Davao and Beyond

	Philippine Travel Articles (courtesy of )





	It's no wonder that Davao is the site of this year's Asean Tourism Forum, its wealth of attractions are plenty from rare ochids to beautiful beaches. What's more, it is a great jump off point to neighboring provinces each with their own unique draws. Photos by George Tapan. SOUTHERN BLOOMS

	When you're in Davao, you musn't miss the waling waling {vanda sanderiana), the famous orchid endemic to Mindanao. View them at the Malagos Garden resort (tel. +6382 221 1545;. The two-toned flower is usually pink and magenta or white and light purple in color. If you want to take these blooms home, waling-walings are sold in the store right across the resort. If that's not entrancing enough, wander off to Malagos' butterfly sanctuary and century old durian trees. And do take time to visit the majestic Philippine Eagle at the Philippine Eagle Center, which is just five minutes away. VITAMINS AND APHRODISIACS If you can get past the pungent smell, durian and its fleshy, white, raspberry-like meat is well worth it. Need more encouragement? It's rich in vitamin B which helps release	our body's energy and maintains healthy skin, and vitamin C which aids in cancer prevention and boosts our immune system. What's more, it is a known aphrodisiac. "The king of fruits" is available at the Madrazo area, along with other Davao tropical fruits like mangosteen and pomelo. TOP HOTEL From the renowned Marco Polo Hotel group comes "the place" to stay in Davao — the Marco Polo Hotel {CMRecto Street, Davao City; Tel. +6382 221 0888; Its elegant accommodations are the favorite of businessmen and visiting VIPs. The Eagles bar is also one of its best draws. Now step beyond Davao and we'll lead the way to everything from ten-minute getaways to tuna and tribal encounters.



	ALL YOU CAN EAT TUNA The Tuna Capital of the Philippines is just three hours away from Davao (bus fare 280 pesos), so make that land trip to General Santos City and enjoy grilled tuna, tuna sashimi or however way you like it prepared. THE YOUNGEST PROVINCE Be one of the first to explore the "frontier of promise," Sarangani which is just 5-6 hours by bus (280 pesos). Come here for its white-sand beach, eco-adventures such as water tubing, seafood and the beautiful Blaan cloth, a handiwork which is said to be unmatched by any other tribe, requires a complex weaving process.



	HAVE A BALL Aren't you glad you're in Glan? This Sarangani town has this ratio: 90 percent coconuts, 10 percent beaches. Sip the refreshing coconut juice while strolling on Gumasa cove, one of Sarangani's most serene, with six kilometers of powdery, pink-tinged white sand all to your self.





	SEAFOOD BUFFET Sarangani is the Aquaculture Capital of Mindanao, producing and exporting various fish such as pompano, lapu-lapu (grouper) sea bass, sergeant fish and talakitok (caval-la fish), bangus (milk fish) and tilapia. In fact, 20 percent of the country's bangus comes from Sarangani.





	HOW SWEET IT IS Visit the Del Monte pineapple plantation in Bukidnon, a mere 2 and 1/2 hours away by bus, (150-180 pesos). Its the biggest pineapple plantation this side of the hemisphere and is also home to an 18-hole golf course. The Del Monte Farms is known for its sweet and tender meats -made possible by the pineapple pulp they feed to their pigs and cattle. SUMMER ESCAPE Take to the mountains! Compostela Valley's cool climate, waterfalls and cold springs is the summer spot for many Davaoenyos especially during the summer. It's just two hours away, and 150-180 pesos for the bus fare. ISLAND FUN Just 15 minutes and 10 pesos boat ride away from Davao are Paradise Island Resort and the famous Pearl Farm Island Resort. Here you can go scuba divng, snorkeling, spelunking and wake boarding. Cottage rentals start at just 1,250 pesos, and you can even bring your own food. Just pay a minimum corkage fee.