22nd Philippine Travel Mart

Less than a month more to go and travel enthusiasts will reunite once again for the annual Philippine Travel Mart organized by Philtoa, an organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism. This year, PTM goes on its highly successful BIYAHE SALE NG BAYAN! A once-in-a-year OFFER that makes great adventures, trips and tours, bonding time with family and corporate outings so much more affordable! Great opportunity to book and buy tours, hotel accommodations, airfares, seafares, adventure tours and packages, health and wellness packages, travel packages to any destination in the Philippines generating tremendous turn-out of visitors and buyers! 22nd Philippine Travel Mart  will be using the Department of Tourism's Island Getaways as the official banner of Sale ng Bayan.

Cebu Pacific's booth during the 21st Philippine Travel Mart

Please take note that Day One, from 10am to 12pm, PTM will be open exclusively to corporate buyers. Foreign buyers as well as local corporate buyers and business associations are given the chance to visit, meet the exhibitors in PTM on an exclusive basis. The fair opens to the general public during lunch.

This 2011, Philippine Travel Mart will run from September 2-4 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

I've been waiting for this expo some few months back as I've already secured plane tickets (thanks to Cebu Pacific's Piso Sale) set to Boracay, Gensan and Palawan. I'm hoping I could get some cheap steals of tour packages because I'll be traveling with mom and I think a planned tour would be perfect for her. I only do D-I-Y's for solo or barkada trips.

So if you've been saving some bucks for your much needed travel escapades, now's the best time to be on the expo and better be there early because as far as my past experiences is concerned, thousands will be there! Check out last year's 21st Philippine Travel Mart where a whopping 143,535 people registered. So be armed and be informed. Now go Google your dream destination! :)

check out more of Phil. Travel Mart at Philtoa's website

Manila Ocean Park Mid-Year Savers Promo

Sharing with you another promo from Manila Ocean Park, Mid-Year Savers. Now families and friends can enjoy a package of 3 to 4 attractions with savings up to Php170 to Php250. Attractions include Sea Lion Show, Oceanarium, Fish Spa, Jellies and Glass Bottom Boat Ride.

This promo will run from July 9 to October 9, 2011.

Remembering Davao

Generally, when we hear the word Davao, first thing that comes to mind is Mt. Apo, Philippine's highest mountain, and the sweet smelly Durian. I first stepped into Davao during the 90's when my parents decided to land at Davao Airport instead of the usual GenSan route. It was the first year the clan decided to celebrate a grand reunion at the family's property in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. From Davao Airport, we went straight to Seagull Beach Resort where we had an overnight stay. I remember that drizzly night when mom woke me up because we all needed to transfer at a much higher ground because the sea water is gradually rising, it nearly touches the inside of the stilt cottage where we were staying.

Davao's Seagull Beach Resort during the 90's

Davao was also the first province that made me taste the variation of garlic and buttered chicken. For a then 11 year old like me who knew nothing about fried chicken other than Jollibee's chicken joy version, it was a mouthful delight and a wonderful young foodie experience. Garlic and butter chicken has then since became my favorite chicken dish.

Fast forward 2008 during my first solo trip to the province, my aunt and uncle tagged me along for a butt tiring 4 hour road trip from Koronadal to Davao. We ate our brunch at Kuya Ed enjoying an "eat all you can" for only Php99! This is definitely something a Manila bred girl can appreciate - good food for a good price!

Davao: Kuya Ed

Later that day, I met up with my cousin Charlene who was taking up Law at Ateneo de Davao. She gladly toured me (the La Sallian) inside her school (no competition!).

Ateneo de Davao University

Strolling along the main streets of Davao is far beyond compare if you get yourself stuck in the streets of Manila for one obvious reason, Davao city is CLEAN. The air is clean, the water is clean...the place in general is clean, no wonder it was awarded as "The Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines" (Highly urbanized category).  

The Marco Polo

We both met our uncle and aunt at People's Park situated at the very heart of the city. It's open for public, free of charge. One thing distinct about this park is that it boasts  large sculptures made by the Mindanaon artist Kublai Millan representing indigenous groups in Southern Mindanao. I wished I could have stayed long enough to see and admire its lights during the night.  

People's Park: sculpture made by Kublai Millan

The photos below were captured by my younger brother who just happened to tour the rest of Davao last month (inggit mode!) Let me share a few of those pictures here:

Deca Wakeboard Park

Samal Island

Monfort Bat Cave

more photos at The Walking Tripod

I really want to see Davao again. I heard a lot of new interesting places to explore and activities to enjoy. Hopefully on my next Mindanao trip...