Manila Taxi Drivers Are Queens

Ok, so not all of them.

I was in Manila between March 5 to 8, 2010 and in one of those days, we watched the pyrotechnics competition in the biggest mall in the country (aka Mall of Asia). It started at around 7:45pm and ended at around 11:00pm. But that's not the point of this blog.

After the show, of course, we head to our hotel for a good night's rest but then taxi drivers in MOA won't take us because the price isn't right. My uncle even offered Php 200/$4.00 to a driver to take them (he and his wife) to a Php100-destination. The driver declined, saying he wanted Php 300/$6.00. My uncle may be rich but he isn't a fool--he declined. To cut the story short, the driver didn't pick up any passengers from that location.

My point? Drivers are saying how tough times are, complaining that life's too cruel to them. Well here's something to think about, mamang driver: it isn't! You're the ones who're being difficult. YOU make life hard on yourselves you lazy-ass, taking-advantage-of-the-situation drivers. HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY EARN A DECENT LIVING IF YOU DON'T EVEN WORK FOR IT? How could you attract more passengers (ergo, cash) if you keep on asking unreasonable rates??? HOW can you attract tourist (ergo, more cash) into the country if you take advantage of their lack of knowledge about our country??? HOW?

Can't you just stop for a while, and think: If you were more honest, wouldn't you attract more passengers? If you were more reasonable wouldn't you have more income? If you were to be less greedy wouldn't more blessings come to you? Think. Even just for a second, think.

Davao City, Philippines

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Here's destination 1: Davao City, Philippines.

Home to the smells-like-hell-but-tastes-like-heaven fruit, Davao City is located in the southern part of the southernmost Philippine island of Mindanao. Characterized by mountainous terrains on the northern part and beautiful beaches on the south, this city boasts of a good mixture of both flora and fauna, and urban and rural.


GETTING THERE (HERE)
The fastest way to travel to Davao is through air travel. From Manila, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Zest Air travel at least 4x daily (PR and 5J only) to Davao; the earliest flight from Manila, being 5J, is at 04:00am. The trip usually takes an hour and 45 minutes. From abroad, you can arrange a connecting flight with Silk Air/Singapore Airlines; Singapore-Davao route takes about two hours and 50 minutes.

Davao is also accessible by sea via ship lines. Suplicio Lines and Super Ferry are two of the most prominent ships seen at Sasa Wharf.

By land, from Manila, it would take tourists approximately three (3) days with layovers in different cities/towns and a few RORO (Roll on, roll off) ferry rides to reach Davao City.

WHERE TO STAY

City Center Hotels

These hotels are self explanatory. They can be found within the city limits and are accessible to malls, shopping areas and parks. They may cost more than the motels but you’re safer and more comfortable in these establishments. Usually, these hotels serve buffet breakfast that comes with your night’s stay.

Seaside Hotel-Resorts

Because Davao City has a sea-side, resort-hotels are also abundant. A night in a fairly good room’s cost would normally start from P 1,500 ($30). Seaside resort can be as near as a 20-minute drive from the city center and as far as a 45-minute drive. Do note, however, that some of these resorts do not offer white sand beaches.

If you prefer white sand beaches, a trip to the Island Garden City of Samal would be a good idea. They, too, offer hotel-resorts.

Mountain Resorts

High, up in Davao’s mountainside, hide humble but awesome highland resorts. An hour and half drive would let you experience a breath-taking view of the city area, especially at night. Rooms here are cabin-type; you know, the ones you usually see in the movies.. J. They average about Php 3,000 and up ($60 and up).

WHEN TO GO

It is good to visit Davao anytime of the year. If you want to experience a festival during your visit, though, try flying in during the months of March and August for the Araw ng Davao and Kadayawan, respectively.

WHAT TO DO

If you are a nature person, Davao is probably heaven to you. There are lots of activities to choose from; among other things are snorkeling, zip line(ing), white-water rafting, visiting conservation parks, trekking and don’t forget tasting the durian fruit (you’ve never been to Davao if you didn’t try)!

