Undas - All Saints' Day, The Filipino Way

Undas or All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the Philippines

Undas or All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the Philippines is one big happy occasion widely observed and celebrated by Filipinos to honor and commemorate their departed loved ones with fondness and love through prayers, and by offering flower wreaths or garlands and lighting candles at their graves. It is a special time of the year when families and relatives gather together in a sort of a family reunion in the cemeteries, memorial parks, and mausoleums. Bringing and sharing of foods and beverages in a pot luck, taking family photos, playing card games, singing, children making wax balls out of melted candles, exchanging ghost stories and reminiscing about the departed amid all the festive atmosphere are precious bonding moments that depict how tightly-knitted Filipino families are that even those that have long passed away are still much remembered and fondly cared for. Tombs are cleaned or repainted, candles are lit, and colorful bouquet of flowers are offered. Entire families even camp in cemeteries and sometimes spend overnight near their relatives' tombs.

Bouquet of flowers are offered to the dearly departed loved ones.

Historically, the tradition of celebrating All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day is said to have started in the 10th and 11th centuries and was based on the Catholic doctrine that prayers of the faithful help purify souls in purgatory. The Roman Catholic Church has specially set the day apart for the commemoration of the souls of the departed faithful. And while All Souls' Day falls on the 2nd of November, most Filipinos however celebrate the occasion as early as November 1, All Saints' Day, and are usually given as special non-working holidays (only November 1 is considered a regular holiday).

Undas is also an occasion to foster stronger family relations.

In the Philippines, Undas is the third most important holiday after Christmas and Holy Week. This old-aged tradition is based on the Filipinos' belief, particularly for Catholics and Christians who make up approximately 90% of the population: about 80% belong to the Roman Catholic Church while 10% belong to other Christian denominations, particularly the Catholics' belief in the "communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting . . ." as recited in the prayer of the Apostle's Creed. It is believed that, through constant prayers and offer of sacrifices, the sins committed by the departed faithfuls while on earth are cleansed and their souls purified, their sufferings and pains are alleviated, and their stay in purgatory is shortened. In return, the souls also help and pray for the living. Undas is the time to remember all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church Triumphant in Heaven (The Saints), the Church Militant on Earth (The Living) and the Church Suffering in Purgatory (Poor Souls). 

 This special post is dedicated to, and in loving memory of my Papang and Mamang. 

Mamu's Resto Bar

Mamu's Resto Bar

Mamu's Resto Bar is a fine-dining restaurant that serves a wide selection of delectable Filipino and continental cuisines, and is widely known for its exclusive and highly personalized service, making every dining experience a moment of delight, be it with a someone special, with the family or business associates. It is Anisabel Suites' featured dining hall for its hotel guests and regular patrons in and around Davao City. 

The Restaurant's menu includes but not limited to Sandwiches, Soup, Starters or Pika-Pika, Salad and Vegetables, Children's Menu, Pasta, Seafood, Beef, Pork and Chicken, Desserts, Beverages, and a whole lot more.

Sparkling wines and spirits, liqueur, and cocktail drinks, or local and international beers are also served either chilled or dry, suited to every guest's mood. Their wine list includes Red and White wines, Champagnes, Vodkas, Brandy, Scotch, Bourbons, and party mixes.

The Restaurant is an ideal venue for social events and private parties, such as birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, baptisms, graduations, bridal showers, and wedding receptions, as well as business functions and civic events as meetings, conferences, seminars, training, workshops, product launching and presentations.

How to get to Mamu's Resto Bar

The Restaurant is located at the ground floor of Anisabel Suites along Dizon Road, in Bacaca, Davao City, adjacent to Rolling Hills and El Rio Subdivisions. It is centrally located, close to several business and commercial establishments, shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas, and is about 15 minutes drive from the Davao International Airport.

Location Map to Mamu's Resto Bar in Anisabel Suites

For more information, please contact

Anisabel Suites 

88 F. S. Dizon Road, Bacaca, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tel +6382 225 8114 | Fax +6382 305 1612

E-mail anisabelsuites@yahoo.com | mamusrestobar@yahoo.com

Website www.anisabelsuites.com

Please visit their Facebook Page

Images courtesy of Anisabel Suites

Anisabel Suites

Anisabel Suites

Anisabel Suites is an 18-room boutique hotel beautifully designed in a homey garden setting to provide its guests utmost comfort during their stay in the hotel. It is conveniently located at the center of Davao City, close to several business and commercial establishments, shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas, and is about 15 minutes from the Davao International Airport.

