Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Jack’s Ridge


JACK’S Ridge

JACK’S Ridge is one of the most popular recreational and dining destinations in Davao City. It sits on top of a high and very steep slope, overlooking the scenic expanse of Davao City and the Gulf of Davao. The place is located on a high mountain slope at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City. 

The place was once the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, which served as their watchtower against the American forces. Today, Jack’s Ridge still preserves mementos of its historic past: the warplane crash sites; Japanese-dug tunnels where gold bullions and other treasures were believed to be still buried; and even prehistoric clam shells which testify that the area was once underwater millions of years ago.


Inscription of Jack's Ridge: Making History in Davao City

The Inscription reads: 

Jack's Ridge: Making History in Davao City

The land on which Jack’s Ridge now stand once formed part of the headquarter of the retreating Japanese forces towards the end of the World War II. The Americans had landed in Davao on May 1, 1945, forcing the Japanese to beat a path to Matina Hills where they had a commanding view of the Davao Gulf where the American ships were anchored. Fierce fighting soon erupted between the two forces, and as history shown us, the Japanese lost.

Today, more than half a century later, Jack’s Ridge is filled with reminders of its historic past. Caves dug by the Japanese pockmark the area, and once in a while people still find bullets and other war materials in the rocky soil.

There is also talk that hidden somewhere in the caved are gold bullions and other treasure that the Japanese had taken from other countries and brought to Davao.

Whatever the truth is about the treasure, Jack’s Ridge maintains the feature that made it an important outpost for the retreating Japanese forces, a commanding view of Davao City and the Gulf, the same view within the premises is also refreshing, since the owner has made its mission to preserve the natural beauty of the place.

Jack’s Ridge was built to offer a completely new experience to dinners, and its not over yet, more development are under way to make it the premier dining resort in Davao City.

Indeed, Jack’s Ridge is making it’s own mark in Davao City’s History.


Prehistoric clam shells (Taklobo) which testify that the area 
was underwater millions of years ago


Inscription
The Inscription reads:

Unbelievable as it may
seem. the land you are
standing on was under the
sea millions of years ago.
These Taklobo shells right 
here at Jack's Ridge
are silent witness to 
Davao's watery past.


At the entrance of Jack's Ridge


Welcoming guests to Jack's Ridge


Durian Eater's Statue at the entrance


Inscription of Durian Eater's Statue


View of Davao City and Davao Gulf from Jack's Ridge



View Deck overlooking Davao City by night


Steel artwork by Lamberto “Obet” Acyatan

This brilliant steel artwork by Lamberto “Obet” Acyatan that uses icons of the city to spell out the word “Davao” was unveiled at Jack's Ridge rotunda as a landmark that showcases the best elements of Davao City.


 Taklobo Restaurant


Signage of  Taklobo Restaurant

Taklobo Restaurant serves Davao’s famous ihaw-ihaw specialties. It offers a wide array of delectable dishes such as grilled tuna, seafood sizzlers, chicken and pork barbecues, kinilaw, sinigang, and many other sumptuous dishes. There is also a group of musicians who serenade guests of the restaurant.


 Kai's Bar and Grill

Opened in 2001, Kai’s Bar and Grill offers nightly live band music with a panoramic view of Davao City and the Davao Gulf in the background.


Billiards at  Kai's Bar and Grill


 Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee

Karlo’s Gourmet and Coffee is a chic café that serves good coffee, and French and Italian cuisines with a magnificent view of the city and Davao Gulf. The café was opened in 2001.


Inside Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee


Tap Room Piano and KTV

Tap Room Piano and KTV is a perfect place to unwind while enjoying the scenic expanse of Davao City. The Bar features an upbeat and contemporary look with its purple lights, LCD flat screen TVs, and Hi-Fi sound system. It can accommodate up to 50 guests, and is open daily from 5 PM to 2 AM.


Tap Room Piano and KTV


Penmar Hall

Penmar Hall is a popular venue for wedding receptions, and other business and social functions.


 Kool Kat’s Pool


Closer look of the Pool from ground level


Amphitheater

The Amphitheater is one of the most popular venues for garden weddings, and other business and social functions.


Cottages

Overnight cottages are angled on a high steep slope with a view of the lush greenery of the area and breathtaking view of Davao City and Davao Gulf.


Souvenir Shop


How to get to Jack's Ridge

Jack's Ridge is easily accessible and is about a 25 minute ride from Bankerohan Market, downtown Davao City. 


Map to Jack's Ridge


Contact Information


Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant
Shrine Hills, Matina
Davao City 8000
Tel (082) 297-8830 to 31
Fax (082) 297-6535
Email  info@jacksridgedavao.com
Website www.jacksridgedavao.com 

2 comments:

  1. we're supposed to take our guest here yesterday... But its too hot and Jack's Ridge is best at night..Next time,, i have to visit here, with or without guest...:-)


    Liezl,
    http://mytravelanywhere.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jack's Ridge is definitely a good place to bring guests particularly at night. With the panoramic expanse of Davao City in view, you can never go wrong. Great place! Awesome view!

    ReplyDelete