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Golden Pillow. Munthong. Chanee. Arancillo. Piara. These are among the best varieties of durian in Calinan, Davao City. Savor the delicate taste of these sweet, creamy selections and discover what durian and Davao are all about.

Among other things, like its pristine beaches, this southern province and its city is known for its cattle ranches, fresh sea foods, orchid shows, and huge plantations of fruits of various kinds. Fruits sell at a real bargain—fact is, crates of good, plump bananas are sometimes given for free to bystanders.

But Davao is not Davao without the fabled durian. Idle tales go that Davao¢s treasures are guarded by fairies and mystical spirits whose food staple is durian—a kind of food of the gods. Thus, where durian abounds treasures are hid, they say. But watch out for the wrath of the gods.

Durian is a tropical fruit similar to jack fruit—only more velvety and, like wine, alluring. Its hard, spiked crust keeps the edible flesh intact inside. The strange smell could mislead the uninitiated into misjudging it unfairly, throw it off, and miss out on the best thing in Davao.

To others, the aroma is like aged wine—durian¢s and Davao¢s, that is. It can entice you into having endless one last tries until the intoxication gets you hooked for life.

A five-hectare farm—this is one of the places in Calinan where the heavenly fruit proliferates. It used to be a coconut farm converted by owner, Elmer Solomon, into a durian farm. It¢s more productive now—luring more enthralled buyers. It is an attraction to both local and foreign tourists who love durian or are curious about the fruit.

In a sense, Davao is a macro durian farm interspersed with other smaller fruit and flower farms. Davao province, it is said, is the prince city of the whole southern paradise that is Mindanao.

Aside from the imported varieties mentioned, native durian varieties in the Solomon farm are Puyat, Basketball, Mamon, and Brunei. The durian trees are top-pruned to have the the branches spreading wide rather than going up. Aside from being more manageable to maintain and more convenient for reapers during harvest time, this style keeps the farm well shaded—more comfy for strolling tourists, especially in summer.

A visit to the south must include a tour of Davao—which automatically means a deeper excursion to Davao City. There the numinous spirits are sure to charm the unsuspecting visitor with the forbidden (but delectable) fruit, aside from wooing the same with the city¢s other attractions.

Calinan is where the enchantment flavors are concocted. With an array of durian assortments that have mesmerized many a wandering tourist, one will forever be spellbound by Davao—tongue, heart, and soul.

Tags: Divers, philippines-beaches, filipino food, Bicol, scuba diving, philippines travel tips, Tourist Destinations

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World-class surfing beach, a blue lagoon, a mysterious 100-year old tree, marsh wildlife sanctuary, unique caves, strange rock formations, a magic whirlpool, breath-taking falls, a scenic Britannia island, and a “Jurassic Park.”

The above are just some of the things to see in an eco-tourist destination in Mindanao, called the Caraga region. The place is being specially spruced up for tourism by some private groups and local governments of several Mindanao provinces.

Local government agencies, like the regional eco-tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, identified the 127 eco-tourist destinations and are prodding local and foreign tourists to take a good long look at these paradises.

Caraga includes the provinces of Agusan north and south, Surigao north and south, Bislig, and Butuan. Most of the tourist spots are in Butuan.

Surfing tournaments are held yearly in General Luna, Dapa town, in Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte. The tilts are for locals and foreigners. Here, visitors and competitors alike get to enjoy the playful winds and waves from the sea conducive to the sport. Of course, not to mention the spectacular, unspoiled beaches and the homey tourist inns.

The marsh wildlife sanctuary in Agusan, a full 19,196.588 hectares stretching on the shores of 6 municipalities, is frequented by tourists. Marsh lands in the country used to be in a dire state due to rampant human spoilage. But stepped up government and private efforts have rendered several marsh wildlife areas fully rejuvenated and defiantly tourist-worthy, like the Agusan sanctuary.

Marsh lands are vital to keep marine life, especially the endangered, thriving and propagating. Marine life survives in natural habitats, such as marsh wildlife areas. The Agusan marsh wildlife is teeming with tropical marine life mostly unseen in other parts of the world.

To name some more southern wonders; the famous Sohoton cave is in Bucas Grande, Socorro town, Surigao del Norte. An interesting natural sculptured rock formation, called the Punta Calabera, is in Catadman. Another natural rock formation is in Zaragoza and the magic whirlpool in Bitaugan are both in Surigao City.