Each room is equipped with an air conditioning unit, a contemporary bed, a 32-inch High Definition Flat Screen LCD Television, Telephone and Intercom systems, FREE Wi-Fi Internet access, with private toilet and bath complete with hot and cold showers, an hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. 

Executive Suite 

The suite is about 60 square meters and is furnished with a King-sized bed, a 32-inch High Definition Flat Screen LCD Satellite and Cable Television, Telephone and Intercom systems, FREE Wi-Fi Internet access, a private toilet and bath complete with hot and cold showers with complimentary toiletries, an hairdryer, a flat iron. Accommodation comes with breakfast for two, bottled water, coffee and tea, compliments of the hotel.

Executive Suite

Executive Suite

Executive Suite

Deluxe Suite

The suite is about 48 square meters and is furnished with a Queen-sized bed, a 32-inch High Definition Flat Screen LCD Satellite and Cable Television, Telephone and Intercom systems, FREE Wi-Fi Internet access, a private toilet and bath complete with hot and cold showers with complimentary toiletries, an hairdryer, a flat iron. Accommodation comes with breakfast for two, bottled water, coffee and tea, compliments of the hotel.

Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite

Salon Suite

The suite is about 48 square meters and is furnished with a Twin Bed,a 32-inch High Definition Flat Screen LCD Satellite and Cable Television, Telephone and Intercom systems, FREE Wi-Fi Internet access, a private toilet and bath complete with hot and cold showers with complimentary toiletries, an hairdryer, a flat iron. Accommodation comes with bottled water, coffee and tea, compliments of the hotel.

Salon Suite

The Hotel has a 24-hour Front Desk and Room Service, a Business Center, Meeting and Banquet Facilities, Spa and Wellness Center, a designated Smoking Area, and a Bar and Restaurant. It also provides Breakfast Buffet, Massage Services, FREE Wi-Fi Internet Access, Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services, Luggage Storage, Airport Shuttle Service, Newspapers and Dallies, and Valet Parking. 

Mamu's Resto-Bar

Mamu's Resto Bar

The restaurant serves a wide selection of delectable dishes and cocktail drinks. It is an ideal venue for private parties, anniversaries, wedding receptions, bridal showers, as well as business and civic events.

The Meeting Room

Meeting Room

This function room is ideal for business and corporate events, such as meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, product presentations and launching. It can easily accommodate 10 to 12 attendees and is equipped with an LCD Projector and a presentation and/or discussion board. The room can be lit either conventionally with the regular incandescent lights or warmly adjusted to suit the occasion's mood. A private restroom is provided as well for the attendees’ convenience.

Check-In time to the Hotel is 2 PM and Check-Out time is 12 PM. The Hotel accepts major credit cards but are subject to pre-authorize credit prior to arrival.

How to get to Anisabel Suites

The Hotel is located along F. S. Dizon Street in Bacaca, Davao City and is about 15 minutes from the Davao International Airport. It is adjacent to Rolling Hills and El Rio Subdivisions and is easily accessible by public or private transportation.

Location Map to Anisabel Suites

For more information, please contact

Anisabel Suites 

88 F. S. Dizon Road, Bacaca, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tel +6382 225 8114 | Fax +6382 305 1612

E-mail anisabelsuites@yahoo.com | mamusrestobar@yahoo.com

Website www.anisabelsuites.com

Please visit their Facebook Page

Images courtesy of Anisabel Suites and dinabaw of SSC-Davao

Davao City - National Champion for Best PESO 2012

Davao City - National Champion for Best PESO 2012

Davao City won the National Champion for Best PESO (Public Employment Service Office) in Highly Urbanized City Category of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the 12th National Congress of PESO held in Baguio City last October 11, 2012 due to the following factors:

- Most number of job vacancies posted
- Phil-Job Net National Awardee last 2011
- Conducted 17 Job Fairs
- A semi-institutionalized PESO
- Implemented Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) all year round with 1,636 student-beneficiaries
- Successfully implemented Employment Facilitation Program to DOLE
- 22,646 jobs seekers referred to different companies in Davao City and 2,717 applicants hired
- Facilitated the special recruitment of 59 agencies and facilitated the deployment of 3,176 applicants to various countries

Congratulations Davao City!!!

