Author Archives: Ria Jose

About Ria Jose

Professional Blogger. Social Media Strategist. Davao Bloggers Society Founding President. Aspiring Vlogger. Brand Ambassador. With over 10 blogs developed, you could say Ria has tried it all. Well, at least online. After more than 10 years as resident blogger and editor-in-chief of MyDavaoCity.com, she remains passionate and committed to sharing her hometown to the world.

Kadayawan Itinerary Recommendations

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MADAYAW! Welcome to Davao. The Kadayawan Festival is here. You might be wondering what you can do in Davao while you are here for the festival. The good news is there are a lot you can do in Davao any time of the year. The bad news… there are too many places to go to, so much food to try, so much to see that it can get confusing. Here are some Kadayawan Itinerary Recommendations from the My Davao City Team and Davao Bloggers.

Kadayawan Schedule of Activities

First things first, check out the Kadayawan Festival 2018 Schedule of Activities.

Download this Kadayawan 2018 Schedule of Activities and save to your smartphone.

For more details about these events, visit this post by Davao Bloggers.
http://www.davaobloggers.net/2018/07/21/kadayawan-festival-2018-schedule-of-activities/

Where to Stay

If you have not booked yet, Davao Bloggers has a list of Recommended Hotels in Davao.

Recommended Davao Hotel: The Bourke

Davao Bloggers list the Bourke Hotel, Home Crest Hotel, Green Banana Business Hotel, Madeline Boutique Hotel and Suites, and City North Inn in their recommendations. All five hotels are located within the heart of Davao and are easily accessible whether you are commuting or bringing your own car.

Recommended Hotels in Davao City

Learn About Davao

Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of Davao’s indigenous peoples, their arts, culture, and their invaluable contributions to Davao. There is no better way to celebrate the season than by knowing Davao’s roots and how the Indigenous Peoples, Christians, and Muslims came together to build the progressive and peaceful Davao that we now know.

A trip to Kadayawan Village in Magsaysay Park is a must. The village is home to replicas of houses and other architectural structures and buildings of the 11 Indigenous Tribes of Davao. During the Kadayawan Festival, it is the venue for many events and exhibits that showcase the life and culture of the Indigenous People of Davao.

Another place to visit is Museo Dabawenyo along Pichon Street, Davao City.

Artwork at Museo Dabawenyo.

Museo Dabawenyo is home to historical relics and artworks by Davao artists. Get to know how Davao was built and the pioneers who ventured south to be part of Davao’s history.

Appreciate Davao Arts and Culture

Marco Polo Hotel Davao is showcasing the works of rising Davaoeño fashion designer Wilson Limon and his collaborations with artisans of the Bagobo Tagabawa, Blaan, Tagakaolo, and Tboli tribes.

Tinky in Custom NiNOFRANCO Skirt.

The 4th Fashion Fusion also features works by Photographer Jowe Posadas, musician Maan Chua, and other Davao talents. The exhibit and pop up shop will be at the Marco Polo lobby until August 31, 2018.

Fashion Fusion Featuring NIñOFRANCO at Marco Polo Davao

For more information about NIñOFRANCO, visit their website at http://www.ninofrancoph.com/. To be updated updates, follow them on social media: at https://www.fb.com/ninofranco.ph on Facebook, and @ninofranco.ph on Instagram.

Kadayawan Itinerary Recommendation: Visit Davao Landmarks

Davao Bloggers list several other Davao landmarks as must visit stops for your Kadayawan itinerary.
http://www.davaobloggers.net/2018/08/04/five-must-visit-landmarks-in-davao-city/

In downtown Davao, you can visit People’s Park, D’ Bone Collector Museum, and the San Pedro Cathedral.
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Fashion Fusion Featuring NIñOFRANCO at Marco Polo Davao

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Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of Davao’s unique melting pot of cultures highlighting the life, arts, and culture of our indigenous peoples. This year, Marco Polo Hotel Davao celebrates Kadayawan with its 4th Fashion Fusion Featuring NiñoFranco by Wilson Limon.

Wilson Limon is known for his RTW and custom made pieces made with traditional ethnic design elements from various Mindanao tribes. Wilson is the first ever winner of the I AM STELLAR Fashion Design Competition. His deep appreciation for the arts and culture of indigenous peoples is apparent in his pieces.

Tinky in Custom NiNOFRANCO Skirt.

Fashion Fusion Featuring NinoFranco

This year, Marco Polo Davao kicks off their Kadayawan celebration with the launch of the NIñOFRANCO Trunk Show at the Lobby of Marco Polo Davao today, August 4, 2018.

