Five Things You Should Never Miss in Davao

Six years ago before finally staying in Davao, I have asked myself about the five most rewarding things I should experience in Davao. Now I'm listing them to help you enjoy your travel in this wonderful city. If you are that adventurous, try to create your own list. I'm sure it's an experience worth remembering.

1.Getting Exotic -  Trying the King of Philippine Fruits : Durian

Your travel in Davao is never complete without smelling your shoes- the smell of durian. It smells like hell but tastes like heaven. Durian is just one of the many fruits that are abundant in the city. Mangosteen, Lanzones, Marang and Pomelo are just so irresistible like any other fruits in the City. Pick some fresh durian now and pair it with a can of cola.  Make sure to limit your serving :-)

2. Experiencing the Perfect Beaches of Samal

A place like no other. Samal is another place you should see whenever you visit Davao. It showcases it's promising pink sand beaches, blue-green seawater and most of all affordable fun and adventure.

3. Walking within People's Park

It's the newest landmark in the city. A very well maintained park which is open to public. Whenever you feel tired or exhausted this is one place you should see in Davao. It's perfect for any reason, People's Park- It's everyone's park.

4. Witnessing the Kadayawan Festival

When you get the chance to visit Davao in August, make sure it's close to Kadayawan Festival. The festival showcases not only the local produce but the abundance of culture, talents and harmony of its people.

5. Encounter with the King of Philippine Jungle: The Philippine Eagle

Not all Davaoeños have seen the King of Philippine Jungle. But if you want to be closer to nature try to visit Malagos Garden Resort. The resort have bird shows and has wide garden of Philippine Flora. 

Davao City: Southern Philippine's Business Hub

Davao City is the undisputed center of business activities in Southern Philippines. Having a spans area of 2, 443.61 square kilometers of huge fertile land,  it is considered as the largest city in the world in terms of land area. Having this fact, it will give us enough impression that Davao City is not only perfect for tourism but also for investment.

As a trading hub it links the entire the southern part of the Philippines throughout the East ASEAN Countries - Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines. BIMP -EAGA is a leading growth centers in Asia.

Davao city is not only rich in natural resources  but also the resiliency of its people. The city has a significant achievement towards improved business environment reaping numerous awards as one of the 20 Most Livable Cities in Asia and counted as one of the Top 5 Most Competitive Metropolitan Cities in the Philippines.

Discover Davao and discover a city in growth and investment now.

Zakoya Japanese Restaurant

Love Japanese food? How about trying it now at the amazing Zakoya Japanese Restaurant?

For only ₱375 per person, you'll get the chance of dining at this satisfying Japanese restaurant. The buffet at Zakoya is amazing. Satisfy your craving from all sorts of Japanese appetizers to main courses and desserts.
Surely, you will appreciate the taste of Japanese-style kimuchi which is less pungent compared to the other cuisine.

The buffet tables present and stretch the sushi, sashimi, tenpura, and other very traditional Japanese preparations. Try finding for the main area serving the main courses of the day. On the last buffet table is the presentation of dessert or the coffee/tea station.

The main buffet features about 6 to 7 courses, with miso soup or the egg concoction that tastes like balut. Mainstays are the kamameshi, black wakame (seaweed) and chicken teriyaki.

Experience Japanese Cuisine in Davao. Visit Zakoya Japanese Restaurant on all the days of the week for a luch or dinner at Door #3 DavCon Autoville, Torres St., Davao City.

Lotus Court showcases Manila Hotel’s Mabuhay Palace Gastronomy

THIS month of April, Manila Hotel's chefs head south for Marco Polo Davao. The Davao hotel's Cantonese restaurant, Lotus Court, hosts two Manila Hotel chefs for the better part of the summer.

"From April 6 to May 15, 2011, Chef Wenceslao Gacutan and Executive Chinese Sous Chef Josephine (Joie) Yu Tanganco Candelaria will be concocting Mabuhay Palace original creations from the freshest ingredients in Davao," Marco Polo Davao Food and Beverage manager Bernard Bulaong said.

Chef Joie is a trilingual chef who regards excellence as her touchstone. She doffs her toque to her Executive Chef Konrad Walter, a Swiss national whose extensive experience spans his native land as well as Scotland, Bahrain, Macau, and the Philippines.

Executive Chef Konrad inspired her to think outside of the box and create what have become signature dishes of Mabuhay Palace, Manila Hotel's highly acclaimed Cantonese restaurant.

"Chef Joie's take on Long Life Prawns, vegetarian Peking duck, and salted egg ice cream took Manila by storm last month," Bulaong said.

These innovative dishes, unique to Mabuhay Palace, will be served in Lotus Court beginning 6 April. On offer as well are timeless classics, such as seafood and chicken, pork and beef dishes, with flavors both sensuous and appealing. Other Cantonese delights shall be the domain of Chef Wenceslao Gacutan whose talents in this area are nothing short of legendary.

Sample the extraordinary specialties of Chef Joie and Chef Wenceslao, which you can opt for in special a la carte menus or in sumptuous buffets at Lotus Court. Sunday lunch buffet shall be at P850.00 net per person. Payday dinner buffet with Mabuhay Palace menu highlights will be at P600 net per person on 15 and 30 April and on 15 May.

