Dream High... Trekking the Majestic Mt. Apo I

     Last April 2012 I have climbed the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mt. Apo, the grandfather of all mountains and believe it or not, Im a newbie mountaineer. It was my first climb and my first summit. It was a do or don't decision on my part but I felt that If I wasn't able to do it now, I might not be able to do it anymore in the future. I came across this opportunity and now I have that chance, why not grab it.

      Being a first timer doesn't stop me to climb the Philippines highest mountain. I have only two months of preparation. I read a lot of articles and blog about Mt. Apo and how to prepare for such climb. It is a major climb after all.

Kadayawan Festival 2011, The King of Festivals

     August is a festive mood for Davao, It is when they celebrate the month long Kadayawan Festival which is tagged as The King of Festival. It is a celebration of thanksgiving for the gift of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest and serenity of living. Kadayawan is derived from Mandaya word "madayaw" which is a friendly greetings meaning good, valuable, superior or beautiful..

     This year theme "Ten Tribes, One Vibe" showcase the ethnic groups that comprised the 10 different tribe in Davao. They are the tribes of  Ata, Matigsalug, Ovu-Manuvo, Klata-Djangan, Tagabawa, Tausog, Maguindanao, Maranao, Kagan, and Sama.

     Every year, hundred of thousand visitors from different part of the country and even part of the world flocks to Davao specially during third week of August to witness this grand and colorful occasion. Among them are Search for Hiyas ng Kadayaan, showcase of Mindanawon fashion and floral arts, river festival, indiginous music exhibition, dance parties, the much awaited street dancing (Indak Indak sa Kadalanan) and the floral float parade (Pamulak Kadayawan)

     It was indeed enriching experience for us and with amazing showcase of events to explore in  Kadayawan,

MALL EVENTS, Abreeza Mall Aug. 19

Discover Davao, A High Quality of Life at Low Cost

     I've been to many places here in the Philippines, but probably it is in Davao where I want to stay for so long. Often called the Land of Promise, Davao is one of the Philippines most progressive city which also prides itself of its strong cultural diversity. Being  the Third Largest City in Terms of  land area of 2443.61square kilometers,  times as large as that of Metro Manila and 7 times as large as that of Metro Cebu, Davao was named ecoadventure city for here you can find many different adventure places such as, Eden Nature Park, Camp Sabros, Davao Outland Adventure, Davao Wildwater Adventure and many more. Blesses, with so many rich scenery and tourist attraction, Davao is also the home of  Mt. Apo, the countries highest peak. and to a wide species of birds that includes the Philippine Eagle.

      It is also in Davao that the high quality of life does not come at a high cost. Starting life in Davao is easy, convenient, affordable and fullfilling. Here you can enjoy only the freshest and highest quality produce. Foods are cheap and delicious. The city is clean, peaceful,  and pollution free environment that more people are eager to live in or just simply visit and enjoy the good things in life that this place has to offer.

       Ive' been to Davao just twice,  first was in July 2009, just for a weekend trip for 2 days, latest wast just about two weeks ago, wherein my initial plan was to stay there for about a month but was cut down to just a week for some reason. Nevertheless, I have enjoy Davao to the fullest.

Holy Infant Jesus of Prague Shrine and Jack Ridge

Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, Matina Hills 

      The Shrine of Holy Infant and Jack Ridge are located in elevated terrain in Davao Matina Hills where in you get a chance to see the panoramic view of Davao including the Mount Apo and Samal Island. Shrine of the Holy infant of Jesus is a perfect place for pilgrimage and workship as it has good ambiance and a unique feature wherein its lack of walls and can be seen as a chain of open air chapel. It is surrounded by rolling grass hills and vast of mango trees that have been there for ages that makes it a perfect place for meditation and self reflection.

Jack Ridge

      Jack Ridge is only a few steps away from the Shrine, It is a famous tourist spot, wherein you can have a majestic view of the Davao City.  It is open Day and Night not only for viewing purpose but also for some recreational activities such as day swimming at Kool Kats Pool,  have an unlimited singing at BMW KTV and Piano Bar or have a dinner experience on one of the Restaurants which offers different delicacies. It is also the place to relax and unwind.

How to get there from the City.

Take a jeep going to Matina, and ask the driver to tell you if you are already in Davao Matina Gallera Sport Complex. near Wilcon Builder

Just across the Sport Complex just a few steps from the corner of the street you can see habal habal and tell them your going to Shrine, Fare is only P10.00.