh mountain air as they trek along the mountain trail or take a journey around the park. It is also home to Tinubdan which gives guests a taste of Mindanao’s indigenous heritage.

While we were waiting for lunch to be served, we learned that the resort actually has a zip line - the SkyRider. If one has the desire to do something daring, this could be an initial conquest. I’ve never tried it. There were several times when friends would invite me or some opportunities where I could ride a zip line, but didn’t.

Admittedly, I have a partial phobia of heights and wide open space. Yes, I could hike up a mountain or do rappelling and rock climbing, but riding up an escalator to the last floor level of a mall could make my heart beat triple time and stop me dead on my tracks.

Initially, I had misgivings. After all, the excitement of being suspended through the canopy of trees could turn to horror if the cables snap or the pulley breaks loose. What if my phobia kicks in and I couldn’t do it? But then again, a girl still has to do what she needs to do.

Before I could change my mind, I went to the prep area, put on the harness, and headed towards the tower where the guide was waiting patiently.

As I took the first step onto the stairs, I let loose a deep breath. “Here, we go,” I thought to myself. One step, two steps… I was holding on to the rail tightly with one hand as if my life depended on it. “Don’t look down, don’t look down. Just take one step at a time”… and before I knew it, I was on top.

Even for brave souls, a pause is but only natural when you’re 250 feet up and about to take a leap of faith, literally. To some, the zip line doesn’t seem to require much courage. But for others, they could never really know what their demons are until they are faced with them.

Waiting for my turn at the launch tower, it slowly dawned on me just how much courage a person needs to do this. This is not the place for someone who is afraid of heights or has vertigo.

The gravity of the situation will, hit you hard when you’re standing at the edge of the platform. The first jump is always the hardest. The technique would be not to look down, close your eyes if you have to, and just take that leap.

And once you have jumped off the high vertical drop, you’d feel the adrenaline rush as you descend down the cables, fast and furious. You’ll feel the thrill, the speed, and even the notoriety of riding suspended in the air. As the wind softly touches your face and your feet are hanging in the air, you’ll get a view from the top. And all your fears dissipate and turn into an exhilaration. And after the first zip ride, you’ll most certainly be hooked.

After the adventure trip to Eden Park, we headed to Ponce Suites which looked like an ordinary lodging house. But Ponce Suites proved to be more than that. Tucked in the middle of Doña Vicenta Village, this quaint hotel displays an array of visually-stimulating art pieces.

Ponce Suites attracts attention to itself because on its façade lie gigantic, tribal-inspired cement sculptures that seem to guard the perimeter of the hotel. Brilliant artworks created by Kublai Millan are everywhere. There’s no unturned space. Every space is filled up with mixed media paintings, sculptures, nude artworks, and landscape photographs, among others.

The three-storey hotel with 30 relaxing rooms is managed by Kublai and his mother, who believe that the gallery hotel can make a big difference in the lives of the people who will take a respite in their quaint lodging place.

If that’s not enough to jolt your artistic inclination, you could head to the People’s Park, where Kublai’s other masterpieces can be found.

Known as the old PTA grounds where athletes used to meet and sporting events were held, the fantasy-themed park features a canopy of tropical rainforest trees. It has over 1,100 species of trees and plants from the Philippines, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Guinea, South and Central America, Africa and Madagascar.

It also showcases a 425-square meter visitors’ center, with a durian designed dome. The visitors’ center houses a “Bambusetum,” a collection of the various bamboo species.

There’s also a 3,750-square meter Shady Plaza where African tulips are planted, an Open Plaza with a walk-through rainbow drive, a pond with a man-made interactive falls, and a dancing fountain (the first in Mindanao).

The park hosted the opening of the PIAF recently, which kicked off with a hugyaw, a Mindanao call. It was followed by various performances by the Kalumon Performing Ensemble, the University of Mindanao Makabayan Dance Group, the LCB Performing Arts and Samadhi.

After that taste of Davao culture, it was about time to savor its many delicious treasures. A trip to Davao is never complete without tasting its popular produce - durian.

While most people think durian as the fruit from hell because of its strong repulsive odor, it actually tastes like heaven. Its soft and sweet pulps bring enchantment to the palate.

As we savored durian at a small stall along Magsaysay Street in Davao City, we picked a few tips from the tindera. When buying durian, you need to smell the fruit to know if it’s already ripe or not. A ripe durian gives off a strong scent, while an unripe durian doesn’t have any smell at all.

Another thing you shouldn’t forget to try is the Davao pomelo. They are so sweet and pulpy, you couldn’t stop eating. When buying pomelo, remember that the heavier the pomelo, the juicier it is.

Arts and culture, exotic produce like durian and pomelo, adventure like zip line – name it, Davao has it.

Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311442/heaven-davao)

rodincouch

March 27th, 2011, 03:28 AM

Soon to open @ NCCC Mall Ma-a

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1148/26032011d.jpg

davaob4now

March 27th, 2011, 06:05 AM

sa tinuod lang gimingaw na gyud ko sa taps...hopefully soon...

davaob4now

March 27th, 2011, 06:12 AM

People's Park

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Davao%20Trip/DSC_1352.jpg

nice photo thanks :)

Rodel

March 27th, 2011, 11:26 AM

^^ Nice photo! :)

thanks. i took this photo at 10am, when the park is closed for cleaning. he he he.

dinabaw

March 28th, 2011, 02:52 AM

kini wer dafet??

9ZXTI-HOBKo&feature=player_embedded

Il Tenore

March 28th, 2011, 03:47 AM

^^Damosa, Japan. :D nakakita na ko ani.. ;)

dinabaw

March 29th, 2011, 11:10 AM

Kalinawan Resort, Samal, Davao

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/5278/19911517719976232804116.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/19911517719976232804116.jpg/)
zip ride from cottage to cottage...or

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/7296/19993417719974899470916.jpg (http://img189.imageshack.us/i/19993417719974899470916.jpg/)
wall climb!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=34334&id=165437816837569

rodincouch

March 29th, 2011, 03:48 PM

Now open at GMall:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9804/imgp8169z.jpg

allenation

March 29th, 2011, 03:56 PM

Now open at GMall:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9804/imgp8169z.jpg
dungagan ko lang.:)
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189640_202311746457859_100000371054303_641623_1052577_n.jpg

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188396_202311789791188_100000371054303_641625_5126105_n.jpg

Il Tenore

March 29th, 2011, 04:09 PM

^^murag Zoofari lang pud sa SM.. :D

Nze_Mio.GT

March 29th, 2011, 05:02 PM

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199889_193605490678358_100000867240881_455330_4796572_n.jpg

ACDC - Anime Convention Davao City - April 14-15 2011

Ibex

March 30th, 2011, 01:34 AM

kini wer dafet nag tambay si bumblebee? :cheers:

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/9759/dsc1306b.jpg

dj_olrac

March 30th, 2011, 02:52 AM

kini wer dafet nag tambay si bumblebee? :cheers:

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/9759/dsc1306b.jpg

wow chevy camaro :)
sa damosa sir :)
tnx sa pic sir Ibex :)

nbrDVO

March 30th, 2011, 02:57 AM

Davao's fashionable address

DAVAO, Philippines -- It could well be Davao's City answer to Metro Manila's Antipolo. Shrine Hills, located on the outskirts of the city proper, offers a spectacular view of everything that makes Davao such an exciting destination. The Gulf of Davao, Samal Island, Mt. Apo, and the Davao skyline can be viewed from a trendy restaurant strip called Jack's Ridge. And like in Antipolo, diners at Jack Ridge can watch commercial jetliners make their final approach to the Davao International Airport.

Like Antipolo, tourists and residents flock to Shrine Hills to visit a church and seminary. The church in Davao is known as the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. A serene place to meditate in, the Shrine offers a sharp contrast to the happening places on the hills. Elsewhere on the hills, there is a golf course, various hotels and resorts, and a few residential villages. The hills are in fact, quickly becoming a fashionable address for the city's citizens belonging to the upper crust. One of the more sought-after addresses is the Las Terrazas village, which is located in one of the most tranquil spots of the hills. The views here are breathtaking, and the higher the property is, the more expensive is its price tag.

Las Terrazas follows the Mediterranean theme, so every house has to sport this architectural style. As a result, the place resembles an upscale neighborhood in some exotic destination like Acapulco. According to real estate broker Ed Collantes, people shopping for property at Las Terrazas couldn't wait to have their own house on the hills. ''I was showing this vacant lot to a customer, Federico Señeres. He isn't based in Davao but he wanted to have a house here. When he saw the house across the lot and learned it was also for sale, he decided to buy the house on the spot so he could move in right away.''

The house is a two-storey, four bedroom house that features Mediterranean architecture, of course. But it has a few features and accents that make it seem like a fusion of Mediterranean styles and Filipino elements. Familiar accessories like capiz windows and a porch that spans the entire length of the façade give the house a distinct character. ''The house is rarely lived in,'' says Collantes. ''But the owners like the fact that they have a place to come home to when they're in Davao.''

People living on Shrine Hills always look forward to going home. Unlike Antipolo, the traffic leading to these hills is almost nonexistent.

Published in Manila Bulletin (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/davaos-fashionable-address-20110329-033838-266.html)

rodincouch

March 30th, 2011, 06:22 AM

^^ What a lovely article! It really shows that Davao indeed is a great place to live in.

rodincouch

March 30th, 2011, 06:24 AM

Opening soon at GMall

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/324/imgp8168p.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/9759/imgp8167.jpg

sandman.ink

March 30th, 2011, 11:01 AM

^^ :okay:

rodincouch

March 30th, 2011, 04:01 PM

In the lap of luxury (http://mb.com.ph/node/311925/in-lap-luxury)
The opulent suites of Davao’s ritziest hotel
By JULIUS P. VICENTE
March 29, 2011, 6:34pm

http://mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/lap.jpg
The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao has some of the most lavish hotel suites in the country.

DAVAO, Philippines -- The most prestigious hotel in Mindanao’s premiere city is now more luxurious than ever. The Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City recently introduced some of its more lavish suites, which all could easily be mistaken for a grand home. The hotel, after all, has long been known to offer guests a Palais-like experience, which in French is a grand house situated in a city. The Presidential Suite, for instance, covers a total of 224 square meters of floor area. Exquisitely decorated, the suite seems to have been designed to cater to royalty. Aside from all the luxury amenities it has, the Presidential Suite offers a commanding view of the scenic city of Davao.

Meanwhile, the Cabana rooms, located on the fourth and fifth levels of the hotel, take exclusivity a step further. Each cabana has its own patio or balcony, which overlooks the hotel’s courtyard dubbed The Deck.

The hotel is itself a famous attraction in Davao. It’s one of the city’s more prominent landmarks as it happens to be the tallest structure in Davao. As guests can enjoy the view of almost the entire city from the Marco Polo, the hotel can also be seen from almost any spot in Davao City.

Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/node/311925/in-lap-luxury)

rodincouch

March 30th, 2011, 04:02 PM

^^

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207900_10150183997294664_257462039663_8326862_419066_n.jpg

dinabaw

March 31st, 2011, 02:43 AM

dinabaw

March 31st, 2011, 02:54 AM

:cheers:

Business

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Davao business sector lays out plans to support public-private partnerships

DAVAO CITY, March 29 (PNA) – The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) Board has approved a resolution to lay out the framework for public private partnerships (PPPs) in what could be described as the latest bold move of the city’s business sector to help bolster the city’s surging economy.

DCCCII president Dr. Ma. Lourdes Monteverde said they will draft the framework in partnership with the Davao City local government to strengthen efforts to attract investors to locate in the city.

Monteverde said although the city government has a definite role in attracting investors, the chamber should also do its part in making initiatives to attract investors since most of them are private corporations. She said DCCCII’s primary role in drafting the framework for PPPs is to attract big investors.

Monteverde confirmed that a lot of developments are emerging in the south side of the city including the planned P5-billion health and wellness complex.

“There is an urban sprawl growth not only in the north side of the city but also in the south side including at the diversion,” Monteverde said.

She attributed the sprawling developments in the city also to its north and south partners, which are Digos City and Tagum City, respectively.

“Big investors, both local and foreign come to the city for development, because they see Davao as an agri-business center in Mindanao,” she said, citing the two U.S.-based business process outsourcing companies that have committed to locate in the city following the Chief Executive Officers’ Conference which was held in the city recently.

But Monteverde said Davao City can also be positioned as tourism destination in Mindanao with the industry's apparent growth.(PNA)
DCT/LAP/JGQ/ldp

All Voices (http://www.allvoices.com/s/event-8622775/aHR0cDovL3Bvc2l0aXZlbmV3c21lZGlhLm5ldC9hbTIvcHVibGlzaC9CdXNpbmVzc18xOS9EYXZhb19idXNpbmVzc19zZWN0b3JfbGF5c19vdXRfcGxhbnNfdG9fc3VwcG9ydF9wdWJsaWMtcHJpdmF0ZV9wYXJ0bmVyc2hpcHMuc2h0bWw=)

cemby

March 31st, 2011, 06:39 AM

Iconic post card of Davao, Insular Hotel...

front

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/804/card00900fr.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/card00900fr.jpg/)

back

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/9075/card00900bk.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/card00900bk.jpg/)

hmmm... Sayang ito... It used to be very beautiful but when Zobel de Ayala sold it to Gatchalians...it was not maintained....

dinabaw

March 31st, 2011, 08:18 AM

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/4951/malagosgardenresort.jpg (http://img818.imageshack.us/i/malagosgardenresort.jpg/)

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6251/imgfarmcarmen1.jpg (http://img854.imageshack.us/i/imgfarmcarmen1.jpg/)

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/8489/imgfarmcarmen02.jpg (http://img705.imageshack.us/i/imgfarmcarmen02.jpg/)
Flower Galore

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/5688/walingwalingflower3160.jpg (http://img641.imageshack.us/i/walingwalingflower3160.jpg/)
Waling-Waling Forest

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/4179/28916842961ca0119b20z.jpg (http://img688.imageshack.us/i/28916842961ca0119b20z.jpg/)

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/595/318701665mxqombph.jpg (http://img824.imageshack.us/i/318701665mxqombph.jpg/)

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/632/malagos031.jpg (http://img600.imageshack.us/i/malagos031.jpg/)

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/2040/malagos016.jpg (http://img840.imageshack.us/i/malagos016.jpg/)
Sculptures

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/5271/malagos110.jpg (http://img684.imageshack.us/i/malagos110.jpg/)

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4783/178yr.jpg (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/178yr.jpg/)
Birdshows

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/559/malagos082.jpg (http://img861.imageshack.us/i/malagos082.jpg/)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5202/41327235449d4904540qd1x.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/41327235449d4904540qd1x.jpg/)
Butterfly Sanctuary

Food and Wine

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/2820/davaoblue.jpg (http://img96.imageshack.us/i/davaoblue.jpg/)
Best known cheese

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/6898/tableyahoricup41.jpg (http://img833.imageshack.us/i/tableyahoricup41.jpg/)
world famous chocolate source

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8980/malagosfruitwine.jpg (http://img263.imageshack.us/i/malagosfruitwine.jpg/)

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8682/bignaywinebarrel.jpg (http://img845.imageshack.us/i/bignaywinebarrel.jpg/)
Well-known Bignay Wine

dinabaw

March 31st, 2011, 08:28 AM

Claude’s Café new home...

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1678/claudesoboza575x382.jpg (http://img836.imageshack.us/i/claudesoboza575x382.jpg/)

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/555/claudesentrance382x575.jpg (http://img822.imageshack.us/i/claudesentrance382x575.jpg/)

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4412/claudesvenison382x575.jpg (http://img708.imageshack.us/i/claudesvenison382x575.jpg/)
Claude's Chevreuil

Blogie (http://blogie.me/category/davao-cheese/)

mCx2

March 31st, 2011, 12:56 PM

hmmm... Sayang ito... It used to be very beautiful but when Zobel de Ayala sold it to Gatchalians...it was not maintained....

Hmm.I remember Insular Hotel when it used to be part of the Intercontinental Hotels group.it used to be surrounded with ponds-traversing around the hotels' interconnecting bridges filled with papyrus and Japanese carps. when Waterfront took over they renovated it and turned the old casino and bowling alley into a convention centre and revamp the old lobby. But the worse thing they did was drained the ponds and covered them with pebbles.Insular had lost its ''resort feel'' forever.

rodincouch

April 1st, 2011, 03:25 AM

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183019_1782487077591_1101891441_2079570_1961502_n.jpg

dinabaw

April 1st, 2011, 05:49 AM

Discovering Davao
TEXT AND PHOTOS By Julie Cabatit-Alegre (The Philippine Star) Updated March 27, 2011 12:00 AM

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3581/wakeq.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/wakeq.jpg/)

MANILA, Philippines - It was a leap of faith,” Nigel Fisher admits. Although he had spent sometime in various places in Asia including Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Macau, he had never been to the Philippines before. He looked up Davao City on the Internet, liked what he read about it, and decided to come. Since he assumed his post as general manager of Marco Polo Davao in 2009, he has come to know more about this third largest city in the country (next to Cebu and Manila) firsthand, and appears to be liking it even more.

Fisher shared his story over a sumptuous lunch at the newly refurbished Lotus Court, Marco Polo Davao’s premiere Cantonese restaurant.
Marco Polo Lotus Court’s signature dish, Yin Yang Garupa, served with dark and light sauce

With an estimated population of about one million, Davao City, which covers about 244,000 hectares, is considered the world’s largest city in terms of land area. You can drink water straight from the tap since it was recognized by the World Health Organization as having the second cleanest potable water in the world. It is typhoon-free and enjoys fair weather year-round. It is known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines.”

Davao’s tourism tagline says it all: “From Island to Highland.” Davao offers “adventure, culture and nature,” from mountain climbing (the country’s tallest peak, Mt. Apo, is located here) to whitewater rafting (a thrilling three-hour run down the winding Davao River); from the Pearl Farm to the Philippine Eagle Center; from the exquisite waling-waling orchid to the exciting Kadayawan Festival.

“I’m the perfect example of a foreigner with a family on a four-day stay, here to experience everything Davao has to offer,” Fisher remarked. His family — wife, three teenaged daughters, and 83-year-old mother, who all live in Australia — have come to visit him and have enjoyed what he calls “the local experience.”

“The funny thing is, what I consider as really good fun, for the people who live here, it’s just their ordinary everyday experience, like riding the jeepney or getting on the boat to go to Paradise Island to eat kinilaw and adobo.”

Paradise Island and Beach Resort is said to rank among the finest beaches in Davao. Located in Samal Island, it’s a 10-minute, P15 ferry ride away from the city. With nearly 800 meters of shoreline and snorkeling area, you get to enjoy the beautiful coral and different varieties of marine life. Within the resort is a mini-zoo and an aviary with peacocks and peahens, assorted lovebirds, and a cobra.
Gene Bangayan of Ronaldo’s

At the beachside buffet, we enjoyed the imbao soup (halaan or clams) as well as the kinilaw na malasugui (blue marlin). We learned that kinilaw happens to be Fisher’s most favorite local dish. Something unique was the Amik, a Muslim native dessert made from ground rice mixed with sugar, passed through a sieve and deep-fried. Chef Lou Bacharpa, who explained to us how the delicacy is made, had been with the 23-year-old resort for 21 years.

Back in 1971, only wild grass covered a logged over area at the foot of Mt. Talomo. Since then, 100,000 pine trees were planted over 80 hectares, creating a beautiful manmade mountain resort — the Eden Nature Park and Resort, a 45-minute drive from Marco Polo.

There’s a four-kilometer mountain trail, campsites and cottages, a fishing village, an orchard of native fruit trees as well as herbs, organic vegetables, and flower gardens.

One can go horseback riding around the park. There’s also a soccer field. But the sports attraction du jour is the 200-meter-long zipline, the Skyrider, which requires you to climb a tall steel tower and, strapped in a safety harness, sends you gliding over the towering pine trees below.

Eco-tourism and outdoor adventure is high in Davao’s agenda. The newest water sports destination is the Deca Wakeboard Park, which recently opened to the public. It is actually the main amenity of a mass housing development, which makes it rather unique.
Chef Lou with native dessert amik at Paradise Island and Beach Resort

It was raining when we visited the Philippine Eagle Center, about an hour’s ride from the city center. This is home to the Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle. Marco Polo Davao, a staunch advocate of environmental protection and green tourism (it won the 2010 ASEAN Green Hotel Award), supports the center in its program to propagate the endangered specie.

Back in our hotel room, a warm tub bath was just what we needed after a long day of marathon sightseeing.

