HOTEL – JOHNDAPPERCLOSER

Yuletide 2021 Deals: Celebrate Responsibly At Acacia Hotel Davao

An orthopedic bed, a roasted beef, a simply heartfelt stroke of hospitality

Coined terms for socials like “intimate gathering” and “celebrate responsibly” prove that the pandemic mutated our ways on how to celebrate. Now that the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations are fast approaching, how do you plan to spend them?

“Resting on an orthopedic bed, waiting for the melt-in-your-mouth roasted beef to be served while feeling that simply heartfelt stroke of hospitality the entire time.” Well, if that imagery dazzles you, then this list of Yuletide offerings below deserves deliberation.

RESERVE NOW:
Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com I Telephone: +63 82 298 8088 I Mobile: +63 917 827 0088

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Utmost comfort and optimum rest! The “Acacia Dream Bed” – an orthopedic bed with a memory foam top specifically designed to surely luxuriate you!

CHRISTMAS DEALS

A MERRY APPETITE

A merry appetite awaits with Acacia’s Holiday Flavours offered from Christmas Eve until December 26. The Christmas buffet spread features Western and Asian cuisine along with the luscious highlights at Waling Waling Café such as Lechon Roll, Roasted Beef Chuck Roll, and Roasted Turkey.

RESERVE A MERRY APPETITE HERE:
Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com I Telephone: +63 82 298 8088 I Mobile: +63 917 827 0088

… AND A MERRY STAYCATION

A laid-back holiday fun? Gift yourself and your family that unforgettable holiday getaway with a genuine Filipino hospitality that is simply heartfelt!

“Christmas In The Air” is such an all-in experience! RESERVE HERE:
Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com I Telephone: +63 82 298 8088 I Mobile: +63 917 827 0088

A more affordable offer exists too with “‘Tis The Season” room package at Php3,888 nett per room per night which includes Breakfast for Two and a surprise Christmas gift.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DEALS

The Countdown!

I told you to celebrate responsibly. Thus, a MASKquerade countdown party!

The trendiest and most functional accessory in the past two years takes center stage! Do not forget to dazzle your mask and win exciting prizes as we greet 2022. Acacia’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet is priced at Php 2,488 nett per person on December 31, 2021 at Aves Function Hall.

A fine dining experience on New Year’s Eve is also available! A 4-Course Set Dinner at Php 1,888.00 nett per person is offered at Acacia’s Waling Waling Cafe.

THE BEST DEAL! “New Year Cheer” room package at Php 7,998 nett per room per night inclusive of Breakfast for Two and New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet for Two on December 31, 2021.
RESERVE HERE:
Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com I Telephone: +63 82 298 8088 I Mobile: +63 917 827 0088

A budget-friendly deal though!

For a more budget-friendly option, “In With a Bang” room package at Php 4,288 nett per room per night entitles you with a Breakfast for Two and complimentary party hats and trumpet.

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A well-rested you. Whatever season, when you are in Acacia.

You will not see any chimney from afar looking at Acacia Hotel Davao nor any fireplace in any of its suites. But the warmth inside, especially this Yuletide season is different. Why? Because it’s simply heartfelt no matter how you would want to celebrate the Holidays. You deserve to get that holiday feeling.

RESERVE NOW: Email: enquiry@acaciahotelsdavao.com I Telephone: +63 82 298 8088 I Mobile: +63 917 827 0088

Bleisure Guide | Acacia Hotel Davao + Cape San Agustin, Gov. Gen. Sightseeing

These were just some of the stories of heartfelt solace that would make you feel that they all seem ready to assist you in Acacia and at that, they mean doing it sincerely!

At last! After 10 months in business exile from Davao due to the pandemic, I was able to visit the city for my unit’s recruitment and sales roadshow. And since it is my first long trip after months of work-from-home only dealings, I made it imperative to stay in the city’s newest hotel plus a 3-day trip to Governor Generoso.

LEISURE: Where The Davao Gulf And The Pacific Ocean Meet

On the left is the Pacific Ocean with its waves, while on the right is the Davao Gulf with its calmness – Both on one horizon.

