University of the Immaculate Conception

The University of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known in Davao City as UIC, is a private Roman Catholic university operated by the Religious of the Virgin Mary in Davao City. The University started out as a parochial school in 1905 as St. Peter’s Parochial School with only the primary and intermediate courses offered.

In 1934, high school was introduced and the school was named Immaculate Conception Academy. By the time the first batch of high school students graduated in 1938, the school was renamed, Immaculate Conception Institute.

When World War II broke out in 1941, the school was closed and re-opened five years later. By 1947, the school received government recognition for its high school. A year later, the school was named Immaculate Conception College which then offered two collegiate courses in Secretarial and Pharmacy. And in the years 1951 to 1958, the school introduced additional courses in Education, Home Economics, Music, and Elementary Education.

With the increasing enrollment of students and demand for more courses, Liberal Arts Program, BS Commerce, and BS Medical Technology were added in 1961 to 1962.

In 1969, the Elementary and High School Departments were moved to Fr. Selga Street and the College Department in 1971. Three more courses in BS Chemistry, Pharmacy Aide, and BS in Nutrition and Dietetics were then added.

From 1983 to 1986, four more courses were opened in Cafeteria Management, BS in Civil Engineering, MA in Theology, and MA in Elementary Education. Then in the 1990s, in view of the demand for more scientific and technological courses, the school introduced degrees in BS Computer Engineering, BS Electronics and Communication Engineering, and BS Computer Science. And later, when the Fund Assistance for Private Education (FAPE) identified the school as one of the training centers of its scholars for Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering, more courses were added: MA in Educational Management, MA in Values Education, MA in Teaching College Physics, MA in Teaching College Chemistry, and MA in Engineering Education.

On May 1, 1992, the Immaculate Conception College was granted University Status by the Department of Education, and since assumed its current name, University of the Immaculate Conception. The University was then 87 years old.

UIC has three campuses: the Fr. Selga Campus which offers various courses in Information Technology, Nursing, Medical Technology, Music, Nutrition, Dietetics, Pharmacy, and the Graduate School; the Bonifacio Campus which offers various programs in Business and Governance, Engineering, Education, and Liberal Arts; and the Bajada Campus which houses its grade school and high school departments.

Bajada Campus

Bonifacio Campus

Father Selga Campus

The University recently launched its E-Learning Program - a web-based network of learning program and service that serves to create, deliver and facilitate learning and teaching processes in and out of traditional classrooms. Along with E-Learning Program is the University's state-of-the-art facility for Information Technology Research Zone (ITRZ) - a modern computer, information technology and communication laboratory aimed at providing its students with the best training on computer science, engineering, and communication technology. It also offers short-term courses on computer literacy, creative global exploration hub (Internet), AutoCAD, and video-conferencing.

The University of the Immaculate Conception also offers Post-Graduate Programs: Phd in Educational Leadership, Phd in Applied Linguistics, and Doctor in Business Management.

Bonifacio Campus Grounds

For more information, please contact:

University of the Immaculate Conception

Davao City, Philippines 

Fr. Selga Main Campus 

Tel +6382 221 8090 | +6382 221 8191

Fax +6382 226 2676

Email info@uic.edu.ph  | mis@uic.edu.ph

Website uic.edu.ph

Bonifacio Campus 

Bonifacio Street, Davao City

Tel +6382 227 1573 | +6382  227 3794

Bajada Campus 

Bajada, Davao City

Tel +6382 222 0703 - Grade School | +6382 222 2030 - High School

Feast of San Pedro

San Pedro Cathedral

Today, June 29, 2012 is a BIG day for Davaoeños. Not only is it the Feast of Saint Peter from whom the San Pedro Cathedral, the Street where it now stands, a school, and a hospital were all named after in due honor of the Saint, but also a historical day when Spanish forces led by Conquistador Don Jose Oyanguren subdued Davao chieftain Datu Bago and his men in a battle in 1847. Saint Peter or San Pedro is also the Patron Saint of Davao City. 