As guests in the newly refurbished Cabana rooms and suites on the fourth and fifth floors, we enjoyed the same benefits as the exclusive Continental Club on the top floors.

Said to be the tallest building in Mindanao, the 18-story Marco Polo Davao, located in the heart of the city, offers great views of Davao Gulf, Mt. Apo, and Samal Island. The 245-room hotel, which won the prestigious “Hotel of the Year” award in 2009 and 2007, is just beside Aldevinco, where you go for pasalubong shopping, and is right across the Ateneo de Davao main campus as well as the post office.

The Deck on the fourth floor, with its resort-like ambiance, also features a 25-meter swimming pool, a gym and fitness center as well as the Lazuli Spa, the ultimate haven for soothing comfort and deep relaxation. The Polo Bistro, also on The Deck, is Fisher’s current “work in progress” where he has taken a personal hand in planning the casual dining layout around the pool, and developing the outlet’s hearty and healthy menu. After all, his many years of experience in the hospitality industry include 12 years as F&B manager in various Hyatt properties in Australia. He can tell you exactly how the ciabatta is made — which, frankly, we could not seem to get enough of from the breadbasket. The pomelo crème brulee is also a must-try. When the Café Marco reopens its doors in July (it will be closed for refurbishing starting March 28 to June 30), its buffet offerings promise to level up to those found in such five-star hotels in Cebu and Makati. The Eagles Bar and the Lobby Lounge are the other venues in the hotel that provide just the right mood for unwinding at day’s end.

Davao, too, is a dining destination. We had more than our fill. How can we forget Ronaldo’s and its charming owner, Gene Bangayan, who also happens to be the president of the Davao Tourism Association?
CJohnny Cupcake’s Dark Chocolate Beer cupcake

Piero Lucarini of La Toscana was another pleasant host-cum-chef-cum-Italian bar and restaurant owner. As the name suggests, his menu reflects the Tuscany kitchen of his home country. The authentic taste of the Tuscany sausage with the freshly made pasta that we enjoyed continues to tease our taste buds and will linger in our memory.

There are other memorable dining places, like Claude’s where the homey dining room is set in a restored house built in 1929 for the first mayor of Davao City. Then there’s that charming boutique hotel, Legaspi Suites, where you can enjoy their signature Lychee Margarita while lounging on wrought-iron chairs and tables set under the trees. Or pick up a cupcake or two at Johnny Cupcake behind the Central Bank building. The dark chocolate cupcake with beer is certainly unique. Blugre is the homegrown coffeehouse where the very first durian coffee frappe was created and served. A slice of durian cappuccino crunch is a perfect accompaniment, with no risk of a durian overload.

What more can we say? Davao seems to have all it takes to make it to the top of your “places to go to” list.

“What we have to do is to let the local people realize and value what they have,” Fisher observed. That’s coming from someone who simply took a chance and was easily won over in no time by the city that he has come to love.

* * *

Marco Polo Davao is located at C.M. Recto St. corner M. Roxas Ave. 8000 Davao City For reservations, call (63 82) 221-0888 or visit www.marcopolohotels.com.

Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=670125)

allenation

April 1st, 2011, 07:09 AM

^^ nice!:cheers:

BroiledGum

April 1st, 2011, 08:13 AM

^^ Everyone is defenseless when it comes to loving Davao's way of life.

tj_brewed

April 1st, 2011, 11:13 AM

^^ Everyone is defenseless when it comes to loving Davao's way of life.

this is how i personally define davao's way of life - relaxing, laid back - without leaving d comforts of a city life.

im glad nga na city tourism office also markets davao as d city to go to if u wanna be away from the busy metro life, a city to relax, a city dat wud serve as a great escape.

we can no longer banner d ziplines, tubings, etc coz other places now offer these. but one thing which is unique in davao that is challenging to reproduce elsewhere is its laid back lifestyle in a city setting.

rodincouch

April 1st, 2011, 02:11 PM

And there are many more things Davao has to offer! I love Davao! Simply great! :cheers:

Discovering Davao
TEXT AND PHOTOS By Julie Cabatit-Alegre (The Philippine Star) Updated March 27, 2011 12:00 AM

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3581/wakeq.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/wakeq.jpg/)

MANILA, Philippines - It was a leap of faith,” Nigel Fisher admits. Although he had spent sometime in various places in Asia including Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Macau, he had never been to the Philippines before. He looked up Davao City on the Internet, liked what he read about it, and decided to come. Since he assumed his post as general manager of Marco Polo Davao in 2009, he has come to know more about this third largest city in the country (next to Cebu and Manila) firsthand, and appears to be liking it even more.

Fisher shared his story over a sumptuous lunch at the newly refurbished Lotus Court, Marco Polo Davao’s premiere Cantonese restaurant.
Marco Polo Lotus Court’s signature dish, Yin Yang Garupa, served with dark and light sauce

With an estimated population of about one million, Davao City, which covers about 244,000 hectares, is considered the world’s largest city in terms of land area. You can drink water straight from the tap since it was recognized by the World Health Organization as having the second cleanest potable water in the world. It is typhoon-free and enjoys fair weather year-round. It is known as the “Fruit Basket of the Philippines.”

Davao’s tourism tagline says it all: “From Island to Highland.” Davao offers “adventure, culture and nature,” from mountain climbing (the country’s tallest peak, Mt. Apo, is located here) to whitewater rafting (a thrilling three-hour run down the winding Davao River); from the Pearl Farm to the Philippine Eagle Center; from the exquisite waling-waling orchid to the exciting Kadayawan Festival.

“I’m the perfect example of a foreigner with a family on a four-day stay, here to experience everything Davao has to offer,” Fisher remarked. His family — wife, three teenaged daughters, and 83-year-old mother, who all live in Australia — have come to visit him and have enjoyed what he calls “the local experience.”

“The funny thing is, what I consider as really good fun, for the people who live here, it’s just their ordinary everyday experience, like riding the jeepney or getting on the boat to go to Paradise Island to eat kinilaw and adobo.”

Paradise Island and Beach Resort is said to rank among the finest beaches in Davao. Located in Samal Island, it’s a 10-minute, P15 ferry ride away from the city. With nearly 800 meters of shoreline and snorkeling area, you get to enjoy the beautiful coral and different varieties of marine life. Within the resort is a mini-zoo and an aviary with peacocks and peahens, assorted lovebirds, and a cobra.
Gene Bangayan of Ronaldo’s

At the beachside buffet, we enjoyed the imbao soup (halaan or clams) as well as the kinilaw na malasugui (blue marlin). We learned that kinilaw happens to be Fisher’s most favorite local dish. Something unique was the Amik, a Muslim native dessert made from ground rice mixed with sugar, passed through a sieve and deep-fried. Chef Lou Bacharpa, who explained to us how the delicacy is made, had been with the 23-year-old resort for 21 years.

Back in 1971, only wild grass covered a logged over area at the foot of Mt. Talomo. Since then, 100,000 pine trees were planted over 80 hectares, creating a beautiful manmade mountain resort — the Eden Nature Park and Resort, a 45-minute drive from Marco Polo.

There’s a four-kilometer mountain trail, campsites and cottages, a fishing village, an orchard of native fruit trees as well as herbs, organic vegetables, and flower gardens.

One can go horseback riding around the park. There’s also a soccer field. But the sports attraction du jour is the 200-meter-long zipline, the Skyrider, which requires you to climb a tall steel tower and, strapped in a safety harness, sends you gliding over the towering pine trees below.

Eco-tourism and outdoor adventure is high in Davao’s agenda. The newest water sports destination is the Deca Wakeboard Park, which recently opened to the public. It is actually the main amenity of a mass housing development, which makes it rather unique.
Chef Lou with native dessert amik at Paradise Island and Beach Resort

It was raining when we visited the Philippine Eagle Center, about an hour’s ride from the city center. This is home to the Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle. Marco Polo Davao, a staunch advocate of environmental protection and green tourism (it won the 2010 ASEAN Green Hotel Award), supports the center in its program to propagate the endangered specie.

Back in our hotel room, a warm tub bath was just what we needed after a long day of marathon sightseeing.

As guests in the newly refurbished Cabana rooms and suites on the fourth and fifth floors, we enjoyed the same benefits as the exclusive Continental Club on the top floors.

Said to be the tallest building in Mindanao, the 18-story Marco Polo Davao, located in the heart of the city, offers great views of Davao Gulf, Mt. Apo, and Samal Island. The 245-room hotel, which won the prestigious “Hotel of the Year” award in 2009 and 2007, is just beside Aldevinco, where you go for pasalubong shopping, and is right across the Ateneo de Davao main campus as well as the post office.

The Deck on the fourth floor, with its resort-like ambiance, also features a 25-meter swimming pool, a gym and fitness center as well as the Lazuli Spa, the ultimate haven for soothing comfort and deep relaxation. The Polo Bistro, also on The Deck, is Fisher’s current “work in progress” where he has taken a personal hand in planning the casual dining layout around the pool, and developing the outlet’s hearty and healthy menu. After all, his many years of experience in the hospitality industry include 12 years as F&B manager in various Hyatt properties in Australia. He can tell you exactly how the ciabatta is made — which, frankly, we could not seem to get enough of from the breadbasket. The pomelo crème brulee is also a must-try. When the Café Marco reopens its doors in July (it will be closed for refurbishing starting March 28 to June 30), its buffet offerings promise to level up to those found in such five-star hotels in Cebu and Makati. The Eagles Bar and the Lobby Lounge are the other venues in the hotel that provide just the right mood for unwinding at day’s end.

Davao, too, is a dining destination. We had more than our fill. How can we forget Ronaldo’s and its charming owner, Gene Bangayan, who also happens to be the president of the Davao Tourism Association?
CJohnny Cupcake’s Dark Chocolate Beer cupcake

Piero Lucarini of La Toscana was another pleasant host-cum-chef-cum-Italian bar and restaurant owner. As the name suggests, his menu reflects the Tuscany kitchen of his home country. The authentic taste of the Tuscany sausage with the freshly made pasta that we enjoyed continues to tease our taste buds and will linger in our memory.

There are other memorable dining places, like Claude’s where the homey dining room is set in a restored house built in 1929 for the first mayor of Davao City. Then there’s that charming boutique hotel, Legaspi Suites, where you can enjoy their signature Lychee Margarita while lounging on wrought-iron chairs and tables set under the trees. Or pick up a cupcake or two at Johnny Cupcake behind the Central Bank building. The dark chocolate cupcake with beer is certainly unique. Blugre is the homegrown coffeehouse where the very first durian coffee frappe was created and served. A slice of durian cappuccino crunch is a perfect accompaniment, with no risk of a durian overload.

What more can we say? Davao seems to have all it takes to make it to the top of your “places to go to” list.

“What we have to do is to let the local people realize and value what they have,” Fisher observed. That’s coming from someone who simply took a chance and was easily won over in no time by the city that he has come to love.

* * *

Marco Polo Davao is located at C.M. Recto St. corner M. Roxas Ave. 8000 Davao City For reservations, call (63 82) 221-0888 or visit www.marcopolohotels.com.

Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=670125)

pet86

April 1st, 2011, 03:14 PM

pila ang pasahe from davao to gensan?

pet86

April 1st, 2011, 03:15 PM

:)please help. We'll be going to Davao this 4th of April and 8th to Gensan. Thanx po:)

rodincouch

April 2nd, 2011, 02:24 AM

Summer fun on a shoestring budget (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311444/summer-fun-a-shoestring-budget)
Consumer Post
By Sol Jose Vanzi
March 26, 2011, 3:48am

MANILA, Philippines – We were not so financially capable in the mid-‘70s when Vic and I “inherited” my younger brother’s five kids, so our summer vacation activities were limited. We had memorable summers, nevertheless, thanks to imaginative ideas and lots of public transportation.

FUN AT PUBLIC PARKS -- Sundays we spent flying kites at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex or at the Rizal Park, depending on which way the winds blew. We had all kinds of kites, from a Filipino “guryon” made by an uncle to elaborate dragons from some Hong Kong friends. We packed home-made sandwiches, fresh fruit, boiled eggs and drank chilled water kept cold in a large insulated jug.

By sundown, we would move to the open-air Concert at the Park theater to watch the week’s performances: Ballet, school band, piano concert, town play, folk dances. We were home, via a short jeepney ride, in time for dinner and the week’s episode of “Falcon Crest” or some classic Hollywood movie on borrowed Betamax tapes.

Several years later, when our station wagons and drivers could take us to far-away places, the kids would sometimes still insist on spending Sundays at Rizal Park, doing the same things they did before we could afford anything else. Which told me that it’s not how much you spend that matters, it’s the company.

DINNERS BY THE BAY — Five years ago, when I lost Vic to cancer, my grandson Kyle took me out to dinner nightly on the waterfront along Roxas Boulevard across the street from our flat. He spread a tablecloth on the concrete seawall, lit a candle, and poured water into two wine glasses. For a month, we toasted Vic nightly; we stopped only when the rains started.

Those dinners helped me get over my loss, and gave me moments with my grandson that I will treasure forever.

So I tell my friends this: “Savor every minute, and take time to spend quality time with your family wherever and whenever you can. It does not have to be a 5-star vacation in some hoity-toity resort, as long as you are all together sharing.”

FAMILY OUTINGS AT A NATURE PARK — A reader emailed a very inexpensive way to spend a day of bonding with the entire family: La Mesa Eco Park, where everyone can row boat, catch fish, bike and swim without leaving Metro Manila. Mrs. Rose M. said she and her family drove to East Fairview and had the most memorable picnic of their lives.

“We brought everything we needed by way of food and drinks. The entrance fee was minimal, P40 for adults with a 50% discount for Quezon City residents. Another small fee to rent row boats by the hour, the same for bikes which came in all sizes,” Rose wrote. “Our grandson caught fish using a fishing rod provided by the park; we gladly paid P60 per kilo for what we caught and had the fish for lunch!”

She recommends arriving at the park as early as possible, in order to grab the best spots for setting up the picnic blanket, right where tall trees provide enough protection from the bright summer sun.

It is good to know before the trip that the park closes at 5 p.m., so the day’s activities could be scheduled; her family decided to try the bikes and row boating for another visit, rather than try and cram everything in one day.

“Several large groups came aboard passenger jeepneys, borrowed or rented for the day. Others came via public transport from many parts of the metropolis. All brought baskets of food, blankets and jugs of water. The crowd came from all walks of life; you can tell by their vehicles, their clothes, their picnic baskets. But they all came for one thing: Fun with nature at the Eco Park,” she enthused.

ELSEWHERE IN THE PHILIPPINES – I wrote here about what we can do in Metro Manila but it is meant to inspire our readers to find similar activities they can pursue where they live.

In Davao City, they can perhaps drive to Times Beach, however “bakya” the thought, and just enjoy the day. Or they can opt to go to the lower slopes of Mount Apo to enjoy nature and native fruits. They can also drive up to the Philippine Eagle Conservation Park and show the kids what’s being done to protect an endangered species.

Wherever one is in the Philippines, there are places to enjoy with loved ones without spending a fortune.

There are fishpond parks and resorts in Pampanga and Bulacan, or open fields at the Candaba Swamp to view migrating birds. How about taking a bus to Baler, Aurora Province and take in the surf while enjoying the best seafood in Luzon?

The possibilities are endless. And one does not even need a travel agent.

Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311444/summer-fun-a-shoestring-budget)

rodincouch

April 2nd, 2011, 03:47 AM

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207539_10150196836654664_257462039663_8344072_2979910_n.jpg

dinabaw

April 2nd, 2011, 05:34 AM

check this out! :cheers:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyesonasia/

rodincouch

April 2nd, 2011, 06:20 AM

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199366_10150196898169664_257462039663_8344762_7042194_n.jpg
Davao's Perfect 10
by Jun Ventura
Mabuhay Magazine
April 2011 issue
Pages 40 to 48

10 Reasons Why Davao si Set Apart from the Rest (http://www.madayawdavao.com/dawow.html#10_Reasons_Why_Davao_Apart_from_the_Rest)

1.Typhoon Free Zone

Davao City is typhoon-free due to its location. Tropical storms and tidal waves are blocked by a peninsula. The city enjoys a weather that remains balmy all year round. It is characterized by a uniform distribution of rainfall, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. It has no pronounced wet or dry season. Weather predictability makes it highly conducive to agricultural production. Temperature ranges from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius and average rainfall is up to 2,000 mm yearly.

2. Best water in the world

Davao City’s tap water has been tested internationally for quality against all the major bottled waters sold in the market and was adjudged the best in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste. No need for boiling, distilling, purifying, adding of minerals. It is absolutely perfect. And no less than the World Health Organization has certified that it is the best in the world.

3. Safest Destination

Davao City has one of the lowest crime rates in the world averaging at 0.8 in every 10,000 persons per month. The Davao City Police Office has consistently been chosen as the Best Police Office in the entire country. The Davao City Peace and Order Council has been elevated to the Philippine Hall of Fame for consistently being the best in the country.

4. Emergency responsive capable (911)

The only Asian city that has an integrated emergency response system similar to that of the United States and Canada – the Central 911, it can respond to all kinds of emergency - medical, fire, police assistance, natural or man-made disaster. The only difference between Davao’s 911 and that of the US and Canada is – in Davao the service is absolutely free, totally subsidized by the local government.

5. Excellent Public Utilities and Infrastructure

Davao City enjoys an abundant and stable supply of water and power 24 hours a day all year round. The Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the number one water utility company in the Asia-Pacific Region among the 50 water utilities in the region. It is also the Most Outstanding Water District (very large category) for four years given by the Local Water Utilities Administration. On the other hand, Davao Light & Power (DLPC) is third largest privately-owned electric utility in the Philippines. Davao City has a pioneering state-of-the-art traffic system similar to the system in Los Angeles, California. It is the first city in the Philippines to have an adaptive traffic signalization system. Plans are underway also to make the entire Davao City a Wi-Fi Zone.

6. Fresh Produce

Davao City has the freshest and highest quality produce in the country. Its exports of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna, among others, are considered the best in the world. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are sought-after by the rest of the country. Yet these excellent, world-class products remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis. In Davao, the high quality of life does not come at a high cost.

7. Diverse Ecology

Home to at least 10 major indigenous tribes, Davao City has also become a growing community of expatriates with different languages, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and political persuasions. It's also paradise where numerous endemic animals and plants can be found.

8. Healthy Lifestyle

Davao City adheres to a wholesome and healthy lifestyle for its residents and encourages its visitors to pursue the same. It pioneered the regulation of smoking in public places in the Philippines, which was replicated by other cities and gave birth to the national anti-smoking law.It has tough policies against dangerous drugs, violence against women and children (including prostitution and human trafficking), and environmental pollution. It led the ban on aerial spraying of plantations as well as the use of pyrotechnics

9. More Value for Money

Davao City has the freshest and highest quality produce in the country. Its exports of banana, pineapple, orchids, and tuna, among others, are considered the best in the world. Its pomelo, durian, and mangosteen are sought-after by the rest of the country. Yet these excellent, world-class products remain affordable and accessible to the locals on a daily basis. In Davao, the high quality of life does not come at a high cost.

10. Strong Independent Local Government

The local government of Davao City is much admired by other governments, not just nationally but also internationally. It is recognized to be ahead than the national government in many ways -- in the crafting of landmark pieces of legislation; in pioneering innovations in local governance; in its strong political will in the implementation of policies and programs; in its high level of self-sufficiency; and in its pluralist and liberal political climate that result in significant grassroots and civil society participation.

http://www.madayawdavao.com/dawow.html#10_Reasons_Why_Davao_Apart_from_the_Rest

skyion

April 2nd, 2011, 06:29 AM

The only difference between Davao’s 911 and that of the US and Canada is – in Davao the service is absolutely free

murag familiar nako ni nga phrase because I seem to recall those were the words I used while posting somewhere in a forum. haha might be a possible plagiarism :sly: :lol:

davaoeagle

April 2nd, 2011, 09:48 AM

^^

Sans the emoticons and if I were the writer of that article and I read your statement I would dismiss your comment as a little too presumptuous and condescending.

skyion

April 2nd, 2011, 10:01 AM

^^

Sans the emoticons and if I were the writer of that article and I read your statement I would dismiss your comment as a little too presumptuous and condescending.

that's why I gamely used the emoticons. I also write and sometimes it does occur that one's thought happened to be in consonance with another writer's, and there was even a time when I composed a quote (in my poem) and a fellow writer hinted that its message rang similar from the writing of a Chinese literary figure he knew.

davaoeagle

April 2nd, 2011, 10:12 AM

that's why I used the emoticon. I also write and sometimes it does occur that one's thought happened to be in consonance with another writer's, and there was even a time when I composed a quote in a poem and a fellow writer hinted its message rang similar with that of a Chinese proverb.

