Destination: Davao!

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550-600 one way

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Davao City launches DaWOW!
By Ian Ray C. Garcia Published : 2008-09-04

FOR THE first time, Davao City finally has an integrated, comprehensive and collaborative tourism program that will re-launch the city as the “Culture Capital of the Philippines,” a premier eco-sports and adventure destination and as a “best practices academy” as showcased during the launch of DaWOW! last 29 August 2008 at NCCC Mall Cinema. After the successful hosting of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2006 and the inclusion of tourism in the vision statement of the city, the tourism industry has truly proven to be one of the primary growth engines of Davao City.
With Davao’s unique selling propositions - typhoon-free zone, best water in the world, home to a multi-cultural people, governed by a strong and independent local government, safe and peaceful destination, most equipped to respond to emergency, excellent public utilities and infrastructure, healthy lifestyle, more value for money and an “inclusive-not-exclusive” society that embraces everyone regardless of race, religion or economic stature, it is about time that a flagship program must be put in order to fittingly capture the best of Davao City and to consolidate and sustain its gains and achievements.
So, why DaWOW? Aside from being a catchy moniker and easy name recall, the word has historical merits, deriving from the Bagobo word “duhwow” which means “beyond the high grounds.” In the past, when the local tribes would come to the mouth of Davao River for trade, they would say that they are going to “duhwow” because their settlement was surrounded by the “high grounds”, which are now the hills of Buhangin, Magtuod, Ma-a and Matina.
With the City Tourism Operations Office as the lead agency of the program under the supervision of the City Mayor’s Office, DaWOW! will be supported by the City Mayor’s Community Relations Program, Museo Dabawenyo, and the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) as key program implementers.
The City Tourism Operations Office under the leadership officer-in-charge Rizal Giovanni Aportadera, has identified different strategies to achieve DaWOW’s objectives. For Davao City, the tourism office has commenced in the discovery, protection and development of new eco-sports adventure and cultural heritage sites in partnership with the barangays. Various visitors centers/one-stop shop information and assistance service in strategic locations in the city are also in the offing.
The CTOO will also be spearheading the following tasks: inventory of Davao’s best practices and create study tour modules; assist and support the organization of Barangay Tourism, Culture and Arts Councils and help develop their related programs and projects; propagate and instill the Dabawenyo spirit and character by using the Museo Dabawenyo as a venue for cultural and educational enrichment activities; develop world-class products that best represent Davao; discover and support excellent Davao talents and professionals who will be the city’s “ambassadors” and use People’s Park as venue to showcase their talents; mobilize multi-sectoral support and action for DaWOW! Volun-tourism and utilizing the city’s iconic Waling-waling lampposts and pedestrian overpasses to post advocacy messages; create a recognition and incentive program in support of DaWOW (such as accreditation/certification, awards, products, idols, etc.) and launch a multi-media campaign targeting local residents.
The CTOO together with the aforementioned agencies will also create study tour packages targeting local government units, schools and non-government organizations, and develop one-of-a-kind nature and culture adventure trips that will cater to various markets, launch a media campaign around the theme “Sa Davao lang...” (“walang bagyo”, “walang brown-out”, “walang traffic”, “walang pollution”, etc.), help organize overseas Dabawenyos with the message “Let’s share the Philippines’ Best-kept Secret - Tell the World about our Davao”, launch an internet-based media campaign, secure an internationally-acceptable comprehensive insurance package for foreign travelers, forge linkages with target countries through non-traditional, alternative means (such as organizations of environmentalists, eco-sports enthusiasts, artists, peace activists, cultural workers, etc.).
With all these in place, we can now say that it is truly achievable to make Davao City the premier business, educational, eco-adventure, cultural and leisure destination in the country especially with the full support of the various government and non-government agencies and most especially by the people of Davao.

Mindanao Times

post away Dawow Folks !!

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"Destination Davao"

Aired March 08, 2008
By DYAN CASTILLEJO-GARCIA with MARC NELSON

Discover all about the culture, nature and adventure Davao has to offer from island to highland. We discovered the longest “slide for life” in the Philippines. It’s Davao’s hottest highland adventure, the Zip line experience in Camp Sabros.

Our good friends Sonny and Jackie Dizon once again gave us an invitation to experience the best adventures across the islands and highlands of Davao to get the peak of exhilaration from nature. Trekking, mountain climbing, island hoping to diving and whitewater river rafting.

This is the ultimate eco-tourism adventure expedition in one fun-filled trip to Davao.

