It's all here in Davao

MANILA, Philippines - If experiencing thrills by land, water, and air does not convince you to choose Davao for your next destination, then we do not know what will.

Davao never seems to run out of surprises. Every time we make a visit, there is something new and exciting to be experienced. Our recent visit proves this point. We made the mistake of thinking that we were going to revisit some familiar attractions here. We guessed wrongly. We were brought to unexpected Davao destinations and experienced even more its charm and its people.

Home in Davao was Microtel Davao, a charming 51-room hotel located within the popular Damosa Gateway Complex, home of the city’s favorite restaurants and bars. Microtel Davao has always earned our approval for its consistent display of quality, from its accommodations to its services.

Microtel Davao, like the city it is located in, is known for its fuss-free comfort, cleanliness, and security. We look forward to its American Chiropractic Association-approved healthy-for-the-back queen-sized beds every time we are there. Of course, it is the total Microtel experience that we find ourselves drifting toward to again and again.

“What Microtel Davao offers is also a peek into the greatness of Davao as a destination. Here we celebrate industry and leisure, business and social gatherings,” says area general manager for Mindanao Rocky Jorolan. “Many guests tell us that Davao’s charm is well represented in our hotel.”

Jorolan told us, “Stay in Microtel, then go out and enjoy Davao’s wonderful attractions.” We followed his advice and never regretted one bit.

First on our itinerary was Camp Sabros in Kapatagan, Digos City, Davao del Sur. The camp was a good two hours’ drive from Davao City. Along the way, we enjoyed quaint towns and lush greens. The road to Camp Sabros took us up a mountain, something which reminded us of Baguio, cool climate, abundant vegetation, and the like.

Microtel Davao’s double room.

Upon reaching Kapatagan, we headed straight to the Sitio Barras checkpoint, where another road led us to the camp. It was a good decision for us to walk up to Sabros, as it afforded us the chance to enjoy the local scenery, the rolling hills, the mountains, and the never-ending plantations. Despite this rather calming activity, the hike proved that land adventure, no matter in what form, has its rewards.

At Camp Sabros, we lost no time in trying out its ziplines. Both the 380- and 400-meter ziplines are fantastic ways to, well, pass the time (not more than a minute, actually). Zip through the air while suspended by a harness and cable. The views while we were ziplining were breathtaking, literally.

We learned that this is a favorite destination of Davaoeños and visitors. We’re not surprised. The camp has everything, from picnic setups to cable lifts — further proof that Davao does not come up short in the pasyalan stakes.

The following day found us heading to the Davao River for its famous river rafting adventure. That meant over 12 kilometers of pure adrenalin rush as our group braved the rapids. Davao’s river guides are very thorough with safety procedures and paddling techniques. We confess to feeling intimidated by the sight of rapids and rafts engaging one another in watery fisticuffs. The guides showed us that there was nothing to fear as we rowed and roared to our hearts’ content. When we reached the end of the river, we understood why river rafting has become such an addicting adventure. How come we had not done this earlier in Davao?

Later than evening, we caught up with the Department of Tourism (Region XI) regional director Art Boncato Jr. at Damosa Gateway. Until our meeting, we never realized how advanced and active Davao is when it comes to playing host to its visitors.

Among the good news was the success of the “Visit Samal” months of March, April, and May. Samal is known as the “Island Garden City” with its magnificent beaches and resorts. Put together by the local government units and the private sector, “Visit Samal” roped in travelers to the island via innovative promotional passports.

There are inland tours being developed on the island, which is home of the Samal fruit bats. The bat colony flapped its way to the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest bat colony.

“We just hosted the first Philippine Dive Seafari. We brought in local and international macro-photographers, whose task was to focus on small underwater creatures. We are pushing Samal already as a dive site to the international market,” Boncato says.

He also reports that DOT Davao has launched its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Events) Desk as their way to promote Davao as a convention destination.

‘Many guests tell us that Davao’s charm is well represented in our hotel,’ says Microtel area general manager for Mindanao Rocky Jorolan, shown with DOT-Region XI director Art Boncato Jr.

“Part of that program is to give incentives to organizers who bring their conventions here. We are receiving private sector support to add to those incentives. It assists planners and organizers to succeed in their MICE programs in Davao. We help them prepare their bid books by supplying them with photos, videos, and data,” he says. “We have the convention areas and facilities when business time comes. We also have the leisure activities and places for attendees’ downtime.”

DOT Davao is also actively promoting Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak, as a nature destination. One event, the First International Mount Apo Boulder Face Challenge, was an endurance race that aimed to raise awareness on Mount Apo as a protected biodiversity site and ancestral domain.

Boncato is likewise excited about their food appreciation tours. There is the Tibolo Cultural Village which hosts breakfasts for visitors. He relates, “The highlight is their basket trade, weaving, and bamboo-cooked food. It’s breakfast facing the foot of Mount Apo.”

“We want to develop Davao as a culinary destination and promote local food. Our cuisine is distinct because of our island terrain. We have many fresh ingredients from the sea and the mountains. It helps that we rarely have typhoons in Davao, so we have an abundance of produce.”

He likewise rattles off DOT Davao’s thrilling offerings, from environmental to superior-quality tourism and security programs. All these, he informs us, aim to provide visitors with a safe and pleasant experience in Davao.

Truly spectacular news for everyone. We have long been convinced of Davao as an ideal destination. With bigger and brighter things to add to its already impressive offerings, we say Davao is just the tip of the iceberg. We wait in breathless anticipation.

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Microtel Davao is located at the Damosa Gateway Complex, Mamay Road, Lanang, Davao City. For inquiries or reservations, call (6382) 233-2333 or (632) 899-7171. E-mail at davao@microtel.ph. Visit the website at http://www.microtel-davao.com.