#Ponce Suites Davao

[dveclrto-blog]

Born: July 8, 1974

Age: 45 years old

Place: Cotabato City

Kublai Millan is a Filipino artist and photographer. He started his career when he made all the artworks both inside and outside of his family's hotel, Ponce Suites.

His mother is the manager of the hotel. He studied at the University of the Philippines for his higher education and attained a degree of Fine Arts.

The great artist Kublai Millan has created larger-than-life monuments set in parks, churches and landscapes. His sculptures demand passers-by to pause and pay attention. A 25-foot durian greets arriving passengers at the Davao International Airport. Besides Giant Durian Genesis Lore, there are more of these around Mindanao.

Kublai Millan carves his name behind the easily recognizable monuments, murals and paintings depicting unique Mindanawon themes. The multi-awarded artist makes ten monuments a year. "Dahil walang pumapansin sa'kin, ginawa kong malaki ang art ko. As he would say of his works.

Sometime in the mid 90’s, Kublai ventured to Manila and took up Visual Communication in UP Diliman. He went into advertising after graduation but quickly realized it was not to be his path; what stayed constant was his desire to go back to his native Mindanao.

[misstinapie]

Davao 2017 (Part 6)

+ GAP Farm: Land of Promise +

This was mentioned to us by the taxi driver when we arrived and never would have thought of it again until it was mentioned again by Sir Edison. He wasn't as chatty as Sir Diego but all the same his suggestions are more than welcome. The only places I thought we'd be going to today are just the Bone Museum and the Crocodile Park so adding this have brought another smile at my face!

If you've ever been to any old school park, THIS IS EXACTLY IT! They have those concrete statues in brightly colored paint with features that are bad copies of the originals. It is also a bit unkempt (well maintenance?) but I bet on a good day teachers and families would have a good time here. It is a huge park, it's not hard to imagine that it has seen pretty good days. There are also so many places to hang out, a swimming pool, a restaurant, picnic tables, there's a small area there for horses and even to play ball. Maybe on a weekend there would be more people here. I do hope though they do fully renovate the place, like newer facilities perhaps? They have a huge ground for more activities after all. Again, some stream in the middle of the park with fishes would dramatically improve the place. Entrance is 80PHP per head.

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And oh, they have a small Japanese tunnel which has a funny surprise in the middle. You either get kids traumatized for life or have a good laugh. Enjoy!

+ Davao Crocodile Park +

It appears that in spite of being in the city, going there is another feat as well. It's like in the middle of a private land with almost nothing on it yet, not even public transportation. It's like what BGC was when it was just all lots.

Entrance is 250PHP per head. They have tons of crocodiles here together with other various animals from the domesticated to the wild (if we can call it still that). Kids would definitely have a good time here. The cages are clean, their animals look healthy. Now caveat parents, if you intend to bring your kids here and give in to all of their whims, BRING ENOUGH CASH. They allow feeding the animals but only if you are willing to pay. In our case, our middle sister was able to spend 100PHP in total: 40PHP for feeding one bengal tiger (THEY ARE SO CUTE!), 20PHP for Koi feed (your kids will truly enjoy this) and 40PHP for a printed photo with a snake.

They also have a viewing of the crocodile feeding frenzy (check their schedules and the announcement which cage) which looks safe for as long as the feeder doesn't slip nor some of them go rogue.

We're supposed to eat here at the Tribu K Mindanawan Village but none of us are that hungry yet so after sometime we decided to leave (we're supposed to buy some type of flute but the owner is missing).

+ Ponce Suites +

Another suggestion of Sir Edison, this I have missed hearing about. Ponce Suites is a hotel / museum of sorts with art overflowing all over. It's not hard to miss, the hotel has huge statues in front that are truly pretty. If you're not going to stay on the hotel, you are given the option to just pay the entrance to roam which is 100PHP/head. The top floor is probably my favorite since it looks more like a playground than a dining hall. Will probably stay here the next time. A Superior room for two with breakfast is less than 1500/night, so why not?

As it turns out, getting a van has been one of our best decisions on this trip. We've paid 5500 in total for two days which is cheaper than most would have offered to us. I mean, this is more than enough for what I've been seeing online so far. Maybe in the future when we come back we can focus in Samal Island!

Additional Notes:

a. I've only been to a few airports here in the Philippines and so far Davao is really strict when you fly out! Get yourself shoes that are easy to remove for everyone's sake.

b. Shops open late and close early in our standards.

c. If you are allergic to anything Duterte, just don't go there for now. His face is literally everywhere! Every tourist spot has his standee for starters.