The highlight of our trip to Davao this time is the climb to Mt. Apo which we have wanted to do for a few years now. Well, 2008 is the year we finally get to climb to the peak of the highest mountain in the Philippines. Before we started our journey to the peak of Mt. Apo, we were told that we had to experience the newest adrenaline-rush adventure found in Camp Sabros that's in the cool highlands of Kapatagan in Davao del Sur.

Longest zip line in RP
More commonly known as the "slide for life ", here in Camp Sabros they call it the zip line.

Camp Sabros is about 4,000 feet above sea level. The name Sabros is from a coined word meaning, "Sacdalan Brothers”.

Camp Sabros can boast that their zip line is the longest in the Philippines. The zip line from the camp to the other end is 380 meters long, about 1,100 feet, and the zip line from the other end back to the camp is 400 meters long, that's about 1,200 feet.

All you need to bring to do the zip line is your adventurous spirit, everything else is provided by the camp. You get helmets and you are also put into a full-body harness that is connected to a cable that is hooked on to the zip line. The zip line itself is about 150 feet high, roughly the height of a five-story building. On this inclined zip line, you get a thrilling trip above a lush forest passing through the trees and then best of all, on a clear day, midway through the trip; you get a stunning view of Mt. Ape in all its glory.

Postcard prefect
Camp Sabros is found up in the cool highlands of Kapatagan in Sitio Baras, Barangay Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. The camp is a two-hour drive from Davao City up to about 4,000 feet. After a full day of adventure in Davao City, we headed to Camp Sabros to get a good nights rest before we start our quest to reach the summit of Mt. Apo the next day.

Our team arrived in Camp Sabros at 9pm from Davao City, nothing says "highland culture” more than a big bonfire. Since we were about 4,000 feet above sea level, the weather at the camp was that of a beautiful Baguio evening. The smell of wood burning, and the distinctive scent of pine due to all the camp grounds being surrounded by pine trees as far as the eye can see, the warm fire, the cool weather, the scent of pine combined instantly made us feel relaxed and very welcomed at the camp.

We were told that the sun was to rise quite early and that seeing the sunrise was one of the highlights of your stay in Camp Sabros. From the cottage we were staying in, not only did we witness a priceless sunrise, we also had a "postcard-perfect" view of the majestic Mt. Apo. While staring at the mountain and all its glory, we could hardly imagine that just in a few days we would be at the peak we were staring at.

Flying like an eagle
After a hearty buffet breakfast, we could hardly wait to try the longest zip line in the Philippines that is found here in Camp Scabrous. Marc volunteered to go first on the zip line and really liked the idea that he was going to be in a sort of "superman" position as they described it here. Doing this in that position would be a first for Marc.

The owner, Edwin Sacdalan who designed every aspect of this zip line wanted the rider to feel like an eagle in a way flying through the air. This is why he designed this type of full-body harness so you would be able to lay horizontally with your stomach facing down, and then having your arms totally free so you can flap them just like the wings of an eagle. Very cool.

This zip line from the camp to the other end is over a thousand feet long which really gives you enough time in the air to make you feel that you are soaring and flying like an eagle. This type of adventure is so Marc's type. In fact, I have no doubt in my mind that if you let him, he can stay in this camp for days and do nothing but zip line.

Another unique feature about this zip line adventure in Camp Sabros is that they have two different zip lines, the one you take from the camp to the other end is higher about 150 feet and 380 meters long, then you take the other zip line that is not as high but is longer, 400 meters, and this line is at a steeper incline which makes your ride back to the camp a lot faster. Marc was thrilled to hear that. You know my partner, for him, the faster the better.

Piggy-back
After Marc, it was my turn... I have tried many zip lines before in many different places but I was told that this zip line experience in Camp Sabros will be different from all the rest I have taken. Honestly, I really wondered to myself how this zip line can be that much different.

Edwin told me that I will be in the same position as Marc, in the "superman" position, but here is where the big difference lies, I get to zip line with my son Matthew riding on my back. I got my answer now that makes this zip line different from all the rest I've gone on. Edwin says although it is perfectly safe for kids to be riding piggy back like this, many are scared to try it, not my son Mathew I told Edwin.

Check out Mat's grin from ear to ear as he is being strapped on to my back he can hardly wait to go on this ride. Edwin assured me again that Matthew is perfectly safe and very securely strapped on to my back and to the cable; he also assured me that this will be an experience that we will both super enjoy. Alright, hold on son, here we go. Yipppppeeeeeeeeee!

