Green Windows Dormitory - Davao City

Below picture was taken at the People's Park after our dinner. The statute of this national bird is prominent. After roaming around the park we decided to take our rest at our chosen dorm.

We stayed at this dorm during our stay in Davao City. We paid less and was surprise to see it clean, new and nice. My sister-in-law is just right about it. The dorm is above our expectation. The kids were all happy to see the lively entrance. It feels like we are inside a mall.

Travelling with family is fun and less hassle. The task can be divided easily because we know who loves to do it or who can do it, haha... You always feel comfortable because you are with your loved ones who will accept, respect and will willingly take care of you no matter what. We are also starting to know each other better. It is true that not because you are family, you know each other already. In times like this your bond will be deepen and you will understand each other better. During this time, we realized that there are still so many things that we need to know from each other. This is an opportunity for us to get closer and make our relationships better while having so much fun together. All in one.

We are a big family so we occupied the whole elevator and some had to use the other elevator. We find it excited to race and see who could make it first. The brief confinement does not stop us to take our pose for another picture perfect moment.

Haha!! Who won? I apologize folks but I forgot. The elegant view inside draw a blank about the race we agreed upon. The sofa was so soft and inviting luring us all. After the long day we had, we were all happy to taste its comfort.

We were all smile parading along the well lighted aisle that we started imagining ourselves like ramp models delivering our best walk ever!!

The view of the Davao City is on full display should you like to use the stairs instead. As first timers in Davao City, we all took the moment to watch Davao City from above. The view is new and the idea of seeing the whole city from above give us a new level of satisfaction. After all, we are here to see Davao City and discover it up close and personal. This should be one of the reason why you should choose this dorm or hotel.

We slept together in one room. That was the best part of our family bonding. I never knew that sleeping together can also be fun. We all talked and laughed boisterously when we noticed someone snoring like machines ready to burst haha! Just kidding, but we always laughed about it especially when we reminisced the beautiful stay we had on this "dormitel".

The mirror inside this room is so big and we love it! We all took turns in viewing ourselves on this mirror. We just felt beautiful over it.

The dorm has a restaurant and beside it is a living room with TV. We feel that we own the place to ourselves. We move around like we are in our own house. The staff allowed us to do so. Thanks to them.

Our stay here is quite well. Our room is clear, big and with comfortable beds. The place is cheap and it is more than your money's worth. We will recommend this to everyone, regardless of their budget.

People's Park - Davao City, Philippines

People's park is the famous public park in Davao City. Tourist visiting Davao always finds time roaming around this park. Students flock the area every afternoon until dark doing some sort of exercises. I guess they are required to perform something at school and they find this park as the perfect place to bond and practice.

We are there during February, celebrating the Heart's day roaming around Davao City. The Christmas lights are still on, making this place shining brightly during the night. Christmas season is still on the air and we acted like children playing underneath on these special trees. We shared our laughter, joy and amazement while gazing and enjoying the colors of Christmas.

And here we are relaxing under these colorful coconut trees. Taking in the "Dabawanian" smell and fragrance. The area is big enough to have your own privacy. We are not worried about our security for this place is know for peace loving, hospitable and well disciplined citizens.

They also have a fake zoo, haha and children (or child like) can ride and play with lions, elephants and leopards. No wonder why children are concentrated on this area. Our kids have their good times too. They are all sweat and smiles while we are watching them from the nearby benches. We got tired of roaming around this place. We sat there with our best smiles for the picture perfect moments.

They also have a fairy themed mini park inside. Girls would love to check this area. Fake big flowers with cute sculptured statues are lined for the visitors to enjoy. There are mini ponds with ducks. I can see a replicate of Cinderella and Snow White too. There are dwarfs and I guess their number should be seven. Haha! I did not go inside because my feet are sore. 

They also have museum where you can see the arts display of their local artist. This is open to all and with no entrance fees. I am tired of paying entrance on exhibits that is why I am so glad that it is for free.

This park shows their creativeness and their love of art. From the monument of the Philippine Eagle, Durian, Marang and natives; we admired their ingeniousness and aspiration.

Vamous Dabaw!

Kalanggaman Island – Cost of Going There in Philippine Peso!!

From a local tall tale, my father told me that Kalanggaman Island is used to be a good hunting ground for monkeys. Yes, monkeys were killed for meat! Unbelievable! That is what he heard and because of this tale my father discouraged me from going there. But his stubborn daughter ignored his stories and warnings. She joined the office escapade towards Kalanggaman Island.

But of course before going there, I read blogs after blogs and I begin to wonder how come monkeys survived the island with no bananas at all. All I can see from photos are the typical coconut trees. This is why I decided to explore the island and witnessed the wilds with my very eyes. The thought of seeing birds of different species adds up the excitement.

