Recently, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia brought eight (8) tour agents and tour operators from North Sulawesi (Sulut) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to promote different tourist destinations from those regions. It is the first time that the sales mission went to Davao City after a round of sales mission in Manila. With this activity, every one is excited and hope to revive the direct flight from Davao City, Philippines to Manado, Indonesia.
Indonesia Cultural Dance
This year the Ministry of Tourism targets to have 17 million visitors all over the world.The Phillippines, as a neighbor, friend and brother country, the ministry targets 180,000 visitors. With much love, as of October this year, Filipino visitors have reached 179,600 or that is 99.8% of the target. That is such a very promising number and hopefully it will increase more.
As of the moment, there are three airlines flying from the Philippines to Indonesia, to wit: 1) the Philippine Airlines, 2) Cebu Pacific and 3) AirAsia. The destinations covered by these airlines are Manila-Jakarta and Manila-Denpasar routes. Most interests of Filipino visitors in Indonesia include vacation, shopping and culinary tours. Most visited places of Filipinos are Jakarta, Bali and Batam.
ConGen Napitupulu Giving a Speech
With the leadership of ConGen. Berlian Napitupulu of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, the sales mission has been made possible in Davao City. There are a lot input that ConGen Napitupulu has given to the guests, especially on exploring potentials to make the air linkage sustainable in the future. He also added that the sales mission is made to create market, create trade and create reason to travel. As such, there could be events that will exchange professionals, exchange of sport events, exchange of youth and exchange of students. In which, one example that ConGen has highlighted was the presence of a good medical school in Davao City wherein 1200 students from India have enrolled. He added that why not for Indonesians? Davao City is nearer to Manado compare to bringing the students to farther places and more expensive. Aside from that, ConGen has shared that in two (2) years they have participated nineteen (19) expos and six (6) of which are solo expos organized by the consulate. These promotional activities are done to make long term deals.
Deputy Director Pelitasari Giving Updates
Together with ConGen Napitupulu is the Deputy Director of Promotion for the Philippines and Sulawesi, Mrs. Afrida Pelitasari. She has shared that they have a challenging target for next year that is to have 260,000 Filipino visitors. However, she is hopeful with their five (5) marketing strategy approach to strengthen engagement, to wit: 1) travel mart, 2) fam trip (family or friends trip), 3) sales mission (which is the recent event), 4) Indonesia festival and 5) integrated marketing program with the cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and airlines, as well as, opening of new air routes.
Table Top Sessions for Tour Familiarization
Consul Endah with Raffle Winners
Indeed, the sales mission is a very exciting event which hopes to bring a fruitful future between the Philippines and Indonesia, especially in Davao City. There are cultural shows made by Indonesian dancers, play of tourism promotional ad campaign videos, also a healthy discussion of tour agents and tour operators from Indonesia with Davao tour operators in exploring possible cooperation and one of the most awaited part is the raffle of Indonesian made items and tour packages.
Winners of Tour Packages All-Expense Paid
Terima Kasih, Indonesia! I hope and pray that the Davao-Manado route will be revived and made sustainable in the future. For further information, visit: www.indonesia.travel.
This December 18 will start a new international destination from Davao: Davao City, Philippines to Quanzhou, China. Davao International Airport has three (3) existing international flights, to wit: Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Now, Quanzhou will be the 4th international destination coming from Davao City brought by Xiamen Airlines.
Davao City will be very excited to show its culture to the Chinese visitors. Davao City, as home to 11 tribes, will exhibit arts and dances that will welcome the visitors with much color. A visit to the areas of conservation like the Philippine Eagle Foundation will also be a good opportunity to see the mighty eagle and visit the countryside of the city. Not so far, there are beautiful white sand beaches also that tourists will love to dip in. Also, fresh, good food will be enjoyed!
Something that will interest our travelers…
If you wish to be in a historical and cultural city, Quanzhou is one of them in China. Tourists will enjoy beautiful attractions in the city. It is home of a large Buddhist complex, the Kaiyuan Temple, wherein tourists can observe monks praying, can roam around beautiful gardens and have some souvenir items. As a historical destination, some museums are good to visit too! For those nature lover and hikers, Mount Qingyuan is there to show you the beauty of nature and the city view. Also, there are so much food that can be tasted with bunch of sea food, noodles and grilled meat. For tea lovers out there, ceremonial tea may be in your bucket list to experience and taste.
Both destinations will show their best to tell a story. Both will be worth a visit. Both are sister cities.
