Jollibee invades Davao with the Jollitown Funtasy Land

Last May 9, Jollibee Kids Club members in Davao experienced an extra sarap summer as the Jollitown Funtasy Land caravan hits town at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao. 

My family did not let this event pass since my son, Kulay is a big fun of Jollibee and friends.My entire family went there and Kulay was ecstatic bouncing around the Rainbow Slide and Jollibee House. He bravely fell in line with other kids so he could go back repeatedly to the slide but he was scared to try the Dingdangdong Clingers.

The kids and young at heart enjoyed posing at the various Jollitown Themed photo booths scattered around thr venue.

The place was filled with various adventure such as this Enchanted Maze with magical characters!

There were also a magic well which fascinated everyone.

My lone year old daughter loved riding the Jolli car ride.

Everyone had a chance to chat with Jollibee at the Jolliphone booth.

There were a lot more activities that kids enjoyed during the event but I guess the highlight was watching and even dancing with Jollibee, Hetty, Twirlie and Champ.

All kids were given loot bags and some purchased special Jollitown Souvenirs like the Jollibee stuffed toy  to bring home with them and add to their collection.

My family really had a blast and we look forward to more events from Jollibee like this! You can also become a JKC member now a to have exclusive access to other fun-filled activities! Log on to www.Jollibeekidsclub.com for more details.

Eden Nature Park and Resort

From Highlands to Islands...is one of the common phrase to describe my hometown Davao. And when people would say Highlands, the first place that often comes to mind is Eden Nature Park and Resort which is located at 3,000 feet above sea level at the foot of Mount Talomo. This resort is our second stop during the DB Tour 2012 and I feel so lucky that it is included in our Itinerary. I've been to Eden before but I can never get enough of this beautiful man-made mountain resort.  There are simply a lot of things to see and enjoy in this place. It is such a treat to all our senses! Hiking, fishing, swimming, ziplining, eat organically grown food, chill and relax to name a few things that you can do at Eden. 

At P200 entrance fee you already have a plated snack and at P470 you have a buffet lunch and be filled to the brim as what we did. Their food is simply sumptuous and everything is fresh!

I am not a thrill seeker but I was convinced to try the Indiana Jones for the first time and I discovered that it wasn't scary and it was such an adrenaline rush!

What  I love most about Eden is that it develops appreciation and preservation of nature 

and our culture.

I am really looking forward to bringing our son to Eden because I know he will have a great time there.Mike and I have been planning to have an overnight stay and hope we can schedule it soon!



Eden Nature Park and Resort

Website:http://edennaturepark.com.ph/main/
Location: Bayabas, Toril Davao City;

Sales and Reservations Office-Matina Town SquareMcArthur Highway, Matina Davao City
Contact Number:Tel. Nos: (082) 299-1020, (082) 296-0791 Mobile +639189307590

Villa Carmelita In-Land Resort and Hotel

One of the things that I love about Davao is that everything is just within reach. You need not travel far to relax and have fun as we have various in-land resorts just 30 minutes to an hour drive from the city. 
The first stop of our DB Tour 2012 for the Toril Trailblazers group was Villa Carmelita In-land Resort and Hotel  which is just located along Toril Highway. The place was so familiar and I remembered that I attended a wedding before which was held at their outdoor function hall.


The resort has an infinity pool, adult and kiddie pools and water slides. Perfect for outings and events! Entrance Fee is only P100 for adults, P80 for 2-10 yrs old, Free for children below 2 yrs. old. This fee already includes the pool, slides and use of tables,chairs and cottages.They also have a Dining Area and can order food but you can also bring in your own food with corresponding corkage fees.

The resort has been operating since 2009 and they just opened their Hotel with 21 rooms last year (June 2011). The standard room (twin) rate is at P1,500 inclusive of breakfast for two. 

They also have a spacious airconditioned function room which is perfect for weddings,birthdays and other occasions. 


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Villa Carmelita In-Land Resort and Hotel
Location: Km 14 McArthur Highway,Toril,Davao City
Contact No.: (082)295-2688 and (082)286-1726

Davao Bloggers Tour 2012

Last Friday, I was informed that I was chosen to be part of the Davao Bloggers Tour 2012. I was a bit torn whether I'll join the tour or not because I had Laryngitis and was advised by my doctor to have vocal rest. But then I thought that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I guess there will be no singing involved so after 5 seconds of deliberation I decided to join the tour! The tour was about familiarization of the various tourism establishments in Davao City in line with the Davao Life is Here campaign. The tour was organized by the City Tourism Operations Office who partnered with Davao Bloggers. Smart Communications sponsored our internet connectivity through e-pocket so we could post in social media sites about our adventures while on the go. The tour took place last Saturday, July 14 and participated by 44 bloggers,photographers and CTOO officers. We were divided into four groups, Toril Trailblazers, Calinan Thrill-Seekers, Downtown Explorers and Uptown Adventurers. I was part of the Toril Trailblazers...the most accident prone adventurous group of all. Armed with our gadgets and me with my lozenges,we conquered Villa Carmelita Inland Resort and Hotel, Eden Mountain Spring Resort,Loleng's Mountain Resort and side trip to Sto. Rosario Church. Even though I am from Davao and have been to these places before, it still excites me to visit these places especially now that I am seeing it from a mother's point of view. A mom who's looking for places to bring her family for future outings. 

