The Island Garden City of Samal is a group of islands that is centrally located in Davao Gulf in the southeastern part of Mindanao. It is a second class city in the Davao del Norte province which is politically subdivided into 46 barangays. Presently, it is part of Metropolitan Davao alongside Davao City, Panabo City, Tagum City, Digos City and the Municipalities of Sta. Cruz and Carmen.

In the past, the area was divided into three municipalities – Samal, Kaputian and Babak – each endowed with different natural and man made attractions. In 1998, however, the resolution of Republic Act No. 8471 paved the way to the merger and dissolution of the three municipalities into one local government unit, officially named Island Garden City of Samal.

Today, the city is known for its booming tourism industry. Scenic beaches, rich flora and fauna and other natural attractions abound in the city. There are also many activities to do around the city like island hopping, snorkeling, Jetski ride, scuba diving, hiking and camping. You can also visit the sanctuaries of Dugong, Pawikan and other rare marine creatures. An island tour via ferries and sea craft are also offered to tourists, making it possible to view all of the city’s coastal beauty in just few hours.
The fastest way to get to the Island Garden City of Samal is via ferries and speed boats from Davao City which approximately takes 2 hours. Davao City, equipped with bus terminals and international seaports and airports, is accessible via land, air and water.

The Island Garden City of Samal is currently bidding to gain the moniker as the Philippines’ Island of Festivals. Among the festivals the locals celebrate are the Hugyaw Madayaw Samal (August 29-30), which is a cultural celebration of the practices of the Sama tribe; Kabasan Festival (May 22-28), which is in honor of the founding anniversary of the then Municipality of Babak; Bat Festival (last week of January) which is aimed at promoting the environmental benefits of bats; and Pangapog Festival (first weekend of August) which is in thanksgiving to Magbabaya or the Sama God.

With the city’s number of merry-makings scheduled all year round, no doubt the Island Garden City of Samal will earn their much anticipated moniker soon. (Samal Travel Guide by www.Mindanaoan.com)

Often called as “Philippines’ little Spain” and “Asia’s Latin City,” Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city that lies in the southernmost tip of Region IX in northwestern Mindanao. The sixth largest city in the Philippines and among the few cities independent of any province, Zamboanga City is bounded to the north by land masses and to the other directions by water formations that include the Sulu Sea (west), Moro Gulf (east), Basilan Straight (south) and Celebes Sea (south).

The city is the nearest major urban center of the Philippines to the neighboring Southeast Asian countries and an important trading market of the growth polygon called Brunei – Indonesia – Malaysia – Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP – EAGA). Because of its significant location, national and international airports and seaports were established in the city which makes it accessible from key cities in the country and in Southeast Asia.

While the 333-year rule of the Spaniards left indelible imprints on the country, nowhere was its legacy and culture so embedded than in Zamboanga City. The culture, religion and language that the Spanish colonizers brought along with them remain as verdant as it were centuries ago. What makes the city greatly Hispanic is its Chabacano tounge, a delightful mix of 60% Spanish language and 40% native dialects. Chabacano is the most widely used language in the city, especially in the urban areas. In the rural areas, however, the Visayan and Muslim dialects are spoken more often.

Apart from its corrupted Spanish language, the Christian religion, which is also an influence of the Spaniards, is well exemplified in the city. In fact, it is in the area where the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao was created in 1910. The diocese, now known as the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, was the religious center of Mindanao that controlled all of the island’s Catholic missions and activities.

But, of course, there is more to Zamboanga City than just being a small replica of Spain. It’s most dominant attraction is Fort del Pilar, a coastal fort built in 1635 which is of historical and cultural significance. The former garrison features the Our Lady of Pillar shrine, a national museum and a patio. It is also the site for several important social gatherings like citywide celebrations and festivals. Apart from Fort del Pilar, Zamboanga City also prides itself with the frequently visited Barangay Taluksangay where Islam was first introduced in the area.

With the city’s convenient setting, it has become a historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in this part of the country. Currently, several projects are underway to boost the development of the city and to make it an even more anticipated destination in the south.

Ozamiz City was formerly called Misamis by the early settlers composed mostly of the native Subanons, Jesuit missionaries and other Spaniards. Later, a steady influx of settlers from nearby Bukidnon, Cebu and Bohol provinces added volume to the settlement.

Because of frequent raids by pirates, a stone fort called “Cotta” was established to dispel raiding enemies. With the efficient defensive mechanism of the town, the seat of the Military Government of the then Northern Mindanao district was transferred from Iligan to Misamis’ territories. In the 18th century, the town became the capital of the northern Mindanao district until it was eventually divided into several provinces in the late 19th century.

Finally, on July 16, 1948, the town became a chartered city by virtue of House Bill No. 1656. The city was then renamed Ozamiz in honor of Jose Fortich Ozamiz who served as a governor, congressman and later, as the first and only senator from the province of Misamis Occidental.

* photo courtesy of this very talented wedding photographer in CDO

The city has grown steadily throughout the years. Today, several projects are already underway to add more vibrancy to the city like the implementation of the Panguil Bay Bridge and Bukagan Hill Development Project, coastal bypass road / boulevard construction, airport and seaport expansion, and the Misamis Occidental Special Economic Zone establishment. With all these constructions going on, a more powerful Ozamiz City will soon rise.

