The cheapest accommodation I've ever spent on a travel

Reception Area

Green Windows Dormitel

This dormitel (dorm and hotel) in Davao City is located on the 4^th and 5^th floor of FTC Tower. The place is suitable for backpackers and budget accommodation. They can have up to a maximum of 8 persons in a room in a very affordable rate. You can avail the room good for 8 for only P188 per head while for 6 persons is only P1680 per night or P280 per head. Not only that, its location is very near many establishments like Davao Doctors, Metrobank & BPI Bank, KFC, and convenience stores. 

 Guests can relax here just right beside the cafeteria

Cafeteria

The room we had was quite big and clean. It has a big LCD screen, split-type air-conditioner, a safety box, and a cabinet for your things. The bathroom has enough space with hot and cold water. The mattress and the pillows are firm and the linens are free of any stain. But the 3 bunk beds are squeaky even on a slight movement from either on the first or second deck. 

Bunk beds made of steel

The whole amenities are well-maintained. You will actually love the scent they have along the hallway. It seems that you’re in a spa. Although the breakfast is not included, you can purchase it at the cafeteria located on the 5^th floor. The breakfast costs P100 per meal while lunch and dinner costs P50-P60 per order. Cart is always available at the lobby if you have lots of baggage. Assistance from the friendly staff is possible whenever needed. Imagine, a very inexpensive accommodation with a 4-star service.

Shampoo, bar soap or shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrush, towel, slippers, and hair cap are excluded.

Small cabinet and a safety box

A worry-free bathroom 

The lights along the hallway have an aesthetic and functional design

Schedule

Check-in: 01:00pm 

Check-out: 11:30am

Tips 

* Abreeza Ayala Mall is just four kilometers away or one jeepney ride for 3-5 minutes without traffic.

* If you'll be exploring the Island of Samal, its location is 5-10 minutes away from Sta. Ana Wharf by taxi. 

* Aldevinco Shopping Center (where most pasalubong stores are) is 2-3 minutes away by jeepney.

* The airport is approximately 30 minutes away from Green Windows by taxi.

Contact Information

Address: FTC Tower, 5^th Floor, 1034 Mt. Apo St., Davao City

Telephone #: (082) 300-3893

                        (082) 300-3896

Mobile #: (+63) 927-820-1305 (Globe)

                 (+63) 918-617-9570 (Smart)

                 (+63) 932-336-3040 (Sun)

E-mail: greenwindowsdormitel@gmail.com

Website: www.greenwindowsdormitel.com

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the location and contact information. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

A Trip to Sue's Warehouse

Sue’s Warehouse as Ms. Sue Ong calls this place consists of her vast collection of both Starbucks & Hello Kitty merchandises bought and some were given by her friends and other collectors from various parts of the globe. The place has 2 partitions especially made for her priceless collections. 

A very homey interior surrounded by cuddly Hello Kitty items

As you enter the warehouse, the cute pink character welcomes you with the murals and rag at the door and you’ll surely be mesmerized how a fraction of the room turns to something that perhaps people would want to have. The room is solely made for her Hello Kitty collection and most of the furnishings are customized using the shape and color of this character. Apparently, this ingenious idea is seen on the center table, mirror, cabinet, and rack that hold some of the tiny and cute merchandise. Her collection may seem few but the people can still enjoy this area. 

Hello Kitty-inspired rack specially made for small items

Another door with the Siren as a design leads you to other gallery. And if you are familiar with this famous logo, you will have an idea what awaits as you come in. Ms. Sue calls this section as Sueback’s Memento without leaving the essence of her name and her purple passion for collecting valuable items from Starbucks. She collects tumblers, ornaments, & bearista (teddy bear as baristas). But the highlight of her collection is the mugs with different sizes and designs such as icon mugs, artsy mugs, You are Here mugs (mugs only available in the US), relief mugs, mugs according to season or events of a certain country, and demitasse (3 oz mugs). The warehouse is designed with a personal touch and by her own one-of-a kind concept matching her jolly character.

