Libotero – Philippine Travel Photo Blog

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.

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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!
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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
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Part 7 of a series

DAY 2.

Day 2 of my Davao trip is Nature Trip Day! I started the day at Eden Nature Park then I proceeded to the Philippine Eagle Center. After communing with the trees, birds and the bees at the PEC, Manong Driver brought me to the Puentespina Orchid Garden and Farm. We actually passed by the Garden/Farm before reaching the PEC but we decided to drop by the latter first so that it’ll be one straight drive back to the City Proper after. The Puentespina Orchid Garden and Farm is less than 10 minutes away from the PEC and is along the highway, across the Malagos Garden Resort, so it is not difficult to locate.

The Puentespina Orchid Garden and Farm is a sprawling, eight-hectare property in Malagos, Baguio District Davao City. At an elevation of 375 meters above sea level, it is the ideal location for growing the most breathtaking Vandas, Dendrobiums, Mokaras, Oncidium Grower Ramsey, and Phalaenopsis, as well as exotic landscape plants. It produces approximately 20,000 dozen sprays of Oncidium Grower Ramsey and 60,000 dozen inflorescences of Dendrobiums.

My visit wasn’t on an orchid blooming period so as much as the caretakers wanted to, they had nothing much to show. I also wanted to buy some orchids and plants for mom as she loves to garden but then I wasn’t sure if the plants need to be quarantined at the airport and I didn’t want to get stuck there not knowing what to do so I didn’t buy any.

For individuals and small groups, a minimum purchase of P250 worth of orchids or any ornamental plants entitles entry for the Orchid Farm Toru. For groups of 5 persons or more, an equivalent of P50 minimum purchase of orchids or any ornamental plant entitles one person for the Orchid Farm Tour. The Farm Tour will be scheduled on the day of the plant purchase. If a farm tour is to be availed, a tour ticket will be issued and assigned personnel from the farm will accompany the guest(s). The farm is open for tours from 8am to 4pm daily, except on Sundays as the farm is closed.

Part 6 of a series

DAY 2.

From one hill to another! After my 2-hour tour of the Eden Nature Park at the foot of Mount Talomo, we drived back to the lower elevations only to climb again in Malagos. From Downtown Davao City, Malagos is less than an hour away. To get there by means of commuting, you may take a bus going to Calinan. Buses going to Calinan depart every 15 minutes from the Annil Terminal located at corner Quirino St. and San Pedro Extension. Bus fare is at P30. From Calinan, you may take a pedicab going to the Philippine Eagle Center. The ride is about 10 minutes and will cost you P6. But since I had a dedicated driver, getting there was once again a breeze!

Before entering the Philippine Eagle Center premises, the Davao City Water District will collect an entrance fee of P5 for adults and P3 for kids since the PEC is located within the Malagos Watershed which is operated by DCWD.

Map of the Davao City Water District Malagos Watershed.

The Hydrological Cycle. Water from the Earth’s surface travels to the atmosphere through evaporation from lakes, rivers and oceans through transpiration of plants moisture on leaves and stems. These form clouds that condense/precipitate as rain or snow. The water percolates/seeps through the soil downward to groundwater/aquifer. The Davao City Water District draws drinking water from aquifers and surface sources for its consumers.

Oooh, a swimming pool. I’m not sure whether it’s operational or not but I did see two men cleaning it up so it must be functional.

SIDE COMMENT: There are a lot of stray dogs within the complex and they look scary. I hope the DCWD management does something about that. I, for one, am afraid of stray dogs having been chased by some of them in the past.

To the Philippine Eagle Center.

At the entrance of the PEC, you’ll be greeted by the Eagle’s Deck Cafe where you’ll be settling your entrance fees. Entrance to the center costs P50 for adults and P30 for children, 18 years old and below. Tour guiding and the use of kiosks are free of charge.

Left? Right? Left? Right? Majority of the signs point left so to the left I go.

A Brahminy Kite greets you at the start of the trail.

Pathways, made possible by donors.

The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses 10 other species of birds, 4 species of mammals and 2 species of reptiles.

Can you see the grass owls?

Oooh, there they are!

Simulating a tropical rain forest environment, the Philippine Eagle Center offers the visitor a glimpse into the country’s forest ecosystem. While walking alone, I had a very eerie feeling. I really felt that I was in the middle of the forest. I was very vigilant and I’d jump if I see the shrubs moving, LOL! There are signs telling that snakes may be encountered anytime and in such situation, the snake should be given space. I was actually quite scared. The signs didn’t ease up the situation. But oh well, I had to be brave and I walked further into the forest.

Egg Incubation and Chick Rearing. Continued deforestation is endagering Philippine Eagle populations. There are no more than 400 Philippine Eagle pairs left in the world as of May 2008. The Philippine Eagle Center is addressing the challenge to ensure that the ever magnificent bird will survive so that future generations of Filipinos will be able to appreciate its beauty. One way to meet this challenge is through their artificial insemination program for captive breeding using state-of-the-art Cryogenic Equipment, donated by Caltex (Philippines), Inc.

The Mighty Pag-asa (Hope). Pag-asa is the first Philippine Eagle to have been bred (hatched and raised) at the Philippine Eagle Center. Pag-asa just turned 18 last January!

Another pair of eagles.

Crested Serpent-eagle. It is one of the most visible of all the Philippine raptors. They soar high above forest and forest edge giving distinctive plaintive whistling call. They hunt in the forest canopy for snakes and lizards. Often seen perching at forest edge.

Sir Arny, the most photographed eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center.

Wooo, a small bird! I need help in identifying this one. Bird-lover Vanjohnn, are you there?!

A butterfly.

Philippine Eagles are such alert creatures. This one didn’t wink an eye on me!

The end of the trail.

Here’s a tip for those of you who are planning to visit the Philippine Eagle Center in the future: Bring binoculars and/or telephoto lens for your camera. For some reason, the bird cages are located far from the trail. I believe this was done so as not to startle the eagles in their habitat.

The Philippine Eagle Centre is located in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District in Davao City.
For inquiries, you may send them an email at info(at)philippineeagle.org or you may call them at +63-82-2243021.

(…to be continued)