Even though my voice was hoarse and I was muddy at the end of the day, I was really happy I joined this trip for a chance to experience the highland part of Davao. The day was filled with fun, fresh air,fog, fresh fruits, aromatic leaves, mud slides, Indiana Jones,yummy food, beautiful sights and good company.

Clockwise: Charles,Renz,Brendel,Lyle,Me,Rovs,Tere,Karla and Perry. Not in the pix are Jaycee our Photographer and  Sandra from CTOO

DFAT 2012

What have I been up to for the past few days? Well, I was part of the Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2012 (DFAT) which started last Friday (May 4) and ended yesterday (May 7). DFAT as the name suggests is about bloggers from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao gathering to visit places around the Davao Region and trying our the best dish each cafe or restaurant has to offer. We went to Kapatagan, Davao Del sur and Island hopping in Samal. I really enjoyed the 4 day food tripping though I missed out on some restaurants. Mike was also able to join the last 2 days of the tour and we worked up a tight schedule with our parents for watching over Kulay. The food we ate was really overwhelming and I felt really gluttonous! Eating even when I'm still full! I really enjoyed the tour not just because of the food but because I was able to bond with really cool and fun bloggers who are really inspiring esp. those travel bloggers. 

Mike and I will be posting the details of the tour on The Kulay Project blog.

Group Picture infront of Piyesta KTV and Resto Bar. Photo courtesy of Anj Nacorda

My Davao City

One of my fondest childhood memories of Davao is every 16^th of March. I remember that every Araw ng Dabaw my mother, father, brothers and me of course would troop downtown to join the festivities and watch the parade. We would find a good spot along C.M. Recto or at San Pedro St. and my father would carry me on his shoulders so that my tiny self could watch the parade. I would watch in awe at the colorful floats passing by and be entranced by the street dancers with their spectacular costumes. My heart would beat in tune with the drums and my hands would clap in glee. After watching the parade we would usually have Halo-Halo at Merco Bolton. Afterwards, we would visit the Agricultural trade fair at PTA Grounds (now People’s Park) and buy orchids and plants that my mother would fancy. That was around the 80's and after a while when I grew older we just watched the Araw ng Dabaw  Festivities on Television at home.

Fast forward to present,it’s 2012 and the 75^th Araw ng Davao is fast approaching. I am married and a mother myself and I am smiling as I recall those memories. I am planning to bring my 1 year old son downtown and watch the parade amidst the heat and the crowd. I understand now what my parents were trying to instill in me then, appreciation of Davao and our culture.  It is also a good time for us Dabawenyos to gather round and celebrate. And there are a lot of things to celebrate about our city.

 Davao is Philippines' Most Livable City. Davao was recognized by Asiaweek (1996-1999) as having the highest quality of livability as a city. After I graduated from College I worked and lived in Laguna and Makati for a couple of years and have travelled to other places in the country but still I return to Davao.For a Dabawenya like me, nothing compares to Davao. This is the perfect place for me to settle down and raise a family. We have an outstanding water utility system and a stable power source. We are typhoon free. Our city is clean and green, peaceful and safe. What more could one ask for? Davao is simply an ideal place to live. 

Davao is a Top Eco-Tourist Destination. One often hears the tagline “From Highlands to Islands” to describe Davao. This is simply true because Davao is an expansive city that boasts of beautiful mountainsides and at the same time beach shores. All the tourist destinations are just within the near proximity to the city. Visitors can have extreme adventures such as zip lining to simply relaxing activities such as lounging by the sea all in one day. On top of our nature parks we also have malls, cinemas and restaurants and one can enjoy the nightlife of a metropolitan city as well. 

Davao is rich in Natural Resources. We are known as the Durian Capital of the country because we are famous for our Durian. We are rich not just in bountiful fruits but also in flora and fauna which we give thanks for during the Kadayawan Festival. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the country is located between Davao City and Davao del Sur. Its peak overlooks Davao City (40 km) just like an Apo “ancestor” watching over its people. We are also home to Philippine Eagle, an endangered specie. Our city is blessed with  Mother Nature's abundance.

Davao is home to the most beautiful people in the world. This is not based on any survey but this is simply based on my personal opinion which I know other Dabawenyos would agree.  Davao is home to at least 11 major tribes, Lumad, Christian, Islam and migrant settlers from all over have made us very diverse.  our city has been through a lot of adversities and we have overcome all of it and became stronger people.  Our inner strength and cultural pride have made us beautiful inside and out. Our hospitality and warm smile  makes our visitors at home in Davao. 

I could go on and on about how amazing our city is. Our city has grown a lot compared to my childhood days and I know it will continue to grow and improve. Living here and our wonderful life here are my legacy to my son and his future children. I know that someday they can say with all pride and sincerity that LIFE IS HERE IN DAVAO.

                 Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Author's Note: This is my entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition.Photos are  used with permission from the Photographer my Husband, Michael Balgos