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Madayaw! (The Dabawenyos' version of 'Mabuhay'). Our familiarization tour started at Marco Polo Davao, located at CM Recto Street. The group, which consisted of media practitioners from Iloilo and Bacolod had its picture taken. We had a luxurious lunch at Marco Polo Hotel's Cafe Marco. We were amazed at how the bread, appetizer, sushi, entree and dessert stations, among others were beautifully arranged. After that, we visited their guest rooms. They are just heavenly! An accommodation fit for a traveler with good taste.

The second day of our trip was a familiarization of Davao's highlands. We had a taste of what a mountain resort is at the Eden Nature Park in Calinan. Eden Nature Park is 95% human-made. It is a great model of how humans can re-create nature and rebuild a lost environment. There are over 100,000 pine trees spread in about 80 hectares, providing a refreshing backdrop to the various attractions in Eden Nature Park. The group made secret wishes at the wishing well. You can either drop a coin or place a flower at the well and make your wish. Marichel is shown at the wishing well.

Our third day was a familiarization of Davao' s island. Everybody was looking forward to experiencing Pearl Farm Resort. We took a private ferry at the Marina, a hotel owned by Pearl Farm Resort. The trip to Samal Island took 40 minutes. Upon arriving, we were treated to fresh pineapple juices. Marichel had a relaxing time at the Ylang-Ylang Spa. I, on the other hand, got weak after a round of water sports at the pool with Ramon, Dexter and Aufred. We had lunch at the Maranao Restaurant. The pictures were taken by Eric Lacson, CEB's official photographer for the trip.

RG,Charles, Toots, Debbie and Cosen brought us to the Royal Mandaya Hotel, another tourist attraction of Davao.

The Malagos Garden Resort is another highland attraction that is filled with rare colored plants and flowers. Marichel went shopping for beautiful waling-waling orchids.

The Pearl Farm Resort's Parola. We heard drumbeats welcoming us before our ferry could reach the parola.

The group proceeded to our hotel, Waterfont Insular Hotel and there we were able to freshen up for 30 minutes. Marichel and I shared a room. The room was just fabulous. There were two beds and our floor had light wood. We had a wide array of drinks, chocolates and snacks from the minibar.

We met the regional director of DOT 11 and there we were briefed on how the department is promoting Davao City to the rest of the country. The presscon was held at Karl's Coffee. Photo shows me, Harold, Marichel and RG.

The Samal Suites are idyllic two-storey accommodations where one can take a dip in the sea right from your balcony.

Fresh and ready to face another tour, we proceeded to the Davao Museum. The museum is home to the collective memory and shared diversity of the peoples and cultures of Southern Mindanao. Photo shows me with the Martaban jars, which are made of porcelain and glazed earthenware.

The Flora and Fauna Products and designs by Mark Pampling

Back in the city, we went to Rancho Palos Verdes Golf & Country Club, an exclusive 18-hole championship golf course that redefines the face of the burgeoning golf movement in Asia through its environmentally sensitive golf course design and management.

At the Crocodile Farm, everybody witnessed huge and baby crocodiles that either rest or were submerged in their 10-feet pools. We had a chance to hold a baby crocodile. The guide said that they take a bath daily, so they didn't smell bad. But still, everybody went eeewww when Marichel tried to kiss a baby croc **grin**

In the evening, we went to Apo View. There, we had a view of Davao City at night. We had coffee and a great time having our photos taken at Karl's Coffee.

We went to the Grand Regal Hotel and were amazed at the grand design of the presidential suite. The guide said that former President Joseph Estrada stayed there. The hotel is house to Casino Filipino, where we had our dinner. We were not allowed to bring our cameras inside, though. The photo shows Marichel sitting regally with Ramon, Harold and Dexter at the presidential suite living room of the Grand Regal Hotel.

This albino snake is one of the attractions at the Crocodile Farm. Aufred Saonoy was kind enough to hoist the slimy animal on my shoulders.

Here, Marichel plays billiards at The Venue. The place is a total entertainment center.

Marichel was brave enough to pet Datu, a tiger at the Crocodile Farm

Our last stop was the Autoshop, a great club in the city. Seen in the photo are Toots, Harold, Marichel, Ramon, Dexter, Aufred and Charles. We went home at 1:30 am.

At the Philippine Eagle Foundation, we were able to witness different eagles and brahminy kites. This one is an eagle.

Cebu Pacific's airbus is taking us back to Iloilo via Cebu. Going to Davao is quite easy now that CEB has instant connecting flights from Iloilo or Bacolod via Cebu. For a memorable Davao experience yourself, contact your nearest Cebu Pacific branch.

For P250, you can have your name etched on the pathwalk

For dinner, we had seafoods and vegetables at Sukat Sili, located at The Venue, the most happening place in Davao City. It's a complex of restaurants and bars. After dinner, we had our group photo taken at one of the tables in the middle of the al fresco complex.