Event | Discovering the Easter Safari Adventure in Samal

Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines | March 31, 2024: Discovery Samal, a haven of unique and unforgettable experiences, recently hosted an Easter Safari Adventure last March 31, 2024. This Easter Sunday celebration was an event that captivated families and their kids with a variety of activities and entertainment, including a safari adventure ambiance and the much-awaited Easter Egg Hunt at the beachfront. These unique and fun elements were set against the serene view of Discovery Samal, creating cherished memories for families. 

As part of Discovery Samal’s Happy Summer campaign, the Easter Safari Adventure was a unique experience that left guests brimming with anticipation. From the moment they arrived at the Resort, they were immersed in a safari adventure, complete with life-sized displays of safari animals and a plethora of activities such as the jungle inflatable from PopKarts Davao and a safari-themed photo booth from Funpix Davao to capture their safari adventure moment. 

Hosted by our charming safari leader in safari costume, the event started with warmth and enthusiasm, welcoming kids and their families to an afternoon of joy and celebration. Concurrently, the buffet snacks opened, providing everyone with a delectable array of treats to fuel their adventure.

One of the standout moments of the Easter Safari Adventure was the dance performance by Discovery Samal’s beloved mascots, Coco and Pearl, who were dressed in safari costumes along with their safari friends. Both children and adults had the chance to meet and interact with these endearing characters.

The excitement continued with parlor games, which created a competitive and friendly atmosphere for the kids. The ‘Bring Me’ and Trivia Game winners were given mini coco or pearl bears as prizes for their swift thinking and fast reflexes. The entertainment continued with a colorful and fun bubble and dance performance by Ziastep. Children were in awe as the colorful bubbles filled the air. They also got to experience being inside a massive bubble as they wore their best smiles.

The event's main highlight was the thrilling Easter Egg Hunt at the beachfront. As the sun set on the horizon, an egg-hunting area was prepared for the kids as they started to quest to find the special eggs. But the hunt didn’t end there. As a surprise, more eggs were scattered around the activity area for kids to find, adding an unexpected twist to the adventure. This element of surprise added an extra layer of excitement to the event.

As the event dwindled and everyone was busy counting and opening their Easter eggs, a moment of anticipation filled the air as they awaited the announcement of winners. The top 5 best in costumes, who thoroughly embodied their costumes - Mila, Sam, Saphire, Summer and Megumi, were able to take home unique loot bags from Samal Shores Residenza, and Discovery Samal’s Coco and Pearl Bears. A roll call was announced to check who hunted the most eggs, and fourteen kids received a loot bag from Discovery Samal and Samal Shores Residenza. Among the hundreds of eggs scattered around the area were hidden special eggs with corresponding prizes. Samal Shores Residenza hid five large Easter eggs, and five lucky egg hunters, who had an eye for extraordinary things, received huge loot bags filled with exciting giveaways. Five winners also received the cuddly Coco or Pearl Bears plus a Gift Certificate of Php 1,500 Credit for Food and Beverage. And for the most awaited prize, the person who was able to take home the Grand Prize, a Coco Bear, a Happy Summer tote bag filled with goodies and a Gift Certificate of an Overnight Stay in a Junior Suite was Sky, who was able to spot and take the Discovery Golden Egg.

As the event ended, guests were treated to an adorable bunny-shaped loot bag filled with goodies, marking the end of a truly unforgettable Easter Safari Adventure at Discovery Samal. We invite you and your family to join us for our upcoming events and experience the magic of Discovery Samal for yourselves. 

For more information on the Happy Summer Campaign and to make reservations, visit www.discoverysamal.com or contact us at +63 84 308 2998.

Lifestyle | Your Dream Wedding: Unveiling Luxury, Elegance and Unforgettable Experiences

Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines | The vibrant beat of drums welcomed esteemed event partners from Davao as they embarked on an unforgettable journey to Discovery Samal, the island's newest luxury paradise. The recently concluded Davao Event Partners’ Familiarization Tour treated event partners to an immersive experience of unparalleled luxury and hospitality.

