Davao-scope

Davao is said to be the country’s most livable city mainly because of safety and security. This report from Rappler.com tells us why:

“Davao City’s Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) is reported to be on par with international standards.

There are high-tech, high-res CCTV cameras around key locations in the city that help solve crimes and traffic violations.

The city has its own Twitter account, @TrafficDabaw, which provides real-time traffic updates to Davaoenyos.

Moreover, the PSCC is equipped with a Weather Monitoring and Flood Alert System, which has an Automated Weather Station, river level gauge, and land and sea tracking devices.

The PSCC also works with Central 911, patterned after the US of A’s 911. This provides all types of rescue services, from fire prevention to hazardous materials response.”

And why else, here’s what we’ve seen:

After reading gazillion threads and blogs, here's what we have concocted for our DIY 3day & 2night budget travel to Davao City.

Day 1 (Janaury 17, 2013)  Samal Island

3:00am       –  Call time/meet up at Casino Filipino-Heritage parking

5:00am       –  ETD Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Cebu Pacific Air

6:45am       –  ETA Francisco Bangoy Airport (Davao International Airport)

Touchdown Davao!

7:00-7:30am   - Collect baggage; Picture taking at the Airport & Giant Durian

the king of all fruits: Durian!

8:00am      –  Sasa Wharf (ferry terminal going to Samal Island)

                   Sasa Wharf is only 10 minutes away from the airport (via cab.) Fare should not exceed P120 as of January 2013. Ferry travel from Sasa wharf to Babak Wharf is only 15 minutes. Fare is P10.

Samal Island here we come!

8:20am       –  Babak Wharf
             (nearest wharf to our accommodation-Precious Garden of Samal Resort)

                   The resort shuttles guests for free from the wharf.

8:45am       –  Check in at the Resort- Precious Garden of Samal

                   The owners are Mr. & Mrs. Ulrich Kroenberg. Ulrich is German while his wife, Precious is a Filipina. A room good for five is priced at P2500/night. I am definitely vouching for it because of the excellent service and food.

Precious Garden of Samal

9:30am         – Brunch at the resort restaurant/coffeeshop

10:15am       – Snorkeling, Swimming at nearby Vanishing Island

                   It will take around 15-20 minutes from the resort dock to the island via a motorboat.

all set for the island hopping

ooops the Vanishing Island is ...vanishing

mangroves please hold it together

12:30pm     – Snack/Pizza at the resort coffeeshop; gearing up for the island tour

                The Precious Firewood pizza is a must try as well their fish and chips.

oh yum!

Its a glorious day to explore the isalnd

cruising via the Land Cruiser

1:30pm         – Monfort Bat Sanctuary

smells really, really bad

                   It is a Guinness World Record holder. Around 1.8 million Rousette fruit bats are in the colonies.

3:00pm        – Hagimit Waterfalls

refreshing!

4:00pm        – Virgen Dolorosa Parish

a moment for some prayers

4:30pm        – Halo-halo; light snack

the best halo-halo in the island

5:00pm        – Stroll at the resort shoreline

this fella works for Mr. Krusty Krab

7:00pm        –  Dinner at the  resort Coffeeshop

        The pinakbet-liempo is a must try. The sweet and sour fish is also excellent!

the Precious Garden of Samal Coffeeshop

8:00pm       –  Coffee/Stroll at the resort shoreline

9:00pm       –  ZZZZzzzzZZZ time

Day 2 (Janaury 18, 2012)  Davao City Tour

7:30am       –  Breakfast at the resort Coffeeshop

worth the wake-up call

8:00am      –  Babak Wharf (ferry back to Davao City)

                   Ferry fare is P10. Ferry ride will take around 15 minutes.

on our way back to Davao City

8:20am      –  Sasa Wharf

         Travel time from Sasa Wharf to Ponce Gallery Suites will take around 20-30 minutes (via cab.) Fare should not exceed P150 as of January 2013.