[touristguidebuzz]

Davao City Travel Guide for First-time Travelers

Out of Town Blog Davao City Travel Guide for First-time Travelers

Davao City Travel Guide

Davao City offers so much more than the Durian fruit, Mount Apo and the Philippine Eagle. It comes with a good mixture of both manmade and natural attractions that are constantly being visited by foreign and local tourists. It is also among the safest and largest cities in the country and is usually made the gateway to other beautiful places in Mindanao.

Davao City Travel Guide

How to Get There

Via Plane:

You can fly in to Davao City from Manila, Clark, Palawan, Caticlan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod or Zamboanga. There are around 20 flights everyday that ply the Manila-Davao route, which takes around 90 minutes.

Also Read: AirAsia Introduces New Flights from Davao to Clark, Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay

Via Boat/Bus:

Another popular way to visit Davao City is by taking a boat ride (P980 from Cebu via TransAsia) to Cagayan de Oro City in Misamis Oriental then taking a 7-8 hour bus ride (P600) afterwards.

Where to Stay

My Hotel Davao

This humble hotel is about 2 minutes away from a bus stop and 7 minutes away from People’s Park. They boast of wooden floors, cable TV and hot and cold showers. Their cafe also serves American, continental and Filipino breakfast although this is not included in their room rates. Air-conditioned room prices are from P800 to P1800 while fan rooms are available at P250 per night.

Book via Agoda Address: San Pedro Street, Davao City

Green Windows Dormitel

Green Windows is the ultimate backpacker accommodation. If you love traveling solo, you can avail of a bed at their dorm type room for just P188 per night. They also offer rooms for families and barkadas traveling in a budget with room rates starting at P1608 a night.

Book via Agoda Address: 5F FTC Towers, Mt. Apo Street, Davao City

Ponce Suites

Ponce Suites Source: Bro Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ

This gallery hotel offers a different kind of stay in that its rooms are filled with paintings and sculptures from local artists. It is located 20 minutes from the Davao International Airport and about 10 minutes from the Abreeza Mall. Room rates start at P975 a night.

Book via Agoda Address: Corner Road 3 and 4, Doña Vicenta Village, Davao City

Seda Abreeza Hotel

Located adjacent to the Ayala Abreeza Mall, this urban lifestyle hotel is located right in the heart of the city’s commercial district. It also has a pool, a lounge, a restaurant and even a fitness gym.

Book via Agoda Address: Abreeza Ayala Business Park, JP Laurel Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City

Royal Mandaya Hotel

This mid-range hotel is just a few minutes’ walk away from the Davao City Hall, the People’s Park and the Museo Dabawenyo. It is popular among business travelers and offer free parking, shuttle buses and airport transportation and a business center.

Book via Agoda Address: Palma Gil St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Marco Polo Davao

Spacious Premier Room

This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Davao City’s business and commercial district. It is located around 20 minutes away from the Davao International Airport and is close city attractions. Also Read: Experience the Heart of Davao at Marco Polo Hotel

Book via Agoda Address: Claro M. Recto Street, Davao City

Also Read: 

Best Hostels in Davao City

5 Best Rated Davao Hotels

Where to Eat

Penong’s BBQ

Considered as the number 1 barbecue house in Davao, Penong’s has not opened its doors to opening other branches in the country which is why it is a must to get a taste of their specials when you visit the city.

Jack’s Ridge

taklobo Via Jack’s Ridge

When it comes to dining in Davao City, another well recommended place is Jack’s Ridge, which does not only offer a great dining experience but also boasts of among the best views of Davao City and the Gulf.

Lachi’s

Another Davao City treasure is Lachi’s, which boasts of mouthwatering desserts including the Sans Rival and cheesecakes. They also serve meals including Chinese pork belly, laing, callos and many more.

Popular Attractions

Philippine Eagle Center

Philippine Eagle Center Via Hey, Miss Adventures!

Want to see the national bird of the Philippines? Located around 45 minutes away from the city center, the Philippine Eagle Center is operated by the Philippine Eagle Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to conserve the famous bird and its habitat. Entrance fee is at P150.

The best way to get here is to take an air-conditioned L300 to Calinan (P40) then a habal-habal or tricycle to Philippine Eagle Center.

Also Read: Davao City : Home of the World’s largest Eagle

Address: Baguio District, Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Davao City

Malagos Garden Resort

If you have more time to spare, you can also visit the Eagle Center’s next-door neighbor, the Malagos Garden Resort. The place is best known for its orchid garden but they also hold regular bird shows to entertain guests of all ages. You can check their complete rates here.