Kicking off with a grand drumbeater performance, guests were ushered into the tropical oasis of Discovery Samal with warm smiles and refreshing welcome drinks. The General Manager, Stanley Lau, personally greeted each guest, setting the tone for an extraordinary day.

As the cool island breeze enveloped them, guests were led to the Carcacoles Convention Center, the newly opened 1000-person capacity convention space with an astounding view of Davao Gulf, perfect for grand celebrations and conventions. The Fam Tour started with a heartwarming message from the General Manager, Stanley Lau.

"We are delighted to host the esteemed event partners from Davao and showcase the unparalleled beauty and luxury of Discovery Samal, and we are partners in creating memorable occasions for our guests. Let’s work hand in hand as we make people happy,” he said.

After this, the heads of departments for the operations team were introduced. Up on the stage with Mr. Lau were the Owner’s Representative, Ms. Celina Lim; the Senior Sous Chef, Neal Roa; the Director of Rooms; Ms. Bing Burgos; the Executive Housekeeper, Ms. Chona Montemayor; the Security Head, Mr. Richie Flores and Director of Engineering, Engr. Arjun Cellona.

In addition, the Sales and Marketing team was introduced, spearheaded by the Director of Sales, Ms. Katherine Dizon, Associate Director of Sales – Events and Conventions; Ms. Chatty So, Senior Sales Manager for Rooms; Ms. Loreta Jabilles, Senior Sales Manager for Weddings, Mr. Christian Panimdim, Events Manager for MICE, Ms. Bullet Laguna, Sales Manager for Rooms, Mr. Francis Morales, Sales Coordinator, Ms. Riza Provido, Marketing Communications Manager, Ms. Graziella Izza Cadiente, Assistant Digital Marketing Manager, Mr. Joshua Jon Jaralba, Graphic Artist, Ms. Dennise Ellison Carcueva and Marketing and Communications Officer, Ms. Thea Faye Lois Garcia. 

The prominent event partners were invited to the stage for a quick photo opportunity. Following the photo session, everyone enjoyed an interactive group dance performance led by the very talented Ms. Bullet, which is a tradition by Discovery Samal. The dance performance, also called ‘Rara,’ had everyone smiling and swaying their hips to the beat of the music.

After returning to their seats, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and merriment. Mr. Panimdim took to the stage where he presented the Discovery Samal’s Your Dream Wedding Packages, where guests were given the chance to admire the beauty of each venue, may it be for an intimate or big wedding. Following him was Ms.Dizon’s introduction to the rooms and other resort amenities. The audience was engaged in interesting discussions that arose from insightful questions and concerns from both.

The Davao Event Partners’ Familiarization Tour proved to be a fascinating, educational experience for all involved, with guests embarking on an insightful resort tour. With the opportunity to tour the resort from Level 8 to Level 1, guests were able to see the venues and rooms discussed in greater detail such as the Divine Grace Chapel with its glossy wooden floorboards and high ceiling and a small pool adorning its surroundings made to look like its floating, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the facilities on offer. The experience was certainly more impactful than merely seeing pictures, with guests able to witness firsthand the beauty and quality of the resort's amenities. As a token of appreciation for their participation in this important event, guests were presented with a small but meaningful gift, highlighting the value of their time and efforts in attending the occasion.

The event came to a delightful end as the partners were greeted with an exquisite Asian-themed buffet lunch that left everyone's taste buds craving for more. The lunch spread was a perfect mix of Chinese appetizers like siomai, Thailand’s pad thai and Filipino delicacies such as lechon. The drumbeaters from Grant's Event and Production added an extra level of entertainment to the already delightful feast, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone present.

Throughout the tour, guests were captivated by the resort's stunning architecture, lush landscapes, world-class amenities and delicious culinary delights. From picturesque outdoor venues to elegant indoor spaces, Discovery Samal offers endless possibilities for creating unforgettable events. The Davao Event Partners’ Familiarization Tour at Discovery Samal was a resounding success, highlighting the resort's commitment to excellence and dedication to creating memorable guest experiences.