Didn't I say earlier that Marc will not stop at just once? He decided to zip line this time in a sitting position. Knowing Marc though I will bet a hefty sum that he won't stay in this seated position, just look at the expression on his face, I can tell he has something silly planned up his sleeve. I could be wrong, but I doubt it. There goes Marc, now you see him seated; now you don't! He's upside down, I knew it!

All together now
Unlike Marc, normally once on the zip line is enough for me, especially after the surprise bonus I got of being able to zip line with Mat on piggy back, but then Edwin gave me another scenario I just could not refuse. This time he said I could zip line with my husband Anton beside me and then Mathew can be again seated on top of the both of us.

You got to be kidding I told Edwin, nope he was not kidding. This was just an experience I could not pass up. My family doing the zip line all together, this is a one-of-a-kind memory! We had to pause and take a few pictures, this would make a very unique family Christmas card don't you think? Alright, here we go gang!

The 400-meter zip line going back to the camp is at a steeper incline and goes very fast, so kids and those that are not courageous enough have the option not to take this fast zip line back and instead can enjoy a luxurious ride back via this cable lift. Mat and Anton chose to take the lift option back to the camp, while Marc and I decided to take full advantage of this adventure and zip back.

What a unique and awesome rush this zip line is. No wonder Edwin tells us that although they just opened this adventure to the public last December 25 Christmas day, word about it is spreading like wildfire, and on weekends you will have to be willing to fall in a long line to get this zip line experience.

Take it from us though, the feeling and the experience you get is well worth the trip up here to Camp Sabros and well worth the wait in line.

New project
Every time there is something new that our friend Sonny Dizon is creating in his Riverwalk Complex, no doubt they are projects that promote Davao and its endless possibilities. On this trip, Sonny had a few new things that he was anxious to show us, like this tribal village he is recreating inside the Riverwalk. When this project is completed, guests can stay in these actual tribal houses and experience how the tribes live, what they eat. And also experience more of their customs and their tribal ways.

Sonny showed us this bamboo structure that in a certain tribe, functions almost like a trampoline, but in reality, the bamboo is supported by a very special flexible tree branch. The tribe members jump on the bamboo that makes the palay fall onto a banig below and then the palay is pounded further and made into food. It's the different, authentic tribal ways like this that guests will be able to see first hand once this tribal community inside Sonny's Riverwalk Complex is completed.

Butterflies and bees
Sonny also brought us to his Butterfly farm that is also located in the Riverwalk Complex where we got a very informative and interesting class about caterpillars and how they turn into butterflies. We learned things that we did not know before like, did you know that the caterpillars that turn into butterflies are not hairy and so they are not itchy when you touch them? It's the caterpillars that turn into moths that are hairy and are the itchy ones. See, you learn something new everyday.

From learning about the butterflies, we switched over to the bees. It was so interesting to see how bees actually make honey this up close. We even found out how the actual honey that comes straight from the bees tastes like. Our initial thought however was, we might get stung. Then we again learned something new, did you know that bees can sense when you fear them because when you are scared your skin gives off a certain scent that the bees pick up and once they pick up that scent they know you are scared and then that's when they sting you. Who knew, huh?

But we were assured that if you just act calm around the bees like this bee master is, notice all the bees around him, he is not being stung. The trick is to remain calm around the bees and they won't attack.

Davao is Diverse. Davao is Daring. Davao is Dynamic. Discover Davao from island to highland through Sports Unlimited’s Destination Davao Special!

Next week:
The Sports Unlimited’s Adventure Team conquers the highest mountain in the country, Mt. Apo in Davao. Take every step with us from the start, to the peak of the summit, 10, 311 feet!

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage...&categoryid=26

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Mt. Apo Holy Week Climb

[Registration site in Sitio Baras, Kapatagan, Digos] We left Davao for Digos at 5 am. It took us 3 hours (should have been 2 hours if our jeep didn't conk out) to reach Sitio Baras, Kapatagan to register. We paid P500 for registration and additional P50 for the medical certificate. An old lady doctor and a nurse were getting the blood pressure and heart rate of the registrants. I chuckled when the nurse declared that my heart rate was 72 bpm. That's freaking normal. My lowest is actually 90. Then, we all wondered why there was a need for a medical certificate when they asked us beforehand to sign a waiver. Uh-uh.

