• Last days of summer

  Filed under dchs88
  May 11

  Last days of summer
  By Ian Ray C. Garcia
  Mindanano Times News
  May 11, 2006
  
  With barely a month to go, we are counting down to the last days of summer. It’s been a fun, exciting summer so far. Well, at least, for me. I have visited different summer paradises, went on a road trip with friends, trekked the mountainside, witnessed festivities, journeyed to fascinating beaches, and satiated myself with lots of summer-delicious food.

  Surely, we’re on the last leg of summer but my feet are still itching to a little bit more action just right before the month of May winds up the season with its daylong drizzles. To those who haven’t found the time yet to go on a summer holiday, well, read on and let me count my ten suggested ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer without even leaving the boundaries of our beautiful Davao.

  No. 1. Ever watched this one-of-a-kind Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort (tel. 221.1545)? No matter how many times I’ve seen the show, it still amazes me to see parrots playing basketball, crows picking up stones, ducks parading together, etc. The resort also offers a Nature Field Trip that incorporates lectures, audio/visual shows and interactive guided tours that shows and teaches visitors about the forests, orchards, creek ecosystems, butterflies, mushroom culture and various adventure activities that are sure to entertain and educate guests at the same time.

  No. 2. With the cruel summer heat, getting into some water action is both an escape and a treat. Davao Gulf is a virtual playground of numerous aqua sports such as diving, game fishing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and so much more. However, if you’re on a budget and yearning to learn a new hobby, simply hit the shores of Times Beach or Mer Grande Ocean Resort and try skimboarding. Or you can go to Samal or Talikud and discover the still many secluded beach and coves in the island.

  No. 3. You’ve read, heard and seen so much about white water rafting (tel. 301.2020). I have done it twice, and I swear, rafting the Davao River is one hell of a water ride. Now, it’s your turn to brave three hours of river journey to the city’s less seen frontier, a place enveloped with lush vegetation, limestone walls and riverside villages. So, are you ready for some river action?

  No. 4. Rediscover the wild side of Davao and trek to the mountains of Tamayong, Marilog and Toril. Various trails in Tamayong and Marilog lead you to pristine rivers and waterfalls as well as caves and breathtaking panorama of the wilderness. An easy trail man-made, such as in Eden Nature Park, is a great way to exercise and bond with families and friends before hitting the buffet table. Eden Nature Park (tel. 299.2992) also has campsites and other activities including fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, etc. Need more info? Make sure to always bring water and a First Aid kit.

  No. 5. Learn a musical skill or two. Jhine Music and Arts Center (tel. 299.0082) offers courses on piano, keyboard, guitar (acoustic, bass, classical or electric), drums, violin, saxophone, flute, clarinet and voice. They also teach group vocal technique, band synchronization, choral training, and choreography. Drop them a line and see what musical skill fits you.

  No. 6. Do something fish-y. If you’re in the mood for a good food trip without ruining your diet, troop to Tugbok and have a hearty meal of fresh “hito” (catfish). You can have it deep fried, grilled, or cooked with coconut milk (Oops, there’s goes your diet!). This is a perfect pit stop after visiting the Philippine Eagle Center and Malagos Garden Resort in nearby Baguio District.

  No. 7. Let out the hopeless romantic in you at the Waterfront Insular Hotel (tel. 233.2881), the city’s only resort hotel. It is certainly one great place to switch on your the romantic side with its invigorating beach atmosphere while just being 10 minutes away from the busy city center. Besides taking a stroll by the beachfront, you can start the day with mouthwatering breakfast feast at Café Uno, then have an afternoon merienda of their very own delectable Pizza Davaoeño. Then get nostalgic, reminiscing about your salad days on board the calesa topiary.

  No. 8. When was the last time you visited our museum? It’s about time that you rediscover our heritage at the newly renovated Davao Museum (tel. 233.1734), a repository of the city’s arts, cultural and social legacies. Located inside Insular Village Phase 1, the museum lets you travel back in time with its interesting displays of historical relics, photos and dioramas. It is divided into 3 galleries – History of Davao, Contemporary Arts and Crafts, and Ethnicity. Entrance fee is P100 for adults and P20 for kids.

  No. 9. Want to wrestle a crocodile? While you can’t exactly combat one, instead you can cuddle a baby mindorensis crocodilus at the Davao Crocodile Park (tel. 300.6307). It’s open daily but on Fridays to Saturdays, you can witness crocodile encounters, tightrope exhibition, crocodile jump and other reptilian action at 10 AM and 3 PM. You can even have your photos taken with the menacing crocs. All you need is P75 (adults)/ P50 (kids) and a lot of guts to befriend the crocs.

  No. 10. What better time to get pampered after agonizing from this summer’s terrible heat and humidity. At the Bahia Spa of Metro Lifestyle (tel. 228.6182) along F. Torres St., you can have a massage, body scrub, foot and hand spa, tub soak, and other indulgence that can truly keep your mind off from the real world. It will also make you forget about work and household chores and make you feel like a king or queen, well, at least for an hour or two.

  Still want more ways to enjoy the remaining days of summer? E-mail me at wanderlust@asean-mail.com. I might need a companion to tag along with in my next adventure.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.