Travel Guide: Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental is the easternmost province in the Philippines. Located in the Davao Region in Mindanao, this province is a rising tourist destination. For beach-lovers, the 7-km stretch of Dahican Beach is its main draw. The province is known as a top surfing destination as its main coast faces part of the Pacific Ocean. Its also one of the few destinations in the country where you can try flying in an ultralight plane, which is an experience worth putting on your travel bucket list.

Davao Oriental is also popular for being home to Aliwagwag Falls, considered the country’s highest waterfall and Mount Hamiguitan Wildlife Sanctuary, the newest UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country and the only based in Mindanao.

Continue reading “Travel Guide: Davao Oriental”

Finding Bliss in a Tribal Fiesta

Mindanao is often portrayed as a place of conflict and war. It only figures in the media landscape as a backdrop for conflict, bombings, kidnappings and insurgency. “Is it safe?” is a common question people ask when they hear of ANY destination in Mindanao. But Mindanao is a vast region — though conflict may occur in isolated areas – in other places, you will find beautiful natural wonders, diverse culture, and peace-loving people.

Here nestled in the foothills of Davao, one of Mindanao’s many provinces, is one of the most blissful and memorable places that I’ve visited in the country. The trip may have been a few years ago, but I still remember how special it felt to witness the fiesta of the Matigsalog tribe (“people of the river”), who reside in the forests and remote barangays of Marilog, near the riverbanks of the Davao River (formerly known as Salug River). Continue reading “Finding Bliss in a Tribal Fiesta”

"Hassle-to-bring-Home" Pinoy Pasalubong

Updated September 2014

I was at my desk at work when Arvin, an officemate, arrived carrying a long bulky item wrapped in brown cardboard and masking tape.

Ay naku, galing akong Baguio nung long weekend. So syempre may nagpabili ng walis.” (I just came from Baguio during the long weekend, so of course someone asked me to buy a broom).

This scenario got me thinking of items that are really such a hassle to take home as pasalubong (souvenirs), but we still buy for the sake of friends and family when we travel.

BAGUIO BROOMS

baguio brooms

Continue reading “"Hassle-to-bring-Home" Pinoy Pasalubong”