Emoticons are there for a reason for sure but somehow and I am not hinting at you, they are sometimes used to either hide or flaunt someone's real motive.
However, I agree with you and I sometimes do find someone's work having a striking semblance to mine but somehow I am quick to regard it as mere coincidence. Thoughts are universal and events and situations can be repetitive over time and that's why there are deja-vus and aha moments. All I'm saying is no one has sole ownership of lines and thoughts especially when we are enmeshed in the here and now which origin dates back to immemorial times.

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 3rd, 2011, 01:07 PM

Davao's fashionable address
ManilaBulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311926/davaos-fashionable-address)

DAVAO, Philippines -- It could well be Davao’s City answer to Metro Manila’s Antipolo. Shrine Hills, located on the outskirts of the city proper, offers a spectacular view of everything that makes Davao such an exciting destination. The Gulf of Davao, Samal Island, Mt. Apo, and the Davao skyline can be viewed from a trendy restaurant strip called Jack’s Ridge. And like in Antipolo, diners at Jack Ridge can watch commercial jetliners make their final approach to the Davao International Airport.

Like Antipolo, tourists and residents flock to Shrine Hills to visit a church and seminary. The church in Davao is known as the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. A serene place to meditate in, the Shrine offers a sharp contrast to the happening places on the hills. Elsewhere on the hills, there is a golf course, various hotels and resorts, and a few residential villages. The hills are in fact, quickly becoming a fashionable address for the city’s citizens belonging to the upper crust. One of the more sought-after addresses is the Las Terrazas village, which is located in one of the most tranquil spots of the hills. The views here are breathtaking, and the higher the property is, the more expensive is its price tag.

Las Terrazas follows the Mediterranean theme, so every house has to sport this architectural style. As a result, the place resembles an upscale neighborhood in some exotic destination like Acapulco. According to real estate broker Ed Collantes, people shopping for property at Las Terrazas couldn’t wait to have their own house on the hills. “I was showing this vacant lot to a customer, Federico Señeres. He isn’t based in Davao but he wanted to have a house here. When he saw the house across the lot and learned it was also for sale, he decided to buy the house on the spot so he could move in right away.”

The house is a two-storey, four bedroom house that features Mediterranean architecture, of course. But it has a few features and accents that make it seem like a fusion of Mediterranean styles and Filipino elements. Familiar accessories like capiz windows and a porch that spans the entire length of the façade give the house a distinct character. “The house is rarely lived in,” says Collantes. “But the owners like the fact that they have a place to come home to when they’re in Davao.”

People living on Shrine Hills always look forward to going home. Unlike Antipolo, the traffic leading to these hills is almost nonexistent.
____________________

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/med.jpg

Modern Mediterranean
A new twist to a traditional style
ManilaBulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311921/modern-mediterranean)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- On paper, the concept of blending Mediterranean architecture with modern Asian elements seems incongruent. The styles are much too different yet a house in Davao City appears to have pulled it off. The place belongs to a successful dentist, Dr. Gammy Urbi. Traditional Mediterranean touches dominate the exteriors; the choice of exterior colors and the roofing, among others, all read Mediterranean. But enter the Urbi residence and you see a different look altogether. Modernity dominates but it isn’t a major departure from the architectural style of the house. Inside, it has the essential elements that make a modern home. It’s earth-friendly, efficient, and serene to live in.

The house was built just less than two years ago when Dr. Urbi decided to move his family from Metro Manila to Davao. The decision to make the permanent move down south was due to health reasons. “The pollution in Metro Manila was making it hard for my three children, who were suffering from respiratory problems,” he says. “So we decided to make Davao our home. Here you can still live in a big city that gives you access to everything you’ve grown accustomed to having in Manila. Yet you still to get to breathe fresh air and you get to feel so close to nature.”

Dr. Urbi was born and raised in nearby Butuan but as a child, he says he spent several summers in Davao. So when it was time to look for a place with clean air, this big city was the natural choice. He bought a piece of property in an upscale neighborhood situated on Shrine Hills, which is not too far from the city proper. The place is called Las Terrazas. It’s ideal for the family as Urbi had been advised by a doctor friend that a high-altitude location would be good for the children. “The fresh breeze we enjoy here has done wonders for our health,” he says.

The prolific Davao architect Patrick Tan was commissioned to design the house. “We had to accept the fact that we had to build a Mediterranean-style house,” says Desi, the wife of Dr. Urbi. “This was stipulated by the developers of Las Terrazas, which adopted the theme for the entire neighborhood.”

The Missus says she isn’t exactly a big fan of this style, so she made a compromise. She asked Tan to design a house that would be Mediterranean, but only when it came to the exteriors. "As for the interiors, I wanted to have it my own way,” she says. “I’ve always had a preference for the Asian minimalist look. I like modern houses because they feel light to look at. Mediterranean architecture is too formal and heavy. I want my home to make me feel relaxed.”

The architect had several informal meetings with the Urbis before the final design was made. “He wanted to get to know us,” explains Desi Urbi. “It was his objective to create a house that would express our personalities, and he did just that. We love being close to nature and our home makes us feel us feel that we actually are.”

The Urbi house is situated on the side of a hill, so it was imperative to build a three-story house. The family feels closer to nature as it follows the current trend in architectural design, which is bringing the outdoors indoors. This means almost every room in the house feels like a part of the natural landscape. This was accomplished by placing large picture windows in every room. The living room, for instance, has a high ceiling and glass walls that help bring the natural light in. As the living area is located on the second level of the house, the family gets to have a panoramic view of both the surrounding landscape and the cityscape beyond.

The furniture and accessories were all personally chosen by Desi Urbi. “I’m a frustrated interior designer,” she says while laughing. “I love leafing through architectural magazines and I enjoy touring the new houses of my friends and relatives, during the housewarming parties. I’ve gotten a number of pointers from these magazines and the houses of my friends too.”Most of the furniture in the house was made and acquired in Davao. She designed some of them, most notably the wooden shelf in the dining area, where her growing collection of religious sculptures is ensconced.

The bedrooms are located on the third level. But since the property is situated on a hillside, it was possible to build a lanai and a small garden at the rear section of the third level. This gives the family easy access to the outdoors, without actually having to go through the main entrance of the house.

mCx2

April 3rd, 2011, 03:11 PM

Lol funny.Correction, Acapulco,Mexico is in Latin America and not in Mediterranean sea.They should have mentioned Crete or Tuscany instead.

oradude23

April 4th, 2011, 01:26 AM

Modern Mediterranean
A new twist to a traditional style
By DENNIS LADAW
March 29, 2011, 6:22pm

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -- On paper, the concept of blending Mediterranean architecture with modern Asian elements seems incongruent. The styles are much too different yet a house in Davao City appears to have pulled it off. The place belongs to a successful dentist, Dr. Gammy Urbi. Traditional Mediterranean touches dominate the exteriors; the choice of exterior colors and the roofing, among others, all read Mediterranean. But enter the Urbi residence and you see a different look altogether. Modernity dominates but it isn’t a major departure from the architectural style of the house. Inside, it has the essential elements that make a modern home. It’s earth-friendly, efficient, and serene to live in.

The house was built just less than two years ago when Dr. Urbi decided to move his family from Metro Manila to Davao. The decision to make the permanent move down south was due to health reasons. “The pollution in Metro Manila was making it hard for my three children, who were suffering from respiratory problems,” he says. “So we decided to make Davao our home. Here you can still live in a big city that gives you access to everything you’ve grown accustomed to having in Manila. Yet you still to get to breathe fresh air and you get to feel so close to nature.”

Dr. Urbi was born and raised in nearby Butuan but as a child, he says he spent several summers in Davao. So when it was time to look for a place with clean air, this big city was the natural choice. He bought a piece of property in an upscale neighborhood situated on Shrine Hills, which is not too far from the city proper. The place is called Las Terrazas. It’s ideal for the family as Urbi had been advised by a doctor friend that a high-altitude location would be good for the children. “The fresh breeze we enjoy here has done wonders for our health,” he says.

The prolific Davao architect Patrick Tan was commissioned to design the house. “We had to accept the fact that we had to build a Mediterranean-style house,” says Desi, the wife of Dr. Urbi. “This was stipulated by the developers of Las Terrazas, which adopted the theme for the entire neighborhood.”

The Missus says she isn’t exactly a big fan of this style, so she made a compromise. She asked Tan to design a house that would be Mediterranean, but only when it came to the exteriors. "As for the interiors, I wanted to have it my own way,” she says. “I’ve always had a preference for the Asian minimalist look. I like modern houses because they feel light to look at. Mediterranean architecture is too formal and heavy. I want my home to make me feel relaxed.”

The architect had several informal meetings with the Urbis before the final design was made. “He wanted to get to know us,” explains Desi Urbi. “It was his objective to create a house that would express our personalities, and he did just that. We love being close to nature and our home makes us feel us feel that we actually are.”

The Urbi house is situated on the side of a hill, so it was imperative to build a three-story house. The family feels closer to nature as it follows the current trend in architectural design, which is bringing the outdoors indoors. This means almost every room in the house feels like a part of the natural landscape. This was accomplished by placing large picture windows in every room. The living room, for instance, has a high ceiling and glass walls that help bring the natural light in. As the living area is located on the second level of the house, the family gets to have a panoramic view of both the surrounding landscape and the cityscape beyond.

The furniture and accessories were all personally chosen by Desi Urbi. “I’m a frustrated interior designer,” she says while laughing. “I love leafing through architectural magazines and I enjoy touring the new houses of my friends and relatives, during the housewarming parties. I’ve gotten a number of pointers from these magazines and the houses of my friends too.”Most of the furniture in the house was made and acquired in Davao. She designed some of them, most notably the wooden shelf in the dining area, where her growing collection of religious sculptures is ensconced.

The bedrooms are located on the third level. But since the property is situated on a hillside, it was possible to build a lanai and a small garden at the rear section of the third level. This gives the family easy access to the outdoors, without actually having to go through the main entrance of the house.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311921/modern-mediterraneanhttp://www.mb.com.ph/articles/311921/modern-mediterranean

dinabaw

April 4th, 2011, 04:06 AM

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/609/boulderfacemtapodavao.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/i/boulderfacemtapodavao.jpg/)

Title of the Activity : 4TH MT. APO BOULDER FACE CHALLENGE (1st international Version)
Date : April 29-30, 2011
Location : Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
Brief Description

Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is one of the toughest adventure races in the Philippines. It is a 24-hour extreme challenge starting from Sta. Cruz beach lines to the skyline of Mt. Apo's boulder face through disciplines of mountain biking, trekking, water tubing and road running. It is one of the highlight events of the annual Pista sa Kinaiyahan celebration conducted by the Municipality of Sta. Cruz.

For three (3) consecutive years, the conduct of Boulder Face Challenge has made Davao Region a leading destination for eco-adventure tourism considering that it hosts a major portion of the country's highest peak. It also lured several participating teams from the Southeast Asia region and even from as far as Canada. This early, the Local Government of Sta. Cruz, along with the Department of Tourism XI is preparing the event to make it international.
Objectives

1. To promote Davao Region as a prime eco-adventure tourism destination internationally
2. To develop responsible ethics among outdoor enthusiasts
3. To create awareness among outdoor people the importance of conserving mother nature
4. To cultivate the value of sportsmanship and spirit of camaraderie
5. To develop a lasting peace and order situation in Mindanao through sports

Pinoy Adventure (http://pinoyadventures.com/mt-apo-adventure-race/)

Wadaboy

April 4th, 2011, 04:46 AM

nbrDVO

April 4th, 2011, 04:59 AM

Boracay tops as summer travel destination - StratPOLLS

AS summer begins, the tempting and soothing place of Boracay remains the top choice as a summer travel destination among residents living in Metro Manila, according to the latest StratPOLLS survey.

Of the 250 respondents, 76 percent picked Boracay as the “top dreamland destination,” specifically among the rich and middle classes of Metro Manila, including the ritzy class,” professor Alfredo Sureta Jr. noted.

Palawan (59 percent), Cebu-Bohol (28 percent) and the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Tourism Corridor (27 percent) followed in second, third and fourth spots, respectively.

Completing the top 10 were Camarines Sur (24 percent), Baguio-Sagada (21 percent), Davao (21 percent), Subic-Clark (20 percent), Surigao (13 percent).

Based on the survey conducted from March 14 to 21, money, time, promise of fun and adventure, or plain reclusion, at least for the summer, were cited as major factors that would determine the final destination.

Using a telephone survey, Metro Manila respondents were asked to choose the top three travel destinations—from a mixed menu of 10 destinations, meaning as accessible by land or by air—that are upper most in their minds every time summer comes around the corner.

In the final tabulation, the destinations were categorized into two: accessible by air and accessible by land. Boracay topped the “by-air” destination while Tagaytay-Nasugbu topped the “by-land” category.

Asked if they were going on a vacation outside of Metro Manila this summer, half of the respondents (52.8 percent) answered, they “don’t know,” while 36 percent said “yes” and 11.2 percent said “no.”

The respondents’ age ranged from 18 to 56 and older.

Sureta, StratPOLLS executive director, pointed out that the Baguio-Sagada area had lost much of its appeal to nearby Tagaytay-Nasugbu which also boasts of cool and fine weather. The same could also be said of the Subic-Clark area notwithstanding its accessibility through the world-class SCTEx.

“Tagaytay-Nasugbu has really emerged as the top weekend and summer hideaway, at least for Metro Manila folks,” he said.

He added that if Libyan oil is that country’s key economic asset, the Philippines shores and tourist destinations might as well be a key contributor to the country’s economic well-being.

Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/9414-boracay-tops-as-summer-travel-destinationstratpolls)

:cheers:

allenation

April 4th, 2011, 09:58 AM

:)please help. We'll be going to Davao this 4th of April and 8th to Gensan. Thanx po:)

davao to gensan by airconditioned yellow bus is php320

allenation

April 4th, 2011, 10:01 AM

Wow! International jud..... I'm wishing na ang mga international participant will have a lot of fun ug siyempre, dakudaku ang turnout nila para next time if there is another event like this, it will be much bigger and more tourists coming too.

i agree with u sir. successful jud ni nga event sa akong tan-aw. ang mahimong exciting ani kay and 2nd international event ani. basin sobra pa sa atong maexpect..hehehe wishful thinking.:)

dinabaw

April 4th, 2011, 10:11 AM

Mt. Apo

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/4659/davaopeak.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/davaopeak.jpg/)

http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/826/dsc4827copy.jpg (http://img855.imageshack.us/i/dsc4827copy.jpg/)

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6868/jeff5.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/jeff5.jpg/)

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/466/mtapo2.jpg (http://img695.imageshack.us/i/mtapo2.jpg/)

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/6914/jefrox4.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/jefrox4.jpg/)

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/5420/dsc4582f.jpg (http://img560.imageshack.us/i/dsc4582f.jpg/)

WatchUSeek (http://forums.watchuseek.com/f17/what-you-guys-other-hobbies-300680-3.html)

rodincouch

April 4th, 2011, 10:44 AM

Lassa Asyano: Good food, quality service (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/feature/2011/04/04/lassa-asyano-good-food-quality-service-148544)

ONE thing that struck Domingo "Jun" Imperial when he visited Davao City for the first time in August of last year was the habit of DabawEnyos to dine out, filling their tummies with good food in restaurants mostly on weekdays.

That's not all. Imperial discovered that food is really inexpensive here and he also noticed that Davao folks like to eat their meals in buffet restaurants, unlike in Manila or Cebu where people usually go a la carte.
Imperial swore everytime his good friend Andrew Bautista brought him out for lunch or dinner, they would always frequent buffet cafes.

"I have been to many buffet restaurants here in Davao. In Manila, people seldom go to buffet restaurants," said Imperial, who hails from Lipa City.
Having toured around the city and tasting all kinds of Davao food, Imperial had an idea: Why not venture into a restaurant business himself and offer the people buffet style since this is what Dabawenyos want.

Lassa Asyano was then erected. The resto is located at Tionko Avenue, in the establishment where the Ranchero Grille used to operate.

And just like what Imperial envisioned it to be, Lassa Asyano is a buffet restaurant that serves all kinds of dishes to customers, from roasted beef to sushi, and to crabs and shrimps all in a very cheap rate.

Lassa Asyano had its soft opening last March 8 as Imperial had his business rushed in time for the Araw ng Dabaw celebration. Several friends and guests joined Imperial during the momentous affair and he immediately received comments about the food on the bufet table.

Imperial confessed that some of his friends even made criticisms of the food, but maintained that it was just right as he has to institute changes being in the restaurant business.

"I'm very particular of the comments because this way I can immediately make corrections," the 47-year-old Imperial said with a smile.
The restaurant caters to A, B, and C customers. Government officials and executives of big companies also frequent his place.

Imperial said aside from the quality food, Lassa Asyano also offers good service to it clients. In fact, he holds regular meetings with his staff just to remind them to always make customers feel comfortable everytime they dine at the restaurant.

The resto also has a function room at the back which Imperial said he wants to convert into a bar during night time.

"We will offer music from the 60's to attract clients," said Imperial as he prefers to cater to the professional clients or the older ones rather than students for his bar.

In the meantime, Imperial said he will focus more on the food that he is going to serve, the dishes that would really satisfy one's appetite, especially families who go out of their homes to dine. They can try Lassa Asyano.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 04, 2011.

SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/feature/2011/04/04/lassa-asyano-good-food-quality-service-148544)

allenation

April 5th, 2011, 03:42 AM

^^ What a lovely article! It really shows that Davao indeed is a great place to live in.

inyoha manang lugara diha bai. pwede ko makabalhin diha?hehehe

allenation

April 5th, 2011, 03:55 AM

amazing photos sir @dinabaw! :cheers:

allenation

April 5th, 2011, 03:56 AM

goys, nice ang station ID nga gina pakita sa ABS-CBN. gina present nila ang davao city!dawow kaayo!!
bida best davao!!!

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 5th, 2011, 05:29 AM

goys, nice ang station ID nga gina pakita sa ABS-CBN. gina present nila ang davao city!dawow kaayo!!
bida best davao!!!

basin naa kay video Sir Allen, post mo nman dito...;)
...youtube na lang...

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 5th, 2011, 06:39 AM

Davao plans new tourism brand
BusinessWorld (http://bworld.com.ph/content.php?section=Economy&title=Davao-plans-new-tourism-brand&id=29148)

DAVAO CITY -- The local government will unveil within this month a new brand for the city to kick-start its tourism campaign, an official said in a recent interview.

City tourism officer Jason C. Magnaye said Davao City seems to be a "Jack of all trades, master of none" because it lacks a unique offering for tourists; unlike Camarines Sur, for example, which people readily identify with wakeboarding, and Siargao in Surigao del Norte which tourists associate with surfing.

"So many tourism officers get confused as to where to position Davao City. We’re putting everything on the table on how to sum it all up," Mr. Magnaye said.

In recent consultations, prospective Davao brands were presented to tourism industry players, businessmen and academe and these were short-listed to three for the approval of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio. The city’s chief executive, Mr. Magnaye said, has already chosen the final Davao logo and slogan that will be unveiled in time for the summer tourism campaign.

Part of the campaign is to standardize the services and facilities of hotels, inns, and restaurants in the city, which have registered with the City Tourism Office as a prerequisite for applying a permit from the business bureau.

He said the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) regional office has accredited only 52 out of the 120 hotels and other accommodations in the city, thus enforcement of standards is proving to be difficult.

Davao City has an average of 370,000 visitors annually, or more than half the 650,000 tourists in the region. Mr. Magnaye said the actual figure may be more since only accredited accommodations can be tracked by the DoT.
The city government is looking to come up with a system to accurately determine the number and profile of visitors so it can tweak offerings to fit the market.

Tourism regional director Arturo P. Boncato, Jr. said Davao City seems to be strong in meetings, conventions and exhibitions market because of the diversity of activities and attractions. -- JBE

dinabaw

April 5th, 2011, 08:08 AM

San Pedro Church

then...