It will be remembered that Saint Peter was the chief apostle of Jesus Christ to whom the Keys of Heaven was entrusted and the Roman Catholic Church founded (Matthew 16: 18-19). The Gospel also tells us that Jesus called on Peter to follow him and made him, along with eleven others, "fishers of men." Peter did not hesitate, left everything behind, and embarked on an incredible journey of faith (Matthew 4: 19-20). 

San Pedro Street

San Pedro College

San Pedro Hospital

The first settlement in Davao under Datu Bago can be found some 350 meters from where the San Pedro Cathedral now stands. The first settlement was close to the banks of the Davao River where the Bolton Bridge is presently situated. The settlement was, however, burned down by Oyanguren when he succeeded in driving away Datu Bago on June 29, 1847 but the new Christian settlers rebuilt the settlement on the same spot and built the first church made of nipa and bamboo in 1848 in honor of Saint Peter or San Pedro, exactly the same date of the final battle between Oyanguren and Datu Bago. 

Sometime in the late 1950s to early 1960s, some quarters wanted to rename San Pedro Street after one of Davao City's local heroes. However, a big fire conflagrated almost the entire downtown area of Davao and San Pedro Street at that time, but suddenly halted just before reaching San Pedro Cathedral. Davaoeños believed it was San Pedro’s intervention in protesting the proposed change of the street name. Since then, no one has dared to change the name of San Pedro Street again. Since then, San Pedro Street has remained unchanged, and the street itself has gone through many changes over the years. Even the Church itself has gone through several innovations. When the constant threat of flooding near the Davao River inundated the rebuilt settlement, local authorities immediately ordered the relocation of the Christian settlers in 1861. In the mid 1900s, they rebuilt the nipa and bamboo church into wood by the late Architect Ramon Basa until it was finally remodelled in concrete in 1964 by Architect Manuel Chiew. 

This magnificent Spanish-style architecture with its distinctive modern design is reflective of the convergence of Christians and Muslims living in Davao City. The frontal-curved roofing was designed to look like the prow of a vinta gliding over waters carrying a Cross at the helm. The vinta represents the Muslim Mindanao and the Cross representing Christianity - who stand united despite differences in beliefs and perhaps ways of life but points toward the glory of God.

The Vinta is a vessel of ancient heritage used by Muslims in Mindanao in Southern Philippines. The bright colorful sails are representative of the rich and colorful culture of the Muslim community. The boat is usually used for inter-island transport of people and goods. 

Vinta

The old altar has been preserved and can still be seen at the right wing of the cathedral today which features a unique collection of antique images and relics of Saint Peter and other saints. A new altar has been recently installed -  a replica of the old one.

During Sundays, portion of the San Pedro Street particularly immediately infront of the Cathedral is cordoned off from vehicular traffic due to the huge volume of parishioners who come for Mass. Here, many vendors ply their trade outside the church such as balloons, toys, ukay-ukay, popcorn, and all sorts of street food, etc. There are also photographers who are always ready to take photographs for a fee, of course. Masses in the Cathedral are in both English and the Visayan dialect.

San Pedro Cathedral is not only the oldest church in Davao City, but also the city's premier historical landmark, and is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure. It is situated at the very heart of the city right across the Sanguniang Panglunsod ng Dabaw (City Council) Building, and is close to several commercial establishments, hotels, shopping centers, universities, parks, a public market, etc. Facing the church, it is bounded at the front by San Pedro Street, the oldest street in the city, Bolton Street on the left, and Claveria Street on the right.

Kadayawan Festival

San Pedro - both the church and the street - has been the center stage where every significant event in the history and life of Davao City and the Davaoeños unfolds. It is the seat of religious and  political power where the legislative and executive branches of local government form a right triangle with the Archdiocese of Davao at the center. It is where the three historical parks can be found - the Osmeña Park (formerly Plaza de Oyanguren), the Rizal Park, and the Quezon Park. San Pedro Street is the main venue of all our major festivals and celebrations in the city, and every Davaoeño has, at one time or another, paraded along San Pedro Street for Araw ng Dabaw and danced the "indak-indak" during Kadayawan Festival.

Araw ng Dabaw

Political rallies along San Pedro Street

In Davao City, it is not really a major citywide event if it does not happen in San Pedro Street. It is where political rallies and religious fellowships are held, and free concerts and street food fiestas are celebrated. It is Davao City’s Kilometer Zero, after all.

