PSA: The Aboitiz Group calls for donations for areas affected by typhoon Pablo

Kinablangan, Baganga, Davao OrientalImage by Anj Nacorda of AnjNacorda.com. The following is a Public Service Announcement in behalf of the Aboitiz Group: The Aboitiz Group, led by the Aboitiz Foundation, is now accepting donations for areas in Mindanao that have been badly hit by Pablo. After the damage left by the typhoon, it is estimated that thousands of families in various Mindanao localities to include New Bataan, Compostela Valley, Bukidnon, Iligan, and Davao, and in Visayas, specifically Negros and Dumaguete, are still in need of help. As of today, the Aboitiz Group has given over P5.5 million worth in assistance to an estimated 10,000 families in the said areas, P2 million of which came from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI), and P1 million from UnionBank of the Philippines. More than half of the total funds have been channeled for relief operations in ComVal, which experienced the most devastation. For the donations that will be raised, the Aboitiz Group will prepare a mix of ready to eat canned goods, water, bread and biscuits, personal effect like towels, blankets, and underwear, as well cooking ware. Even before super typhoon Pablo hit the country in the first days of December, the Aboitiz…

Surf 101 in Dahican, Mati

Ria Jose in Dahican Beach, Mati Anybody who knows me well enough knows I am not a "beach person." When the opportunity to learn how to surf presented itself, I was a bit hesitant but I accepted the challenge because... I don't actually remember why. I'm glad I accepted it because look... Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental When we arrived in Dahican, it was already dark and our first concern was eating. Then, sleeping. We checked in to Kanakbai Resort. They 2 villas, each with 2 rooms which can comfortably fit 2 - 6 persons. Each villa has a kitchen and a common living room. In the morning, we had a hearty breakfast and set out to learn how to surf. We dropped by one spot but the waves weren't strong enough for surfing. Dahican has a very nice shoreline. It's blue, pristine, and serene. They have spots for swimming and spots for surfing. It's the learning haven for surfers. I love how the beach goes on and on and the resorts aren't too close to the shoreline. After starting to fall in love with the beach of Dahican came the fear of surfing. DUN! DUN! DUN! DUUUUUUN! Scared... After enjoying…

Ria Jose Enjoying Fried Chicken Skin along San Pedro Street

Davao Bloggers Night Walk

To celebrate the 75th Araw ng Dabaw, Davao Bloggers went out of their comfy cocoons to walk the streets of Davao and enjoy some of the simple delights that the city has to offer. Check this out... We walked around and took photos of the San Pedro Street area. We ate tonsss of street food. I loved the fresh buko (coconut) juice and the kwek kwek with unlimited fresh seaweed and cucumber salad. Then, we took a ride aboard an electric tricycle to go to our final destination for the night: the Hudyakaan Beer Festival. This is where we had our fill of chicken barbeque, pork barbeque, sisig, and rice washed down by glasses of ice cold soda. It was a fun, tummy-filling night of bonding and eating. I'm definitely looking forward to another bonding walk with the interesting guys and girls of Davao Bloggers.

Miss Earth Candidates in Davao

Meeting the Miss Earth Candidates

Was still tired and sleepy when I got a phone call. One of my bosses asked me if I could attend the Miss Earth press con in around 2 hours. Errr... I agreed hesitantly. We waited awhile before the candidates arrived and when they entered the room, all I could see were legs, legs, and even more legsss. The candidates were lovely but two of them stood out for me, Miss Macau and Miss Japan. It was an interesting experience meeting the candidates. They're all so composed and it seemed like they didn't sweat at all even if it was very hoooot that day. And some of them didn't stop going to the buffet table and yet they were all so slim. Did I mention they're all so tall? I abandoned wearing heels to the press con coz I had a long day ahead. And I regretted making that decision. I looked like a midget beside them. The Miss Earth 2011 candidates are in the Philippines for the Miss Earth Pageant to be held this week in Manila. Some of them are visiting Davao (and other cities) to know and enjoy more of the country. It was such an interesting…

The View from Hillside Camp@tagan Resort at Kapatagan Valley Davao del Sur Mt Apo Highlands Resort

A Kapatagan Adventure

One of the hidden gems in Davao Region is Kapatagan Valley. It is known to mountaineers as one of the pathways leading to the Mt Apo trail. It is also the camp site of choice for Mt Apo trekkers. In recent years, it has become an exciting destination for those looking for a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of city living. One of the resorts that is nestled in Kapatagan Valley is Camp@tagan, formerly known as the Mt Apo Highland Resort. Camp@tagan is composed of two resorts: Mirror Lake and Hillside. Mirror Lake is designed to be a comfortable halfway camp site for those preparing to trek to and assault the peak of Mt Apo. It has room accommodations and camp grounds equipped with a bonfire pit and a kitchen for easy food preparation and cooking. The cottages and the camp grounds are located alongside Mirror Lake which makes it an idyllic venue for bonding and team building activities, as well. Meanwhile, the still under construction Hillside Camp@tagan Resort is located along, where else, the hillside with a beautiful view of Mt Apo and the mountainside of Davao del Sur. It is the perfect escape for couples, families,…

Davao Zorv Park

Weekend in Davao Bid Winner

In behalf of the 1000 Volunteers for AJ Group, I would like to thank the bidders for the "Weekend in Davao" Auction. The winning bid was sent by Mary Jane Cabrera, an Iloilo Blogger. She will be visiting Davao in January. She will be flying from Iloilo to Davao and back via AirPhil Express. And she will be staying in a De Luxe King Room at the Green Windows Dormitel. Thank you Mary Jane! :) We'd like to thank our generous trip sponsors AirPhil Express and Green Windows Dormitel! AirPhil Express flies to Davao from Iloilo and back daily. To book a flight visit their website at http://www.airphilexpress.com. Green Windows Dormitel offers luxurious and clean accommodations at affordable prices. It is at the FTC Tower located in the middle of downtown Davao at Mt Apo Street, Davao City. For inquiries and reservations, contact them at greenwindowsdormitel@gmail.com or at +6382-3003893. View Larger Map