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/5697/sanpedroo.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/sanpedroo.jpg/)

..now

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2395/20038619195432751305819.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/20038619195432751305819.jpg/)

dj_olrac

April 5th, 2011, 08:52 AM

cemby

April 5th, 2011, 09:19 AM

rodincouch

April 5th, 2011, 03:21 PM

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 6th, 2011, 02:01 AM

Vice mayor open to Japanese retirees living in Davao City
SunStarDavao (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/04/05/vice-mayor-open-japanese-retirees-living-davao-city-148918)

DAVAO City might soon play host to Japanese retirees affected by the quakes and tsunami that hit their country last month.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said a certain Ajiro approached him asking his permission for Japanese senior citizens to live in Davao City.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

He said Japanese retirees have the money and are likely to invest in Davao City while living in the city.

Duterte said with Japan still reeling from the devastation brought by the earthquake and tsunami, younger generation of Japan need to work hard to revive their economy.

"Kaya gusto nila na yung mga matatanda nila dito na muna sa Davao City para makapag-focus yung mga batang Japanese na maitayo ulit yung kanilang bansa," Duterte said.

The vice mayor said he welcome Japanese retirees in the city and vowed to help them during their stay in the city.

"I will facilitate. I will just make it easy for you to come in," Duterte said.

He said his approval for the coming in of Japanese retirees is in solidarity with the Japanese people who also had contributed much to the Philippine economy.

Duterte said the Japanese will construct a retirement village and will also hire locals. Initially, about 20 Japanese citizens will arrive in the city anytime soon, he said. Duterte said the city can accommodate as many as possible.

He eyed the areas of Bago Oshiro, Mintal and Tugbok as possible areas where the Japanese could settle.

dinabaw

April 6th, 2011, 02:17 AM

dinabaw

April 6th, 2011, 03:12 AM

^^ I guess thats a new one, the old one i supposed now on the altar of the chapel. I think it's some sort of "return" to old architecture, San Pedro's retablo same with design in Sta. Ana Church retablo.

dinabaw

April 6th, 2011, 03:15 AM

Compostela Valley: Haven for the adventurous
By VINCE G. LOPEZ
March 20, 2011, 1:34am

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5195/lakeleonard.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/lakeleonard.jpg/)
Lake Leonard (Chiaw Yap)

If you have the adventurous spirit and your idea of a fun summer escapade involves mountain climbing, bathing in the sulphuric hot waterfalls, exploring mysterious caves and bumming in secluded beaches, Compostela Valley might just be the perfect destination for you.

True, Compostela Valley province may not be the first thing that would cross your mind when planning for your summer vacation but for those who have visited this province, they would agree that it has enough wonders that would mesmerize any visitor.

As soon as you enter Compostela Valley, more popularly referred to as ComVal, you are welcomed by breathtaking sceneries, serene lakes and uncrowded beaches.

Located at the heart of eastern Mindanao, its physical features contain unique geological landmarks that effortlessly charm tourists.

It also boasts of “special treats” that are uniquely found only at ComVal:

Spelunking in Combilan Cave. Explorers of the unknown will be treated to a big surprise once they reach the entrance of the mysterious cave. Both with unique identities, adventurers will see cathedral like rock formations and stalagmites inside the first cave while an underground river lies secretly on the other one.

Up and down Lunod island. Buried within thick mangroves is the 17- hectare island which is also known as St. Anthony Island. Fifteen-minutes away from the shores of Mabini in Compostela Valley, the island boasts of colorful coral garden near the shores and a unique isolated island swimming experience for tourists.

The seven scenes of Tagbibinta Falls. Adventure junkies will definitely get challenged upon knowing that there are seven scenic falls to be explored in Compostela Valley’s Mount Candalaga. One of the falls of Tagbibinta even measures up to 700 ft high. The place also has its own legends and mysteries including a prince waiting for her lady in the water.

Take a bite in Bibingka City. A culinary adventure for tourists, this specific stretch of bibingka stalls in Nabunturan in Compostela Valley offers a number of variants of the well-loved rice cakes. It’s a “filling” stopover for tourists after a day of adventure in the exciting province of ComVal.

Apart from adventure, there’s a whole lot more to ComVal for their visitors.

“We have festivals and numerous tourist sites which delight visitors. Aside from being known as a gold mining province, visitors love our tourist attractions ranging from lakes, beaches and hot springs,” Christine Dompor, Senior Tourism Officer of Compostela Valley, reveals.

The Mainit sulphuric hot waterfall is one of the province’s natural wonders. Though it may seem as an ordinary resort from the outside, it draws a lot of local and foreign tourists because of the falls’ therapeutic effects.

Most of ComVal’s resorts are budget-friendly. This explains why they attract a diverse crowd of tourists—from backpackers to serious vacationers.

The province is also proud of their majestic Mt. Leonard which rises 3,904 feet above sea level. Adventurers and trekkers are usually enamored at the mountain’s serene and fertile valley view on the top.

A 30-minute ride along the old and winding North Davao mountain road can lead tourists to the inspiring view of the Amakan Crater. Lush greeneries and peaceful ambience, the trek towards the crater is one of the most peaceful and rewarding journeys for any trekkers.

Aside from the number of tourist attractions, the province is also home to 16 indigenous tribes which have their own unique sets of tradition. The annual Bulawan Festival in ComVal shows how the diverse culture and traditions in the province have become one of its main assets.

“We are very proud of our tourist attractions as well as the unique culture that comes with it. I think that tourists will be in for a big surprise when they come to the province. We would like to show tourists a memorable time not only with our number of tourist attractions but the unique culture that we have in the province,” added Dompor.

After surging through the adventurous sites in the province and getting to know their rich culture, it’s time to hit the beach. And ComVal has a lot. In the municipality of Pantukan alone there are at least five resorts which offer a different take on being a beach bum.

The price on the said resorts is very affordable, but more than that it’s the opportunity of discovering a secluded beach that could very well be worth your trip. The Welborn Resort, for example, is known as a child friendly resort for its long shallow shore. The soft sands and shallow shores ensure a memorable experience for both children and adults.

The SeaWorld Oasis Resort, on the other hand, features a more modern approach to the beach experience. The facilities are relatively new which includes a beautiful pool placed near the beach.

“Our municipality is generally safe for tourists. We have brown sand and white sand beaches all around us. We have already received a number of tourists over the years and nothing has stopped them from having fun on our beach which just shows you how peaceful and safe it is to come onto our province,” expressed Pantukan Mayor Toc Sarenas.

So, this summer, take a different route and explore ComVal’s unique adventures.

Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/articles/310413/compostela-valley-haven-adventurous)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 6th, 2011, 03:46 AM

Compostela Valley: Haven for the adventurous
By VINCE G. LOPEZ
March 20, 2011, 1:34am

If you have the adventurous spirit and your idea of a fun summer escapade involves mountain climbing, bathing in the sulphuric hot waterfalls, exploring mysterious caves and bumming in secluded beaches, Compostela Valley might just be the perfect destination for you.

True, Compostela Valley province may not be the first thing that would cross your mind when planning for your summer vacation but for those who have visited this province, they would agree that it has enough wonders that would mesmerize any visitor.

As soon as you enter Compostela Valley, more popularly referred to as ComVal, you are welcomed by breathtaking sceneries, serene lakes and uncrowded beaches.

Located at the heart of eastern Mindanao, its physical features contain unique geological landmarks that effortlessly charm tourists.

It also boasts of “special treats” that are uniquely found only at ComVal:

Spelunking in Combilan Cave. Explorers of the unknown will be treated to a big surprise once they reach the entrance of the mysterious cave. Both with unique identities, adventurers will see cathedral like rock formations and stalagmites inside the first cave while an underground river lies secretly on the other one.

Up and down Lunod island. Buried within thick mangroves is the 17- hectare island which is also known as St. Anthony Island. Fifteen-minutes away from the shores of Mabini in Compostela Valley, the island boasts of colorful coral garden near the shores and a unique isolated island swimming experience for tourists.

The seven scenes of Tagbibinta Falls. Adventure junkies will definitely get challenged upon knowing that there are seven scenic falls to be explored in Compostela Valley’s Mount Candalaga. One of the falls of Tagbibinta even measures up to 700 ft high. The place also has its own legends and mysteries including a prince waiting for her lady in the water.

Take a bite in Bibingka City. A culinary adventure for tourists, this specific stretch of bibingka stalls in Nabunturan in Compostela Valley offers a number of variants of the well-loved rice cakes. It’s a “filling” stopover for tourists after a day of adventure in the exciting province of ComVal.

Apart from adventure, there’s a whole lot more to ComVal for their visitors.

“We have festivals and numerous tourist sites which delight visitors. Aside from being known as a gold mining province, visitors love our tourist attractions ranging from lakes, beaches and hot springs,” Christine Dompor, Senior Tourism Officer of Compostela Valley, reveals.

The Mainit sulphuric hot waterfall is one of the province’s natural wonders. Though it may seem as an ordinary resort from the outside, it draws a lot of local and foreign tourists because of the falls’ therapeutic effects.

Most of ComVal’s resorts are budget-friendly. This explains why they attract a diverse crowd of tourists—from backpackers to serious vacationers.

The province is also proud of their majestic Mt. Leonard which rises 3,904 feet above sea level. Adventurers and trekkers are usually enamored at the mountain’s serene and fertile valley view on the top.

A 30-minute ride along the old and winding North Davao mountain road can lead tourists to the inspiring view of the Amakan Crater. Lush greeneries and peaceful ambience, the trek towards the crater is one of the most peaceful and rewarding journeys for any trekkers.

Aside from the number of tourist attractions, the province is also home to 16 indigenous tribes which have their own unique sets of tradition. The annual Bulawan Festival in ComVal shows how the diverse culture and traditions in the province have become one of its main assets.

“We are very proud of our tourist attractions as well as the unique culture that comes with it. I think that tourists will be in for a big surprise when they come to the province. We would like to show tourists a memorable time not only with our number of tourist attractions but the unique culture that we have in the province,” added Dompor.

After surging through the adventurous sites in the province and getting to know their rich culture, it’s time to hit the beach. And ComVal has a lot. In the municipality of Pantukan alone there are at least five resorts which offer a different take on being a beach bum.

The price on the said resorts is very affordable, but more than that it’s the opportunity of discovering a secluded beach that could very well be worth your trip. The Welborn Resort, for example, is known as a child friendly resort for its long shallow shore. The soft sands and shallow shores ensure a memorable experience for both children and adults.

The SeaWorld Oasis Resort, on the other hand, features a more modern approach to the beach experience. The facilities are relatively new which includes a beautiful pool placed near the beach.

“Our municipality is generally safe for tourists. We have brown sand and white sand beaches all around us. We have already received a number of tourists over the years and nothing has stopped them from having fun on our beach which just shows you how peaceful and safe it is to come onto our province,” expressed Pantukan Mayor Toc Sarenas.

So, this summer, take a different route and explore ComVal’s unique adventures.

Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/articles/310413/compostela-valley-haven-adventurous)

Perfect adventure destination tlaga ang ComVal,
na'featured ang Lake Leonard & Mainit Sulfuric Hotspring pero sayang duh coz di man lang na'mentioned ang Maco my hometown which are all located:bash:

Eto nga pala yung sa Seaworld Oasis Resort (Pantukan) na namentioned.:)

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+
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eflex

April 6th, 2011, 04:15 AM

http://www.dailymirror.ph/Apr-2011/A...11/front5.html

Davao brand aiming to
boost tourism proposed
BY MAYA M. PADILLO

A brand that aims to boost the tourism industry of Davao City is now being processed after a multi-sectoral consultative meeting on the proposed Davao City tourism branding was held yesterday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

The overview of the proposal was presented by Eastgate Publishing president and Mabuhay Magazine editor-in-chief Simeon Ventura Jr., who presented the marketing plan, brand analysis, and target market.

According to Ventura, the brand should cater to the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions). The venue should also be acceptable across the board and could accommodate delegates.

He said the brand should assure the market that Davao has the infrastructure for MICE.

“Let the MICE market put Davao as competitive and worth the trip,” Ventura said.

Davao ranked sixth place in tourism among local destinations, with more than 300,000 visitors last year.

According to Ventura, some issues that make Davao lag behind other destinations include the following: Davao has no strong image although it has one strong visual equity in Mt. Apo; it has no defined positioning; it has no consistent word or phrase associated with it; and there is no buzz around it.

Ventura said a budget of five percent of the income of the city should be allocated for brand marketing.

The successful brand imaging has been adopted by local destinations such as Cebu (“an island in the Pacific”), Camarines Sur (“CamSur”), and countries in Asia like India (“Incredible India”), Thailand (“Amazing Thailand”), Malaysia (“Malaysia Truly Asia”), and Indonesia (“Wonderful Indonesia”).

He said CamSur, which has only few natural attractions and is frequently hit by typhoons, has chosen tourism to drive growth and adopted a “build and they will come” approach. It built the CamSur Wakeboarding Center (CWC) that generates income and provides jobs and livelihood.

The approach has catapulted CamSur from 39th to 10th in local tourism.

“Davao has at least 20 attractions, unlike CamSur that has only two. If you want to do something, do it differently, do it out of the box. You have a Ferrari, and it’s time Davao drives a Ferrari,” Ventura said.

According to city tourism officer Jason Magnaye, the challenge now is to come up with a single name for Davao.

“This is an initiative of the city government to promote tourism in Davao. We should not be confused about what Davao is all about,” Magnaye said.

He said the brand will be launched before Holy Week

eflex

April 6th, 2011, 04:19 AM

What’s brewing at MetroLifestyle complex
What’s brewing at MetroLifestyle complex

Bo’s Coffee Club-MetroLifestyle Complex, the premier specialty coffee bar in Davao City is now brewing 24-hours. Bro’s who love their brews, and café-chics can get more of the rich and invigorating coffee fix anytime of the day starting April 8, 2011 from Mondays to Saturdays, while it’s up to 12 midnight on Sundays.

It is a date to remember for all coffee lovers and night-cappers at Bo’s Coffee Club-MetroLifestyle Complex. The same Bo’s coffee flavor that you love is rather strong and best for those whose sleep is unaffected or affected by caffeine, whichever type you are. Let alone the sleepyheads, but for a night-capper, even the aroma of brewed coffee is an awakening experience.

Coffee has become the ideal status symbol to enjoy life together with others or in the comfort of one’s solitude, and Bo’s coffee provides that perfect cup of coffee in a warm, friendly and cozy ambiance. Aside from serving world class coffee beverages, Bo’s has a delectable selection of cakes, pastries, pasta dishes and breakfast treats. To add zest to the menu, check-out choco chip, cinnamon and oatmeal cookies plus the latest craze, the Durian Sanz Rival.

For iced tea lovers, imagine how much of a treat this is for those who awake in mid-summer mornings. When walking outside just makes you feel getting roasted, Bo’s Coffee offers two new drinks for the hot season: the Apple Green Iced Tea and the Ruby Red Grapefruit Iced Tea. These fruity flavors go great for the refreshing, sweeter taste that makes you think of a grand day at the beach.

Summer may be about travel here and there, but at Krua-Thai restaurant you will find yourself in Thailand in no-time. The delicate Thai-flavours will wander your imaginings abroad enjoying the Thai Song Kran Festival. Originally a traditional Thai New Year, Krua Thai adopts the festive mood in celebration of its 5th Anniversary from April 1 to 30, 2011. The 4-in-4 Food Festival Platters include Pork Platter, Beef Platter, Chicken Platter and Seafood Platter in amazingly reasonable prices from 275 to 360 pesos only.

Try the myriad of flavors ranging from fried to sauce’y; fried in sesame seeds, roasted in garlic or fried in pandan leaves; sauces like oyster sauce with mushroom, sauce prepared with Panang curry, in red curry, in basil sauce or tamarind sauce.

Going local for balikbayan treats, immediately Ranchero Grill & Restaurant comes to mind. The very flavorful baby back ribs - tender, not too salty and tastes heavenly, that unmistakable burst of flavor with every bite.

Good news is, Ranchero Davao is now located at the Metrolifestyle Complex. They retain the homey setting conducive for family gatherings and intimate parties with friends. And, it’s not just about ribs as they also serve scrumptious Filipino dishes like kare-kare, crispy adobo flakes, pochero and fried liempo, aside from their very popular ranch-style meals in platters. Other popular dishes include Kalderetang Kambing Sinugbang Panga, and local desserts like, tibok-tibok or maja blanca and suman sa lihiya.

That’s definitely a hearty meal for happy people at Ranchero’s Grill and Steakhouse which opens daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations contact Ranchero’s at telephone numbers: 225-1199 and 226-8679.

Save yourself from the summer heat! Enjoy the summer indoors at MetroLifestyle Complex! Visit us at F.Torres street corner E. Jacinto Extension, Davao City or call 2286182. Check out for more info on facebook at metrolifestyledavao@gmail.com or metrolifestyledavao@yahoo.com

rodincouch

April 6th, 2011, 05:14 AM

YOGO at NCCC Mall is now open

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Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/yogo.frozenyogurt)

KaTRIBU

April 6th, 2011, 10:33 AM

SM City Davao
March 16, 2011

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oradude23

April 6th, 2011, 07:41 PM

Nation
Retirees from tsunami-hit areas flock to Davao

DAVAO CITY -- After a century since a Japanese community was first established here, this city’s relationship with the Land of the Rising Sun is coming in full circle.

Vice-Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte announced on Tuesday that 20 Japanese retirees will arrive here soon and that they comprise the first group of potential migrants from tsunami-hit coastal prefectures (districts) in Japan last month.

Based on the book History of Davao authored by Ernesto Corsino, Davao City has been known as "Little Tokyo" during the 1930s until the end of World War II owing to the big number of Japanese settlers and workers in the city.

They are especially instrumental in the development of abaca plantations in Bunawan, Lasang, and Mintal districts, being hired hands of Filipino and Spanish plantation owners starting from 1904.

The abaca area of Davao City, which used to be the biggest producer in the country during the 1930s, has dwindled from a peak of 45,000 hectares to only 800 hectares in 2008.

Davao City also hosts the biggest Japanese schools in the country, Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku and the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School, owing to its substantial population of "Japinoys," a term referring to half-Japanese Filipino descendants from the old Japanese community.

Bago Oshiro, an area now occupied by the University of the Philippines-Mindanao and agencies of the Department of Agriculture, was part of the old Japanese settlement where locals with Japanese blood still reside.

The Japanese government maintains a consulate in this city to service a significant number of its nationals who have chosen to live here.

Mr. Duterte said the city will develop three areas in former Japanese villages in the third district, which will be familiar grounds where the retirees could lease the land for as long as 50 years.

He also promised to craft policies and measures to make the transition smoother for the retirees since enhancing the retirement sector is now part of national government policy.

Donna V. Baranda, market specialist of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), said Davao City is a strong market for retirees, not just of Japanese nationals, judging from the number of inquiries they received just a month after opening an office here.

She said the local government should prepare facilities to accommodate them. -- Joel B. Escovilla

rodincouch

April 7th, 2011, 07:32 AM

Ligid Island, Island Garden City of Samal

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Photo by RandyHI

rodincouch

April 7th, 2011, 12:14 PM

^^ Nice pictures! :)

rodincouch

April 7th, 2011, 12:16 PM

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Davao’s Best Restaurants (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/april/7/lifestyle2.isx&d=2011/april/7)
by Harold Geronimo

OH yes, my every visit to Davao City is worth every penny. Aside from taking the adventures to the highlands and islands, the city is also known for its gastronomic delights beyond the durians and pomelos. This week, we explore some of Davao’s best food places that make me come back—again and again.

1. La Toscana

All my life, I’ve been looking for the most authentic Italian food around the country nd I only found it recently in Davao City. Without any doubt, La Toscana is so far the best authentic Italian restaurant in the Philippines. Thanks to Italian businessman-turned-chef Piero Lucarini, he definitely put Davao on top of local gourmands’ list. This quaint, Tuscan-inspired restaurant along Quirino Avenue has the best home-made pasta and hand-tossed pizzas in town. Most of the ingredients such as pasta, olive oil and cheese are imported from Italy, and every dish is Chef Piero’s masterpiece. Must-try pastas are Pappardelle alla Lepre, Alla Marinara and the very authentic Pesto. For pizzas, try the Pizza Capricciosa. Address: Quirino Avenue, Davao City; Tel. No. (082) 305-6556.

