Travel | Cebu Pacific Air Expands Davao Hub; Tourism Boost is Seen!

Here's a story that the domestic tourism in the Philippines is again peaking under a pandemic but a very manageable restrictions around. Cebu Pacific Air is one the airlines that service Davao to other tourist destinations in the country. So, it's a good news the CEB is continuously expanding services and gearing towards pre-pandemic numbers. See more of the story:

The Philippines’ leading airline Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) strives to enable everyJuan in the Davao region to travel as it further ramps up its flights to and from the Davao hub.
 
Right in time for the summer season where travel junkies are expected to go full swing, Cebu Pacific has recently strengthened its air connectivity in one of its Mindanao hubs, now connecting the King City of the South to renowned domestic tourism destinations without the need for connecting flights.
 
The Davao hub currently stands with a total of six (6) domestic routes in its direct network. Besides its direct flights to Manila which flies up to 8x daily, and Cebu which operates up to 3x daily, four (4) new routes were recently restarted in line with the airline’s push for 100% domestic capacity restoration - now, Dabawenyos can fly direct to Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, and Zamboanga.
 
Flight frequencies have also expanded with the Davao-Iloilo route now operating daily, and the Davao-Bohol flight set to fly thrice weekly (every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) by May 11.
 
These ongoing expansions are in line with the airline’s commitment to make domestic travel easier to further jumpstart domestic tourism across the country.
 
“Travel confidence is at an all-time high as both the government and the tourism industry continue to prioritize health and safety among travelers. Now that flying has become considerably easier compared to a year ago, we are looking forward to flying more people and reintroducing them to the diverse and undeniable beauty of the Philippines as there are plenty to rediscover in our own country, ” said Carmina Romero, Spokesperson at Cebu Pacific.
 
CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its widest domestic network in the Philippines, covering 33 destinations. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 90% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure its every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

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Travel | Introduction to Bird Watching at Malagos

Bird Watching in Malagos

Wild life is really among the things that I enjoy experiencing. It is a time being with the nature and creatures. Not always that I have time for such activities, but bird watching caught my attention. At the Philippine Eagle Center, also where the Malagos watershed is located, a free introduction to bird watching is an activity every first Saturday of the month. I signed up and joined!

Baguio District in Davao City is where the Philippine Eagle Center is located. It is more than an hour away from home commute, yet I am pretty interested to experience bird watching, thus, a very early call time, 6:00 AM, is not an issue. I had my early breakfast at home and got my camera with me, hoping for some great shots even with a 70mm to 300mm lens only, sad but hopeful - it is one photography challenge I want to explore and hopefully hone. :-p

It is a breezy morning at the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. At the parking area, where the meeting place is set, you’ll hear the birds chirping and see them freely flying around. It is such a beauty to experience early in the morning. There are a number of students from the Ateneo de Davao University and University of the Philippines Mindanao joining. There are also some joiners, like me, with some expert bird watchers from Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and the Philippine Eagle Foundation to guide us during the activity.

There are a number of bird species in this area, said to be more than eighty (80). The activity hopes to at least see and hear more than half in a span of 3 hours. Participants are given a bird guide and a list of species to expect in the vicinity. Binoculars are also handed for use since most birds are perching on branches that sometimes camouflage with the leaves and can be clearly seen with binoculars. However, I am not able to get a copy but I have a guide, still hard to catch the birds and scroll the guide, so I just kept on taking photos. The activity aims to introduce people on bird watching and raise awareness of the amazing wild birds in Davao City.

As the activity is about to start, participants are reminded to be not so loud, have open ears and fast eye to hear and see where the birds are. It is also a way not to shoo away wild birds in the area. Here are some of my shots during the activity, have fun! 

Early Birds in Malagos

Bird at the Center

Bird at the Branch

See it? Bird at the Center

Cute Colorful Birds

Not Birds - Bats (mammal)

Since the activity started from the parking area of the Malagos watershed, managed by the Davao City Water District, towards the Philippine Eagle Center, it is a sure thing to see the Philippine Eagle up close. Free entrance. :-p

Philippine Eagle

After the 3-hour activity, participants are called to gather at the function room to share what birds they heard and saw. As a compilation, yes, 41 species where identified in a span of 3 hours. Isn't it great? Of course, it is! I hope to be really familiar of the birds, but my bad, I can only appreciate but not knowing them completely.

Thank you to all the guide and facilitators, it is such a great pleasure to experience the introduction to bird watching. You can always check the events of bird watching in the facebook pages of Birdwatching in Davao and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines - Davao. Perhaps, bird watching will be on your list in visiting Davao on a first weekend of the month. :-p

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Event | Inaul: A Festival and Maguindanao’s Pride

A Pose with Women in Inaul with Ms. M. of Mindanao Times

To introduce a place, it is better done with its culture and heritage. In the case of Maguindanao, inaul describes them best!