9:30am      –  Check-in at Ponce Gallery Suites

this hotel-suites also doubles as an Art Gallery

the only reptile allowed within my personal space

                   Why Ponce Gallery Suites? Cebu Pacific’s Smile Magazine says it’s Davao’s most remarkable. This Inn doubles as an art gallery. The wall-to-wall art is a visual superfluity. A suite good for 5 is P2500/night. San ka pa?

                                      
                                          Van Rental:

          Huge props to Mr. Kenneth Viloria (driver/tour guide)

He went out of his way to keep our schedule. Good Job! Van rental for the      entire day is P2500. (Smart) : 09204241604 & (Sun) : 09323529431

10:00am     –  Start of Davao City Tour (Museum leg)

10:30am     –  Museo Dabawenyo

learn more about the Dabawenyos and their awesome city

                     Museo Dabawenyo is meters away from the Andres Bonifacio Rotunda and Osmeña Park and is situated along Fr. Selga Street going to Pichon Street.

        It is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. You will learn most about the history and people of Davao, miss at your peril! Be introduced to Datu Bago and the Spanish conquistador, Jose Oranguyen and find out more about the controversial but well-loved Duterte political clan. Former Mayor Rodrigo who has served for over 18 years as mayor (now Vice Mayor) is the father of incumbent Mayor Sarah Duterte. The City is predominantly Catholic but it also recognizes 16 cultural tribes. Entrance is free plus a Davao City map. Awesome!

11:10am       –  The Bone Collector Museum

sticks and stones have broken their bones 

          Where :Family Circus Compound, Barangay 76-A, Bucana, San Pedro Extension, Davao City 8000, Philippines (near Museo Dabawenyo) For reservations call 0919-624-0744. Do not litter! The remnants in this relatively small, private collection will eventually tell you why. Entrance fee is P50.

11:30am      –  Davao Museum

a testtimony to their rich heritage

                   Davao Museum is located at 113 Agusan Circle, Insular Village Phase I, Lanang, Davao City, and is open from Mondays to Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is P100.

11:50am      –  T’boli Weaving Center

Authentic intricate weaving

                   It is at Insular Village’s Beach house, right next to the dock where they ferry guests going to the Pearl Farm, Davao.

12:00pm     –  Lunch (fastfood drive-thru)

1:00pm       –  Davao City Tour (Nature tripping)

1:30pm       –  Eden Nature Park

just in time for the 2pm guided tour

                   Mount Talomo, Toril, Davao City (082) 299 1020.  What to see: Hanging bridge at the Mountain trail, Amphitheater, Garden of Eden, Lola’s Garden, Mayumi’s wishing well. Entrance fee is P200 and a guided tour fee of P150. Guided tour is scheduled every hour on a first come, first serve basis.

enjoying the trip so far

flowers in bloom 

4:00pm      –  Davao Crocodile Park

                   Crocodile Park Complex, Riverfront Corporate City, Diversion Road Ma-a, Davao City. Tels (082) 302 9923 | (082) 286 8883 Mobile: 0923 658 6041

Pangil and friends

we accidentally had a taste of crocodile eggs ice cream

5:45 pm     -  Holy Infant Jesus Shrine of Prague at Matina Hills

solemn

6:30pm      –  Lola Abon’s Durian Candy Factory

fortunately, this one has no crocodile eggs in it

      It’a at 23 San Miguel Village Matina, Davao City, Davao Del Sur, Philippines. (082) 297-2391)

7:00pm      –  Dinner at Jack’s Ridge Resort and Restaurant

Dinner time

                   It is at Shrine Hills, Matina, Davao City. “The place was once the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, which served as their watchtower against the American forces. Today, Jack’s Ridge still preserves mementos of its historic past: the warplane crash sites; Japanese-dug tunnels where gold bullions and other treasures were believed to be still buried; and even prehistoric clam shells which testify that the area was once underwater millions of years ago.”