2. Lotus Court

If you’re looking for the best Cantonese cuisine in the city, there’s no other place to go but the Lotus Court of Marco Polo Davao. This newly-refurbished restaurant at the hotel’s third level serves a wide array of fresh seafood and authentic Chinese dishes made exclusively by Marco Polo’s signature chef from Hong Kong. Must-try dishes include the Yin Yang Garoupa, deep-fried and filleted garoupa in honey-laced lemon sauce and black bean sauce and chili. Of course, you shouldn’t also miss their own version of the Roast Peking Duck and Roast Suckling Pig, as well as their lip-smacking Stir-Fried Prawns and Scallops with Broccoli. Once you dine in Lotus Court, you will definitely come back! Address: 4th Level, Marco Polo Davao, C.M. Recto Street, Davao City; Tel. No. (082) 221-0888 loc. 7232

3. Tiny Kitchen

If you’re looking for the best home-cooked dishes in town, then Tiny Kitchen is the perfect place for you. I really admire how locally-renowned entrepreneur couple Vince and Donna Rodriguez made Tiny Kitchen “big” in the eyes of foodies and even tourists who are visiting the city. This used to be a shop known for its home-cooked delicacies where local folks and tourists flock to buy their famous gourmet tuyo (dried fish bottled in olive oil and garlic). But now, it has become a popular dining place famous for its Caldereta Espanyol, a slow cooked browned beef ribs drenched in our broth with aromatics and spices to infuse a spanish home cooked meal. Another must-try is their Paella Valencia which is cooked using their own secret sauce. All of those who have tried it would surely give their thumbs up to this city’s most famous paella. Address: F. Torres cor. Mabini Sts., Davao City; Tel. No. (082) 305-9232

4. Binggoy’s

When it comes to fine gourmet dining, Binggoy’s is definitely on top of the list. Owned by Davao’s loveliest businesswoman and chef, Mary Ann “Baby” Montemayor, Binggoy’s offers distinct local Davao dishes transformed into gourmet recipes. What I like about this restaurant is that most of the ingredients such as the fresh vegetables come from local harvests in Davao and other provinces in Mindanao. I’ll never forget their best appetizer – Pan Seared Tuna and Pomelo Salad with shrimp and pork bits in a special vinegar concoction. They also serve a very unique dessert, the Durian Crepe, with fresh durian bits that will surely complete your meal in a deliciously Davao way! Address: Villa Margarita Hotel, J.P. Laurel Ave., Bajada, Davao City. Tel No. (082) 2215674

5. Penong’s

If Bacolod has its famous chicken inasal, then Penong’s has its own version of the chicken barbecue too! Known to be Davao’s King of the Grill, Penong’s has gone a long way to be one of Davao City’s most patronized local restaurants. It pioneered the rice-all-you-can craze in the city, and up to now, those who enjoy the rice overload keep on coming back. This is a no frill, open air food place where every gastronomic adventurer will surely enjoy. Aside from their chicken and pork barbecues, they also serve different types of seafood such as mussels and clams. Penong’s has branches in various parts of the city. Just tell the cab to bring you to the nearest one!

For your comments and views, you may email me at high5.harold@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter: harold_geronimo

Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideLifestyle.htm?f=2011/april/7/lifestyle2.isx&d=2011/april/7)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 7th, 2011, 01:43 PM

.
Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge goes global
MindanaoTimes (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=16517)

1st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/1st-International-Mt-Apo-Boulder-Face-Challenge/188595434501760)

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Canada, Indonesia and Vietnam teams are joining the race! We have a few slots left. Be bold! Register NOW and take the challenge! Primer Group of Companies is joining the 1st International Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge as a cooperator. In 28 days, 30 teams of 3 will reach for the country's highest peak at 10,000 feet within 24 hours using the 4 disciplines of mountain biking, trekking, white-water tubing and running. A total of US$ 10,000 at stake for the top 3 victorious teams! Exciting!

MAJESTIC Mt. Apo, rising 10,311 feet above sea level, was cloudless as we drove towards Brgy. Tibolo, Sta. Cruz town, Davao del Sur, to witness the ritual for the launching of the International Boulder Face Challenge last Dec. 10. Although the event has been scheduled for April 2011, the Mindanao Mountaineering Federation, the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, the Departments of Tourism and Environment are preparing for this challenging activity. This is the 4th Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge and for the first time, it is accepting international teams to join the locals.

Mayor Joel Rey Lopez of Sta. Cruz says that one of the blessings of democracy is being able to enjoy nature. And this international event brings everyone to the Kalimudan Cultural Village located at Brgy. Tibolo, some 50 kilometers south of Davao City. It nestles at the foot of Mt. Apo, the highest mountain peak in the Philippines and considered as sacred grounds of the indigenous Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe. The highland village has an elevation of more than 2000 meters above sea level and is very accessible by public transport. The cultural-tourism program is jointly managed by the local government of Sta. Cruz and the Tagabawa-Bagobo Tribal Council.

The launching began with a ritual done by the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe to pray for the blessings from the gods who guard the mountains and for the success of the undertaking scheduled on April 2011. We were welcomed by the tribal council with native delicacies cooked in bamboo vessels where cassava jelly was served in banana leaves and brewed native coffee. The process of cooking in bamboo tubes over charcoal was called “Linotlot.” The village consisted of a few huts where weaving activities were done and baskets were made as livelihood projects of the indigenous tribes. It had a panoramic view of Mt. Apo from its location.

Barangay Captain Marcial Durano of Barangay Bato, barangay tribal chieftain Datu Ruben Ayok, Barangay Captain Delfin Lauso of Tibolo were among those present. We also met barangay kagawad Lolita Legaspi and Camille of the PAIC Management Office, who was in charge of the tribal village.

Speaking at the press conference held after the ritual, DOT-XI regional director Art Boncato informed us that groups coming from the BIMP-Eaga Region and Canada are coming to participate at this first-ever Mt. Apo International Boulder Face Challenge. The Tibolo Cultural Village will be the point of convergence for the event, which he said will be given priority in setting up facilities needed for the race. Action Asia Magazine will feature the coming activity early this year. At present they have developed a website for those who wish to know more about the challenge: www.boulder face.com.
Race director Albert Gabriel said the race will consist of mountain biking – 22.5 kilometers of road/uphill biking – water tubing for 15 kilometers and road run of 12 kilometers, The distance is 85 kilometers from the municipality of Sta. Cruz to the boulder face.

DENR-Protected Areas Management board superintendent Nilo Rivera briefed the media on the importance of preserving the environment as Mt. Apo is the banner site of eco-tourism. He reminded everyone that biodiversity should come first before tourism.
Photos by Rene Lumawag.

shanswizard

April 7th, 2011, 11:08 PM

Any updates on the construction of the 2nd and perhaps largest wavepool resort here in Davao?

shanswizard

April 7th, 2011, 11:10 PM

Davao Green Buffet House near Gaisano South

128 /head Buffet Lunch or Dinner.

Murang mura.. overflowing food =)

shanswizard

April 7th, 2011, 11:12 PM

We have lots of japanese neighbors in Belisario heights. There are lots of apartments that are currently occupied by japanese citizens. And there are many more under construction.

tj_brewed

April 7th, 2011, 11:28 PM

Davao - Ecocity!

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 8th, 2011, 02:50 AM

.
Manila Hotel chefs at Marco Polo Davao
ManilaBulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/313287/manila-hotel-chefs-marco-polo-davao)

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The celebrated chefs of the historic landmark Manila Hotel head south this month to bring in an extraordinary fusion of authentic Chinese cooking to the local dining scene exclusive for Marco Polo’s premiere Cantonese restaurant.

Chefs Wenceslao Gacutan and Executive Chinese Sous Chef Josephine Tangaco-Candelaria will be concocting Mabuhay Palace’s original creation from the freshest ingredients in Davao, said Marco Polo Davao Food and Beverage Manager Bernard Bulaong.

Chef Josephine, for one, will be using Davao’s fresh crustaceans in making Mabuhay Hotel’s well-loved Long Life Prawns. The Davao lifestyle writers were served Wednesday night with honey-glazed chicken fillet in crispy young ginger, slow-cooked pork belly simmered in shao sing wine, beef cubes in honeyed peppercorn sauce and braise lohan vegetable wrapped in bean cured skin as main course. We took delight in Chef Josephine’s Mabuhay Palace Golden Egg Ice Cream, which she said was a concoction out of her dream.

eflex

April 8th, 2011, 02:58 AM

Any updates on the construction of the 2nd and perhaps largest wavepool resort here in Davao?

katong leonor funland?

eflex

April 8th, 2011, 03:14 AM

Davao to carry `eco.city' brand
Davao to carry `eco.city' brand
Thursday, 07 April 2011
THE city government is planing to brand the city as “eco.city” to make it a destination of tourists who are into eco-tourism and adventure.

The plan, said Philip D. Dizon, city government tourism development consultant, said that the plan is to double the number of tourists that visits the city within the next three years, although he did not mention the figure.
Dizon, whose family is also into adventure and eco-tourism investment, said the eco-tourism branding of the city fits its feature of being environment-friendly.

Data from the Department of Tourism revealed that about half of the 650,000 tourists that visit the region annually visit the city.

To boost the tourism industry, Dizon said Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered them to make a brand in line to city government’s vision in making the urban area as a “sustainable green city.”

Among the possibilities that should be maximized, he added, involve promoting for “eco-living” and “eco-adventure.”

As a result, he said, the city government has tapped Simeon Ventura Jr., president of Eastgate Publishing and editor-in-chief Mabuhay Magazine, to come up with the branding mechanism and the promote the city.

He said they are also looking into six-point strategies such as improving the ecology, having doable infrastructures, maximizing the events, increasing the budget for promotion and avertising, outreaching to the tourists and making the people be involved in boosting the tourism industry.

On improving the ecology, he said the city government will clean the Davao Gulf and solve the problems on wastes with the help from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office. He said the Sta. Ana Pier that serves as gateway to Samal will also be rehabilitated to have a doable infrastructure.

“The stalls that blocked the sidewalks will be rid off. Aside from enhancing the sidewalks, the number of events in the city has increased to lure more tourists,” he said.

Among the additional events aside from Kadayawan and Araw ng Dabaw are Davao Summer Fest on April 29 to May 29 and Pasko Fiesta in December. There will be great summer deals such as 50 percent discount in selected hotels and restaurants in the Davao Summer Fest.

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 8th, 2011, 03:51 AM

^^most of the news tlaga ngayon, mababasa mo tlga ang Brand Eco.Ciy... eto pa sa BusinessWorld...

Davao positions as ‘eco.city’
BusinessWorld (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=Davao-positions-as-%E2%80%98eco.city%E2%80%99&id=29435)

DAVAO CITY -- This city will soon carry the brand "eco.city," to signal its positioning as an ecotourism destination.
Philip D. Dizon, city government consultant on tourism development, said in an interview yesterday that the city will focus on a few key directions to support its new brand, including:

*rehabilitate key infrastructure, including the Sta. Ana wharf which is considered a gateway to the rest of the Davao Region.
*build up its list of so-called eco-adventure activities;
*clean up Davao Gulf and surrounding communities (including enforcing garbage segregation); and
*earmark funds for more effective promotion.
Mr. Dizon said the city is not looking at hosting major events for now, noting it would take years to build a big convention hall. This, he said, is why the city failed in its bid to host the annual advertising congress, which draws about 3,000 delegates. -- CQF

dinabaw

April 8th, 2011, 03:56 AM

rodincouch

April 8th, 2011, 04:54 AM

Lotus Court showcases Manila Hotel’s Mabuhay Palace Gastronomy (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18788)
Written by: Dakudao , Michael Angelo E.
Friday, 08 April 2011

THE country’s iconic Manila Hotel was, once upon a time, considered as Southeast Asia’s
most modern hotel. The then original modern edifice was designed in the California Mission style by the American colonial architect assigned to the Philippines named William Parsons, in accordance to the specifications of the celebrated American urban planner, Daniel Burnham.

The Manila Hotel was meticulously planned to offer the best views of Manila’s famed sunset, the mediaeval fortification of nearby historic Intramuros, as well as the Luneta Park. The country’s hotel with a history was inaugurated on July 4, 1912, to coincide with the celebration of the American Independence. Since it opened, the Manila Hotel became the home away from home of such celebrated historical figures as Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his family, Dwight Eisenhower, the Rockefellers, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Robert Kennedy, Bill Clinton, their Royal Highnesses Prince Edward and Prince Charles of England, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, just to mention some.

The Manila Hotel was the favourite social gathering venue of the country’s powerful elite for staging weddings, debuts, anniversaries, among other important celebrations. Naturally, the almost century old Manila Hotel is well-known for its rich, elegant, fine dining tradition.

Fast-forward to the 21st century and the Manila Hotel, presently owned by Chinese-Filipino business magnate
Emilio Yap (listed by Forbes last year as the 13th richest Filipino), is now acknowledged for having the best Chinese restaurant, called the Mabuhay Palace, in the country. The Mabuhay Palace has gained its reputation for offering exquisite gastronomic fares featuring Cantonese favourites as well as the extraordinary blend of dishes inspired by the cuisines of Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangdong. The Mabuhay Palace has been quietly garnering praises from customers; and the respect of the country’s noted food critiques and reviewers.

Philippine Tattler duly gave recognition to the Mabuhay Palace as one of the country’s best restaurants in 2009. It has since become a charming stop for breakfast or lunch with its buffet offerings although the real draw is still its dinners.

The good news is, Davao’s food aficionados may now have the rare opportunity to feast on the famed five-star Chinese cooking of the Manila Hotel’s Mabuhay Palace at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao this summer season (April to May). Mabuhay Palace’s culinary virtuosos namely executive sous chef Josephine Yu Tanganco-Candelaria and chef Wenceslao Gacutan (former chefs of Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Tin Hau) are in town busily concocting delightful dishes using the freshest of ingredients and produce Davao has to offer. The Mabuhay Palace’s culinary masters offer a lot of exciting flavours, textures and aromas to delight the palate of the loyal patrons of the Lotus Court. Theirs is refined food, more popularly known as fusion cuisine, which makes for sensational dining at the elegant Lotus Court.

Undeniably, the Mabuhay Palace’s Chinese fare has been modulated to accommodate well-heeled international tastes, but I like the menu to quibble over it. The Long Life Prawns (celestially light, miraculously ungreasy), the Beef Cubes in Honeyed Peppercorn Sauce (reminds me of a yummy beef dish I ate in Singapore which lingers in my memory), the Honey-Glazed Chicken Fillet in Crispy young Ginger, and the Slow-Cooked Pork Belly simmered in Shao Sing Wine (tastes like the delicate Japanese dish su buta) offer irrefutable proof of that.

To end Mabuhay Palace’s family style dinner at the Lotus Court, you just have to try chef Josephine’s ingeniously concocted salted egg ice cream which took Manila by storm last month. “This original ice cream recipe was created from a wonderful culinary dream. I’ve made other good recipes from dreams I’ve had,” explained chef Josephine. Oh my, keep on dreaming, chef Josephine!

“Now you know why chef Josephine Yu Tanganco-Candelaria was handpicked by Mr. Emilio Yap himself. The good natured chef has since become the toast of the town. Chef Josephine thinks outside of the box and has masterfully created innovative recipes that have become signature dishes of the highly acclaimed Mabuhay Palace of the Manila Hotel,” said the recently promoted Food and Beverage Director of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao, Bernard Bulaong.

“This is one good opportunity to try Mabuhay Palace’s celebrated Cantonese fusion cuisine, either through a la carte or sumptuous buffet style, right here at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao,” informed PR Executive Meg Sta. Ines.

I wouldn’t waste this opportunity if I were you.
Thank you, Assist. PR Patty Basa, for the pictures. Thank you, Marco Polo Hotel-Davao for yet another wonderful culinary experience. Thank you, Lotus Court Manager Arvin Dizon, for the efficient service. And thank you, GM Nigel Fisher for the warm welcome.

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18788)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 8th, 2011, 05:22 AM

.
Davao Kayak Nat’l Clinic set
MindanaoTimes (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18790)

THE Davao City Canoeing Association Incorporated will host the Davao Kayak National Clinic Series set on April 9 at the Holiday Gym and Spa.

“Our students will have the opportunity to learn the basic ways and techniques in paddling using the K-1 racing kayak plus the proper nutrition and strengthening,” said DCCAI acting president Arnel Gabutero.

The clinic will have the lecture sessions in the morning starting at 9 a.m. to be followed by the actual water application at the pool in the afternoon.

Guest speaker of the one-day clinic is national kayak team coach Len Escollante.
Registration is pegged at P200 inclusive of a EZ dryfit sando with souvenir print, snacks, certificate of participation and ID tag
It will be open to all canoe, kayak and adventure racing enthusiasts, Gabutero added.
Interested may inquire at the Holiday Gym and Spa or call 222-7006, 286-3599 or at 0917-7140930.

KaTRIBU

April 8th, 2011, 10:45 AM

KaTRIBU

April 8th, 2011, 10:47 AM

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215682_10150150496673027_335926908026_6779828_4128400_n.jpg

KaTRIBU

April 8th, 2011, 11:25 AM

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KaTRIBU

April 8th, 2011, 11:40 AM

-deleted-

pet86

April 8th, 2011, 12:00 PM

I will really miss Davao City for its fresh but super affordable fruits. Davao City is soooooooo...beautiful!!!! A metropolis within a green garden.
Places Ive' been through (which I will take nothing but pictures and bring nothing but memories) are:

Eden
Malagos
Crocodile Park
Paradise Island - Super Like "murag Boracay Island)
Jack's Ridge
Philippine Eagle Center
Malls
1. NCCC
2. Gaisano Mall of Davao
3. SM City Davao (with U/C annex)
4. SM City (U/C in Lanang-hope to see it soon)
5. Abreeza Ayala Malls
6. Robinsons Cybergate
7. Victoria Plaza
8. Gaisano Southmall
9. Makro
Souvenir shops
Aldevinco
Phil Eagle Center
Paradise Island

And many more.

I like to see Davao City again in the future!

Dabawenyos are so hospitable and cheerful!

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 12:58 PM

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 12:59 PM

shakiera where are you:D

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:08 PM

bernardo agulo (http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745747.jpg) has nice colletion of davao photos.

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745747.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49830777.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745840.jpg

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:19 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745971.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49745971.jpg

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:24 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/48892649.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/48892649.jpg

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 8th, 2011, 01:26 PM

^^ grabeh kkahanga naman nyan lahat..!
Parang di yan Davao / Pinas ah...:cheer:
invite mo nman c Bernardo Agulo dito sa SSC :)

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:28 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791952.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791788.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791788.jpg

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:45 PM

http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25894494.jpg
http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/25894494.jpg

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 01:53 PM

^^ grabeh kkahanga naman nyan lahat..!
Parang di yan Davao / Pinas ah...:cheer:
invite mo nman c Bernardo Agulo dito sa SSC :)
so hes not rodincouch?

MtApoStandard

April 8th, 2011, 02:32 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/50402685.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/50402716.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/50402685.jpg

Il Tenore

April 9th, 2011, 01:12 AM

so hes not rodincouch?
nope.. :D

but nice pictures you got! :okay:

KaTRIBU

April 9th, 2011, 03:24 AM

dinabaw

April 9th, 2011, 03:36 AM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/50402716.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/50402685.jpg

may 40 storey pala ang Davao? :D

tj_brewed

April 9th, 2011, 07:57 AM

One Oasis viewed from Ecoland 4000

Day

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/9900/ecoh.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/ecoh.jpg/)

I just saw this pic now. Wow, nice....view of One Oasis from Eco4000. Picturesque!

MtApoStandard

April 9th, 2011, 04:17 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5519130653_2522db3078_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5521744544_03a5427b5b_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5519103337_bd067b8d12_z.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/60356151@N06/5519103337/in/photostream/

MtApoStandard

April 9th, 2011, 05:22 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/44495138.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/44495138.jpg

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 9th, 2011, 06:13 PM

Home Crest Residences
Davao City

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glenntoy15

April 9th, 2011, 06:42 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791952.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791788.jpg
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/49791788.jpg

dako na ang improvement sa forest hill resort.

eflex

April 10th, 2011, 05:17 AM

Davao brand aiming to boost tourism proposed
By Maya Padillo, Mindanao Daily Mirror

A brand that aims to boost the tourism industry of Davao City is now being processed after a multi-sectoral consultative meeting on the proposed Davao City tourism branding was held yesterday at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.

The overview of the proposal was presented by Eastgate Publishing president and Mabuhay Magazine editor-in-chief Simeon Ventura Jr., who presented the marketing plan, brand analysis, and target market.

According to Ventura, the brand should cater to the MICE market (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions). The venue should also be acceptable across the board and could accommodate delegates.

He said the brand should assure the market that Davao has the infrastructure for MICE.

“Let the MICE market put Davao as competitive and worth the trip,” Ventura said.

Davao ranked sixth place in tourism among local destinations, with more than 300,000 visitors last year.