Event | NCCC Mall Ma-a: Taking Flight!

The new NCCC Mall Ma-a will take shape like the Philippine Eagle and ready to soar high! In a virtual launching conducted, the features of the newest NCCC Mall Ma-a were unveiled and it excites me and the many to see the actual mall erected. The design highlights eco-friendly features as well as a touch of modernity.

The area development includes business complex that will give a complete mall experience to it's customers from homegrown, national and international brands. The total area is around 28,223.24sqm with 4 storeys. A total of 200 shops and 823 parking slots will approximately be observed. Its target completion will be on the year 2024.

It will also have a residential condominium, the Belleza Towers that will ensure quality lifestyle living with convenient shopping, dining and entertainment options all in one place.

The newest NCCC Mall Ma-a design embodies the habitat and way of life of the Philippine Eagle that is known as a Davao City icon. NCCC Ma-a thrives to see things in a new and higher perspective. It also aims to symbolize a sense of courage, a desire to explore and a season of renewal.

The features of the new mall include taking innovation and advertising technology wherein it will be the first mall in Mindanao with LED billboards in both the mall facade and floors. The mall will also be environment-friendly wherein they'll impose NO TO SINGLE USE, NON-RECYCLABLE PLASTICS. The new mall will be an avenue for Homegrown Shops and enjoy Davao's best in terms of food and shopping. Taking note of innovation, according to mall managers, NCCC Mall Ma-a will still be an affordable homegrown mall.

With the features of the mall, it excites me to see its completion soonest. The active spaces like the Nook (for food), Entertainment Zone (cinemas, arcade, bowling and services), and the nest and sky gymnasium are really good mall zones.

The Nook is an Asian themed food court that will be serving variety of the best Asian cuisine such as the traditional Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian and Thai dishes. The Nest will be filled with dining and entertainment options to enjoy Davao's skyline view. The Sky Gymnasium can accommodate four (4) sport courts simultaneously, to wit: basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

The newest NCCC Mall Ma-a will really be a landmark of the city as the mall features great architectural design. The stakeholders are very happy with this development and surely, the place will be flocked by the community.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Event | Dusit Thani with Davao Media and Holiday Promos

Team Davao Media with Team Dusit Davao during the Media Party

Exciting holidays will be experienced this year as we are embracing the new normal. Good news are coming in with easing of some restrictions, many are getting protected through vaccines, lower daily cases, the tourism sector is recovering from the effects of restrictions and many more. Dusit Thani Hotels and Resort in Davao Region is going to offer a lot of holiday packages that each family can enjoy in this new normal holidays.

We are also thankful that we have been included as one of those who invited to experience Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation at Mabini, Davao de Oro. It is really a great luxurious experience being with the nature while enjoying some amenities, plus great food!

So, here's the experience in Lubi Plantation with Davao media friends plus upcoming promotions for the yuletide season:

Dusit Hotels & Resort in Davao launch exciting Festive Season Offers
 
Carrying the Yuletide hashtags #hopefulholidays and #delightfullydusit, Dusit’s properties aim to give its guests a well-deserved celebration from room accommodations, dining, and other fun activities.
 
The holiday season always brings a sense of warmth, hope and prosperity. These things became more important as the world strives to recover from the pandemic. Dusit Hotels & Resorts in Davao, along with other hospitality brands, shared the challenges of the times, but are now persevering to share the light of better days. dusitD2 Davao, Dusit Thani Residence, and Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation are all prepared with Yuletide offerings for families, friends, and loved ones who want to make the best out of the season.
 
The Dusit Team begins its holiday events with a fun media party at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, with a teaser of its New Year’s Eve Festivities in the island. This is also to acknowledge the strength in partnership between the hotel and resort collection, especially at the most crucial times of the industry. The theme was Copacabana, which is also the running concept for the upcoming big celebration in Lubi.

Holidays at Lubi

The resort offers Holidays at Lubi from December 20, 2021 to January 10, 2022, which includes an overnight stay with set breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and other complimentary treats. Rates start at Php 21,000 net per stay.
 
