1 DECADE OF FRIENDSHIP

This should have been Bev's Birthday Tribute, but then I realized why not make it a  tribute to our one decade of friendship. 

Yup, you read it right -- 1 decade, 10 years!! I started counting from 2010 because I believed we became friends pag 3rd year na or at least on my end that was the year I started considering you as my friends hahaha. 

But seriously though, I can't imagine going through the past 10 years without the both of you! You've been the best kind of friends anyone could wish for!! I'll always be grateful for the laughter, the inside jokes, the bullying and even the random fights every now & then! Looking back, I would have never imagine still being friends with you even after 10 years especially after our 1st year college drama (you know what I mean) but here we are, still friends. I know it is not easy being friends with me, you have to deal with a lot and I mean A LOT! I could not imagine being in your shoe and dealing with my dramas, tantrums and mood swings and that made me even grateful because despite everything you guys are still here dealing with my dramas and mood swings.

A lot has changed over the last decade, before it used to be just the 3 of us but now you have extra baggages with you (hoping for mine too) but hey I'm not complaining because the 2 addition to our little circle even better. Also, I know how much those 2 are making you guys happy. Remember all my drunk moments whenever I say how happy I am to see you guys happy well you have to believe that because drunk me never lies.

To J-an,

I don't know how or where to start but I'm just so thankful for you!! Thank you for always making my and Bev's birthday so meaningful each year, we feel so pressured trying to give you the same kind of birthday and we're sorry if we sometimes fall short on that department hahaha! Thank you for being you and for always having our backs! Thank you for never getting scared of calling us out whenever you feel like we are making the wrong decisions in life even if it means we might get mad at you! Thank you for always being so thoughtful and for always thinking of us in your travels and for bringing us pasalubong haha. We are just so lucky you became our friend!

You deserve all the love and happiness and everything good in life!

To Bev,

We've been through so much since HS. Looking back I could not even remember when we became friends because all I remember is that you are Kristine's bestfriend and I hated Kristine to the core back then which means I hated you too so it came as a shock when we started getting closer maybe because we used to have the same taste in guys back then hahahaha I know na eventhough you are not as showy and as affectionate like J-an and I, we know how much you care for the both of us and we know you will be there in front of the line to get back at those who will hurt us and we love you for it , do know that we'll be there for you too. You've made this friendship brighter with your happy-strict teacher personality.

You also deserve all the love and happiness in the world! I could still remember how it used to be the both of us who will 3rd wheel J-an's date now ako nalang hahaha but I am so happy that you've finally met your match (wedding na this!)

PS: Belated Happy Birthday!!! This was supposed to be your bday tribute baya unta hahaha

I just wish the both of you eternal genuine happiness and fulfillment of all of your dreams and hopefully we remain friends for another 10 years or more! 

Love you both!!

XOXO,
LOUELLA

Hello Davao

The debates and speculations on who will be the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines was probably one of the most popular topic last year but the debacle ended last May 2016 election, as the people of the Philippines casted their votes and proclaimed Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte the victor among 5 aspiring presidentiables with a wide lead of over 16 million votes. 

It was his recent victory that made us decide to see for ourselves the city of our incoming President, and so it was HELLO DAVAO CITY!

HOW TO GET THERE

From Cebu, book a flight going to Davao. What airline to choose is your discretion since both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have hourly trips going to Davao. My advice is to book early and take advantage of promo flights but if you've been traveling for quite sometime now then I bet you know this already.

Boarding

Davao Squad

Upon landing at Francisco Bangoy International Airport hail a taxi going to the city proper or to your hotel. Going around the city is easy since there are a lot of cabs and jeeps available.

 *Unfortunately I cannot recommend a place to stay since we stayed at the house of my friend's tita.

WHERE TO EAT

It was almost lunchtime when we landed at Davao City and so from the airport we went directly to one of of Davao's classic restaurant --  Dencia's. The place looks vintage which will remind you of your Lola's place but hey never judge the place with it how it looks because Dencia's classic vintage ambiance only shows that it has been around for quite awhile now, 20+ years to be exact, serving delicious Filipino-Chinese dishes that screams comfort food.

