2010 saw the birth of Libotero.com which initially featured family trips around Luzon from the previous years. I’ve always had the passion for travel but was limited by my fear of travelling alone. June 2010 marked a breakthrough as I embarked on my first solo trip ever, and to Mindanao at that. From that point up to the end of last year, I was able to visit 5 new provinces in Visayas and Mindanao.

There are various reasons for travelling. As for myself, I’ve always been inspired by these travel shows on television and wanted to personally experience the places away from home, to discover a colorful mix of cultures in different settings, and more.

Travel has shaped me. It made me realize that life can also be about doing things you love, and not just about things you’re supposed to love. This blog is a reflection of how I live the dream and I’d like to grab a few lines from a song, “Believe in the dream, believe in the promise, that you can be all that you wanted to be…”

And so, for the 3rd part of this Year-Ender series, I share to you a round-up of my travels and lifestyle gigs for the 3rd quarter of 2011 (EDIT: Actually September isn’t included in this post. Read why at the end of the page).

Read Part 1 here.

Read Part 2 here.

July

July 1 – Kawasaki Leisure Bikes’ Roadgasmic Bikers’ Party 2011 – Kawasaki Motors Philippines landed in Cebu City, taking center stage at Luxx, Vudu for the Kawasaki Leisure Bikes’ Roadgasmic Bikers’ Party 2011. Launched during the 80s themed event were the new Kawasaki KSR 110, Ninja 250R, Vulcan 900, Ninja 650 & Ninja ZX-10R leisure bikes. Vrooom!

July 2 – Hoops Dome Launching – Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao spearheaded the launching of the 4,000 square meter, world-class Hoops Dome in Gun-ob Lapu-Lapu City by serenading the Oponganons through a free concert with the MP band and singer-composer Lito Camo. The celebration was one of the highlights of the 50th charter anniversary of the city.

July 8 – Oyster Bay Treat – Select Cebu bloggers were invited by Oyster Bay Restaurant to a dinner featuring their delectable seafood offerings. Oyster Bay offers a wide selection of live and fresh fish, crabs and lobsters cooked into delightful dishes. Or you may also choose from Filipino favorites like lechon kawali, bicol express, crispy pata and more! (The Baked Diwal is a must-try!!)

July 9 – The Country Style Fashion Show at Ayala Center Cebu – Shoppers were made to relive and experience the fashion of the American West with “The Country Style Fashion Show”, one of the activities prepared by Ayala Center Cebu as part of the Fil-Am Friendship Celebration. The audience was blown away as models strutted in style wearing items from some of the well-loved stores/boutiques that participated.

July 11 – Sabores de España at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu – Select Cebu bloggers were made to experience another installment of Marco Polo Plaza’s much-loved culinary journey – Sabores de Espana! The Spanish food festival showcased once more the very best that Spain has to offer. Last July 8, Spanish dances, live guitar music and giant ham & paellas jumpstarted the festival at the lobby of Marco Polo Plaza with passionate displays and flamboyant colors. The occasion was be graced by His Excellency Jorge Domecq, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines.

July 14 – Ambassador’s Cafe Experience – Just a few steps away from Oyster Bay Restaurant at Bridges Town Square Mandaue is Ambassador’s Cafe. Select Cebu bloggers were invited to taste their set continental meals and breads. Interestingly, incorporated with the dining area is a “pasalubong” center. Try their pumpkin soup!

July 16 – Gensan once more! – Exactly a year after I first stepped on the SOCCSKSARGEN region, I am back, to experience the T’Nalak Festival 2011 and explore even more areas in the region.