Flight schedules twice a week (Tuesdays and Fridays) are as follows:
Quanzhou (JJN) - Davao (DVO) flight MF8679 departs at 09:00H and arrives at 12:15H
DVO - JJN flight MF8680 departs at 13:50H and arrives at 16:30H
But I hope visa processing from Davao to Quanzhou will be easy. Consulate of China in Davao can serve visa processing. :-)
Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines is one of the international gateways of the Philippines in the southern island. It is a welcome development when more investors are coming in and open more opportunities to explore the potential of the city. One of which is AirAsia’s new air route of Davao City to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is pretty exciting!
AirAsia currently officiated the recently launched route from Davao City to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia that operates four (4) times a week. A press conference was held wherein Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio, Davao City Mayor; Eden Josephine L. David, Tourism Assistant Secretary; Aireen Omar, AirAsia Deputy Group CEO - Digital, Transformation, Corporate Services and Riad Asmat, AirAsia Berhad CEO attended.
Aireen Omar
According to Aireen Omar, “AirAsia is excited about our first international route to Davao. We do not only connect Davao to Malaysia, but we also bring Davao closer to our extensive network of destinations in ASEAN, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and the US.” I agree with her remarks as AirAsia Malaysia hub is sprawling with so much number of travelers all around the globe with its massive network. ASEAN Pass is one thing that I am very excited about - hopefully Davao route is included - very soon! Omar added, “We are committed to growing tourism beyond the most famous tourism hotspots. We look forward to work closely with the Davao City Mayor, airport authorities and government bodies to put Davao on the map of must-visit destinations in ASEAN.”
Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio
The City Government of Davao also responded that it is ready to welcome visitors from Malaysia. There are efforts of strengthening more Halal-compliant establishments, security, law and order, traffic, transportation and many other essential activities for sustainability. Really, there are high hopes for this!
AirAsia is the all-time World’s Best Low-cost Airline winner for 9 consecutive years already. Celebratory all-in-fares of one-way Davao to Kuala Lumpur route are seen at P1599 available online with flying period now until July 31, 2018.
Davao is Ready!
Flight Schedule fro Davao City, Philippines (DVO) to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) are as follows:
- Flight No. AK591 DVO to KUL departs at 14:55H every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
- Flight No. AK590 KUL to DVO departs at 10:25H every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Philippines AirAsia has also connected Davao to other major destinations in the country such as Cebu, Manila, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Clark. Hoping for more destinations and more promos!
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.
Travel has been a "dose for sanity" to me. An acute change of environment is a brain stimulant for me - just like coffee! Also, just like some lyrics from a song, "all my senses come to life"! Though my travel adventure isn't about a love story but it is a chance to indulge another culture, experience a way of living and taste sumptuous food. Also, traveling makes me fulfill my dreams of visiting a place, especially, Japan! Yes, for an ASEAN like me, going to this country is one in the bucket list. There are four (4) seasons in this country and surely, different colors and hues will be experienced each season. Yet and yet, before coming to this country, do not forget to accomplish your visa (oh yeah, third world country problem...lol). However, it is not that difficult to get one visa, for now; just be sure to have the complete requirements processed through an accredited agency. So, Filipinos wanting to visit Japan, as tourist, should prepare the following:
1) Completely filled out Visa Application Form in A4 paper.
2) One (1) Japan Visa passport photo, WHITE background, glued at the application form.
3) Valid passport at least six (6) months before the travel.
4) Detailed daily itinerary in Japan from ARRIVAL to DEPARTURE date.
5) Original Bank Certificate
6) Original and photocopy of your latest BIR Form 2316 or the Income Tax Return (ITR), original copy will be returned
First time travelers to Japan will have additional requirements to comply, to wit:
1) Original Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (formerly known as National Statistics Office) within one year
2) Original Marriage Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority within a year (if applicable)
For students/minors traveling to Japan, additional requirement will have to be submitted, to wit:
1) Photocopy of School ID.
Tip: Retired or senior citizen will not need to comply the ITR. If one lacks a requirement, a letter addressed to the embassy should be attached and submitted for the visa processing.
Usually, you will be advised that your visa will be available within 7 working days. Good thing that I got mine within two (2) days after submission of requirements. I have paid also nine hundred pesos (P900.00) for the visa with its processing. It should be noted that the visa processing payment by agencies may differ in cost.
After getting your visa, get ready for a luxurious visit to Japan!
My stories from Japan will be posted here in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. I hope you will share your stories, too!
The following day, I explored the city alone. The landmark where I started the tour is at the City Hall. So, to justify that I really am at Seoul, the Seoul City Hall is the best place to be and have that selfie! LOL see previous post here
Good thing in the City Hall area is that it is also near other landmarks to visit. Since it is spring time, most spring flowers are in bloom and vibrant such as this red and white flowers in this "I love you Seoul" landscape at the Seoul Plaza. Behind this landscape is the beautiful building of Seoul Metropolitan Library.