The intense love for the said merchandise has started for more than a year now, and it unbelievably grew to nearly 1000 items. Variety of her own ways never ceases as her collection becomes bigger and bigger. She doesn’t only purchase but also trades them to fill in the missing items she whole-heartedly wants to complete. New design of mugs comes out now and then, but nothing or no any persons would stop Ms. Sue to obtain whatever Starbucks releases. And for her, the joy she gets is incomparable.

Fun Facts:

* Ms. Sue got interested at the mugs when she first time saw it one of her friend’s Starbucks collection.

* It was on July 4 of 2013 when she started collecting mug from Starbucks. Her first mug came from her hometown, city of Davao.

* A mug from Las Vegas given by her friend in Mafia game as her 2^nd valuable item from her Starbucks collection.

* Her first travel to get a mug was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on September 2013. Then another one followed in Thailand after a couple of months.

* Initially, she started collecting Hello Kitty when she was a little girl. She used to collect small pieces for she couldn’t afford some due to expensive price and most of them were given by other Starbucks collectors as presents.

* The pattern of most of the Hello Kitty furnishings was designed by none other than her father.

* And surprisingly, she plans to venture in collecting Lego next year.

I would like to say thank you so much Ms. Sue for letting me and my friend visit your warehouse and for having your very hospitable staff Kuya Dindo and Ate Chichi with us when you were in Jakarta, Indonesia. I'm looking forward to seeing you in person either in Davao or if you plan to visit us in Manila. 

Note: Ms Sue Ong would love to share her passion with her closed friends and people with the same hobby. If you plan to visit her Warehouse, pls contact her ahead of time.


Contact Information
Ms. Sue Ong
Location: Santan St., Mintal Davao City
Mobile #: (+63) 917-311-5029 (Globe)
E-mail: sue_ang08@yahoo.com

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the location and contact information. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Davao Day Tour

Photo taken at Jack's Ridge

Ideally, you should start your day tour in Davao as early as you can in order to visit most of the sites. Unlike us, we started at 10 am and we missed a few sites like Davao Crocodile Park, Aldevinco Shopping Center, San Pedro Cathedral, and Madrazo. Plan your itinerary wisely so you could be aware of the time you will spend on each site. If you can bring snacks and drinks much better. Trekking at Eden Nature Park will be rather tiring. You can also save some money if you bring your own lunch at the said park. Applying sunscreen lotion is a must. Most of the attractions are outdoor.

Here’s our customized travel plan in Davao for one whole day. 

Itinerary

June 29, 2014 (Sun)

ETD 10:00am at Green Windows Dormitel

    1. Eden Nature Park

    2. Philippine Eagle

    3. Japanese Tunnel

    4. Lola Abon’s Pasalubong Store

    5. Infant Jesus Shrine

    6. Dinner at Jack’s Ridge

    7. People’s Park

    Rest

Expenses

Van Rental- P583 (total P3500 for 6)

Entrance fees

   1. Eden Nature Park- P200 with light snack

   2. Philippine Eagle- P110

   3. Japanese Tunnel- P50

Food: P300 at Jack's Ridge

Pasalubong: P300 at Lola Abon's

Total: P1543

Attractions

Eden Nature Park & Resort

It is an eco-adventure park laid on a vast hectare on nature-inspired landscape that everyone will surely enjoy. The resort is ideally built for people who love nature-trip or do fun-filled activities. One whole day is not enough to enjoy all of its facilities and do the trekking on its mountain trails. But don’t worry, people who don’t enjoy or incapable of a long walk on a hilly terrain can still have the chance to witness the beauty of the whole place by a shuttle tour. It usually lasts roughly for 2 hours.

