Davao City is the largest City in the country in terms of land area. It is home to Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the Philippines. Davao is also known as the "Durian Capital" of the Philippines and the crown Jewel of Mindanao.
I don't have an exact itinerary when I went here except for the fact that I want to roam around downtown area, meet couple of friends, and eat a lot. After the three hours butt-numbing van ride from General Santos City, I finally arrived in Davao City. Next thing to do is find an accommodation for me to stay overnight. I got one at Green Windows Dormitel. Best value for money, near food establishments and transportation is not a problem.
I dropped by bag, rest for a a bit, freshen up and head to People’s Park, the nearest one in my place. Hailed as one of the cleanest and greenest public parks in the country. This sprawling recreational area is well-known for its life-size sculptures of indigenous people by Mindanaoan artist Kublai Millan. Take a leisurely walk at a maze of paved walkways hemmed in by lush vegetation. It is believed to house over one thousand species of plants and trees from Africa, Australia, Madagascar, South America, and Southeast Asia. Enter the durian-inspired visitor’s center and be amazed by a vast collection of bamboo species. At night, locals flock to People’s Park to watch the dazzling dancing fountain.
Tired from endless walking and of course my famous hobby, people watching I head to San Pedro Cathedral to attend a Sunday Mass. Right across the church is the Osmeña Park
After attending mass, I took a multicab ride to Abreeza to meet with my friends. We’re going out for dinner. We found ourselves at Jack Ridge’s. If you’re craving for a real satisfying meal, Jack’s Ridge main restaurant is just where you should be. With a wide array of delectable dishes, Taklobo Restaurant will surely make you come back again.
The land on which Jack's Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1, 1945, forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.
There is also talk that hidden somewhere in the caved are gold bullions and other treasure that the Japanese had taken from other countries and brought to Davao.
Whatever the truth is about the treasure, Jack's Ridge maintains the feature that made it an important outpost for the retreating Japanese forces, a commanding view of Davao City and the Gulf, the same view within the premises is also refreshing, since the owner has made its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the place.
After feasting ourselves with the sumptuous dinner we had at Jack’s Ridge we headed to MT Square where I tasted Durian Cheesecake paired with a Durian Coffee. It’s not that bad as I thought it should be, the taste of Durian indeed complemented the roasted smell of the coffee. The cheesecake tasted like the regular cheesecake with a little bite of durian. Tolerable! :)
The durian tasting doesn't end there, now, it’s my turn to get the feel, smell and taste of a fresh durian. Aja! I called it a day with a happy smile catching up with friends and of course feeling proud that I have managed to eat a fresh durian.
Goodnight Davao City! Tomorrow would be more fun. I will be exploring Samal Island :)
Day 3 Expenses
| Particulars | Cost |
| Taxi – SM to GWD | Php 80.00 |
| Green Window Dorm (2N @ 188/N) | Php 376.00 |
| Jeepney Rides (P8/trip) | Php 16.00 |
| Jack’s Ridge Dinner | Php 500.00 |
| MTS Coffee and Cake (thanks Erwin ^_^) | Free |
| Taxi – Back to GWD | Php 70.00 |
| Totals | Php1,042.00 |
Visited Province Rank: #43
Date: August 25, 2014
No comments:
Post a Comment