I Love You Seoul at Seoul Plaza
Flowers at the Sidewalk
Lots and lots of flowers at the sidewalk...vibrant and colorful! This is not a usual scene in the Philippines because these spring flowers will surely dry up in the tropical environment. I thought that these are plastic ornaments but no, these are real flowers!
Just across the Seoul Plaza is where the Deoksugung Palace is located. So, I took the chance of exploring the place also. The entrance fee costs KRW 1000. This palace is said to be the palace that has western touch and it bridges the old and modern eras of Seoul.
Gate of Deoksugung Palace
Deoksugung Palace
Inside Deoksugung Palace
Inside and outside the palace, there are pinkish flowers, and I always suspect it as the cherry blossom, but they are not! I am late for the bloom of the cherry blossoms. Some moments of rain and gust are also factors that will fall off the flowers just like those petals at the right photo - actually, those are cherry blossom petals. Those trees that you see are not green when the buds are in bloom! As the locals say, you will see white, pink, then green. Another point here is that, this stone-wall road you see is considered as one of Korea's beautiful roads, indeed!
Deoksugung Doldam-gil: One of the Beautiful Korean Roads
I continued to walk along the vicinity and I arrived near the Seoul Museum of Art. That big floral bouquet is one their entrance's visual arts. The Korean people are really arty!
Big Floral Bouquet at Seoul Museum of Art
Further steps, you will arrive at the Seoul Museum of History. It is where I further explore Seoul through the eyes. They have a scale model of the city that is very cool! It plays well with some lights and texts - very modern to present the division of districts in Seoul even to its main streets. By the way, it has a free admission - good thing because I am able to stay while it is raining.
Sakura!!!
Seoul Museum of History
But hey, upon walking towards my next destination, since the rain has stopped, too - look what I have found!!! Eureka! Eureka! Eureka! I found a species of cherry blossoms (the photo at the right)! From its looks and color - this is like the ornaments displayed inside the malls in the Philippines - this is indeed a cherry blossom! Anyways, the search is not still off since to see more of it because the cherry blossom is the prominent icon whenever we talk about spring time. :-)
After seeing that cherry blossom, I proceeded to the Gwanghwamun Square. It is where you will see the two most respected historical figures by the Koreans: Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (statue at the left) and King Sejong (statue at the right).
After visiting the Gwanghwamun Square, I proceeded to Changdeokgung Palace - recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage and listed on 1997. It has an entrance fee that costs KRW 3000. This is among the palaces that has a colorful past and has been home to one of Japan's princesses during the Japanese occupation in Korea.
The Changdeokgung Palace
Where the Japanese Princess Lived
At the Changdeokgung Palace, there is also a scheduled palace tour in English. It is very interesting to learn about the history of the place and I hope there is such a thing in the Philippines. However, there are no royal families in the Philippines, perhaps, it can be done among cultural villages. Anyways, moving forward, more steps, the next palace is the Changgyeonggung Palace, however, I did not enter the palace because I want to catch the Jongmyo Royal Shrine.
Jongmyo Royal Shrine is also listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. It has an entrance fee of KRW 1000. It is where the memorial tablets for the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynasty the served Korea, are kept. They follow Confucian tradition.
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine
Memorial services in this shrine also hold the oldest ancestral rites conducted since 1464. It is recognized as the one of the Masterpieces of the Oral Tradition and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001. At this shrine, there is also an English shrine tour. There are some restrictions where to step in the shrine's paved ways since it is believed that some of those ways are for the spirits not humans.
The Lotte World
This is my final destination for the day...the Lotte World, one of South Korea's theme parks. It is already almost night time when I arrived. Spending more than KRW 20,000 entering the park isn't that practical at all. Few hours to spend is not worthy, so, I just took a photo outside. LOL
That was a very tiring day. Much of walk the whole day. Pretty excited for another day's tour at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where you will be at South and North Korea's boundary!
I hope you enjoyed the visit in my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Share your story too!