Attractions:

1. Butterfly Garden

2. Deer Park- find them in their habitat

3. Lola’s Garden- giving you a scenic view of the city

4. Tinubdan- it is an outdoor museum that showcases the indigenous cultural heritage of Mindanao on 5000 sqm land.

5. Amphiteater & Flower Garden- be amazed with various kinds of flowers with their very own stunning color and scent.

6. Vegetable Garden & Greenhouses- have a closer look of veggies growing on a hydroponic technology.

7. Birdwalk

8. Organic Vegetables & Herbs

9. Matinlo Pond- “matinlo” means beautiful in Palawan language. It is believed that boulders on the pond came from the Mt. Talomo eruption.

10. Prayer Garden- bringing you to a more peaceful part of the park. Perfect for meditation.

11. Tree & Ornamental Nurseries- the resort houses plenty of seedlings of different trees such as mahogany, molave, narra, teak, pine, eucalyptus, and many others.

12. Eden Sports Field- have fun at the obstacles course, horse park, a 200-m long skyrider, a field for soccer

13. The Chapel & the Art Center

  

Facilities:

1. A 4-km mountain trail

2. Vista restaurant & playground

3. Souvenir shop

4. Swimming pool

5. Fishing village

Do’s:

- Maintain the whole area clean. Trash your garbage on disposal bins.

- Park your vehicles on designated areas.

- Bonfires can be lit on designated areas with the assistance of accompanying adults.

Dont’s

- Smoking inside the mountain trail is prohibited. You can only smoke only at smoking areas.

- No picking of flowers.

- Bringing of food is not allowed except for groups who will be using the campsite areas and family cottages.

- No teasing or feeding the animals.

- Firearms are not permitted inside the resort.

Tips:

- Be at the park as early as 8am. Shuttle tour service is first come first serve basis. It is only available only until 10:45 in the morning and will resume at 1pm until 4pm. Walking tour or trekking is available at anytime of the day except evening.

- You can bring food but must be eaten inside your car at the parking areas.

- Bring an umbrella or raincoat due to an unpredictable weather. It might be too sunny or rainy at times.

- The place is full of many attractions so it is advisable to bring your camera especially for selfie.

- The place is too remote from the city proper. You can save money if you’ll rent a car or van in a group.

- Birthday celebrant can have 10% discount on all recreational activities and get the free buffet lunch. You can avail the promo within 3 days before or after your actual birthdate or even on the day of your birthday. The celebrant must be with one paying adult and present any proof of the actual birthdate. Reservation has to be done ahead of time.

Rates

Day Packages:

   Buffet Lunch

       Adult- P520

       Child- P330

   Plated Snack

       Adult- P200

       Child- P170

Serving Venue & Schedule

Lunch- 11:30am to 2:00pm

Snack (snack bar area)- 9:00am to 10:30am

             2:00 to 5:00pm

Eden Fields / Skyrider Area

M-Thu 11:00 to 2:00pm

Fri-Sun 9:00am to 4:00pm

Our light snack after a long trek at the park

Recreational Activities

    Guided Shuttle Tour- P120

    Skirider- P150

    Skycycle- P200

    Horseback Riding- P85

    Fishing- P85

    Swimming

          Adult- P80

          Child- P55

Note: First come first served basis. Waiver is compulsory for all parents or guardians of minors

Philippine Eagle

Philippine Eagle or Pithecophaga Jefferyi in scientific name is the second largest eagle in the world next to the Harpey Eagle of South America. It grows up to 3 feet high with a wingspan of 7 feet, the broadest in the world. Its distinct features are the huge arched beak and its long crown feathers. It is also the blue-eyed bird of prey in the world, with the ability to seeing objects 8 times the distance than that of humans. No doubt, it is the strongest predator in the country’s rainforests. These eagles are mostly found on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Samar, & Leyte. It is interesting to know that this type of bird is solitary, totally territorial, and monogamous keeping its mate for life. They hunt for other animals such as squirrels, snakes, hornbills, bats, flying lemurs, and monkeys as their food. In fact, the Philippine Eagle used to be known as the monkey-eating eagle because it was believed to prey only on monkeys. They sexually mature from 5 to 7 years and live in the wild up to a couple of decades. These birds usually breed from July to February.

