The Bureau, according to David, has been promoting the visa among qualified foreigners with the objection of generating more jobs for Filipinos. The SVEG’s resumption was made public around two weeks ago as immigration authorities announced the modified rules and regulations with the approval by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

This visa category was first implemented in 2009 as per Executive Order No. 758, but it was suspended recently to make way for changes that now make it a better fit for the law’s purpose. As it is, rules for SVEG issuance are still in line with constitutional restrictions and current foreign business laws.

The head of the bureau’s SVEG one-stop facility, Atty. Cris Villalobos, says the new rules now allow the outright issuance of the visa to qualified applicants. Before this change, the rule was for applicants to be issued a probationary visa good for one year.

It will be the task of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to verify whether or not the applicants are actually employing at minimum of 10 Filipinos, one of the conditions that need to be satisfied before visa issuance. According to Villalobos, DoLE will be requiring applicants to submit copies of their employment contracts with Filipino workers, excluding household employees. Applications will now also be processed and decided upon by a hearing officer within 15 days, as opposed to older rules which provided that processing be handled by the office of the bureau chief.

The time it takes to process an appeal for a rejected application has been cut from 45 days to 15 days. The BI has also stopped giving applicants a one year probationary period during which they are expected to comply with their requirements. When they are unable to comply with the requirement on hiring at least 10 Filipino workers in their companies, these applicants stand to have their SVEG revoked. As per old rules, holders of this visa can spend an entire year making sure this requirement is met. Today, they can only be given one month or 30 days. Under the new rules, the annual reporting of SVEG holders has also been extended from one to two months.

The Immigration Commissioner has full authority to check on SVEG holders and their compliance to rules and requirements, add rules or requirements as necessary and form an oversight team to ensure that everything is followed to the letter.

The SVEG was created via Executive Order No. 758 in 2008 under the presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the purpose of drawing more foreign investors into the country and generating more jobs for Filipinos. With an SVEG, a foreign national has multiple entry and privileges as well as extended stay with conditions and without having to leave the Philippines. These same benefits are also given to the holder’s spouse and children younger than 18. Applications are accepted at any BI office all around the country but not without a few fees, such as Php 10,000 for application, Php 1,000 for BI clearance, Php 20 for legal research, and P1,000 as express lane fee.

photo by Abbyy

It is where the island’s busiest airport and seaports are operating for the benefit of local and foreign travelers.

As the capital Region 11, it is host to a growing number of people who are flocking to the city for leisure, business and even for the prospect of moving here permanently.

As an effect, the population of Davao has been increasing consistently year after year.

As of the census conducted in 2011, the population of Davao City has risen to around 1, 530, 365. The huge number of people entering the city is certainly adding more color and flavor to the local culture.

Davao is considered as a melting pot of different Filipino tribes and nationalities, a fact often attributed to the city’s reputation as a center for business, investment and tourism in southern Philippines. In some cases, young professionals from across the archipelago are observed to be very fond of the city, even making it their new home where they can practice and succeed in their chosen professions.

College students from other parts of Mindanao also look to Davao as an ideal place for earning a college degree and starting an independent life altogether. In general, many families who have moved here simply consider it as the safest spot in the Philippines where they can live and have the best of what they need.

After all, Davao City has been countlessly cited by various bodies as most livable city in the world.

The already large population of Davao is still on its way to becoming increasing even more as it continues to bloom economically. It is amazing how the city has remained as one of the major cities with an unbelievably low cost of living.

Hence, more people are becoming interested in the prospect of moving in Davao city for good.

Living in the Philippines’ durian capital is way cheaper as compared to living in other Philippine major cities like Cebu and Manila.

Monthly rental rates for an apartment, for example, can cost only around Php 5,000 to Php 15,000, depending on the size of the property, while room rentals for dormitories and boarding houses are a lot cheaper at PhP 2,000 to PhP 5,000 per month.

Different modes of transportation are also available and taking people to their desired destinations at budget-friendly fares.

A cab ride costs at a starting rate of Php 40 while public utility jeeps will charge a starting rate of Php 8. Total fare basically depends on the distance covered from origin to destination. Most certainly, getting around Davao City is easy, both in terms of cost and the transportation system that operates in it.

Davao is definitely one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolises as shown by the rise of many towering buildings, including supermalls and other business establishments owned by local, national and multinational companies – just one of the many things that attract people from other parts of the country and the world to come to Davao and embrace it as their own.

Indeed, the city’s economic strength has led to its ever growing population and to its current stature as the 10th Asian City of the Future by the Foreign Direct Investment magazine. It is a booming metropolis that has preserved its natural beauty and culture, making it even more captivating and irresistible to non-locals from around the country and the world.