Usually, when Maguindanao is being talked about, people describe it negatively. Hey, the province of Maguindanao is very huge to be focused on such dark past - people of Maguindanao are peace loving. It has also one of the richest cultures in the country; one that a country can be proud of having. Inaul, for example, has captured the world, the universe rather (borrowing words of Pia), when the Miss Universe 2016 candidates wore the fabric during a fashion event. It is truly world class, truly pride of Maguindanao!

IPHO Maguindanao on Parade for Inaul Festival 2018

2^nd Inaul Festival is celebrated in Maguindanao February 8-14, 2018 with the theme “A Fabric of Peace: Weaving Diversity, Connecting Boundaries”. It is such a humble event that really showcases the intricate design and elegance of Inaul made clothing. During the opening of the festival in Buluan, a parade was done with different representatives from the different municipalities and offices of the province. You will witness them wearing inaul.

Then, the people flocked in the gymnasium to hear the messages from their leaders and it is so colorful to see them wearing inaul. You can see it on my IG account at this link: https://www.instagram.com/p/Be-pToBgm7i/?taken-by=fromdistrict82. At the same time, I love the music background played with kulintang and agong.

Ribbon Cutting of the Negosyo Center in the Province of Maguindanao

Then, one of the newest Negosyo Centers in the country is inaugurated in Buluan, Maguindanao with the Governor of Maguindanao, Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, and other officials and representatives. It is really a milestone for the province to eventually help bolster some economic gains they are currently experiencing. Their products and processes on operating business will then be known to many with this one stop shop. Actually, this excites me!

Displayed in the Negosyo Center are some of the products seen and made in Maguindanao.

 

Aside from the Negosyo Center that showcases the products of Maguindanao, because of the festival, there's a trade expo nearby. It has so much to offer the guests and locals. See it in the photos!

Trade Expo Area

Another post that I will do is with regards the weaving of inaul and the museum, I just love that part so much! Click HERE!

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Travel | Leyte: One of the Gems of Eastern Visayas Part 2

Part 2.

Inside the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

The following day, we headed to the Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum, the fourth stop.

Sto. Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum

One of the most prominent families in the country is the Romualdez family of the Eastern Visayas, wherein the roots of the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, is identified. This place was once the residence of the first family. This place is now a museum managed by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance. It has an entrance fee and additional fee to allow visitors to capture some spots in the Shrine, P230.00 for the two of us. The place is not only a residence but also a place where a Sto Nino is placed and its festivity is celebrated every June. It is really among the places to visit in the city and you will understand part of the family’s history and richness. It is like a palace. It is very grand and I can imagine the glory days of the place - a contrary of what it is now, dilapidating in some areas resolved by restoration efforts.

Fifth view, the mass grave of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

One of the Mass Grave Sites in Leyte

It is also a very heart-wrenching event in the Eastern Visayas when a super typhoon struck. It left many places in total devastation and death of thousands. This place is only one of the commemorative mass grave in the province and I hope their souls are in peace now.

Sixth spot, the Palo Cathedral.

Palo Cathedral

This cathedral has been erected since 1596 and has gone through a lot. It was also damaged by the typhoon Haiyan. After some efforts of rehabilitation, Pope Francis visited the cathedral briefly in 2015. The cathedral is so vibrant with its color and design.

Then, seventh spot, to Baybay City, Lintaon Peak and 16,000 blossoms.

From Tacloban City to Lintaon Peak, Baybay City, is approximately 2.5 hours ride. There are options like bus or van when doing a commute. For a van ride, we paid P150.00 per pax - Tacloban City to Baybay City. From Baybay City terminal to Lintaon peak, P50.00 per pax by a motorcycle ride. At the top, you will see the overlooking view of the city and the 16,000 blossoms lit at night time. The day of our visit was very windy and rainy. But it was fine, it was an experience to be there. :-)

Eighth spot is back in Tacloban City, the Sto. Nino Church.

Sto. Nino Church Tacloban

After a day in Baybay City, an evening in Tacloban is my closing trip at the Sto. Nino Church. The Sto. Nino in this church is known “El Kapitan”. The structure is iconic with its belfry lit at night. It has beautiful mural designs inside, too; it is a very lovely church and you will feel the holy presence.

You may have noticed, I have few spots visited, not because everything we did is visiting tourist spots, but there are errands my friend attended to, and I accompanied him. :-p

Anyways, I have enjoyed the sites to see in Tacloban City and some nearby municipalities. I hope you guys also enjoyed it too.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Feel free to share this to your friends and let’s spread the beauty of Leyte!

