Christmas Trees at Mana

We always find joy seeing Christmas trees. It  is one of the symbols for christmas. It has different sizes, themes and colors but we all know that it only has one shape. Are there any other shapes?

Here in Davao, a company named MANA DAVAO has it’s tradition. To put beautiful christmas trees in front of their building. And not just  ordinary christmas trees, they have different theme every year which made them an attraction. People would just go there to take pictures and even vehicles would stop in amazement.

A distant view of christmas trees at Mana Davao

Easy Way of Peeling Hard Boiled Eggs

I used to have difficulty in peeling hard boiled eggs. The shell sticks to the egg which makes it deformed and makes me hate in doing so. Then I discovered the easiest way to peel it. It’s simply submerging the hard boiled egg into a bowl of cold water for about 2 minutes and mwaah, there it goes. Peeling is as easy as 123. hehehe… now I’m always willing to do this task even for hundreds of eggs. lol.

Back to Kadayawan

I was suppose to post these Kadayawan Floral Parade 2008 pictures two weeks ago but I was busy and didn’t have the time to do so. I got excited of my trip to Boracay that I lost the urge of posting. For all my friends and relatives in Cebu who waited for this, my apology. And to Beth of Concentrix who shared these pictures ( I wasn’t able to witness the floral parade), thank you so much.

These are some of the Pamulak sa Kadayawan entries.

Most of the flowers in this float are crysanthemum. On the hair and hands are unmilled rice (pasi), under the hands are cabbages.

Sul Orchids Float

Samsung Float

A closer look of the Samsung float

Methathione

Side view of the methathione float. Hmmm.... lots of cabbage.

Synnex-Concentrix float

Closer look at Concentrix float.

back of the Concentrix float

Entry of Malagos Garden Resort. Look at those carabaos, can you guess how many roses are used? hehehe...

University of Mindanao Float

What a nice caterpillar!

Boracay Sunset and Fire Dance

We sat in the sand waiting for sunset and was mesmerized to see the color of the sky as the sun kissed the sea.

At the Luau Party everyone was entertained by the fire dancers who showed there amusing talents. It was the first time I saw a live firedance.

Mt. Luho – View Point of Boracay

One of the must-to-visit place in Boracay is Mt. Luho wherein you will get to see the whole Boracay Island.

On our way to Mt. Luho

taking the steps to the top of Mt. Luho

I don't like the feeling of being here on top. The structure is shaking maybe because of the wind or it's not well constructed. hehehe... I just calmed down from screaming but my knees are still shaking. I'm afraid of heights.

Island Hopping in Boracay

On our second day in Boracay we went island hopping as early as 8:30 AM. We also did snorkeling, went to crystal cove and took a dip in the cool water inside the cave. It also has a structure overlooking the part of Boracay. Then we went to Puca Beach. We were back at the hotel by lunch, so tired but enjoying the trip.

At Puca Beach, some are busy picking puca shells while others are enjoying the crystal water.

Puca Beach

Still at Puca Beach

Our boat stopped at Tambisaan Docking Area for gasoline. A native selling buko (young coconut) at 3 for P100. Ahhh so refreshing!

