Pasko Fiesta Davao 2012

At the City Hall of Davao

The grand opening of the month-long celebration of the much awaited Pasko Fiesta 2012 will be held at the Rainbow Drive of the People's Park come December 7, 2012, starting at 5 PM. 

The four-hectare Park and some key areas therein will be converted into a Christmas Park where Dabawenyos will enjoy colorful lighted Parols and hear a symphony of traditional Filipino Christmas music being played. Various fun-filled competitions will also be launched simultaneously with the grand opening such as:

• Kahayag sa Pasko (Light of Christmas) - A Christmas light decorative competition for lighted establishment throughout Davao City;
• Parolan sa Pasko - A Christmas Star and Tree design competition on the skillful and ingenious ways of designing and creating the traditional Filipino Parol  or Christmas lantern made out of recycled materials;
• Lamdag Parada - A Christmas night parade of lighted floats and Christmas characters and symbols that come in a variety of concepts, shapes and sizes, each conveying a unique interpretation of the essence of Christmas;
• Tugsayaw -  A Christmas-themed live musical and dance presentation contest that showcases  music and dance, all in one grand Christmas performance.
• Panaygon sa Pasko  - A competition for the best Christmas Carolers in Davao City;
• Paskong Kahoy - A Christmas Tree making competition using recycled materials that showcases the unique craftsmanship of Dabawenyos; 
• Handuraw sa Himaya - A Nativity Visual Arts Competition for Young Artists at the Museo Dabawenyo which features the Nativity Scene.

The City Government of Davao City has allotted Php 1,926,000 in cash prizes for the said competitions. For guidelines on these various Pasko Fiesta 2012 competitions, click HERE.

Also, one of the main highlights of the Pasko Fiesta 2012 is the Grand Christmas Lights Show - a first ever light show in the City which will be lighted at the Grand Lawn of the People's Park beginning December 21 and will continue until January 1, 2013. The show is estimated to cost around Php 2 Million and will be a six-minute long show of colorful lights and lighted Parols along with a symphony of traditional Filipino Christmas music played every hour nightly. 

DUAW Davao Festival Foundation, one of the organizers and private-partners of the City Government of Davao,  has set aside Php 3.5 Million for the activities during the annual event, and will handle the grand opening, the light show display, Hudyakaan sa Kapaskuhan, Rondalsaya Caravan and the various performances.

Below are updates on the Schedule of Events and Activities taking place on the upcoming Pasko Fiesta 2012:

• Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw Grand Opening Ceremony on December 7 at 5 PM at the Rainbow Drive of People's Park;
• Hulagway sa Pasko Fiesta: A Photo Competition. Deadline for submission of entries is on December 27 at 5 PM at the City Information Office. Exhibit of winning photos is from December 29 to January 11, 2013 at the City Hall of Davao Lobby;
• Pasko Fiesta sa Rizal Park Ug Magsaysay Park from December 1 to January 2, 2013, from 6 PM  to 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays at the Rizal Park, and from 4 PM to 11 PM, Saturdays to Sundays at Magsaysay Park;
• Pasko Fiesta Pasalubong Center from December 3 to 31 between 10 AM to 7 PM at the Pasalubong Center in Palma Hill Street;
• Pasko Fiesta sa mga Bata (Morning Fiesta and Afternoon Fiesta) on December 7 from 8 AM to 12 Noon, and 1 PM to 5 PM at the Davao Recreation Center;
• Elderlympics Opening Program on December 7 from 8 AM to 5:30 PM at the RMC Gymnasium. Free Medical Check-up on December 8 from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the RMC Gymnasium. Awarding is on December 10 from 2 PM TO 8 PM at the Davao City Recreational Center;
• Kahayag sa Pasko Competition from December 7 to 31 All around Davao City. Deadline of Submission of Entries is on December 6 at 3 PM at the Duaw Davao Foundation;
• Parol ug Paskong Kahoy Design Competition from December 10 to January 1, 2013 from 1 PM to 10 PM from Sundays thru Thursdays at the People's Park, and from 1 PM to 11 PM Fridays to Saturdays. Deadline for submission of entries is on December 10 at 5 PM at the Duaw Davao Foundation;
• Libro sa Pasko on December 12 from 12 NN to 8 PM at the SM City Annex Atrium in Ecoland;
• Hudyakan sa Kapaskuhan from December 14 to 23 between 6 PM to 2 PM in Bolton Street Extension;
• Rondalsaya Performance on December 16 at the Rizal Park;
• Pasko Fiesta sa Museo Dabawenyo "Handuraw sa Himaya: A Nativity Visual Arts Competition for Young Artist". Deadline for submission of entries is on December 13 at 5 PM at the Museo Dabawenyo. Exhibit is from December 17  to Jan 10, 2013 between 9 AM to 6 PM at the Museo Dabawenyo;
• Panaygon Competition from December 17 to 19 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Rizal Park;
• Rondalsaya Caravan from December 17 to 25 at 6 PM to be held in various venues;
• Tugsayaw Competition from December 20 to 21 from 5 PM to 8 PM at the Rizal Park;
• Search for the Bb. Barangay 2012. Grand Coronation night is on December 20 at 6 PM at the Davao City Recreational Center;
• Pasko Fiesta Light Show Display from December 21 to January 1, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and at 8:30 PM at the Great Lawn of the People's Park;
• Lamdag Parada on December 22 at 6 PM along Roxas Street, C.M Recto Street, Bonifacio Street, Pelayo Street, San Pedro Street, and at the Rizal Park.

