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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Undoubtedly, a walking tour around downtown Davao is interesting and educational. Needless to say, it safe to walk around the city. Davao weather might be a bit too humid and unpredictable but we highly recommend doing a walking tour this Kadayawan weekend. Just make sure to wear comfy clothes and shoes and bring an umbrella.

Commune with Nature

For animal and nature lovers, take a day off at Eden Nature Park or at Crocodile Park. Or be amazed at the majesty of the Philippine Eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos.

The Davao Bamboo Sanctuary and Ecological Park is another must-visit! It is the best place to unwind and get away from the city’s busy streets. This newly opened Davao resort is located at Barangay Malagos, Baguio District near Philippine Eagle and Malagos Garden Resort.

Entrance fee is at P450 inclusive of a buffet lunch and pool use. They also have amenities for overnight stays for as low as P600 per person. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, ATV and UTV rides, and karaoke with the whole family at the park’s facilities.

Book your reservations ahead of time. Contact April Faye De Veyra-Lee at +63922-8657455, +63917-6212652, +63998-5657765 or visit their Facebook Page at http://www.fb.com/DavaoBambooSanctuaryandEcologicalPark.

Recommended by Jexx Hinggo.
Photos courtesy of Jazzie Tabigue of Jazz Sayings

Eat Fresh Seafood

Kadayawan Festival is a thanksgiving festival which was created to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the region. It has since transformed into a celebration of Davao’s indigenous peoples. What has not changed, however, is how we still celebrate the festival with food, lots of it. So make sure to include one or more of these Davao food establishments in your Kadayawan itinerary.

A visit to Davao, whether for Kadayawan or not, is never complete without a serving of seafood.

If you want a taste of the fresh seafood that Davao has to offer, eat at Yellow Fin Tuna and Seafood Restaurant. We highly recommend their Seafood Platter, a curnocopia of grilled and sizzling seafood picks: tuna belly, tuna bagaybay, shellfish, squid, and shrimps.

If you are looking for a different kind of tuna dish, try the Tuna Laing or the Adobong Tuna Buntot.

Yellow Fin stores are located along Quimpo Boulevard in Matina and along Torres Street. Check out their Facebook Page at fb.com/yellowfinseafoodrestaurant for inquiries.

Another tuna and seafood restaurant to try is Marina Tuna. It is the best place to have your pick of fresh seafood and have it cooked in the way you want it: grilled, deep fried, stewed, sauteed, stir fried, and more.

Marina Tuna has branches in Lanang, along Quimpo Boulevard in Matina, and at the Sky Garden of SM Lanang Premier.

Marina Tuna photo by Roxanne Lacap.

Splurge on Crabs and Shrimps

And if you want to go all out, visit Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps and have your fill of delectable seafood dishes.

We highly recommend the Crabs and Shrimps in their signature Blue Post Sauce. Also a must-try are Crabs in Sambal Sauce and Cereal Crusted Shrimps. Their Sinuglaw and Pomelo Salad are great starter or side dish options.

Blue Posts Boiling Crabs and Shrimps have branches in Buhangin, Lanang, and at The Annex of SM City Davao. Like them on Facebook at fb.com/BluePostsBoiling

Tuna on a Budget

Or if you want a more affordable tuna experience, drop by Katipunan Diner. It is slowly becoming a go-to place for people in the area who prefer budget yet delicious meals. One of Katipunan Diner’s pioneering and popular food stall is none other than TUNA BRUH ‘TO. TUNA BRUH ‘TO is the brainchild of four bankers who share a common food interest – TUNA.

They offer value meals as low as 49 pesos and short orders good for sharing for only 150 pesos. Not only are their dishes affordable but these are very well loved by those who try it, making them keep on coming back for more.

Some of their popular dishes include Tuna Sisig with Rice, Tuna Lumpia with Rice, Grilled Tuna Belly with rice and they also ventured into non-tuna food meals such as Garlic Chicken Lollipops and Grilled Pork Belly.

TUNA BRUH ‘TO’s best seller is none other than what they coined as the ATHINA SPECIAL. Named after two of the owners’ friend (and our correspondent), the ATHINA SPECIAL is a meal composed of only Tuna Sisig and Pepino instead of Rice. This meal has become popular among those who are watching their weight but still want a taste of their best-selling SISIG.

TUNA BRUH ‘TO is located at Katipunan Diner, Guino-o Compound, Bonifacio Street, Davao City (in front of Focus Inc. and 7-Eleven).

Recommended by Athina Angliongto.