Ozamiz City has several notable attractions that make it a historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in northwestern Mindanao. Its most prominent attraction is the Bukagan Hill which is home to the historical Four Great Bells purchased by the city cathedral. The hill also provides a panoramic view of Ozamiz City, the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and the majestic Panguil Bay. One of its historical attractions is the Cotta Fort and Cotta Shrine which is reminiscent of the wartime days of the city.

Adding to its roster of attractions are Naomis’s Botanical Garden and Tourist Inn, which is a vast sanctuary of tropical flowers and fruits; Mt. Malindang Golf and Country Club, which is set in a well-maintained green environment; and the Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park or MOAP, which is a shelter for aquatic animals and plants. MOAP is also known for its offer of letting tourists or guests swim with dolphins. (Ozamiz Travel Guide by Mindanaoan.com)

Butuan City is the provincial capital of the Agusan del Norte province and the regional center of the Caraga Region in the northeastern part of Mindanao. It sprawls near the mouth of the Agusan River, the deepest, widest and longest navigable river in Mindanao. On the north, it is bounded by several municipalities of Agusan del Norte; on the east by the Agusan del Sur province; and on the northwest by Butuan Bay.

There are many versions of the etymology of Butuan City. Some believe that the name is derived from a sour fruit called “Batuan”. Others believe that it originated from a chieftain named “Datu Buntuan” who once governed the area. Scholars, on another side, believe that it came from the dialect word “But-an”, which literally means a person with a discerning, kind-hearted and sound disposition.

The city prides itself with its very rich and significant historical background. As early as the 10th century, Butuan natives had already established trading relations with the Srivijaya Empire of Java, Indonesia and the Kingdom of Champa (located in southern Vietnam). A century later, the area became the center of trade and commerce in the Philippines. Archeologists provide proof to this: the discovery of 9 balangays (native boat) and other related relics in the vicinity of the area, specifically in Ambangan, Libertad near the old Masao River.

Aside from its trading relations with other countries, the area also has the reputation of being the site at which Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan proclaimed Spanish rule over the Philippine Islands in 1521. Although debates are still on going, the area is also believed to be the site of the holding of the first mass in the country. What is true for sure is that Magellan set foot on the area and spread Christianity to the native people.

Starting 1950s, the area became busy and crowded with the boom of the logging industry. This inspired the townspeople to petition for the conversion of the area into a city. Finally, on August 1950, the area became the first city in the Caraga Region.

From Manila, it will take you only 1 and a half hour to get to Butuan City. With its location on the northeastern coast of Mindanao, the city can also be reached via water transportation from almost all key cities in the Visayas. Buses that are bound for Butuan are readily available in any capital city in Mindanao. (Butuan Travel Guide by Mindanaoan.com)

You can read more about my escapades in the USA when I was a 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program delegate HERE.

The first state that we stayed in was Washington DC. Like many states in America, Washington has its own subway or railway system. They call it the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit or simply – Metro.

I found the Metro Washington DC subway easy to understand although my group and I did have to be guided by our ELO Alan especially when we already had to buy our very first fare cards or train tickets You can find below a photo of the farecards and passes machines – you can buy tickets there or you can always approach a friendly Metro employee.

Here are some easy to follow tips on how to navigate and what to do while within the premises of the Washington DC USA metro railway:

No eating or drinking is allowed.

Seating for handicapped persons are available.

Take extra note of the routes you’re supposed to follow. There might be a need for you to change trains.

According to the Metro Washington railway management, the most crowded times are 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and 4:45 to 5:45 p.m and the busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If you’re not in a hurry, you might want to ride the train during “reduced fare hours.” My group did this and we saved close to a dollar for a one-way trip, if I’m not mistaken.

Check the official Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority website for more tips, maps, real time arrivals, routes and fare tables

And because joining Galapagos Cruises is now a part of my bucket list, I did a little research and found a website that offered tours around these beautiful islands.

Check out what the Galapagos Explorer offers to guests:

1. Convertible double beds
2. Extra sofa bed for triple accommodation
3. Mini-bar with several local and international snacks and drinks
4. Flat TV with three channels
5. Marble bathroom with shower and biodegradable toiletries
6. Safety deposit box in your suite
7. Large closets
8. Satellite communication from your suite
9. Wireless internet
10. 110/220 volt outlets
11. Hair-dryer
12. Vanity dresser
13. Room service
14. Maximum occupation per suite: 3

Cool, huh? See more details here.

Let’s go!

Congratulations Davao City!

What an awesome move! I’m so proud of my hometown Davao City for finally, FINALLY deciding to put a ban against non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam!

Points for Mother Nature, environment and the start of the use of eco-friendly products

I wonder, though, how the fastfood chains and other business establishments that use plastic bags and styrofoam will cope when the ban takes effect on June 28, 2012. Hmm.

What do you think?

Anyways, here’s the news report from SunStar Davao:

Non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers will no longer be allowed in this city starting June 28, this year.