Philippine eagle as the national bird of the country is now critically endangered species with only 500 pairs in the wild. There have been a number of threats to the survival of the eagle. Number one there is hunting. These eagles are still hunted down in spite of the presence of the laws protecting them. Another cause is by deforestation where the nesting places are destroyed. For these birds, the wilderness is their immediate habitat where they search for food, reproduce, and feed their offspring. The more forests are being denuded, the more they become unhealthy and incapable of meeting the necessary food and protection.

Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF)

It is a non-profit organization that aims to save the endangered species of the Philippine Eagle and the rainforests as their habitat. It was established in 1987 as the center for research, captive breeding, & the rehabilitation of these birds with highly-trained personnel. The center is located at the foothills of Mt. Apo protecting the Philippine Eagle, other endemic animals, & plants. Guests can enjoy the tour around the rainforests and learn many things through interactive activities and lectures.

Schedule

Opens at 8am to 5pm

Daily including holidays

Entrance Fees:

* Water District of Davao City

Adult- P5

Children- P3

* PEF

Adult- P100

Youth (below 18y/o)- P50

How to get there:

You can take a bus going to Calinan at Annil Terminal located at the corner of Quirino and San Pedro Extension. The bus leaves every 15 minutes. Then take a pedicab at Calinan to PEF that only takes 10 minutes.

Contact Information

Philippine Eagle Center

Location: Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City 8018, Philippines

Telephone #: (082) 271-2337

                          (082) 324-1860

Website: info@philippineeaglefoundation.org

FB: Philippine Eagle Foundation (official)

Japanese Tunnel

The excavation on the site was made by Filipino prisoners of war under the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942. It was completed after a couple of years and served as their quarters during World War II. According to one of the prisoners, those who went against the Japanese ruling and incapable of doing the job were being killed. It was in 1960s when the site was discovered during the development of the Diversion Road (also known as Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway). There were several important artefact found in the tunnel including bayonet guns, ammunitions, communication equipments, and money bills. On display today, guests can see Japanese pistol, and sword, empty bullet shells, debris and picture of bombs, Dokoy or Mickey Mouse money, and a replica of Golden Buddha.

The Japanese characters mean welcome to the Japanese Tunnel

Admission Fee: P50

Contact Information

Address: Family Resort & Restaurant Hillcrest Subd., Balusong Extension, Matina Davao City 8000

Telephone #: (082) 298-3705

                          (082) 299-0975

Telefax: (082) 298-3705

Lola Abon’s

Contact Information

Lola Abon’s Durian Candy, Inc.

Dolores “Dolly” R. Saniel (Corporate Secretary)

Address: 23 San Miguel Village Matina, Davao City

Telephone #: (082) 297-2391

 Mobile #: (+63) 927-918-4620 (Globe)

                    (+63) 942-275-4885

E-mail: naidolly@yahoo.com

Infant Jesus Shrine

Jack’s Ridge

People’s Park

Tour Operator

Abentevar Rental Davao, Inc.

Rate:

- P 3500 for 10 hours

- Inclusive of a driver and fuel using Toyota Hi Ace Grandia 

Itinerary:

1. Eden Nature Park

2. Philippine Eagle Center

3. Japanese Tunnel

4. Davao Crocodile Park

5. Madrazo

6. Lola Abon’s

7. People’s Park

8. Holy Infant Jesus Shrine

9. San Pedro Cathedral

10. Jack’s Ridge

11. Lon Wa Buddhist Temple at Cabaguio

12. Magsaysay Park

Note: You can follow their itinerary or customize your own.

Contact Information

Telephone #: (082) 234-1836

                        (082) 284-0439

Mobile #: (+63) 922-873-2759 (Sun)

Mr. Reynaldo Arquiza (Driver)

(+63) 932-851-3124

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Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.

Mindanao Escape 2014

Cagayan de Oro – White Water Rafting– Davao – Samal Island 

(For 6 days and 5 nights)

Summer fun never ends!