Tel (082) 297-8830 to 31

Fax (082) 297-6535

8:00pm      –  Rest/freshen up at Ponce Gallery Suites

what a staircase! Very conducive for introspection

9:30pm      –  Swedish Massage (Miso Thai Massage at Door 3, Autoville Compound, F. Torres St)                  

12:00am     –  Videoke session at K-1 Videoke (at F. Torres St, right across Autoville Compound)

                   All I can recall were a power outage, some technical problems and my friends: She and Rona singing their hearts out to One Direction’s One Thing and What makes you Beautiful! J

2:00am      –  ZZZzzzzZZZ time

Day 3 (Janaury 19, 2013)  Pasalubong Shopping

10:30am     –  Picture-taking/Check out at Ponce Gallery Suites

we will definitely be back

11:00am      –  Brunch at Claude’s Le Café de Ville

Im still dreaming about their mouth-watering dishes

                Critics raved at it so we really had to squeeze it at our itinerary. The spicy eggplant in coconut cream was heaven. I’m still dreaming about their shrimp in aligue sauce. It’s at 29 Rizal Street, Paseo de Habana, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines

1:15pm      –  ETD Davao International Airport

3:15pm      –  ETA Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3

Falls Apart

We were recently at Bacolod City at Mambukal Resort

and here are few of its attractions:

Falls #7

the last of the seven Falls at the resort

Falls #2

enchanting. Mambukal calling.

Falls #1

yes, You can have your moment here

pure, pristine waters

cascading the terrains

refreshing!

Getting a Grip after the UPCAT

The University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) results for incoming freshmen of Academic Year 2013-2014 is finally out! http://upcat.up.edu.ph/results/ For over 70,000 seniors who took it last August 2012, this is really THE moment.

UP Naming Mahal

 Sixteen (16) years ago, I remember I did cartwheels when I heard the good news-that I made it to the BA Journalism program of the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines, Diliman (its flagship campus.) And as the cliche goes: life was never the same again.

Iskolar ng Bayan ngayon ay lumalaban

Tried.

Challenged. 

Politicized.

Exposed.

Raged.

Inspired!

But what I wish I had then (pre-UPCAT) were plans B, C and D. So in 2001, this was what I wrote to somehow ease the jitters of those eagerly awaiting the UPCAT Results:

(and yes I think I did cartwheels again when my first article was published at the Philippine Daily Inquirer's 2bu!)

Getting A Grip after the UPCAT

by Milan Rustia

(reprint from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 8, 2001)

Relief was hardly seen on Clarence's face. Clarence was one of the 70,000 students who took the Upcat less than 72 hours ago. She now agonizes over the seven-month wait for the release of the list of qualified freshmen.

A tall order

Clarence has reasons to be uncertain. Last year, a total of 64,848 took the UPCAT. How many exactly were accepted at UP? Only around 18 percent. UP Diliman can accomodate roughly only 3,000 freshmen for the 67 available programs in the campus. For quota courses, say for instance in engineering or business administration, they can only accept around 70 freshmen.

Chosen few

Applicants are accepted based on their UPG (University Predicted Grade.) UPG is the combination of the Upcat scores (60 percent) and the weighted average of final grades in the first three years of high school (40 percent.) Dr. Ly SyCip, director of the UP Office of Admissions said that, "in order to qualify, you must do well on both. Being in the upper 20 percent of your graduating class does not guarantee you a spot."

A cut above the rest

Since UP Manila is renowned in the field of Medicine, Clarence who wants to be a nurse, indicated BS Nursing as her first choice. Apparently, it is a quota course so if she qualifies for the campus of her choice, Clarence's scores will still be ranked according to the degree program's predictor. Some programs have their own "predictor." Her UPG and her predicted grades in certain areas like Science or Math might seal her fate.Colleges such as the College of Nursing require applicants to pass an interview or an aptitude test. Bent on taking only the cream of the crop, the said college only accepts qualifiers who belong to the upper 40 percent of their graduating class.

