davao adventure

i went to davao with the girls, my family. there is my lola (and we call her simply tita) my older sister (pia). my youngest sister (lia) and her friends (joan). we wanted to go out of town and since our trip to macau, china and hong kong got cancelled we figured we'd see davao instead. here is the deal, we do not know anybody in davao. that is, we are going there like a tourist in our own country!

booking the flight: my older sister found a package in PAL website. 3 days round trip tickets with hotel accomodations. not bad. and yes, PAL makes packages. when you call them to inquire about it though, you have to insist and quote the website that you saw. i am not sure how their call centers work but it seemed like the operator did not know that they have that package! so insist on it! go online with the agent if you have to!

when booking, you have to ensure the departure time in manila arrival in davao (or any other destination), check in and check out time of the hotel you are staying in and departure time in davao and arrival in manila. JOT IT DOWN so you won't forget! these things are really important for you not to miss your flight (esecially for first timers). make sure you know the check in and check out time of the hotel. sometimes (like in our case) you have to pay extra if you would arrive before the hotels' check in time or if you have to stay beyond their check out time. they will not tell you this! so ask away!

PAL requires you to go to their nearest office to present ids for final booking. make sure you know where to go! never be afraid to ask for directions. that's what they do! and please phrase your questions nicely! you will get more believe me!

ours was the first flight out of manila - 4:40 am! so we got the centennial airpot (NAIA) at about 2:30 am. domestic flights are not that strict in the time. just make sure you have ample time to check in your luggages and you have a leway for the traffic! TIP for domestic flights! please wear slippers! yes, slippers. i don't care what kind they are! you can wear ordinary house slippers for all i care. you will be required to remove your shoes and slippers before entering the airport itself. so imagine if you are wearing shoes or worst sneakers!

in davao: make sure u know where you want to go. how do you go about this? research mate! check out the hot spots and yes tourist attractions. what are the things davao is known for (or your destination), that sort of thing. then select which appeals to you.

i am a nature lover so we went to the cocodile park, we went to see the philippine eagle (hey i still know the scientific name of the monkey eating eagle after all these years!), jack ridge, japanes tunnel, and then we went to the beach! and of course shopping!

ok, here's the thing. it would be cheaper if you rent a car or a van! they go about it by the hour. you can choose trips in 5 hours, 8 hours and 10 hours. you can chose from the ones provided by the hotel or you can look for a rent-a-car company on your own. if you are not sure where to go, the drivers will help you out! (davaoenios are so friendly and helpful!)

i have to tell you this. i got a little disappointed with the sites i have seen. maybe because i have been to other countries and other places in the philppines and have something to compare they have.. and well, it's nothing new. added to that is the fact that none of my adventuremates like to take pictures as much as i do! so that's a bummer! but hey. don't let me deter you from finding our for yourself!

as for "bubong" or pasalubong to the people you left wherever. the best place to find fresh fruits is bangkerohan, their local wet and dry market. you can find fresh flowers here too. however, the prices, it seems, are no different from the prices here in manila! still hey, these are the real deal - straight from the farm. as for the durian candies. hey, better go to sm davao for this. and i am serious! their durian candies are cheaper ang fresher! and you can use your credit card! wuhOO!

happy tripping!!!!