Christmas and New Year celebrations in the island require a minimum of two nights, with promising series of events. Fire dancers, drumbeaters, dance performances, and other live entertainment await guests in this two-night spectacle. A colorful fireworks display will highlight the occasion.

Holidays at Dusit

For New Year’s Eve, Dusit brings in Pop-Latin Band Arriba for a Copacabana Countdown Party at the Pavilion Tent. This famous band has performed for high-end events in the country, offering sultry and upbeat sound of Latin music. From salsa, samba to popular songs infused with pop Latin and authentic Latin experience, it assures everyone to have the best of times. Rates start at Php 51,514 net per stay.
 
Back in the city, dusitD2’s Holidays at Dusit room package starts at Php 6,998 net per stay, including discounts in the outlets and Dusit Gourmet treats. For Dusit Thani Residence, a three-night stay awaits with rates starting at Php 18,898 net per stay. This begins on November 19, 2021 to January 10, 2022.
 
Christmas Eve Packages are also offered, with a generous dinner spread and Christmas brunch included. For dusitD2, it requires an overnight stay starting at Php 10,488 net per stay. For Dusit Thani Residence, it starts at Php 17,500 net for a minimum of two nights. The same starting rates apply for New Year stays in the respective properties.

Gingerbread House making is Available for Kids this December at dusitD2

For those who aspire a fulfilling and delectable dining experience during Christmas and New Year, all four restaurant outlets of dusitD2 have something special on its roster of promotions. Madayaw Cafés Yuletide Eats includes a Christmas and New Year’s Eve Feast at Php 1,400 net per person, plus a Christmas Brunch (Php 1,200 net per person) and Dinner (Php 1,400 net per person) on December 25 and 26. For the 1st and 2nd of January, a brunch and dinner offer are also up.
 
Benjarong Davao has a Holiday Thai Feast at Php 1,800 net per person, available from 11 AM to 9 PM. For those who want a Holiday Thai Set, it’s available at Php 2,000 net per person from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Both offers are up on December 24, 25, 31, 2021 and January 1, 2022.

Holiday Hampers are Ideal as Gifts for your Loved Ones 

The Gingerbread House Workshop is back for aspiring kiddie chefs. Dusit’s pastry team will host this activity on December 19th, 3 PM, at Php 800 net per person. For gift ideas and party platters, Dusit Gourmet has the Holiday Hampers starting at Php 2,800 net per set. Platters To Go includes mouthwatering dishes like the holiday turkey, holiday ham, cakes and pastries. These will require prior reservations.
 
For restaurant inquiries, please email d2dv.fbreservations@dusit.com. For room inquiries, please email d2dvrsvn@dusit.com (dusitD2), dtrdrsvn@dusit.com (Dusit Thani Residence Davao), dtlirsvn@dusit.com (Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort) or call +63 (82) 272 7500.

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That's really an exciting set of promos for the holidays and hopefully you guys will experience Dusit Thani in Davao Region.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. 

Food | Malita's Food Products Worth A Taste!

Me holding an Adlai Rice

Malita is the town capital of the youngest province in the Philippines, Davao Occidental, to date. It is around 2 to 3 hours of land travel from Davao City via a private or public transportation. The municipality has some food surprises that you'll love as much as I did. So, let's check it out!

Kape de Netibo and Adlai Rice

Rice is the staple food for many Filipinos. It is best paired with the delicious barbeque, adobo and many other viand. However, the regular rice is more glycemic thus people who have lifestyle disease like diabetes will control intake of it.

Meal with Adlai Rice

Good thing that ADLAI RICE is a healthier option than the regular rice. This is one great Malita product that is low glycemic, with protein, dietary fiber, minerals and it is gluten-free. Its taste is not far from a regular rice’s taste. It looks more circular than an elongated grain; bigger than a corn grain that is also substituted for a regular rice. What I like about it is that when you eat it, you will get full but you feel light. The cheapest adlai rice is around P250 coming from Malita and it is one that is considered as an ancient grain.