Marco Polo Davao celebrates Kadayawan 2018 with the 4th Fashion Fusion featuring NinoFranco.

The NIñOFRANCO Trunk Show will feature pieces that showcase the arts of the Bagobo Tagabawa, the Blaan, the Tagakaolo, and the Tboli tribes.

For the Benefit of the Philippine Eagle

Marco Polo’s Fashion Fusion Opening Night will also be feature limited edition Philippine Eagle plush toys. The plush toys are accessorized with NIñoFRANCO Tangkulo-inspired scarves.

Marco Polo Davao Philippine Eagle plush toys in Tangkulo Inspired Scarves.

During the Opening Night of Fashion Fusion, guests may bid for a pair of the Limited Edition Philippine Eagle Plush Toy. Bidding will start at P2,500 per pair. Proceeds will be donated to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Davao Artists

The month-long exhibit will also showcase other Davao talents. Davaoeña singer and songwriter Maan Chua and Davaoeña fashion and event photographer Jowe Posadas will feature their works.

Floral arrangements of Happy Succulents, the antique collection of Arch. Jose Racho, and home furnishings by T’nalak Home will be on display.
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Malagos Garden Resort Promos for Kadayawan 2018

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The Kadayawan Festival is almost here. Whether you are a local or a tourist, a visit to Malagos Garden Resort is a good idea to celebrate the season. So if you are visiting Davao this August, these Malagos Garden Resort Promos will surely excite you.

Malagos Garden Resort - Kadayawan 2018 Promos

Malagos Garden Resorts offers discounts and deals for the 2018 Kadayawan Festival.

Kadayawan 2018 Room Rates

Enjoy a quiet night with your family and friends at the serene Malagos Garden Resort. The resort is away from the main festivities of the Kadayawan Festival. So if you like a more quiet and intimate celebration, do yourself a favor and book a room now.

Malagos Garden Resort Promos for Kadayawan 2018

Enjoy special deals on Malagos Garden Resorts Room and Day Tour Rates during the Kadayawan Festival.

From August 10 to 24, 2018, you can book an overnight stay at Malagos for only PhP3,124 per person. This promo rate is good for bookings for two or more. So bring along your special someone, your BFF, or better yet, book with your barkada, entire family, or with your travel buddies.

The package includes an overnight stay at a De Luxe Room, Welcome Drinks, a Set Dinner, and a Set Breakfast. Plus, you get a luxurious Chocolate Back and Arms Massage using the finest Davao chocolates from Malagos. Guests may also use the pool and will have free access to the Bird Feeding Dome, the Petting Zoo, the Butterfly Dome, and the Museo de Mariposa. And for a uniquely Davao cultural experience, guests will also be able to visit the Mindanao Contemporary Art Gallery and the Chocolate Museum.

Malagos Garden Resort Promos: Day Tour Package

If you do not want to spend a night away from the city or already booked a room somewhere else, worry not. Malagos Garden Resort has an activity-packed Day Tour Package for only P650 per person. The package includes Lunch Buffet available from 11 am to 2 pm and an Animal Encounter Show at 2 pm. On weekends, guests also get to experience a one of a kind Interactive Bird Show at 10:30 am.

Visit the Chocolate Museum at Malagos Garden Resort Access is free for guest staying overnight.

This Day Tour Package is available from August 10 to 19, 2018.

Malagos Kadayawan Bazaar

And what better way to celebrate the thanksgiving festival of Kadayawan than with a bazaar featuring the best bounty of Davao.

From August 10 to 19, 2018, Malagos Garden Resort will host a Kadayawan Bazaar. The bazaar will feature fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, seedlings, Davao delicacies, and souvenir items. The bazaar will be open from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
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Piolo Pascual: Keeping Promises with Sun Life

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Who does not know Piolo Pascual? From the small screen to the silver screen and even on billboards and standees in malls, Piolo Pascual is everywhere. It is hard to not know his face and even harder not to know what’s up with him.

More than looks, Piolo is known for his talent and his work ethics. This celebrity works hard for a good reason. Piolo believes that relationships are built on promises: the promise to love, to care, to secure, to protect, and to provide. And Piolo Pascual is committed to fulfill these promises to his family. As a son, a sibling, and a father, Piolo takes his promises seriously.

Piolo with Sister and Sun Life Partner Chiqui on building a partnership and how it helps Piolo fulfill his promises and keep his commitments.

However, bringing promises to fruition becomes a challenge when financial troubles arise. And no matter how hard you work and how conscientious you save and prepare for the rainy days, money problems can arrive from out of nowhere.