According to Ventura, some issues that make Davao lag behind other destinations include the following: Davao has no strong image although it has one strong visual equity in Mt. Apo; it has no defined positioning; it has no consistent word or phrase associated with it; and there is no buzz around it.

Ventura said a budget of five percent of the income of the city should be allocated for brand marketing.

The successful brand imaging has been adopted by local destinations such as Cebu (“an island in the Pacific”), Camarines Sur (“CamSur”), and countries in Asia like India (“Incredible India”), Thailand (“Amazing Thailand”), Malaysia (“Malaysia Truly Asia”), and Indonesia (“Wonderful Indonesia”).

He said CamSur, which has only few natural attractions and is frequently hit by typhoons, has chosen tourism to drive growth and adopted a “build and they will come” approach. It built the CamSur Wakeboarding Center (CWC) that generates income and provides jobs and livelihood.

The approach has catapulted CamSur from 39th to 10th in local tourism.

“Davao has at least 20 attractions, unlike CamSur that has only two. If you want to do something, do it differently, do it out of the box. You have a Ferrari, and it’s time Davao drives a Ferrari,” Ventura said.

According to city tourism officer Jason Magnaye, the challenge now is to come up with a single name for Davao.

“This is an initiative of the city government to promote tourism in Davao. We should not be confused about what Davao is all about,” Magnaye said.

He said the brand will be launched before Holy Week.

* * * *

In addition to the article above, last week I had the privilege to view Mr. Ventura’s presentation along with City Tourism Officer Jason Magnaye and select individuals prior to the forum in Marco Polo. It elicited a positive response from the group.

The only time I stood out to voice my opinion was to inform the group that the last time we were able to hype Davao successfully was in 1996 with the tagline “Davao: City in Bloom.”

We are way past blooming. Davao is reaping a lot of the harvest now. Time for the spotlight on us again.

http://www.dabawenya.me/2011/04/dava...g-launch-soon/

tj_brewed

April 10th, 2011, 06:35 AM

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 10th, 2011, 06:52 AM

Blue Hub Cafe.Bar
@
Home Crest Residences
Davao City

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http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216675_152834148113797_100001616391243_324520_7238542_n.jpg

KaTRIBU

April 10th, 2011, 07:15 AM

KaTRIBU

April 10th, 2011, 08:03 AM

Ducati Philippines to open shops in Visayas, Mindanao
by Patrick Everett Tadeo 27 Jan 2011

http://www.topgear.com.ph/images/articleImages/news/0_2011/01/27/ducati_vismin_dealerships/ducati-a.jpg

Ducati Philippines is firming up plans to open dealerships in Visayas and Mindanao to cater to motorcycle riders in the southern regions of the Philippines.

The Ducati Davao dealership in Mindanao is slated to open in time for the 17th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs of the Philippines Convention, which will take place from April 29 to May 1 at the Matina Town Square in Davao City.

Nothing definite has been set for Ducati in the Visayas except that it will be located in Cebu. Ducati Philippines hopes to have its doors open sometime this year.

"A lot of customers have been clamoring for a Ducati dealership in Cebu and Davao so the opening of the two dealerships this year should satisfy their demands," said Ducati Philippines general manager Art Harrow.

Harrow expects the opening of the two provincial dealerships in 2011 to boost Ducati Philippines’s sales even further.

In 2010, Ducati Philippines sold over 80 motorcycles, 20 units more than what the country’s authorized Ducati distributor moved out of its Quezon City showroom in 2009. The distributor has also just opened Ducati Manila South in Makati City.

topgear.com (http://www.topgear.com.ph/utilities/print.php?title_id=ducati-philippines-to-open-shops-in-visayas-mindanao)

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215949_112633378818041_100002141380484_116901_2243834_n.jpg

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http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217761_112635478817831_100002141380484_116967_6515659_n.jpg

http://harshad.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/ducati1098.jpg

http://astonishingbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/ducati-desmosedici.jpg

Not just ONE! But TWO!

DUCATI + KTM

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217361_112642388817140_100002141380484_117175_3022123_n.jpg

http://www.dirtbikefanatic.com/images/ktm-dirtbikes.jpg

http://www.motorrad-testbericht.at/magazin/ktm/supersport/news09/ktm-rc8r-side.jpg

VisMin's First Showroom of DUCATI and KTM Motorcycles

KaTRIBU

April 10th, 2011, 09:18 AM

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206785_112635655484480_100002141380484_116972_4935238_n.jpg

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/217738_112635692151143_100002141380484_116973_2154209_n.jpg

rodincouch

April 10th, 2011, 09:47 AM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5504643974_774d14ab3e_b.jpg

eflex

April 11th, 2011, 02:44 AM

City should regain appeal to conventions: tourism agency

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) vowed to bring back the glory and grandeur of Davao City some 12 years ago when the city was among the country’s best destination for corporate meetings and other leisure trips.

This after DOT assistant secretary Jasmin Baba visited the city and talked to the local tourism council here to intensify the city's tourism drive.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

Baba said the city has a stronghold of the conference destination for the past decade making it more possible to regain the same status.

"When thinking of a conference outside Manila, there's only two destinations that comes into our minds in Manila, its either Cebu or Davao" Baba said on Friday's courtesy call to the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Davao City later paled to Cebu because of lack of conference facilities.

But, she said, said the city's continuous development places in a position to regain that stronghold.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also hailed the agency’s appreciation of the local government’s effort in advancing the city’s tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the city will host the next Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (Mice) this August. During Mice, tourism players come in full force to benchmark the host city's prime assets.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 11, 2011

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 02:45 AM

ALLEN G. BAGUIO'S Motorcycle Garage
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208278_112639922150720_100002141380484_117083_4134813_n.jpg

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 03:07 AM

This is Davao City... The Eco City...

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KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 03:56 AM

MARCO POLO DAVAO - In good Company
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215624_10150205552249664_257462039663_8418720_7222357_n.jpg

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 04:07 AM

GAISANO MALL OF DAVAO (G-MALL)

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junax

April 11th, 2011, 04:23 AM

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 05:25 AM

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KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 05:36 AM

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KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 05:57 AM

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eflex

April 11th, 2011, 05:57 AM

TOURISM TRAININGS
by Tourism Davao on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 9:01am

We are pleased to announce that Department of Tourism (DOT) – XI and the Davao Tourism Association (DATA) forged a partnership in conducting a series of Tourism Trainings geared towards upgrading the skills of the workforce of the hospitality and tourism industry of the region.

The training programs will be implemented within the first two quarters of 2011. As identified by the DOT-XI, training programs will focus on Effective Customer Service, Front Office, F & B Service and Housekeeping. Informatively, we successfully conducted three trainings: Effective Customer Service, Front Office and Housekeeping.

The next series of trainings will be as follows to be conducted by a DOT accredited resource speaker, Mr. Julius Cesar Judalena:

April 11-12, 2011 : Food and Beverage Service (35 slots only)
8 am-5 pm, Ronaldo’s, F. Torres St., Davao City

April 13, 2011: Effective Customer Service (50 slots only)
8 am-5pm, Camp Holiday, IGACOS

April 14-15, 2011: Food and Beverage Service (35 slots only)
8 AM – 5 PM, Ronaldo’s, F. Torres St., Davao City

We are encouraging all tourism stakeholders to take advantage and avail of the program at a minimal fee of P700.00 per participant (F and B Trainings) and P350.00 per participant for the Effective Customer Service training, all inclusive of meals and certificates. Since seats are very limited, please fill-in the attached reply form and return to us at DATA Secretariat, Rm 101, Villa Margarita Hotel, Bajada, Davao City with your corresponding seminar fee. For more information, feel free to call us at telefax 082-2215674 loc 101 and 3006730 or you may email us at konkordans@gmail.com.

Series 3 – Food and Beverage Services (35 slots only) - April 11-12, 2011 (2 days)
8 am – 5 pm, Ronaldo’s at F. Torres St., Davao City, Seminar fee: P700.00 / participant (inc of meals and certificate)

Series 4 – Training on Effective Customer Service (50 slots only) - April 13, 2011
8 am – 5 pm, Camp Holiday, IGACOS, Seminar fee: P350.00 / participant (inc of meals and certificate)

Series 5 – Food and Beverage Service (35 slots ) - April 14-15, 2011 (2 days)
Ronaldo’s at F. Torres St., Davao City, Seminar Fee at P700.00 / participant (inc of meals and certificates)

rodincouch

April 11th, 2011, 05:57 AM

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eflex

April 11th, 2011, 05:59 AM

M.I.C.E. DAVAO 2011
Mark those important dates!
Come to Davao City and make us your venue for your
Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events!

April 5 - ‎4th JCI Regional Council Meeting, Lispher Inn
April 13-16 - Association of Municipal Health Officers-National Conference, Grand Regal Hotel
=======================================================
1st DAVAO SUMMERFEST 2011
April 25-29 : Men’s National U19 Football Championship, Tionko Field
April 29-May 1 : 13th Davao Horse Show & Competition, Davao Riverfront Corporate City
April 30-May 1 : 17th NFMC National Convention Castrol Motokhana, NCCC Mall Open Parking
May 7-8 : Daba Dabaw Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Tionko Field
May 7-8 -: National Judo Youth & Kids Championship, Gaisano Mall
May 8 : “Run to Reduce 2011” Aboitiz Half Marathon, Around Davao City
May 13-15 : Wakeboard and Wakeskate Open Competition, Deca Wakeboard Park
May 14-15 : Lion’s Club Football Festival, Tionko Field
May 15 : Mountain Bike Eco-Challenge Downhill Competition, Starting Point: Davao Riverfront Corporate City
May 15 : 7th Triad Kids Triathlon, Davao Riverfront Corporate City
May 20-22 : Pomelo Tee Golf Tournament, Rancho Palos Verdes
May 21-22 : Davao City Summer Festival Beach Volleyball Open, Davao Riverfront Corporate City
May 21-22 : Concretewave Longboarding & Push Race Competition, Sun City Gold & Residential Estate, Panacan
May 22 : Sea to Summit Adventure Race, Around Davao City
=================================================
April 26 : Grand Master’s Cup 10th Sonny Razon Golf Classic, Rancho Palos Verdes
April 29-May 1 : 17th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs Annual Convention, Matina Town Square
April 28-30 : Annual Convention of Free and Accepted Masons, Davao Convention & Trade Center
May 7-9 : EENT Convention, Waterfront Insular Hotel
May 13-16 : Davao Food Appreciation Tour (Davao Bloggers), Various venues
May : Davao Food Expo 2011, BSP Convention Hall
May : Manufacturing Technology Davao 2011, BSP Convention Hall
May : The T.O.P.S Show Davao 2011, BSP Convention Hall
May : WoodMach Davao 2011, TBA
May 14-16 : ObGyne Convention, TBA
May 16 -June 3 : MPI -12th Annual Peacebuilding Training, TBA
May 17-20 : 104th PMA Annual Convention (Davao Med Society), Grand Regal
May 18-20 : 6th National Convention of Court Stenographers Ass. of the Phils., Grand Men Seng
May 19-21 : Phil. Medical Association National Convention, TBA
May 26-28 : 62nd Multiple District 301 Lions State Convention (Lions Club), Davao Central High School
July : HVAC/R Mindanao 2011, BSP Convention Hall
July 7 : PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao, TBA
August 18-19 : 7th Mindanao Statistics Congress, TBA
Aug. 19-21 : Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, TBA
TBA : League of the Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines National Convention, TBA

Make your event a part of our calendar. Email us the details at info@davaotourism.com or ianraygarcia@yahoo.com.
M.I.C.E. DAVAO 2011Mark those important dates! Come to Davao City and make us your venue for your Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events!April 5 - ‎4th JCI Regional Council Meeting, Lispher InnApril 13-16 - Association of Municipal Health Officers-National Conference, Grand Regal Hotel1st DAVAO SUMMERFEST 2011 April 25-29 : Men’s National U19 Football Championship, Tionko FieldApril 29-May 1 : 13th Davao Horse Show & Competition, Davao Riverfront Corporate CityApril 30-May 1 : 17th NFMC National Convention Castrol Motokhana, NCCC Mall Open ParkingMay 7-8 : Daba Dabaw Ultimate Frisbee Tournament, Tionko FieldMay 7-8 -: National Judo Youth & Kids Championship, Gaisano MallMay 8 : “Run to Reduce 2011” Aboitiz Half Marathon, Around Davao CityMay 13-15 : Wakeboard and Wakeskate Open Competition, Deca Wakeboard ParkMay 14-15 : Lion’s Club Football Festival, Tionko FieldMay 15 : Mountain Bike Eco-Challenge Downhill Competition, Starting Point: Davao Riverfront Corporate CityMay 15 : 7th Triad Kids Triathlon, Davao Riverfront Corporate CityMay 20-22 : Pomelo Tee Golf Tournament, Rancho Palos VerdesMay 21-22 : Davao City Summer Festival Beach Volleyball Open, Davao Riverfront Corporate CityMay 21-22 : Concretewave Longboarding & Push Race Competition, Sun City Gold & Residential Estate, PanacanMay 22 : Sea to Summit Adventure Race, Around Davao CityApril 26 : Grand Master’s Cup 10th Sonny Razon Golf Classic, Rancho Palos VerdesApril 29-May 1 : 17th National Federation of Motorcycle Clubs Annual Convention, Matina Town SquareApril 28-30 : Annual Convention of Free and Accepted Masons, Davao Convention & Trade CenterMay 7-9 : EENT Convention, Waterfront Insular HotelMay 13-16 : Davao Food Appreciation Tour (Davao Bloggers), Various venuesMay : Davao Food Expo 2011, BSP Convention HallMay : Manufacturing Technology Davao 2011, BSP Convention HallMay : The T.O.P.S Show Davao 2011, BSP Convention HallMay : WoodMach Davao 2011, TBAMay 14-16 : ObGyne Convention, TBAMay 16 -June 3 : MPI -12th Annual Peacebuilding Training, TBAMay 17-20 : 104th PMA Annual Convention (Davao Med Society), Grand RegalMay 18-20 : 6th National Convention of Court Stenographers Ass. of the Phils., Grand Men Seng May 19-21 : Phil. Medical Association National Convention, TBAMay 26-28 : 62nd Multiple District 301 Lions State Convention (Lions Club), Davao Central High SchoolJuly : HVAC/R Mindanao 2011, BSP Convention HallJuly 7 : PHILCONSTRUCT Mindanao, TBAAugust 18-19 : 7th Mindanao Statistics Congress, TBAAug. 19-21 : Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, TBATBA : League of the Municipal and City Agriculturists of the Philippines National Convention, TBA Make your event a part of our calendar. Email us the details at info@davaotourism.com or ianraygarcia@yahoo.com.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/tourism-davao/mice-davao-2011/202853559733468

rodincouch

April 11th, 2011, 06:02 AM

^^ Nice! MICE will definitely be a big boost to the economy. :)

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 06:04 AM

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parang di sa pinas! nakz! :cheers:

eflex

April 11th, 2011, 06:10 AM

MUST SEE DESTINATIONS/THINGS TO DO IN DAVAO CITY
by Tourism Davao on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 12:14pm
MUST SEE DESTINATIONS/THINGS TO DO IN DAVAO CITY

URBAN ADVENTURES
MORE THAN A WALK IN THE PARK
As the repository of the city’s cultural and historical heritage, Museo Dabawenyo (Pichon St.) is a must-visit destination for locals and guests. It is also a venue for exhibits, arts shows and various educational enrichment activities. Peoples’ Park (Camus St.) is popular recreational destination in the city where playgrounds, gardens, water features, walkways, artworks and installations depict the diversity of the city’s culture.

WE’VE GOT GAME
Fun is always guaranteed at the sprawling golf courses of Davao where golf enthusiasts troop for a game or two to liven up their stay in the city. Apo Golf and Country Club (Dumoy), Davao City Golf Club (Matina), and Rancho Palos Verdes (Buhangin) are among the world-class golf courses in the city. Badminton, basketball, billiard, Frisbee, bowling, drag racing, target shooting and paintball are just some of the popular sports played by both locals and tourists.

ADVENTURES IN LITTLE CHINA
The city’s own Chinatown, bordered by the streets of Sta. Ana, Ramon Magsaysay and Leon Garcia, is one of the major historical, economic and cultural centers of Davao. Various malls and department stores as well as Chinese restaurants are some of the attractions of this newly created enclave. In 2009, former City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered the creation the city’s first ever Davao Chinese New Year Festival to further promote the culture and friendship of the Chinese community with the Dabawenyos.

LET’S DIG IN!
Dining in Davao City is both a pastime and an adventure that guarantees to satisfy the palate. Local cuisine is composed mainly of seafood and farm-fresh bounties. Davao City is famous for its mouthwatering grilled seafood such as inihaw na panga (char-broiled tuna jaw), crispy buntot ng bariles (tuna tail), and kinilaw (raw tuna or marlin strips marinated in coconut vinegar, soy, chili and other spices). To top a satisfying meal, locals enjoy a dessert of the city’s fresh tropical fruits or set off to the nearest cafe and savor a rich and creamy cup of durian flavored coffee, served either warm or chilled. Numerous Filipino, Thai, French, Italian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Turkish, Indian and other cuisine are served in various specialty restaurants, making Davao City a truly exciting dining destination.

GROOVE INTO THE NIGHT
The city’s night scene is alive and buzzing with the various entertainment and fun destinations such as restaurants, cafes, dance clubs, music lounges, videoke and piano bars. Davao’s popular night spots are mostly located in dining and entertainment enclaves such as Wheels n’ More Compound (JP Laurel Ave.), The Venue (Quirino Ave.), Matina Town Square (Matina), Rizal Promenade (Rizal St.), Victoria Plaza Mall (JP Laurel Ave.), Prime Square (F. Torres St.), Damosa Gateway (Lanang) and Jack’s Ridge (Shrine Hill). Favorite nightspots of high rollers are Casino Filipino (Grand Regal Hotel) and Casino Filipino VIP Club (The Apo View) where they spend hours of fun gaming and amusement.

RELAX, RECHARGE
As Mindanao’s center of wellness, the city has a number of fitness gyms, health spas, beauty shops and massage salons. The city’s fitness centers offer yoga, pilates, belly dancing, spinning, martial arts and modern dance programs while spas offer various massage and body treatments. Popular fitness and spas include MetroLifestyle Fitness Center (Torres St.), Holiday Spa & Gym (Torres St.), Smashville Fitness (Magsaysay Ave.), Matina South (Matina), and K-1 Spa (F. Torres St.). Modern beauty centers offer cosmetic treatments and the latest technology in surgical and non-invasive beauty and body toning. Davao City

EXPLORE OUR OUTDOORS
CONQUER MT. APO
Towering at 10,311 feet, this challenging trek traverses through creeks, ridges and waterfalls with an amazing panorama of rainforest flora and fauna. Scaling the Philippines’ highest peak is truly the ultimate in eco-tourism adventure.

DISCOVER MARILOG
Just an hour and a half drive from the city center, Marilog takes pride of its natural wonders such as natural springs, caves, waterfalls and mountain trails. The district’s elevation and cool all-year round weather also make it as one of the city’s main sources of various agricultural produce.

SNAPSHOT WITH A CROCODILE
Davao Crocodile Park is home to the largest crocodile in the country. Aside from 19-foot reptilian giant, exotic reptiles, mammals and varieties of birds can also found inside the mini-zoo. Animal encounters (where you can have your photo taken with a live crocodile!) and wildlife shows are presented every weekend. The park also has a cultural village, a riverside restaurant, Zorb ball, and a floating restaurant.

SOAR WITH THE EAGLES
The Philippine Eagle considered one of the largest eagles in the world, is sheltered at the Philippine Eagle Center (Malagos). The nature center is primarily a breeding facility for the eagles and habitat to different animals endemic to the region.

PLAY WITH BIRDS
Watch eagles, hawks, parrots, crows, ostriches and ducks perform astonishing tricks while educating guests about the importance of conserving the environment at the Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort. The resort is also home to diverse varieties of ornamental flora and orchids, such as the Waling waling.

BRAVE THE WILD WATERS
Go white water rafting along the winding Davao River, a three-hour high adrenaline adventure, cruising through 24 challenging rapids from Barangay Tamugan to Barangay Lacson in Calinan District.

FEAST WITH NATURE
Situated 2,500 feet above sea level, Eden Nature Park’s main draws include mountain trekking, horseback riding, fishing, zip line adventure and a 45-minute shuttle tour around the 80-hectare nature paradise. It also has a Tinubdan cultural village that takes guests to a journey into the heart of tribal Mindanao.