Adlai, Kape de Netibo and Bangus

Then, one of the best bangus (milkfish) I have tasted is from Malita! I often dislike bangus because of its bones; it will take me some time to remove the bones and still I will get boned. However, the bangus from Malita is a surprise: it has less bones and it doesn’t have a stinky odor. Yeah, believe me, it is something to buy and taste! Perfect for an inun-unan or known as paksiw! 

Then, the Kape de Netibo. Actually, I am not a coffee fan but this coffee is not too acidic for me and it does not make me hyperactive - something that I think is a thumbs up!

Women Entrepreneurs of Barangay Buhangin ice cream

Then, a group of women in Malita or the Women Entrepreneurs of Barangay Buhangin (WEBB) offers good ice cream that will tickle your taste buds. The ice cream comes in five (5) flavors, to wit: 1) kalabasa (squash), 2) malunggay (moringa), 3) durian, 4) chili level 1, and 5) chili level 2. Among the flavors, I like most the kalabasa! The squash has good blend with the sweet cream than the moringa - well, that’s for me, but still tastes good. Durian flavor is not that strong but there is a kick of the durian's taste. Then, as for the chili flavors, not much of a chili fan - sorry but still good tasting. Price ranges from P40 to P45. :-)

Kalabasa Flavored Ice Cream

Tasty Daral

Then, the daral. It is a Tausug delicacy that at an instant has become a favorite. Good thing that I have tasted it in Malita since it is Ms. Jean's favorite. hihihi It is a rolled crepe with coconut and sugar inside. It is a good snack item! Yum!

Calamares with Salted Egg Batter

One of the unforgettable that I have tasted in Malita is the calamares! Thank you very much for this recipe of yours Ms. Jean! The calamares has a salted egg batter that tastes so good in my mouth. The spices also compliment well. Super favorite!!!

Oh well, those are just among the food you can taste in Malita. Our group is very thankful to the generosity of Ms. Jean, together with her staff. Malita has marked good food to me! Until next time!!! :-)

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Did you enjoy reading this? Don't hesitate to leave a comment or share it to your friends!

Culture | Witnessed Panaghiusa Festival in Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental

Me, Te Jojie and Pretty Lumad Kids

I really have fascination on culturally-inclined activities in any part of our country. Seeing such activities amaze me and make me feel that there’s a lot to explore especially when it comes to traditions. I also think that this is an underutilized strength when it comes to tourism, especially that our regions are home to various indigenous people.

Showcase of Tribes

Mat Weaving/Making

Fire-making

Tribal Game: Kadang

Tribal Game: Bunong-braso

Jewelry Making

Panaghiusa Festival is like a festival showcasing the indigenous culture in the country through the Department of Education. A chance to witness Panaghiusa Festival at Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental last month, for the division leg of the Indigenous People’s Month celebration, was a great opportunity to see the different tribes of Davao Occidental. It was also fun to witness that there are a lot of activities like tribal games, mat making, jewelry making, poster making and others that will really make the indigenous people express their craft in this modern times. Thus, the activity was really making the culture alive and visible to-date. Those who won the competition in each game were the one’s who will represent the division for the regional feat. The activity will always be part of the National Indigenous People’s Month celebration among Department of Education supervised schools.

Proclamation of AO Joyce Mariscal as Bia Apanday

Aside from seeing those outdoor activities, it was also a first for me to witness how a non-lumad was adopted to become part of the community. In which, our friend, Admin Officer Joyce Mariscal was given the name Bia Apanday. She was given the name with the people’s trust and confidence of her services in the community.

Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental has a lot to offer. They have beautiful beaches like the little boracay (which I will visit again soon) and oh my goodness, I cannot forget the sina! Sina is bigger than the mussels and I know they are just relatives. LOL What I like about the sina? It is bigger, full and it has a distinct taste which I can not explain, but all I can say is it delicious.

The Yummy Sinai

The Davao Region is really home to many culturally-rich traditions and practices, nature’s beauty and fascinating food for the hungry tummy. This is among the reasons why it is fun to explore the Philippines!

