Magsaysay Fruit Market

Date: August 11 2012
Address: Quezon Boulevard, Davao City

Are you a fan of this pungent smelling, king of tropical fruit, Durian??? Then, this is the place for you. Although this tropical fruit is abundant and can be bought anywhere around Davao, this market is known to have a cheaper price, more variety and better stocks.

Magsaysay Fruit Market stands near a public plaza, the Magsaysay Plaza and the Davao Chinatown. We had the chance to pose infront the Arch of Unity. This arch, accordingly, was inaugurated in 2009 and was donated by members of the Dabaw Kaisa Foundation. 

Barbeque Boss

Date: August 10 2012

Address: Elpidio Quirino Avenue, corner General Luna St. Davao City

My friends were not satisfied with the dinner they had at Jack Ridge, so they went out for another dinner. With that in mind, we walked the streets of Davao (mind you it was pass 11pm) and looked for a nearby restaurant. We really don't have any idea where to go. We got only one purpose and that is to find an affordable restaurant. We, then realized that People's Park is just a stone's throw away from our dormitel and we were at the city center where a lot of establishments are situated near it.

Along Quirino Avenue, we were attracted with the huge sign of Barbeque Boss. They are offering an unlimited rice. We went inside and looked for our table. The restaurant was jam packed that time. Maybe a lot of young professionals having a good time as I have seen a lot of booze on their tables. 

The restaurant offers a very cheap food choices as they handed their menu. And we ordered their house favorite, Stick Barbeque at Php5 a piece with some booze to replenish the energy we used the whole day of travelling. The place was clean and foods served were delicious. My friends, finally were satisfied and we went back to dormitel. On our way, we found a grocery and Emil purchased some toiletries.

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Davao's Peoples Park

Date: August 10 2012
Address: Palma Gil Street, Davao City
Admission: Free
Open Hours: 2pm to 11pm
Dancing Fountain Schedule: Friday, Saturday and Sunday 7-8pm

The People's Park in Davao was a recent development in the city. It was the former dilapidated Palaruang Panlungsod also known as the PTA Ground where it used to host athletic meets and sports event in the city. But in 2007, it was transformed into a huge 4-hectare themed park planted with different species of trees and plants from different countries, adorned with gigantic statues made by Davao's pride artist, Kublai Khan, interactive water fountains and cascading waterfalls. With the almost 70 million worth project, the city did not get wrong. The recent development made this plaza one of the iconic place, a must see tourist destination in the city. 

The picture above is the Durian Dome. The entrance of the park is embellished with pictures shot during the Kadayawan Festival (as shown below) while its roof is artistically designed like that of the Durian, icon fruit of Davao. 

We went around the Plaza and found out that artworks sculpted by Kublai Khan, a Davao based artist, are scattered around it. It features the great Philippine Eagle, the Lumads, flowers and plants.

Going further around, we found a huge walkway they call it "The Promenade". They said this was the former oval race track of the old sports complex. Developers maintained and improved the track to encourage Davaoenos to have a healthy lifestyle. Imagine? Running around the plaza with a greenery lush background is just so inspiring.

Pine Trees exported from Baguio (?)

Further more, we found this so called "Cascading Waterfalls" (Photo below) but unfortunately, it was passed 9pm and the water show just ended. Accordingly, it rose to 10 meters high using real volcanic rocks as walls. 

We continued our tour around the plaza and found this sculptures along the way. And this is worth noting but I'm not really sure with their idea putting this structure (referring to the photo below), probably this is a way they wanted to encourage reading books (like what the scripture is saying) especially to children visiting the park.

The park is really a great place to roam around when in Davao. In fact, the park was jam packed that night with families sitting on benches and grass ground and a handful of foreign tourists too. We were also entertained by Filipino songs by their piped in music while strolling inside. And best of all, we all experienced this free of charge. 

We really had great time inside the plaza but unfortunately we were stunned by a loud noise. The loud noise was telling us that the park is about to close in an hour. I was really thinking that the plaza is open for anyone at anytime but not. So I got puzzled and made a research. I realized that they needed time to check and maintain the cleanliness of the park and its facilities to retain its splendor and glory.

Curious with how it got its name? The Davao City Government sponsored "Name the Park" contest and this was bagged by Romeo Sardon, a retired electrician and seaman. His entry was chosen from among 918 entries who joined and won P50000 grand prize cash.