Panas Falls in New Corella

Panas Falls in New Corella, Davao del Norte

Deeply embedded within the green mountains of New Corella in Davao del Norte lies Panas Falls - a majestic beauty of nature teeming with unspoiled streams of multi-tiered watercourses and cool natural springs that cascade freely into a soothing drop of waterfalls gushing mightily into a crystal-clear catch basin of icy waters surrounded by a lush greenery of floras and faunas and a verdant canopy of fully grown forest trees which serve as a natural shade from the searing heat of the Sun, perfect for a cool leisurely dip particularly in the hot summer months. 

The site is a widely popular summer destination in the province and is frequented by locals and regularly visited by domestic travelers and foreign tourist for river trekking and water adventure. While the Falls and the area that surrounds it remain underdeveloped, Panas has drawn a strong following of nature lovers and outdoor buffs from nearby towns and cities because of the Falls' natural beauty and the many eco-tourism adventures it offers to its visitors. It is nestled in a forest protected area of Barangay Carcor, managed by the municipal government of New Corella. Because of its popularity, Panas Falls has almost become synonymous to New Corella and is considered one of the widely visited and most important eco- tourism attraction in Davao Del Norte.

How to get to Panas Falls

Panas Falls is situated at, and is part of Barangay Carcor in New Corella, Davao del Norte. The site is approximately four kilometers or about 30 minutes drive of mostly bumpy rough roads through the scenic stretch of the countryside from the town proper of New Corella. 

From Davao City, there are buses at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT) in Ecoland that regularly ply to and from Tagum City, the capital town of Davao del Norte, where several jeepneys bound to and from New Corella are stationed at the Pereyhas Terminal near the Tagum City Overland Transport Integrated Terminal (TCOTIT). At New Corella town proper, there are habal-habal that regularly service visitors for a minimal fee to the site. Davao City to Tagum is about two hour bus ride.

Kultura Filipino

Kultura Filipino at the ground floor of SM Lanang Premier in Davao City

This is Kultura Filipino which opened its branch in SM Lanang Premier in Davao City on the mall's opening last September 28, this year. They are located at the ground floor.

Kultura Filipino is largest Filipino lifestyle retail chain in the country that showcases a wide variety of truly Filipino products and crafts serving both the local and international markets. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s as a small Filipino handicraft store, it evolved into a multi-awarded lifestyle retail chain with 26 branches in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, showcasing uniquely Filipino home accents, fashion statement pieces, gifts and souvenir items sold at reasonable prices. In 2003, Kultura Filipino became an affiliate of SM Incorporated with major mall outlets in SM Megamall, SM Makati Annex, SM Mall of Asia Main Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, SM Cebu North Wing, SM Lanang Premier and in select SM Department Stores in Marikina, Sta.Mesa, North Edsa, Cubao, Fairview, Pampanga, Clark, Baguio, Mall of Asia, Megamall, Harrision, Manila, Mandurriao, Delgado, Bacolod, Bicutan, Southmall, Bacoor, Dasmarinas, Sta.Rosa, Calamba, Lipa, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao City.

Souvenir items at Kultura Filipino

Kultura Filipino Souvenir Shirt

Kultura Filipino Souvenir Bags and Accessories

Kultura Filipino Souvenir items

Kultura Filipino Souvenir Bag

Store locations

Kultura Filipino mall stores:

- SM Mall of Asia (ground floor, Main Mall)

- SM Megamall (ground floor, Building A)

- SM Makati (2nd floor, Annex)

- SM City Cebu (Upper ground floor, North Wing) 

Kultura Souvenirs: 

- SM City North Edsa, The Annex 

- SM City Fairview, Annex Building 

Kultura Butik: 

- Taal Vista Hotel, East Wing 

- Pico de Loro Beach Club 

Awards and Recognitions

Philippine Retailers' Association: 

- 2010 Most Promising Retailer 

- 2011 Finalist 

- 2012 Category Killer 

Department of Trade and Industry: 

