Being a first-timer in Davao, the city seemed like an enigma which I tried to figure out. The encounters, destinations, food and recreations served as puzzle pieces coming together to give an answer of the what the place is all about.
Indeed, this trip never failed me. The busy city which prides itself of delicacies and discipline, the beaches with its alluring views, and the beautifully-crafted products with patterns which are uniquely Mindanao-ish provided vivid memories which will remain in my mind even without the aid of social media and DSLR cameras.
This entry features the highlights of our tour which included the food we ate, destinations we visited, activities we did, new things we experienced, itinerary, rate information, and few recommendations. I have also inserted youtube clips for a rounded way of documentation.
ARRIVAL AT THE CITY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2019
We were about to be fetched by my sister's husband but we landed earlier. We rode on a Grab Taxi and headed for a place to rest. The neat and quiet morning ride turned into a thrilling one when I saw Mt. Apo from afar.
We paid 200 Php when we arrived at Mc Donald's. After an hour, my sister, along with her husband and in-laws arrived. I didn't expect that we were about to head to our first destination that early. I was wearing my school attire I had the day before.
WHAT WE DID IN DAVAO:
1. HAD LUNCH AT EDEN NATURE PARK
We arrived at the park after almost an hour from Mc Donald's. The entrance ladies greeted us and who gave as a list of packages we could avail. We picked the option which included touring around the area eating our own catch in a fishing village and amounts to 400 each.
When the tram arrived, we headed to various spots which offered scenic views and provided information about their culture. When the tour was over, we headed to the village for lunch. The first gastronomic encounter was a blast. There I tasted the best tilapia in my entire life and was fully satisfied with all the food we ordered. My companions also enjoyed catching fish in the village.
2. BOUGHT FRESH FRUITS BESIDE THE ROAD
When we left Eden, we had few stops on the road to buy fruits. We tried marang, mangosteen, and pomelo. They tasted really good and were offered for a low price (like Mangosteen amounting to 30 Php per kilo). The term 'sinisipa-sipa lang ang prutas dito' proved to be true (one time I saw one durian which rolled on the sidewalk, with Jester nearly kicking them).
Take a glimpse at our Mangosteen experience:
3. STAYED AT THE STRANDS HOTEL
We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon. We were pleased by its minimalistic appearance, polite staff and excellent facilities. With 1600 Php for two nights, I can say that the stay was worth it.
4. DINED AT PENONG'S
Our gang dined here and had inasal and durian shake as the highlight of our dining experience. The toilet is clean and the food amount is reasonable. I ate a lot here, not knowing that we would head to the Night Market.
5. TRIED CHARCOAL ICE CREAM AT THE NIGHT MARKET
Located in front of Ateneo de Davao, the area is the melting pot of Davao cuisine. Exotic fruit shakes, blockbuster ice cream flavors (charcoal, durian, etc.), grilled seafood, buchi with different fillings, caught our fancy. My congested tummy could hardly accommodate additional stuff so I enjoyed "eating with my eyes." My companions tried charcoal ice cream at Mang Danny's. They followed the long line of customers they saw in front of the shop.
6. PHOTOSHOOT AT THE TRIBAL VILLAGE IN MAGSAYSAY PARK
This is my favorite part of the trip. Magsaysay Park features different villages, products, and artworks made by our indigenous fellows. The colorful shelters don't just show the structures but gave us information about their culture. We visited the Iranun hut and bought clothings from a woman who represents their tribe.
We also enjoyed playing kulintang inside a Maranao Torogan House. Once a dwelling place of a sultan or datu, torogan is a traditional shelter conceptualized by the Maranaos in Lanao. It has been declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treaure and has become a common structure in the area, with the known okir carvings seen in the panolongs and sarimanok displayed inside. The structure is elevated above the ground by wooden columns. Walls are wrapped with plywood sticks and the roof is covered with dried coconut leaves. Like a nipa hut, it has no interior partition.
7. WATCHED THE SKYBIKERS AT THE SKY ADVENTURE
I think I was the one who were frightened watching the thrill-seekers ride the skybike and the death-defying swing. My companions were seeking an adventure so they tried these activities. They said that when they were at the top, they had no choice but to pedal the bike so that the scary ride would be over.
8. LOOKED FOR SOUVENIR ITEMS AT ALDEVINCO
Aldivinco is a home for native products which include interior displays, bags, clothings, accessories, and the like. It has organized shops for a stress-free shopping experience.
As I roamed around the area, I wasn't aware of the impact the scent (or stench) of durian inside my bag would have on the people around me. I was asked to leave one shop when they smelled it. I transferred into another shop where I was able to buy products with discounts the owner voluntarily gave.
9. HALF-DAY BOAT RIDE AROUND THE ISLANDS
We cruised around Talicud and Samal Islands in the early morning until early afternoon. Because we were with Choy (my sister's husband), family, they shouldered the expenses. I think we were nearly 30 people at the boat which made the experience more fun. I stopped at various spots to dive and see the corals (which I didn't enjoy because I was trying to reserve energy for the work the day after), and see the islands, which I enjoyed more.
What I won't forget here was the small, rocky island we visit. When we arrived I saw a boy opening sea urchins he caught and collected inside his net. His mother was grilling meat, his father was resting, and his siblings were having fun at the beach. His youngest brother, maybe five years of age, was holding a fork-like equipment used to catch sea urchins. I admired the simple life they have!
Indeed, this trip never failed me. The busy city which prides itself of delicacies and discipline, the beaches with its alluring views, and the beautifully-crafted products with patterns which are uniquely Mindanao-ish provided vivid memories which will remain in my mind even without the aid of social media and DSLR cameras.
 |
| Colorful malongs being sold by the Maranaos in Magsaysay Park. |
This entry features the highlights of our tour which included the food we ate, destinations we visited, activities we did, new things we experienced, itinerary, rate information, and few recommendations. I have also inserted youtube clips for a rounded way of documentation.
