Saturday, August 23, 2014

Davao City - Scenes at the Francisco Bangoy Airport

Our flight going back to Cebu was at 7:30 PM. But before 5:00 PM we were already en route to the airport to avoid the Monday Traffic. Here below is the gate of Francisco Bangoy International Airport.


Inside the airport checking in early... 





Watching TV while waiting to board for our flight...




As in all other journeys, our Davao trip has come to a close.  Although we felt some sadness in leaving Davao, but at the same time we look forward to going back home to Cebu.  Nothing like home sweet home. Who knows when we will be coming back again. But one thing for sure, we enjoyed our Davao sojourn!

SM Lanang Davao

Day 3 (Monday) - Last Excursions Before Leaving for Cebu

I had some business to do on Monday morning, but I was already free in the afternoon and preparing to go back to Cebu...




However before we leave, we took one more side trip to SM Lanang. It was huge and much bigger than its counterpart here in Cebu.  I was sorry I was not able to get pictures of the Ayala owned Abreeza Mall, which is also much bigger than its counterpart in Cebu.  The advantage in Davao is that it can still offer huge spaces to build upon. Unlike Cebu...

















Davao Side Trips - Malagos Gardens

On the way to Philippine Eagle Center, I was excited to stop by Malagos Gardens to see the orchid gardens.  But I was so disappointed because when I arrived the orchids were missing, according to the caretaker they were in SM Ecoland for exhibit. There were only a few left for us to view.  But my sister was not discouraged. Still took time to pose with what flowers were left.

But later, I was not disappointed because along the way I saw a Durian tree up close.  I also saw a Rambutan tree, but was not able to get a good photo shoot.







Monday, August 18, 2014

Blueberry Tourist Hotel - Davao City

After visiting Philippine Eagle Center, we went back to the city proper and stayed in Blueberry Tourist Hotel which is basically just across the office building (Metro Lifestyle Bldg.) where I will have a meeting with my boss.  It was not very big but definitely very cozy.  And it was very clean. I think it is basically a new hotel. 

What I like about Blueberry  is its proximity to restaurants and malls. When we needed to find an ATM, Abreeza Mall was just about 10 to a maximum 15 minutes ride (without traffic). And along the way to Abreeza, nice restaurants lined up in the street we passed by. The place is also located in a safe area and it is very convenient to hail taxis or jeep. Whenever I can come back to Davao, I would definitely come back to stay here.


Front Steps of Blueberry

Lobby and Reception Area

Chandelier in the lobby

Lobby in our floor, elevator to the left

Balcony in our room

TV with Cable channels

Personal ref and complimentary bottled water

Hot Water and Coffee

Towels

Bathtub and Shower

Toiletries

Preparing for a good night sleep...

A cozy nook near the balcony

The Philippine Eagle Center

Day 2 - The Philippine Eagle Center

The Philippine Eagle Center is actually beautiful. Lots of trees... cool shade, but its area was just small.  There are few birds being taken cared of. And there are very few varieties of birds to see.  But I am not an expert, so maybe I am not quite right in my opinions.  

The conservation efforts are commendable but I think the center needs more funding to really achieve their mission. I hope the center will continue to strive to keep the place, maybe expand it a little bit more... keep it as it is - clean. Although I am not happy to see these magnificent birds in cages or leashes, but they are worth visiting so that an awareness can be created for the kids and the next generation. The awareness to preserve and protect our habitat and all those living in it.




There is a minimal fee of 100 pesos per adult...



The stone path bears the names of people who probably contributed for the park's upkeep... I do believe the park needs more funds.



Rare Blue Dragonflies


An eagle in a cage... how sad

No cage, but the eagle is tied...

We were so amused by the antics of this show-off eagle...



Waling-Waling Orchid growing in a tree

A majestic bamboo groove