July 17 – Hello Sultan Kudarat! – I believe one of my greatest achievements as a traveler this year is having been able to visit Sultan Kudarat. Only a few people from Luzon and Visayas dare to visit this place because of fear, caused by bad national media publicity. When I texted my parents that I was en route to Sultan Kudarat, the replies were expected. “Is it safe there?”, “Are you kidding? You might be kidnapped!”. “We can’t afford for ransom money” and the like. I was actually fearful myself but the only way to know what is actually going on in there is to go there, so I did. And here is a photo of their majestic Provincial Capitol, probably the best in the country, in terms of form and function. Sadly though, I wasn’t able to explore much of Isulan and Tacurong as it rained just moments after I captured some shots of the Capitol building, but I definitely won’t think twice about visiting the place again in the near future. After my brief visit, I returned to Koronadal for lunch at Fitmart Mall of Marbel (now Gaisano Grand Koronadal) and then attended Kuya Avel and Sir Ariel Lalisan’s Blogging 101 talk. As the talk ended, we explored the streets of Koronadal and visited the Agro-Industrial Fair and the Bahay-Kubo Competition, which are among the highlights of the T’Nalak Festival. While exploring, we bumped into Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan and had a photo-opp! Feeling a li’l bit tired and hungry, we walked to Popoy’s Batchoy and Eatery, arguably Koronadal’s best! It was getting dark already and we had to catch the last bus bound for General Santos but before that, we grabbed some sweet corn at Rizal Park! Travel time from Koronadal to General Santos takes about an hour. As we arrived at Kuya Avel’s home, we freshened up and rested for a few minutes before having dinner at Tiongson Arcade in Lagao. I swear, the Pinaputok na Tilapia is a must-try! (How many times did I use the word must-try in this post?!) I thought the night was over as we burped after dinner but then, we headed to SunCity Complex for videoke and some drinks at Music City Family KTV, which has 12 private rooms equipped with wide flat screens, two microphones and an updated songlist! High-tech!

July 18 – T’Nalak Festival 2011 – After the Kadayawan Festival last year, this is only the second festival in Mindanao that I’ve experienced and having been to several festivals all over the country, I can say that the T’Nalak Festival has its own charm. Mostly participated by teenage school-children, the festival portrays the very colorful culture in the province. Aside from drum beats, also prominent in the festival is the use of gongs and “kulintang”. The festival celebrates the T’boli’s dream cloth, the T’Nalak.

July 19 – The other side of Sarangani – Last year, I got to explore the eastern towns of Alabel, Malapatan and Glan in Saragani. This time, I explored the western side, thanks to Kuya Avel who made it easier for me by coordinating with Sir Arlex, the tourism officer of the municipality of Maitum. Passing by Maasim and Kiamba, travel time from General Santos takes at least two hours on air-conditioned vans (GT Express). Ranked as a second class municipality, my tour started at the municipal museum and when I reached the second floor, I was very amazed by some unique-looking jars bearing human face and form. Nearly 2000 years old, the anthropomorphic jars recovered from some caves in Maitum serve a very important role in retracing and recovering our country’s once rich cultural heritage. From the municipal hall, Sir Arlex brought me to the Pawikan Nesting Sanctuary in Old Poblacion where I got to meet Danilo Dequiña, a very determined simple man who saved thousands of hatchlings! He helped the local government establish the sanctuary. Along the way, I got to see the black stones in Saub River from where the town got its name. We then proceeded to witness the making of Maitum’s most popular product, which is specially marinated half-dried flying fish (bangsi). After the short eco-cultural tour, Sir Arlex brought me to one of the local households for some refreshments. Interacting with the locals really gave me a heartwarming feeling as I got to discover how they go about on their day-to-day living which was very simple considering that internet access in the area is limited and very expensive! (average per hour rate at internet shops in the area is P50). Sir Arlex offered the town’s shining star at the moment, the tourist-drawing White Water Tubing in Pangi River but I declined since I was alone and wasn’t able to bring extra clothes. I will definitely be back for that though. Finally, I rested for a while at the tourism office before catching the last ride back to General Santos.

July 22 – Sitti at Ayala Center Cebu – The Bossa Nova Queen, Sitti, promoted her newest self-titled album, “Sitti” with 8 new tracks and 3 classical remakes in bossa nova flavor at the activity center of Ayala Center Cebu. Photo-ops and CD-signing were done after the show.

July 27 – Make Your Own Havaianas 2011 at SM City Cebu – Now on its sixth year, Make Your Own Havaianas 2011 was held at the Northwing with the theme, “Travel in personalized style”. The whole MYOH area was set to fit the theme, with “boarding passes” given to each guest during the media/VIP night, and waiting lounges featuring Cebuano furniture. Make Your Own Havaianas is an annual event where you take full control on how your pair of Havaianas flip-flops would look like. You can choose from a palette of soles and straps, and set of accessories.