Any traveler understands the importance of getting affordable yet comfortable accommodation where they can spend a night or two away from home.

And when it comes to Davao, this is never a problem. There are many top quality but cheap Davao hotels for Php 500 pesos per night.

This so-called most livable city is actually home to around 90 hotels and inns strategically within various parts of the metropolis. From five-star hotels to back-packer hostels, there is a whole range to choose from for tourists who don’t have their entire paychecks to blow on their trips.

The growing number of hotels and inns in Davao is the local tourism industry’s response to the increasing number of guests entering the city each year. Add to that the stiff competition among international and local hotels giving rise to these cheap hotels being made available to all.

These budget hotels in Davao city will even offer discounts, especially during holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Kadayawan Festival, Araw ng Dabaw and the like.

The famous Php500-rate has just become a trend and one of the reasons the city is considered one of the best destinations in the Philippines.

Furthermore, these hotels are even located right within the metropolis, which means they are within close proximity to malls, hospitals, pharmacies, universities, public parks, churches, restaurants, cafes and bars.

photo pueblophilippines.com

If you’re looking for one of these budget yet comfortable and convenient hotels in Davao city, there are many out there that you can consider.

One example is Sampaguita Tourist Inn which can be found in Mt. Mayon Street and Quirino Avenue. For as low as Php 500 pesos, you can have a nice, cozy air-conditioned room with cable TV and toilet and bath.

B.S. Inn is another popular choice. It is an economy class hotel that offers good accommodation for as low as Php 450 pesos, complete with hot and cold shower room, cable TV and quality room service. It is located in Gempesaw Street and within walking distance to NCCC Uyanguren, one of the largest and cheapest supermarkets in Davao.

photo clickdavao.com

It is indeed rare for a city as progressive as Davao to maintain a low cost of living which is truly an advantage for both locals and tourists. It may seem unbelievable but a low budget trip could go a long way around Davao City.

One only needs to bear in mind the important factors to remember when choosing hotel or inn. While cost is important, one must also consider other issues such as security, location and convenience to ensure a nice stay.

Davao City’s tourism industry has a lot to offer when it comes to hotel accommodation, whether one intends to stay for a night or a month. Hotels and inns in Davao are surely one of the best, not only in Mindanao but in the whole country as well in terms of amenities and services.

Truth is, yes, it is certainly possible to retire in Davao for $800. In fact, this amount may be more than enough, with locals getting by for even way lower than that.

The city’s low cost of living is what makes it possible for any retiree to live comfortably in the city on $800 monthly.

With this money, one can already live in a decent apartment, complete with utilities such as electricity, water and an Internet connection. There are plenty of apartments that can be rented for as low as $122 per month.

The cost of electricity ranges from $24 pesos to $170 monthly, depending on consumption. Of course, the amount gets higher with additional appliances such as air-conditioners, computers, etc. Water, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $2.4 to $12, again depending on consumption.

One can also enjoy their spare time malling as many apartments are located near these establishments. If boredom sets in, it’s very easy to get to nearby malls and be refreshed just by the air-conditioning.

Entertainment and recreation is notably less expensive in Davao compared to Metro Manila and Cebu, the other two major cities of the Philippines. For as low as $24, one can already enjoy a few drinks plus a sumptuous meal and “pulutan” in any of the many bars around.

Those who are not fond of nightlife can hit the beach anytime (no sharks!) For as low as $48, one can already enjoy the white sand shores of Davao’s neigboring islands such as Samal.

Food is not a problem as well.

It might sound unbelievable, but in Davao, Php 40 can go a long way in satisfying a hungry tummy. Sometimes, that amount can even go lower. There are many eateries around the city where meals are not just cheap but satisfying as well.

Cooking at home is even budget-friendlier, with meats, vegetables and most other ingredients being inexpensive, especially when bought from the public markets. Sumptuous dishes can be prepared for as low as Php 30 per serving, although this naturally depends on ingredients needed.

Getting around the city is also easy as jeepneys and most tricycles are plying the city streets 24/7. For a more convenient ride, one can get a cab for a starting rate of Php40 ($0.97.) Of course, the jeepneys are way cheaper, where the starting fare for the first few kilometers is only Php 8 ($0.19).

Retiring in Davao City on $800 per month is absolutely possible as shown by the increasing number of foreign nationals from around the world who have come to the city to relish their golden years among the locals.

Americans, Japanese and Koreans top the list of expat retirees in the city, including their spouses and children who have become successful from graduating in the city’s reputable schools, such as Ateneo de Davao University and the University of Southeastern Philippines. In most cases, these retirees have put up their own businesses in the city and are doing very well.

So, if after giving some facts as to how your dollars can go a long way if you retire or live in Davao, Philippines and still you’re not convinced – the best thing to do is come down here and find out yourself!

