#explore davao

My friends and I started our annual “Experience Philippine Festival” travels from 2013 at Sinulog Festival where we got intensely painted and stoked from the streets of Cebu, followed by a wet and wild street party last year at Bacolod’s Masskara Festival. This year, our annual thirst for festival continues! We chose to fly all the way to the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, Davao City to experience one of the Philippine’s most celebrated festival, the Kadayawan sa Dabaw. Of course we made the most of our time there, and had a taste of adventure at Eden Nature Park and Samal Island.

KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL

On our first day, we woke up early in the morning and witnessed the streets filled with colorful floats and performers. They were all dressed up in their most vibrant costumes dancing to the festive beat. I was so excited that time I didn’t mind getting sun burned because I really wanted to interact with the kids and enjoy their performances. And yes, my friends and I did a little dancing on the street while the guards allow us. Haha! =)

KADAYAWAN INVASION & ARCADIA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Who said Dabawenyos don’t know how to party? Even though they have an extended curfew from 12 midnight to 2am for the festival, Dabawenyos surely know how to party big and make the most of their time. Unlike other festivals who party on the streets, Dabawenyos party far away from the city proper. I think it is their way of giving respect to elders who would be resting at night, as well as making their streets clean for the next day's event.

On our first night, we almost missed the Kadayawan Invasion because of our 12 hours delayed flight. We arrived at 12am and from the airport we rushed to our hotel and went straight to Crocodile Farm. The good thing was the party wasn’t over yet. We made the most of DJ Ace Ramos’ remaining set and had a great time together. 

On our second night in Davao, we promised ourselves to make up with what we missed from the previous night and went to Arcadia Electronic Music Festival. Even though it took us an hour to get there, it was definitely worth it. I’d say it is one of the biggest, grandest and most unique party I’ve ever been. I love their Idea of putting up 3 different stages  in one big resort slash theme park (The Festival and Carnival stages were for the Gold tickets and the Aqua Stage which has wave pool and Cabanas were for the VIPs), with the most in demand DJs in the country and surprise performances from international DJs. It’s like a school fair with a carnival twist! You can ride the roller coaster or party from one stage to another, or you can just watch the fire dancers and play around with the clowns, and not to forget the over flowing food and drinks! Everything you need to have an epic party was there and we surely did have a best night to remember!

SAMAL ISLAND

After 1 day of celebrating the colorful Kadayawan Festival and 2 nights of partying, we spent one of our free days at Samal Island. There are actually many popular places to go to, the best ones of course were either too far or too expensive, so we settled for what we can afford that will give as a unique adventure to remember.

HAGIMIT FALLS

We hired a mini Jeep for our Samal Island Adventure and spent 15 minutes inside a RORO and went straight to our first destination, the Hagimit Falls. For a 40 pesos entrance fee, we witnessed a small but stunning water fall. Aside from swimming in its cold water, our local guide also taught us how to get inside a small cave hidden behind the waterfall. If you’re claustrophobic then don’t try going in because the cave is literally small. It can only fit one body at a time and you have to exert an effort to squeeze yourself in and then swim under the waterfall for you to get out. We also did a lot of jumping at Hagimit Falls and it was a lot fun seeing some of my friends take the challenge even though they were really scared. Talk about peer pressure and adrenaline rush!

MAXIMA AQUA FUN

Right after Hagimit Falls we went to Maxima Aqua Fun to try their famous giant slide. A 40 meters long tarpaulin slide mounted on top of the hill going down straight to the sea. We thought it would be easy to just slide away, but it was really high and the only thing that will save you when you splash your way down to the sea would be your swimming skills and your choice of life vest or floater. There will be no one waiting for you at the sea to get you, you have to swim your way back to the ramp and climb up to the starting point if you want to slide again. It’s a buwis buhay, kaya mo dapat sarili mo experience, and if you want something extreme you shouldn’t miss this! The best part for me would be the time when you were about to take that big splash in the sea. Even though it’s a bit painful on the butt, the feeling of flying on air for a split second was incomparable!

EDEN NATURE PARK

On our last day in Davao, before our flight back to Manila, we went up hill and spend the whole morning for another extreme adventure at Eden Nature Park. We tested our limits and had an adrenaline pumping experience with their Skyrider (zipline), Skyswing and Skycycle. I thought I was brave enough in conquering my fear of heights with the skyrider and the 90ft high Skyswing, but when I hopped on the Skycycle and realized that I’d be biking for several minutes on a 400 meters line above a very high view, I got really scared. I can do a 100ft ride for seconds but for several minutes would be a very hard challenge for me. But still I pushed through, thanks to my supportive friend who’s cheering me up, I was able to ride the bike slowly and steadily without looking down. My hands were so cold and all I’m thinking of was, I can do this, just focus and pedal. Haha!

One of my office mate told me after watching our Kadayawan travel video that I’m lucky to have friends who have the same interest with each other. And indeed I’m beyond blessed by having these bunch at my side, because any place would be unforgettable if you have friends who make every moment for keeps!

Here’s how we enjoyed Kadayawan sa Davao 2015 in action, https://vimeo.com/141980976