The largest city in the Philippines is all-abuzz now, thanks to its flourishing business and tourism sectors. But how can you maximise your stay if all you’ve got is a day and a half? Maritess Garcia Reyes shares the trick
The City of Davao is expansive—talk about a land area of 2443.61 square kilometres. While figures appear daunting and the thought of exploring this massive city sounds tiring, you actually enjoy it even on a quick visit. What if you go only for a quick business trip and all you’ve got is a day and a half free? Here, we list some activities that can give you what Davao City has to offer in a nutshell. From vast farmlands to world-class establishments, there is something to soothe your soul and your palate when in Davao.
Check out Malagos Garden Resort and indulge in its award-winning Philippine chocolates and interactive bird show.
Known for its tree-to-bar chocolate, family-run homegrown brand Malagos has a reputation for bringing chocolates that have gone through ethical and sustainable farming of strict quality standards. No wonder, it has garnered several prestigious global awards including the most recent 2018 International Chocolate Awards – World Final. Its Malagos 85% dark chocolate and Malagos Rhum bagged the Silver awards while the Malagos Salted Caramel and Malagos 72% unflavoured dark chocolate got the Bronze recognition.
Just a quick 45-minute drive to the district of Calinan is the Malagos Garden Resort—the Puentespina’s family ancestral farm—where you can enjoy in different family-friendly activities. Take time to visit the Chocolate Museum where kids and adults alike will learn a lot about chocolates—from history to production and making the actual chocolate itself, you are sure to indulge in chocolate haven.
Also in the resort is the family’s ancestral home that was turned into a wellness spa. Not your ordinary spa, treatments here use 65% chocolate infused with olive oil, as well as pure cocoa butter.
A definite crowd pleaser is the interactive bird show conceptualised by Dr Roberto “Bo” Puentespina, one of the siblings running Malagos. The first and only full production free flight bird show in the country, it is a nature discovery experience activity that aims to encourage environmental awareness with love and respect for animals.
All of these activities can be done in less than a day, complete with a scrumptious buffet lunch featuring the resort’s signature pork humba with Malagos chocolate and beef caldereta with Malagos cheese.