July 28 – Airphil Express launches direct Cebu-Hong Kong flight – I was very privileged to have been handpicked as one of the four Visayas-based bloggers to be part of the inaugural Cebu-Hong Kong flight of Airphil Express. I really did not know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised as we got in the international terminal as we were greeted with smiling APX crew putting on us an orange orchid necklace. As we moved on to the boarding gate, there was a dragon dance, which made the occasion very festive plus free breakfast buffet for all the maiden flight passengers! After all the speeches and formalities by Airphil Express’ executives, they pulled a piñata shaped as a Chinese lantern which contained a lot of prizes including a round trip ticket for two to the newly-launched destination! Wow! The flight took us almost three hours but we landed in Hong Kong thirty minutes ahead of schedule, a very good start indeed! As soon as we arrived, we proceeded to a room in the Airport World Trade Center for a press briefing with members of the Hong Kong media and also to celebrate the partnership between Airphil Express and its logistics groups and concessionaires in Hong Kong. What’s good about this new offering by Airphil Express is its day schedule so you’d be able to see and appreciate the aerial views of Cebu all the way to Hong Kong. Once more, I’d like to thank Airphil Express for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join an inaugural flight! (P.S. I’m hoping and praying Airphil Express resumes its day flights from Cebu to Singapore!)

August

August 4 – Hello Davao! Hello Abreeza! – One of the highlights of my 3rd time in Davao is a visit to their newest lifestyle destination, Abreeza! Abreeza Mall is the first Ayala Mall in Mindanao, with over 300 stores which include a wide array of retail choices with popular local and foreign fashion concepts, brands opening their first stores in Davao, carefully handpicked dining options and homegrown favorites. The mall showcases relaxed and contemporary architecture blended with signature open spaces and verdant landscaping. Inspired by the rich culture of Davao, the mall makes creative use of color, accenting classic neutral tones. It provides the Davao community with a truly unique and rewarding experience in shopping, dining and entertainment. Don’t laugh at me when I say that the mall is one of the new tourist destinations in the city..

August 6 – Eyeball with Davao Bloggers and SkyscraperCity Davao – Davao is really close to my heart, it’s like another home where I feel light and very secure. I did not prepare any itinerary for this trip as I only wanted to relax and have a few days off from the bustle of my hometown but I took the chance to meet the people who made me appreciate Davao more in their efforts to dispel the Mindanao stereotype, the Davao Bloggers and SkyscraperCity Davao. That day, the Davao Bloggers gathered at Trellis ‘N Vines in Torres for their monthly gathering themed as Geek Up or “skills enhancement” with English Grammar 101 as their topic. Thank you Ate Ria for inviting me to drop by as I learned a few tips to help my writing as well!

Shortly after, I went to Abreeza to meet Jonas, one of SSC-Davao’s active members. For those who don’t know what SSC is, it is actually the largest online forum for those who are enthusiastic about urbanity, progress and development, so if you’re sick and tired of the negative news you see on TV and read on the papers, then log-on to www.skyscrapercity.com and engage in the intellectual discussions! … We then headed to Kuya Ambie’s homey backyard, Landong’s Grill, which hosts regular SSC-Davao meets. After an awesome barbecue dinner, we then proceeded to talk about the latest buzz in Davao at Yellow Hauz and ended the night at the ever-amusing Kasagingan Kapehan!

August 8 – Davao del Norte – Once again, uncooperative weather is a bummer. I was supposed to visit Banana Beach in Tagum but it rained so hard while I was along the way so I had to cancel my plans and just have lunch at the Gaisano Grand Mall in the city. As I returned to Davao City late in the afternoon, I explored Magsaysay Park, a popular area for the locals, to breath some fresh sea breeze. I really appreciate how the Davao City government maintains public parks since these are the only places where majority of our brothers and sisters will be able to unwind without the need to spend a dime.