Credits: Tripadvisor.com.ph

Dencia's is known for its tokwa't baboy and lugaw but the rest on their menu are delish and affordable. Upon tasting their dishes you would not wonder how after all these years Dencia's still stands.

PS: I highly recommend that you try their Lumpia, lami gyud!

WHERE TO GO

Davao City really deserves to be dubbed as "Crown Jewel of Mindanao" not just because of its abundant natural resources but also with its various tourist hubs. Listed below are places you could check out for free.

1. People's Park

People's Park is an urban public park in central Davao City. The park is covered with lush vegetation, and is also known for Mindanao artist Kublai Millan's sculptures of indigenous people, and its dancing fountain is a popular destination for locals at night.

The park's visitor center is inspired by durians and has a large collection of many species of bamboos. It has been described as "one of the cleanest and greenest public parks" in the Philippines and not to mention the life size sculptures are also adding to its popularity.

Behind us is one of Kublai Millan's sculpture

#TrioInDavao

Davao Day 1 OOTD

2. Magsaysay Park

Ramon Magsaysay Park

From one park we went to another, the Ramon Magsaysay Park. The Park was built in honor of Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Philippines. The vast area has lush gardens and trees where one can sense a very relaxing breeze and also a favorite hangout of locals and tourists. In fact, every afternoon, many people can be spotted in the park - resting, strolling, picnicking, playing, or simply walking. It is frequently visited by many especially locals because there is no entrance fee to pay. It is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Honestly for me it's a People's Park minus the sculptures but nevertheless that doesn't mean you could not have any fun, actually tourists and locals alike could enjoy the park by renting roller skates and bicycles for a minimal amount.

At Magsaysay Park

Anton enjoying his bike

2 idiots in roller skates

3. Magsaysay Fruit Stand

Of course the Davao trip would not be complete without tasting one of its famous fruit -- Durian. You could buy and eat Durian at Magsaysay Fruit Stand located just outside Magsaysay Park. They also sell other Durian products from Durian candy, Durian yema, Durian tart and other Durian products you could think of. You name it, they have it! Davao City would not be called "Durian Capital" for nothing, right?

The Famous Durian of Davao

For a first timer, it was not that bad hehe

4. San Pedro Cathedral

It has been our practice (Three Idiots) that whenever we go somewhere new, it is a must that we visit a local church. For our Davao Trip, we picked Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral popularly known as San Pedro Cathedral. It is not just one of the cities oldest church but has also become a historical landmark as well.

Church's bell tower 

5. Museo Dabawenyo

Just a few blocks away from San Pedro Cathedral is Museo Dabawenyo. The "People's Museum" which is geared towards the better cultural and historical awareness of locals and tourists.

Outside Museo Dabawenyo

The only place in the museum where you are allowed to take pictures

Honestly, I was amazed not just because the museum is free for all but also because they have tourist guides who actually take their job of educating the locals and tourists about Davao's heritage very seriously. It made me wish we also have this kind of museum in Cebu.

6. Matina Town Square (Duterte Town Square)

Culminate your free city tour by chilling at Matina Town Square. The entertainment hub of Davao City known for its nightly activities. It is actually Davao's take on Cebu City's Mango Square.

When in MTS, don't forget to check out Blugre Coffee and try try the Durian Coffee.

At Blugre, trying out their popular Durian Coffee

Credits: Google Image

There are actually more places to visit and things to experience at Davao City, other than those I've listed above but we need to cut the trip short for our Mati journey the following day (separate blog post) but nevertheless I enjoyed having a glimpse of what the beautiful city has to offer.

The best part  of our Davao City tour was that all the places we've been to was actually free but if you are travelling with a budget you could check out these places and let me know what you think about them, so I could check them out the next time I'm going to Davao:

-Jack's Ridge

-Eden Nature Park

-Deca Wakeboard Park

-Malagos Garden Resort

-Davao Zorb Park

-Davao Crocodile Park

ENJOY!

xoxo,
Louella

We Love Mati

#TrioinMati

If you are getting tired of the usual out of town trips to places flocked by tourist or you are just looking for a place to seek refuge and solitude, then you should pack your bags and visit this undiscovered gem in Davao Oriental -- Mati City!