Due to matrimonial considerations, this trip started with the leisurely part. Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental is a 4-hour drive from Davao city. It is famous for Cape San Agustin. Reaching the trio lighthouses was literally reaching the terminus of the Philippine road. The view from the top though was truly an emancipating experience for my long-quarantined senses. A refreshing prelude before the meetings in the city.

Not just one but three towers!

Ask your photographer to take the shot from the stoutest tower. Then just be like Rapunzel! Hakhak

Same view, different perspective.

The Pacific Ocean backdrop.

BUSINESS: Where Davao’s Latest Hotel Amenities And Heartfelt Hospitality Meet

The window view from our room on the 10th floor.

Acacia Hotel Davao was my only preference for this trip. Apart from its 11 event spaces, I was thrilled to do my intimate meetings about finance at the exclusive club lounge on the 10th floor. Most importantly, its location along JP Laurel is easily accessible for my recruits and prospect owners to meet me.

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What made a mark for a recommendation from this stay though was the thoughtfulness of the staff.

As soon as I opened the car trunk to prepare the bags for check-in, the guard at the basement parking, who was carefully directing an entrant car, asked me if I would like to request a bell service staff. This appears to be usual in a hotel but that initiative was irresistibly comforting for someone who came from a 4-hour drive, with luggage for four to be unloaded. A few minutes after, the bellhop arrived with a luggage cart.

The staff was indeed pampering. We requested the breakfast meals the next morning to be served in-room for my mom, sister, and Jasmine, and my little dapper, who chose to stay in bed and rest more. They delivered it instantly without any charges. These were just some of the stories of heartfelt solace that would make you feel that they all seem ready to assist you in Acacia and at that, they mean doing it sincerely!
And oh! I just simply love the sizing of their bath robes. hakhak It fits just right. You know what I mean! (versus the baggy, mascot-suit-like ones)

Our room on the 1oth floor.

The Venado Pool Bar and the outdoor pool on the 3rd floor. Checking corporate emails while seeing the lovely “tag alongs” enjoying the pool.

There is an array of options for your meeting. You can access the exclusive club lounge on the 11th floor whenever you are staying in one of their premiere suits (left). You may also use the corner at the lobby (right) where a transparent barrier is installed on the table for a safer discussion. You may also opt for an event room on the 2nd floor.

Enjoyed trying these salad dishes during breakfast at the Waling-Waling cafe. Do not forget to bring your key card!

In-room breakfast! The hotel gym, Acacia Fit features updated types of equipment. It is located just beside the hotel pool.

Real, Than Reel Meetings

The post-vax business dealings might not swiftly resume to the office. Thus, a hotel for both business and leisurely use is indeed a significant preference for scheduled work trips. You may have mastered creating new businesses through virtual meetings for how many months, but do not ever forget that selling has its “personal” component. Visiting both your prospects and existing partners is knowing their needs better, simplifying business negotiations, cultivating the relationship, and improving your well-being.

Feel Good Deals : Holidays 2019 at Park Inn by Radisson Davao

All are for Davaoenos and for Bakasyonistas as well.

Whether you are spending the Holidays 2019 with family, friends, or significant other, Park Inn by Radisson Davao has a Feel Good Deal for every guest. Choose among these yuletide offerings which will definitely make you feel good and at home.

Feel Good Deals : ACCOMODATION

Have a merry staycation with 3 packages to choose from. All are an overnight stay in a Standard Room with breakfast buffet for two.

Feel Good Christmas

An overnight stay in a Standard Room with breakfast buffet for two plus get holiday drinks for two, and an F&B voucher worth Php 500 for a minimum purchase of Php 2,000. It’s priced Php 4,700 nett per room per night until January 30, 2020 except for December 24 and 31.

The Magic of Christmas

Have a memorable Christmas Eve with The Magic of Christmas Package that includes an overnight stay in a Standard Room with breakfast buffet for two plus Christmas Dinner Buffet for two at the RBG Bar & Grill at Php 7,000 nett per room on December 24.

30261933-22A2-49A1-A2F1-A732FE9238A6 — The Magic of Christmas Package : Feel good, and find home this holiday season at Park Inn by Radisson Davao! Call (82) 272 7600 for inquiries and booking.

Midnight Cheers & New Year Wishes

Welcome 2020 with Midnight Cheers & New Year Wishes on December 31. Enjoy an overnight stay in a Standard Room with breakfast buffet for two plus get perks at the New Year’s Dinner and Party for two at Php 8,400 nett per room.