Piolo on How he Fulfills Promises

Piolo shares “Like any other person, I want to give my family the best life possible. I am a man of my word, that’s why I work hard and seize every opportunity that comes my way. But more than just earning money, it’s how you manage your finances that makes a difference. Fortunately, I have the guidance and help of one very special lady: my very own sister, Chiqui Pascual-Gonzales, who also happens to be my Sun Life Advisor.”

Chiqui has been instrumental in ensuring that Piolo’s dreams for his family will all come true. “It’s a partnership through and through. With her help, I’ve been able to make it all happen while still pursuing my own passions and advocacies,” Piolo said.
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Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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We are only a few days away from Mother’s Day and you might be panicking because you do not have a gift for your mom yet. Worry no more. We have an awesome list of Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Flowers and Food for Mother’s Day

First, any mother would love to have a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Ria with Olivia and Fleur Flowers and Pastries by Yolks

Ria with Olivia and Fleur Flowers and Pastries by Yolks. (Not a mother. Just saying.)

Get your mom the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from Olivia en Fleur. Take your pick from local and imported flowers and let the talented florists of Oliva en Fleur arrange it beautifully match your mama’s beauty.

To make your floral arrangement even better, pair it with pastries and maybe a bottle of Rose Wine from Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery.

The Olivia en Fleur Shop is conveniently located inside Yolks along Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights, Davao City.

Olivia en Fleur Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaenFleur
Instagram: @olivia_en_fleur

Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/YolksPh
Instagram: @YolksPh

And here’s something trendy and sumptuous that your mother will surely enjoy. My Home Kitchen has an array of dessert boxes and grazing boxes that you can choose from.

Grazing Box by My Home Kitchen Davao

We recommend the Wine and Cheese Grazing box. It comes with grapes, crackers, spreads, and other gourmet items that your mom can devour. Tell your mom she does not have to share it with anybody because she deserves to be a little bit selfish sometimes.

My Home Kitchen also makes gorgeous Surprise Cakes, Letter Cakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and other sweet options if your mom likes sweet more than savory.

Surprise Cake by My Home Kitchen Davao

We’re sure that whatever your mother’s cravings are, My Home Kitchen Davao can satisfy it. So gift your mom with some indulgence from My Home Kitchen Davao.

My Home Kitchen Davao Website: https://myhomekitchen.com.ph/
Facebook Page: link
Instagram: @MyHomeKitchen_Dvo
Photos provided by My Home Kitchen Davao.

More Sweets

And for chocoholics, you can never go wrong with Malagos Chocolates.

Malagos Chocolates

Davao chocolates are definitely to die for and Malagos Chocolates has raised the bar, locally and internationally. So if your mother is a chocoholic who loves dark chocolates, buy her a bar or two of Davao’s most popular chocolates.

You can buy a bar of Malagos chocolates at the Malagos Farmhouse located in Bolcan Street, Agdao, Davao City or in select groceries and specialty shops.

Malagos Chocolate Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate
Instagram: @MalagosChocolate

And here’s another sweet treat for moms with a sweet tooth.

Almond Mango Float by Sweeties

Who would have thought that almonds and mangoes would go great together? These two, when mixed, make a dessert that gives out a unique yet delicious taste.

Give your mom a sweet gift: Almond Mango Float by Sweeties. This dessert is topped with both mango bits and loads of almonds on the sides (even mixed with the cream). The Almond Mango float dessert is made to order (minimum of 2) which makes it a unique present that is made from the heart.

Contact Number: +639338563780 (Kimberly Ramos)
Sweeties Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/sweetiesdessert
Recommended by Athina Angliongto.

Accessories

Another great Mother’s Day gift is a piece (or pieces) of personalized accessories.

Hello Amber Brass Skinny Cuff

Hello Amber sells cuffs and other accessories that may be customized. You may have it inscribed with the name of your mom, a thank you message, an inspirational quote, or a motto. They also do custom pendants.

To know more about Hello Amber Cuffs, check out this post on Diyosa Life at this link.

You can buy Hello Amber Cuffs at the Creative Agenda Design Lab along Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights, Davao City. Other items by local designers and artists are also sold at Creative Agenda. Drop by to see if something there will suit your mom’s style.

Hello Amber Shop: https://www.facebook.com/helloamber.ph/
Facebok Page: http://www.facebook.com/helloamber.ph
Instagram: @helloamber.ph

If your mom is a certified beach lover, gift her with these limited edition, handmade earrings.