Enjoy a Modern Filipino Feast

Enjoy Davao’s abundance with a twist. Gather your friends and head to RBG at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.

Enjoy a feast of grilled pork, boneless bangus, and chicken and other unique Davao dishes for only PP1,899 net per set for 6-8 persons. Fiesta sa Banig is available daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM from August 13 to 31, 2018. You may book your table at +6382-2727600.

Park Inn is located at JP Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Follow them on Facebook at fb.com/ParkInnDavao.

Try Durian!

Some tourists come to Davao fearing the smell and taste of durian. But Davao is not Davao without the durian. More than being an icon of Davao, it really is just a really delicious fruit.

Here’s a challenge: eat durian three different times. The first time, your fear might overwhelm you. The second time, you will begin to appreciate its rich texture and delightfully complex blend of flavors. And on the third try, you will almost certainly fall in love with it.

During Kadayawan, durian is almost everywhere. We suggest two places: Magsaysay Fruit Stand and Durian Festival at SM Lanang Premier.

Magsaysay Fruit Stand is open 24/7. You can buy durian fresh or frozen. They have table and hand gloves on hand so you can enjoy eating durian fuss-free. Aside from Durian, you can also have your pick of all fruits in season. Try mangosteen and marang, as well.

Or is you want to enjoy unlimited Durian, visit the Durian Festival at SM Lanang Premier.

Multiple durian varieties are available at the Durian Festival, along with other tropical fruits. You can also enjoy unlimited durian for only P199. Check out this vlog by Roxanne Lacap.

This is perfect stop for durian lovers. Unlimited durian for only P199. Who says no to that?

So whether you are a durian newbie or a durian lover, enjoy the king of fruits during Kadayawan.

Photos contributed by Roxanne Lacap.

Taste Durian Pastries

If you are still unsure about eating durian, how about trying durian pastries?

Here is a sure winner: Durian Cheesecake by Lachi’s Sans Rival Atbp. For many years now, we have given this to non-durian eaters and most of them end up loving it. It has that distinct durian flavor without being too overpowering or overwhelming.

You could also try their Durian Sans Rival. And don’t forget to give their other desserts a try and their savory dishes are legendary, as well.

Lachi’s is located along Ruby Street, Marfori Heights. Their Facebook Page is at fb.com/LachisDavao.

Enjoy Davao Chocolates

Another popular option for people who want to get away from the busy downtown area is Malagos Garden Resort.

They have ongoing Kadayawan promos for room rates and day tour packages.

We recommend the Chocolate Museum Tour and the Make Your Own Chocolates Experience. What better way to spend Kadayawan with the family and the clique by making your very own award winning Malagos chocolate?

Malagos Chocolate is a proudly Davao brand that has bagged many international awards. Making your own chocolates will make you feel as if you are a winner, as well. For only 450 pesos, experience what it is like to be a chocolatier. You get access to an abundant choice of toppings ranging from nuts, marshmallows and dried fruits to fill in or top the Malagos Chocolate.

For more details, please check out this blog post by The Angliongtos at https://www.theangliongtos.wordpress.cm/2018/03/06/make-your-own-chocolate-at-malagos-garden-resort/.

Malagos Garden Resort is located at Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City.

Davao Chocolate on Doughnuts

You can also have a unique taste of Malagos Chocolates at Krispy Kreme Davao stores.

Krispy Kreme and Malagos Chocolates has partnered to create the Dark Chocolate Glitz Doughnut available exclusively in Davao stores. And we highly recommend you give it a try.

This Kadayawan weekend, Krispy Kreme will have also have special offer in Davao Stores. A box of 6 pre-selected Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will be available for only P149. A great snack option for all Kadaywan revelers.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has stores at SM Lanang Premier and at The Annex of SM City Davao. For updates and more information, follow Krispy Kreme Philippines on Facebook at http://www.fb.com/KrispyKremePh.

Beat the heat with Aling Foping’s Halo-Halo

Davao has probably the most humid weather in tropical Philippines. So do not forget to hydrate. Drink water. Lots of it.

A more delicious way to beat the heat is with the most delicious Halo-halo in Davao. After watching Kadayawan’s Indak-indak sa Kadalanan, eat halo-halo by Aling Fopingss. For only P180 you can have the Ultimate Halo-halo Special. What makes it special is their finely crushed ice and well-prepared halo-halo ingredients. Make your own combination of 6 or more ingredients like red mongo, nata de coco, saba, ube, pinipig, and leche flan plus 1 scoop of ice cream.