153E18C1-B939-4333-B4FD-57BC1468A9D4 — Midnight Cheers & New Year Wishes Package : Feel good, and find home this holiday season at Park Inn by Radisson Davao! Call (82) 272 7600 for inquiries and booking.

Feel Good Deals : BANQUET

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS PARTY : Colors of the Holiday

Companies and groups can also have a fun and flavorful party with banquet packages – Colors of the Holiday. Choose among three packages with rates starting at Php 1,000 nett per person for a minimum of 50. The packages are available until January 10, 2020.

CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET : Flicks & Eats on Christmas Eve

Feast on homey Filipino buffet while watching feel-good Christmas movies at RBG Bar & Grill with the Flicks & Eats on Christmas Eve. Rate is at Php 1,499 nett per person on December 24, 6 PM.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BUFFET: Cruise to the New Year

Welcome 2020 with a nautical New Year’s Eve dinner and party with the Cruise to the New Year at Lanzones Room on December 31. Live it up for the coming year with surf and turf buffet, party vibes, and raffle gifts for Php 2,188 nett per person starting at 6 PM.

Feel Good Deals : HOLIDAY TREATS

A range of treats from holiday dips, cookies, and more starting at Php 60 are waiting for you at the Christmas Store at the hotel lobby. Take home some of these for your loved ones. Try the best-seller Park Inn Holiday Cake at Php 650.

EF64BFEF-5523-43E7-9B9D-74CFFCE733FF — (Top left) Some of the holiday vinaigrette and sauce to take home as presents. (Top right and below center) Christmas Tree at the hotel Lobby.

So which Feel Good Deal are you getting this Holidays 2019? Whichever joyful treat you are booking, each is crafted to make your Holidays at Park Inn by Radisson Davao feel good and at home. All are for Davaoenos and for Bakasyonistas as well.

A Not-For-Everyone Lounge, Ocean View Rooms and 10 Event Spaces | Acacia Hotel Davao

The Club Lounge is intriguing.

When you have been to Davao city recently, it makes sense to say that President Duterte’s hometown is championing its campaign to be the country’s top “Bleisure” destination (Business and Leisure). Acacia, a world class homegrown hotel brand with branches in Manila and Bacolod could not agree more to this. The hotel brand is expected to greet its guests “Madayaw!” with its heartfelt stroke of hospitality this November.

LOCATION

22A6E69C-9471-48F7-9FB7-976608BB3A88 — The Acacia Hotel Davao as seen from the parking area of SM Lanang Premier Mall.

Acacia Hotel Davao adds to the charming bustling stretch of JP Laurel street as you traverse Lanang area. It is across the Carmelite church, sandwiched by SM Lanang Premier Mall and Davao-grown CrossFit gym, Madayaw North. The Tim Tebow CURE Hospital, Lanang Premiere Doctors Hospital, Inc. (opens soon) and seafood haven, Blue Post Boiling Crabs & Shrimps are just three buildings away. The Davao Museum of History and Ethnography at Insular Village is just a five-minute-ride away. The Island Garden City of Samal is just 15 minutes away. It takes 20 minutes to Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

FOOD TRIP IN DAVAO : 8 FIRST-TO-TRY Eateries in Davao (When you are a SMART Tourist)

NOT FOR EVERYONE

Acacia Hotel Davao offers exclusive benefits and privileges in the Club Lounge when you stay in one of the premier rooms and suites for a more unique and personalized experience.

The “not for everyone” Club Lounge, Acacia Hotel Davao: Ask about opening rates. (Event bookings) jesse.magbanua@acaciahotelsdavao.com (Corporate room reservations) kathryn.quibingco@acaciahotelsdavao.com

HOTEL SUITES

The hotel offers impressive views of the north. Fill your eyes with astonishment when you witness the immersive ocean view of Samal Islands from some of the 260-well appointed guest rooms.

4199E370-806F-4EDD-83ED-1C035D554C3A — DELUXE TWIN BEDROOM, Acacia Hotel Davao: Suites feature an appealing combination of modern earth tones and engaging elements.