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Jack Ridge

Date:  August 10 2012
Address: Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City, Philippines

Jack Ridge is one of the iconic place in Davao. I remember during my research, this restaurant is never out of list in the recommended must-place visit. According to some blogs I read, they had a great time not just with the foods being served but as well, the scenery that the place offers. They recommend to visit the place at dusk when the sun sets to see how the city lightens at night. They would also recommend trying the TUNA PANGA dish.

Menu List

We arrived Jack Ridge at 7pm plus just in time for dinner. We were still full that time since we passed by Lola Abons before this restaurant and we still had lots of free candies on the pocket (courtesy of free taste). I invited the group to roam around first while waiting for our order but some decided to stay. So the rest of us went on musing the place.

At the entrance of the restaurant, you can find this certain historical scripture.

Inscription of Jack Ridge: Making History in Davao City

The Inscription reads:

Jack Ridge: Making History in Davao City

The land on which Jack Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1 1945., forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.

Today, more than half a century later, Jack's Ridge is filled with reminders of its historic past. Caves dug by the Japanese pockmark the area, and once in a awhile people still find bullets and other war materials in the rocky soil.

There is also talk that hidden somewhere in the cave are gold bullions and other treasure that the Japanese had taken from other countries and brought to Davao.

Whatever the truth is about the treasure, Jacks Ridge maintains the feature that made it an important outpost for the retreating Japanese Forces, a commanding view of Davao City and the Gulf, the same view within the premises is also refreshing, since the owner has made its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the place. 

Jacks Ridge was built to offer a completely new experince to dinners, and its not over yet, more development are under way to make it the premier dining resort in Davao City.

Indeed, Jacks Ridge is making its own mark in Davao City's History.

Taclobo Shells

According to the scripture, the area was once underwater as evidenced by the taclobo shells preserved and displayed somewhere along the stairs. Would you believe that at that high altitude it was once home to this shells, very intrigue indeed. Maybe that is the reason why the restaurant is named after that Giant Clam Shells. They served good foods with reasonable price.

The restaurant also values Mindanaon rich cultural heritage. This one is located near the entrance adjacent to the scripture (refer to first picture). 

We went back inside the restaurant as the dishes we ordered were served now on our table. We had the garlic rice, fried chicken, some soup (that I forgot their names). My companions remarked that the dishes were expensive but I find it reasonable and gratifying.

After our dinner, we went to their view deck where we witnessed how magnificent and captivating the Davao Night Scene is. No wonder why there are a lot of tourists, families and visitors alike in the place and a bunch of recommendation from websites, not just for the reason of good foods but as well the spectacular view it gives. 

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Davao Baywalk and Park

Date: August 10 2012
Address: Matina Aplaya, Davao City

Statue of David at night

The statue continues to attract tourist and travellers alike eventhough this masterpiece trigerred so much controversies among conservatives in the city. Maybe this made the structure more interesting, the people wanted to know why it made a big hit during the times of its construction. So we went there personally to answer that query in mind.

We made to that place after our dinner at Jack Ridge, around 8pm. The statue is huge, golden bronze and was highlighted. It faced the lengthly pool but there were no sharks or any creature in it unlike what is being described in most blogs. In fact, there was no water in it. 

An inscription is placed infront of the statue that reads:

DAVID. The statue is a replica of David, sculpted by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1501. It is one of his two greatest priceless masterpieces. An Italian sculptor and painter - one of the greatest the world has ever produced. The statue is set on the hilltop of Firenze (Florence), Italy overlooking the city.

Full size replicas of the statue around the world are found in:

1. London's Victoria and Albert Museum

2. A centerpiece of a shopping mall in Surfer's Paradise

3. Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

4. The Appian Way Shops at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas

5. And our beloved Davao City is listed in the internet as one of the prestigious places.

At that time, there were considerable amount of visitors in the place taking pictures and others, relaxing and feeling the sea breeze.

Walking further, we found the iconic structure of Denmark, "The Little Mermaid". We failed to capture any shots of that structure because of the strong sea breeze and sea waves splashing against the sea wall. But instead we came across this huge lost Moth along the seaside. 

We went back to our van to go to our next pitstop. A huge LED illuminated sign board caught our attention. It was the sign board of a nearby motel, Queensland Lodge. Maybe this cause the controversy of the structure.The statue itself is not that immoral to our values and culture as a Filipino, in fact, it is widely known to all that this a master piece of art of an Italian Sculptor but where it is erected probably created a belief that this maybe a disguised advertisement of the motel.

