A Glimpse of Davao City

Just a month ago, I have had a chance to visit Davao City for a meeting about the project that I'm handling. When I heard about the memo, I must admit I was skeptical. Flying to Davao? It was my first time to travel to the south -- and to be honest, it was my first time to ride in a plane, too. I'm fully aware that Davao is one of  the cities with extremely warm temperature. But I told myself, this is gonna be exciting.

Fast forward some time, we actually went there through the  Cebu Pacific Airlines. I was very anxious at first as I entered the plane. I could feel both my hands and feet shaking. But I guess all first timers experiences that kind of anxiety. The tremors ceased when we were welcomed by the friendly smiles of the service crew of the plane. Then we went high above as 30, 000 feet. Whoa! That was really cool except for the tinnitus (high pitched noise on ears) due to the change in the air pressure. But after a couple of hours, the pilot and the crew finally announced that we have already arrived at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Davao City. 

Davao City is center of Metro Davao, Mindanao, Philippines -- the largest city in the country in terms of land area. Tourists are attracted to it because of its rich culture, abundant natural resources, forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and of course, the majestic Mt. Apo. Unfortunately, we were NOT able to visit this so-called highest mountain of the Philippines.

Davao City is a place like no other. Allow me to take this opportunity to give you a visual look of my tour in Davao.

Metropolis Suites - this is where we checked in. It features an on-site restaurant, convenient for guests preferring to eat in; with wifi-access, and located at the center of the city.

Indulging our palate, satisfying our cravings for the delicious Chinese dishes at Ahfat Seafoods Plaza.

Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies offers creamy and indulging durian delicacies that can be bought at a very affordable price. Also, a place to buy some pasalubong for my loved ones.

Our Davao travel experience may not have been complete without this trip. We visited the Shrine Hills at Matina, and enjoyed the panoramic view of Davao.

Davao is home to the largest and most powerful birds of prey in the world - the Philippine eagle. Our group visited the Philippine Eagle Center  to get a glimpse of our national bird as well as other species of birds, mammals and reptiles.  This center aims to educate people about conservation and to save and propagate the critically endangered Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).

Japanese Tunnel that dates back during the World War II. 
The tunnel was carved out of the hilly section of Matina Balusong.