DINING

Local and international cuisine with regional flavors await to both local and foreign guests. The Waling-Waling Cafe offers a wide selection of freshly cooked local cuisine and regional classics. Luk Foo Palace Chinese Restaurant serves high-end Cantonese specialties with distinct flavors.

WORLD FAMOUS GRILLED TUNA IN DAVAO: DAVAO’S DOODS: World Street Food Master Awardee 2017 (Why you should try “Bawug”?)

WELLNESS

Acacia Fit, the hotel’s gym is geared with updated equipment centered around wellness. The Venado Pool Bar at the 3rd floor serves refreshments and cocktails while enjoying the swimming pool for a perfect getaway.

SOCIALS

Acacia Hotel Davao owns a Grand Ballroom which can accommodate up to 350 persons with convenient and functional facilities. There are also 9 smaller event venues perfect for memorable and intimate celebrations or even for business events.

6CED4217-7EF5-4775-B877-8DB46F3E2E8E — WALING-WALING CAFE, Acacia Hotel Davao: Offers signature delicacies of Davao and the rest of Mindanao.

94103845-8DDA-4F87-A534-4B78091C16AD — JUNIOR SUITE, Acacia Hotel Davao

CB13E9B9-AC35-4C27-8930-F3DC3E7F3283 — An Acacia Tree (SOURCE: https://majesticwallart.com/products/acacia-tree-at-sunset-with-giraffes-wall-mural)

Built with world class facilities, surely “Acacia” is soon to be a term used by the Davaoenos and Davao visitors to refer not just to that enchanting, colossal, endemic, shade-providing tree.

“Acacia” in Davao, pertains to that colossal hotel in front of SM Lanang Premier, with enchanting interiors and facilities, serving international dishes with endemic to Davao flavors. Uniquely, it bears a brand of hospitality that nurtures ultimate metropolitan rest and relaxation like a shade an urban tree gives on an extremely hot day for business, leisure or both.

Book now. Corporate room reservations: kathryn.quibingco@acaciahotelsdavao.com | Event bookings: jesse.magbanua@acaciahotelsdavao.com

HOBO CODES | Circus-like Sky Rides at Eden Adventure Park Davao

Eden is also now an adventure seeker’s natural playground.

Life’s unicycle where we simultaneously juggle work, personal affairs and sanity, causes us to faint sometimes. If you happen to be in that part of your routine where you are losing balance, startle more that adventurous soul and try daring your circus skills. Get out from the unicycle for a while and treat yourself to face-warping rides.

9AFB7497-367B-4704-9AC5-D4AE0C071A6B — CIRCUS SKILLS: Physical comedy (face), contortion (left leg) and flying trapeze (the Skyswing!). My first Skywing, July 2018. *I am comparing my extreme sky experience to several circus acts to let the readers feel more how every ride feels. This does not necessarily mean that you have to try these like a circus performer. Dangle safely.

How about teasing your circus skills of balance, agility, motor coordination as well as showmanship and physical comedy? Yes, you can not control those funny facial grimaces from the extreme stimuli when suspended at a 60 feet high cable, from a tower in an elevation 3,000 feet above sea level. All these in a day at one of the most popular and most visited mountain resorts in the Philippines today!

Eden Nature Park and Resort, or more commonly known as Eden, is a member of the JVA Group of Companies based in the Davao Region. It is located in Barangay Eden, Toril, Davao City, about 30 kilometers from the city proper and is situated at around 3,000 feet above sea level. A superb tourist attraction that offers tons of activities and amenities for all ages.

3A5DBD6D-FC3B-4247-9B3E-8ADA33A2D45F — Reservations Office is at 2nd floor, Matina Town Square, MacArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City |(+6382) 229-1020 | 296-0791|info@edennaturepark.com.ph | www.edennaturepark.com.ph | The resort offers day tour packages and also caters to live-in corporate seminars and events, retreats, weddings and wedding receptions.

The moment you enter the Eden Adventure Park, the topography and the horizon you behold add to the thrill, where the sky rides are seem theatrically arranged. It is like a natural amphitheater where the towers of the rides are constructed at the lower part of the property. When someone is trying any of the extreme sky rides, a majestic horizon is on the backdrop while the spectators from the higher part of the park watch the rider at eye level.

