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...

South Cotabato: T'nalak Festival 2011 Schedule

Experience the grandest showcase of rich cultural fabrics of Southern Mindanao with the upcoming T'nalak Festival 2011 this July 12 - 18, 2011.

T'boli Women wearing t'nalak

I've seen the festival twice, the solo trips I made during 2008 and 2010 made me love my province even more. It was truly a fascinating experience being immersed in the rich living heritage and colorful spectrum of Philippine culture, cuisine and crafts.


For those who will be going to the festival, expect to see interesting exhibits (feast your eyes with amazing crafts, indigenous plants and beadworks and make sure you bring home souvenir pieces), the food (get ready to savor on the local's freshest produce especially the infamous durian) and all those nights of parties, competitions and pageantries that makes the week long celebration uniquely Mindanaoan in spirit.

T'nalak Fabrics

Get ready to experience festival that brings locals and tourists together. 

tentative schedule (source)

July 12:
Ceremonial Opening (Regional Trade Expo 2011,South Cotabato Agro Industrial Fair 2011 and Battle of the Band/Beerfest) 

July 13:
Opening Parade
Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Street Dancing Competition
T'nalak Festival Opening Program (Field Mass Dance Competition, Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan Street Dancing Showdown)
Cheerdance Competition

July 14:
Photographer's Day (Workshop, Photo Competition and Exhibit)
South Cotabato Calvacade of Songs and Dance

July 15:
Indoor and Outdoor Sports Events
Concert

July 16:

Motocross
Mutya ng South Cotabato

July 17:
Motocross
Dayon sa South Cotabato - A Night with the Governor (Balikbayan Night)

July 18:
T'nalak Festival Parade: (Madal Be' Lan, Kasagayan A Lalan)
T'nalak Festival Anniversary Program: (Street Dancing Competition)
Hip Hop Competition
Disco sa Kalye (Sinadya sa Dalan)
Luces in the Sky

continuing events:
July 12-18 Hip Hop Competition
July 4-18 South Cotabato Regional Trade Expo
July 13-16 Seket Kuda (Horse Fighting)
July 14-18 Bahay Kubo Competitions
July 15-17 Marbel Practical Shooting Association
July 12-18 Battle of the Bands/Beerfest
July 12-18 Indoor and Outdoor Sports Event

View last year's event: T'nalak Festival 2010 Photos and Video

So if you think as if no time is ever right to visit Mindanao, I say forget the nightly news, book a flight down south and come enjoy the T'nalak Festival.