June 29 - Feast of Saint Peter or San Pedro, the Patron Saint of Davao City - a most sacred and holy day in the historical calendar of the city that shall remain perpetually cherished in the hearts of every Davaoeño and the many more generations of Davaoeños to come.

San Pedro

La Anclar Hometel

La Anclar Hometel is a nice, clean, and safe hotel that offers very affordable rates for travelers who are looking for comfortable accommodation that provides friendly service and essential amenities with all the conveniences of home at a budget price. Starting at Php 730.00, this four-storey Hotel has 37 spacious rooms meticulously designed to provide guests utmost comfort during their stay in the Hotel. 

The Lobby

The Hotel has a 24-Hour Reception and Room Service, Housekeeping, Wake-Up Call service, Massage and Beauty services, safety deposit boxes, FREE Wi-Fi and LAN Internet connections, hotel and airport transfers, and a spacious car park area. It also has a Bar and Lounge, Banquet and Catering facilities, Function Rooms, Audio/Visual Equipments, Flowers and Gift Arrangements, Sports and Recreation facilities, and a Kids Club.

Waiting Area at the Lobby

Hallway

Function Room

Banquet Facilities

Founded in 2009 by Mr. Pedro Anino and his wife Ester, the Hotel was built to provide travelers inexpensive accommodation with all the comforts and amenities standard to other expensive alternatives. Each room is air-conditioned and beautifully furnished with a contemporary bed, Cable TV, a refrigerator, coffee and tea maker, telephone system, FREE Wi-Fi and LAN Internet connections, and a private bath and toilet with hot and cold showers.

Junior Suite

Deluxe Double Room

Check-In time is 2 PM, and Check-Out time is 12 PM. All major credit cards are accepted, subject to the Hotel's right to pre-authorize credit prior to arrival and check-in.

How to get to La Anclar Hometel

The Hotel is located along A. Bonifacio Street in downtown area Davao City, and is close to several commercial establishments, shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas. It is easily accessible and is about 30 minutes away from the Davao International Airport.

Contact Information

La Anclar Hometel

A. Bonifacio Street, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tel +6382 305 5115

Mobile 0908 890 5431

Fax +6382 224 2373

E-mail info@laanclarhometel.com | laanclar_hometel@yahoo.com

Website: laanclarhometel.com 

Visit their Facebook page

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United Colors of Davao Taxis

Davao City is "filled to the brim", so to speak, with tourist attractions and world-class facilities for guests to enjoy while on vacation, tour, or business in the City. And what a more convenient way to explore and experience life in Davao than riding in taxi cabs.

In the Philippines, it is common to see taxi cabs in yellow or white. But in Davao City, taxi cabs come in different shades of white, yellow, blue, orange, or even black and violet! These colors in vivid hues perfectly mirror the Davaoeños vibrant outlook and attitude in life, and, of course, the City's colorful history as well - from its humble beginning, to its impressive progress over the years. 

Yellow Taxi

Today, there are close to 5,000 taxi cabs that now ply the city streets of Davao. But, there is definitely more to here than colors - Davao City takes much pride of having the most passenger-friendly taxi cab system in the country. It is not uncommon for passengers to find their left baggage or valuables returned safely to their very doorsteps on the same day, nor is it a surprising fact to expect an exact change to the last peso. There is hardly any negotiated fares within the City. Except for out of town trips, taxi cabs are strictly metered.

White Taxi

I remember well in 1999, when I again set foot in Davao City on a business assignment, after some 34 years had past since I was in the City in 1965 (I was 2 years old then) with my mother and father who was also visiting Davao on a business trip, Nelson, an associate from our Davao branch office, came to collect me from the old Davao International Airport in Sasa from where we took a cab and headed straight to the office to meet my staff. I handed out our fare to the taxi driver in the total amount of 70 pesos, broken down in one 50 peso bill and one 20 peso bill since the fare totalled 65 pesos. Surprisingly, the driver immediately handed me the 5 peso change, and when I told him to keep it as a tip for bringing me and my companion safely to our destination, he simply smiled back at me and cheerfully drove away. Naturally, I asked Nelson if it was customary in Davao for taxis to decline such a tip. He explained that tipping a taxi driver is highly discouraged as a matter of policy to prevent a precedent in negotiated fares. 

