Chronicles of the Wanderer

Cotabato City

2009-11-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself heading to Cotabato City, here are some of the hotels available in the area

Diamond Hotel
Jose Lim Sr., St.
Cotabato City
Tel. No.: (064) 421-5118

Azalea Pension House
128-1-A Sinsuat Avenue,
Rosary Heights, Cotabato City
Tel. NO: (064)421-8122; (064)421-1123

El Manuel
Quezon Avenue, Cotabato City
Tel. No.: (064)421-9883; (064)421-2576

Pacific Heights and the Marquesa
Don. T.V. Juliano Avenue, Cotabato City
Tel. No.:(064)421-2249
Fax. No.: (064)421-5252

Grand Rio Hotel
#80 Don Rufino Alonzo St., Cotabato City
Tel. No.:(064)421-8770

Grand Ficus Plaza Hotel and Restaurant
Ninoy Aquino, Lanao Kidapawan City
Tel. No:(064)278-3192; (064)278-3308

AJ Hi Time Hotel
Laurel St., cor Plaridel St., Kidapawan City
Tel. No.: (064)288-1811; (064) 288-1475

Beldent Sta Hotel
Ledesma Ext., Tacuring City
Tel. No.: (064) 200-4734;(064)200-3698

Estosan Garden Hotel
Gov. Gutierez Avenue, Cotabato City
Tel. No.:((064)421-6777

Let's Move Southward

2009-11-17T21:41:00.000-08:00

My first so called "roadtrip" was towards southward. I was asked to join a monitoring team to attend an inspection and meeting in Davao del Sur.

Digos City of Davao del Sur, is a good hour travel by land from Davao City. Digos houses the best bibingka i ahve ever tasted. Mer's Kakanin shop have been in the business for too long already. They offer good kakanin stuff.

Another 30 minute drive will take you the the first zipline in Mindanao, Camp Sabros. The place would require you to bring picnic baskets and your own car to reach the place. Though I haven't been there, but my friends say its worth all the travelling and walking.

Still part of Davao del Sur, is the highway going to Don Marcelino. The road strarts from Sulop Junction and into Sta. Maria Munipality. Here you will see Mindanao's own Little Boracay. White Sand Beaches with a long stretch of water that is only ankle deep. heaven. The resort belongs to the incumbent mayor and it has little cottages for overnight stays. The resort also has a function room that overlooks the beach.

Move furhter down is Malita where they also have their own version of the little Baguio. Most of the area belongs to the Bautista Family so we were not able to visit the place plus you need a four wheel drive to trek the road going up.

The last municipality of the province of Davao del Sur, Jose Abad Santos. Now this place is heaven for the seafood lovers. Lobsters a foot long only costs Php 50.00 that's quite a steal. plus most of the people living there are indigenous. Mode of Transportation i s by walking. People from far barangays would travelled for days just to reach the town proper and buy stuff. Some barangays doesn't have any electric connection. So the primitive life still exists in this area.

Then next stop would be General Santos City already.

Must see places in Davao del Sur:

Binaton Bagobo Village
Badiang Mat Weavers
Jose Abad Santos Hot spring
Tubalan Cove
Saragani Underwater Cave
Pasig Island
Bacoco Spring/Falls
Kipanan Falls
Tagaktak Falls
Mainit Spring
Malalag Hill View Park
Balutakay Fox Holes
Shoreline Mangroves
Dulangan Cascading Falls

Futher North! Davao Oriental

2009-11-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

If we go a little further north we can visit the seaside province of Davao Oriental, where the sleeping dinosaur resides. A good 2 hours drive from Davao City, Mati, Davao Oriental is blessed with lots of white sand beaches that could compete with Camiguin.

Davao Oriental is home of the seaweed industry that is used for making gulaman. It is also the mother location of the original Menzi Pomelo. Before Nenita came into fame, Menzi Pomelo was already making a name. Mati's City Hall is located on top of a plateau that gives you a panoramic view of the beaches surrounding it.