Polystyrene foam is more commonly referred to as Styrofoam and is widely used as fastfood container.

According to the ordinance, only recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable containers are allowed to be used as food and beverage containers.

“Starting June 28, 2012, the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and polystyrene foam as food and beverage containers is completely, totally, and absolutely banned in our city,” Quitain said.

GO DAVAO!!!

Fiji is an island nation in Melanesia in the South Pacific Ocean about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. Fiji’s closest neighbors include Vanuatu (a little detour – I once had a client based in Vanuatu and he said that his decision to move there for good was the best decision he has ever made!), New Caledonia, Kermadec, Tonga and Tuvalu. As you can see from the photo below, Fiji boasts of scenic views, clear blue waters and a lot of great Fiji resorts and spas.

If you’re like me and you’re dreaming of a Fiji holiday (or maybe on the lookout for a Fiji honeymoon venue), why not try Namale Fiji Resort and Spa? It was recently voted one of the Top 50 Most Romantic Places on Earth. The “Ultimate #1 Honeymoon Suite in Fiji,” as voted by Modern Bride Magazine.

With these citations alone, there’s no doubt that your next Fiji holiday will be most memorable when you spend it at Namale.

Fresh from witnessing first hand the signing of MOU between these congressmen and GK as well as the actual building of the homes for Typhoon Sendong victims (the congressmen used their own money for the homes, by the way! ), I, along with a few other blogger-friends, was treated to the Annebisyosa concert in CDO by Airphil Express, the fastest growing airline in the Philippines.

The Annebisyosa in Cagayan de Oro City concert featured Anne Curtis (of course) and her guests Luis Manzano, Rachelle Ann Go and one of my favorite comedians Jon Santos!

Now I must be honest – I was a bit appalled to see that our tickets, which cost Php 2,200 EACH, only allowed us to sit here (see photo below). This was how far we were from the stage! My friends and I were not the only ones who found our seats “interesting.” A lot of those who sat in the same section also frowned as soon as they found their supposedly reserved seats.

What also surprised us was to see that we were virtually right beside silver ticket holders – meaning we were on the same row and only a steel barrier separated our sections. I thought that was a bit strange.

The concert also started late – 9 PM almost – when it should have started at 8 PM. Our seats also had specific rows and numbers so I guess that also contributed to the delays. Perhaps people thought that there was no reason for them to go early and on time since they had reserved seats anyway.

Speaking of reserved seats, I could only wish that the organizers allowed people that sat in the same section to occupy the empty seats in front of them. After all, they paid the same amount.

Despite these observations, however, I liked the show.

Anne Curtis tried her best to entertain the crowd and she was her usual quirky and funny self. She also looked very gorgeous that evening. I loved her gowns and her shoes! I also commend Anne for giving her best that night and for urging everyone to follow their dreams. Bravo, Anne!

Meanwhile, Luis’ funny-sexy dance to the tune of “I’m Sexy And I Know It” elicited screams from the ladies.

Rachelle Ann was in her element that night. She sang with such grace. She sang in a way that it reminded each and every one in the room that she was and always will be a Champion.

Jon Santos, on the other hand, well — he’s one of my favorites so you can be sure that I laughed my heart out that night. I just love him! The last time I watched him perform live onstage was during the Da Spooftacular Showdown show in Manila. Jon Santos is really very talented

Here are videos taken by my blogger-friends:

Thanks again Airphil Express for the treat!

Since my last post about Ayala Mall Centrio job openings, many of you have sent requests for updates.

Our friends over at MisOrJobs and a contact from the Ayala Mall Centrio operations unit have confirmed these job openings. Centrio, by the way, is set to open this October 2012.

One vacant position you can apply for is:

MARKETING ASSISTANT

Responsibilities:

Hired candidate will assist in the implementation of the mall events and promotion of other marketing related activities.

Requirements:

Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/College Degree in Business Studies/Administration/Management, Commerce, Economics, Marketing or equivalent;
At least 1 year of working experience in the related field is required for this position;
Experienced Employees specializing in Marketing/Business Development, Sales – Retail/General or equivalent is an advantage;
Must be creative;
Must have excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills;
Must be attentive to details, flexible and willing to work long hours.

Centrio Ayala Mall CDO also has job vacancies for Cinema Supervisor, Cinema Cashier, Financial Analyst (to start ASAP), Accounts Payable Processor, Admin Assistant (to start ASAP) and POS/IT Assistant. You can check the requirements and other pertinent details over at this MisOrJobs job vacancy notice.

How to Apply:

Please email updated Resume with 2×2 picture and Application letter to: ayawonfloramee.cdogc@ayalamalls.com.ph

Or you could visit their temporary office at Door 4 Abbyaljo Building, Capt. Vicente Roa St., Cagayan de Oro City

CENTRIO is a Php4.5 Billion investment. It will reportedly be a mixed-used development – there will be a shopping mall, a “fashion” mall, four movie theaters and shops that will offer leisure, various dining options and entertainment. A boutique hotel, space for outsourcing companies interested to lease a portion of the land and a residential condominium are in the offing.

Centrio will be located at corner Corrales Avenue and Roa Street. (Yes, in front of Gaisano City CDO)