PUs in the 1970s

Back in the 1960s, Davao City used to have black Mercedes Benzes as taxi cabs but were later recalled after a local car distributor-dealer complained of their image being debased from the use of their cars as taxi cabs. And at one time in 1970s, taxi cabs disappeared in Davao City as well as in other cities in Mindanao and were later replaced by Mitsubishi Minicas, popularly called then as "PUs" or Public Utility. However, as Mindanao was rapidly growing economically in the 1980s, the demand for public transportation also increased. Hence, taxi cabs were re-introduced in the early 1990s but many people were reluctant to part with the PUs that only charges 10 pesos anywhere within downtown of the city.

Orange Taxi

In the years that follow the re-introduction of taxi cabs in Davao City, local taxi companies became the first throughout the country to install two-way radios on their taxi fleets and, years later, many other cities in the Philippines followed suit.

Mabuhay Blue Taxi with LED top light

In fact, Mabuhay Taxi, a Davao City taxi company, was the first in the Philippines that introduced LED top lights, and was also awarded Most Outstanding Taxi 2005 (Philippine Advertising Excellence Awards) 24 Hours Radio Taxi Dispatch Service in Davao City.

LED top lights

Flat TV screens inside the taxi

With technology and gadgets flooding mainstream society, taxi cabs have also installed GPS (Global Positioning System) units as well as TVs and DVD players and passengers can now relax and delight while going around the City free from dust and fumes because all taxi cabs in Davao City are also air-conditioned. 

Taxi cabs remain the best option and the fastest means to get to a destination. It is more convenient now to get a taxi cab than before since most are just a call or text away and can easily pick-up passengers anywhere in the City. If one does not have their contact numbers, several taxi cabs are available 24/7 roaming around the city streets and simply waving a hand will signal them to a halt. At night, a taxi cab is available or empty when its top light is RED, otherwise, the taxi cab is occupied when the top light is off.

Black Taxi

Of course, comes with the convenience is the price. Taxi cabs usually charge a flag down rate which will add up for the next 500 meters. After the first 500 meters, another will be charged for every 300 meters traveled. When the taxi cab stops, a charge will also be added every 2 minutes. In other words, taxi fare will incur bigger when stuck longer in traffic. It is wise to inform the driver beforehand of the street address, color of the gate and other information that will help him locate the destination and choose roads that are not busy and have lesser traffic. An additional drop off would mean additional flag down rate.

Taxi cabs are also available for hire for a whole day use at a negotiated price depending on the distance and itinerary for the day.

So, whenever your budget allows, go for taxi cabs. In Davao City, you do not have to worry about taxi drivers choosing which passengers to pick.

Have a pleasant taxi ride when in Davao City!

Below are some Davao taxi companies and their contact numbers: 

Siycha Transport Corporation (STC) Taxi 

Barangay Bago Aplaya, Dumoy, Davao City 

Tel +6382 299 1143 | +6382 304 4779 |+6382 304 4739 

STC UV Express Van +6382 306 5229 

Mobile [Globe] 917 545 8975 | [Sun] 923 719 3833 

Email stc.davao@gmail.com 

Holiday Taxi 

Tel +6382 300 1717 | +6382 221-0665 

Mobile [Smart] 949 856 7947 | [Globe] 927 819 8347 | [Sun] 922 748 2774 

Mabuhay Taxi 

Tels +6382 233 0445 | +6382 234 1360 | +6382 235 1784 

Maligaya Taxi 

Tel  +6382 299 1111 | +6382 296 1391 | +6382 296 1392 

Mobile [Smart] 919 230 0188 | [Globe] 917 705 4455 | [Sun] 922 803 4455 

Krizia Taxi 

Tel +6382 298 5837 to 39 |+6382 298 5541 

Mobile [Smart]  929 812 0299 | [Globe]  917 621 4040 | [Sun]  922 873 2020 

Midvalley Taxi 

Tel +6382 301 0479 |+6382 286 0639

IChef

The Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship, popularly known as IChef, is one of the leading Culinary Arts and Hospitality Schools in the Philippines. The Institute provides world class education and hands-on training in culinary arts and hospitality business skills development from Hospitality Professionals and internationally renowned and multi-awarded Master Chefs in an interactive and fun environment using only state-of-the-art culinary equipment and hospitality facilities for a globally competent training delivery.