Accommodations in Mati, Davao Oriental
Baywalk Hotel

Must Visit Sites:

17th Century Caraga Church
Cape Sa Agustin
San Agustin Altar Cave
Mandaya Village
Provincial Capitol Park
Aliwagwag Falls
Calapagan Hotsprings
Sigaboy Island
Mt. Hamiguitan Bonsai Tree Forest
Pujada Island
Waniban Beach
San Victor Island
Cabugao Island
Puting Bato Waterfalls
Magdawa Falls
Baso Hot Springs
Twin Falls
Mayo Bay Beach
Aroma Beach
Dahican Beach
Tinaytay Coral Reefs
Cawa-Cawa Pools

A Peek into Tagum City

2009-11-08T20:40:00.001-08:00

Tagum City of the Province of Davao del Norte is 55 kilometer away from DAvao City. This means it is an hour drive from Davao City proper. Its a small city but has a very good planning polcies. Below are the places to visit in Davao del Norte.

Tibi-Tibi Cultural Community

Gupitan Cultural Village

Katarina Beach Resort

Barret Beach Resort

Elena’s Beach Resort

Gambarilla Resort and Restaurant

Aqua Land Resort

Paraiso

Magical Hidden Spring of Panas

Binandan Waterfalls

Iganong Cave and Spring

Mesolong Falls

Mt. Mossy

Quimoy Cold Spring

Lake Bagtok

Dakudao Ecotourism Park

Suwaon Nature Park

Datu Balong Hills

San Miguel Caves

Matol Falls

Davao Penal Colony

Tadeco Banana Plantation

Nestle Experimental Demo Farm

Aqua Penon

RJS Farm

Definitely a day tour in this little city is not enough, perhaps you could stay for another day. Here are some places to sleep in Tagum City.

Golden Palace Hotel
Diversion Road, Prk Santol, La Filipina
Tagum City
Tel. No: (084) 400-4871

Lakan's Place
National Highway, Visayan Village
Tagum City
Tel. No.: (084) 217-3792; (084)400-1251

Davao Good Sights and Good Eats..

2009-10-30T01:07:00.000-07:00

What else is Davao known for aside from being one of the most livable cities in the country? Yes, we have the sights and we the food to give you a satisfying vacation. This is the city where typhoons takes a second though in stepping its foot in, where rice shortage is an alien issue and this is the city where taxi drivers are honest and smokers are jailed.

When relatives and friends visit me, the most common "go-to" place is the Eden Nature Park in Toril. This is one of the location of the highest point in the city. Its an hour drive from downtown proper, public transportation don't have routes going there unless you hire taxi cab. Most of the time private cars are used going there. The park is a 7 hectare (i'm not sure about this) lot which offers everything that promotes relaxation. It offers buffet lunch for Php 450.00 per head and serves everything grown organic.

Here are the list: (I'll type more later)

Pearl Farm Resort
Eden Nature Park
Malagos Garden Resort
Jack’s Ridge Grill
Crocodile Farm
White Water Rafting
Aldevinco Arts and Crafts Center
Matina Town Square
Museo Dabawenyo
Puentespina Orchid and Tropical Plant Garden
Philippine Eagle Research and Nature Center
Baganihan Caves
MInflo Flower Market
T’boli Weaving Center

Good Food

Lachi's
Baby Cakes
Bigby's
Papa Ching's
Kasaginan
Kangaroo Coffee Shop
Hola Espanya
Chippens Buffet
Gardena Fresca

more Davao bed providers..

2009-10-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

CASA LETICIA
J. Camus St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 224 – 0501
224 – 0503
224 – 0504
casaleticia@yahoo.com

ROOM RATES: (includes breakfast)
Single Php 2,400.00
Twin 2,600 .00

MICROTEL DAVAO

I've checked their rooms and its pretty big. can accommodate 4 people already. This is one of the newest hotels in Davao so everything is new and well maintained. The location of the hotel is also accessible to transportation and is surrounded by commercial establishments like McDonald's, Market Basket, Ola Espanya, banks and a pharmacy.