Aling Foping’s also serve Maize con hielo, Mongo con hielo, Sago with brown sugar and Durian halo-halo which is a must try when in Davao City. While enjoying your halo-halo don’t forget to try Aling Foping’s Chili con carne with jalapeño and bread for P115 or the Special Bibingka with salted egg for P55.

Aling Fopings Halo-Halo Atbp. has stores at Matina Town Square, at SM Lanang Lanang Premier, and at Boxed Up.

Recommended by Olivia Limos.

More Food Trip Options

And speaking of Boxed Up, enjoy regional Filipino dishes and international cuisines at Davao’s first food park.

Another place to enjoy dishes by local foodpreneurs is South by Mouth at SM City Davao.

 

 

Savor wings, burgers, burgers, lemonade drinks, and more while enjoying music by local artists. We highly recommend the Lemon Pepper and Sweet n Spicy Wings by Southwing, Pink Pomelo Lemonade by Tita Rosita’s, and nachos by Crazy Nachos.

South by Mouth will be at the Parking Lot of SM City Davao until Sunday, August 19.

South by Mouth photos by Olivia Limos and by Miel Laquindanum.

Chill with Friends

And of course, do not forget to include a night out in your Kadayawan itinerary.

Enjoy cocktails and bar chow while chilling with friends this weekend. We recommend Zanzibar. It is Davao Bloggers’ go to place to chill at on weekends. And even on weeknights, to be honest.

Check out our list of favorite cocktails.

Bloggers’ Favorite Cocktails at Zanzibar Davao

Whether you like it strong and boozy, fruity, sour, or fizzy, Zanzibar has the perfect alcoholic concoction for you. Visit them along Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights.

Davaoeños would also recommend speak easy bar Unit 206 in Damosa. Check out their page at this link for more information.

Party the Night Away

If you love crowds and would love to spend the weekend seeing and being seen, we would recommend Huckleberry Southern Kitchen and Bar located along Rizal Street.

Or for a bigger crowd and affordable cocktails, check out FowlPlay‘s Block Party.

Pair FowlPlay’s Mojito with their superb Chicken Burgers and Tacos and you are sure to satisfy your palate and your tummy.

Grab Away

From morning to evening, whatever kind of fun you are looking for, Davao has it all for you. And to make your Kadayawan more hassle-free, we recommend going around the city with Grab.

As a bonus, you can get a free #GrabChocolate if you grab a ride this weekend. Here’s how you can get this delicious treat:

1. #GrabChocolate vouchers are given away by some of our Ka-Grab drivers to riders who will Grab their way to the following partner locations: ApoSento, Penong’s, Red Corner Burger Cafe, 1953 Kusina Leticia, Cacao City, Cacao de Davao, Tsuru and Hanoi.

2. #GrabChocolate can then be redeemed by having your vouchers exchanged on the following locations: at the Grab Abreeza Ayala Mall booth on August 18 to 19, at the Grab Davao Office, Cacao de Davao, or at Cacao City.

Share your Kadayawan Experience with Free WiFi from PLDT-Smart

To make your Kadayawan experience even more fun, do not forget to share it on social media.

Share with us your family and friends your Kadayawan experience with free WiFi from PLDT-Smart. Free WiFi is available at San Pedro Square, Rizal Park, and Magsaysay Park. Just connect to the hotspot “PLDT Home Fibr Kadayawan” and share away.

The My Davao City Team is inviting you to share with us your best Kadayawan moments at any of our Kadayawan Itinerary recommended spots. Best posts will win PayMaya load worth P500.

Mechanics:

1. From August 16 until August 25, post your Kadayawan photo of any of the recommended spots and activities mentioned in this post. Post on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Submit only photos you own. And make sure your photos were taken in August 2018.
2. Caption with why you love that Kadayawan experience.
3. Tag us fb.com/MyDavaoCity on Facebook, @MyDavaoCity on Instagram, or @MyDavaoCity on Twitter. Use the hashtags #MyDavaoCity, #SmartKadayawan, and #PLDTHomeKadayawan2018.

You may submit more than one entry per account and per platform but you may only submit a photo once.

The best photos and caption on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Twitter will win P500 worth of PayMaya load and other surprises. One winner per platform will be chosen by September 15, 2018.

Contest is only open to Philippine residents, 18 years old and above, with a valid PayMaya account.

Let us know by commenting below if there is anything we missed or if you need specific recommendations for your Davao trip.

Here’s a map to our Kadayawan Itinerary Recommendations:

Link: http://bit.ly/KadayawanItineraryMap