Travel
Playing Tourist in Davao
There may be numerous tourist destinations all over the world, but the Philippines also offers more than enough of them—and they’re nearer too. Davao, in particular, has certain richness in its history and culture worth immersing in.
Check out a guide to the best Davao experience.
WHAT TO DO
EDEN NATURE PARK & RESORT
Eden Nature Park is a mountain resort located 3,000 feet above sea level. Spread out over an 80-hectare land in Toril, Eden offers numerous resort activities and facilities, such as a fishing village, a swimming pool, an amphitheater, flower and butterfly gardens, a deer park and a mountain trail.
MUST TRY: Skycycling. For Php 200.00 per person, get to ride a bicycle over a zip line.
Barangay Eden, Toril, Davao City
http://www.edennaturepark.com.ph/
Verbascum thapsus, also known as Wedding Candles
PHILIPPINE EAGLE CENTER
The Philippine Eagle Center is home to 36 Philippine eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred. It also houses grass owls, Brahminy Kites, the long-tailed macaque (monkey), Philippine deer and a crocodile. It simulates a tropical rainforest environment, offering visitors a glimpse of the country’s forest ecosystem.
MUST VISIT: Biasong, a majestic Philippine eagle that has an amputated wing.
Davao City
http://www.philippineeagle.org/center/
Biasong, one of the main attractions at the Philippine Eagle Center
TACLOBO TOUR & SNORKELING
The fishing village at Adecor, Samal Island is famous for the 3,500 taclobo (clams) scattered around a 14-hectare area. Go snorkeling into the clear turquoise waters to see these clams and the pearls inside.
GETTING THERE: Take a boat bound for the Island Garden City of Samal at the Sta. Ana Wharf
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMAND CENTER
The Public Safety and Security Command Center provides protection, security, safety and risk management to the people in Davao City. Likened to the homeland security in the United States, the Command Center houses the 911 services, as well as monitors the city through the almost 200 high-definition CCTV cameras stationed in Davao’s entry and exit points, and major intersections.
Daang Patnubay, Davao City
http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/psscc/home/home.aspx
Davao City’s Public Safety and Security Command Center
WHERE TO EAT
PENONG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL
Penong’s Seafood & Grill is a native-themed restaurant well known for its delicious and juicy pork and chicken barbeque. With several branches all over Davao, it pioneered the unlimited rice concept, which eventually became a fad with other restaurants in Davao. It also encourages diners to clap their hands twice to get the waiters’ attention, as opposed to calling out for them.
TIP: Not going to Davao anytime soon? Penong’s has a branch at the corner of Juana Osmena and Escario Streets, right across the Best Western Plus Lex Cebu.
TAKLOBO RESTAURANT AT JACK’S RIDGE
Jack’s Ridge is a local hangout famous for is commanding views of Davao City at night. It used to be the headquarters of the Japanese forces during World War II, as the location allowed them to see when the American ships anchoring on the Davao Gulf. The main restaurant, Taklobo, offers Filipino favorites such as grilled tuna, sinigang and kinilaw.
CHECK OUT: The remains of an old Japanese plane that crashed into the ridge.
Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City
http://www.jacksridgedavao.com/
Taklobo Restaurant at Jack’s Ridge (Photo courtesy of Jack’s Ridge Davao)
WHERE TO HAVE COFFEE & DESSERT
BLUGRÉ COFFEE
Davao’s most famous coffee shop, Blugré is known for serving the durian coffee, a truly unique concoction that samples Davao’s most polarizing delicacy, the durian. Whether you’re a fan of the fruit or not, the Durian Cappucino and the Durian Arctic Blasts are must-trys.
ALSO CHECK OUT: Their durian-infused pastries, especially the Durian de Leche Cheesecake.
SAGING REPABLIK
Saging Repablik is a specialty restaurant serving ‘Sagingese’ cuisine—innovating the menu with the addition of bananas. The banana twist extends from the appetizers to the entrees, and from desserts to the drinks. Of course, a banana-inspired place wouldn’t be complete without bananaque, and at Saging Repablik, they elevate this street food favorite through the Create Your Own Bananacue Station.