Damosa Gateway Complex
Anglionto Road (Mamay Road) Lanang Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 233 – 2333
Fax No.: (082) 235 – 2033
Mobile: +639053039840
davao.sales@microtel.ph

ROOM RATE: (includes breakfast)
Double Room Php 2,925.00
Suite Php 4,095.00

SAMPAGUITA TOURIST INN

I've got to say, this is one of the cheapest accommodations in the city. The catch is, they don't accept phone reservations. They prefer walk-in customers. also, when my fiance stayed their last week, the executive room doesn't have a continuous supply of water. You also have to pay for the remote and the towel. Too much hassle. But if you prefer cheap place to stay you can check out Sampaguita Inn

Quirino Ave., cor Camus St., and Mt. Mayon St.,
Davao City
Tel. No.: (082)305-8680
(082)302-7645

ROOM RATES: (breakfast not included)
Single Occupancy Php 550.00
Double Occupancy Php 650.00
Matrimonial Occupancy Php 600.00
Triple Occupancy Php 800.00
Family Occupancy Php 1,200.00
Executive (4 beds) Php 1,500.00

We R Inn Hotel

This little hotel is located right in front of Gaisano Mall of Davao, therefore, food is not a problem and the place is accessible to transportation. Though I haven't checked their room out. The place is good enough for those who are just looking for a place to sleep at and not spend most of the time inside the room.

J.P. Laurel Avenue Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 227 - 9328; (082) 300-0702
we_r_inn@yahoo.com

ROOM RATES: includes breakfast
Single Occupancy Php 850.00
Twin Occupancy Php 1,100.00

Regency Inn Inc
Villa Abrille Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 227-7777
Fax No.: (082)227-4333
regency@regencyinndavao.com

ROOM RATE: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 1,200.00
Twin Occupancy Php 1,400.00

Elle's Pension House

A&J Building, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 221-8499
(082) 300-1676

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 600.00
Double Occpancy Php 750.00

Emeral Inn
J. Camus Ext. Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 225 -4825
(082) 221-1641

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 650.00
Double Occupancy Php 750.00

Hotel Galleria
Gov. Duterte Street, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082)221-2480

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 895.00
Double Occupancy Php 1,299.00

Sychar Garden Hotel
148 J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 24-0603

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Standard Single Php 795.00
Standard Twin Php 1,050.00
Deluxe Twin Php 1,200.00

Viajeros Economic Inn
Ecoland, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 297 - 5710

ROOM RATES: Php 850.00

Roadway Inn
L&A Building, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City

Tel. No.: (082) 227-9000; (082)221-9000

ROOM RATES:
Single Occupancy Php 750.00
Twin Occupancy Php 950.00

La Casitas de Angela Inn
Rizal St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 222-3001; (082)224-0945; (082)300-7703
Mobile Number: 09182203040; 09228680154
casitasdeangela@hotmail.com

ROOM RATES: includes dinner
Single Occupancy Php 895.99
Double Occupancy Php 1,395.00

Davao Tower Inn
A. Quirino Ave., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 221-1099; (082)221-3400

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 750.00
Double Occupancy Php 900.00

C5 Dormitel
Roxas Avenue, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 228-6186

Chateau del Mar
Lizada Beach, Lizada Drive, Lanang Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 234-3472

Crown Regency Residences
J.P. Cabaguio Ave., Agdao, Davao City
Tel. No: (082)225-8188

FM&A Suites
407-B, Brgy. 36-D, Artiaga St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082)227-9391

Lanang Business Inn
Banawe Street, Lanang, Davao City
(082)221-5864

The Ritz Garden Hotel
Porras Street, Bo. Obrero, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 228-6885

Villa Margarita
J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 221-5674

My Hotel
San Pedro St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 222-2021; (082)300-4040
email add: myhoteldavao@yahoo.com

ROOM RATES:
Single de Luxe Php 800.00
Double de Luxe Php 995.00
Twin de Luxe Php 1,050.00
Non-Aircon Php 250.00

Davao sleepover!