"This summer, stop by Marco Polo Davao's Lotus Court, to experience Mabuhay Palace's celebrated Cantonese cuisine and know why Chef Joie is the toast of the town," Bulaong concluded.

For inquiries and reservations, call 221-0888 local 7233.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 06, 2011.

Marco Polo Davao's Lotus Court, to experience Mabuhay Palace

Emilio Yap (listed by Forbes last year as the 13th richest Filipino), is now acknowledged for having the best Chinese restaurant, called the Mabuhay Palace, in the country. The Mabuhay Palace has gained its reputation for offering exquisite gastronomic fares featuring Cantonese favourites as well as the extraordinary blend of dishes inspired by the cuisines of Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangdong. The Mabuhay Palace has been quietly garnering praises from customers; and the respect of the country’s noted food critiques and reviewers.

Philippine Tattler duly gave recognition to the Mabuhay Palace as one of the country’s best restaurants in 2009. It has since become a charming stop for breakfast or lunch with its buffet offerings although the real draw is still its dinners.

The good news is, Davao’s food aficionados may now have the rare opportunity to feast on the famed five-star Chinese cooking of the Manila Hotel’s Mabuhay Palace at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao this summer season (April to May). Mabuhay Palace’s culinary virtuosos namely executive sous chef Josephine Yu Tanganco-Candelaria and chef Wenceslao Gacutan (former chefs of Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s Tin Hau) are in town busily concocting delightful dishes using the freshest of ingredients and produce Davao has to offer. The Mabuhay Palace’s culinary masters offer a lot of exciting flavours, textures and aromas to delight the palate of the loyal patrons of the Lotus Court. Theirs is refined food, more popularly known as fusion cuisine, which makes for sensational dining at the elegant Lotus Court.

Undeniably, the Mabuhay Palace’s Chinese fare has been modulated to accommodate well-heeled international tastes, but I like the menu to quibble over it. The Long Life Prawns (celestially light, miraculously ungreasy), the Beef Cubes in Honeyed Peppercorn Sauce (reminds me of a yummy beef dish I ate in Singapore which lingers in my memory), the Honey-Glazed Chicken Fillet in Crispy young Ginger, and the Slow-Cooked Pork Belly simmered in Shao Sing Wine (tastes like the delicate Japanese dish su buta) offer irrefutable proof of that.

To end Mabuhay Palace’s family style dinner at the Lotus Court, you just have to try chef Josephine’s ingeniously concocted salted egg ice cream which took Manila by storm last month. “This original ice cream recipe was created from a wonderful culinary dream. I’ve made other good recipes from dreams I’ve had,” explained chef Josephine. Oh my, keep on dreaming, chef Josephine!

“Now you know why chef Josephine Yu Tanganco-Candelaria was handpicked by Mr. Emilio Yap himself. The good natured chef has since become the toast of the town. Chef Josephine thinks outside of the box and has masterfully created innovative recipes that have become signature dishes of the highly acclaimed Mabuhay Palace of the Manila Hotel,” said the recently promoted Food and Beverage Director of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao, Bernard Bulaong.

“This is one good opportunity to try Mabuhay Palace’s celebrated Cantonese fusion cuisine, either through a la carte or sumptuous buffet style, right here at the Lotus Court of the Marco Polo Hotel-Davao,” informed PR Executive Meg Sta. Ines.

Eastern Treat at Marco Polo Hotel

Marco Polo Davao brings you an Easter-rific treat this April 24.

Celebrate the joys of Easter with our Sunday lunch extravaganza at the Lotus Court. Come and join our Easter Carnival at the Ballroom where both kids and parents can bond over colorful activities, games, magic show, special raffle, and the much awaited Easter egg hunt.

Lunch is at Php 1,200.00 per person. Children from 6 to 12 years old get 50% off plus two complimentary tickets to the festivities at the Ballrom. Entrance tickets to the Easter Kiddie Festival are at Php500.00 each, inclusive of light snacks.

For reservations and inquiries, please call (082) 221-0888 local 7233.Wednesday

Davao State of the Art Fitness Centers

Marco Polo Davao Fitness Center

The Marco Polo Hotel, CM Recto Street, Davao
Telephone(s): 082-2210888
Email: davao@marcopolohotels.com

Metro Lifestyle

F. Torres Street corner E. Jacinto Street, Davao

Telephone(s): 082-2286180, 082-2286181, 082-2286182

They have classes ranging from aerobics, aeroboxing, cycling,american bushido kai karate, muay thai and fitness jiu-jitsu.

Holiday Spa & Fitness Center

F. Torres Street, Davao

Telephone(s): 082-2255577, 082-2223041

Badminton and basketball courts, jogging track, 5 lane, 25-meter swimming pool, a climbing wall, cycling and boxing areas, massage and sauna, cafe all in one place. Ample parking.

Smash Ville Fitness Center

2/F AGL Sons Building, R. Magsaysay Ave, Davao

Telephone(s): 082-3055999, 082-3056999

A fitness gym with badminton courts, boxing ring, aerobics and other classes. It’s no surprise that most of the members are chinese. Smashville is located downtown, above the chinese merchants at DCLA.