Several other tourist destinations in other parts of Agusan and Surigao, north and south, await discovery, harnessing, and promotion. These, too, are being conserved and protected by businessmen and local government units.

The tourist sites in Mindanao are accessible anytime of the day and night through land trips, except in Siargao Island where travel is more than an hour via sea craft.

Mindanao is a Philippine haven for astonishing, albeit, curious natural picturesque spots many of which are unequalled in the world. Caraga is one region among many that vividly illustrates this tourism fact—combining beauty, challenge, and mystery.

Tags: scuba diving, Pinay, Boracay, Makati, Divers, vacation, Tourist Destinations

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A long time ago, this place was thought to have hidden treasure and gold and maybe that was reason enough why people added gold to its name. Cagayan de Oro City is the “Gateway of Northern Mindanao” and interestingly enough, “Oro” means gold. Yet for now, the place is still known for gold, but in a more personal aspect and that would be for its golden friendship. Yes, the city of golden friendship and more.

Cagayan de Oro City, as the capital city of Misamis Oriental and Region X is the center of business and industry of the region. And now, this city has a booming business industry and is predicted to have a very promising future, in a very near future. The business sector is well-complimented by a very supportive political condition, a generally peaceful environment and promising economic development.

The city has pride itself of many attractions ranging from natural, historical and many shopping centers, good hotels, not to mention its interesting night life. Since the place is the entry point of Northern Mindanao, you also have access to all the great beaches and mountain resorts. The people of Cagayan de Oro are well-known to be hospitable and the most friendly among many other regions.

To name a few of this city¢s unique traits are the following: White water rafting at Cagayan River; beautiful beaches; the Macahambus Cave, a very prominent historical site; the ocean of pineapples in Manolo Fortich of Bukidnon; the many enchanting waterfalls; and so many more.

The city is also known for having good educational institutions like Ateneo de Cagayan, also known as Xavier University, a school run by Jesuits; Liceo de Cagayan University; Capitol University and many other; and it is one of the reason why it is well sought out by students country wide.

The place is the most peaceful area in Mindanao. The people are kind and friendly, and people from all walks of life co-exist and mingle with each other beautifully. It is the best dwelling place because of its unique geographical area and land formations. The place is conducive for raising a family and growing old with.

Tourists would not regret coming and visiting. Experiencing Cagayan de Oro is a rare experience and is worth more than a treasure of gold. Those who have visited this place once feel like visiting again and again. Maybe, it is the golden ambiance of the place that makes them feel at home or miss the place. And it is a good thing.

Tags: Snorkeling, Pinay, Filipina, Baguio, Mindanao, Diving, vacation

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Dipolog City lies in the island of Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. Located at Zamboanga Peninsula¢s Northwest rim. Dipolog City¢s boundaries are Dapitan City on the north, Katipunan on the south, Polanco on the east, and Sulu Sea on the west.

The climate in Dipolog City is moderate and mild. Dipolog City always has an invigorating atmosphere. The cool Northeast Wind locally known as Amihan is the prevailing wind. February to April is the dry season, June to January is the rainy or wet season, and April is the hottest month of the year.

Dipolog City is elevated 2.5 meters above sea level. Most of the areas in Dipolog City are rolling terrain with lowlands. Dipolog River is the main waterway that drains down to Sulu Sea. Other water bodies are also present including Katipunan, Layawan, and Diwan Rivers with Olingan, Gusawan, and Miputak Creeks.

Cebuano is the main dialect used in Dipolog City. Various dialects are also spoken due to tribal groups living in the area.

Dipolog City was once a barrio of Dapitan City. Dipolog became a municipality on July 1, 1913. On June 6, 1952, the Philippines Congress approved Repuclic Act 711 making Dipolog Municipality the capital town of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Dipolog became a chartered city on January 1, 1970 as Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos approved Republic Act 5520.

Dipolog City is also known as “The Orchid City”. The orchid species referred to are Dipolog City¢s native orchid called “Pangadlaw”. It is a white orchid that symbolizes purity in heart. Dipolog City garnered many honors in academic, sports, cultural, and other competitions in the regional and national levels.

Magsaysay Park is the center of Dipolog City. It¢s a landscaped park for people to relax, stroll or do early morning exercises. Magsaysay Park is located just in front of City Hall.

The Holy Rosary Cathedral is a symbol of Dipolog City¢s religious character. Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippines¢ national hero designed the cathedral¢s altar in 1894.