Food? Will be sharing it to another post. For sure, you will love it! :-)

Travel | Leyte: One of the Gems of Eastern Visayas Part 1

I will be dividing this post in two (2) parts…

Gifts from China to the former first family of Marcos

Part 1. Tacloban City, located in the Province of Leyte, Visayas, in Region VIII, is one of the cities that I am excited to see because of some historical significance and natural beauty. Yes, there are many things that happened in this side of the country - even its political story is very colorful. It is also one of the usual passages of tropical depression in the Philippines - the strongest was Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).

San Juanico Bridge

The city is still coping up from the devastation brought by the typhoon few years back. With this visit, I really appreciate the structure of some old buildings, photogenic spots, food and people. It is a city with a cozy environment. As a visitor coming from Davao City, yes, I did appreciate the place like another home away from home.

Davao City to Tacloban City is among the newest routes of a local airline that connects Davao City to most major destinations in the Visayas group of islands. Good thing that it has opened because commuters will now have more options by airplane from Davao City.

My itinerary includes a visit to the longest bridge - San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site (the man behind the “I shall return” statement), Kalanggaman Island in Palompon and visit to a museum. As always, plans are made but not fully followed. It has changed to a visit for my DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) appointment (as I have secured one in Tacloban - at least earlier than the schedule I have previously in Cotabato City), San Juanico Bridge, McArthur landing site, Sto. Nino Shrine (a very rich museum, yes, literally), Palo Cathedral, Baybay City for the 16,000 blossoms at Litaon Peak (since going to Kalanggaman will be difficult due to bad weather - having an option is always a thing to consider), and Sto. Nino Cathedral in Tacloban City. Aside from that, I am very thankful to my friend who is from Tacloban City because we are also able to have food tripping! So much delicious food to taste in Tacloban City, especially seafood. That is a 4 days, 3 nights adventure. ;-)

Here are my stories…

Securing a DFA appointment is like a race to many Filipinos right now. Why? It is because the validity of the passport has extended from five (5) to ten (10) years. Who wouldn’t have that, right? Actually, good thing I have secured a flight to Tacloban through a promo a year earlier and it is just timely that a slot for an appointment in DFA Tacloban has opened on my dates of vacation, too. Coincidence? :-p

I am glad that I have my friend, Dennis, in Tacloban City during my stay in the city. He’s my exclusive guide and I am very thankful that he accompanied me to all the places I went and food tasted - all are highly recommended. I will post the food I have tasted on a separate post. ;-}

First view, the Provincial Capitol of Leyte.

Provincial Capitol of Leyte

It is so beautiful! I can’t stop to stare at it with admiration. The day is gloomy and its beauty radiates in the vicinity with its classical design in white. The place has been once the seat of the Commonwealth Government of the Philippines. It is indeed a special spot in Tacloban City, it has historical significance and fine architectural beauty.

Second stop, the San Juanico Bridge.

"S" Curve of the San Juanico Bridge

It is the longest bridge in the country as of this moment. It is connecting the island provinces of Leyte and Samar. Seeing the bridge personally is an unlocked achievement for me. Yes, I just see it in photos and books and being able to pass through the bridge with its beautiful curves, like an “S”, is like living a dream. It has beautiful scenery that time we passed and my feeling was just so happy since I really that high hopes of going to the place and yes, I did it!

Third stop, the MacArthur Memorial Landing Site.

MacArthur Memorial Landing Site

 Douglas MacArthur is one of those significant people during the World War II, he is considered a hero. He uttered the words “I shall return” departing from the Philippines, and this landing site is the place, but not the original site, where he uttered, “I have returned.” It is a commemorative place wherein a promise is fulfilled.

Part 2>>>

Travel | Experience Serenity at Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park

"Cool Story Babe" Model: Clem Sulit Jr.

If you want to find an inner peace, make it happen to travel within your means. Find a place where you can relax and enjoy nature’s beauty - make a "cool story". In Davao City, there’s a number of it and one of it is the Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park.

The Team DDI with the De Vera Family Photo Credit: Janina Gantuangco

Some influencers in Davao are given the opportunity to witness the beauty and elegance of Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park. It is located at Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. It is approximately an hour road trip from downtown Davao City and it isn’t my first time to visit the place, but I still enjoy the commuting feels from a bustling metropolis towards a sanctuary with lush jungle-like environment.

The geodesic dome, cool spring pool and dining area.