Also Read: Davao’s Famous Malagos Garden Resort

Address: Baguio District, Calinan-Baguio-Cadalian Road, Davao City

Eden Nature Park

Eden has all sorts of adventure for the nature lovers. For starters, they have a mini zoo and a mini playground but you can also join in for a tour around the 80-hectare property full of more than 100,000 pine trees, most of which were planted by hand. Other attractions include the SkyCycle, SkySwing and SkyRider.

Address: Bo. Toril, Davao City

GAP Farming Resort

GAP Farming Resort Via Hey, Miss Adventures!

GAP has all sorts of concrete statues that showcase the Filipino culture. Upon entering the resort, you will be welcomed by a huge carabao and farmer statue. The whole place is huge, with a swimming pool and a playground, and you can find busts of the Philippine presidents and other great Filipinos. It also has a short Japanese tunnel at the bottom of the hill. Entrance is at P50 for the resort and P10 for the tunnel.

Address: Green Meadow, Maa, Davao City

Davao Crocodile Park

Davao Crocodile Park

If you want to check out crocodiles, tigers, butterflies and the Tribu K’Mindanawan, you should not forget to visit the Davao Crocodile Park. They also offer animal petting, crocodile feeding and different types of shows that are sure to entertain guests both young and old. Entrance fee for adults is at P250. Read more about Davao Crocodile Park.

Address: Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City

Japanese Tunnel

A longer and bigger Japanese tunnel is this one located in a resort. The tunnel has served as the hideout of the Japanese soldiers and their belongings during the Second World War. Entrance fee is at P50 per person. Read More about Davao Japanese Tunnel

Address: AH26, Talomo, Davao City

People’s Park

People’s Park Source: Robert Ryan U. Ong (Wikimedia)

If you want to kill time in the city center, you can also hang out People’s Park for free. Founded in 2007, it is a sprawling 4-hectare property featuring more than 1,000 plant species coming from all over the world.

Address: Palma Gil St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Museo Dabawenyo

Looking for another free thing to do in Davao? Well, check out the city’s colorful history when you visit the local museum, Museo Dabawenyo. Here you will get to know more about the different Muslim groups in Mindanao as well as the political history of Davao.

Address: Andres Bonifacio Rotunda, Poblacion District, Davao City

D Bone Collector Museum

If animal bones intrigue you, a visit to D’ Bone Collector Museum is a must. This place boasts of more than 700 specimens of bones, skulls and skeletons — among the biggest in the country! The museum is actually owned and curated by American Darrell Dean Blatchley who has spent more than half of his life in Davao City.

Address: San Pedro St., Poblacion District, Davao City

Davao Museum of History and Ethnography

Davao Museum of History and Ethnography

The Davao Museum holds hundreds of artifacts and artwork created by ethnic groups in this region. Through this museum, Davaoenos and all Filipinos are able to preserve and protect remnants of their important historical heritage. Read More: The Davao Museum: Davao’s Little Cultural Gem

Address: Zonta Building, 113 Agusan Circle, Insular Village 1, Lanang, Davao City Phone: (082) 233 1734

Shopping in Davao City

Aldevinco Shopping Center

Pasalubong Shopping in Aldevinco Davao City

Address: Claro M. Recto Ave, Poblacion District, Davao City, 8000 Davao del Sur

Aldevinco is the best place to buy local handicrafts, products from Mindanao and other Southeast Asian Countries like Batik Malong and other imported clothings.

Magsaysay Local Fruits Stands

Golden Pomelo – Davao Travel Guide

Location: Magsaysay Park Davao City

A famous place to buy local fruits like Durian, Pomelo, Mangosteen and Marang.

This Davao City Travel Guide is a work in progress article We will constantly update this post as soon as we have new details to add. Please feel free to suggest new things to do, places to see and food to try in Davao City by posting a comment below. Thank You!

Originally Published: October 9, 2016 Updated: March 11, 2017

Also Read:

The Davao Museum: Davao’s Little Cultural Gem

Dumaguete City Travel Guide

5 Out of Manila Road Trip Destinations

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Blogs about traveling in davao

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davao city travel guide

davao travel guide

Davao City Travel Guide for First-time Travelers Melo Villareal

[poncesuitesgalleryhotel]

Ponce Suites Davao: Giving Guests A Unique Art Immersion Experience

Ponce Suites Davao: Giving Guests A Unique Art Immersion Experience

I’ve been to places in the Philippines, and I’ve seen a lot of off-beat restaurants, bars and parks or museums. But I’ve never seen a hotel that has artworks pasted or attached in every nook and cranny! It’s only the Ponce Suites Gallery Hotel – one of the best Davao hotels.

This Davao hotel is run by the parents of one of the city’s most famous artists – Kublai Millan. And perhaps this explains…