My husband and his officemates enjoying snorkeling

At Crystal Cove

On top of Crystal Cove structure overlooking part of Boracay

the cave

Stairs leading to the exit and entrance of the cave

My Boracay Experience

My husband works at Synnex-Concentrix as a Senior Network Specialist and was chosen as one of the members of the President’s Club (members are employees who significantly contributed their excellence and dedication to their work). As member, one is entitled to 4 days and 3 nights all expense paid vacation to Boracay for 2. What a reward! Since there is no direct flight from Davao to Caticlan, we went to Manila and took a connecting flight for Caticlan. It was almost 12 noon when we arrived at Boracay. The trip was tiresome but enjoyable. Upon our arrival at the Boracay Regency Resort located at Station 2, we were warmly welcomed with leis (above photo). Lunch was provided at Sea Breeze Cafe of the hotel with very delectable and sumptuous dishes. At 4 pm we did Paraw Sailing for almost an hour since we had to attend the cocktail party hosted by the company, again food was great. There we met other PC members of Synnex-Concentrix from Manila and Cagayan de Oro City. It was a night of food and laughter. By 11:30 we went to Kai-Regency SPA for a relaxing Swedish Massage. The following days, we went island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, city tour and hiking. I admire the politeness of the local residents. Business establishments are seen everywhere and locals offering services such as hair braiding, but I was not tempted because I’m afraid what I would look like after. lol. We also had a taste of Jona’s Fruit Shake (Station 1) which is very famous in the island, it’s a good thirst quencher for the son was screaming hot. For lunch we dined at Aria. I ordered Insalata di cocomero, rucola e pinoli which I didn’t like ( I don’t find Italian Foods delicious) so we went to D’Mall and looked for something to eat and at the same time buy souvenirs. D’mall is a good place to shop for souvenir shirts, you just have to canvass first before buying to get the lowest price. I like the hand painted Boracay shirts at Lonely Planet but it’s quite expensive so I ended up buying the simple ones in one of the stalls. It was almost 6 pm so we hurried to the beach to witness the sunset, there we got the chance to capture the beauty of the horizon. Nigh time came and we’re hungry. We decided to dine at Tong Yang where we had Shabu Shabu and went back to the hotel with our fully loaded stomach. hehehe… Lunch at The Tides the next day was was also delectable, but Sea Breeze Cafe is the best, their food is superb. On our third night we attended the Luau Party, everybody enjoyed watching the fire dancers, the fireworks display and danced with the Hotlist Band till they got tired of singing. lol. Our stay in Boracay is awesome, thanks to Synnex-Concentrix for giving this wonderful and memorable experience.

nice flowers at the hotel lobby

Paraw

At Boracay Regency

This sand castle is built every 3 in the afternoon by the local residents.

While waiting for sunset

at the end of station 3

Along station 1

Still at Station 1 in front of Jona's Fruit Shake

the finest sand

masseurs are everywhere offering their services for a reasonable fee (P250)

Hiking towards station 3 at 5:30 am. (sorry, i haven't set the right date, it's supposed to be 09/03/2008)

Hotel Isla Boracay is located near the end of Station 3

http://lovingdavao.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/100_2966.jpg

Sea Breeze Cafe, delectable food.

Pool with Jacuzzi at Boracay Regency Resort

While waiting for my mocha shake at Jona's Fruit Shake located at Station 1

bob car ride

a tour at D'Mall

having lunch at D" Tides with the PC members

Shabu shabu at TongYang Restaurant

I’m going to Boracay! Yehey..

I’m so excited! I’m going to Boracay! I just hope the weather would be fine and kind to us (June-September are typhoon months here in the Philippines), so that me and my husband would really enjoy our trip. Right now, I’m busy preparing for the big day. It would be the first time, that we as a couple will go on a vacation without our kids, but how I wish we could take them along. We would be staying at the Boracay Regency Resort which I think is a very nice hotel. You know what’s nice in our trip? It’s an all expense paid by the company where my husband works. Since there is no direct flight from Davao to Caticlan we will be going to Manila. Well, hope you’re happy for me… wish me luck! hehehehe…

I’ll be posting many pictures when I get back…..

KADAYAWAN SA DAVAO

The City of Davao is blessed. Amidst the chaos, hostage taking, war and conflict happening in some parts of Mindanao, Davao is still at peace and order. In August every year Dabawenyos and tourists from other parts of the world take time to visit Davao to join its festival of thanksgiving for the land’s bountiful harvest of fruits and flowers. The highlight of this festival is the floral parade which showcases floats fully decorated with fresh flowers and fruits, that are abundant in Mindanao. There are street dances featuring the tribal dance of the different tribes as a thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest. Kadayawan is the most awaited event in Davao. Below is the schedule of the said festivities…

SCHEDULE OF FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

• August 17, 2008, 4:00 – 5:30 pm, Gaisano Mall Atrium

Moda Mindanaw Fashion and Floral Design Competition Designers’ Cut — Fashion designers and floral artists will compete in a fashion and floral design extravaganza of indigenous-inspired silhouettes, Mindanoan fabrics, and floral accessories.