The fact that Davao’s meat industry is providing supplies to other cities in the Philippines shows that it is doing really well. Prices of meat in Davao market are relatively stable as more locals are becoming interested in backyard hog raising as well as backyard poultry. The hardworking people behind the meat industry of Davao have definitely made a huge contribution to the city’s success.

Prices of meat in Davao market usually range from P110 pesos to P140 pesos per kilogram, depending on the season. It is usually during the Christmas holidays that prices increase a bit, but the good quality of the meat is consistent.

The city government of Davao is keen when it comes to quality and price control of meats sold in the market, and vendors are constantly reminded to ensure the good quality of their goods.

In fact, local officials are known to impose stiff penalties on meat vendors who are not following the standard pricing of meat products. This is in line with the local government’s goal of protecting the health and rights of the consumers.

Meats in Davao are sold everywhere in the city. Public markets are where most people buy their meat, including Bankerohan Public Market and Agdao Public Market, among others.

These are the two biggest public markets where prices can get very cheap.

Those who want convenience can hit air-conditioned supermarkets, such as those found in the malls like Abreeza along J.P. Laurel Avenue, SM Davao in Ecoland, Gaisano Mall in Bajada and many others. However, prices of meat here are a bit higher than those in the public markets, but this is rather expected.

Alternatively, people can buy fresh and affordable meat from local backyard hog and chicken raisers, but it’s important to ensure they are not buying botcha (meat that comes from an animal that died of an illness or also locally known as “double dead”) which can be a threat to health.

photo tagadavao.wordpress.com

It is safe to say that prices of meat in Davao market will not harm anyone’s budget, especially in comparison to prices in other major destinations in the country, such as Metro Manila and Cebu.

Davao is part of the Philippine region that boasts an abundant supply of meat products, and has even played a huge part in the development of the regional meat industry. It is thus not surprising that meats come in affordable prices, wherever in this city they are bought.

However, In Davao City, expensive is not in most food businesses’ vocabularies.

There even seems to be an ongoing trend among restaurants, eateries and food vendors to go cheap on their prices, if only to attract more customers and beat their competitors.

Of course, there are few that cater to the city’s elite, but in general, cheap eats are what define the local gastronomic landscape.

Carenderia ala Davao

If you’re talking about good food that’s right within the budget, carenderias or small eateries have it. These eateries offer a whole range of Filipino dishes or viands, from the classic adobo or pork stew to paksiw or meat cooked in vinegar to kare-kare or oxtail in peanut sauce (though pork and beef are good alternatives) to practically any local dish you can think of.

A meat-based viand plus a serving of vegetables plus rice and a nice fresh fruit such as a banana or a slice or two of watermelons make a tasty, satiating meal for well under Php 50. In some carenderias, the minimum cost of a good meal can be as low as Php 45 which is just right for most locals.

Photo thegoldenson.blogspot.ca

A specialty carenderia is a larger version of a carenderia that has become successful in establishing a food brand and has expanded to serve a larger market.

An example of this is Blue Carabao which is known for its carabao meat-based soups such as pochero and hinalang (a spicier version) and other well-loved dishes served in quantities larger than usual.

Blue Carabao used to be a small eatery but has now moved to Quimpo Magsaysay Park where there is a large parking area to accommodate diners. Of course, specialty carenderias are still cheap, though they are often slightly more expensive regualr eateries.

Davao Street Food

Kwek kwek street food

Due to the rising cost of ingredients, however, some vendors have raised their prices. For example, pito-beinte, or 7 sticks of pork barbecue plus rice for Php 20, is now lima-beinte or 5 sticks with rice for the same price and filling as ever.

Mall Food Courts in Davao

Mall food courts are another cheap food alternative for those who want to enjoy their meals in a more comfortable setting. What’s great is that food courts sell food with a small price difference from carenderias, although sanitation is often better in malls.

They offer a complete variety of choices for about Php 70 per meal, but there are so-called combo meals which cost around Php 50, complete with soup, as a meat-based viand, a vegetable serving, one cup of rice and a cup of iced tea. There are also cheap buffet restaurants that can have your tummy smiling ear-to-ear for well below Php 100.

This article is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg as there is more to explore in Davao. Of course, food is just one of the many things that make it worth the effort, not to mention that it is one of the most practical expenses you can plan for as you contemplate moving to this part of the globe.

A Backgroundrounder on Eden Nature Park

Eden Nature Park is a known mountain resort that embodies the wonders of nature at its best. While the place is a great summer destination in the Philippines due to its cool air and lush greenery, one can visit it any season, may it be just for a day or a week long vacation. Judging the park as it is known today, one can never guess that it used to be a logged-over area covered with thick grass, until it was discovered around 1971 and fully developed into a world-class tourist spot that it is now.

photo themindanaojournal.com

Developed and maintained to give guests a taste of paradise, it is an excellent escape, away from the noise and pollution of the busy city streets. A breath of fresh air indeed as it is surrounded by exotic tropical foliage that includes pine and fruit trees.