2009-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Next thing when taking a vacation is the issue on where to stay. Here is the list of hotels and my own reviews of the hotels and inns available in my hometown Davao. By the way, the idea of listing all these accommodations was sparked just a month ago when I was looking for a place to stay for my future-in-laws. It was a bit harrowing because I have to check if the linens and beddings are good, good bathroom, cheap and most of all no place for cockroach to play around. Actually those were the conditions my future sister-in-law gave me. So here are the lists:

Marco Polo Hotel

Located at the heart of the city, Marco Polo Hotel stands as one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. Albeit, expensive, you will still get your money’s worth in terms of service and the quality of its facilities. All rooms, are equipped with a view of the city. The hotel boasts of its buffet lunch and dinner which serves international cuisines. My sister’s wedding preparation was held at one of their rooms. I mean, we had our make-up done there not the reception thingy. Although the room was not big enough to accommodate the entire lot of us, still, the room was serviceable. The bath had a tub, which delighted my little nephew. The beddings and linen are clean and smells like all first class hotels do.

So if your budget allows you to enjoy luxury with a capital L stay in Marco Polo.

Marco Polo Hotel
P.O. Box 81540 C.M. Recto Street, Davao City
(63 82) 221 – 0888
63 92 225 – 0111
davao@marcopolohotels.com

ROOM RATES: Php (will update) includes breakfast

Apo View Hotel

This is one of the oldest but well maintained hotel in Davao City. The hotel is located within downtown area, near People’s Park.

Apo View Hotel
J. Camus St., Davao City
(63 82) 221 – 6430 to 34

ROOM RATES: Php 3,694 includes breakfast

Grand Men Seng Hotel

A.Pichon St., Davao City
(082) 221 – 9040
http://grandmenseng.com

ROOM RATES: (includes breakfast)
Standard Single Php 2,500
Standard Twin 3,300

Grand Regal Hotel
Davao Agusan Highway
Tel. No.: (082) 235-0888; (082)234-3918;(082)234-3910

ROOM RATES: with breakfast
Single Occupancy Php 2,700.00
Double Occupancy Php 3,000.00

Royal Mandaya
J. Palma Gil St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082)225-8888; (082)225-1880-83

ROOM RATES: with breakfast
Single Occupancy Php 2,500.00
Double Occupancy Php 2,900.00

Waterfront Hotel
Agusan Highway, Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 233-2881; (082)233-2801

Residencia
Matina Highway
Tel. No.: (082) 297-8240

ROOM RATES: free coffee
Single Occupancy Php 1,500.00
Souble Occupancy Php 2,000.00

Sequoia Inn
Monteverde St., Davao City

ROOM RATES: breakfast not included
Single Occupancy Php 1,100.00
Double Occupancy Php 1,380.00

Humberto’s Hotel

The charming little hotel as their catch phrase goes. I’ve checked this place and its nice. It really has its own charm. Plus it sells the best chocolate diet cake in the city. It’s the only chocolate cake that leaves you guilt-free. Really.

Number. 222 – 831
www.humbertoshotel.com

ROOM RATES
Senior Executive Suite Php 3,100
Junior Executive Suite 2,800
Deluxe Double 2,200
Deluxe Twin 2,200
Standard Single 1,500
Extra Bed/Person 500

Bagobo House

This hotel is highly recommended. The staff are uber nice and the place is ok. It is located within a buzzing commercial area. Food is not an issue. It is accessible to transportation.

Gov. Duterte ST., Davao City, Philippines
(082) 222 -4444 to 49
(082) 222- 4440

ROOM RATES
Standard Single Php 890.00
Standard Twin 1,100.00
Deluxe Twin 1,230.00
Super Deluxe 1,500.00

Orange Grove Hotel
Pan Philippine-Japan Highway, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 241 - 0695; (082) 241-0787

ROOM RATES: includes breakfast
Single Occupancy Php 1,100.00
Twin Occupancy Php 1,540.00

FOR THOSE WHO WILL BE TRAVELING IN GROUPS, APARTELLES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE CITY HERE ARE THE TOP 4 LISTED:

Casa Ruby Bed and Breakfast

My brother-in-law's family stayed here during his wedding. The house is big enough for everyone with comfortable beds. The house has a garage and it can accommodate 8 heads. Maximum capacity of the unit is 18 heads. This is just walking distance from Lachi's,Baby Cakes and Nanay Bebeng's.