Hope floats

For Clarence, to be chosen among the 70,000 and to hypothetically win an Oscar bring almost the same cringing moment. They have the same dynamics. At times like this, Julia Roberts disclosed in a David Letterman interview that, "it would be best to hope but expect to remain seated." Clarence couldn't agree more.

But unlike in the Academy where your fortune lies entirely on the whims of judges, there are other ways to become an Iskolar ng Bayan even if you would not meet the cut-off UPG of a particular campus.

Aside from Diliman and Manila, scour through the other campuses like Los Baños, Baguio, San Fernando, Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban and Mindanao. Different campuses set different cut-off rates. Find out if they still have available slots. There are no guarantees but it would be helpful to check out the Campus Registrar's Offices.

Mozarts, Picassos and those who exude brilliance in Music, Fine Arts and Theater Arts can avail of the non-baccalaureate programs that may not require UPCAT qualification. But keep in mind that you'll have to showcase your exceptional talent during the screening tests.

Also, UP keeps an eye not just on athletes who reap local and international sporting awards but also on champions who are willing to be trained and later on represent the university in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) competitions. If you have what it takes, the VAAS (Varsity Athletic Admission System) may be an option. It is not enough though that you're a basketball hotshot or a gazelle on the tennis court. You will still need a UPG of 2.8 or higher.

And ofcourse, you may later apply as a transferee. Some of the units you'd earn after enrolling for a year in another campus or in another university may be credited.

Some trek!

The whole admission process is a rugged terrain to trek but in the long run, the challenges will be worth it. Pray. Cross your fingers. But take this word of caution: Whoever said that its tough to get in, tougher to stay and toughest to get out and graduate from UP wasn't pulling your leg.

Important Guidelines from UPCAT Results Online: 

(copied verbatim)

INFORMATION FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO DID NOT QUALIFY THROUGH THE UPCAT

If you did not make it to either of your campus choices you have two options:

FIRST: You can try other UP campuses IF:

1 your UPG is within their cut-off, and

2 they still have available slots.

Present your Non-Qualifier's Slip (which has been sent to you in the mail and which indicates your UPG) to the Office of the Registrar of the campus you want to enter. There is NO guarantee of acceptance as each campus makes its own decisions according to its own criteria.

SECOND: If no UP campus can accommodate you, you may enroll in a college or university other than UP. After earning at least 33 academic units with a weighted average of 2.00 or better in the UP marking system, you may apply for transfer into a UP campus.

GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFER FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES

Students with previous college work from another University or College who want to transfer to the University of the Philippines must satisfy all admission requirements of the accepting unit/college. Each campus has its own specific rules regarding transfer and accepts only a limited number of transfer students. Information on transfer to a specific UP unit may be obtained at the Office of the Registrar of the specific UP campuses (see below).

In general, you may be evaluated for admission as a transfer applicant provided that you: (1) present all academic units earned outside UP for evaluation; (2) have completed, outside the University, at least 33 academic units equivalent to UP courses; (3) meet the general weighted average (GWA) of the program applied for; Depending on the campus and degree program, the GWA requirement can be as high as 1.5, 1.75 or 2.0 for all the collegiate academic units taken outside UP (excluding vocational courses). University rules prescribe a minimum GWA of 2.0, 86%, or B for transfer admission into any program in the University. (4) satisfy other admission requirements of the admitting college/unit prescribed for each degree program such as an interview, a talent test or a written or oral examination; and (5) fall within the quota of the program at the time of application; Applicants shall be ranked according to the criteria set by the admitting program and the cut-off shall be determined by the college/unit based on their quota.

IMPORTANT: You will have to complete in the University at least 50% of the units required in the program. ALL upper division courses should be taken in the University.

To graduate with honors, you have to complete 75% of the required number of units and must be in residence for at least 2 years prior to graduation.

For information regarding:

(1) programs closed to transfer students,

(2) programs accepting transfer students,

(3) requirements to be submitted,

(4) submission of entrance credentials,

(5) validation for advanced credits, etc.

Inquire directly at the Office of the Registrar of the specific UP campus.