Bucana

Morning view in Bucana

Umagang kay ganda;
Pagka-gising mo sa umaga,
kasabay sa pagsikat ng araw iyong makikita.
Saan ka pa makakita ng tanawing ibang-iba.
Kun'de sa Bucana lang pala.

Bayanihan ay nangyayari;
Kapag ang bagyo ay naghahari.
Kapit bisig kababayan;
Panalangin sa may kapal ating higpitan,
Ng atin malampasan ang sakunang nararanasan.

Pangingisda, pagpapadyak o pagtitinda man iyong kabuhayan;
Kayod kababayan,
Di bali ng hindi tayo yayaman,
Ang yaman ay materyal na bagay lamang,
Ang importante tayo ay kontento, maligay at nagmamahalan.
'yan ang taga-Bucana.

Poem by: Inday Jenny Jayon - O'Toole

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Bucana - Davao City

The place is situated in the heart of Davao City. It’s the largest barangay when it comes to land area with 467 hectares and 54,000 registered voters, known as one of the richest Barangay in the entire Mindanao.

Fishing vessel BORADOR

The name of the Barangay Bucana is derived from the Spanish word “Voca” it means mouth, the outlet of Kabakan creek and Davao River.

My grandparents moved in Bucana after 2nd world war. I was born and bred in Bucana. Many years ago I witness many typhoons, massive waves and the sea waters goes to the village, destroyed houses and livelihood. People lives in the village are evacuating and moving their house far away from the shore lines.

Morning view in Barangay Bucana

The houses in Bucana are made of bamboos, coconut wood and nipa palm as roof. It’s called (Bahay Kubo) a traditional house in the Philippines. When the typhoon comes, the people in the village are helping one another locally term as “bayanihan” means all the people who lives in the area are helping hands to carry the house and move it away from danger area. Just imagine flock of ants carrying breadcrumbs.

Time flies and everything has change. The government did a great job by building the first landmark “seawall” for the safety of the citizen.

The place is very close to down town area, market, San Pedro Church, municipal, hospitals and clinics and business establishment. Main transportation is trisicad or tricycle it cost 5.00php per passenger. Fishing, trisicad driving, sari-sari stores are the sources of livelihood. 

The numbers of trisicad operates is fast growing every year. It causes some problems, loads of them are operating without licence or permit from LTO (Land Transportation Office). And most of the taxi drivers are frightened to enter the place due to the numbers of undisciplined drivers.

The cost of living is very low. Renting single bedroom for per person is about 800.00 - 1200.00 php, 500.00 - 800.00 php for bed spacer. Include water and light.

Refereces: 

http://robertolanolan.blogspot.com/2010/02/barangay-76-bucana-akong-gipanday-alang.html

http://farm5.staticflickr.com
rem-fe.com

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Pearl Farm Beach Resort

The beach resort I called paradise. A Caribbean style of resort, I found in Samal Island, it’s a group of islands, and an archipelago consists of nine islands in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. Fall in-love with the settings and its stunning beauty.

Samal Suites

The seawater is clear, protected marine life with white sand and beautiful coral reef. The Islands is surrounded with coconut palm trees and fruits trees. The perfect places to relax and unwind.
My husband and I stayed there for 4 days and 3 nights. We are impressed with its facilities and services. If I will rate them in 1-5 stars. I will be very generous to rate the resort as 5 stars. The staffs are very polite and well-trained in travel and hospitality.

Samal Houses

We choose the Samal suite for accommodation. It’s very impressive. The room interiors are very traditional and beautiful.

We get up early having breakfast at Maranao Restaurant. Then we to go for walk, exploring the island. It was first night of experience was spectacular.

The entertainment was brilliant and the foods are excellent and great wine. We get lush every night with karaoke in Parola bar. The swimming pools are the best place to hang-out in the morning and late afternoon.

Parola Bar at the left to the right is the Maranao Restaurant

There are more things to do in the resort it will depend on your interest. Choices are aqua sports e.g. Rents out speed boats & outrigger boats for cruising, jet-skis, banana boat rides, kayaks, snorkelling gear and has certified instructors for wind-surfing, water-skiing and scuba diving. Tennis/Basketball /Badminton Court and game room.

The price starts at $110 per night, they do day tour packages before it was PHP1500 per pax that was when I was tourism student.  If you want to experience luxurious holiday this is the place I can recommend. The resort is perfect for honeymooner as well.
For more information and bookings: http://www.pearlfarmresort.com

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The Marco Polo Davao

Pool side and Polo Bistro Restaurant

The Marco Polo Hotel is a chain hotel known all over the world. Set in the heart of blooming City of Davao, Philippines. The hotel has 245 sophisticated guest rooms and suites. This modern hotel offers superb five-star accommodation. The ambience is inspired by western comfort and Asian taste and hospitality.

Travelling from Manila to the hotel takes an hour and half by aeroplane. The hotel is very accessible too, not far from Davao International airport, Sasa warf, and Ecoland bus terminals and of course the local attractions.

Mount Apo is most impressive views from the back of continental club, every morning and during sunset. Over-looking the city proper and the two major islands of Island Garden City of Samal from the front views of continental club are remarkable.

Pool side during night time

After warm and friendly welcome we relaxed and enjoy gin and tonic at the cabana terrace. Having snacks at continental club with great selection of foods and drinks. A much needed relaxing treat after long flights from London.

Meeting friends at the lobby lounge or have a good time at the Eagles bar. Posh tastes, then Polo Bistro Pool Lounge will server you their international a la carte food. More choices for perfect dining experience, there are five restaurants serving everything from international buffet at Cafe Marco to
Cantonese delight at Lotus Court.

Choosing a place to relax, refresh and rejuvenate? Well, here is the most impressive feature of the hotel, the award winning Lazuli spa and swimming pool, situated at the deck 4^th floor, with pool bar serving fantastic refreshment whilst relaxing at the pool side.

 

Marco Polo Lazuli and Poolside video 

Business travellers need to do some work, a fully-equipped business centres is available at the 1^st floor of the hotel. Thinking about special occasions Marco Polo is ideal place for big events such as engagement party, weddings, birthdays, meeting and conference. A massive ballroom and ten functions rooms are ideal place for your events. Their helpful event planner is always at your service to organise your events.

As a guest and member of the hotel I definitely recommend the Marco Polo as the best hotel in Davao City. Our over-all experience from our stay and visit is fantastic.The best rooms we stayed are Cabana Terrace and Continental Executive Suites absolutely amazing and relaxing experience.

I'm very sorry not to mention the tariff of the hotel because I am a member I have different rates from normal guest. The good news is they have special and affordable rates for locals.

Tips: When you fancy to stay there you must ring the hotel ask their tariff for local travellers. They will give you a reasonable prices. Positive!

For more information visit there official website:
http://www.marcopolohotels.com/hotels/philippines/davao/marco_polo_davao/index.html

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