Rates are around Php1,000 per month. They have discounts for students, senior citizens, and long term memberships. Call to get their latest prices.

Coffe Shops in Davao

Blugré Coffee

Last updated on May 20, 2010. 

Visit their website

Budget: ₱₱

Branches:

• Matina Town Square, Matina, Davao City
• Landco Bldg., Bajada, Davao City

Blugré is one of the first coffee shops in the city and became popular for its durian coffee blend in hot and cold varieties. The café serves chips, pizza, panini, and pasta. Their desserts are homemade; delicious specialties include Choco Torte, Banana Cream Pie, and Walnut Tart.

Yoga at South Studio Davao

Hot Yoga

Hot Yoga is a series of yoga poses done in a heated room. The room is usually maintained at a temperature of roughly 38 degrees Celsius. A vigorous yoga session at this temperature promotes profuse sweating which rids the body of toxins. It also makes the body very warm, and therefore more flexible.

Asthanga Yoga

Asthanga Yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. Often called Power Yoga, this method focuses on physical and mental strength. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.

Try some Yoga now South Studio Davao.




South Studio is a large and spacious studio, outfitted with professional and versatile equipment. Change rooms, lockers, towels, showers (with soap & conditioner), and a lounge with Wi-Fi connection available for your comfort and convenience.

Also available is an enclosed deli with healthy food and beverages to serve you.

Sunday Feast at the Lotus Court

Whether it’s just a regular Sunday family gathering or your personal diet cheat day, make Lotus Court your lunch destination.
Enjoy its fresh and wide variety of Chinese delicacies, dimsum delights, and other sea food favorites.

The Sunday Lunch Buffet is priced at only Php850.00 net per adult and Php425.00 net per child of ages 6 to 12.
For reservations and inquiries, please call, (082) 221 0888 local 7233.

“Visit Samal Island” Campaign : Fun Activities this Summer

The tourism stakeholders in Samal launched a new marketing campaign to invite more to tourist to visit Island Garden City of Samal,  known as “Visit Samal Island”. The campaign expected to attract hundred thousand  visitors which has the chance to be given with free tickets. These tickets entitled visitors to receive discounts and freebies from the different tourism establishments in Samal Island.

The “Visit Samal Island” campaign is organized by the Local Government of the Island Garden City of Samal in partnership with the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Tourism Council, Samal City Resort Association and the Department of Tourism.

Below is the list of activities in Samal Island courtesy of the Mindanao Tourism Council. The activities are part of the “Visit Samal Island” campaign.

Grand Launching of Visit Samal Island campaign
Press Presentation of Miss Tourism Samal Island Official Candidates
March 19
Venue: Holiday Ocean View

Photo Shoot for Miss Tourism Samal Island Candidates
March 21-22
Venue: Talikud and Kaputian District
Isla Reta, Leticia by the Sea, Babusanta, Kaputian Beach Park,m Capt. Hook’s Red Parrot Inn, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Hof Gorei Beach Resort, Bandera Botanical Garden, Coral Garden

Swimsuit Presentation and Pictorials
March 29
Venue: Hagimit Falls

Milo Summer Camp
April 6-7
Venue: Samal Gym: Basketball, Fernandez Beach: Swimming

Beach Volleyball – Elimination Round
April 11-15
Venue: Freedom Park

Miss Tourism Samal Island 2011
Talent Show, Fire Dancing, Jingle Writing, Photo Exhibit
April 15
Venue: Camp Holiday

Frisbee Finals
April 16-17
venue: Kaputian Beach Park

Resort Visit/Pictorials Miss Tourism Samal Island 2011
April 18-19
Venue: Fernandez Beach Resort, Maxima Aqua Fun Resort, Bluewaters Village Resort, Mayumi Disney Sea Resort, Punta del Sol Resort, Golden Bay Resort & Spa, Paradise Beach Park, Bluejaz Beach Resort, Camp Holiday Resort & Recreation Area, Rainbow Breeze Resort, Mahan Garden Resort, Precious Garden, Club Asiano Beach Resort, Ilihan Beach Resort, Ocean View, Island Ridge Mountain Resort, H5 Princess Tropical Inland Resort, Florenda Beach Resort

Miss Body Beautiful
April 29-30
Venue: Sea Grass Beach Resort

Motocross
May 1
Venue: Proposed Public Market Site

Resort Visit / Photo Shoot of Candidates
May 3-4
Venue: Resorts and Tourist spots:
May 3 – Talikiud and Kaputian
May 4 – Samal and Babak

Kite-Flying Contest
May 7
Venue: Villarica Wharf

Beach Volleyball Championship
May 9-13
Venue: Kaputian Beach Park

Miss Tourism Samal Island 2011
Grand Coronation Night
May 14
Venue: Samal Gym

Culinary Festival
Food Display Competition, Table Skirting Competition, Table Settings Competition, Fruits and Vegetables Carving, Waiters Relay, Bartending Competition, Table Centerpiece Competition
May 19
Venue: Samal Gym