Local and foreign guests are assured of a one-of-a-kind nature trip made possible by this 95% man-made paradise. The place has vast gardens that feature herbs, organic vegetables and other plants, plus venues for all sorts of celebrations, functions and even photo shoots.

Sights, Tastes and Activities: Experience Eden Nature Gardens

There are also breathtaking activities offered for young and adult adventure enthusiasts, including Skyrider, Zip-Line and Rope Gliding which are all great for making unforgettable memories. As its name suggests, Eden Nature Park and Resort couldn’t get better as a way to get in touch with nature as guests trek down its mountain trail, enjoy the greenery in its campsites, or marvel at some rarely seen animals in its Deer Park and Bird Walk. Gastronomic desires are satisfied with freshly harvested vegetables and fruits mixed and tossed into the best salads in the world. Getting to know the roots of Davao’s rich culture is another exciting experience with a visit to the Tinubdan Cultural Park, a showcase of the customs and traditions of the lumads (natives.)

For The Guests Of Eden Nature Resort

photo flyphilippines.com.ph

If you are looking for a perfect place where you can unwind in Davao, Eden Nature Park and Resort is surely one to remember. It is a tourist destination that promises an unforgettable combination of solitude, adventure, culture and food. Surely, a visit to Davao will never be complete without setting foot at Eden.

How to get to Eden Nature Park and Resort

This close to perfect man-made paradise is located in the southern part of Davao City, right at the foot of Mount Talomo, Toril District. Despite the fact that it is situated away from the heart of the Davao, it is easy to get to Eden Nature Park and Resort as it is a well-known tourist destination. It only takes an hour-and-a-half plane ride from Manila and an hourlong taxi ride to Toril District from Davao International Airport.

Contact Information

For reservations, clients can visit Eden Nature Park and Resort’s sales and reservations office at Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City, call their phone numbers, +63 82 299-1020 and +63 82 296-0791, or email them at info@edennaturepark.com.ph. Their website www.edennaturepark.com.ph, allows prospective guests to get a glimpse of the man-made paradise well before getting there.

That’s not to mention the friendly locals who are ever easy to do business with.

Whether you’re planning to open a small, family-owned enterprise or a large corporation, the following are the first few things you need to know about setting up a business in this Southern Philippine capital.

Registering the business in Davao

The first step to putting up a business in Davao City is to come up with a unique business name, which must be approved by the Department of Trade and Industry if the business is a sole proprietorship.

If it is a corporation, approval should be sought from the Securities and Exchange Commission. A paid up capital of at least 6.25% of the authorized capital stock must be deposited in any authorized agent bank, and a notarized copy of the articles of incorporation must be submitted to the SEC.

Temporary Operation – Laying the Groundwork

Entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to start doing business in Davao pending the completion of the process. There are a few steps leading to the issuance of the TAO or Temporary Authority to Operate and Compliance Form from the Business Bureau, Permits and License Division (BBPLD), starting with payment of the annual community tax and acquisition of a community tax certificate or CTC.

A barangay clearance certificate is also to be obtained from the barangay where the business is to be located, as well as a print-out of the encoded business permit application form which can be downloaded from the BBPLD website. This document must then be brought to the City Legal Office for notarization and submitted to the BBPLD for the issuance of the TAO and BBPLD Compliance Form.

Operation of the business in Davao

While a business is running with temporary permission from the concerned government office, registration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue must be processed.

Part of this is submitting special books of accounts to the BIR, applying for a Certificate of Registration and Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN (still at the BIR) and payment of a registration fee and documentary stamp taxes.

From the same office, an authority to print receipts and invoices must be secured prior to printing of the same.

The purchased books of accounts and the printer’s certificate of delivery or PCD must then be submitted to the BIR for stamping before they can be used.

Employee Benefits

All employers are required to register their businesses with the Social Security System or SSS for the benefit of all employees.

There will be a few requirements for this, such as a filled in employer registration form (Form R-1) and employer report (Form R-1RA.) Aside from signing up with the SSS, business owners are also required to register with the Philippine Health Insurance Company or Philhealth which is the national health service provider in the the country.

There will as well be a number of requirements, such as filled in employer and employee data forms, BIR registration and copy of business permit.

Davao City is actually the second easiest city in the Philippines to start a business, according to a recent Doing Business Survey. This means you can open a store or firm in as little as 27 days, depending on how large and complex the required preparations are.