The Sta. Cruz marker in Dipolog City is a cross that the migrating Boholanos of the Visayan Island in the Philippines planted on May 3, 1905. This cross faces the Holy Rosary Cathedral on the other end of Rizal Avenue.

The Linabo Peak¢s 3003 Steps in Dipolog City is conducive for hikers. Linabo Peak is the highest elevated point in Dipolog City. A community chapel was built at the peak, a great place for Lenten season retreats.

Dipolog City has other interesting sites you can¢t fail to visit when you¢re there. The Pamansalan-OISCA Forest Park, Sicayab Beach, and Sungkilaw Falls are just a few of the tourist attractions.

There are a lot of hotels and restaurants in Dipolog City so board and lodging is never a problem. From Manila, Philippines you can fly to the Dipolog Airport for about an hour and a half. The locals are friendly and hospitable making your stay enjoyable.

Tags: philippine-beaches, Wordpress, philippines-beaches, Divers, Tourist, Snorkeling, filipino food

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Davao City has many firsts in the Philippines and abroad. Among these is being the world¢s second largest city in terms of land area. Davao City also boasts of having the second largest urban market in the East ASEAN Growth Polygon.

But there is more to Davao City than the huge market of fruit and fish sold at eye-popping low prices. It is also rich in many things that nature offers. Let¢s have a look around the wonders of Davao City, Philippines.

One of the best things the people of Davao City enjoy is the weather. It hardly ever gets any storms. Davao City always gets fair weather, some rain showers and humidity come by every now and then but no typhoons ever get there.

The Davao City economy had a huge upsurge in the 90s and is still thriving past the next decade. The next thrust of economic growth in Davao City seems to veering away from the agriculture sector in recent years. It still remains as one of the top exporters in the region.

Let¢s take a look at some of the tourist spots Davao City is famous for.

Mount Apo, known locally as a tribal god¢s abode is located at Cabarisan, Davao City. This is the tallest peak in the Philippines standing at 10,311 feet above sea level. It is a favorite climb among local mountaineers. The climb to the top of Mount Apo would take a group about four days along the many trails climbers often ascend.

Those who would dare the peak will have to contact the Department of Tourism in Davao City before proceeding or the Mt. Apo Climbers Association. The local government of Davao City also organizes Holy Week Climbs and the Octotrek, a climb to the top on October; both are peak seasons when large groups of climbers join in the challenge.

Philippine Eagle Nature Center is a nature reserve where the world¢s largest species of eagles (formerly known as the monkey-eating eagle) are kept since they¢ve been declared as endangered species. The Philippine Eagle¢s base diet in the wild are monkeys (thus the name). The nature center is located at Calinan, Davao City.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort is the perfect get-away to revel in tropical pleasures offered in Davao City. The farm is located in a secluded cove on Samal Island off Davao City¢s coast.

Crocodile Park, Davao City, boasts of having bred one of the biggest crocodiles — measuring 18 feet. Other than watching these enormous reptiles one can also enjoy horseback riding, and a day at the park, or, if you¢re up to it, you may have a chance to feed young crocodiles.

These are only some of the many wonderful places we can head to for a great tour of Davao City. Accommodations in the city range from $60 to $470. Airfare from Manila to Davao City would cost more than Php 3,000.

Take time to try out the cheap buys and great sights all over the many wonders of Davao City, Philippines.

Tags: Pinay, Philippine Eagle, Philippine Islands, Mindanao, Tourist, Davao City, Pinoy

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Davao City¢s greatest lure to travelers is its relatively calm and peaceful atmosphere and extra-friendly local residents. Being the largest city in South East Asia (when it comes to land area, that is), one wouldn¢t be surprised at the many opportunities for a first-time and seasoned island-hopper to discover and rediscover all the aesthetic and social treasures Davao has to offer. And when it comes to unique food offerings to sate the hungry traveler¢s stomach, Davao Restaurants are always there to fill any craving.

Because the city is abundant in land and sea produce, any food aficionado will not be left wanting. In fact, Davao Restaurants offer just about any kind of dish your mind can conjure, from the most basic of dishes, to the most exotic. Any visit to this ¡Land Of Promise¢ would not be complete without a quick tour of Davao Restaurants.