August 11 – i.We.U. – Marco Polo Plaza Cebu hosted the Networking Lunch for Day 2 of the MICEConvention. Gracing the event was DOT Secretary at that time, Alberto Lim, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. The best of Marco Polo’s food offerings and coffee were served!

August 22 – Welcome to Paradise! – Only the insanely expensive airfare to/from this place prevented me from visiting this island sooner but thanks to Airphil Express’ P88 promo, I was finally able to conquer the island paradise. Please don’t get mad at me when I declare that Boracay is the best beach because for me, it is. I’m not just talking about the beach itself but also the availability of facilities, establishments and other things to do while in the island. Three days and two nights in the island isn’t enough and so I’ll be back next year!

Where’s September? This post, at two thousand words and counting is already very long and I’m sure a lot of you won’t reach this point, lol, so I’m creating another post dedicated for the festive -ber months! Cheers!

(…to be continued)

Some of Mindanao’s best dance troupes competed for the highly-coveted grand prize of Kadayawan Festival’s Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan which was held last Saturday, August 21.

Twenty-two (22) contingents, a lot of them being out-of-town contingents, contended for the first prize of P300,000.

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, a street dancing competition, was one of the main highlights of the 25th Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival. It showcased the different colors, cultures and traditional dances of the different tribes of Davao and Mindanao as they paraded along the city’s major thoroughfares on a sunny Saturday.

This year’s competition only had one category. Participating Mindanao-based contingents showcased the festivals of their localities, while participating Davao City-based contingents interpreted the Kadayawan Festival and Mindanao folklores, myths or legends.

For that, I won’t hold you any longer. Here are some photos that I took during the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan of the Kadayawan Festival 2010:

And the winners are:

5th runner up – P30,000 – Tribu Mapawa, Maragusan, Compostela Valley

4th runner-up – P50,000 – Surallah Central Elementary School, South Cotabato

3rd runner-up – P75,000 – Magallanes Elementary School, Davao City

2nd runner up – P100,000 and Best in Costume and Props – P50,000 – Jesus Soriano National High School, Catalunan Grande, Davao City

1st runner up – P200,000 and Best in Streetdancing – P50,000 – Esperanza National High School, Sultan Kudarat

GRAND CHAMPION – P300,000 – Purok Sison Elementary School, Surallah, South Cotabato

View the complete list of Kadayawan 2010 winners here.

You may view the whole photo set here.

Pamulak or “Season of Bloom” is a floral float parade that was held on the last day of the Kadayawan Festival 2010 last August 22. Floats overflowing with flowers in their fullest and most colorful blooms passed through Davao City’s major streets, a very fitting closing to the Kadayawan Festival which is all about Davao City’s celebration for the ever-bountiful harvest.

The Pamulak is one of, if not the grandest floral float parade in the country today! For that, I won’t hold you any longer. Here are some photos that I took during the Pamulak Floral Float Parade 2010:

And the winners are:

Big Category
FIRST PRIZE: (P500,000) LBC

SECOND PRIZE: (P300,000) DMMA

THIRD PRIZE: (P200,000) IPI

Small Category
FIRST PRIZE: (P300,000) Synnex-Concentrix

SECOND PRIZE: (P200,000) Amiya

THIRD PRIZE: (P100,000) Anflocor

View the complete list of Kadayawan 2010 winners here

You may view the whole photo set here.

Hiyas sa Kadayawan Ata Tribe, Mernadeth Sicutan

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan – Kadayawan Festival 2010

Best in Costume and Props – P50,000
- Jesus Soriano National High School, Catalunan Grande, Davao City

Best in Streetdancing – P50,000
- Esperanza National High School, Sultan Kudarat

Consolation Prizes – P10,000

Entry #8 – Capitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School
Entry #19 – San Isidro Elementary School
Entry #20 – Don Julian Rodriguez Elementary School
Entry #21 – Cesario Villa Abrille Elementary School
Entry #12 – Santa Ana National High School
Entry #16 – Santa Ana Central Elementary School
Entry #23 – Digos City National High School
Entry #11 – Mandug Elementary School
Entry #13 – Mati, Davao Oriental