No. 35 Telstar cor Mabini St., Dona vicenta Subd. Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 226-2335; (0928) 500 9241

UNIT RATE: includes breakfast
Php 3,700.00 per day

Chateau Veronica Apartelle
This unit is located in a residential area but still accessible to transportation. The unit has 4 rooms that can accommodate upto 12 person

UNIT RATE: Php 4,280.00 per day

Linmarr Davao

Lakandula St., Davao City
Tel. No.: (082) 221-2915
linmarr@pldtdsl.net
contact@linmarrdavao.com

UNIT RATES: includes breakfast
Single Room Unit Php 2,240.00
Double Room UNit Php 2,968.00
Linmarr Suite Php 2,968.00
Presidential Suite Php 3,920.00

Jogue's Apartelle

539 Manga St. Juna Subdivision Davao City
Tel. No.: (082)291-4683; (082)2990926

UNIT RATES:
unit good for 1-2 heads Php 900.00 to Php 1,200.00
good for 4 heads Php 1,500.00
good for 6 heads Php 3,000.00

let's roam Mindanao!

2009-10-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

So where do you think should we start? When you say Mindanao, Davao City definitely comes to mind. Davao City, the largest city in the country by coverage area. Home of the exotic Durian and the delectable Waling-Waling, Davao is not only known for its cheap fruits and uniquely Davao made food, but also for the places magnet to all thrill seekers and vacationers.

HOW TO GET HERE:

BY AIR

If you are going to take the airplane. Below are the travel duration and airline companies servicing from different points of origin

Manila
1 hour and 45 minutes via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific

Cebu
45 minutes via Pal Express and Cebu Pacific

Zamboanga
1 hour and 15 minutes via Pal Express and Cebu Pacific

Singapore
3 hours via Silk Air

Flight schedules and fares can be referred to the respective websites of the airline company you prefer.

BY LAND

But if you are on a very tight budget and don’t mind the length of travel period, you might want to take the bus. The plus thing about traveling on land is scenic view along the way.

Manila
2 days and few hours via Philtranco

Cagayan de Oro City
6 hours via Rural Transit

Cotabato City
6 hours via GT Express, WEENA bus,

General Santos City
3 hours via Holiday Bus, Yellow Bus

Tacloban City
# hours via PUB

Butuan
6 hours via Bachelor Bus

By Water

Traveling by water is fun too. you get to meet a lot of people who are on the same destination as you have. Aside from getting to new places you also get to know a few locales who could also assist you with your travel queries. Here are some of the shipping lines in Mindanano and other relevant details:

MAKAR WHARF - SASA WHARF
Superferry 1,2,9 and 19 General Santos City to Davao City
MV Princess of New Unity

ZAMBOANGA PIER - SASA WHARF
Superferry 1 and 19 Zamboanga City to Davao City

KAPUTIAN/TALICUD SAMAL - STA. ANA WHARF
Jessa 3 Kaputian, Island Garden City of Samal - Davao City
Z. Enryh
Hofe Gorie
Palbros 1 and 2
Sheryl-2
Grace-1
Pacific

SUPERFERRY MANILA - SASA WHARF
Superferry 1,2,9 an 19 Manila to Davao City

SURIGAO - DAVAO CITY
MV Filipina Pricess

CEBU CITY - DAVAO CITY
MV Princess of New Unity

2009-03-30T08:40:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the world of the not rich but well traveled people. This is where the daily grind of the 8-5 working hours is used as the top excuse to put your favorite banker in your speed dial program. This is where having a bus ride going to nowhere is considered a luxury worth gushing to your girlfriends over a chilled lattes while enjoying the view of an exotic beach. This is the world of the Mindanao Trotter who thinks that there is more to Mindanao than canon balls and feudal wars.

If you think you own the heart of an adventurer, then this is your site. This will give you anything you need to know without the cost of a travel agent in discovering the clear blue waters and white sand beaches surrounding Mindanao. Or camp out into the wilderness to enjoy scenic views of untouched forests. Or simply relax in the cities, where people smiled a lot and served Durian flavored delicacies that will surely have you coming back here and ask for more.