Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

Part 13 of a series

DAY 3.

Just across the Davao City Hall is the San Pedro Cathedral. The church is bordered by San Pedro Street, Bolton Street and C.M. Recto Avenue.

San Pedro Street, the heart of Davao City

Built in 1847 during the Spanish occupation by Don Jose Uyanguren, the San Pedro Cathedral is the oldest church in Davao City. You’d think that the church was just named after the street where it stands (San Pedro Street), but aside from that, it’s actually named after its patron saint, St. Peter or San Pedro.

It is interesting to note that some Muslim elements have been incorporated into the Cathedral’s architecture.

At the right side of the Church are its bell tower and Candle Gallery.

San Pedro Cathedral’s bell tower, which also looks like a lighthouse.

The interiors. It is very heartwarming to see that even on a busy weekday noon, people of all ages from all walks of life drop by the Church to pray or light a candle.

The San Pedro Cathedral is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure.

(…to be continued)

Part 12 of a series

While I was strolling around and enjoying People’s Park, my ever-killjoy tummy was grumbling again… Alas, it was already 9pm, waaay beyond my regular dinner time. So, I quickly exited the park and looked for a place to eat. When you’re in a new place, you should always try the local food and I saw Penong’s and Colasas, two famous homegrown establishments, but then, they were so packed, and I couldn’t wait any longer, so I had dinner at…. (guess where?)

After dinner, I walked back to the hotel and finally called it a day… Zzzzzzzz! End of DAY 2.

- – - – - -
DAY 3.

I set my alarm to 5:30am just so I could check out what’s actually happening during that time and here you go, the sun just rose and it’s still super dark!

I just snapped one photo and went back to bed without resetting the alarm to 9am.

FOR THAT, I was only able to wake up at 11am! LOL…

But that’s okay since I was left with nothing much to do for Day 3, having toured most of the destinations on Day 2. Day 3 is City Tour Day.

I started the day with breakfast at…. (nevermind)…

After breakfast, I went back to the hotel to get my things and immediately got out again, and walked all the way to the Davao City Hall, which is just 2 blocks away from My Hotel.

Davao City Hall

Built on the 20th century, the Davao City Hall is a classical building, sitting along San Pedro Street, in the heart of Davao City.

From the time of its construction, the building looks pretty much the same now with some improvements here and there but with much different surroundings.

In front of the Davao City Hall building is Quezon Park which features landscaped gardens and water features.

To the left side of the City Hall, meanwhile, is Rizal Park and its most obvious feature is a monument of National Hero Jose Rizal. It was quite sad to see some families of beggars at the covered court though, but, oh well, every big city has ‘em.

Further left of the City Hall is the Davao City Legislative Building.

The most dominant feature of the Legislative Building is the monument in front of it.

The Commemorative Monument of Peace and Unity is actually another creation of Kublai Milan, the Dabawenyo behind those eye-popping sculptures at People’s Park. Unveiled in 1998, the monument highlights Unity in Diversity as Davao City is a melting pot of cultures with migrants from all over the country.

The Monument of Peace and Unity artfully depicts indigenous people of the country jointly raising the symbols of peace in detailed and commendable sculpture. Led by a woman in traditional saya—depicting Mother Filipinas—several men in various native outfits raise their hands together in approval and support as 3 doves are released from Mother Filipinas’ hands.

“Separation of Church and State”. Just across the Davao City Legislative Building is the San Pedro Cathedral..

(…to be continued)

Part 11 of a series

DAY 2.

After touring the Tribu K’Mindanawan Cultural Village, I called it a day! Manong Driver brought me back to My Hotel and upon arrival, he charged me P2,000. That’s P1,000 for the gasoline and P1,000 for his “services”. Was it reasonable? I dunno. What do you think? It was my first time and I didn’t ask before we started the tour so I didn’t and I had no right to complain.

Anyway, when I arrived at my room, I felt exhausted! Phew! That was one long but well-spent day… So to reward myself, I decided to take a nap! Zzzzzz..

6:30pm – my alarm rang! It’s dinner time! But before that, I decided to walk to People’s Park.

(more…)

Part 10 of a series

DAY 2.

Time check: 4:47pm

After touring around the Davao Crocodile Park, it suddenly rained so I had no choice but to wait at the canteen ’til the rain stopped.

Not more than 10 minutes later, the rain stopped, rejoice! Part of the P150 entrance fee I paid at the Davao Crocodile Park was an entry to Tribu K’Mindanawan Culture Village so I decided to check it out.

Tribu K’ Mindanawan is a cultural village that showcases the richness of the indigenous people, who lived and became a part of the land of Promise – Mindanao. The village is just a few steps away from the Davao Crocodile Park.

Gumne, the B’laan Chieftain’s House; Togan, the K’Gan Chieftain’s House

Bale, Bagobo-Tagabawa Traditional House; Bakag, Obo-Manobo Farm House

Turogan, where the Datu of the Maranao tribe resides; Gono Taug’na, traditional T’Boli house

The Bantawan or Amphitheater

A house which I failed to identify, tsk.

Uyaanan, Mansaka Traditional House

Bal’lay, Mandaya Traditional House; Tog’gan, Manguangan Traditional House

Bebalay Balyan, Subanen Shaman’s House; Binotok, Ata Manobo Traditional House

Those houses are built by authentic indigenous people from Mindanao. And I was surprised that there are actually real indigenous people inside some of the houses! They have a cultural presentation, with a fire show, on weekends.

Tribu K’Mindanawan is located just beside the Davao River and is covered by hundreds of tall bamboo trees so aside from getting to know at least a dozen of indigenous communities in Mindanao, you’ll get to feel nature as well.

(…to be continued)

Part 9 of a series

DAY 2.

After exploring the Malagos Garden Resort, it was definitely time for lunch, late lunch that is! It was already 2pm and my stomach was already grumbling. The drive back to the city is still at least 30 minutes. Oh no! Manong Driver suggested that I try Penong’s. Penong’s Barbeque and Seafood Grill is one of the most popular barbeque houses in Davao City but when we arrived in one of the branches, it was already closed and won’t be reopened until 4pm! For that, Manong Driver brought me to Times Beach! He said that the “Sinigang na Lapu-Lapu” is a must-try and so we did. I also ordered for “Inihaw na Pusit” and “Pork BBQ”. I wasn’t able to take photos though as I was so hungry, obviously. The tinola was the best I’ve tasted so far. I love its sourness and freshness!
(more…)

UPDATE: On April 2011, be part of Malagos Garden Resort’s Interactive Bird Show, with a new theme: Climate Change and Disaster Risk Mitigation, and a new home at the Malagos Garden Resort Amphitheatre. For more details, you may check out their official website at http://birdshow.malagos.com/

Part 8 of a series

DAY 2.

Just across the Puentespina Orchid Garden and Farm is the Malagos Garden Resort, which is actually also owned by the Puentespina family.

Malagos Garden Resort
(more…)