Grand Winners
5th runner up – P30,000 – Tribu Mapawa, Maragusan, Compostela Valley
4th runner-up – P50,000 – Surallah Central Elementary School, South Cotabato
3rd runner-up – P75,000 – Magallanes Elementary School, Davao City
2nd runner up – P100,000 Jesus Soriano National High School, Catalunan Grande, Davao City
1st runner up – P200,000 – Esperanza National High School, Sultan Kudarat
GRAND CHAMPION – P300,000 – Purok Sison Elementary School, Surallah, South Cotabato

PAMULAK Kadayawan Floral Float Parade
Small Category
Honorable Mention:
- Cebuana Lhuillier
- Bagobo Klata Float

3rd – Anflocor
2nd – Amiya of Kisan Lu Lands
WINNER – Synnex-Concentrix

Alternative Category

Honorable Mention:
- Guardians Philippines International Inc. (Anti-Crime Organization)
- Obo Manuvu Tribe

3rd – Philippine Daily Inquirer
2nd – Sr. Sto. Nino de Palaboy
WINNER – Barangay Sasa, 2nd District, Davao City

Big Category

3rd – IPI
2nd – DMMA
1st – LBC

Photos of the recently-concluded Kadayawan Festival 2010 will be posted soon!

With the theme, “K10: Kasaulugan ug Kultura” (Celebrations and Cultures), the Kadayawan Festival of Davao is fast approaching! And now on it’s 25th or silver year, a lot of activities have been lined up for one of the biggest festivals in Mindanao. Here is the latest schedule, thanks to Byahilo:

August 8, 2010 – Sunday – 5AM
– Kadayawan Festival Run (Roxas Ave.)

August 14, 2010 – Saturday – 3-7PM
- 1st Mayor Inday Sara Duterte All – Women Aero Marathon (NCCC Mall Activity Area)

August 15, 2010 – Sunday
- 5AM – Jollibee Family Fun Run (NCCC Mall Car Park)
- 7AM-5PM – Kite Festival (Davao City National High School)
- 8AM-8PM – Yoyo Competition (Davao City National High School)

August 16, 2010 – Monday
- 10AM – Fair Trade Opening (SP Lobby)
- 3PM – Launching of Engr. Manuel A. Mendros 2nd Solo Art Exhibit (Museo Dabawenyo)
- 4PM – Hudyakaan Opening (Bolton St.)

August 18, 2010 – Wednesday
- 3-11PM – Henna & Body Painting Contest and Big Bike & Car Show Exhibit (WSons Shopping Mall)

August 19, 2010 – Thursday
- 1-5 PM – PhilExport XI Forum (Central Bank)
- 4-11PM – Mixed Martial Art Competition (NCCC Mall Parking Lot)

August 20, 2010 – Friday
- 9AM-5PM – PhilExport XI Forum (Central Bank)
- 1PM-11PM – On The Spot Tattoo Competition (NCCC Mall Parking Lot)
- 6:30PM – Kadayawan Festival 2010 Opening (Rizal Park)
- 8PM – Hiyas sa Kadayawan (Almendras Gym)

August 21, 2010 – Saturday
- 7AM-7PM – Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan (CM Recto, San Pedro, Pelayo, Bonifacio, Ponciano & Roxas Ave)
- 4PM-8PM – Mindanao Professional Boxing (Rizal Park)
- 6PM – Tunog Mindanaw (MTS Taboan)
- 8PM – Coca – Cola Concert (Rizal Park)
- 8PM – SMART concert feat. local and national artists (People’s Park)

August 22, 2010 – Sunday
8AM-10 AM – Tribu Trail Running Event (Brgy. Langub, Maa)
8AM-12 PM – Pamulak Floral Float Parade (Magsaysay, CM Recto, Bonifacio, Legaspi & San Pedro Sts)
4PM – Moda Mindanaw (SM City Davao Event Center)
8PM – Globe Concert feat. local and national artists (Rizal Park)
8PM – Kapamilya Concert (People’s Park)

CONTINUING EVENTS:
August 11 – September 11, 2010
- 9AM-6PM – Museo Exhibit (Museo Dabawenyo)

August 13-30, 2010
- Mall Hours – Agro Industrial Trade Fair (SM City Grounds)