Harana

For instance, no Davao tour would be complete without a stopover at the Harana Family Restaurant in Torres St. Having started in the early 1980s and still standing to this day, the Lizada family-owned Harana is already considered an institution among Davao Restaurants. Serving the tastiest of Filipino food, Harana is more than just a local restaurant. It is actually one of the few remaining witnesses to how Davao has grown from a small and unrecognized city to the striking metropolis it is now.

Jack¢s Ridge

If a view of the city is what you¢re looking for, nothing beats having dinner at Jack¢s Ridge, which sits atop the Shrine Hills in Matina. Jack¢s Ridge, although a lot newer than Harana, is also considered one of the must-go Davao Restaurants because of the unique view it offers. The menu is fairly-priced, with a full barbecue meal ranging from Php45 to Php70 per person. Getting there can be a bit tricky, though, as public transport does not easily reach it. However, Jack¢s Ridge offers shuttle services from the main Matina highway and back.

Davao Dencia¢s

Should you crave extraordinary Chinese food, get yourself served at Davao Dencia¢s Restaurant, which is equally as old or even older than Harana. While Dencia¢s from the outside looks like any of the usual Davao restaurant¢s, prepare to have your mind changed once you get a taste of its food. Its bestsellers are the Pancit Canton Con Chopsuey, Tokwa¢t Baboy, and Fresh/Fried Lumpia. You will not be able to see Tokway¢t Baboy served the way Dencia¢s does it anywhere else. Prices are also very affordable. Php300 can easily feed a family of five.

The abundance of food in the city only entails that there are more Davao restaurants that deserve to be given special attention. But for those who just want to say that they¢ve really been to Davao, the three mentioned here should be on every traveler¢s eating watch list.
 
With the growing number of visitors coming in as the city continues to grow and boom, it¢s not likely that Davao Restaurants will diminish in quality and number. It¢s up to you, then, to experience them yourself.

Tags: Dive Sites, Jacks Ridge, Visayas, Davao, Divers, Philippines, expat

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Davao¢s hotels include many types from the lavish to the mundane and they are considered as one of the city¢s important economic sources. People from all parts of the Philippines visit Davao¢s hotels in order to see its famous exclusive and ordinary hotels and dine in its fine restaurants.

The hotels of Davao are among the fastest growing economic sectors in the city. In fact, Davao hotels by themselves are recognized as multi-million peso and still a progressing business in Davao. The hotels of Davao are among the major economic forces in the city as its enables growth and creation of job opportunities.

The hotel business in Davao has employed over a thousand workers who are distributed within various Davao hotels, totaling a revenue generation of billions of pesos. From recent records, the hotels of Davao have indeed become one of the most competitive businesses in the Philippines.

In spite of the increasing popularity of these hotels as an urban tourist destination, certain hotel business issues affect the influx of tourists and the revenue acquired from this business. The problem in competition for example, is one of the growing concerns of the hotel business in Davao. Fierce competition happens among the best and well-known hotels, such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Polo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao.

In addition, customer satisfaction is one of the highly significant priorities in the business. Being the major source of tourism revenue, the hotel business owners of, for example, the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao, Davao Galleria Hotel and Davao Grand Regal Hotel are applying various strategies that will enhance the experience of visitors coming to the city.

One of the main issues relevant to the need of assessing service quality is the significant transitions that Davao¢s hotels must undergo. One of the recognized changes was the transformation of its first class and ordinary hotels. The once conventional hotels were converted into modernized ones. This transition implies the apparent increase of small firms providing tourism services at present, while the first class and ordinary hotel business in Davao used to be dominated by a few producers.

In other words, the hotel owners in Davao now have a number of accesses to strategies and factors that amplify business competition. While this tendency has in many ways improved the overall state of the hotel business of Davao City, hotel owners also encounter difficulties to operate their businesses successfully, making the evaluation of service quality all the more essential.

Hotel owners have also stated that the competition in the hotel business is augmented by new strategies introduced and implemented by various hotels. With the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in some of Davao¢s hotels such as Davao City Hotel, Apo View Hotel Davao, Marco Poo Hotel Davao and Insular Century Hotel Davao, and the inclusion of other technological facilities, tourists have more options and control over they type of hotels they want to stay in.

Hence, with the present advancements, first class and ordinary hotels in Davao are giving more importance to specialized and enhanced forms of services for tourists, especially the service quality in these hotels.

Tags: Philippines, Tagalog, Boracay, Pinoy, Tourism, Mindanao, Tourist Destinations

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