The Municipal Hall of Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental

We would like to thank the invitation of the Municipality of Sta. Maria, together with the Department of Education Division of Davao Occidental for the opportunity to witness the event. Also, thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com!

Travel | Bigger Show Arena at the Davao Crocodile Park

Orange Kisses His Daddy (trainer)

Traveling to Davao City, one of the parks that will surely be part of one’s itinerary is the Davao Crocodile Park. It is the nearest park in the city with an animal encounter: you can touch some reptiles, feed some birds and fishes. Those are just among the experiences you will have when you are in the park.

Pangil: Largest Living Crocodile in the Philippines

The park is home to lots of crocodiles. Aside from that, the park is considered a rescue center of some species surrendered and needing some care before they are released back to the wild. That is a very noble work of the park’s crew and everybody in the organization! Well, that is part of the park’s mission: to increase awareness of wonderful species in the country and introduce some animal ambassadors to represent the animal kingdom for a close encounter.

Davao Crocodile Park New Arena

Just recently, the Davao Crocodile Park has launched its bigger arena for their Save Our Species animal presentation! Yes, a bigger space that can accommodate around 800 pax; an arena that is way way bigger than the former. The show is shown every day at 10 in the morning and you will enjoy the 45-minute animal entertain. :-)

I enjoyed this show so much and getting acquainted with the animals is such a lovely experience! At the beginning of the show is the parade of animals. They look very adorable!!! Yes, they do it flawlessly.

Alexis the Eagle

The mighty eagle (alexis) spreads its wings and fly freely in the airspace of the arena with the trainer’s cue - that’s very cool! Aside from alexis, the hornbill (bill) shows its very colorful characteristic and flies freely in the arena, too! Then, check out the source of your civet coffee, civet (teddy) slowly crawls at a branch in the arena - that’s cute!

Trainer and Scopy

Then, a nocturnal friend is awake, the owl (scopy) will show you its cuteness! Another nocturnal friend is still awake, bat (batman) flies and hangs where the trainer is.

Benie the Bearcat

Next, I got amazed with the bearcat (benie). Benie crawls in a branch and eats upside down. Well, he is really putting up a good show there. I have been saying about crawling animals… Well, lo and behold, the snakes (lala and lulu) might be just at your own necks. :-p

The cutest of them all, hey there dear orangutan (orange)! Orange acts like a child. He is respectful and loving.

I really enjoyed the show as an adult. I really do! Encounter with animals really interests me. Well, I have some few evidences here…

Scopy and me

Pangil and me

Me and Harby

Aside from the animal show, you’ll witness Pangil’s might with the giant crocodile encounter. Not only that, during the feeding time, you can observe the tiger (sultan) climb. You can see a lot of feeding in the park, in which, feeding the crocodile is one and see them dance, too! Another feeding session can be with the ostriches and the fishes!

Crocodile Dance

In the park, the lizard’s area, you’ll observe the model pose’s of the huge iguanas. You can also catch the humungous big shell tortoise (harby)  inside and have a chance to get that selfie with it. Turtles are also there doing some poses, too. The iguanas have a competitor at this side of the park. LOL

Iggy's Pose

At the park, every weekends, a specutacular fire show will be showcased. This is one of my favorites because they have a different choreography! It is like having some fire ritual at the riverbank which is significant for the early settles of the Davao river. It is shown every 4 in the afternoon of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Sultan the tiger

Aside from the main crocodile park, you can enjoy exploring other sections in the vicinity. Try to see the butterflies at the Davao butterfly house and immerse yourself in the indigenous people’s houses at Tribu K’ Mindanawan. If you feel hungry, there are places to eat, too! Experience exotic food and have a happy tummy - a boodle fight is interesting!

Boodle Fight

Have I shared too much? Well, that is why Davao Crocodile Park is really one of the destinations in Davao CIty. You’ll enjoy the place as I have enjoyed it!

Thank you Davao Crocodile Park for this experience! Thank you Sir Brent (marketing-in-charge), Ma’am Shane (show presentor) and Dr. Gideon (resident veterinarian) for accompanying us! Thank you also for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com!