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.

Plastic Bottles That Are Not Safe

When Jessica Soho featured in her program about the risk of using dangerous plastic bottles I was so alarmed because my kids are using plastic bottles for their water. I also use plastic containers in storing food so I dig and search in the internet and here is what I found out.

Number 3 Plastics
V (Vinyl) or PVC
Found in: Cooking oil bottles, clear food packagingHarvard-educated Dr. Leo Trasande of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine advises consumers to avoid number 3 plastics for food and drinks. (If you’re unsure, look for the little symbol that should be printed on the container. Some brands have left the symbols off, which is a major problem.)

Why? Number 3 plastics may release toxic breakdown products (including pthalates) into food and drinks.

The risk is highest when containers start wearing out, are put through the dishwasher or when they are heated (including microwaved). PVC manufacturing can release highly toxic dioxins into the environment, and the materials can off-gas toxic plasticizers into your home.

Number 6 Plastics
PS (polystyrene)
Found in: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containersNumber 6 plastics (polystyrene) are made into soft Styrofoam-style cups as well as rigid foams and hard plastic products, so remember to look for those little numbers in the arrows (don’t feel bad if you need a magnifying glass). Avoid using them as much as possible.

Why? Number 6 plastics can release potentially toxic breakdown products (including styrene). Get this: particularly when heated! That insulated coffee cup — the one that ‘knows’ when to keep your drink warm — doesn’t seem so smart anymore does it?

Number 7 Plastics
Miscellaneous
Found in: Baby bottles, three- and five-gallon water bottles, certain food containersA wide range of plastic resins that don’t fit into the other six categories are lumped into number 7. Some are quite safe, but the ones to worry about are the hard polycarbonate varieties, as found in various drinking containers (like Nalgene bottles) and rigid plastic baby bottles.

Why? Studies have shown polycarbonate can leach bisphenol A, a potential hormone disruptor, into liquids. According to Trasande, no level of bisphenol A exposure is known to be truly safe, and in August a government panel expressed ’some concern’ that the ingredient causes neural and behavioral problems in children.

Why not play it safe and swap out those hard plastic baby and water bottles for Number 1, 5 or corn-based plastics, or even shatter-resistant glass?

Well, I hope this would help you in deciding for the health of your family.

Sources: thedailygreen

thedailybarometer

Angliongto Avenue (Mamay Road) Damosa

This photo shows the Angliongto Avenue where you can find the Nikkei Jin Kai International School of Davao, the Microtel Inn and Suites and other business establishments. You will pass this road when going to the airport if you are in Lanang.

Facing the Angliongto Road is the Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku School at the back of it is the Nikkei Jin Kai International School

The Microtel Inn & Suites

The Anflocor at Damosa

The J.P. Laurel Avenue

This is the J.P. Laurel Avenue famously called as Bajada.

Packing List

The climate in Davao is quite warm and humid through out the year. Hence wearing heavy clothes won’t do much help. It is would be advisable to carry soft and light clothes. Cotton T-shirts, lose pants and short pants will work fine. Don’t forget your swimming outfits because Davao has a lot of beautiful beaches.

One should also note that rainfall is common and unpredictable throughout the year especially at night.

A visit to People’s Park

The biggest attraction and the most affordable place to bring your family and friends is the People’s Park. Take a look at the P71 million peso park previously the PTA ground. Here are some of the pictures…

The parks 425-square meter visitors’ center built with a durian dome design, which houses a Bambusetum (a collection of the different species of bamboo); a Shady Plaza where African tulips are planted within the 3, 750 sq. meter-area; and an Open Plaza with a walk-through rainbow drive featuring some collections of potted palms.

It's the first structure you will see upon entering the park. Nice di ba?

The seven colors of the rainbow on the floor. I wonder how many galloons of paint are used. hehehe...

Inside is the park's office.

You will also see the rainforest of different countries just like this one.

One of the cottages where you can relax pero sa makauna lang kay daghan kaaug tao. hehehe...

Lakaw lakaw lakaw hangtud malibot ang park.

Namadlong ang security personnel kay naay nagdate ilalom sa pine tree. hehehe...

One of the comfort rooms...

Hmmm...

Waiting shed for the parents or guardians at the childrens playground.

Balay ni Snow White pero naglibog ko asa ang uban nga dwarfs...

A portion of the childrens playground. Mingaw kay all of the kids naa sa slide ug rides.

Can you spot my kids?

Gabii na gyud...

Full moon man diay...

Father and son enjoying the afternoon at the park.

Ilalom sa higante nga Philippine Eagle Statue

A close-up of the giant Philippine Eagle Statue

A pond with a diameter of 16 meters with an interactive falls because its water effects move or dance with the music; and the dancing fountain, the first in Mindanao.

This is the Greenhouse Museum which features exhibits, showcasing orchids, tropical flowers and ornamentals coming from the mountainous regions in the Philippines.

People will also enjoy the piped-in music at the park, or the 10-meter high waterfalls with a pond made of volcanic rocks. Pero karon wala ni siya nag operate kay under maintenance.

A Reunion

It was in the month of March when my cousins from Cebu visited Davao before going to Cagayan de Oro for a white water rafting. My family was happy to see them, it was a reunion then.

At the Philippine Eagle Malagos

What a pose...

An eagle named Big Foot

At Sto. Nino Shrine - Matina

Crocodile Park

If Cebu has Crocolandia, Davao has Crocodile Park. A few minute ride from downtown you can reach Crocodile Park at Ma-a, Davao City. With an entrance fee of P100 pesos for adults and P50 for children you can enjoy watching crocodiles and other wildlife. There are certain days when they have animal shows. You can have time to touch and know them more and even take pictures with them. I’m sure kids will surely love watching them cause my kids really do.

The Davao Crocodile Park Shows:

Wildlife Encounter, Crocodile Dancing, Crocodile Encounter, Crocodile Frenzy, Tightrope Walking

Meet pangil, the oldest and biggest of them all.

One of the things you will enjoy here is the wildlife encounter where you can touch the animals and know them more.

My husband lifting the phyton.