Mati City is the capital and only city in the province of Davao Oriental in Mindanao, Southern Philippines. It has a total land area of approximately 682 square kilometers or 263.32 square miles, with an estimated population of about 126,143 as per the 2010 Census (credits to Google). 

It is really a small metropolis but that doesn't mean that Mati is lagging behind other urban cities especially when it comes to tourism jewels.

WHERE TO GO:

1. Dahican Beach

The first time I fell inlove with a beach was when I visited Camotes Island, I never thought that I would feel that way again not until I visited Dahican Beach. I feel inlove with the place, the moment I laid my eyes on its seven kilometer stretch of powdery white sand and its crystal clear blue waters.

Aside from the alluring beach, Dahican is also the home of the popular Dabawenyo surfers, the "Amihan Boys". These boys don't only play with the waves but they also teach tourist how to play with the waves (skimboarding & surfing) or at least try to. Unfortunately we were only able to try skimboarding since the waves was not fit for surfing that time. Skimboarding lessons cost P400/hour, what we did was hire the instructor for 2 hours and divide the time in using the board as well as the payment between ourselves.

Could you just imagine how strong the waves are? RIP shades by the way

Cali Girl

After 10,000 trials

 PS: According to "Kuya", Baste Duterte and other celebrities are frequent patrons of Dahican Beach to surf and skimboard. So who knows you might be lucky to catch them when you visit

2. Subangan Musuem

If you want to learn more about Mati through its culture and diverse heritage, then Subangan Musuem is the place to go. With a minimal entrance fee of P20.00, you would be able to see the cultural side not just of Mati but as well as Davao Oriental.

The one behind us is actually the bones of a 53 feet sperm whale known as Davor (derived from Davao Oriental). It is actually the museum's central attraction since it is considered as the biggest in the country and the 7th largest display in the world.

3. Baywalk

After getting wet and playful at Dahican Beach, you could end your day by chilling at Mati Baywalk Park. It's actually a perfect spot to relax and catch up with friends as you enjoy the postcard perfect view of the sun as it sets behind the mountains while getting a foot massage from masseurs who offers their services to tourists and locals alike.

My friends enjoying their foot massage

4. Provincial Capitol

There's really not much to see here but you will be amazed with its architecture, well it would not be called the "White House of Davao" for nothing.

If you know where to look, you'll find a lot of IG worthy spots

5. Seaside, Cafe Magnus and Bador Native Chicken

Of course after exploring Mati City, I'm sure you will definitely go hungry. Actually there are a lot of places to go to grab food but I highly recommend that you check this places: Seaside Restaurant, famous for its Empanada and Lumpia; Bador Native Chicken and Cafe Magnus

Seaside's Empanadas are to die for, my friend also recommends their tacos

Cafe Magnus for Dessert

Unfortunately we don't have a picture at Bador's because we forgot to take one due to hunger.

SIDE TRIP: Sleeping Dinosaur & Davao Oriental Welcome Park

Before heading to Mati City, drop by these two places and take souvenir pictures

Awesome Love Triangle

SUGGESTED ITINERARY (2D/1N)

Day 1

8:00am   ETD from Davao City (*Drop by Davao Oriental Welcome Park & Sleeping Dinosaur)

12:00      ETA & Lunch

12:30      Settle Down (*I cannot provide a place to stay since we stayed at my friend's house)

1:00        Depart going to Dahican Beach

1:30        Beach Bum/Swim/Enjoy

3:00        Skimboarding/Surfing Lessons

5:30        Go back to Hotel

6:00         Dinner at Bador's

7:00        Chill at Mati Baywalk

Day 2

9:00am   Visit Subangan Museum

10:00      Visit Provincial Capitol

10:30      Pack Things

11:30      Early Lunch

12:00      ETD from Mati City

4:00        ETA in Davao City

xoxo,
Louella