Since there were a number of climbers that day, we're stuck in the place for more than an hour to process our application for the climb and listen to the briefing. They required an ID pic from each climber for the form. But who would think of bringing an ID pic to a mountain? So, they gathered us for a group photo. We're supposed to be arranged from left to right according to the number sequence in the forms we filled out. But people were already uneasy and impatient after all the filling out of forms, checking of the bags and lining up for the medical certificate. The photographer just gave up calling out names and numbers midway and asked us to huddle together for the group pic.

If you plan to climb Mt. Apo through Kapatagan, here are the requirements: 1) Letter Of Intent 2) Application Form with ID picture 3) Medical Certificate 4) Waiver Of Responsibility 5) Certificate of Orientation/Briefing 6) Official Receipt of Permit Fee. The fees: Local climbers - P500; Foreigners - P750; Students - P300; and Exit Fee - P200. For students, don't forget to bring your valid school ID. Even if you look 15 years old but don't have a valid school ID, sorry, you have to pay P500.

By the way, bottles are not allowed on the mountain. So if you bring liquor, put it in a plastic container. Knives at least 5 inches long (including the handle) will be confiscated. But you can claim them back on your return hike - not a good idea if you plan to traverse Mt. Apo and exit in another place. To be sure, just bring a Swiss knife.

For a hassle-free pre-registration arrangements especially if you go there as a big group, try contacting any of the following:

Provincial Government of Davao Del Sur : (082) 5333709
Municipality of Kidapawan : (067) 81831, 81604
Davao City Tourism Office : (082) 2221956
Department of Tourism Region XI : (082) 2216798, 2216955, 2210070

So, it was past 9 am when we proceeded to Kapatagan town proper. It took us 15 minutes to reach the terminal. Had our late breakfast at an eatery and hired another vehicle to take us to the jump-off point. It was thirty minutes to the destination, stopping by a barangay along the way to get three porters - two to carry our foods/drinks and one to carry my 70-liter backpack. Hehe.

[A tree amid fog in Paradise] We started the trek at 11 am and stopped in Paradise for lunch. Two hours of initial hike. The trail was relatively easy. No steep slopes yet to negotiate. Then, we resumed our trek at 2 pm and arrived in Baroring at 7 pm. For the day, we had a total of 7 hours of (leisurely) walk to the first campsite. [A boy playing basketball in Paradise]

The following day, we left Baroring at 9:30 am hoping to get to the summit by early afternoon. Two hours of hiking and we reached the Goody-Goody campsite. But the Digos monitoring team stationed there forbade us to proceed --- heavy rain and strong wind at the peak. So we had no option but to stay. It was also raining at the campsite that water sipped inside three of my companions' tents. The following day, they were all laughing as they related to the group they were sleeping on "water beds."

[Bending under some felled trees in the trail] Next morning, we packed at 8 am for the summit. This time, the trail from Goody-Goody to the summit was somehow challenging. Huge logs were blocking the trail and we had to either climb over or bend under them. The way was mostly muddy and we had to climb several steep slopes. [Sulfuric vents] We passed by forested areas, the boulders and the sulfuric vents. But no matter the trail's relative difficulty, we all had a grand time appreciating the mountain's flora and fauna and the awesome view below.

[Wild berries found at the boulder section of Mt. Apo] We reached the summit at past 2 pm. The group could have reached it before 12 noon but I'm afraid I stalled them. They waited for us at the "90 degrees" assault starting point --- a few minutes to the peak. I had to rest several times at the boulder section with four others: my climbing buddy, the first-time lady climber, her companion and the sweeper. My heart rate went up to an alarming 170 bpm. I became pale, was short of breath and experienced some nasty chest pains. In fact, the night before, I was already experiencing shortness of breath and decided to take, after several months, Betaloc 50 mg, one every 12 hours.

[Two hikers climbing the boulders] My climbing buddy asked me if I was okay and I said yes not wanting him to worry. He offered to carry my small backpack where I put my heavy DSLR camera with a 24-105 mm f4 L lens and a 10-22 mm wide-angle lens. I replied no and thanked him for the kind offer. But after a few minutes of climbing, he noticed me to have become increasingly uncomfortable. So he took my bag and I didn't refuse anymore. Honestly, it was a big relief!