August 14-15, 2010
- 8AM-9PM – 1st Badminton Tournament (Smash & Drop Badminton Center)
- 8AM-9PM – Frisbee, Basketball, Vollyball & Badminton Tournament (Davao City National High School)

August 15-21, 2010
- 4PM – The Best of Sayaw Mindanaw Showcase (SM City Event Center)

August 16-91 & 21, 2010
- 6PM-8PM – Panagtagbo (People’s Park)

August 16-22, 2010
- 4PM-2AM – Hudyakaan (Bolton St. between SP Bldg and Rizal Park)
- Mall Hours – Kadayawan Fair Trade (NCCC Mall)

August 19-22, 2010
- 9AM-6PM – Mindanao Trade Expo (Central Bank)

August 21-22, 2010
- PM-8PM – Trade Fair (People’s Park)

August 23-31, 2010
- Mall Hours – Jollibee Smile Photo Contest (SM City Davao Event Center)

Final post in the Libotero Davao Series

DAY 4.

Our aircraft left the Davao International Airport right on schedule! Bye, bye Davao! With a heavy heart, I left Davao. My stay may not have been that long, but I loved and appreciated Davao so much. It is one of the most livable places I’ve been to. I will forever cherish the memories I had in Davao. Oh well, it’s time to go back to reality but wait, just 2 months after my first trip to Davao, I will be back! I shall return! Hello Kadayawan Festival! See you again, Davao!

Anyway, luckily, I was assigned to a window seat so here are some aerial shots! Enjoy!

Riverfront Corporate City, Davao

Green Davao City

Abreeza, an Ayala Mall, (at the lower left of the photo) is scheduled to open on 2011. It will be the third mall on JP Laurel Street after Victoria Plaza and Gaisano Mall of Davao.

A very interesting and catchy cloud formation. It looks like a giant cotton ball.

A few minutes later, we were already over the Visayas islands!

At first look, I thought the islands formed a Philippine Map but it’s too far from being one. LOL.

Where in the Visayas?

And finally, our final descent to Mactan, Cebu!

Olango Island, Cebu

Punta Engano, the northeastern tip of the tadpole shaped Mactan Island

The already huge and still ever-growing colony of informal settlers in Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City

The Mandaue-Mactan bridges

The recently opened Cansaga Bay Bridge

Another look at the bridge cities

Mactan Island

Metro Cebu

The Marcelo Fernan Bridge

The First Mandaue-Mactan Bridge

Cebu City skyline

Downtown Cebu City

Another look at the skyline

Gaisano Grand Mall of Mactan

My first ever out-of-town trip all-by-myself was a total success and once again, I’d like to thank Ate Ria Jose, Winston, Feb, Shakeira, SkyscraperCity Davao and PinoyExchange forumers and most of all, I’d like to thank God for always providing the guiding light.

I’ll be back in Davao really, really soon and this time, I really have to try the much-talked about Lachi’s!

- END OF SERIES -

Part 17 of a series

DAY 3.

After taking some night shots of San Pedro Street, I went back to my hotel room, checked my email, FB, chatted for a while, watched television and then went to sleep… Zzzzzzzz…..

DAY 4.

It’s a new day! Well, my last day in Davao. Sigh. I only had a few hours left as my flight back home to Cebu was at 3:30pm. For that, I started my day with breakfast, and then I headed to G-Mall to buy some souvenirs. Sir Ambie suggested that I check out Coed Clothing at Sunlab in G-Mall. Coed Clothing is Davao’s counterpart to Team Manila. I bought one shirt for my self and another one for my brother. The shirts are really really cool!

Coed Clothing Co. is a new clothing line local to Davao. The products reflect the things around Davao City, from local sports to everyday transportation, from the city streets to the highest peak – basically anything and everything seen, heard, built, created around the city. The designs also showcase all the things that every Dabawenyo grew up with. It’s a way of showing the young generations what was hip, what was hot back then and to remind the earlier generations of the glory days.

Coed Clothing Tees are available at Sunlab, at the 2nd floor of the Gaisano Mall of Davao. They’re also now available at Sunlab at the ground floor of Robinsons Place General Santos.