E58F303D-6B81-4C7B-B42A-22886DD1C3CE — Other day tour goers scream with you especially when the 90-degree Skywing is released.

Extreme Sky Experience Rides

Safety is Eden’s paramount concern. Trained attendants and operators ensure your safety. Your safety is significantly enhanced by securing you a body harness and safety gears especially ordered in France.

F6DBBCA4-187F-4EF8-A2E6-4654972091E8 — Waiver, signed. Gears, worn. Ready for the extreme rides!

SKYWHEEL : The “German wheel”-like ride you see from the circus.

BA4566AA-A1E7-492D-9E6D-688857806B56 — SKYWHEEL: Day tour goers can walk inside the wheel while it is up 60 feet high treading a 200 meter distance in approximately 15 minutes.

You should be atleast 50 kilos. Three wheels are available to travel at the same time.

SKYSWING: It is like flying trapeze, only with harness because you are not a pro.

8B9A1760-3D60-4D9B-9352-39047B11B179 — A first of its kind in the Davao Region, opened in 2015. Which would you try, 45 or 90 degree swing? Solo or with a swing mate? Screaaaaaam! Second Skyswing, May 2019.

“After Eco-tourism and Agri-tourism, a third leg – what we call as Adventure Tourism – was added to the resort’s activities. This was to make Eden also cater to the younger and more adventurous generation.” -Brenda Ocampo, Director of Sales and Marketing

SKYCYCLE : Artistic cycling and Slackwire balancing acts combined!

95B97250-B6C3-4BF8-B750-8B6359B3CC69 — The only of its kind in Davao where riders pedal the bike to cross the 200 meter cable.

With 6 more lines from 2 when it opened in 2013, this ride is obviously a hit where artistic cycling and slackwire balancing skills are combined.

SKYRIDER: An aerial straps act without the acrobatics.

D386FA07-97B6-497B-9EE1-89EE3C1F1DE3 — Eden’s version of Zipline. Opened in 2008 which lets you feel how to perform in an aerial silk or straps.

Since it started operations in October 1997, Eden has evolved from a simple nature park to a Davao destination offering a spectrum of relaxing things to do to heart pumping rides to overcome. It is definitely not just a nature lover’s paradise but also now an adventure seeker’s natural playground or contextually, an aspiring circus performer’s safely harnessed theater. Dangle safely before going back to life’s unicycle!

I am comparing my extreme sky experience to several circus acts to let the readers feel more how every ride feels. This does not necessarily mean that you have to try these like a circus performer. Dangle safely.

E4F030F6-F290-4CAC-9AE6-70502C745758 — It is like a natural amphitheater where the towers of the rides are constructed at the lower part of the property. When someone is trying any of the extreme sky rides, a majestic horizon is on the backdrop while the spectators from the higher part of the park watch the rider at eye level.

Avara : A Not-for-everyone Maldivian-themed Resort in Taytay, Palawan

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas.

Imagine this: The sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sunlight peeking through the window wake you up on a lazy Saturday morning. You slowly open your eyes, afraid that you’re just in the middle of a dream. But you’re not. You stand up as you feel the gentle sea breeze touch your face. You go out of the porch and look at the horizon. You take your time to enjoy the beauty of the blue skies and the deep sea. The yacht will be waiting for you whenever you’re ready, anyway. That’s the promise of Avara Nature & Yacht Club—the easy life of the seaside.

Established by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation, Avara is the first of its kind nature and yacht club located at Calauag Bay in Taytay, which was Palawan’s first capital.

The plan for the exclusive resort was formally unveiled at the Grand Hyatt Manila led by its President and CEO Ms. Veronica C. Young, Nov. 13, 2018.

“After many months of sailing and voyaging aboard bangkas and riding waves, we found the perfect island in Taytay, Palawan to be the home of our pioneering project. It is with a great pleasure to present to you tonight, Avara Nature and Yacht Club – the first of its kind in the Philippines, bridging the middle class to the lifestyle of the rich and famous. As Seaside Premier Development Corporation’s flagship project, we aim to redefine seaside living, where nature meets luxury,” she said in her opening remarks.

Coastal living redefined

Avara, which means Sunshine Island, is an eco-luxurious resort that use solar panels as a source of renewable energy, utilize a recycled water treatment system, maximize a hydroponic garden, and take advantage of other eco-materials available.