I wanted to visit CDO 2 years ago but I and my partner cancelled our flights due to financial reasons. Until Cebu Pacific had a promo seat last August and without second thought, I booked our flights not just for one destination but two which included Davao. Initially, Camiguin Island tour was part of the plan, but we thought that it would cost us so much. Since there is a direct flight from Manila via Cebupacific, we decided to visit it next time. But instead of Camiguin, we chose Samal Island, the nearest to Davao. Perhaps, it would not slash our wallet that much.

We had met a lot of travellers, enthusiasts, even total strangers on the entire trip. And for me, this one was the most exciting part of the tour. Plus, it was my first time to invade Mindanao, the third largest major island in the Philippines. And because we love to immerse ourselves through a different kind of atmosphere, we were able to catch the local’s attention and they tried to reach out to tourists like us who came from Manila. People may have various dialects, religions, or beliefs, but it just proved that these elements didn’t make any barrier among us to communicate and understand these diversities.

For many years of travelling here and abroad, learning is incessant. It never ceases me to learn myself, the people around me, and the places I bound to visit. Another thing is I get to realize that making itineraries should never be condensed or loaded with so much activities to do and sites to see. Sometimes, it needs to be free flowing or spontaneous. I’m sure, you will enjoy every second you'll have on your tour. And with this break in Mindanao, we never felt in a haste and let the time passed.

Here’s the complete details of our 6-day-and-5-night stay and the expense summary on these destinations. I hope this will assist you in planning your tour on these thrilling destinations in Mindanao.

Itinerary

June 26, 2014 (Thur) Free Time

    ETD 12:15pm at NAIA T3 via Cebupacific

    ETA 2:00pm at Laguindingan Int’l Airport

    Check-in at D’Morvi Suites Hotel

    Lunch at Barkadahan Grill

    Shopping at Centrio Ayala Mall

    Rest

June 27, 2014 (Fri) CDO Day Tour

    Prepare for the day tour at 10:00am

    1. CDO City Hall

    2. Gaston Park

    3. St. Augustine Cathedral

    4. City Museum of CDO

    5. Golden Friendship Park

         - Monument of Mayor Justiniano

         - City Tourist Assistance Center

    6. Limketkai Mall

         - Island Souvenirs

         - 1^st Starbucks in Mindanao

         - 1^st McDonalds outside Metro Manila

    Buffet Lunch at Thai Me Up

    Vi-Andep Pastel Store

    Back to Centrio to watch Transformers

    Lifestyle at 9pm

          - Hollywood

          - Microphone Hero

 June 28, 2014 (Sat) White Water Rafting

    Registration at Bugsay Office at 7:15am

    Orientation and practice paddling at Mambuaya at 8am

    Actual river run at 8:30

    Back to Bugsay office for the videos and photos at 12 noon

    Lunch at Dear Manok

    Back to hotel

    Dinner at KFC, Centrio Mall

    Rest

forward, backward, high five

June 29, 2014 (Sun) Davao DayTour Part 1

    Check-out at D’Morvi at 3:200am

    Departure at Centrio Mall via Lax Van Shuttle at 3:35am

    ETD 6:30am at Laguindingan Int’l Aiport (CDO) via Cebupacific

    ETA 7:35am at Francisco Bangoy Int’l Airport (Davao)

    Left our baggage at Green Windows Hotel

    Davao Day tour at 10:00am

    1. Eden Nature Park

    2. Philippine Eagle

    3. Japanese Tunnel

    4. Lola Abon’s Pasalubong Store

    5. Infant Jesus Shrine

    6. Dinner at Jack’s Ridge

    7. People’s Park

    Rest

June 30, 2014 (Mon) Samal Island Tour

    Breakfast at Tapsilugan

    Took a pump boat at Sta. Ana Wharf

    ETA 8:00am at Maxima Aquafun Resort

    Whole day fun

    ETD 4:00pm at the resort

    Took habal-habal Samal Pier

    Arrived at Sasa Wharf (Davao) after 10 minutes

    Took a jeepney to Aldevinco Shopping Center to buy souvenirs or pasalubong

    Dinner along Roxas (near Ateneo de Davao)  

