Exploring the ‘City of Fines’

Just like Singapore, Davao is touted as the “City of Fines” for good measure.

Ranked by website Numeo.com as the fourth world’s safest place to live in, Davao City levies on a number of city ordinances to maintain its peace and order, and squeaky, clean image. And those who break the rules will be “fine”-ly dealt with.

I was part of the media group invited by Marco Polo Davao Hotel, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Dec. 17, not only to experience their latest offerings but also to check out what the city has to offer.

Upon arrival at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, Kezia Romblon of Stratworks, the PR firm that handles Marco Polo Davao Hotel’s publicity, told smokers in our group to take advantage of the city’s Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance to finally kick the habit.

In Davao, smoking is strictly prohibited in public conveyances, government-owned vehicles, entertainment establishments, workplaces, enclosed and partially enclosed public areas, public buildings, public outdoor spaces and public gatherings such as concerts, rallies and parades.

Smokers are only allowed to puff in their homes, private vehicles (as long as these are moving), and designated outdoor smoking areas.

“It’s tough because we’re running out of places to puff — not even inside our parked cars. On a brighter note, we’re getting used to it and we might actually kick the habit soon,” said photographer Bren Ang of Davao who was recently given a citation for breaking the Anti-Smoking Ordinance.

And just like in Singapore, there’s also a liquor ban, curfew, anti-smoke belching, anti-littering, over-speeding, and an Anti-Spitting Ordinance, which are strictly implemented and adhered to. 

On our way into the heart of the city, we were impressed with the cleanliness and orderliness of the place. The city is busier than ever as there are various construction works and refurbishments going on everywhere.

DAVAO’S ONE AND ONLY

As one of the region’s top-ranked hotels, Marco Polo Davao is the best place to be if you want to explore the city’s culinary landscape and tourist areas. The premier business and leisure hotel is right at the city center so everything — restaurants, souvenir shops, ATMs, fruit stands, even the beaches — is just a short walk or a 10-minute drive away.

Epicureans actually need not go far as the hotel affords guests a culinary extravaganza in its to-dine for restaurants: Café Marco, Eagles Bar, Lobby Lounge, Lotus Court and Polo Bistro.

Take your first step at experiencing Dabaweno’s hospitality and exotic delights — durian ice cream, coffee, shake and cake — at Cafe Marco, which boasts having the longest buffet in town. Savor the world in one plate as the restaurant serves cuisines from around the world, which take turns on the buffet menu daily. 

With its rich wood paneling and surprisingly relaxing leather seats, Eagles Bar is bound to intoxicate you with its range of liquors and cocktail drinks.

Enjoy high tea with your date at the Lobby Lounge, or relish delectable Cantonese cuisine at the Lotus Court. But for a romantic dinner, nothing beats the ambience and food of Polo Bistro, which serves excellent a la carte inter-Continental cuisine.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Marco Polo Davao offers beverage treats ongoing until Dec. 17, and anniversary room promotions for the month of December.

Be one of the lucky 15 diners at CaféMarco in its “15 Lucky Diners” promo ongoing everyday until Dec. 31. The first 15 diners get a special price of only P499 net for lunch P599 for dinner buffet.

“That’s our buffet rate 15 years ago,” enthuses Anthony.

Marco Polo Davao likewise unveiled its 15th Anniversary Logo on Roxas St. fronting the hotel. The event was attended by the hotel associates, city officials, media and corporate guests.

“As one of the region’s top-ranked hotels, Marco Polo Davao continues to further better itself by constantly upgrading and improving its offerings, particularly its Premier Rooms,” enthuses Anthony Wai Kwok Tan, the newly appointed general manager.

The Premier Rooms is the hotel’s newest room category. It features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a view of the city streets, the Davao Gulf and the majestic Mount Apo. This room caters to business travelers who are always on the go and do not have the luxury of time to use the Continental Club Lounge, which was also renovated.