From G-Mall, I then took a cab to Aldevinco Shopping Center for some souvenir shopping. No tourist ever leaves Davao City without a visit to the shopping center. I bought some keychains and packs of durian candy for my brothers and a “convertible” bag for mom. Aldevinco is a premiere shopping destination in Mindanao. Located between Claro M. Recto and Roxas Aveues, it is where tourists and locals alike go for souvenirs such as Davao native products (durian candy, keychains, shirts, etc.), various Batik products (bags, dusters, slippers, table cloths, etc.), textiles imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, antique and brass items, and even indigenous musical instruments. It has become a major tourist attraction for its wide variety of ethnic products. Within the vicinity of the shopping center are several pomelo shops. Pomelo vendors line up to give you a free taste of their product. Among the variations of pomelo available in the country, Davao has the sweetest and juiciest pomelos I’ve ever tasted. Pomelos are priced according to size and variety. I bought three kilos of pomelo to bring back to Cebu.

After an hour of pasalubong shopping, I went back to the hotel and readied myself for my flight back to Cebu… At exactly 12 noon, I checked out of the hotel and immediately took a cab to the Davao International Airport. Within 20 minutes, I was already at the airport and I only realized then that I was too early! I was one hour ahead of the opening of the check-in counters! Good thing I had my laptop with me or else I’d be bored to death… As soon as the check-in counters opened, I lined up and checked-in. Usual procedures: show your air ticket and your ID. Deposit your check-in baggage if you have any and then go to the 2nd level to pay for the terminal fee and then, the final security check. I was quite impressed with the Davao International Airport security personnel as they really made proper use of the metal detectors. They won’t let you pass through until the metal detector doesn’t alarm! I had to remove my jacket and the belt of my loose jeans. Oh, you can just imagine the scene, I had to hold my jeans or else it’ll taken off from me. LOL! So, to avoid any inconvenience, take off ALL metals (jackets, wallets, belts, cellphones, etc.) and place them in your bags. I then had lunch at one of the food stalls at the 2nd level of the airport. It was not really a full meal though as I only had a clubhouse sandwich. After lunch, I just sat near the boarding gate waiting for our boarding call…

At exactly 3pm, we were already advised to board our aircraft. Gawd, I’m already missing Davao while I’m typing this post. For that, I’ll be back on the 25th Kadayawan Festival! Yey!

The Davao International Airport.

The old Davao Airport.

(…to be continued)

Part 16 of a series

DAY 3.

Feeling refreshed after a few minutes of relaxation at Blugre Coffee, we decided to call it a night. It was very kind of Sir Ambie to drop me off at My Hotel before he went on to go home. Once again, thanks and see you again guys!

I wasn’t feeling sleepy yet so I decided to walk around San Pedro Street and snap some night shots!

Being in the center of Davao City, San Pedro Street is teeming with activity during the day, but…

At night time, the street is a ghost town!

Most of the establishments along the street close before 9pm. By sundown though, there’s a massive proliferation of DVDs and other pirated media along the sidewalks of San Pedro. It’s early to bed and early to rise in San Pedro Street.

But despite the eerie silence, I still feel safe walking around with all my gadgets and I think everyone else feels the same.

Traffic lights at San Pedro cor. Pelayo streets are offline at 9pm.

(…to be continued)

Part 15 of a series

DAY 3.

G-Mall was huge and I wanted to explore but due to the power outage, I decided to transfer to NCCC Mall. Talk about mall hopping! So, I took a cab and I arrived in NCCC Mall in no time!

Since I was already very hungry, I stopped at the first fastfood outlet I saw, Greenwich!

So much about that… After lunch, I explored the mall and was surprised that it was too small. I mean, I knew that it was smaller than SM City Davao but I expected it to be bigger based on the photos I saw before my trip. Oh well, the mall was just one short line so after I walked from corner to corner, I got out and went back to the hotel.

At the hotel, I remembered that a SkyscraperCity Davao meet-up was scheduled for that day so I decided to text “dinabaw” asking if it was going to push through. He replied yes. He even asked me if I wanted to be picked up from the hotel but I said no and just asked for the name and address of the place where we’ll meet up and have dinner. Being the person that I am, I don’t want to be a hassle to other people. For that, I just googled for the place and I found it, yihee!