It would be advisable to come and visit Davao city for yourself so you can look into your potential market and devise a more effective business plan.

I can’t remember now. I even attempted a few times already in the past, but none of them prospered, even only to recoup my monetary investment.

Why have I thought of writing about starting a business in the Philippines and write about it, then?

Three things:

1) Summer is almost over and I’m starting to think of going back to the homeland again to escape winter,

2) A customer-friend chatted about it with me in one of our summer out-of-towns,

3) My colleague Dave wrote a very interesting post about it lately.

I am no stranger in running a business – whether in the Philippines or in Canada. Fact is, I never wanted myself working for someone else the rest of my life. And this is also what I instill in the minds of my children. Way different from what my father used tell me – find a well paying, good company to stay and retire in.

I am happy that I followed my gut about what I want for the future — that is to be my own boss. I always believed that it is the way to personal and financial freedom. It never was an an easy path but it’s all worth it.

When preparing for retirement or long-stay living in the Philippines, I believe that having our own business is also the way to enjoy being there. And that is what I’m preparing and still researching for up to now.

BUT… it should not be a business that caters to the locals in the Philippines. Because, believe it or not, we have failed to make our service offerings appeal to Filipino locals when we made our attempts.

Maybe it’s just us, but it seems Philippine-based locals cannot afford our products or services. Or even if our offer is something that they can already afford, they will always look for someone else who can give them the same service or product the cheapest possible.

I’ll give you an example, and this is a true story:

In our home based travel agency business, we have been offering airline tickets to first time immigrants, contract workers or tourist from the Philippines going to Canada or even the US, through our partner travel agency in Manila. We have been successfully selling this service to Filipinos here in Canada who have family in the Philippines and are coming to Canada as mentioned above. The relatives in Canada are the ones paying for the airfare.

But, if the passenger is coming from the Philippines and makes the payment there – we never made a single sale thru the years. Inquiries, yes, but never a sale.

Do not think that we could not match the offer of the local travel agents in Manila because where they get their tickets is also where we get ours. What I think the difference is, local travel travel agencies in Manila are willing to absorb a very small profit. To the local businesses, a $5 profit per sale is enough, but to us operating in Canada – is not. So, it would be business harakiri to compete with local Philippine travel agencies on our part.

Another concern of doing business in the Philippines is the red tape to satisfy the requirements of even the local municipality. I’ve had a very bad experience with the City of Balanga regarding registering my business there just because the owner of the address I’m renting has tax arrears with the city. Balanga City Hall wouldn’t want to approve my application because of that. Why the heck is the tax arrear of my landlord my problem?

Because I’m beginning to like the city and also because I am spending my residence in Balanga when I’m in the Philippines, I wanted Balanga to benefit from our business. But it seems like they don’t need our money. Suits me.

Still another problem I’ve encountered is finding the people to hire. It seems like all the good candidates are located in Manila and wouldn’t want to relocate even if the cost of living in Manila is very high. That, I could not understand. I don’t know what’s appealing in Metro-Manila that makes people want to live there.

Those are just some of the irks I have to go through when I tried setting up a business again in the Philippines. Or, again, maybe it’s just me. Some others may have been successful. I don’t know.

So, now, I don’t think much about starting a business in the Philippines again. I would rather have a business that caters to clients in Canada or the US, have an office in Canada, but could be run in the Philippines or anywhere in the world, rather than going through the hassles of setting-up office in the Philippines again.

Maybe others have a different experience than me and I would like to hear a different story, if only to change my thinking — so any comment is highly welcome.

Indeed, what better way to enjoy summer than dive into the sea and have fun with family and friends, especially at Maxima Aqua Fun Resort.

Maxima Aqua Fun Resort and Attractions

Maxima Aqua Fun Resort is the home of Mindanao’s popular Giant Water Slide, but apart from that, it is also known as a perfect venue for camping, swimming and other social gatherings. Another one of its main lures is its unique landscape and water depth that is perfect for diving. While its Giant Water Slide remains as its main attraction, there are many other must-try activities guests can do while at Maxima Aqua Fun Resort.

Maxima Aqua Fun Resort

An ideal jump-off point for island hopping, the place is considered one of the best tourist attractions in the Island Garden City of Samal. Maxima Aqua Fun Resort’s exciting water adventures can be enjoyed at an affordable cost, reason why it has been growing in popularity each day.

Location of Maxima Aqua resort in Davao

Some of the cottages

The beach resort has its own shuttle boat which leaves Davao at 9:00 in the morning. Guests are encouraged to make arrangements with the office prior to their planned visit to ensure a ride. Those who miss the shuttle service can take other options, such as buses which are transported to IGaCoS from Davao City through a barge. The bus drops off guests at a terminal in Samal where they can take a tricycle or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the resort’s exact location.

