My 24-Hour Visit in Davao City

My boss was invited to a meeting in Davao City on July 29, 2015, and since the agenda was something about our section’s tasks, he let me tag along.

On July 29, 2015 we flew to Davao City from Laguindingan Airport on an early morning flight, since the meeting is scheduled at 10AM we still have ample time to get there on time. It was a beautiful morning,  clear sky, the great weather. I can actually see what’s below, considering ATR-72-500 turboprop plane on flies at a maximum altitude of 7200m considerably lower than an airbus. 

We arrived, according to schedule, went directly to Seda Hotel, our booked hotel for this trip. Had a 30 minutes rest,then proceeded to the meeting venue at Café Tavera located along Pardo de Tavera corner Avancena Street.

I became busy right away and have no time to explore the place. Thank goodness I was able to take the photo above before going in the establishment. 

The function hall was very much decent and I think it can accommodate upto 40 guests. The attendees were able to discuss all,that’s written in the agenda and came up with an agreement. 

Here comes the most exciting part, the Lunch. Meeting like this, especially when sponsored by big companies is actually lavish. Mostly served were sea foods like crabs, prawn, grilled fish and tinolang lapu-lapu not to mention other dishes that I failed to take photos.

Overall, the dishes in Café Tavera were superb, I really love it. I hope to get to visit the place with my friends next time.

After the meeting, we went back to the hotel. 

Because I had to leave the house very early to catch up with the early flight, I badly needed a nap. My room in Seda Hotel really gave comfort to my tired mind and body. I am very thankful I was booked in this beautiful hotel and not to other accredited hotels.

My relaxing sleep was halted an hour after when my mobile phone rung. It was my boss, asking about work related reports and issues.  Hah! The sleepiness just flew away.

Better yet, why not visit Abreeza Ayala Mall, just across the street. I went from one stall to one another, window shopping was the agenda, until I decided, to get a pair of office shoes, at Payless or Alberto (I found pairs that I liked), unfortunately, there were no size for me. 

Then I spotted Bratpack, hmm, how about checkout the latest Jansports backpack available, I might find the same one I have purchased in Zalora. And indeed, the same design is already displayed in the shop. Now, I have confirmed that I have gotten a real one (authentic) from Zalora. 

Bratpack has sale items, that time, mostly old style/model of Hedgren a Belgian brand bag for men and women. I have always wished for a shoulder/sling bag from their line, but was hesitant in getting one because of the price. But having a P1000 discount at most is already a very big saving. Hence, I closed my eyes and paid the discounted price of this black printed sling bag. 

Huh! My feet were getting tired wandering inside the establishment, I needed something refreshing and delicious yet very affordable. Do you know what I got? “A small cup of Durian Ice Cream”.

I discovered “Apo ni Lola” booth in Abreeza, in January 2015. That means, it was my second time to eat a cup of ice cream.

I don’t have to go places to get a box of durian candy for pasalubong, because it’s already there, just across the hotel. Probably a little more expensive than their main store, but much cheaper compared to the airport stalls.

After the ice cream, my taste bud is looking for something hot, a cup of coffee I supposed. But Starbucks was not on my list. Instead, I had one in my hotel room. And waited for my date to come, my BFF Jef and I have a dinner date with our former supervisor (when we still worked together), a reunion after so many years. 

So what’s for dinner?

We wanted sea foods,thus, Jef our tour guide that night, brought us to Hudyakaan Eatery Seafoods of the City at Times Beach, Bucana Davao City. 

We ordered the following, abodo tuna bihod (fish eggs), grilled tuna belly, shell soup and grilled marinated chicken. It’s great that we can choose for the fish meat, etc. directly from the freezer and had it cooked the way we want it. For 4 persons, the order was just enough considering our appetite, hehehe. 

I really wonder how this place will look like during the day. Must be great! Considering it is along the beach.

Overall the dishes we had a Hudyakaan were really appetizing and at very affordable price too, imagine paying them at around P600+. Just awesome! 

The best part was having the best time, the best conversations of the week and the best bonding with these three lovely people.

The next day, it’s time to go back to reality, but before that a breakfast at Seda Hotel should never be missed. Since the airport is just about 20-minute drive from the hotel, we still have ample time to experience the bountiful breakfast at Seda that opens to guests at 6:00AM. 

By 6:45AM, we’re already at the airport waiting for our return flight to Cagayan de Oro City.

The weather is so beautiful, that the peak of Mt. Kitanglad (I think, please correct me if I am wrong) is clearly visible from the plane’s window. 

My 24-hour visit in Davao City was really worthwhile. I can’t help but thank my best friend Jef for always making time to meet me and take me to places.

On October, I am scheduled to visit Davao City again, I excited to know what awaits me.