Davao City has a total land area of 2,444 square kilometers, making it the largest city in the country in terms of land area. It is the most populous in Mindanao but ranks only third throughout the country after Quezon City and Manila.
Basking in its varied titles as The Land of Promise, King City of the South, Crown Jewel of Mindanao, Durian Capital of the Philippines, and Chocolate Capital of the Philippines, it continues to draw in a continuously increasing number of tourists through the years, as airlines have added direct international and domestic flights to the city.
The past weekend brought me to this southern city, as we celebrated Philippine Retirement Authority’s (PRA) 39th year, and our Davao Satellite Office held a big event, inviting the foreign retirees who have set up their new homes in and around the city.
I chose to be billeted at the Dusit D2 Davao Hotel, as I wanted to experience its services and facilities, to be able to compare it with its bigger “brother,” the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort, where I stayed last year. Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation owns both properties in Davao.
Dusit D2 Davao Hotel is only 15 minutes from the Davao International Airport and 5 minutes from Lanang’s business and convention district. In fact, on weekends, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to the humongous SM Lanang Premiere Mall where the SMX Convention Center is located.
I asked one of the managers what the code “D2” in his hotel’s name refers to. He said that Dusit properties all over the world are classified into many categories.
All “D2” hotels are located in the city, and the famous and enviable Dusit Thani service is maintained in all of the brand’s properties, wherever the hotel’s location is. Having experienced the service at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort and this Dusit D2 Davao Hotel, I have to agree. The much-admired Thai hospitality and service are easily felt in every part of this property.
I liked the room they gave me, not only because of its big and beautifully designed living room but also because of its very spacious balcony. In fact, I invited some friends over and we had cocktails there, over an interesting chat, while watching the sunset deliver a colorful evening view of the city.
The Mindanao Satellite Office’s celebration of PRA’s 39th anniversary was such a tremendous success. About 200 or so foreign retirees filled up the venue and showed everyone that they still had the energy, the fun spirit, and the spunk to celebrate by dancing, singing, and playing games throughout the night.
Of course, what good is a visit to any city if no shopping is involved? My friends and I went around Davao looking for whatever we found interesting. I’m not fond of durian so I opted for a box of pomelos. Naturally, I had to have my fill of the popular Malagos Chocolates. I also got a supply of frozen Tuna Sashimi and Salmon which I usually feed myself a little of, for dinner, so that I won’t feel too heavy when I go to sleep.
I am also in the market for those elegant-looking short-sleeved shirts made of tribal weave materials and long-sleeved barongs with ethnic embroidery patterns. Unfortunately, none of those with outstanding designs had my size. Nevertheless, it was fun going through all those eye-catching patterns. Always the dreamer, maybe I’ll find one with my size on a future trip.
downtown
One needs longer than a weekend to enjoy what this “megacity” has to offer. Nevertheless, I was happy with just a weekend, as I look forward to my next visit, for the inauguration of our new, larger, more accessible PRA Satellite Office in the city. Meantime, “Madayaw, Davao.”
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
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