Its accommodation is inspired by the Maldivian architecture. Members can choose to stay in a one-bedroom Water Villa with jacuzzi, two-bedroom Water Villa with private infinity pool, or one- or two-bedroom Beach Casitas.

1 - Avara's Maldivian-inspired casitas and villas — Enter a caption

Aside from the villas and casitas, Avara members will also have an exclusive access to a two-bedroom yacht with crew for an overnight stay or for cruising around the island and nearby areas. Avara’s yacht features two cabins and a family room in the lower deck; a living room, a kitchen and dining area, and a plunge pool in the main deck; and an open dining space and a sun deck in the fly bridge.

The Avara Island has nothing but the best facilities for its members. Guests will first experience the Avara service upon their arrival at the dock or the harbor. But the ultra-luxurious resort also has a helipad for those who will be coming in by air. VIPs also have the option to skip the reception and go straight to their accommodation.

There will also be a boardwalk open for development to the entrepreneurial Avara members. Meaning, Avara members can also be concessionaires to open their own business—it could be a coffee shop, a grocery store, a bakery, a souvenir stop, and similar ventures. As support to the member-concessionaires, Avara will ensure that the business will be the island’s lone supplier for the specific product.

The island can also accommodate as many as 100 guests at their main dining area and at the grill restaurant. But guests will have more dining options since Avara includes a poolside bar, a seaside bar and lounge, picnic areas, and private dining venues.

Avara is fully equipped with a gym, a water sports center, a tennis court, and a golf course to those who want to keep up with their fitness routine.

The island also has a playroom and nursery, spa and massage cabanas, a bonfire area, a clinic with an in-house doctor and nurse, and a gaming area for the enjoyment of the Avara members.

At any given time, Avara will host up to 300 members to ensure quality service.

As a promised paradise for those who love the beach, Avara offers a myriad of water action such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding, wind surfing, scuba diving, island hopping, and fishing in coordination with neighbor islands. The resort also provides options for on land activities like trekking, biking, and vegetable picking.

There are also a lot of activities that Avara members can enjoy outside its vicinity. After all, Taytay, Palawan boasts of picturesque sites like the Canique Waterfalls, the Lake Manguao, the Irrawaddy Dolphins in Malampaya Sound, the Fuerza de Santa Isabel, and the Church of Santa Monica. Taytay is also hope to a paradise-like hidden valley that gives tourists a bird’s eye view of the pristine, idyllic coastal areas of the municipality.

Board of advisors

To ensure nothing but the best of services and facilities at Avara, Seaside Premier Development Corporation tapped some of the industry’s most respected personalities for the resort.

Its board of advisors include the following:

• National Coast Watch Center Executive Director Rear Admiral Joel S. Garcia for Coastal and Marine Management

• Philippine Army’s 7CMO Battalion Commanding Officer Col. Eugene Osias for Security Affairs

• Cebu Port Authority Commissioner for the Shipping Sector Ms. Regina Barleta for Port Management and Shipping

• Incoming Manila Board of Realtors, Inc. President Ma. Teresa R. Bigornia for Marketing

• Motivational speaker John Anthony Calub for Sales

• The Manor’s Le Chef Executive Chef William “Billy” King for Culinary Arts

“We thank these distinguished personalities for believing in our idea. We can’t wait to show you the beauty of Avara,” Ms. Young said.

Avara Nature & Yacht Club will formally open its shores in the summer of 2020. #

About Avara Nature & Yacht Club

Avara Nature and Yacht Club redefines seaside lifestyle by combining beach living and seafaring. It is the first harbor-front town in Palawan as launched by the Seaside Premier Development Corporation. It offers access to a world-class resort with customized yachts.

Visit the Avara website (http://avaraisland.com/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/avaraisland), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/avaraisland/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/avaraisland/) to learn more.

About Seaside Premier Development Corporation

Luxury seaside community developer Seaside Premier Development Corporation was established in 2018. It kickstarted its year by launching its flagship project, the Avara Nature & Yacht Club in Taytay, Palawan. It plans to develop harbor-front townships in the different seaside areas in the Philippines to bring the best beaches and coastal living to every Filipino’s doorstep.