    Rest

July 1, 2014 (Tue) Davao Day Tour Part 2

    Check-out at Green Windows Hotel

    Met Kuya Dindo at 2pm for Ms. Sue Ong’s Starbucks & Hello Kitty collection

    Went back to Aldevinco for more shopping

    Back to the hotel to get our luggage

    Went to the airport via taxi at 6pm

    ETD 9pm at Francisco Bangoy Int’l Aiport

    ETA 11pm at NAIA T3

Expenses

* Airfare (all flights are via Cebupacific with 15kg baggage allowance)

     Manila to CDO- P904 (terminal fee included)

     CDO to Davao- P607

     Davao to Manila- P999

* Terminal Fee

     CDO Aiport- P200

     Davao Aiport- P200

* Accommodation

     D’ Morvi Hotel (CDO) for 2 1/5 days- P750 (P1500 for 2)

     Green Windows Hotel (Davao) for 2 nights P560 (P1680/night for 6 persons)

* Food

     CDO

         1. Barkdahan Grill- P165/meal

         2. Thai Me Up (lunch biffet)- P249/head

         3. KFC- P70/meal

         4. Other food expenses- P400

     Davao

         1. Jack’s Ridge (dinner)- P300

         2. Tapsilugan (breakfast)- P60

         3. Roxas (dinner)- P70

         4. Other food expenses- P200

     Samal

          1. Maxiama (lunch)-P130

* Tour Package

      CDO White River Rafting

            Rafting (beginner course)- P700

            Picture & video copy- P150/head (total P600 for 4)

      Davao Day Tour

            Van rental- P583 (total P3500 for 6)

            Entrance fees

                  1. Eden Nature Park- P200 with light snack

                  2. Philippine Eagle. P110

                  3. Japanese Tunnel- P50

      Samal Island

            Maxima Aqua Fun- P250/head

* Souvenir or Pasalubong

       CDO

            1. Island Souvenirs ref magnet- P129

            2. White rafting ref magnet- P100

            3. Pastel and candies- P230

      Davao

            1. Durian ref magnet- P200 for 8 pcs

            2. Phil Eagle ref magnet- P70 for 2 pcs

            3. Foldable eco bag—P100/pc

            4. Lola Abon’s candies- P300

       Samal Island

            1. Ref magnet- P50

       Others:

            1. Movie (Transformers 2D)- P140

            2. Shirt (Cotton on)- P400

* Transportation (Taxi / Van Shuttle / Boat)

       CDO

             BF Homes, Las Pinas to NAIA T3 (by taxi)- P271

             CDO Airport to D’ Morvi (by van shuttle)- P200

             D’ Morvi to CDO Aiport (by van shuttle)- P199

       Davao

             Davao Aiport to Green Windows Hotel (by taxi)- P80 (total P160 for 2)

             Green Windows Hotel to airport (by taxi)- P87.50 (total 175 for 2)

             NAIA T3 to House at BF Homes (by taxi)- P220

             Other expenses: P100

       Samal Island   

             Green Windows to Sta. Ana Wharf (by taxi) P25 (total 75 for 3)        

             Sta. Ana Wharf to Maxima Resort, Samal Island (by pump boat)- P250 (total P1500 for 6)

             Maxima Resort to Samal Pier (by habal-habal)- P80 (total 160 for 2)            

       

Expense Summary

(for one person)

Airfare:                      P2510

Terminal Fee:           P400

Accommodation:     P1310

Food:                        P1644

Tour Package:         P2043

Souvenir:                  P1749

Transportation         P1512.50

Total:                       P11,168.50

Next Topic: Cagayan De Oro Day Tour 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Blogger's Note

Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise that you visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.