NAP MODE…

I had a very deep nap and I didn’t notice that my alarm was already ringing at 6pm! The agreed meet-up time was 6:30pm. So, I quickly got up of bed, freshened up and took a cab to the location. Phew, I arrived at C-Tres just a few minutes late.

Libotero, “Dinabaw”, “Xzibit31″, “Carrotz” and GF

CTres (read as “see-trehs”) is a fairly new “eat-all-you-can” restaurant and piano bar located at E. Palma Gil St., Barrio Obrero (fronting Urban Club), Davao City. For only P299, you get to enjoy to your heart’s desire a sumptuous array of dishes that includes lechon (roasted pig) and Cotabato crabs on selected days. The food and the ambiance is great and totally justifies the price. Buffet lunch and dinner is available everyday except Sundays. For inquiries, you may call them at 09083644637.

The SSC Davao guys were very accommodating. Thank you for the warm welcome! I was quite shy during the meet-up though as I’m always just silent and observant when I meet people for the first time but I hope to see you again next time! (Kadayawan? Hehe.) Part of the agenda of the meetup was the “premiere”/”reveal” of something that will totally change Davao’s landscape and lifestyle! It was such a bummer though that none of us brought our laptops so the “top secret” files couldn’t be opened. Grrr. LOL!

Anyway, after the dinner, the rest of the SSC-Davao peeps had to go on with their lives as it was a weekday of a busy work week, while Dinabaw introduced me to Blugre. We went to Blugre Landco, Blugre’s original outlet.

Before my trip to Davao, I once read in SkyscraperCity that Davao has this very deep and interesting coffee culture… It’s not just a small demographic that relies on coffee to either stay awake or keep them warm on cold days, it’s a culture, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a massive and wide adoption of coffee! There are tens of local/homegrown coffee shops all around Davao and there’s no Starbucks yet! Hmmm, I think Starbucks or any other multinational brand will find it difficult to enter Davao’s already-well-established coffee scene.

It is said that Blugre jumpstarted Davao’s Coffee Culture. It’s been there for 12 years now and it was actually the eve of their 12th anniversary celebration during my visit. Blugre Coffee is Davao’s first and leading specialty coffee shop, founded in 1998 by husband and wife, Gatchi and Larcy Gatchalian, both Manileneos but consider themselves Davaowenyos by heart.

Blugre Coffee has three branches in Davao: Landco Corporate Center, Matina, SM City Davao.

Established in June 1998, Blugre Coffee claim to fame is its signature drink, Durian Gatchpuccino, a hot cappuccino concoction that blends espresso and the fruit durian wonderfully. (Also available is Durian Larcepuccino, the cold version of Durian Gatchpuccino). It is dubbed as the king of all coffees (durian being the king of all fruits).

Durian Gatchpuccino (P140)

Sir Ambie (Dinabaw) made me try the Durian Gatchpuccino. I was quite hesitant at first but then, when I tasted it, my impression on durian has totally changed, LOL. It’s perfect! It’s heaven! A must-try when in Davao… Don’t overdo it though as the Gatchpuccino is quite strong.

Now, with three branches in Davao and now expanded in General Santos with their two franchise branches (JMP South Osmena and Robinson’s GenSan), I’d say good luck Starbucks!

(…to be continued)

Part 14 of a series

DAY 3.
After offering intentions and prayers of thanksgiving at the San Pedro Cathedral, I took a cab to the Gaisano Mall of Davao for lunch!

Located at JP Laurel Street in the Bajada Area (just a few blocks away from People’s Park), the Gaisano Mall of Davao or G-Mall, as it is more popularly known, is currently the largest mall in Davao City!

With 6 levels of shopping, dining and specialty choices, G-Mall basically has everything a Davaoeno would need..

It was just unfortunate though that the mall had a power outage during my visit. The temperature was quite unbearable and I’m usually not comfortable eating in places that are not so well-ventilated so I just decided to leave for NCCC Mall of Davao. Mall tour. LOL!

(…to be continued)