How to contact the resort

For more information and reservations, the phone numbers to call are (63-82)300-8636 and 286-8883. Maxima Aqua Fun Resort’s website is maxima.psdgroupph.com where one can take a glimpse into what the facility offers guests. Bookings are also accepted through email, booking@davaocrocodilepark.com, or by visiting their booking office at Dizon Farms, Club 183 in Rizal Street, Davao City.

Snacks In Davao

If you’re thinking sweets, kamote-cue, banana-cue and turon have got to be on top of your list. Kamote is sweet potato in Filipino and kamote-cue is sweet potato sliced into chunks, coated with caramel syrup, fried and skewered with bamboo sticks. Banana-cue is the banana (plantain variety) version of this favorite Davao street food that is just as popular, while turon is also made banana cut lengthwise for faster cooking, wrapped in lumpia wrapper ala spring roll and deep-fried.

Kwek kwek from ItlogOnStick

If you’re looking for something to cool off the heat, iskrambol is a good choice. Iskrambol is Filipino for Scramble, a cheap dessert made of shaved ice, diced colored gelatin and condensed milk all mixed together with an egg beater and topped with chocolate syrup. Taho, which is made of fluffy, silky tofu, arnibal or brown sugar in vanilla syrup and pearl sago (like pearl tapioca,) is another must-taste in Davao, but you will usually find it only the morning.

Meals Of Davao

Street food in Davao is also great for quieting a tummy that craves a full meal. Blame it on Filipino ingenuity, anyone can make a nice, appetizing dish out of the most unimaginable animal body parts. Take for example, proben, the colloquial term for chicken proventriculus fried and dipped into a sauce of vinegar, chopped onions and other spices. With puso or steamed rice wrapped in interlaced banana leaf strips, you have a meal that is satiating enough for most.

Chicken intestines or isaw is also a hit among locals. Like proben, it can be fried or barbecued, dipped in the same vinegar-based sauce and eaten as a mid-afternoon snack or as a viand to go with puso. Some vendors sell pig intestines which are slightly larger and more filling for some people. For a little gastronomic adventure, try adidas, or barbecued chicken feet tenderized by boiling prior to grilling. Of course, that also goes perfect with puso.

If you want to try something new, there’s betamax, although it’s not exactly new by local standards. Betamax is a local term given to curdled chicken or pig blood that has been brought to a boil with some spices, soy sauce and vinegar, cubed and skewered with bamboo. It is usually dipped in vinegar with ground pepper and minced onions, although some like to eat it with sweet and sour sauce. The street food resembles a betamax tape, hence its name.

Street food in Davao is not only mouthwatering, but certifiably cheap as well. With under Php 30 for a meal, don’t be surprised to realize that it’s not much of an effort to live cheap in the city. There’s always food to go at a cost that is almost a giveaway, whether you’re looking to stretch your budget, or just on the hunt for some quick, inexpensive gastronomic adventures.

Vehicles and Cars In Davao City

There are, at least, 35,000 vehicles plying the routes of Davao City, plus 20% of the total number of vehicles coming from the rest of Region 11. Private automobiles that you will mostly see are sedans, pick-ups, vans, motorcycles and buses used for private purposes such as carpooling or servicing tourists. Public vehicles, however, comprise most of the city’s traffic, including jeeps,motorcycle taxis, taxicabs and tricycles in smaller roads. Public buses are also seen in the city’s streets, albeit sparingly, as they only ply out-of-town routes.

photo edgedavao.net

Davao’s Traffic Management Center is directly under the Office of the City Mayor and run based on 5 pillars of traffic management, namely, Enforcement for ensuring public safety and convenience, Engineering for installation of effective street signages, Education for public education, Economic Gain through an obstruction-free traffic scheme, and Environment for reducing traffic-related carbon emissions. TMC’s overall efforts aim to make the city compliant with the 1968 Vienna Convention on road safety and the development of a traffic-conscious public.

Davao’s Computerized Traffic System with CCTV

The city has a total of 82 routes which are managed with a computerized traffic system, making Davao the only place in the Philippines with a traffic light installed at nearly each intersection. It is said that the presence of too many traffic lights tends to make vehicles move slower. However, there is no question about the fact that the system performs when it comes to organizing traffic flow. The city’s roads are also managed with a CCTV system that has proven its usefulness in terms of resolving cases involving vehicular accidents, traffic violations and even the movement of criminals.

Traffic Patterns In Davao

The volume of traffic in Davao is generally dependent on certain factors such as the day, the time of day and miscellaneous issues, including ongoing road widening projects, rerouting experiments, etc. On weekends and holidays, traffic is usually free-flowing, but on a regular weekday, the situation can get tight during the hours of 7-10 in the morning, and 4-8 in the afternoon towards the evening. This pattern includes the larger roads such as Quimpo Boulevard, JP Laurel Avenue and Buhangin. However, for long-time Davao drivers, there are many shortcuts that could be taken.