- 2010 Bagwis Award

For more information, please contact 

SM Corporate Office, Building C

J. W. Diokno Boulevard, Mall of Asia Complex

Pasay City 1300 Philippines

Tel +6302 831 6162

Email inquiries@kulturafilipino.com

Website www.KulturaFilipino.com

Please visit Kultura Filipino Official Facebook Page

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Ma-a, Davao City

This is the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Ma-a, Davao City dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi  (1182-1226) - a well-loved Italian saint among Catholics widely known for his humbleness, extraordinary kindness, and great love for animals. He bore in his body the stigmata or the Holy Five Wounds (marks of the nails and spear) of Jesus Christ. Francis was declared a saint by Pope Gregory IX after his death in 1226.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish church is the only church in Davao City that has a garden altar. The Church is a widely popular venue for garden church weddings. It is located at the corner of Don Julian Rodriguez Avenue and Carlos P. Garcia Highway in Ma-a, Davao City. The Parish Office is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

For more information, please contact:

St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church

Don Julian Rodriguez Avenue corner Carlos P. Garcia Highway

Ma-a, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tel 244 1147 | 440 1285

E-mail jmrfaelnar@ymail.com

Website www.stfrancisofassisiparish.webs.com

Army 2nd Lt. Christy Isis "Ice" Achanzar - Outstanding Dabawenya

Army 2nd Lt. Christy Isis "Ice" Achanzar

Standing only at 5 feet 4 inches, Army 2nd Lt. Christy Isis "Ice" Achanzar, a native of Davao, made history in May 31, 2008 as the first Filipina to graduate from the male-dominated United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York. She is also the first female cadet from the country’s premier military school, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to enter Westpoint. She also earned the prestigious Superintendent's Award for Achievement, an award of gold wreath insignia bestowed to the top 20 percent of cadets who excel in academic, military and physical programs of USMA.

2nd Lt. Achanzar was born in Davao City on September 28, 1981 to proud parents Ermine, government employee and a native of Cagayan, and Asuncion of Davao, a Catholic lay minister. She is the fourth of six children - four girls and two boys. She finished her high school at the Davao City  National High School in 1998, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering (BSECE) from the University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao. Achanzar  was a power forward in her college's basketball team.

Immediately after graduation, and instead of pursuing a career in engineering, she applied as a cadet at the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the Philippine Military Academy and passed the qualifying tests of both academies but decided to enter the PMA. 

In her Plebe year at the PMA, she, along with the top 50 of her class, took the initial entrance test for Foreign Exchange Cadet conducted by the US Army Defense Attache’s office. The number whittled down to 16, all of whom underwent a series of interviews with the respective US service academies. She and the others took the physical tests as well as the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examinations. Achanzar was in summer training at Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva Ecija when the results came out in April 2004.

After passing all the examinations, she, the only female who qualified, immediately left for the United States and entered the US Military Academy at West Point in June 2004, almost 30 years after the USMA began admitting female cadets in 1975 in the academy's over two centuries of the existence. Achanzar was the first Filipina to be admitted to USMA.

While in military training at USMA, she also pursued Electrical Engineering as her major. Her group won in the world level IT engineering design at Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies 2008 Soldier Design Competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on April 17. She is also a member of the West Point Catholic Choir that performed two hymns during Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States. Achanzar is among the 970 members of the USMA's graduating class of 2008, and among the 17 foreign nationals from 14 countries.

In July 2008, Achanzar reported to then AFP Chief-of-Staff General Alexander Yano for active service and was admitted into the Philippine Army with the rank of second lieutenant. Her first assignment was a teaching job at the PMA.

Moncado White House

Moncado White House

This is the Moncado White House, an old ancestral house that has become as famous as its illustrious owner, the late General Hilario Moncado, founder and supreme commander-in-chief of the Filipino Crusaders World Army (FCWA) - whose followers are referred to as "Moncadians", a religious sect known for their strict observance of raw food and vegetarian diet and whose male followers used to sport long hairs and long beards, which its members thought to "shadow" the face of God.