Owned and operated by Joji Ilagan Career Center Foundation - an educational foundation based in Davao City that provides quality education in personality development and career advancement - IChef offers courses leading to university degree, diploma (in 40 weeks), and certificate programs (in just 4 weeks).

The Institute's 3,000 square meter floor area is fitted with ultra-modern and state-of-the-art culinary equipment and hospitality facilities which makes IChef one, if not, the biggest and most modern hospitality and culinary school in the Philippines: three professionally equipped Culinary Kitchens; a professional Pastry Kitchen; a Culinary Demo and Celebrity Kitchen; fully operational Dining Room and Bar; Computer Resource Center; and air-conditioned classrooms where students and aspiring culinary chefs will learn academic, technical, and practical hands-on training and innovative applications in a fully equipped kitchen and computer labs geared toward the enhancement of  their interpersonal, entrepreneurial and business or professional skills and expertise necessary for building their own businesses or career options in the field of culinary and hospitality.

Hotel Demo Room

Classroom

Library and Resource Center

Kitchen Facilities and Equipment

Store Room and Walk-In freezer

Restaurant

Pastry Kitchen

Demo Kitchen

With IChef's state-of-the-art Kitchen Lab, fully operational dining restaurant, computer lab and resource center, students will not only learn how to prepare and cook meals but will also learn to plan menus, research a variety of projects, sourcing of products, staffing, and keeping track of various business details such as costing, nutritional analysis, purchasing and other business essentials of the profession. 

Contact Information

IChef Building

De Jesus corner Rizal Streets, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tels +6382 305 8833 | +6382 305 7788

Mobile +63 919 929 8154

E-mail info@ichef.com.ph 

Website ichef.com.ph 

Visit their Facebook page

IChef is owned and operated by

Governor Chavez Street, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Tels +6382 227 5602 | +6382 226 3783

Mobile +63917 577 7336

Fax +6382 221 0315

E-mail info@jojiilagancareercenter.com

Website jojiilagancareercenter.com

Visit their Facebook page

C5 Dormitel

C5 Dormitel

C5 Dormitel is a nice, clean, and comfortable dormitory hotel that offers very affordable rates for budget travelers and transients who are looking for comfortable accommodation that provides excellent services and upscale amenities with all the conveniences and comforts of a hotel at a budget price. Starting at Php 650, this Hotel has 40 air-conditioned rooms, semi-furnished units, with private toilets and baths from single to twin sharing accommodations beautifully designed to provide guests utmost comfort during their stay in the Hotel. Each room is provided with a PABX Intercom system, while each floor has its own 24-hour security and monitoring camera, as well as  guest lounges where residents can relax and enjoy watching cable TV. It also has a 24-Hour room service, Wi-Fi Internet access, and a wide parking space. 

Single Deluxe Economy

Double Deluxe Economy

Single Suite

This Mediterranean and tropical Asian designed Hotel is located at the heart of downtown Davao City, and is close to several business establishments, shopping malls, dining and entertainment areas. It also has has a spacious roof garden, a wide landscaped plaza where the public can unwind and dine Al fresco with its C5 Cafe and Restaurant, and several other establishments within the building complex such as an Internet cafe, a travel agency, a laundry shop, a pawnshop, a boutique shop, a beauty salon, and even a law office.

Entrance to the Hotel

The Lobby

Landscaped Plaza

Row of Shops

How to get to C5 Dormitel 

The Hotel is located along Roxas Avenue in downtown, Davao City and is easily accessible by transportation. It is about 20 minutes drive from the Davao International Airport. 

Contact Information 

C5 Dormitel

Roxas Avenue, Davao City

Telefax 082 228 6186

E-mail c5dormitel@yahoo.com

Website c5dormitel.multiply.com

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