ZIP ADVENTURE
One of the most popular outdoor activities in the city is zipline adventure, a high adrenaline escapade done by enabling a participant – fastened with safety harness – propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of an inclined cable while enjoying the panoramic views of the city. Ziplines are found at outdoor adventure camps, such as Outland Adventure (Maa) and Zip City (Brgy. Langub), or in nature resorts, such as Eden Nature Park (Toril).

CHILL-OUT BY THE COAST
Endowed with an extensive coastline, beach resorts and seaside restaurants dot the Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines. Davao City is also the gateway to the Island Garden City of Samal, famous for its white sand beaches and dive and snorkeling spots. Davao Gulf is an exciting destination for kayaking, windsurfing, jetskiing, boating and game fishing.

PLAN YOUR TRIP
Suggested itineraries to complete your DaWow! Experience:

AROUND THE METRO
Peoples’ Park (Camus St.)
Museo Dabawenyo (Pichon St.)
San Pedro Cathedral, City Hall and City Council (San Pedro Street)
Magsaysay Park (Magsaysay Ave.)
T’boli Weaving Center (Lanang)
Davao Museum (Insular Village)
Bankerohan Public Market (Bankerohan)

COUNTRYSIDE TRIP
Philippine Eagle Center (Malagos)
Malagos Garden Resort (Malagos)
Crocodile Park (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
GAP Farming Resort (Diversion Road, Ma-a)
Eden Nature Park (Toril)
Davao Fish Port Complex (Toril)
Japanese Tunnel (Balusong-Matina).
Durian confection manufacturers (Matina)

LET’S GO SHOPPING!
Gaisano Mall of Davao (J.P. Laurel Avenue)
Victoria Plaza (J.P. Laurel Avenue)
Gaisano South Citimall (Ilustre Street)
NCCC Mall (Matina)
SM City (Ecoland)
Aldevinco Shopping Center (C.M. Recto Avenue)
Chimes Specialty Store (Sales St.)
Chinatown (R. Magsaysay Ave.)
Robinson’s Gateway (JP Laurel Ave.)
Abreeza Mall (Bajada) – To open in May 2011

KaTRIBU

April 11th, 2011, 06:16 AM

DECA WAKEBOARD PARK
Tacunan, Davao City

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eflex

April 11th, 2011, 06:18 AM

warning sa mga di pa aware lalong lalo na sa mga di tiga davao, obey traffic rules in davao city. nakasanayan na kasi na pag walang tumitingin na mga pulis trapiko lalo na pag gabi ay di na pinapansin ng ibang ungas ang traffic lights, nakupo! pag renew nyo ng registration makikita nyo na lang ang babayaran nyo me kasama pang picture ng auto nyo ignoring the red light, etc. kaya beware! only in davao city yan, pag nasa ibang city, bahala na kayo kung gagawin nyo pa rin ang bad habit nyo. masakit man tanggapin, davao lang kasi ang may kakayanan mag install ng sophisticated centralized, sensorized, wireless traffic system with cctv's and dedicated traffic building to monitor and record traffic scenes at press time.
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every friday seminar sa mga public utility drivers sa SP(4th or 5th na karon)...until ma seminar tanan...LTO , LTFRB,CITY GOVt and PSCC ang nagconduct nang seminar...pumunta pa nga ang abratique pinakita yung mga violations nang mga drivers na nakuha sa CCTV...kaya yung mga nakseminar kabalo na dili na pwede mag abuso sa daan...kuha man gyud tanan sa CCTV....:)

rodincouch

April 11th, 2011, 03:08 PM

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Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 11th, 2011, 05:17 PM

.
City should regain appeal to conventions: tourism agency
SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/04/10/city-should-regain-appeal-conventions-tourism-agency-149735)

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) vowed to bring back the glory and grandeur of Davao City some 12 years ago when the city was among the country’s best destination for corporate meetings and other leisure trips.

This after DOT assistant secretary Jasmin Baba visited the city and talked to the local tourism council here to intensify the city's tourism drive.

Baba said the city has a stronghold of the conference destination for the past decade making it more possible to regain the same status.

"When thinking of a conference outside Manila, there's only two destinations that comes into our minds in Manila, its either Cebu or Davao" Baba said on Friday's courtesy call to the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

Davao City later paled to Cebu because of lack of conference facilities.

But, she said, said the city's continuous development places in a position to regain that stronghold.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also hailed the agency’s appreciation of the local government’s effort in advancing the city’s tourism sector.

Meanwhile, the city will host the next Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (Mice) this August. During Mice, tourism players come in full force to benchmark the host city's prime assets.

rodincouch

April 12th, 2011, 05:50 AM

Summer escape (http://www.edgedavao.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4346:summer-escape&catid=63:destinations&Itemid=89)
Monday, 11 April 2011 00:00
by Jims Vincent Capuno

This summer, re-live the wonders of four local tourist destinations:

BOHOL: A geological marvel

“ Bohol is like a jade brooch set on a velvet-blue sea,” one author wrote. “Its fertile land has hills that roll gently around lush forests and grassy meadows. Marine life – from schools of tiny reef fish to bigger pods of dolphins and whales – teem in the surrounding waters.”
Carmen, an interior municipality, is home of the world-famous Chocolate Hills, an amazing geological curiosity that can only be found in this part of the world. The collective splendor of nearly two thousand similarly shaped hills, ranging from 30 to 50 meters above a mainly flat land, and the legend attached to them, never fails to amaze local and foreign tourists.
Boholanos are a deeply religious people, and the island has eight fine churches, including Baclayon, seven kilometers southeast of the capital, Tagbilaran. Baclayon Church is the best preserved Jesuit-built church in the region, although its facade and most of the stone structures surrounding it were built by the Augustininan Recollects in the late 19th century. In 1995, the National Historical Institute declared the church a historical landmark.
Like most islands in the Philippines, Bohol is also noted for its fine beaches. Some of the more well-known are found on Panglao Island. The Alona Beach, named after the popular film star of the 1970s (Alona Alegre), has the biggest number of beach front accommodations anywhere in the province.
Bohol may not be as famous Boracay, but is best known for its attraction to local divers. The dive sites are noted for their deep, steep walls – the creation of continental shifts during prehistoric times. At the end of the causeway connecting it to Tagbilaran is Panglao Island with its spectacular drop-offs.

IFUGAO: Stairway to heaven

People flock to the province of Ifugao because of the world famous, gracefully contoured rice terraces nestled within the rugged Cordillera mountain range. The rice terraces reach up to heights of 1,500 meters and if laid end to end, cover over 20,000 kilometers. They showcase an irrigation system which uses gravity to bring forest waters from a height of about 1,800 meters down to the lowest tiers.
The rice terraces can be viewed from the town of Banaue. However, the more spectacular terraces can be found in Batad and Mayoyao. Batad rests snugly at the bottom of a magnificently steep circle of terraces, which resembles a giant amphitheater. With no visible encroachment of civilization, the place is home to a village of authentic Ifugao people.
Mayoyao, on the other hand, is a three-hour ride from Banaue along a road which dips and climbs hundreds of meters along picturesque terraced hills, forests, and villages. Houses here have huge roofs and a neater, less crowded layout. The views of the terraces along the route are awesome.

PALAWAN: Nature at its best

Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Palawan was proclaimed as a fish and wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and to this day, this group of islands is probably the best protected province in the whole country.
One reason why people come to Palawan is the world-famous St. Paul Subterranean National Park, a massive white rock mountain which rises 1,028 meters above sea level and stretches towards Cleopatra’s Needle. Its main feature is the underground river, with its 8.2 kilometers of labyrinthine caves carved through the centuries by action of rainwater and the waves of the South China Sea.
The Subterranean River is a maze of intricate caves and endless wonders. Once inside, one can enjoy seeing a myriad of rock formations which resemble real-life objects, like a giant mushroom, a huge jellyfish, a huge madre de cacao, a man and his dog, skeletal stalactites that look like filigrees.
There are two more destinations one should not miss: El Nido and Honda Bay. El Nido is the place with crystal clear waters and many wonderful dive spots along with first class resorts. It is named after the exotic delicacy called birds nests harvested from the islands’ limestone caverns and exported to some countries where they are converted into expensive bird’s nest soup.
For divers, Palawan is a paradise. The mideast part of the Honda Bay area is studded with coral patches up to 18 meters across, interspersed with sand patches. There are numerous schools of small reef fish, parrot fish, snappers, and sometimes crayfish. Because the area is inconsistent, the tourism department cautions divers to carry a compass.

SAMAL: Earthly paradise

Over 20 beach resorts (both commercial and privately-owned) dot the island’s 116 kilometer-stretch of white sandy beach and coves. Fellow travel writer Ronald de Jong observed: “The beautiful and serene seashore is endowed with mangroves, swamps and coconut trees. This earthly paradise has been praised for its beauty like no other island in the region.”
The Island Garden City of Samal is rich in coral reefs, ideal for scuba-diving and other aqua sports, such as snorkeling and sailing. Two sunken World War II-vintage Japanese naval vessels await discovery by divers only 60 meters from the Pearl Farm Beach Resort.
The Haguimit Falls is located about two kilometers from Peñaplata district. It is a haven for picnickers, swimmers and nature trippers yearning for the simple, inexpensive pleasures in life. The area is well-covered from the scorching heat of the sun by a canopy of full-grown trees.
Another must-see is the Monfort Bat Cave, whose colony of bats was certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest populated by fruit bats in the world with a population ranging from 1.8 to 2.5 million as of 2006.
For trekkers and nature enthusiasts seeking higher grounds, climbing mount Putting Bato, the highest peak in Samal, towering 1.362 feet above sea level, promises to be a great adventure. According to those who have scaled it, the mountain slope is stunning and the changing landscape astonishing.
The combination of unparallel natural beauty and exotic attractions, its breathtaking panoramas, the warmth and the hospitality of its friendly people make the tropical island of Samal indeed a real paradise on earth.

Edge Davao (http://www.edgedavao.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4346:summer-escape&catid=63:destinations&Itemid=89)

KaTRIBU

April 12th, 2011, 06:10 AM

rodincouch

April 12th, 2011, 06:12 AM

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215254_197718633600000_100000855947134_479579_6155072_n.jpg

rodincouch

April 12th, 2011, 06:29 AM

GMall of Davao
April 9, 2011

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5604996959_17cfe45827_z.jpg

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http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5604989253_19d4dff55e_z.jpg

KaTRIBU

April 12th, 2011, 06:48 AM

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/215254_197718633600000_100000855947134_479579_6155072_n.jpg

lami siguro nang BISAYANG MANOK no! :cheers:

dinabaw

April 12th, 2011, 07:48 AM

^^ :cheers:

March, April, May declared as ‘Visit Samal Island’ months
abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 04/10/2011 11:22 AM | Updated as of 04/10/2011 6:45 PM

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4685/samalisland0.jpg (http://img220.imageshack.us/i/samalisland0.jpg/)

MANILA, Philippines – Three months of the year have been declared as “Visit Samal Island” months as part of the local government’s campaign to attract more tourists to the garden city.

Tourists visiting Samal in March, April or May can now enjoy value-added promotions from 28 participating resorts as part of the “Visit Samal Island” campaign led by Mayor Aniano Antalan, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the private sector-led Samal Island Tourism Council.

Samal island “passports” will be given to visitors for free at the Davao International Airport, Davao malls, Manila and Cebu airport info couriers and tour operators, said DOT Region XI director Art Boncato Jr.

With the campaign, DOT undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin is expecting Samal to be a “successful” ecotourism destination in the country.

“It takes more than having good places of interests and activities to offer,” she said in a statement.

Samal island is famous for its Coral Garden dive site, the Hagimit Falls, and Monfort Bat Cave, which holds the world record for the highest concentration of fruit bats at 2.5 million in one cave.

Photo courtesy of samalcity.gov.ph

ABS_CBN News (http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4685/samalisland0.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us)

dinabaw

April 12th, 2011, 07:57 AM

Marc Nelson loves Davao
Written by: Dakudao , Michael Angelo E.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011

“Honestly, I always visit Davao because I love the Dizons,” claimed the super bodied and gorgeous Marc Saw Nelson of ABS-CBN’s Sports Unlimited show. We had dinner at Toto and Neneng de la Paz’s Tsuru Japanese restaurant graciously hosted by Sonny and Jackie Dizon for the tall, dark and handsome model last week. Marc was ever ready to flash his kutikutitap smile at patrons, which included Marco Polo Hotel-Davao’s Australian GM Nigel Fisher, who dined that night with his friends for the monthly Tsuru buffet. The stellar celebrity so kindly posed for pictures with so many excited Davaoeñas.

“Davao is one of my favourite destinations in the country, besides Boracay and Donsol, as it features unlimited sports adventures in its beautiful island resorts and mountain resorts. Nothing can beat the experience of climbing the amazing Mount Apo. Davao City is, indeed, a much cleaner environment to enjoy. Not to mention the abundance of delicious fruits which I love and always crave for. I always bring my friends here,” Marc convincingly impressed on me.

“This is my first trip to Davao and I would consider coming back again. The food is just delicious. And the people are so friendly. Or maybe, it’s because I am with my brother, Marc, that they keep smiling,” Yolanda Nelson, Marc’s younger half-sister with the pretty Oriental face, revealed. “The air is obviously much cleaner in
Davao as compared to highly urbanized Manila. The countryside pace is so relaxing which I much prefer. I don’t want to end up like a stressed-out tourist. This is a wonderful and leisurely vacation for me,” she added.

I then asked Marc why he looks different, rather more Eurasian, than his Oriental looking sister and another brother in Australia whose picture was shown to me by Yolanda. He answered promptly, “My father is a Burmese-Chinese who swam his way to Thailand in the past to escape the sad fate of his country under the Communist regime. He then migrated to Australia where he teaches martial arts until now. My mother, on the other hand, is an Anglo-Burmese who was born in Scotland but grew up in Burma and Thailand. Yolanda’s
mom, on the other hand, is of Korean ancestry,” Marc answered.

Marc Saw Nelson admits to being a man of the world. He loves to travel as he claims to be interested in different cultures. Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Anthropology, Marc has lived in seven diverse countries and has travelled to 40 countries and still counting. He hasn’t visited his dad’s country of origin, though, for personal reasons he wouldn’t tell. “But I feel I am at home in the Philippines. I love this country and I have built my dream house in Manila. I first started working in Manila as an accidental model. With my athletic built plus love for sports, I was then invited to host ABS-CBN’s Fitness Plus on t.v. Next came my hosting job for the top rated show, Keep on Dancing. But it is in Sports Unlimited that I found my ideal t.v. program being an athlete and sports lover,” Marc said as he added, “What an experience the show has been offering me since then. I am truly fortunate and to think that the show is seen not only all over the Philippines but on cable networks in Asia, the Middle East, Australia and North America as well.”

Marc Saw Nelson got Filipino viewers rooting for him and his best buddy, Rovilson Fernandez, when they represented the Philippines in the Amazing Race Asia II. Unfortunately, the good-looking hunks only got to third place in Singapore. The exposure, however, earned for the articulate duo a hosting job for the ground-breaking new show of AXN called “The Duke.” This AXN show was definitely metrosexual in orientation. In addition to this, Marc also had a hosting job for another show called “Dare Duo” on QTV.

“Hosting three shows at about the same time takes a lot of hard work. I am not complaining though. It is an amazing accomplishment in itself. That’s why I really take the time out from work to reenergize myself whenever I can,” the popular t.v. host confessed.

Without any doubt, Marc’s good looks, his admirable physique matched with a well-defined six-pack abs, as well as his suave hosting ability have made him popular in this country which loves Adonis type mestizos. He has been consistently named in glossies as one of the country’s hottest bachelor. But despite all the fame and glory he has reaped through all these years, Marc keeps himself grounded through his active participation in volunteer charity works especially for the less advantaged children’s welfare; as well as campaign on issues
regarding climate change.

Marc Saw Nelson is, unquestionably, the Man!

Marc your the Man! :cheers:

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18868)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 12th, 2011, 02:43 PM

Covington: Dazzling Davao!
By Gary Covington
Looking In
SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2011/04/12/covington-dazzling-davao-149892)
HERE’S a laugh:

Jun Ventura, visiting president of a printing company, described Davao as 'a Ferrari'.

You can tell the man doesn't live here can't you. Otherwise he'd know that Davao is more like a model T and furthermore a Model T without any forward gears -– only park and reverse, thanks to a host of honorable and a collection of enforcement agencies who are scared stiff of lifting a finger against the out of control population of mini-buses, jeepneys, tricycles and habal-habals choking the city.

Here's another laugh:

Mr. Ventura was here as a guest of the Davao City Tourism Office and the Department of Tourism. Mr. Ventura's printing company publishes Mabuhay –- the touristy magazine –- and his company is being 'tapped' to create a brand name for Davao City, 'a brand name that will be applicable to the rest of the city and a brand that can be enhanced on especially in promoting a community based tourism' -– whatever that means.

The City Tourism Office seems to have got into its collective mind the idea that a brand name –- a slogan -– will actually enhance the touristy things that Davao can offer. As if there's a big crowd of cash-laden tourists milling about up there in manic Manila just waiting for a

Davao rep to shout Desirable Davao! or Definitely Davao! or Dramatic Davao! to have them all running for the Airbus.

(This doesn't work. Hands up anybody who can remember the new national tourist slogan, the one which succeeded Wow Philippines! Not many, I'll bet)

Thinking up a slogan is of course the easy way out -– it means not getting off your arse to actually provide touristy things -– like bus tours or attractive, clean public beaches or even public toilets so that walkabout tourists don't have to totter, clench-kneed, about the town looking for somewhere to pee.

I'll also bet that Mr. Ventura's services don't come free. Why didn't the Davao City Tourism Office hold a competition or run newspaper ads (First prize a week on Samal with all tourist taxes paid)? Or even "tap" the arts and culture department of Davao's Philippine Women's College?

This seems to be the standard reaction nowadays for government agencies looking for something a little out of the ordinary; call a consultant, farm it out, benefit someone else's economy.

KING CITY

April 12th, 2011, 04:11 PM

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5019/5554880273_121e38ff24_b.jpg

By: Erwinpoy

Alingatong

April 13th, 2011, 01:09 AM

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The Kamayo Cafe at the ground floor of The Royal Mandaya Hotel

eflex

April 13th, 2011, 03:28 AM

Anime convention at SM Davao on April 14 to 15
by Mindanao Insider on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 6:26pm

This summer, SM City Davao gears up for the city’s first ever Anime Convention set to unfold on April 14-15 at the mall’s Event Centre.

All anime enthusiasts are invited to join this gathering of fans of anime, manga and the Japanese culture. Get that anime fix, meet friends with the same interests and simply enjoy the celebration of the anime culture!

Comic Market
Comic Market is based from the world’s largest self-published comic book fair—Comiket. Visit Davao’s version and get a chance to own artists’ very own original manga collections.

Workshops
The world of anime is ever dynamic. Sharpen you anime skills with free lectures/workshops on manga creation and cosplaying.

Yu-Gi-Oh Duel
Get ready to be fired-up with the fun card game Yu-Gi-Oh Duel. Learn about the game, witness exciting battles or join the card game yourself!

Cosplay Cafe
If it is not enough to walk around the event venue with your favourite anime characters, have them serve you with yummy meals at the Cosplay Café.

Round up the gang and get ready for one of the hottest summer events this season. Admission is FREE! Visit ACDC only at Mindanao’s premiere shopping, dining and leisure destination—SM City Davao! For inquiries, please call 297.6998 or visit www.smcitydavao. blogspot.com. You may like SM City Davao Page on Facebook

rodincouch

April 13th, 2011, 06:08 AM

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4627/26568113917695302556100.jpg

eflex

April 13th, 2011, 10:47 AM

DAVAO GETS READY FOR SUMMERFEST
by Tourism Davao on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 1:22pm
DAVAO GETS READY FOR SUMMERFEST

The City Government of Davao in cooperation with the Davao Association of Tour Operators and Davao Tourism Association, and the full support of Davao Travel Agency Association, GUIDE- Davao, Small Hotels Association of Davao, Davao Airline Operators Association, and the Davao Cooperative Center for Visitors and Convention will be holding the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011.

The 1st Davao Summerfest was organized to address the need to hold an event during summer in Davao City, a season when the city receives the most number of tourists, as well as to complement the city’s existing major festivals - Araw ng Dabaw and Kadayawan Festival. With the development of a new festival, Davao City will aim to establish itself as a primary summer destination in the country.

This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy during the summer season. As the guests can participate in the line-up of events during the Summerfest, they can also enjoy the diverse man-made and natural attractions of the city.