[Mt. Apo's volcanic crater] But I suddenly forgot about my heart problem when I saw the volcanic crater. It was exhilirating to see a body of water at the top of a mountain. A few more steps and we finally reached one of the peaks (they call it peak 4). I stayed with my climbing buddy and his fiancee at the peak for another hour to enjoy the view. [Resting on soft grass]

Then, we proceeded to Lake Venado. It was almost 4 hours of trek down to Lake Venado because of the ankle-deep mud in some portions of the trail compounded by 45- to 90-degree slopes. We reached the campsite at 7 pm. All in all for me, it was a total of 8 hours (not counting the rests) of arduous hike for the day. I couldn't bend my left leg because of a painful knee. But the body aches and exhaustion were rewarded with a view of a dreamy full moon rising above a cluster of old, giant trees and a beautiful silhouette of the majestic Mt. Apo against a clear, starry sky.

[The majestic Mt. Apo as seen from Lake Venado] The group planned to stay at Lake Venado for another day and leave the place on Black Saturday. But I decided to leave on the following day, Good Friday. Had to meet up with four sets of people in Davao before leaving for Manila on Easter Sunday. I joined three climbers (friends of the group) in going down to Kidapawan. We took the long trail to Coong and down to Agko for a total of 6 hours. My left knee was still painful I had to rely heavily on my trekking pole. I didn't take pictures coming down anymore and asked my porter to carry my smaller backpack. When we got to the DENR post in Kidapawan, my right knee started to ache. But I was just glad all the walking's over. We took a shower at a nearby resort. And in our haste to catch a l
ate ride back to Davao, I left my favorite Speedo shorts and my malong in the dressing room. Argh!

The Shadow Of Abaniko

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From Island....





Isla Reta





Babusanta





Coral Garden


Pacific Little Secret

To Highland



Kapatagan, Davao del Sur


Epy Quizon filming @ Agung Hauz







INNERDANCE HEALING - 2nd sacred tourism (davao, cotabato)

"Take Nothing But Photographs (and memories), Leave Nothing But Footprints, Kill Nothing But Time"

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The Natural Attractions Surrounding Davao
Posted on January 30th, 2008 in Travel Guide by Davao Hotel Guide

Davao is one of the places in the Philippines that is rich with natural attractions and scenery. Being outside the typhoon built, the natural environment of Davao has been free from harsh destruction thus making Davao an excellent place to go for nature lovers.

Mount Tangali Highland Resort - Standing at a magnificent height of 900 meters (quite a high place in Davao) above sea level, it is surrounded by virgin forest that has been a home to some wild life present in the locality. One must do mountain climbing, hiking, and trekking before reaching to the Mount Tangali Highland Resort. With a foggy and cool climate, the place is a natural attraction for adventure-seeking tourists in Davao.

Malalag Hill and Bay View Park - From here tourists have a bird’s eye view of the Malalag Bay and neighboring towns. An array of panoramic view of natural attraction is surrounding the area. On the north is the amazing Mt. Apo. On the west is a valley of a banana plantation in Davao called the Malalag Ventures Plantation or MVPI. On the south is the ridge of Mt. Tangali mountain range. The Malalag Hill and Bay View Park are about 15 hectares in land area that is full of five-year-old trees and a botanical garden.

Fish Sanctuary - It is a 50-hectare area in Davao that was developed to be a destination for scuba diving activities. Visitors and tourists that came from different research institutions and academe are attracted to this place in Davao because it has natural attraction and scenery underwater. Half of the land area of the Fish Sanctuary was declared as a ground for hook and line fishing in Davao.

Buntod Iyog - This area in Davao is a wild life sanctuary where the remaining forest present is protected and preserve. Species of Deptero Carp trees such as Lauan are abundant in Buntod Iyog with many wild life making home within the remaining preserved forest. The main natural attraction is the water of the place that is pure, undefiled, and crystal-like. Buntod Iyog of Davao is also a great destination for mountain climbing and river trekking.

Pitu Lake - This is a lake in Davao that is about one hectare in land area. Natural beauty surrounds the lake such as trees, flowers, and animal species. Floating fully bloomed lilies is a great natural attraction that tourists will truly enjoy.

The Natural Attractions Surrounding Davao | Davao City Hotels

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Mt. Apo

mostly primeval forest

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White Water Rafting







Sibulan White Water Tubing

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Sports Unlimited Sabros Adventure






Dyan Castillejo & family doing a superman ( her kid in a "piggy back")


Marc Nelson donig a "upside down " on the 408 meters zipline in just under 25 seconds :omg:


Sports Unlimited conquered Mt. Apo @ 10, 311 ft.

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Skyride in Eden Nature Park