Before coming to the place, it is better to contact them at these numbers, (082) 2236116, 09176212652, 09755139805 or 09182991674. Aside from their mobile numbers, reach them through their facebook page, www.facebook.com/davaobamboopark. Why? It is because going to the place commuting will need you to follow some instructions. Such as pick up time, when guests will be fetched at a mall in Calinan (Gaisano Grand).

What are the things I really like in the place, I will name you a few…

Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park

Model: Janina Gantuangco

First, as a nature lover, nature’s presence is felt everywhere with very vibrant plants, cool wind, spring water, and long bamboo trees around. You will really feel energized from being weary of every day’s job or business. It has also become an opportunity for many amateur and professional photographers to take as much photo in the sanctuary and share to social media accounts. It is really inviting!

Geodesic Dome

Second, as a person who can appreciate architectural structures, I really love the geodesic dome. Yes, the dome is 60 meters in diameter; it can cater 450 persons in an event. It is said to be the biggest geodesic dome in Davao City and assumed even in the whole country. The structure really has its identity and proudly erected in Davao City. It is like a treasure carved out from the wilderness!

Cool Spring Pool

Third, the cool spring pool, your body is refreshed once you dip in the water. Tried this in my first visit, and indeed, it is refreshing!

Not only that the pool is the body of water inside the ecological park, but there’s a pond with some vegetation, too.

Orientation at the Park

Fourth, as an advocate of the environment, advocacy on bamboo use and display is a two thumbs up! It is a time to give a brief overview of bamboo’s advantages and uses - educational and good for learners! In the world, there are 1500 species of bamboo and 32 of which can be seen in the park.

Fifth, as an outgoing individual, few outdoor activities can be played! Yes, they have an archery tag (form a team of 3 members), kayaking or gondola ride, drive of ATV and fishing. Among those activities, I loved the archery tag. It is an adrenaline releasing activity, so be sure to bring an extra shirt coming to the place.

Intercontinental Cuisine Buffet

Sixth, their food in buffet is awesome! For our visit, they served us about 30 dishes and some desserts with drinks. I love the shrimps, pork, chicken, vegetables, noodles (pancit) and the moringa juice! Though I like everything that is served!

The whole area is approximately 3.5 hectares and only 1 hectare is currently developed. Soon enough, more development will be put in and roads going to the park will be improved, too. It will not only be a day tour (P250 for entrance fee) park, but also a place where people can stay overnight (room rates range from P2500 to P5200) for some activities. Events are accommodated, too!

I hope you enjoy reading this post! Let it be known to your friends, too, by sharing it.

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Travel | Enjoy Batanes on a Shoestring Budget

It is in the bucketlist of many Filipinos to visit and spend a vacation in the northernmost part of the country, Batanes group of islands. It is because the place is very clean, green and arguably one of the best places to be in the Philippines! Indeed, as experienced, it is really what I expected!

Now, I will share to you how I manage to bring only two thousand pesos (P2000) pocket money for the trip. I will also share to you how I am able to afford cheaper airfare for this trip. I will also share how I survived the 4 days and 3 nights vacation in the island. :-)

First things first, find the cheapest fare and if not the cheapest, at least the cheaper rates. In the market, Skyjet Air and Philippine Airlines fly to this northernmost territory. As of my observation, one-way ticket on both airlines will not go much less five thousand pesos (P5000) on a regular fare with other fees and taxes. The best thing to do to get a chance of their promo fare is to take chances on travel exposition. I got my roundtrip ticket for six thousand one hundred ninety-one pesos (P6191) during a travel expo. It may not be the cheapest but at least cheaper with 2 months before departure date. It is not a peak season visit and it is a risk booking dates during wet season, however, just pray for the best! ;-)

Next, try to search for tours in Batanes. There are blogs which are readily available for your guide to Batanes. I tried to compare a tour package for 3 days and a contact in the island for a tour, a tour package will cost you less. I got mine for four thousand nine hundred ninety-nine pesos (P4999) under BISUMI Tours. It is a promo rate for 3 days that include North Batan, Sabtang Island and South Batan. Aside from that, there is a complimentary lunch (Ivatan food) during the tour, refreshments, van transit and boat fees, other tour fees, a tour guide who can also take beautiful photos, tour bag, airport transfers and souvenir items! Where can you find anything as such? Well, thanks to Sir Ryan of BISUMI Tours you can contact him at these numbers 09989885898 or find their page - BISUMI Tours. Good thing also that they have an attached contact for cheap, humble and decent fan accommodation that amounts to five hundred pesos (P500) each night and for 3 nights, I paid one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500). By the way, BISUMI stands for Basco, Itbayat, Sabtang, Uyugan, Mahatao and Ivana which represents the municipalities of Batanes.