MUST-TRY: Cavendish chips with your choice of two dips.
V. Mapa St., Poblacion District, Davao City
http://www.facebook.com/sagingrepablik/
Make your own bananacue at Saging Repablik (Photo courtesy of Saging Repablik)
WHERE TO HAVE A NIGHTCAP
THE WHITE HOUSE FUSION CUISINE AND WINE LOUNGE
The White House is the newest fine-dining restaurant, offering Asian-European fusion cuisine. It’s also a landmark, with the historical value of the European-inspired house that was faithfully restored and turned into a restaurant. The sprawling place, tucked into a quiet corner in the heart of the city, is the perfect venue to relax and have a drink.
MUST-TRY: Sashimi and bento boxes
Camella Northpoint, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.whitehousecuisine.com/
One of the function rooms on the second floor of The White House
WHERE TO BUY SOUVENIRS
ALDEVINCO SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping market located at the heart of the city, Aldevenco offers all the possible souvenirs tourists would want to take home, including delicacies, malongs, woven bags and wallets, and jewelry.
CHECK OUT: For more unique souvenirs like chests and traditional weapons, check out their antique shops.
Claro M. Recto cor. Manuel Roxas Avenues, Davao City
WHERE TO STAY
PARK INN BY RADISSON DAVAO
Park Inn by Radisson Hotels offers a vibrant, friendly environment that provides both business and leisure travelers with the affordable hotel experience they desire. It has a bridgeway offering guests direct access to the SM Lanang Premier, one of the biggest shopping destinations in Davao.
Asian Highway 26, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.parkinn.com/hotel-davao
The standard room at the Park Inn by Radisson (Photo courtesy of Park Inn)
SEDA HOTEL ABREEZA
The Seda Hotel Abreeza is located at the heart of the city, offering convenience and luxury for business travelers and tourists. It’s right across the Abreeza Ayala mall, another major shopping center in Davao.
Abreeza Ayala Business Park, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
http://www.sedahotels.com/abreeza/
The twin room at SEDA Hotel Abreeza (Photo courtesy of SEDA)
HOW TO GET THERE
AIR ASIA PHILIPPINES
AirAsia Zest flies to Davao from Manila thrice daily, and from Cebu twice daily. For bookings, visit http://www.airasia.com/.
text and photos by Patty Taboada
Lifestyle
Find Your Summer Spirit in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Breathe in the tropical atmosphere, as you find summer joys through sight, sound and taste at Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu. Poolside fun during the day, spent serenely and luxuriantly—a refreshment in hand. While the evenings are for outdoor family movie nights, with the ocean waves rippling in the background.
Summer is all of that, and more! Plan an extraordinary weekend with an array of exciting activities that await your arrival. Discover your #ShangriLaSummerSpirit from 15 July to 30 August.
Tiki Bar at Buko Bar
Epicurean Delights by the Pool
Keep yourself fueled up as you splish and splash with the whole crew. Take a quick break from all that summer jazz with Mediterranean and Polynesian-inspired bites exquisitely crafted for your palate. From rice balls and pastas, ice creams to sliders—indulge in tastes and aromas that transport you to a world of endless, golden summers.
Mediterranean Selections at Acqua
A Whimsical Touch
Make it a colourful summer for the kids! Let them explore their own version of paradise with whimsical floaties, sure to keep them happily afloat. Your little ones can now freely kick and play in the water with fun and fascinating, animal-shaped inflatables.
Pleasant Sundowner Tunes
Bid the sun adieu and embrace the sunset hues with live acoustics at the Main Pool from 4pm to 6:30pm.
Tiki Cocktails at Buko Bar
Champagne Bar at Acqua
A Toast to an Endless Summer!
Unwind and savour the tropical vibe as our expert mixologists craft refreshing Tiki cocktails and serve chilled bottles of exquisite champagne by the pool! With a backdrop of swaying palm trees and stunning ocean views, sip on delightful beverages and toast to unforgettable summer moments in paradise.