ARRIVAL AT THE CITY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2019
We were about to be fetched by my sister's husband but we landed earlier. We rode on a Grab Taxi and headed for a place to rest. The neat and quiet morning ride turned into a thrilling one when I saw Mt. Apo from afar.
We paid 200 Php when we arrived at Mc Donald's. After an hour, my sister, along with her husband and in-laws arrived. I didn't expect that we were about to head to our first destination that early. I was wearing my school attire I had the day before.
WHAT WE DID IN DAVAO:
1. HAD LUNCH AT EDEN NATURE PARK
We arrived at the park after almost an hour from Mc Donald's. The entrance ladies greeted us and who gave as a list of packages we could avail. We picked the option which included touring around the area eating our own catch in a fishing village and amounts to 400 each.
When the tram arrived, we headed to various spots which offered scenic views and provided information about their culture. When the tour was over, we headed to the village for lunch. The first gastronomic encounter was a blast. There I tasted the best tilapia in my entire life and was fully satisfied with all the food we ordered. My companions also enjoyed catching fish in the village.
 |
| Good catch! |
 |
| One group shot at this trendy garden type. |
2. BOUGHT FRESH FRUITS BESIDE THE ROAD
When we left Eden, we had few stops on the road to buy fruits. We tried marang, mangosteen, and pomelo. They tasted really good and were offered for a low price (like Mangosteen amounting to 30 Php per kilo). The term 'sinisipa-sipa lang ang prutas dito' proved to be true (one time I saw one durian which rolled on the sidewalk, with Jester nearly kicking them).
 |
| I don't fancy marangs but this one changed my mind! |
Take a glimpse at our Mangosteen experience:
3. STAYED AT THE STRANDS HOTEL
We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon. We were pleased by its minimalistic appearance, polite staff and excellent facilities. With 1600 Php for two nights, I can say that the stay was worth it.
4. DINED AT PENONG'S
Our gang dined here and had inasal and durian shake as the highlight of our dining experience. The toilet is clean and the food amount is reasonable. I ate a lot here, not knowing that we would head to the Night Market.
 |
| Penong is located at the heart of the busy city. |
5. TRIED CHARCOAL ICE CREAM AT THE NIGHT MARKET
Located in front of Ateneo de Davao, the area is the melting pot of Davao cuisine. Exotic fruit shakes, blockbuster ice cream flavors (charcoal, durian, etc.), grilled seafood, buchi with different fillings, caught our fancy. My congested tummy could hardly accommodate additional stuff so I enjoyed "eating with my eyes." My companions tried charcoal ice cream at Mang Danny's. They followed the long line of customers they saw in front of the shop.
 |
| The night market offers a variety of food to choose from. |
6. PHOTOSHOOT AT THE TRIBAL VILLAGE IN MAGSAYSAY PARK
This is my favorite part of the trip. Magsaysay Park features different villages, products, and artworks made by our indigenous fellows. The colorful shelters don't just show the structures but gave us information about their culture. We visited the Iranun hut and bought clothings from a woman who represents their tribe.
 |
| Iranun Tribe features its vividly-colored receiving area. |
 |
| A dream come true to be able to explore Maranao's Torogan House. This is one of the topics I discuss in my Art Appreciation class. |
 |
| This shelter houses Kulintang and other cultural artifacts. |
We also enjoyed playing kulintang inside a Maranao Torogan House. Once a dwelling place of a sultan or datu, torogan is a traditional shelter conceptualized by the Maranaos in Lanao. It has been declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treaure and has become a common structure in the area, with the known okir carvings seen in the panolongs and sarimanok displayed inside. The structure is elevated above the ground by wooden columns. Walls are wrapped with plywood sticks and the roof is covered with dried coconut leaves. Like a nipa hut, it has no interior partition.
7. WATCHED THE SKYBIKERS AT THE SKY ADVENTURE
I think I was the one who were frightened watching the thrill-seekers ride the skybike and the death-defying swing. My companions were seeking an adventure so they tried these activities. They said that when they were at the top, they had no choice but to pedal the bike so that the scary ride would be over.
 |
| A dreaded experienced for me. My cousin, Sai, panicked during the experience. |
8. LOOKED FOR SOUVENIR ITEMS AT ALDEVINCO
Aldivinco is a home for native products which include interior displays, bags, clothings, accessories, and the like. It has organized shops for a stress-free shopping experience.
As I roamed around the area, I wasn't aware of the impact the scent (or stench) of durian inside my bag would have on the people around me. I was asked to leave one shop when they smelled it. I transferred into another shop where I was able to buy products with discounts the owner voluntarily gave.
9. HALF-DAY BOAT RIDE AROUND THE ISLANDS
We cruised around Talicud and Samal Islands in the early morning until early afternoon. Because we were with Choy (my sister's husband), family, they shouldered the expenses. I think we were nearly 30 people at the boat which made the experience more fun. I stopped at various spots to dive and see the corals (which I didn't enjoy because I was trying to reserve energy for the work the day after), and see the islands, which I enjoyed more.
What I won't forget here was the small, rocky island we visit. When we arrived I saw a boy opening sea urchins he caught and collected inside his net. His mother was grilling meat, his father was resting, and his siblings were having fun at the beach. His youngest brother, maybe five years of age, was holding a fork-like equipment used to catch sea urchins. I admired the simple life they have!
 |
| We arrived at the port at sunrise. |
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| The first island we visited. |
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| Julian is busy opening sea urchins while his little brother swims. |
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