“The Department of Tourism and the city government are doing their best to promote Davao City here and abroad. And since we’re the only deluxe hotel here in Davao, we’re on top of the tourists’ list. That’s why we always see to it that our product offerings delight and suit our clients’ needs. Davao is such a fine city. The people are disciplined, nice, friendly and very hospitable. I experienced it first hand when I joined Marco Polo Davao 10 months ago,” relates Anthony, who was stationed at Marco Polo Hotel in Schenzen, China, before coming to Davao.

EAT’S A TREAT

Those who are passionate about good food and wine are in for a treat in the “City of Fines.” Here, you’ll find hole-in-the-wall eateries that offer the freshest catch of the day at reasonable prices, and gourmet restaurants that are worth every peso you’ll spend.

When in Davao, dine at Claude’s Le Café de Ville, which serves authentic French and Mediterranean dishes in a convivial and laid-back setting. Owned by husband-and wife Claude and Tess Le Neindre, the restaurant occupies the living room of the Oboza Heritage House, which was built in 1929 by engineer Alfonso Obaza, the first municipal mayor before Davao officially became a city.

“We’re actually renting the entire mansion, which we had renovated to accommodate our ever-growing clientele,” shares Tess over delicious servings of Fine de Claire Fresh Oysters, cured tuna and hot chili shrimps, which her husband Claude lovingly prepared.

Born in Tours of the Loire Valley in France, Claude dabbled in the kitchen when he was still a young boy — as his mom’s little helper. He started training professionally at Hotel de L’Univers and the L’Etoile d’Potel in Paris. Little did he know that his early initiation into the food and beverage world was the start of a lifetime career, which took him to the four corners of the globe, working with no less than five-star chains: the Hilton, the InterContinental, and the Sofitel and Novotel of the Accor Group.

After a three-year partnership owning and managing a 16th-century property in France, Claude sold his shares and together with his wife Tess decided to settle back in the Philippines. In 1996, the couple eventually opened Claude’s Le Café de Ville in Davao to the delight of food-loving Davaoenos.

At Claude’s, tastes matter most on the plate and the chef’s personal touch counts. From the Jambalaya Gumbo Soup to the poached fillet de surgeon fish (drizzled with Hollandaise sauce) to the grilled Australian tenderloin beef down to the Iced Souffle Grand Marnier, the six-course meal we had was so good it left a lasting impression on our palate even after the meal was over.

Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville is on Rizal St., Davao City.

For reservations, call (082) 222-4287

MUST-SEE PLACES IN DAVAO

With calories to burn, our group headed off to Eden Nature Park, an 80-hectare mountain resort situated 3,000 feet above sea level.

The once green paradise was in bad shape (totally destroyed due to illegal logging) when it was discovered in 1971. Thank goodness the owners worked hard in restoring the park to its former glory. As part of the re-greening efforts, terraces were carved out of the mountain slope and thousands of pine trees were planted. Today, Eden Nature Park, which according to our tour guide is 95-percent man-made, has over 100,000 pine trees, a deer park, a bird-viewing walkway and cabins, where one can commune with nature and enjoy the breathtaking view of Davao City and the Davao Gulf.

For inquiries, call (082) 299-1020 or e-mail info@edennaturepark.com.ph.

A trip to Davao isn’t complete without visiting the Philippine Eagle Center. Designed to simulate a tropical rainforest eco-system, the center is home to Pag-Asa and to 36 species of Philippine Eagles, 18 of which are captive-bred and properly cared for.

According to Marco Polo Davao general manager Anthony Wai Kwok Tan, Marco Polo Davao, through Halifax Davao Hotel Inc. chairman and president Carlos G. Dominguez, adopted an eagle named Marikit. Caring for an eagle, however, doesn’t come cheap as it takes around P150,000 to P200,000 annually to provide for their needs.

“Marikit is now being paired with a male eagle to breed,” says Anthony.

There’s just so many places to see, restaurants to dine in and things to do in Davao City. But before heading to the “City of Fines,” be sure to memorize the City Ordinances by heart. If not, be prepared for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s wrath!

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Marco Polo Davao is at C.M. Recto St., Davao City.

For reservations, call (082) 221-0888.