Blessed with “natural venues” for outdoor sports, the Summerfest will allow visitors to see and experience the wonders of Davao Gulf, Davao River, as well as the well-paved roads leading to the mountains of Marilog, where one can also hold various eco-adventure activities.

This is also an opportunity for local facility owners, tour operators and sports organizers to showcase Davao’s various sport adventure facilities, such as zip lines, wakeboard park, river rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing, spelunking, among many others. The city can also highlight its existing facilities that can readily host world class competitions, such as golf courses.

The Summerfest will not only generate revenue for the city during the summer season but will also promote camaraderie, project a wholesome image for the community, and promote an interest in sports and healthy living among the youth.

Holding an annual Summerfest will also ensure a regular flow of tourists throughout the year as it will lure them to come back, not just to compete in sports for the following summer, but also to enjoy the sights that Davao City can offer all year long.

A C T I V I T I E S
April 29, 2011, 5:30 PM, Peoples’ Park Davao Summerfest Opening Program
April 28 - 30, Tionko Field PFF Suzuki U23 Mindanao Championships
April 29 – May 1, Davao Riverfront Corporate City 13th Davao Horse Show & Competition
April 30 – May 1, NCCC Mall Open Parking Area 17th NFMC Annual Convention Castrol Motokhana
May 4 – 6, Tionko Field PFF Smart Club Mindanao Championships
May 7 – 8, Tionko Field Daba Daba Ultimate Frisbee Tournament
May 8, Around Davao City Run to Reduce Marathon
May 8, Speed City, Davao Riverfront Phil. Autocross Championship Series Round 2
May 8, Gaisano Mall of Davao National Judo Championship - Youth Division
May 14 – 15, Tionko Field 1st Davao City Host Lions Club Football Festival
May 20 – 22, Rancho Palos Verdes Pomelo Tee
May 28 – 29 Eco.city Celebrity Adventure Race

Other events:
May 21, 2011 - Santacruzan
Hudyakaan sa Summer

dj_olrac

April 13th, 2011, 11:20 AM

rodincouch

April 13th, 2011, 12:12 PM

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 13th, 2011, 12:32 PM

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/kamayo2.jpg

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/kamayo1.jpg

The Kamayo Cafe at the ground floor of The Royal Mandaya Hotel

:okay:
Salamat sa pgbisita sa Dabaw Mr. Katol...:)

Alingatong

April 13th, 2011, 12:47 PM

^^:)

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/pomelo1.jpg

Medyo mahal pala ngayon ang pomelo. P100 per kilo.

Alingatong

April 13th, 2011, 12:57 PM

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/ap3.jpg

Davao International Airport

rodincouch

April 13th, 2011, 12:58 PM

^^ Sobrang mahal nang 100. Baka hindi siguro season.

rodincouch

April 13th, 2011, 12:59 PM

Thanks sa photos.

Grabe na kahugaw sa Atop. Attention CAAP. :(

eflex

April 13th, 2011, 01:01 PM

sa roof paint na sya...luma na..

Alingatong

April 13th, 2011, 01:05 PM

Airphilexpress check-in counter needs to upgrade their system. Grabe ang lag ng network. :ohno:

Alingatong

April 13th, 2011, 01:50 PM

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/alde.jpg

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 13th, 2011, 06:24 PM

.
Abreeza: A breath of fresh air
SunStaR (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/lifestyle/2011/04/13/abreeza-breath-fresh-air-150249)

THE arrival of Ayala Malls in Mindanao has been much awaited and it was only last year that the locals could see a development taking place in Davao City.

In an exclusive interview with Clavel Tongco, (general manager of Accendo Commercial Corp.), Architect Dave Blas (senior division manager, Innovation and Design Group, Ayala Land Inc.) and Roanne Hinolan (business development manager, Ayala Malls Group, Ayala Land Inc.), I was informed that Abreeza Mall was thought out creatively with Davao and Mindanaoans in mind.

Ayala Land's decision to forge a joint venture with the Floreindos in Davao is due to favourable factors: Davao is identified as the second most lucrative market in the Visayas-Mindanao area, next to Cebu.

There is a high concentration of the ABC market, approximately 19% percent of the total population of Davao. Second, the city is considered the educational hub of Mindanao with varied choices of good colleges and universities.

Davao is also considered the gateway to the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, giving it a strong potential regional and tourist market draw. This makes it a perfect opportunity for creating not just a regional mall, but a mixed-use environment of office, residential and hotel developments in one complex.

The concept of Abreeza is new, according to Architect Dave Blas. "Our understanding of typical Dabawenyos is that they are more relaxed and casual. So this time, we wanted to create a mall that's fairly contemporary and colorful, and most importantly reflective of Davao's way of life and culture." For this reason, they veered away from their usual neutral tones and drew inspiration from the city's vibrant hues of red, green and deep blue.

Lush landscapes will be added to the differently-colored mall entrances, which include three pockets of theme gardens, water features, a mini "rainforest" area, hanging vines, an orchidarium, al fresco area for dining that spills out into the gardens, and more people-oriented spaces that will allow them to move from one activity to the other on foot.

The huge complex is named Abreeza to symbolize a breezy, spacious and relaxed environment, while respecting the natural topography of the land by designing open air garden landscapes that contribute to the "greening" of the environment. Even the location of basement parking is already sunken, with natural paving to allow water to sink back into the ground during rainy season.

The concept of this open spaced mall complex also has a sensible aim. Architect Dave says, "We are managing energy consumption for water and electricity per year that is currently at par with, if not more stringent than ASEAN benchmarks, and we are actually setting self-imposed targets to ensure that."

GM Clavel Tongco explains how Davao will have a lot of first time choices -a mix of popular specialty stores of both local and international brands are coming in, including fast food outlets, restaurants, cafes (think Starbucks!), bookstores (think Fully Booked!), four state of the art cinemas and an activity center. New concepts like flagship stores, food and special retail zones are to be expected. There is also the food court (Food Choices), a gaming arcade (Time Zone) for the family, and Robinson's department store and supermarket. Even the third level of the mall has a significant outdoor component which has an open shaded area that is naturally ventilated sans air conditioning. Top it off with our very own Ann Pamintuan's huge art piece to accentuate the lush landscaping.

For Project Development Officer Roann Hinolan, the mall occupies only 3 hectares of the 10-hectare property development. Expect a boutique hotel by 2012 and the residential tower to be launched within this year. Even now, while the expected target is in October, the company has high hopes for Abreeza to officially open earlier by May this year.

Now here is something Dabawenyos can look forward to -- a quality bonding time with friends and family.

shanswizard

April 13th, 2011, 11:43 PM

Asa na dapit ang Crepelato?

eflex

April 14th, 2011, 02:58 AM

Airphilexpress check-in counter needs to upgrade their system. Grabe ang lag ng network. :ohno:

abacus may hawak nyang system...nationwide yan...pag may problema sa system damay lahat...just like sa LTO pag may sira ang stradcom damay lahat LTO offices...:ohno:..

dj_olrac

April 14th, 2011, 03:13 AM

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/ap3.jpg

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/ap1.jpg

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/ap4.jpg

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad291/Alingatong2/ap2.jpg

Davao International Airport

wow tnx sa mga pics sir Alin :)
unta ma limpyuhan na ang atop sa DIA, hugaw na kaayu jejeje :)

eflex

April 14th, 2011, 03:15 AM

City to stage summer festival

DAVAO City will host the 1st Davao Summer festival from April 29 to May 29.

The month-long summer festival has been conceptualized to complement the existing major festivals, like the Kadayawan sa Dabaw, Araw ng Dabaw and the Pasko Fiesta.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

"From April to July, Davao has no event to offer, that's why we came up with the Summerfest," said Gary Cadungog, former president of Davao Association of Tour Operators.

The summer festival will kick off on April 29, with the opening ceremonies slated at the People's Park starting at 5 p.m.

Part of the celebration is the holding of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki U23 Mindanao Championship at Tionko Football Field on April 28-30.

"With the team Azkals popularity, we will be hosting football events to allure football fanatics and entice participation of guests with the line-up of events for the Summerfest," Cadungog said.

The 13th Davao Horse Show and Competition will also be held on April 29 to May 1 at the Davao Riverfront Corporate City, while the Annual NFMC Convention Castrol Motokhana is slated April 30 to May 1 at the NCCC Mall open parking area.

The PFF Smart Club Mindanao Championships will be on May 4-6 at the Tionko Field followed by the Daba Daba Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on May 7 and 8 at the same venue.

A Run to Reduce Marathon will also be staged around the city on May 8 and Philippine Autocross Championship Series Round 2 will be at the Speed City at Davao Riverfront.

On the same date, the National Judo Championship-Youth Division will be held at Gaisano Mall of Davao.

The first Davao City Host Lions Club Football Festival will also be held on May 14-15 at the Tionko Field and a Pomelo Tee golf tournament will be at May 20-22 at Rancho Palos Verdes.

Venues for major activities such as "Hudyakaan sa Summer" and the Santacruzan will be held on May 21 will soon be announced.

On May 28-29 the Eco.city Celebrity Adventure Race will kick off the brand name launch of the city.

The summer event is seen as an opportunity for local facility owners, tour operators and sports organizers to showcase the city's various sport adventure facilities, such as the zip lines, wakeboard park, river rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing, spelunking, among others.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 14, 2011

rodincouch

April 14th, 2011, 03:24 AM

^^ Naa sa Mt. Mayon Street fronting the old Sampaguita Inn and it has another branch at NCCC Mall, Maa.

dinabaw

April 14th, 2011, 05:21 AM

hmmm i think @alingatong knows better what to post here, i wonder why that particular photos. :ohno:

Wadaboy

April 14th, 2011, 05:29 AM

Obviously to show us the roof.... I think aside from the blacken roof the airport is still presentable and much better than any other airports in Mindanao. Dali lang mana pintalan oi... no big deal.

skyion

April 14th, 2011, 05:39 AM

Obviously to show us the roof.... I think aside from the blacken roof the airport is still presentable and much better than any other airports in Mindanao. Dali lang mana pintalan oi... no big deal.

ang pangutana ngano hangtud karon wala gipintalan sa national office sa ATO, sooner that roof will rust, cause holes and leak and no amount of paint could prevent it.

dinabaw

April 14th, 2011, 05:42 AM

ang pangutana ngano hangtud karon wala gipintalan sa national office sa ATO, sooner that roof will rust, cause holes and leak and no amount of paint could prevent it.

walay wawart ang ATO, ang local government mag shoulder sa paint job diha apilon na pud nila pintura ang GM para malimpyo.

Alingatong

April 14th, 2011, 06:08 AM

Don't worry guys, I have no bad intention when posting those pics. :)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 14th, 2011, 07:26 AM

skyion

April 14th, 2011, 07:49 AM

walay wawart ang ATO, ang local government mag shoulder sa paint job diha apilon na pud nila pintura ang GM para malimpyo.

unta masugdan the soonest sa local govt, iconic and distinctively Mindanaoan ang design sa Airport

just in time as then comes uniquely distinct Abreeza....

both giving distinct impression, nice.

Alingatong

April 14th, 2011, 07:58 AM

Pls guys, wag nyong pangunahan c Alingatong,
but whatever his intentions maybe, I know what his heartbeats...
try to think nga perti pod niyang pagwara-wara sa dakbayan, no?
imposible wla xa malingaw sa kanindot sa Dabaw :)
and he cant deny it!

How I wish nga naa koy enough time magwara-wara sa Davao. As I said before, Davao is a nice city just like other cities i've been too. :)

rodincouch

April 14th, 2011, 08:02 AM

Dapat lang na makita nang kahugaw sa roof. Maski kita naglagot na sa state sa airport roof.

donardo

April 14th, 2011, 09:23 AM

Ang nagdumala diha sa atong airport kay way pakialam kung unsa na ang hitsura sa airport, ang atop bulingit na kaau, mga CR ninimaho na guba pa jud, mga tanom sa gawas walay nag mintenar, asus! dili nata dapat maghulat pa ug grasya gikan sa CAAP dapat ang LGU na nato mangita ug paagi ASAP kay habang nagadugay nag ka hugaw ang hitsura sa atong airport.

eflex

April 14th, 2011, 10:19 AM

wala tayong magawa dyan.....pag national agencies mabagal umaksyon....magaling lang sa umpisa....dapat sa local govt na pinahawak yang airport.....nasan kaya napupunta yung terminal fee na binabayad nang mga tao? ..sa bulsa nang ASG and Gen Mgr ? :(

rodincouch

April 14th, 2011, 01:37 PM

^^ Mao. The fees generated is more than enough to maintain the airport. :(

mCx2

April 14th, 2011, 02:56 PM

Murag kita lang seguro ang concern sa state of DIA building.the authorities concern didn't seem to care.Kalami nalang jud bunalan ana nila no.Shameful.

Yre

April 14th, 2011, 03:17 PM

I don't think Alingatong has bad intention posting those pics of Dvo airport and besides it is true naman na talagang halos walang maintenance sa airport natin ah.

Alangan naman i photoshop pa yan at palabasin na bagong-bago ang pintura or i hype tapos in reality di pala ganuon kalinis o kaganda gaya ng ginagawa ng ibang mga tao, marami-rami na rin kaya akong mga nababasa sa forum ng expat na mga ganyan. Nadale sila sa hype sa isang lugar tapos pagdating nila eh super dissapointed dahil akala nila totoo ang mga hype ng mga taga roon. Oh diba mas nakakahiya yun?

For me, this should serve also as wake up call to the concerned authorities or even our local LGU's, I don't think there's nothing they (our LGU) can do about it. It is still inside their jurisdiction i believe so and why can't they voice it to whoever is in charge on that terminal.

How about we, the passengers, make our voices heard para naman maayos nila yang mga di kanais-nais sa terminal natin. Whenever i get to use that terminal, i felt a bit dreary lalo na paalis, mas lalo akong nangungulila hindi kagaya sa Changi Airport na medyo malilibang ka lalo na mahaba-haba pa ang oras for transit.

Diyan sa atin, pagdating na pagdating ko, gusto ko na lumabas kaagad, napaka bleak tingnan sa loob kase. Tapos pag pa-alis, nakaka-tamlay naman sa loob ng lounge. Walang kabuhay-buhay at pagkamahal-mahal pa ng bilihin. Putik, kahit kendi 50pesos! Lalo na ang tubig!

This was just based on my experience ha sa international area, medyo ok naman duon sa domestic side. (May open space na smoking area kase! :lol: )

Alingatong

April 14th, 2011, 03:40 PM

^^ Salamat @Yre. :) Kahit taga North ako di ko naman pwedeng gawin yon. Me respeto naman ako sa Davao. Davao is a Filipino pride at essential yan lalo na sa mga taga Mindanao. Pinanindigan ko na yan simula umpisa ko dito sa SSC. Meron mga pagkakataon na salungat ang mga opinion natin pero alam naman nating lahat na normal yon. :)

Dakpa ang akong tiil

April 14th, 2011, 03:51 PM

.
City to stage summer festival
SunStar (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/04/13/city-stage-summer-festival-150265)

DAVAO City will host the 1st Davao Summer festival from April 29 to May 29.

The month-long summer festival has been conceptualized to complement the existing major festivals, like the Kadayawan sa Dabaw, Araw ng Dabaw and the Pasko Fiesta.

"From April to July, Davao has no event to offer, that's why we came up with the Summerfest," said Gary Cadungog, former president of Davao Association of Tour Operators.

The summer festival will kick off on April 29, with the opening ceremonies slated at the People's Park starting at 5 p.m.

Part of the celebration is the holding of the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Suzuki U23 Mindanao Championship at Tionko Football Field on April 28-30.

"With the team Azkals popularity, we will be hosting football events to allure football fanatics and entice participation of guests with the line-up of events for the Summerfest," Cadungog said.

The 13th Davao Horse Show and Competition will also be held on April 29 to May 1 at the Davao Riverfront Corporate City, while the Annual NFMC Convention Castrol Motokhana is slated April 30 to May 1 at the NCCC Mall open parking area.

The PFF Smart Club Mindanao Championships will be on May 4-6 at the Tionko Field followed by the Daba Daba Ultimate Frisbee Tournament on May 7 and 8 at the same venue.

A Run to Reduce Marathon will also be staged around the city on May 8 and Philippine Autocross Championship Series Round 2 will be at the Speed City at Davao Riverfront.

On the same date, the National Judo Championship-Youth Division will be held at Gaisano Mall of Davao.

The first Davao City Host Lions Club Football Festival will also be held on May 14-15 at the Tionko Field and a Pomelo Tee golf tournament will be at May 20-22 at Rancho Palos Verdes.

Venues for major activities such as "Hudyakaan sa Summer" and the Santacruzan will be held on May 21 will soon be announced.

On May 28-29 the Eco.city Celebrity Adventure Race will kick off the brand name launch of the city.

The summer event is seen as an opportunity for local facility owners, tour operators and sports organizers to showcase the city's various sport adventure facilities, such as the zip lines, wakeboard park, river rafting, kayaking, mountain climbing, spelunking, among others.

Wadaboy

April 14th, 2011, 05:24 PM

rodincouch

April 14th, 2011, 06:13 PM

Marc Nelson is here in Davao and will be at Deca Wakeboard tomorrow.

http://twitter.com/QuickOffTheMarc

donardo

April 14th, 2011, 06:25 PM

Marc Nelson is here in Davao and will be at Deca Wakeboard tomorrow.

http://twitter.com/QuickOffTheMarc

:banana::banana:Aye!! Macho....:nuts:

tj_brewed

April 15th, 2011, 01:03 AM

:banana::banana:Aye!! Macho....:nuts:

DYAN CASTILLEJO is also in Davao today. She tweeted last night. Parang, suki na sa Davao ang dalawa. lols

KaTRIBU

April 15th, 2011, 04:01 AM

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/4627/26568113917695302556100.jpg

:okay:

rodincouch

April 15th, 2011, 04:26 AM

On your mark, get set… SUMMERFEST! (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18945)
Written by: Garcia , Ian C.
Thursday, 14 April 2011

WITH a myriad of natural attractions and adventure activities, it is no wonder that Davao City receives the most number of visitors during summer. However, in spite of the presence of scores of tourists in the city during this season, there are no major events that can make them participate or watch to make their stay in the city even more worthwhile.

Seeking solutions to address this need, the Davao Association of Tour Operators, Davao Tourism Association, with the full support of the Davao Tourism Alliance and the City Government of Davao, is launching this year the 1st Davao Summerfest from April 29 to May 29, 2011.

Aside from the Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan Festival and Pasko Fiesta, the Summerfest will complement the city’s more institutionalized festivals and will aim to establish Davao as a primary summer destination in the country.

This year’s Summerfest will showcase a series of events that will focus on sports, eco-adventure, and entertainment for both visitors and locals to enjoy. While enjoying the line-up of sports-related events, visitors can also experience the city’s diverse man-made and natural attractions.

The summer festival is also an opportunity for local resort facility owners, tour operators and sports organizers to showcase the variety of sports and adventure facilities, such as zip lines, wakeboard park, river rafting,
kayaking, mountain climbing, spelunking, golf courses, among many others, that are available in the city.

Aside from generating more revenue for the city during the summer season, Summerfest will also promote camaraderie, project a wholesome image for the community, and promote an interest in sports and healthy living among the youth.

This year’s Summerfest events are as follows: Davao Summerfest Opening Program (April 29, 2011, 5:30 p.m., Peoples’ Park); PFF Suzuki U23 Mindanao Championships (April 28 – 30, Tionko Field); 13th Davao Horse Show & Competition Davao Riverfront Corporate City (April 29 – May 1); 17th NFMC Annual Convention Castrol Motokhana (April 30 – May 1, NCCC Mall Open Parking Area); PFF Smart Club Mindanao Championships (May 4 – 6, Tionko Field); Daba Daba Ultimate Frisbee Tournament (May 7 – 8, Tionko Field); Run to Reduce Marathon (May 8, Around Davao City); Phil. Autocross Championship Series Round 2 (May 8, Speed City, Davao Riverfront); National Judo Championship – Youth Division (May 8, Gaisano Mall of Davao); 1st Davao City Host Lions Club Football Festival (May 14 – 15, Tionko Field); Pomelo Tee (May 20 – 22, Rancho Palos Verdes); Eco.city Celebrity Adventure Race (May 28 – 29). Allied events: Santacruzan (May 21) and the Hudyakaan sa Summer.

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.net/?p=18945)

dinabaw

April 15th, 2011, 04:56 AM