Reference: City Government of Davao

Freedom Park in Davao City

Bust of a Hero at the Millennium Park

In the Philippines, local governments are mandated to designate a Freedom Park where people can exercise their constitutional freedom of speech and expression in a peaceful gathering, rallies or protests; a venue where they can ventilate and be heard of the various issues and concerns of the city that confront them. 

Millennium Park

In Davao City, Freedom Park consists of two parks: the Millennium Park and the Clifford Park. The Millennium Park is located in the center island along the stretch of Roxas Avenue across Ateneo de Davao University, while  Clifford Park is the wide and spacious intersection of Claro M. Recto Street (old Claveria Street) and Roxas Avenue, fronting Ateneo de Davao and Marco Polo Hotel. Clifford Park was named in honor of a United States Army commander who was killed in action during the liberation of Davao in World War II.  

Clifford Park

Clifford Park in Davao City

Clifford Park

This wide and spacious corner of Claro M. Recto Street (old Claveria Street) and Roxas Avenue, fronting, in this photo, Ateneo de Davao, and Marco Polo Hotel, from where this photo was taken, is called Clifford Park. It was named in honor of a United States Army commander who was killed in action during the liberation of Davao in World War II.  

The Park is one of the two parks that consist the Freedom Park in the city; the other one is called Millennium Park which is located in the center island along the stretch of Roxas Avenue across Ateneo de Davao University.

In the Philippines, local governments are mandated to designate a Freedom Park where people can exercise their freedom of speech and expression in a peaceful gathering, rallies or protests; a venue where they can ventilate and be heard of the various issues and concerns of the city that confront them. 

The Venue

There once stood a party place in Davao where locals and visiting guests of the city converge in a night of fun, music and dance from dusk 'till dawn. It is called, and now defunct, The Venue. It was a large, multi-level entertainment area of about 1,200 square meters which can easily hold 1,500 persons at one time. It was a favorite hang-out place at night and a popular venue for live concerts, band performances, big fashion shows, corporate parties, product launches, conventions, national and international billiard competitions and other events that required a huge area. The Venue featured a multi-level dining areas, a big dancing area, nightly entertainment which featured Manila's and Davao's best bands, had state-of-the-art sound and lights system, four themed bars (one was the Espresso Bar of Blugré Café), 24 billiard tables, and the largest Video Wall in Mindanao. 

The Venue opened its doors to the public on November 15, 2000. It was a major project of Holiday Entertainment and Music Corporation, the same owners of Linmarr Davao, and the Holiday Transport Group.

Inside The Venue

The Venue was located close to the corners of Emilio Jacinto Street and Elpidio Quirino Avenue, fronting the Central Bank in the downtown area. At the parking lot were different cafés, cocktail bars and restaurants. It was a place to bee seen, eat and party in the city. 

Bar 1

Bar 1

Cafe Breizh

Rows of bars and restaurants

Space Burger

Huge umbrella

View of Marco Polo Hotel from The Venue

View of Elpidio Quirino Avenue from The Venue

Today, since December 2010, the very corner where The Venue once stood proudly is now a P35.8 million call center facility of Sutherland Philippines - a business process outsourcing (BPO) company based in the United States.

Sutherland Global Services Philippines

Millennium Park in Davao City

Millennium Park 

This is the Millennium Park in Davao City. It is located along the stretch of Roxas Avenue right across Ateneo de Davao University. The Park is one of the two parks that consist the Freedom Park in the city; the other one is at the corners of Claro M. Recto Street (old Claveria Street) and Roxas Avenue, fronting Marco Polo Hotel and City Triangle, called the Clifford Park, which was named in honor of a United States Army commander who was killed in action during the liberation of Davao in World War II.  

In the Philippines, local governments are mandated to designate a Freedom Park where people can exercise their freedom of speech and expression in a peaceful gathering, rallies or protests; a venue where they can ventilate and be heard of the various issues and concerns of the city that confront them.