One of South Korea's gateway to the world is Incheon International Airport. This is among the best airports in the world. I am glad at least I have been to it and among other best airports. Okay, you got me there, my happiness is not that high...I am okay just at the airport! LOL
Anyways, supposedly, I will ask my friend to at least fetch me in the airport so that I won't get lost on my arrival. However, I am given an instruction of how to get their place instead. Alright, that is part of the adventure then...constantly, I need to catch a free wifi at the airport so that I can message my friend: if I have arrived safely and if I have gotten into the bus at the scheduled time where I am going so that my time of arrival to the bus stop will be estimated. There you go... I am asked to ride on bus 6004 going to Gasan Digital Complex. So I need to check where the bus ticket stall outside the arrival hall and buy for the bus ticket to Gasan Digital. Finding the bus ticket stall isn't difficult after all, there are two counters one that speaks in English and the other one in Korean. Good job! I am then asked to pay KRW 10,000 for the ticket, ugh, that's is a bit pricey, but I have to abide to the instructions. LOL (Another option could have been riding a train...but since the subway system in Seoul is a bit complex at first, my friend worries that I might get lost along the transit, but it is actually more cheap!) Following the instructions given to me, isn't bad at all. I arrived safely even though the driver and I can't communicate that well - reading street signs and names really works!
On the first day of my adventure, I contacted my Korean family friend. Yeah, we met them in Cebu City at Fort San Pedro with my parents. They are pretty warm and friendly. They even told us to tell them whenever we travel in Seoul, that was way back 2013. Good thing I managed to constantly communicate with them especially, Sena, a writer. So, we met again springtime 3 years after. :-)
They fetched me at the place of where I stay and we scheduled for a palace tour, wearing a hanbuk (Korean attire), and taste authentic Korean dishes! :-)
First stop, the Gyeongbokgung Palace!
Visiting Seoul, South Korea - Spring Time
It is the biggest among the five (5) palaces preserved in Seoul. The palace gate is very wide...good thing when we arrived at the vicinity, there is this ceremonial exchange shifts of the guards. It is drawing attraction among visitors like me and even my Korean friends saw it for the first time, too. Watch the video below as part of the ceremony.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Gate
Before entering the palace gate, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee of around KRW 3,000. In the vicinity, you will witness some couples in hanbuk or the traditional Korean attire. If they wear it, they will free of charge for the entrance fee. That is cool! Some of them become an instant attraction because of their attire and additional to promote tourism in the place. This place is also a place wherein tourists do some photo shoot. From this view, at the right side of the gate is a stall wherein tourists can wear a royal guard attire for less than an hour. Thus, here I chose the general of the gate guard attire. Tick that on my list of things to do!!!
I thank the Sena and her family for being my interpreter and guide at that moment. It is like fulfilling a wishlist of a dear friend...
Me and Sena's Family at the Gyeongbokgung Palace Gate
The vicinity is also near the National Palace Museum wherein we took time to explore too. I enjoyed this place as it showcases a palace's artifacts, their early sciences and other palace essentials. I am glad to have this chance to understand a part of Korea and their culture related to other Asian race.
Entrance to the National Palace Museum of Korea and Stamps
Then, we entered the palace. We chose the English language for the Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour for my benefit which is scheduled three (3) times a day: 11:00 H, 13:30 H and 15:30 H. Our tour guide is Ms. Lee. She is also wearing a hanbuk during the tour and she speaks English very well. She also explains well during the tour.
The vicinity of the palace is comprised of several building and each building is identified according to its design and small details at the roof. Cool, isn't it? There are allot of symbols visible in every buidling such as the golden dragon, five (5) mountains and two (2) moons, the dragons forming like the yin and yang and other things that you will discover in every building.
The country experiences four (4) seasons and there are questions of how do each building and people inside survive the freezing cold winter season... Well, it is explained that there are portions of the building that is like a chimney but the heat is circulated in the building and it is absorbed by the layers of the floor of very building. That is something very scientific and an adaptive way to survive changes of season.
This is the end portion of the tour wherein we are brought to the palace banquet area for special occasions. Since it is a royal gathering, guests and members of the royal family will have to abide on rules on the do's and don'ts. You will experience serenity in this area as it is also wide, surrounded by a lake with carps, and garden around.
We also explored other parts of the palace not passed by the tour. Have some photo opportunities and well, it is tiring and making us starving...so, the next stop is for a restaurant to eat authentic Korean dishes!!!
Dinner Time!!!
My bad... I have not able to capture every food that is served but will just tell you what we ate...hahaha
As an appetizer, we have kim chi and ssam bap - the spicy fermented cabbage and lettuce as wrap for rice or bulgogi. Aside from that, we have the cold noodles (usually eaten during summer), bulgogi, bibimbap and have our tummies filled! Oh wow! That is really a sumptuous Korean treat! Indeed a treat because I attempted to cash out but I am refused to share...they are also happy that I enjoyed the food and the tour. Thank you!!!
During this day, several activities have been checked out in my list of things to do! Yehey!!! More to come in the coming posts!