The old Moncado house, known locally as "The White House", is a two-storey house with an attic constructed mostly of wooden materials, that sits on top of a hill of the 19-hectare land called Camp 19 in Barangay Limao in the Island Garden City of Samal, an island just off the coast of Davao City, overlooking the picturesque Gulf of Davao and the city itself in the background. While the old structure has sadly become dilapidated over time, it has remained one of the most popular attractions in the Island, frequented by locals, domestic travelers in the country and foreign tourists as well. 

Bust of General Hilario Moncado

Inside of the Moncado White House

Inside of the Moncado White House

The owner, Hilario Camino Del Prado Moncado, was born on November 4, 1898 in Pondol, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines to a very wealthy and influential family whose father, Monsigñor Fermin Moncado Del Prado, was a Spanish friar commissioned by the Vatican to the Philippines, and a close descendant of the royal family of Spain. His mother was a Spanish Mestiza named, Celia Camino.

Hilario Camino Moncado (middle) in Berlin (1931)

Moncado was multi-talented in the first order: At the tender age of nine, he graduated with honors from the College of Mystery and Psychics in Calcutta, India. At age 13, he authored several publications as "Watch 1927-1935", "Equifrilibricum", "Sun, Moon and the Star", "Matahari of India", "Mikado of Japan", "Re-Vizaya of the Philippines" and "Divinity of Woman". He fluently spoke 11 languages and could also speak and understand three Filipino dialects: Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and Ilonggo. He was a pianist, a dancer, and an avid golfer. He was owner and editor of the Filipino Nation, a semi-monthly Filipino magazine published in English which he established in Los Angeles, California on November 1, 1924 and was the only Filipino to be ever listed in the billionaire's association in America and in Europe. In 1925, in Los Angeles, California, USA, Moncado founded the Filipino Crusaders World Army and became its  supreme commander-in-chief. He was a member of the 1934 Constitutional Convention and ran for President in the 1946 elections against Manuel Roxas and Sergio Osmeña but lost. However, Moncado passed away at a relatively young age of 57 in 1958.

SM Lanang Premier

SM Lanang Premier

This is the newly opened SM Lanang Premier located along J. P. Laurel Avenue, north of Davao City, - the city’s newest destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment - thus far the largest shopping mall in Mindanao and is home to a number of international and local brands. It is the 2nd SM Supermall in Davao City and the 4th SM shopping mall in Mindanao, after SM City Davao, SM City Cagayan de Oro and SM City General Santos. The Mall was opened to the general public last September 28, 2012.

The sprawling 144,000 square meter land where SM Lanang Premier now stands used to be part of the 40 hectare Lanang Golf and Country Club. It was acquired and developed by SM Prime Holdings and turned the area into its 46th SM shopping mall in the country - an area long been known as an affluent residential and commercial segment in the city. But unlike the usual SM malls, SM Lanang Premier is classier in appeal and targets the higher segment of the market. The Mall's green architecture and eco-friendly design, upscale retail mix, dining concepts, and world-class entertainment and convention facilities never before seen in Mindanao, redefine shopping and dining experience to a higher level: The mall building itself takes only 40 percent of the total property using more paved concrete blocks in the open parking area which minimize surface run-off water; the city’s first rain catchment system that minimizes storm water peak flow, surface run-off and siltation; skylights that make use of LEDs for a more efficient energy consumption; Park finders installed at the Basement Parking that minimize carbon output from vehicles; and recycled water system for its cooling tower and comfort room flushing.

Walkway at the SM Lanang Premier

Mall Features

The Skygarden. Located at the property's facade, it houses restaurants amid a lush garden with refreshing water features. It connects to the Mall’s second level and can be easily accessed from J. P. Laurel Avenue.

Lower Ground Floor houses several service related tenants and where the 1,535 parking slots with park finders is located.

Upper Ground Floor houses the Atrium that features a scenic elevator, and a number of  international retail brands, including key SM retail anchors, SM Supermarket, and SM Store.

The Atrium at SM Lanang

Second Floor houses a mix of international and local retail shops, fashion and specialty stores. It is where the SM Cinema is located, the iMAX Theater and SM Centerstage, SM Bowling Center, and the SM Science Discovery Center.

