Over View Nature and Culture Park

Here are some pics on a quick stop we made in Over View Nature and Culture Park which I guess is located in Dalurong (please correct me if I am wrong, thanks).

It is 75 kilometers away from Davao city if a straight line is drawn between them by Superman, Voltes V or by an internet user like me with the help of Wikimapia GeoTools. The crosshair marks the spot where Over View is located.

There are a lot of sculptures there that I guess are by Davao local artist Rey Mudjahid "Kublai" Millan since the faces of the artworks there resemble those that are found in Davao People's Park and the giant Durian in Davao International Airport.

No wonder why this place is called Over View.

Our warm thanks and regards to Cesar and Helen for letting us experience a lot of Davao.

Thanks also for my first taste of the yummy fruit Marang.

It was a really quick stop because we have to catch the Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort that would start at 10:30am.

The Kadayawan Festival of Davao will be held from August 17, 2008.
More about Davao in succeeding blogs.

Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort

On our way to Davao from Cagayan de Oro, Cesar and Helen brought us to watch the Interactive Bird Show in Malagos Garden Resort - a 12 hectare park located in the Baguio District of Davao City that is less than an hour away from the city proper. The bird show has been a regular Sunday attraction here for almost six years now. Malagos Garden Resort is owned and developed by the Puentespina family of Davao.

Dr. Roberto "Bo" Puentespina talks about eagles. This eagle flew freely and gracefully from the back then landed on his arm without any restraint tied into it.

Dr. Bo showing the audience an owl.

A cockatoo riding a miniature scooter.

One of the two Parrots dunks its basketball in the ring. This parrot basketball game generated loud cheers from the audience as they cheered for the Parrot they want to win.

Philippine hawks, Lawin, showing how quickly and easily they grab food left for them by their trainer on a stainless platter.

After the show was a meet and greet with the cast of birds - eagles not included.

This miniature horse was also there to promote another show in Malagos Garden Resort called the Animal Encounter Show.

Ostrich Salpicao. This yummy and healthy meal is very tender and and tastes just like beef. Looks like beef too.

A Kalesa ride for a quick tour of the park.

One of the domes in the park - some for plants, some for birds, butterflies, etc.

Bignay berries that they themselves make into their very own Malagos Bignay Wine.

"Allow me to bloom" is the catch phrase of their Waling-waling Forest.

For 500 pesos you will plant a Waling-waling in a designated tree then tag it with your name. Your name will also be written on a name plate and placed in one of the registry pole above. I saw there the names of Noli de Castro, some foreign ambassadors, company presidents, governors, journalists, groups/associations and kind visitors of Malagos.

Unwind longer by staying in an air-conditioned cottage good for 4 to 10 persons (2,400 to 4,200 per room per night), stay in a dormitory type air conditioned room that can house 50 persons (350 per person per night) or rent tents and go on overnight camping (300 per person).

You can also enjoy their swimming pool, open air children's playground, billiards, table tennis, badminton, volleyball and join any of the educational modules and nature adventure packages there. They also accepts seminar and wedding events.

Park Entrance Fees:

Monday to Saturday
Adult = 100
Child = 80

Sunday with Bird Show (Bird show starts at 10:30am)
Adult = 125
Child = 100


Visit their website for more details or contact 0917-6252467.

All Cebu Pacific Flights in NAIA 3

Just took Cebu Pacific flights Manila to Cagayan de Oro (July 26) and Davao to Manila (July 29). Too bad we were not able to try the newly opened NAIA Terminal 3. Cebu Pacific started using NAIA 3 last July 22 for domestic flights from Manila to Boracay, Laoag, Naga, San Jose and Tuguegarao. When we arrived in Manila yesterday, the flight stewardess announced that all Cebu Pacific international and domestic flights will be in NAIA Terminal 3 from August 1. Sayang talaga.

When taking domestic flights, we leave the car in the open parking in front of Manila Domestic Airport for the whole duration of the trip - the longest was 10 days. So far it's been a safe parking space all these years we've been flying. It's also very convenient. After we arrive in Manila, I just pick up our baggage, leave it with my family in the arrival gate, cross the street, start the car, drive a few meters then pick them up in the arrival gate. The hardest part is crossing the street. It 's really a cheaper overnight parking alternative than Park n Fly.

Now I have to find an affordable and safe overnight parking alternative in NAIA Terminal 3.

Parking in front of Manila Domestic Airportt - 50 pesos per night; open parking with roving security guard and security guards on the entry and exit points, log of vehicles on overnight parking with cellphone number of the owner; just cross the street and you're already in Manila Domestic Airport. Need to hire a taxi to go to the international airport.

Park n Fly - 300++ pesos per night with 10% discount if parking there for more than 3 nights; covered multi-level parking; stickers placed on compartments and removable car items; free shuttle service to and from Domestic or International airports. Telephone number +632-852-1946.

Mocha Mint Coffee

Here's a new coffee variant from Universal Robina Corp. that I saw last weekend - Great Taste Mocha Mint Coffee.

The box says it's good hot or cold but for this coffee I want it hot. In one sachet you can have 180mL of hot coffee with a hint of chocolate and mint, mildly strong, unique aroma, then a cool mint sensation after your hot cup. Not bad for a 6-peso sachet that you can mix and prepare in a few minutes. To fully enjoy it, drink it like wine by letting it roll in your mouth for a while - hmmm cool.

A nice addition to widen your coffee stock variety at home.