Culture Shock When Driving In Davao

If you are used to driving in a Western city, you may experience culture shock as you drive in Davao. While the traffic situation has generally improved, there remain a few nasty habits by some drivers and pedestrians, such as people crossing streets indiscriminately and public utility vehicles stopping in the middle of the road to pick up passengers. Also, while the anti-smoke belching law is being strictly implemented, some drivers still find a way to bring their unfit vehicles to the road, although it will not be long before they are caught and penalized by the TMC.

Perfect is not a word to describe traffic in Davao, but it is generally manageable to get around the city, whether you are driving your own vehicle or taking public transportation. It also pays to be a responsible driver, commuter or pedestrian in making the city’s traffic situation more convenient for everyone.

http://www.davaocity.gov.ph/tmc/

House For Rent Or Sale In Davao

Getting a decent house to rent or live-in in Davao is no feat at all. If you’re renting, you can have a good place for only Php 7,000 a month in a middle-class subdivision or neighborhood.

If you have a small housing budget, you can go as low as Php 800 for a bedspace in a room that you share with other renters.

If you want a large house with good furniture and nice amenities, you can start at Php 12,000 going up to Php 75,000. If you plan to buy a house, there are also many low-cost and upscale housing companies to consider.

Davao City Food & Eateries

Food in Davao is cheap, but you can also enjoy fine dining, whether at an expensive restaurant or home-cooked by your own chef. There are many farms nearby so getting cheap but fresh produce is easy.

There are two big public markets where prices are dirt-cheap, while mall supermarkets are more expensive but still cheap overall.

If you prefer to eat out, you can have a good meal for PHp50-60 in small eateries called carenderias, or below Php 30 for equally tasty and filling street food.

Davao City Taxis, Jeepneys & Other Transportation

The price of gasoline can vary widely in Davao, but is generally around $5.40 per gallon. However, PUV’s or public utility vehicles are the cheapest way to get around the city, with jeeps costing a minimum of Php 8 per ride and Php 7 for tricycles which ply smaller roads.

A trisikad, or bike with a carriage, is an alternative to the trike and costs Php 7 at minimum, but it can be slightly more expensive because it is powered not by a motor but by a driver’s pedalling. Taxis start at Php 45, while a motorcycle taxi called habal-habal will cost about a third the cost of an entire taxi fare.

People’s Park, Davao

Enjoying life in the city is enjoyable in itself because there’s a lot of options to choose from, regardless of your budget.

A stroll at the People’s Park, which is free, is great on lazy weekend afternoons or evenings. A movie costs around Php 100-140 pesos, depending on the theater.

Clubs can cost a minimum of Php 500 per person, and videoke bars may or may not charge for songs you want to sing.

There are upscale options as well, such as diving in Samal Island which is very near the city, and fine dining at the city’s top restaurants, many of which are located in five-star hotels.

Davao City Electricity, Water & Other Utilities

A typical electricity bill for a family of three with no air-conditioner is from Php 1,000 – 1,500, while a water bill could be Php 500 or below. Cable TV, Internet and a landline phone all cost well below Php 900 each per month.

If you want to hire a maid in Davao, you can have them start at Php 1,500 monthly. If you’re staying in a boarding house, utilities are usually incorporated into your rent, except for extra appliances you may be using such as a flat iron or TV where you have to add around Php 300 to your rent.

Depending on your preferred standard of living, you can live a comfortable life in Davao without having to strain your budget or feeling like you’re not getting the best of your money’s worth. With careful planning, moving to this city can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

In Davao City, food is not only a pastime but an adventure, especially when you explore the many eat all you can or buffet restaurants around.

What They Serve At Eat All You Can

Eat all you can restaurants can serve either full meals or meryenda, meaning snacks. These restaurants are usually open from 11am to 2pm for meals and 3pm-5pm for meryenda.

Upon entering a buffet restaurant, you will often find a poster that says a plate will be charged twice when there is leftover food, but this is usually not followed.

Meals

A meal’s menu can consist of different types of dishes, from Filipino to Indonesian to German and everything in between. For a Filipino fare, rice is always offered, being a staple food in the country, and paired with about six different viands. Appetizers are also served, such as soups and salads, as well as desserts ranging from kakanin or Filipino delicacies to cheesecakes.

MeryenDAD merienda buffet

Meryenda menus may consist of different types of dishes as well. A Filipino meryenda fare will usually include luglug/palabok which is noodles with shrimp gravy, Filipino-style spaghetti which is sweet, tokwa’t baboy or tofu with sliced pork, onions, pork broth and soy sauce, puto or ricecake and other kakanin. A foreign-inspired snack menu may also be served.