HOBO CODES | GLAN, More than just the SarBay Fest

Glan would just keep on glistening.

Two scenarios. First, you are one of the Sarangani Bay Festival goers. After the 2-night beach party, the 360-degree view of the beach venue, Gumasa, had teased you so intensely which triggered you to give in and discover what is more in Glan. What is one sunset to extend the trip that culminates your summer?

Second, you did not make it for this year’s biggest beach party in the Philippines. But the itch still persists – You have heard your office mates talking about Glan. Your friends have uploaded marvelous photos geo-tagged to Glan or yet, you just finished reading this travel post all about Glan.

Discover the glistens of Glan!

The southernmost municipality of the Sarangani Province, Glan owns the Earth’s deepest cove with the horizon featuring the Celebes sea, heritage structures and that grilled chicken the locals love to eat with a homemade condiment. It is forty-five minutes via van away from General Santos City (the nearest airport).

Apart from the scenic cove after cove view, there is that unique charm when you are able to feel the spatial stimuli of exactly where a historical event took place.

CONDIMENT

The Chicken-Ala-Bukid is marinated from the inside out by injecting a special sauce made from the cooked spices and herbs. These ingredients are those which are just typically found in a townsman’s backyard.

It is your choice. The chicken could be fried or grilled. Then, it is eaten with “Dabo”. It is the locals’ favorite condiment when eating the Chicken Ala Bukid. It is a sweet and spicy dried fish with tomatoes, garlic and onions. One of the locals told that it is an Indonesian recipe. It resembles the Escabeche. You will love the succulence especially of the grilled version of the Chicken-Ala-Bukid, as you partake it with freshly steamed rice slathered with the chili oil from the Dabo.

Head over to “Freddos Chicken Ala Bukid” at the town’s Poblacion to try this. This is 20 minutes from Gumasa Beach where the Sarangani Bay Fest is held.

CONQUISTADOR

Antonio Pigafetta is actually Ferdinand Magellan’s on-board travel blogger. I would recommend reading some of his historical accounts especially the part where they have reached the Sarangani and Balut (Candigar) Islands in 1521. Read it before your Glan trip. If not because of his epic diaries, Philippine history is not as vivid as it seems written in our grade school textbooks.

Besides the Sarangani Bay being a witness of several voyages, Sumbang Point, which is about 45 minutes from the SarBay Fest venue, is reportedly the forced landing site of the fourth expedition in 1543 lead by Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Villalobos. His team failed to sail on to Mazaua to look for food because of the low-winds.

Apart from the scenic cove after cove view, there is that unique charm when you are able to feel the spatial stimuli of exactly where a historical event took place. Not just then for the beach lovers, Glan, with the Sarangani Bay and the Sumbang point, is also an ideal destination for educational trips for History and Anthropology.

Stay at the villas of Belimac. It is exactly along the shores of Sumbang point.

COMMONWEALTH

You could choose either or both the heritage houses at the town’s Poblacion or the 80-year-old ancestral house of Don Juan at the Hacienda Don Juan Resort.

Carved window frames and ceiling moldings as old as the Commonwealth era are still so defined among the neighboring heritage houses. These details make Glan’s heritage houses unique from those found in Vigan. Indeed, a living architectural museum.

The ancestral house at the Hacienda Don Juan offers a distinct kind of antiquity from those found at the Poblacion. The vintage spirit of the interiors and the sea breeze through its wide windows make you feel like basking your vacation days at your own grandparent’s home. You will love to stay for a while here. Explore the whole resort with their uniquely designed cottages too. The resort is 30 minutes away from the heritage houses which are at the town center.

COVE AFTER COVE HORIZONS

Glam is one of those quaint places where picturesque views of the horizon are omnipresent throughout your trip – from the dawn of your day 1 until the dusk of your departing day.

The enchanting blues of the beaches. The flavors of the townsmen’s food. The juxtaposition of the heritage and recent structures. The dissociative charm of modern existence in an unsophisticated daily dealings. – All a tourist would wander for. I am happy for you if you can make it for SarBay Fest this year, But if unfortunately you can not, Glan would just keep on glistening.

DATES TO VISIT

OCTOBER : Lubi-Lubi sa Glan Festival I APRIL : Mahin Festival I MAY: Sarangani Bay Festival