SM Cinema, the country’s biggest film exhibitor, features six digital cinemas equipped with state-of-the-art digital projection system capable of showing crystal-clear and larger-than-life 2-D and 3-D movies, and cutting-edge audio system that delivers booming sound for a more enjoyable movie-watching. The digital theaters have a total of 2,240 seats. Another innovation of SM Cinema is its turnstile system that facilitates automated entry and paperless ticketing to all its theaters. Instead of the usual paper tickets, SM Cinema issues cine access cards that allow single-entry access to the cinemas. Moviegoers may also opt to get the newest e-PLUS (Entertainment, Privileges, Lifestyle, Upgrades and Surprises) card that allows load credits on the prepaid card, and may also be upgraded to a loyalty card which, for every transaction at SM Cinema and SnackTime, e-PLUS cardholders will earn reward points that are redeemable at any e-PLUS booth.

SnackTime at the SM Cinema serves a wide variety of snack options such as 100-gram Beef Burgers and 200-gram Double Decker Burgers, hotdog sandwiches, doughnuts, popcorn in various flavors and sodas.

iMAX Theatre is the first iMAX in Mindanao and the 5th in the country. It has 467 seats, especially arranged at a steep angle so the audience is facing the screen directly. SM pioneered in the Imax concept in the Philippines when the SM Mall of Asia opened in 2006, bringing a new experience of watching movies for Filipinos. Imax is the world’s leading film entertainment technology that utilizes laser-aligned digital audio feed and projection system that enhances image quality and display, delivering realistic sounds and visuals.

SM Centerstage

Third Level is where the SMX Convention Center, the first SMX outside Manila and the largest private convention facility of its kind in the Philippines is located. It is a 4,745 square meter of fully carpeted function room space that can be partitioned into three separate rooms, depending on the requirements of the event, and can accommodate from 25 to 5,000 persons, or up to 380 exhibit modules. SM Cyberzone and fast food chains are also found in the third level.

Fountain Court

At the rear section of the Mall are the Fountain Court, a two-level strip of casual and fine dining restaurants with a view of the fountain, and The Park, where the 122-meter musical dancing fountain, the first of its kind in Mindanao and the longest in the Philippines, is located.

Interior of SM Lanang Premier

Multi-Level SM Lanang Premier

Exterior of SM Lanang Premier

Inside SM Lanang Premier

SM Lanang Premier

Images courtesy of dvoct of SSC-Davao

Hagimit Falls

Hagimit Falls in Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal  

This is the Hagimit Falls in Peñaplata District in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS). It is a cascade of several smaller waterfalls that stream into a natural catch basin of cool waters surrounded by a verdant canopy of fully grown trees, mostly of hagimit trees (ficus minahassae) from where the waterfall got its name, and which serves as a natural shade from the searing heat of the Sun. 

The site is a widely popular summer destination in the island frequented by locals and is visited by domestic travelers and foreign tourist. The waters are generally clear and appear aqua blue in color most of the time particularly during summer but may turn a bit murky when it rains. The smaller streams may also run dry during summer peak or swell into a raging river when it is flooded during rainy season. Nevertheless, the waters are icy cold and very soothing, perfect for swimming. 

Entrance to Hagimit Falls

The area is covered with a thick canopy of forest trees

Stairway leading to the waterfalls

Hagimit Falls and the area that surrounds it remains underdeveloped, and the forest unspoiled, full of lush vegetation of different varieties that grow along the riverbanks. The water source emanates from a huge cave under a limestone cliff of slippery rock formations. The mouth of the cave is almost underwater and a small dam-like structure was built a few meters therefrom to make a reservoir which supplies clean drinking water to nearby districts. Hence, it is prohibited to swim near or in the reservoir. However, close to the waterfalls are areas designated for camping.

The water source of the Falls

Stream of water leading to the catch basin

Cascades of water

The waterfalls

The water catch basin

How to get to Hagimit Falls

There are two ways in which to get to Samal Island from Davao City: Via a a ferry boat service at the Sta. Ana Wharf near Magsaysay Park, or through a RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) at Km. 11 in Sasa  Wharf. Either way, both will take you to Samal Island from where you can get a habal-habal ride that will bring you directly to the site. 

Hagimit Falls is located some two kilometers from Peñaplata proper, the capital district of Samal Island, or about 15 to 20 minutes through rough road ride but is easily accessible by any type of transportation. There is a minimal entrance fee to the site which is used for the upkeep of area.

Signage to Hagimit Falls