Alright, what other fees that you need to prepare? Upon arrival at Basco Airport, each guest has to pay an environmental fee of three hundred fifty pesos (P350) which is intended for the island's preservation and building of restrooms similar to stone houses near to prime tourist destinations. Prepare a your budget of one thousand five hundred pesos (P1500) for food (breakfast, dinner and snacks) and for more souvenir. Then, prepare one hundred fifty pesos (P150) for bike and Ivatan weather protection attire (vakul for ladies and kaayo for the gents) rental.

Total costs:
P6191 - roundtrip airfare (via SkyJet)
P6499 - 3 days tour c/o BISUMI Tours and 3 nights accommodation
P450 - 3 days breakfast
P965 - 3 nights dinner
P20 - Kanayi rental
P40 - Bike rental (P20/hr)
P350 - Environmental fee
P500 - Souvenir and food items
Total of P14665, not bad for a 4 days 3 nights Batanes Tour!

Next posts about Batanes will be the Tours and Food!

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Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 2

Part 2

The trip from Zamboanga City to Sulu is very pleasant. I liked it because I never felt we sailed but arrived at the destination. I thank the fine weather for that. Read the Part 1 here.

Upon docking at the Port of Jolo, I tried to keep myself calm as there is an excitement in me of what to see and hear in the province. Not to my surprise, I heard some blast being fired from afar. I am not sure if that is a cannon or close encounter with rebels. That day we visited is the end of Ramadan or the Eid'l Fitr. It is a celebration welcomed with a bang! It is like a new year for our Muslim friends; a day that they celebrate the holiest time among the Muslims. I just ignored the blast knowing that there is ceasefire because of the celebration. :-P

Jolo, Sulu Tricycle: Calesa-like

At the Port of Jolo, my attention is caught by a tricycle. It is the first time i saw a tricycle! LOL Kidding aside, I am simply happy to see such a design that I think is unique in Jolo, Sulu. The design is simple but for me it stands out. Its design is like a small calesa but attached to a bicycle. Some other tricycles I have seen in other provinces in the country are fancy decorated but this one is simple and authentic.

Travel | Tales from Sulu Part 1

Sulu is a province in the Southwestern part of the Philippines. Jolo is the capital of the province wherein people residing there are mostly native tausug. The place is dominantly Muslim. It is also one of the places feared by many as it is home of the bandits known as Abu Sayyaf.

It is really sad that a place will be labeled as a place you should not get into. I mean, it instills fear even one hasn't gotten there yet. This travel out of work is really something that excites me; a place not usually visited yet is supported by our project. I want to share what I saw in the place. Hence, I have here a 2-part blog post.

Zamboanga Airport

From Manila, there is no direct flight to Sulu. One has to travel to Zamboanga City then ride a fast craft or a usual cargo and passenger vessel to go to Sulu. If a fast craft is taken, it will take 4 to 5 hours to arrive Sulu. However, our visit is a day before the end of Ramadan, only the cargo and passenger vessel that ships cargoes and people from Zamboanga City to Sulu is available and it takes 10 to 12 hours to arrive Sulu.

Travel | Better WiFi Connections in the Airports of the Philippines

The Internet connectivity in the Philippines is considered one of the slowest in the world. Yes, it has been featured reported by reliable sources like (put here the source). Public wifi is not even considered an option for connections due to its lame performance and you will need to wait for minutes just to open the site of google.

Well, what has happened? Prior to the elections in the Philippines, several small, newly renovated airports and installed wifi connectivity routers in the Philippines has been giving reliable strength of connection like in Butuan Airport and Zamboanga Airport. Isn't that great? Of course, it is!!! Two thumbs up for that. Yet, recently, I tried to check wifi connections in the biggest airport in the country - post elections in the Philippines - Ninoy Aquino International Airport, remarkably, has great improvement on connections. Writing this post in the airport is humbling. Change is happening.

Before, having your own data is the option  due to lame public wifi strength. But now, with the improvement of connection, thank you to the free public wifi by the telecommunications companies, we now have another reliable option for Internet connectivity at our public airports. No, I am not paid for this, in fact, I put both big telecommunications company here. I am just a happy end user. Who wouldn't be? What took it so long to experience such an experience? Yet, it is not too late for more improvement. If the public wifi improved, hence, data subscribers should have better connections. Well, just my opinion though. ;-)

Oh wait, this is Kadayawan Festival sa Dabaw 2016, I may just insert, one of these telecommunications company giving public wifi is the sponsor. I do hope that reliable Internet connection will be experienced too by the festival goers.

I hope you enjoyed your pass in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Hope you will frequently visit. ;-)