How Much Is Eat All You Can Buffet In Davao?

A buffet restaurant in Davao can be cheap, expensive or anywhere in between. It’s good know that the more expensive places don’t necessarily offer better food, although you will often find more sophisticated and less popular dishes in buffets within the higher price range.

Low Priced Buffet Restaurant In Davao

A low-budget buffet restaurant in Davao is within the range of Php 99-120, and serves common Filipino dishes such as adobo or pork stew, pork barbecue, chicken afritada or chicken cooked in tomato sauce, cheap soups such as sopas or macaroni in milk-based syrup, appetizers such as dilis or anchovy salad and desserts such as fresh fruits, kakanin, etc. Dishes in low-budget buffets are the ones you’ll find in the small eateries called carenderias, but may have larger meat slices (carenderias often serve dishes with smaller meat chunks to keep the costs low.)

Buffet meals in Davao

Medium-range eat all you can restaurants charge from Php 330 to Php 600 per head, and usually offer more expensive dishes such as roast beef, fresh shrimps cooked in garlic butter, lengua estofada or sliced pig tongue in cream sauce, beef salpicao or beef cubes in worcestershire sauce with mushroom, etc.

Appetizers include fresh lettuce with a variety of dressings and cream of mushroom soup, while desserts served are crepes, ice cream, blueberry cheesecake and other more expensive sweets.

Medium-range buffets often serve Filipino dishes with some foreign influence, such as the beef salpicao which is basically Portugese.

High Priced Buffet Restaurant In Davao

The price range at high-end buffet restaurants in Davao starts from Php 700 – 900 per head, to include sumptuous and very expensive dishes that may also be foreign- inspired. However, the variety is usually larger than that which is offered by buffets in the medium price range. These restaurants are popular for serving authentic dishes from other parts of the world. Some days, they may serve purely Indian cuisine, while on other days, they may offer all-German food, from the appetizers to the main courses to the desserts.

Discover Davao’s eat all you can restaurants in more detail when you have time. If you’ve been planning on moving to this beautiful metropolis in Southern Philippines, you’re making a good choice, especially if you love food.

That’s because the city may be the largest in the Philippines in terms of land area, but the center is rather small that you don’t have to travel that far to get from one point to another. Unless you’re going beyond the boundaries (towards Tagum in the north or towards Digos in the South,) trips will be short and cheap.

Taxis

Davao City’s taxi drivers are known for returning exact change when paid a large bill by a passenger. This is in contrast to other Philippine cities where drivers are infamous for their habit of rounding off the final bill to the nearest Php 50’s, or sometimes even to the nearest Php 100’s, (When you ask for change, they’ll give you the “look” and may start cursing.)

Best in Davao photo

All taxis in Davao City are air-conditioned and metered, with a flag-down rate of Php 40, going up by Php 2.50 per 350 meters traveled thereafter. From the airport, you may pay from Php 150-200 to to the city center which is where most hotels and mini-hotels are found.  As mentioned, the city itself is small, so when you stay within this area, you may be paying around Php 150 at most for each trip.

Jeepneys

Mindanao magazine photo

If taxi drivers are known for giving exact change, jeepney drivers may not be enjoying the same reputation. But chances are, this is unintentional as too many passengers are paying from time to time – coming from different spots in the city and heading to different locations can be quite cumbersome to track. If you’re taking a jeepney, make sure you tell the driver exactly where you’re getting off and where you boarded the jeep.  The best way though is to pay as soon as you get on the vehicle to avoid confusion.

Tricycles

Tricycles are what people take to get from residential areas to the highways where the jeeps and taxis are. A ride would usually be for Php 7, but a higher fare may be agreed on for “exclusive trips” that passengers can arrange with the driver, such as going from one subdivision to another without passing main city roads or highways (where trikes are off-limits.)

Trisikads

An alternative to these tricycles are trisikads or improvised trikes. Trisikad which is a colloquial term for a trike on pedals instead of wheels. “Tri” is taken from “tricycle” and “sikad” is a Visayan term for pedalling (although it can also mean “to kick” in another context.) Taking the trisikad is slightly more expensive than the trike because while it is not powered by gasoline, it’s the driver’s physical effort that is being compensated. This means a trike may cost a few pesos cheaper than a trisikad for the same distance traveled.

Davao City is a busy place just like any other, but its traffic situation is still way better than those of Metro Manila and Cebu. When it comes to transportation, it’s cheap all the same for every point within the Philippines.

Tricycle photo Globenotes

Trisikad photo VirtualTourist

- Cheryl Ann