If you are more of the urban man, Davao also has dance clubs, coffee shops, malls, shopping areas and, yes, red light districts; but NEVER, never forget the durian fruit. :D

PLACES OF INTEREST/GOOD EATS

Crocodile Park/Tribu K’Mindanawon

Crocodile Park is one of the oldest parks in the city. In here, you’ll find, just as the name suggests, crocodiles of varying sizes. A mini zoo has also been put up to contain many a species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Check out their schedules so that you could come when they feed the crocodiles.

K’Mindanawon, on the other hand, is a newly-built park which is owned by the same owners of Croc Park. It is a cultural park which shows the traditional houses of native people in the Philippines. At certain times of the day, performances are held to showcase the traditional dances of tribes present in Mindanao.

The company that owns the two aforementioned parks also owns a butterfly sanctuary but I do not yet recommend it as it is less than underdeveloped. If you, however, want to see it, the park is just along the Croc Park and Tribu line.

Eden Nature Park

An hour’s drive from the city would take to one of the mountain resort of Davao—Eden. Here, one truly communes with nature as (s)he retreats from the hassles and bustles of city life. A visit to the park may prove to be a great weekender.

While you’re there, try their new offering: the Zip Line.

Pearl Farm Beach Resort

Okay, so Pearl Farm may be not in Davao City but that isn’t an excuse for me not to recommend it. In the words of one of our visitors from the States, “…walang sinabi ang Maui dito…” (Maui has got nothing compared to this). Don’t hate, I didn’t just make that up. Oh, and they were not the only ones who said so.

Coral Garden

Be sure to visit Samal Island’s coral garden in one of your visits. My cousin, after a scuba session, cried tears of joy for the beauty she saw underwater. There are offices along Sta. Ana Wharf that offer diving tours.

Penong’s Chicken

This is one of the more-famous-less-elegant restaurants in Davao. It offers barbeque chicken, and pork among other stuff. Its popularity is mainly because it offered unlimited rice servings first among other restaurants. J

Brother’s Burgers

Located in Damosa Gateway, this burger joint is fast gaining popularity not only because of its expensive products but also of their oh-so-yummy burgers!

Dusk Till Dawn

This restaurant is somewhat similar to Penong’s the only difference is that DTD offers a healthier serving of grilled chicken. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that despite its façade, the food offering is good-to-the-bones.

Bigby’s

If you’re a Westerner who wants to play it safe, Bigby’s may be your restaurant of choice. They offer a wide array of dishes originating from different parts of the world.

For a serving like theirs in the Philippines, you’ll be pleased with the price(s).

MYTHS ABOUT DAVAO

Davao City is a rebel-infested area. Thankfully, no. The area the media (curse media for over sensationalizing stuff) are pointing is approximately six hours away; Jolo is much farther—two days by boat.

There are no pick-pockets in Davao. Davao may be one of the safest cities in the Philippines but that doesn’t mean poverty does not exist in our city. Just be very, very careful of your belongings. When going out, bring just enough money. If possible, do not bring large bills.

TIPS

DO'S

Dress up like you're local. Not too skimpy nor too wrapped.

Learn even a few Filipino phrases/vernaculars. Locals like that.

Haggle before buying. Merchants tend jack up the prices when they know you're a tourist.

Ride a taxi that uses a taxi meter. Do not yield to fixed pricing.

Ask the concierge of you hotel for more info about Davao.

Eat only food from sidewalks if your stomach is accustomed to street food. Otherwise, go to McDonalds.

Pack light material clothes.

DONT'S

SMOKE IN PUBLIC. City ordinance forbid you to do so.

Light a firecracker/fireworks even during holidays.

Show your bills to beggars, especially children. A child-beggar stole a Php 500 from my friend. This is not to discriminate, just a warning.

*Pictures to follow. Internet so sloooooow...

Welcome

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Expect travel tips, places of interest, persons of interest or whatever it is that one needs before, during and after traveling the economy class. :)

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