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Lola Abon's Durian Candy

Date: August 10 2012
Address: 23 San Miguel Street, Village Matina, Davao City, Philippines

Lola Abon's Durian Ice Cream

This store was never part of our itinerary in Davao. In fact, I never crossed this store during my research while preparing the itinerary for a recommended places to visit this city. Good thing, Mr. Van Driver suggested this store to check out and yes, he didn't fail us. Mr Google was wrong this time. Lola Abon's Durian Candy Factory is a must-visit store when in the city. They have the best tasting Durian, promise!!! Chances are, if you are going to ask a Davaoeno where the best tasting durian is, they will refer you to Lola Abons. See, hindi lang po ako ang nagsabi. And because of their popularity, they even now have a newly opened branch at the Pasalubong Center near People's Park. 

Lola Abon is featured in a newspaper and is displayed on their store

The store is just small and is located in a neighborhood with a narrow street. Based on the story featured on the newspaper, it started selling durian candies on their garage until it grew. Now, the store is concrete and fully air-conditioned  Inside the store are photos of celebrities who visited their store and bought their candies. They sell all sort of durian delicacies and one of my favorites is their Durian Ice Cream (refer to first picture) at P20 a piece. It was my first time to taste a durian ice cream and we really loved it. In fact, we were planning to franchise its deal in Zamboanga.

A little piece of history, her true name is Lola Abondia Raakin. She used to make pastilles de leche for her family but a certain friend of her suggested to include durian, since it is abundant in their place. And this gave birth to Durian candies. Soon enough, this evolve to several delicacies and became now a veritable industry in the city.

We were busy inside their store

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The Philippine Eagle Center

Date: August 10 2012
Address: Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City

The Philippine Eagle Center is one of the more popular tourist destination of the city. It is about an hour drive from the city center. It is really far from civilization as this Conservation Breeding Facility for endemic birds and animals maintain its simulation of a typical tropical rain forest environment for its residents.

Since we arrived Davao around 3pm then checked in at the Green Windows Dormitel at 3:30pm and some of my friends went to dine in at the cafeteria since they have not yet taken their lunch, so we waited for about 15minutes. We left the dormitel at 4pm. So we were ridiculing each other first then we felt tired and impatient. We did not know that the center was way too far and besides it closes at 5pm. The travel was way too long. No wonder that Mr. Van driver charged us an additional P500 for this extra trip. And we were actually praying hoping that Mr. Gate keeper will allow us to get inside and have a photo opportunity with PagAsa.

It was 5minutes to 5pm and we were still at the highway. We were all loosing hope. Few minutes later, we finally reached the Davao City Water District. They allowed us to pay the entrance fee later after we visit the center. So we were running hastily and arrived at the Visitor's Welcome Area depleted. Good thing the good lady welcomed us warmly and allowed us to get inside the center. We paid P50 each for the entrance fee and advised us to be watchful that snakes might come in our way especially it's getting dark. (LOL how thoughtful!)

We went straight to the conservation center passing through a bridge over a small lagoon with big fishes. There we met this camera friendly little eagle. He was a handicap and he appears to be cold like what my friend mentioned.

The Camera Friendly Bird

The conservation center is huge, cool and surrounded with huge trees with the sounds of the cricket, bird chirping and the loud howl of an unknown creature on the background. The Lady mentioned that it came from the Philippine Eagle and that was the first time I heard its sound. It seems like we were in the middle of the forest as we braved through the center (keeping watch our steps for the caution that the Lady host advised).

I was so excited back then to see PagAsa. According to the official website of PEC, PagAsa is the first Philippine Eagle successfully bred in captivity. Good thing, I chanced upon him by just following the signages in the center.

The PEC Map

There were also other species inside the center aside from eagles.  And I have to mention that it was my first time to see a Wild Boar. :)

I visited the center by hiring a private van but for those who wanted to commute, I found this direction posted on their official website.

How to get there.

The Philippine Eagle Center is about an hour drive from the city and can be reached either by private or public transport. Buses going to Calinan depart every 15 minutes from the Annil terminal located at corner Quirino and San Pedro Extension. Bus fare is at P30. From calinan, take a pedicab going to the PEC. the ride is about 10 minutes and will cost you P6. Before entering the PEC premises, the Davao City Water District will collect an entrance fee of P5 for adults and P3 for kids. PEC entrance costs P50 for adults and P30 for youth, 18 years old and below.