Family Outdoor Movie Night
Gather your nearest and dearest for an enchanting evening as we set up a large outdoor screen by the pool under the starry night sky. Cozy up as you enjoy a family-friendly movie that will delight both those who are young and young-at-heart at Treasure Island from 7pm to 9pm.
Surrounded by lush greens, let the experience bring you to a world of joy and laughter, creating cherished memories for you and the family. For more information on Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, you may contact (032) 2310288. You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort/ #FindYourSummerSpirit #FindYourShangriLa
inside
LONDON IN FULL BLOOM: An Exclusive Look at the recent Chelsea Flower Show
The Chelsea Flower Show in London, one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world, returned in full glory in May 2023, captivating visitors with its stunning displays and landscape designs. Held annually on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, this year’s show proved to be a true feast for the senses, showcasing an array of breathtaking gardens, vibrant floral arrangements, and innovative landscaping. The 3-day event showcased 36 outdoor gardens, including four balcony gardens for small spaces. Inside the giant pavilion, blooms compete with each other, exotic flowers, roses, and many more.
Princess Kate Middleton walking the booths at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Dame Judy Dench, who owns several of Webb’s pieces in her garden, with James Doran-Webb and Jerry Sibal discussing the works of James.
One of the flower arrangements competing at the show.
The 2023 Chelsea Flower Show embraced a Nature’s Harmony theme, with a strong focus on sustainability and mental health. The show’s organizers emphasized the importance of sustainable gardening practices and biodiversity conservation, inspiring attendees to create beautiful outdoor spaces while preserving and protecting the environment.
One of the floral gazebo displays recycled chairs and salvaged materials.
Shops at the Chelsea Flower Show are mostly from sustainable materials.
What’s Cebu got to do with the Chelsea Flower Show in London? One person. James Doran Webb (https://www.jamesdoranwebb.co.uk), an Englishman working with driftwood, has been displaying his artworks for several years. James collects cast-off driftwood and shapes them into beautiful animal shapes that find places in some of the most iconic gardens. Leaping horses, owls, reindeer, and the occasional dragon, James Webb’s creations are avidly collected by landscapers to add accent to gardens in all sizes, using cast-off wood, fitting perfectly with the sustainable element—something Mr. Webb has done quite well for the last decade.
The impressive dragon of James Doran-Webb
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The Philippine International Flower Festival will be held at the PICC in Manila from January 14 to 18, 2024. Watch out for more info from our website!
Leisure
Club Serena: A ‘Serene Luxury’ Experience in the Heart of Cebu’s Diving Mecca
photography by GPA Art and Photography
A three-hour drive, or more, depending on traffic, the fishing town of Moalboal in the southwest of Cebu Island is an extremely popular destination for divers and weekenders who love the white sand and pink sunsets. It is also a favorite place to stay for expats looking for a laid-back life of endless coffees or cocktails.
Thankfully, the big chain resorts haven’t discovered it and places to stay are mostly small family-run resorts. But if pampering is what you are looking for, there is only one hotel to book in Moalboal. Club Serena Resort is a 1.7-hectare beachfront property perched above coral rocks, presenting a unique union of luxurious accommodations and a host of activities to be enjoyed. This hidden gem is reached through a dirt road away from the main highway. Fronting a wide swath of white sand beach, it is an easy walk past several smaller resorts to reach the main town.
Recently renovated by noted architect James Jao, the new Club Serena has 17 rooms, three swimming pools, a restaurant, and a beachfront event space, all designed with modern Filipino aesthetic. On the drawing board are more rooms to be added, an expansion of their modern dive shop, and their popular Kids’ Club program. Their food outlet, Mira, offers all-day dining, favorite among visitors and locals, as well as the growing expat community that has settled in Moalboal.
Club Serena offers diving courses for adults and kids by their resident operator, Seven Seas Aquanauts Phil. Corp, a PADI 5 accredited diving facility operating since 1988. For a complete list of the courses and their rates, please call (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307.
The resort encourages above-water activities as well, and they have several paddle boards and kayaks available for guests to use.
For rates and more information, visit www.clubserenaresort.com or email sayhello@clubserenaresort.com or (+63) 917.872.6367 or (+63) 905.459.5307. You can also visit their Facebook page for updates.
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