• AUGUST 18, 2008

Festival Press Launching – 10 AM Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit Opening Museo Dabawenyo – 10 AM Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival.

Dayaw Kadayawan Festival Grand Opening

The annual festival grand opening that will showcase in capsule the Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2008. The people will promenade to the Rizal Park right after the festival opening rites for the launching of Lumadnong Kasaulogan, the Indigenous Peoples Festival at Rizal Park.

Lumadnong Kasaulogan Indigenous Peoples Festival Opening Rites Rizal Park/ Osmena park – 6 PM

Lumadnong Bantawan -Tribong Tagabawa Rizal Park – 6-8 PM Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Tagabawa.

• AUGUST 19, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways. Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Sama Morning

Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Sama.

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Matigsalog Afternoon, Rizal Park Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Matigsalog.

Tribong Mass Wedding Afternoon Hiyas ng Kadayawan Search for the Kadayawan Gem Evening, CAP Auditorium

Search for the indigenous woman who, up until the present is knowledgeable of her indigenous culture and wisdom through a pageantry of Mindanaoan myths and legends. The Hiyas sa Kadayawan Culture and Arts-based project will be launched during their reign.

• AUGUST 20, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Ata Manuvu Morning

Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Ata Manuvu.

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Tausug Afternoon Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Tausug.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Maranao Afternoon Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Maranao

Tunog Mindanaw World Music Festival 6 pm, NCCC Mall of Davao

A competition of popular yet Mindanao tradition-based music open to all Mindanaoan composers and songwriters. A festival CD will be produced showcasing the musical creations.

• AUGUST 21, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park

The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong K’lata Morning

Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong K’lata.

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Ubo-Manobo Afternoon

Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Ubo-Manobo.

Lumadnong Bantawan – Tribong Kalagan Afternoon

Performance showcases of dance, songs and other ceremonies fit for public performances of the Tribong Kalagan.

Sayaw Mindanaw The Mindanao Dance Competition 6 pm, SM City Davao

This is a competition of Mindanao myths, legends and folklores transformed into dance narratives by Mindanao-based dance groups. Outstanding dance critiques and choreographers will interact with the Mindanao choreographers during dance evaluation and citation. A video will be produced to document the event.

• AUGUST 22, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park

The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways.

Tugtogan sa Kahiusahan Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Music Festival Morning. Victoria Plaza Mall

Indigenous music virtuosos from all around Mindanao will be invited to an interactive music performance of various gong percussions, string and wind instruments in public spaces such as the Rizal and Peoples’ Parks and Victoria Plaza Mall, a showcase of the Indigenous Peoples’ Harmony with themselves and Mother Earth. A festival CD will be produced showcasing the music.

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival

Tugtogan sa Kahiusahan Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Music Festival Afternoon. Rizal Park and People’s Park.

Indigenous music virtuosos from all around Mindanao will be invited to an interactive music performance of various gong percussions, string and wind instruments in public spaces such as the Rizal and Peoples’ Parks and Victoria Plaza Mall, a showcase of the Indigenous Peoples’ Harmony with themselves and Mother Earth. A festival CD will be produced showcasing the music.

Dawow: Tubod sa Kasaysayan Davao River Festival Afternoon, 2 pm, Davao River

Dawow is the indigenous name given to the Davao River, the source of the early beginning of Davao. The celebration is a call for all Davaoeños to take care of the Davao River. Water-based competitions such as kayaking, banca race and river float showcase and music concert are among its featured activities.

Tugtogan sa Kahiusahan Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Music Festival Evening. Rizal Park and People’s Park.

Indigenous music virtuosos from all around Mindanao will be invited to an interactive music performance of various gong percussions, string and wind instruments in public spaces such as the Rizal and Peoples’ Parks and Victoria Plaza Mall, a showcase of the Indigenous Peoples’ Harmony with themselves and Mother Earth. A festival CD will be produced showcasing the music.

Moda Mindanaw Fashion and Floral Design Competition Mindanao Fashion Night — August 22, 2008, 6 pm, The Venue

Fashion designers and floral artists will compete in a fashion and floral design extravaganza of indigenous-inspired silhouettes, Mindanoan fabrics, and floral accessories.