Millennium Park with Marco Polo Hotel in the background

Millennium Park with a view of Marco Polo Hotel (left) and Ateneo (right)

Millennium Park with Ateneo de Davao at the right

A bust of an Indonesian hero at the Millennium Park

View of Millennium Park from Marco Polo Hotel

Fabulous Fifties Café

Fabulous Fifties Café is a great place to chill-out after a hectic day. Its warm ambiance is nostalgic of the 1950s. They serve a wide selection of delectable Filipino and Korean dishes, and an array of wine list from ice-cold beer to cocktail drinks and thirst-quenching coolers. It is located at the Crown Regency Residences along J.P. Cabaguio Avenue in Agdao, Davao City, approximately three kilometers or about 10 to 15 minutes drive from the Davao International Airport. It is easily accessible by private or public transportation. 

Fabulous Fifties Café is open 24 hours, daily.

The Bar Area

Dining Area

Back to back dinning tables

Entrance to the Fabulous Fifties Café

Crown Regency Residences Davao where theFabulous Fifties Café is located

Map to the Fabulous Fifties Café

For more information, please contact

Fabulous Fifties Café

Crown Regency Residences

J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao, Davao City

Tels +6382 255 8188

Website www.crownregency.com 

Korrokan KTV Resto-Bar

This is the now defunct Korrokan KTV Resto-Bar located at the back parking lot of Victoria Plaza Mall in Bajada, Davao City. It was a first-class KTV restaurant and bar that catered to high-end guests. It was here that I saw high-profile politicians from Manila, Davao City and other parts of Mindanao; visiting government officials from the different agencies; well-known businessmen; local celebrities, etc. However, just like in any similar establishments in Davao City, all are welcome regardless of one’s stature in life. There are no exclusive clubs for the social and economic elite nor are there forbidden ghettos confined to the less fortunate and marginalized. Celebrities and famous people are treated like everyone else. No special treatments for those in powerful positions. Elitism and haughtiness are treated with much disdain in the city. 

Korrokan had about 14 VIP rooms and a common area where the cocktail bar was located. At its peak, there were over 50 PR managers assisting guests and more than 150 women entertainers. Nightly, Korrokan was filled with guests and oftentimes a reservation in advance was necessary to obtain exclusive use of the VIP rooms. It also had a branch along Timog in Quezon City. 

Bar and Common Area

KTVs and Karaoke were such a big hit in the Davao in the late 90s and from early to mid 2000s that everywhere you go in the city, be it in a town fiesta, birthdays, weddings, or simply an afternoon of fun with families, friends, office colleagues and even with neighbors, you will find people holding microphones joyfully singing before a cheering crowd and curious spectators, each one patiently waiting for their turn. But the fad seemed to have gradually subsided, but not totally out. In fact, Korrokan actually just moved to a new location in Ecoland, in a much bigger building with better and added facilities, and renamed it World Palace Business Center. 

World Palace Business Center in Ecoland

Victoria Plaza Mall in Bajada

View of the huge parking area immediately outside Korrokan

Korrokan

Korrokan

Casabella Dormitory

Casabella Dormitory and Dormitel

Casabella is a lovely dormitory exclusively for ladies. It is located at the corner of E. Quirino Avenue and Gen. Luna Street right in the heart of Davao City, and is easily accessible by transportation. The dormitory is close to shopping malls, commercial establishments, dining and entertainment areas. The rooms are clean and spacious with private toilet and bath, closets, air-conditioning, cable TV, free Wi-fi Internet and round-the-clock security.

Spacious and clean bedroom

Private Toilet and Bath

For more information, please contact

Casabella Dormitory and Dormitel

E. Quirino Avenue corner Gen. Luna Street, Davao City

Tel +6382 301 5439

Mobile 0917 702 4838

E-mail ivy@davaodorm.com

Website davaodorm.com

Lachmi Shopping Mall

Lachmi Shopping Mall

Lachmi Shopping Mall is every one's favorite shopping destination at the very heart of downtown Davao City. Located along the the oldest and busiest street in the city - San Pedro Street, the shopping mall is very close to the City Hall of Davao City, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Davao and the San Pedro Cathedral. Here, shoppers will find various items at bargain prices. In fact, Lachmi is one of the very few remaining malls in the city where prices of commodities can be haggled-out at a much lower cost than what the price tag actually shows. And almost always, shop owners are often prevailed upon by the buyers.

Lachmi is one of the few remaining malls in Davao City where shop owners are often prevailed upon
 by buyers for a much lower cost of items than its bargained price tag.

