Philippines: Davao | Kadayawan Festival

The intense heat in Davao didn't stop us from having fun. It was really hot but I couldn't care less. Since this is actually my first time to witness and experience such a superb festival, I had to enjoy each and every second of that day.  When we were walking on the way to Roxas Street, we were already hearing the drums playing. We followed where the beats were coming from, and I can't help myself but smile because I am overjoyed. I was running everywhere while putting myself together. I am literally going crazy about anything and everything I see. Parang hashtagthisistoomuchtoohandle. Kulang na lang umiyak ako sa sobrang tuwa. HAHAHA! Even though I forgot to put sunblock on my skin - knowing that I got  darker 100x than my usual skin tone, I perspired like crazy, it didn't bother me at all! HALA SIGE SAYAW. Good times, good laugh. 

The Kadayawan festival is an annual event in Davao City, which is a week-long celebration. It is about the appreciation of nature and thanksgiving of life. The festival only happens every 3rd week of August, so you better book your tickets before August 1. Filipinos and Foreigners from different places in the Philippines  and outside the country go here just to experience and savour the festive vibe in Davao. They have series of main events like, street dance competition (Indak indak sa kadalanan ) and Floral Parade (Pamulak). 

The street dance competition starts from Roxas street all the way to the City Hall of Davao City. They were all judged in accordance to their choreography, the story behind their dance, and of course their props and costumes. These performers were all worth to watch because they gave their 101% performance level. They also wear flashy and stunning costumes that really represent the story of their dance. They are very artistic when it comes to props, which is exceptionally impressive. Each group has a unique story to tell about nature and everything about it. 

Of course, the festival would not be completed if there was no  Floral Parade (Pamulak). This is also a parade for the different fruits that are best known in Davao like Durian, Pomelo, Mangoosten, Marang, and Lanzones. There was also the parade of different mascots of the Philippine Eagle. It was a colourful and viscous parade in the city of Davao.

These are the only pictures I have, since I was too busy taking videos. HAHA! 

THANK YOU VON AND RACHEL FOR TAGGING ALONG WITH MY CRAZINESS DURING THE KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL. ALSO, TO MY COUSINS WHO WOKE UP EARLY JUST TO SEE ME AND HAD LUNCH WITH ME BEFORE I WENT BACK TO MANILA! THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Durian drink & Red Velvet Cake
This wraps up my Kadayawan Festival trip!

THIS DURIAN ARCTIC BLAST IS A MUST TRY! You can find this at Blurge Cafe in Abreeza Mall and Gaisano Mall.Their beverages, cakes, and pastas are kind of expensive, but it is all worth it! Also, try the Durian Cheesecake! 


Daghang Salamat

ASIA: Singapura

This is actually a continuation trip of our Malaysia Trip. Starting from the immigration of Singapore in the Malaysia-Singapore border line, we took a bus to Bugis. It took us more than an hour to get there. After we got off the bus, we were really clueless where we were heading to. We asked some people where we could find our hotel,  but they all lead us to different places. I think we walked every streets in Bugis just to find our hotel. We didn't want to take a cab because it was very expensive. We stayed in Beach hotel, just near the Bugis Junction. It is a cheap and comfortable place to stay at; it is near the malls and MRT station. Just along the street are restaurants wherein you can find mostly authentic Singaporean cuisines and other asian food as well.

Liang Seah Street

You can ride a bus, cab or train to go to some tourist destinations. We preferred to ride a train because it is the only fastest way we know. The first place we went to was of course, the Merlion Park. From the Bugis station, we took the green line which is the EAST WEST LINE bound for Joo Koon, and got off at the RAFFLES PLACE STATION. SINGAPORE TRAIN ROUTE MAP

We walked for 10 to 15 minutes to get to the Merlion Park. Don't be surprised if you will see a lot of people going there and taking pictures of the Merlion for an hour already. This is because the Merlion is an iconic tourist destination of Singapore, and it also signifies and personifies the Singapore.

The Merlion Park

HOW DID THEY COME UP WITH "MERLION"?

Way back when, Sinpapore was known for  being a fishing village or sea town, and also the original 

name of Singapore was Singapura which means lion city. They got its name from the word MER which means sea, and adding the word lion. 

In a daylight you can try the Singapore River Experience; it only costs for $22 each. They have a  ticketing booth near the Merlion Park and every stop of the cruise. This cruise lasts for about 40 minutes; instead of walking by foot, you can just relax and enjoy the view. It is better to start at the Merlion station. It will take you from Marina Bay precinct, to Boat Quay precinct, to Clark Quay precinct, and all the way to Robertson Quay precinct. It was a good ride; you're lucky if the the assistant of the boat is a Filipino!

At night, you will be stunned by the beauty of Singapore
when you see all of the lights! The lights reflect on to the bay
which makes it more breathtaking!

Marina Bay Sands & Singapore Flyer
This picture was taken at a bridge going to the Gardens by the bay.

Gardens by the Bay | The Silver  Leaf
This place is so beautiful, their lights changes. These are gigantic super trees!
It is indeed very relaxing; just lay down and look up.
Don't forget to take pictures here!

During our second day, we decided to  go to Universal Studios. The entrance ticket costs $74 each. We took a train from the Bugis Station (East West Line/Green Line), and got off at Outram Station, and then we changed line to Purple Line bound to HarbourFront. The station of the Sentosa Line is at the top floor of the building. You can buy your tickets there to lessen the hassle when you get to Universal Studios. If you are planning to do some activities like the Mega Zipline, visit the Marine Life park and such, do it on a separate day because you need 5 to 7 hours to explore the Universal Studios. If you are heading to the Universal Studios, get off at the Waterfront Station.

ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENTS:

FAR FAR AWAY LAND
Come and see the adventures of Shrek and Donkey as they save Princess Fiona!
Shrek 4-D Adventure

THE LOST WORLD
Must try:
1. Canopy Flyer
2. Jurassic Park Rapid Adventures - it is obviously a rapid ride through the
waters and you can see the different habitats of the dinosaurs.
It was a bit scary! You will surely be wet, but don't worry they sell disposable raincoats.

WATERWORLD
If you want to see real live action and be thrilled with death defying stunts and explosions,
this will surely entertain you.
Before they start the show they throw water at the audience!
The seats were labeled, if you want to get wet and soaked, sit in front or on the blue seats.

ANCIENT EGYPT
Must try ride: Revenge of the Mummy
We actually tried this twice. It was really good!
If you are familiar with the Space Mountain in the Disneyland Hong Kong,
it is somewhat the same.
A roller coaster ride at the dark with mummies, I must say!

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA

Too bad it was under maintenance, but seeing this makes me jitter!

I will come back for this!

SCI-FI CITY

One of my favorites! If you are a fan of transformers, then this

must be a place for you!

TRANSFORMERS THE RIDE: THE ULTIMATE 3D BATTLE

This is one of the best! 

It will make you feel like you are an autobot

fighting for the decepticons!

You'll be fighting side-by- side with Optimus Prime,

 and kicking Megatron's ass!

If you have extra time to explore Sentosa, you can ride a cable car to get a full view of the whole city of Singapore!!!!

If you want to chill and have some drinks, you can go to Clark Quay. It is comparable to Eastwood here in the Philippines. The G-Max is also located in that area!

If you want to go shopping for branded clothes, shoes, and bags. You can go to Expo, it is a BIG shopping place! It is just one station away to/from the Changi Airport!

Xie xie