Thanks to the organizers, I was able to get through the island with less hassle, less effort and less cost.

       Transportation Fare: Cebu to Bogo via Van----------------------------------    150.00

            Aircon Bus is 135 pesos, non-aircon is 120.00

       Fare: Bogo Terminal to Nylon Port ----------------------------------------  --     10.00

       Boat Fare (Shared) Bogo to Kalanggaman back to Bogo --------------- -     400.00

            Fishing Boat with 25 pax capacity @ 9,000 pesos each

       Cottages at Kalanggaman Island (Shared) -----------------------------------     24.00

            Cottages is 500 pesos each; large cottages is at 1,000 pesos each

       Entrance Fees at Kalanggaman Island -------------------------------------       225.00

            Adult local is 225.00, adult international is 750.00 and kids at 30 pesos each

       Food is free, thanks to our sponsor. You need to bring food and water to the island.

      With less than a thousand, I was able to visit this isle. Yes, she is very small and no wilderness.

We had a good time roaming around the island even if there were no monkeys and birds living there. There’s no fresh water too. They said that the island looks like a flying bird from above. The rocky part looks like its head and the sandbars at the opposite sides are the wings. The other sandbar sinks during high tide while the other one is visible all throughout.

The salty water is crystal clear and very rich of big and small fishes. You can enjoy the water anytime regardless of tide. The two-hour travel by boat is worth it. Plus the sight of dolphins along the way passing and crossing our direction already top it all. But I might not go there again. I am not that adventurer. I will not tell you why, just try it yourself. Haha!!!

Boracay Trip - 2016 Spending

Welcome your's truly to Boracay!!! Again! This time I am with my office mates. We had a lot of fun and I will show them all on my next blog. But first here is my expenses for the trip expressed in Philippine Peso.

Day 1 – Feb. 4 (Thursday)

Danao to Mandaue via bus	Fare	35.00
Jeepney ride to Mactan Airport	Got a free taxi ride	7.00
Airfare from Cebu to Kalibo Airport	via Cebu Pacific	1,630.36
Kalibo to Pension House via Van	Shared	30.00
Accommodation in Kalibo at Center Parkway Pension House	Shared	383.00
Dinner at Andoks	Food and Beverage	90.00

Day 2 – Feb 5 (Friday)

Breakfast at Dunkin Donuts	Coffee and sweets	100.00
Groceries and Toiletries	Lotion, shampoo and water	350.00
Bus Fare – Kalibo to Caticlan	Aircon bus at Kalibo Crossing Area	107.00
Environmental Fee at Caticlan Jetty Port	Bus will drop you at the Jetty Port	75.00
Terminal Fee	Children is free same with Environmental fees	100.00
Boat Fare	They are charging 30 pesos at night	25.00
Tricycle ride from terminal to station 2	Station 1 is 30.00 per head	20.00
Accommodation for 3 nights at La Carmela de Boracay	Shared on the first two night; solo on the third night	7,108.00
Launch at the “Smoke House”	Not Recommended if you do not like Bulalo	230.00
Dinner at Mang Inasal - dMall	Food and beverage	130.00
Groceries at dMall	Water and cookies	90.00

Day 3 – Feb. 6 (Saturday)

Breakfast is free at the hotel	Not Recommended	00.00
Launch at Mc Donalds	Standard prices	90.00
Snacks – cake, cookies and milktea	Picnic at the shore	250.00
Dinner at Beachfront Restaurant	Buffet	375.00

Day 4 – February 7 (Sunday)

Breakfast at the hotel again	The main building is crowded – it is the facing the shoreline	00.00
Launch at Mac Donalds	Forget the actual price	90.00
Pasalubongs	Best to buy at any talipapa	500.00
Fare back and forth – Puka Beach	25 per head or 150 per tricycle	50.00
Fare – La Carmela to Jetty Port	100 per tricycle	30.00
Terminal Fees	No more environmental fees for outgoing tourist	100.00
Boat Fare - please travel during daytime		25.00
Bus Fare – Catiklan to Kalibo		108.00
Dinner at Catiklan – Andoks is beside the bus parking area	Not actual cost	100.00
Fare Kalibo Crossing to Airport	Orange tricycles are for public transport --- other colors will change you 150 per way to airport	10.00

I forgot the actual food costs I spent. My apology, I should have posted this blog earlier...   

Anyway please do not go to Boracay during February. The seaweeds are all over the shoreline. Station 1 is okey but the March videos shows a clear shoreline and free from these weeds. I will try to post some of my adventures in Boracay later, please do not miss it!