The Mall's main building along San Pedro Street consists of three levels: the ground floor is flooded with stalls of cell phone  repairs and services, and is the busiest of the three floors; the second floor houses several commercial establishments such as the NCCC Department Store, etc.; the third floor is where the Administration and Management offices of Lachmi is located. Its connecting Annex Building along C. Bangoy Street is where its Food Court is located.

Durian Hotel

Durian Hotel

It is with a deep sense of sorrow to see this beautiful 12-storey hotel regrettably neglected and unused for many years considering its very strategic location along one of the city's chief thoroughfares in downtown area and its close proximity to shopping malls, several business and commercial establishments, dining and entertainment areas, and easy of access by all types of transportation. This once elegant but still imposing structure along J. P. Laurel Avenue in Bajada, Davao City, known as the Durian Hotel, would have surely been a big hit among leisure and business travelers to the city. But sadly, the hotel has, for some reason, remained unoccupied to date.

Durian Hotel

The property in which the hotel is situated consists of 15 adjoining commercial lots. The hotel's total aggregate floor area is about 16,500 square meters consisting of three buildings: 

Original Building

The original building is primarily used for commercial purposes. It has a total floor area of 1,762 square meters. The ground floor is where the lobby was located and served as the reception hall of guests, and where two commercial spaces and the hotel parking area are found. The second floor held the administration offices of the hotel, while the third and fifth floors were partitioned into a total of 22 guestrooms. 

Annex Building 

This building has six floors with a total floor area of 4,566 square meters. The basement, ground floor, and second floor were used for parking areas which can accommodate 60 cars. The third and fourth floors were function halls that can each accommodate up to 200 persons, while the fifth floor is where the Grand Ballroom (theater-type function hall) is located. 

Main Hotel 

The main hotel is a 12-storey building with 126 guestrooms, bearing a total floor area of 10,172 square meters, partitioned as follows: 

Basement - Parking area, water boiler, and exhaust fans, 

Ground Floor - Main kitchen, a restaurant, two scenic elevators, and one service elevator, 

Second Floor - Employee cafeteria, stockroom, male/female quarters, employees comfort rooms, locker room, Food and Beverage office, Engineering office, medical clinic, chapel, and two function rooms for 60 persons, 

Third to Eleventh Floors - guestrooms, 

Twelfth Floor - Heroes Bar, Concorde function room with mezzanine, mini gym, swimming pool, 

Roof Deck - Water tank, motor for elevators, and cellsite/office. 

Durian Hotel is about 50 meters Southeast from the corners of J.P. Laurel Avenue and Bacaca Road; some 60 meters Northwest from Victoria Plaza Mall; and approximately a kilometer from the downtown area.

Back view of Durian Hotel from afar

Magallanes Residences

Magallanes Residences

Magallanes Residences is a 10,743 square-meter Spanish-inspired multi-storey midrise residential condominium located along Bolton Extension Street, Davao City (former site of Durian Park), consisting of three seven-storey buildings: Valencia (Building 1) has 108 residential units and seven commercial units; while Barcelona (Building 2) and Toledo (Building 3) have 112 residential units each, with a combination of two bedroom and studio units. Average floor area of the units ranges from 28 square meters to 68 square meters with prices ranging from P 1,550,000  to P 3,330,300.

The condominium was built in 2000 by DMC Urban Property Developers, Inc. - the first company which introduced the concept of condominium living in Davao City with its very successful Ecoland 4000 Residences. Magallanes Residences is the second project of DMC in Davao City.

Magallanes Residences Valencia Building 1

Entrance to Magallanes Residences

Magallanes Residences Guardhouse

Gate to Magallanes Residences

Driveway inside Magallanes Residences

Features and Amenities 

• Single Loaded Corridors for Maximum privacy 

• 2 Passenger Elevators per Building 

• Individual Units for Laundry and Drying Areas at the Roof Deck (For two bedroom units only) 

• Guarded Entrance, Perimeter Fence and 24-hours Security 

• Underground Electrical Facilities 

• Underground Drainage Facilities 

• Water Distribution System 

• Parking Areas (Optional) 

• Multi-Purpose Clubhouse 

• Infinity Type Swimming Pool 

• Basketball Court 

• Parks and Playground 

• Landscaped Areas

Magallanes Residences Clubhouse Swimming Pool

Swimming Pool

Landscaped Areas

Outside Parking

Magallanes Residences is conveniently located at the central business district of Davao City, close to major government offices and commercial establishments, all within walking distance from the property.

For more information, please contact

Bolton Extension Street, Poblacion, Davao City

2nd Floor. Jones Building, Quimpo Boulevard, Ecoland, Davao City

Tels +6382 297 6669 | +6382 297 0447

Email davaosales.offi-ce@gmail.com

Website dmc-urbanpropdev.com.ph