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Green Windows Dormitel

Address : 5th floor of FTC Tower Building along MT. Apo Street in downtown Davao City

We actually don't have any idea as to where to stay in Davao since we were all first timers. So we started searching for hotels/inns/guesthouse and the likes via internet. Then, it was Aldrin who discovered this hotel with the cheapest price. Green Windows Dormitel was the name of the accommodation we stayed for three days and two nights in Davao City. It is located near most major establishments and leisure areas in the city and is accessible to most transportations. 

From the airport, we went directly to this hotel. Good thing, Manong Driver knew the hotel location. But to tell you the truth, once you saw the building already you can easily spot it. The building has a huge sign FTC Tower which is still visible until People's Park, then a huge sign of Green Windows Dormitel with their flagship low price which is specially lighted at night. I believed this marketing strategy is very effective and attractive to budget consumers as just a few blocks away is its main rival, Sampaguita Tourist Inn. The building is somewhat greenish yellowish in color which is very distinct from all other buildings around. 

When we arrived at the dormitel, we were really skeptic. I mean a dormitel worth P188 per night inside a polished upscale building. But yes, we are in the right place. We were greeted at the front desk and that time, they had a lot of guests. We were a group of ten people and we crowd the lobby area. We were very noisy by then plus all the luggages with us. I guess that made the front desk lady a bit appearing irritable. 

At first, I was a bit disappointed with the dormitel staff. I mean the front desk did not know their policies well. She had a problem dealing with our queries. Good thing, the male employee ( I think it's the Hotel Manager) called us back and offered a dorm type room exclusively for our group. We then paid the room good for three days.

Green Windows Dormitel Review.

Positive Feedbacks
1. Cheap.
2. Within the City Center and is accessible to almost all establishments and recreation center in the city.
3. New bed foams, firm yet soft.
4. The aircon is functioning well.
5. Separate cabinets for each guests inside the room.
6. I love the lounge area.

Negative Feedbacks.
1. Free but Spotty Wifi. Wifi only works near the lobby area and cafeteria.
2. They did not clean the bathroom obviously because of the presence of hair strands.
3. Waste cans were seldomly emptied.

But I still love this dormitel and will recommend it to my friends even. 

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Francisco Bangoy International Airport

Place: Barangay Sasa, Buhangin District, Davao City, Philippines
Date: August 10 2012, Friday

Thank you Airphil Express for our safe and on-time arrival

It was my first time to step inside the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the official name of the Davao International Airport. According to wikipedia, the Davao main airport was named after a patriarch of an influential family residing in the city. He donated the land and was used as a main runway for both Philippine Airlines and Philippine Air force at that time it begun its operation. 

Walking to the passenger terminal of Davao International Airport

After exiting the plane, we had to walk on the runway to the passenger terminal area, a typical scenario when riding on a budget airline. 

at the Conveyor belt Domestic arrival Area wing waiting for my luggage

What I loved about this airport is its similarities with Zamboanga Airport. They have both a typical design of a pointed roof which can be compared to a traditional house of various cultures in Mindanao. But Davao Airport's Pointed Roofing are in modern style. I guess Zamboanga needs a major renovation of its airport facilities and design to get along with the trend and as well, create a good impression of the city. It can also be compared to the thorn covered skin husk of its major icon of the city, the Durian fruit.

Visitor's Booth.

For first time visitors in the city like me, one must not miss the visitor's booth wherein you will get valuable information for your Davao trip. You can also get a free city guide map in this booth. The booth is located near the exit of the Domestic Arrival Area.

City Guide Map

Welcome Sign on the Davao Airport Perimeter

The Giant Durian Sculpture.

One interesting sculpture inside the airport was that of creation of Davao's own pride artist, Kublai Khan , named as The Durian. I think every visitors who have been to Davao never failed to have a photo taken with this sculpture. And it can be easily located as it is near the airport's parking lot. Coming from the terminal building, it is located on the left side.

The Giant Durian Sculpture

According to readings I have made, this sculpture reveals not just what Davao is known for, the Durian fruit , but as well it depicts its inhabitants who have long before settled in this area and made what is now the Davao City. These tribes I am talking here are the Lumads, the Muslims and the Settlers.

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