• AUGUST 23, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park

The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways.

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan | more info | tour packages Street Dancing Competition and Mindanao Festival Showcases (Street Performance) Afternoon, Streets of Davao

The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan has three components: Davao-based contingents will compete in the street dancing interpreting the Kadayawan Festival of Thanksgiving, the nine Indigenous Tribes of Davao will showcase the richness of their indigenous dance and music while Indak-Indak contingents from key cities and provinces of Mindanao will be invited to showcase through street dancing their respective festivals.

Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan Street Dancing Competition and Mindanao Festival Showcases (Showdown Performance) Evening, Streets of Davao

The Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan has three components: Davao-based contingents will compete in the street dancing interpreting the Kadayawan Festival of Thanksgiving, the nine Indigenous Tribes of Davao will showcase the richness of their indigenous dance and music while Indak-Indak contingents from key cities and provinces of Mindanao will be invited to showcase through street dancing their respective festivals.

• AUGUST 24, 2008

Kaan Mindanao & Lumadnong Gama Indigenous Food Fiesta Morning to evening, Rizal Park The 10 Tribal groups of Davao will display indigenous cuisine as an important part of their life ways.

Pamulak Kadayawan Floral Float Parade and Competition 8am, Streets of Davao

The grand finale of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival, the showcase of the blooming of flowers and ripening of fruits in floral floats parade and competition

Hulagway sa Kaliwatan Indigenous Peoples Visual Arts Exhibit & Photo Contest 9am- 6pm, Museo Dabawenyo

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples together with outstanding Dabawenyo Visual Arts groups and individuals are featured in a Visual Arts Exhibit featuring indigenous life ways at the Museo Dabawenyo. The Kadayawan Photo Contest will also be launched and will be exhibited at Museo Dabawenyo after the festival.

Kalasikas Contemporary Music and Dance Concerts at the Parks 3 pm, Rizal and Peoples Parks

Outstanding Davao music and dance groups perform at Rizal and Peoples’ Park their music and dance creations as inspired by indigenous cultural expressions.

Pahalipay ni Mayor sa Kadayawan Mayor’s Free Concert for Kadayawan sa Dabaw 6 pm, Rizal Park

Music concert by invited popular music artists as the City Mayor of Davao’s tribute to Kadayawan sa Dabaw.

PASALAMAT Dinner & Fellowship of Kadayawan 2008 Team 7pm, The Venue

Saving Mother Earth in our own little way

Each of us is aware of what is happening to our mother earth. With all the calamities that cause the loss of so many lives we should not wait for a much worse scenario. We should start saving our planet even in our own little way and we should start in our home.

Some things we can do to save our planet and at the same time lessen the expenses.

1. Don’t forget to turn off lights that are not in use. Check before going to sleep especially if you have kids, they always love to switch on the light. You are not just saving mother earth but you’re also saving on electricity bill.
2. Don’t just turn off other electrical equipments, like TVs, stereos, and radios when not in use but also unplug it. You will save 25% of energy.
3. Use rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries cost much more than ordinary batteries but it in the long run you can save much more on it.
4. As much as possible avoid using electrical equipments when you can do it manually.
5. Open your windows to let the cool air in instead of using electric fans and air conditioners.
6. Observe proper garbage segregation. DON’T BURN NON-BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS (plastics, styros, wires, rubber, diapers, etc.). Not only it causes harm to the environment it could also give you health problems because of the dangerous gas that is released from burning.
7. Don’t waste water. Check for pipe leakage and make sure that all faucets are turned off properly especially when you have kids, they love playing with water. Also think of some ways to conserve water.
8. Don’t use aerosol sprays.
9. As much as possible avoid using plastic bags. If you can’t avoid it use it many times before throwing it. Recycle.
10. Take a walk when going to a nearby place. It’s a form of exercise.
11. Avoid using disposable plates and cups.
12. Have plants in your homes. It would make the air fresher and cooler.

These are just some of the simple things we can do in our home but its a big help to save our planet. Saving mother earth is not a very difficult task if each one of us will do our share.