Diyosa Life Mermaid Tail Earrings

When she wears these Mermaid Tail Earrings, your mom is sure to feel closer to the sea. Diyosa Life earrings are available in various colors but in limited quantities. So make sure to buy a pair for your beach loving mother now.

Diyosa Life Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiyosaLifeShop
Instagram: @DiyosaLifeShop

Uniquely Davao

We recommend gifting a La Chula for moms who love adding a pop of color in their outfits.

Three generations of Dela Sernas with their La Chula Bags.

Aren’t they delicious? These La Chula Bags are colorful and come in various styles. There is sure to be one (or more) that will match your mother’s style.
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Fun Family Summer Activities in Davao

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Summer is here. The sun is out and school is closed. Now is the perfect time to spend quality time with the entire family. Davao promises to be the region of fun and adventure from islands to highlands. But it is not just in downtown Davao City that you can have summer bonding adventures. The entire Davao region has an endless list of fun summer activities that can be enjoyed by kids, teens, adults, and seniors.

Check out our list of spots for wholesome fun family summer activities in Davao.

Summer Activities at Eden Nature Park

Every Davaoeño knows that summer is best spent in the mountainside. One of the most popular spots for a cool weekend staycation is Eden Nature Park.

Enjoy different fun activities in the 80-hectare man made nature park. Activities for the entire family include hiking, fishing, horesback riding, and nature-tripping. If you want an adrenaline rush, try the zipline, skycycle, and skyswing.

Check out all the fun activities your can do with your family at Eden Nature Park:

Day tour rates are at P280 for adults and P230 for kids with plated snacks. You can choose to have buffet lunch for P600 for adults and P400 for kids. Standard room rate for overnight stay is at P3,900 for 4 persons.

Related Post: Eden Nature Park Celebrates 20 Years

Visit their website at https://www.edennaturepark.com.ph for more information. Follow Eden Nature Park on social media on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/edennatureparkdavao/ and on Instagram at @EdenDavao for updates and inquiries. You may also contact them at +82-2860383 or at +63918-9307590.

Recommended by Jexx Hinggo.

Malagos Garden Resort

Another popular spot in Davao for nature lovers is the Malagos Garden Resort. The resort boasts of various accommodations and multiple nature experiences such as a butterfly dome and an interactive bird show.

One new Malagos experience that both kids and adults may enjoy is the interactive tour of the Chocolate Museum, capped with a delicious chocolate making session.

For more information about Malagos Garden Resort and the Chocolate Museum, visit their website at https://www.malagos.com. For updates and inquiries, follow them on social media on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/malagos.garden.resort/ and on Instagram at @MalagosDavao. You may call Malagos Garden Resort at +6382-2211545.

Summer in Marilog and Buda

Further down south, going down the Buda Road, Marilog District is slowly gaining attention. It is known as Davao’s little Baguio. Peppered with small mountain resorts and homey cottages, Marilog has a cool weather that will make you forget that it’s summer and an ambiance that will make you think you are not mere kilometers away from downtown Davao.

It is the perfect spot for a couple to bond while communing with nature. The cool climate and rustic ambiance is perfect for a romantic weekend date.

Or you can bring the entire family for a fun and cool road trip.

Check out this video by the Davao Blogger #ExploreDavao Squad trip to Marilog District and Buda featuring a stop at Bemwa Farm.

The entrance fee to Bemwa Farm is only P50 per guest. In exchange you get a P50 value ticket that you can use to buy P50 worth of food and drinks from their café.

For updates and information about Bemwa Farm, follow them on Facebook at http://www.fb.com/Bemwa.Farm.

Contributed by Gem Tadefa, Renz Bulseco, and Julie Alontaga.

Fun Family Summer Activities in Tagum

Want a quick weekend getaway for the whole family but do not want to travel so far? The Palm City of the Philippines may just be the perfect destination for you. Located less than one a half hours away from Davao City, Tagum City has many restaurants and malls for the whole family to visit and enjoy.

Try out Yuyu Café and Dessert Shop’s famous baby back ribs.

01 Yuyu Cafe and Dessert Shop in Tagum Davao del Norte — Baby Back Ribs by Yuyu Cafe and Dessert Shop in Tagum Davao del Norte

You should also try their new homemade ice cream with unique flavors.

Check out these recommendations of what you can order at Yuyu’s Cafe and Dessert Shop: link.

Related Post: Davao Dining Directory

For more information and inquiries, visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/yuyucafe. YuYu Cafe is located along the National Highway, beside Jollibee, in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. You may contact them at +6384-6556731.

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