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Business

Davao Tourist Passport now available for locals and visitors

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

DAVAO Tourism Association’s “Davao Tourist Passport” is now accessible for travelers and families offering discounts, promos, and travel guides in Region XI’s top destinations.

The new passport encourages tourists to visit the best hotels, resorts, and traveling spots of what Davao Region has to offer. It also comes with perks, freebies, and Department of Tourism (DOT) related activities.

For Davao City, the Philippine Eagle Center, Davao Crocodile Park, Malagos Garden Resort, Davao Bamboo Sanctuary, and others are featured to welcome new comers as well as the Central 911, Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), and Davao Doctors Hospital for essential services.

During the PEP Talks forum on Nov 28, Marissa Tionko of the Davao Tourism Association, said the passport went viral since its unveiling and has reached 1.8 million viewers as of last week.

Tionko shared that it also serves as a souvenir where owners can collect stamps and enjoy prizes.

Davao Tourist Passport costs P500 and is available at certified establishments or via the official Davao Tourism Association Facebook page.

The passport is valid from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026 that can only be used by one registered holder and is non-transferrable.

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Lifestyle

Dusit Thani kicks off food and wine fest

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THIS Year’s Davao Food and Wine Festival launched “The Kitchen Arena: Chef Battle Competition” featuring four renowned chefs competing in an exciting 60-minute live cooking showdown at Dusit Thani Residence Davao on Nov 29.

Four chefs, accompanied with their sous chefs, faced a culinary challenge that began with a Mystery Ingredient Box and took on dynamic pantry runs to create one appetizer and one entrée.

The participating chefs were Rhea Rizzo of Mrs. Saldo’s, Andrew Malarkey of Wild Siargao, Jeramie Go of Pilgrim Restaurant, and Ferdinand Recaborda of Dusit Davao Hotels.

Each cuisine is judged by three guests panelist: JC Lo, a respected food columnist, Pepper Teehankee, a seasoned travel and food writer, and finally Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, president of Davao Tourism Association, who plays an active role in advancing the region’s dining and tourism landscape.

Rhea Rizzo won the Kitchen Arena Champion title, one of the festival’s most-awaited announcements.

Davao Food and Wine Festival 2025, hosted by Dusit Davao Hotels, also held four different tasting stations prepared by the competing chefs for guests to experience unique tasty delicacies paired with wine and cocktails for a special evening.

In an interview with Carmina del Rosario, chairperson of Davao Food and Wine Festival, she shared that the annual event aims to highlight local ingredients and talents in Davao and bring it to the global stage.

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Business

Davao Tourism Association, hotels launch golf tourism packages

by Gio Tanudtanud
written by Gio Tanudtanud

THE DAVAO Tourism Association, together with Tee to Green Events Management Corp and local hotels, launched the “4D3N Davao Golf Tour Package” to entice enthusiasts and foreign players to experience what the city has to offer.

Key representatives signed a memorandum of agreement for the package at the PEP Talks forum on Sept. 26, which will also impact the revenues of Davao’s hotels and increase the occupancy rate. Collaborating hotels involved are Luxebridge Hotel, Rogen Inn, and Park Inn by Radisson.

The city’s three golf courses are also featured, namely Rancho Palos Verdes, Apo Golf and Country Club, and South Pacific Golf.

“We think that golf tourism should finally have a name in the tourism industry in Davao City, because we are very hospitable and our ability to host tourists, especially the golf courses,” Paul Garcia of Tee to Green Events Management Corp said.

Garcia highlighted that it aims to bring more visitors outside the Philippines to come to Davao to play golf since it is popular for golfers to go to other countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, or Singapore.

He added that the city’s golfing scene has boomed and has become more accessible, where golf driving ranges are crowded almost every night, and 16-18-year-old golfers have also taken an interest in the competitive sport. In the Philippines, golf tournaments happen every week, while in Davao, they happen nearly every other week.

“I believe that with these new packages, this will open new doors to more opportunities, also for our tourism products and circuits,” Department of Tourism XI regional director Tanya Rabat-Tan said.

The package includes four days and three nights, along with daily breakfast, transfers to the airport and golf courses, and many more. Rates per person at the Luxebridge Hotel start at P23,378, Rogen Inn at P22,978, and Park Inn by Radisson at P29,488.

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Business

DATA, JCI Davao launch “Kaon Ta Bai” Discount Card for Kadayawan 2025

by Admin
written by Admin

BY JOEL SOLATORIO/DSSC Intern

THE DAVAO Tourism Association (DATA), in partnership with JCI Davao, launched “Kaon Ta Bai” Eat Local Food Discount Card—an initiative aimed at boosting Davao City’s vibrant culinary scene while supporting local businesses—in time for the Kadayawan Festival next month.

Speaking at the recent PEP Talks on July 25, representatives from DATA and JCI Davao expressed their enthusiasm for the campaign, which will run throughout the entire month of August 2025.

“We’re very excited to announce the upcoming project of the Davao Tourism Association and JCI Davao, in time for the biggest festival, the Kadayawan Festival. This August, we’ll be launching the Kaon Ta Bai food discount card,” said Marissa Tionko, membership chair, DATA.

“We want to promote a culture where people dine out more frequently—not just on weekends. A thriving city means an active dining scene,” she said. “When people eat out, they support not only restaurants but also waitstaff, suppliers, and the local economy.”

The initiative offers a discount card worth ₱350, which grants users 10% off their total bill (up to a maximum discount of ₱3,000) at any of the 45 partner restaurants across Davao City for the entire month of August 2025.

Bairrada Churrasqueira chef Jeramie Go said, “We’re excited to join Kaon Ta Bai and introduce new flavors to the city. At Bairrada, we’re highlighting dishes like piri-piri chicken, pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and more,” he said. “It’s a great chance for locals and visitors to explore Davao’s evolving food scene.”

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News

Private sector backs Kadayawan 2025 with tours, food discounts, and promos

by Contributor
written by Contributor

by Aravella A. Quimbo, DSSC Intern

DAVAO CITY — Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, the president of Davao Tourism Association, representing the Davao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., and the private sector expressed her full support for the upcoming Kadayawan Festival 2025, the city’s grandest celebration, happening this August in Davao City.

Ledesma said that they are supporting the festival through a series of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism, showcasing local culture, and stimulating economic activity in the city.

As early as the start of 2025, the tourism industry began preparing for the Kadayawan Festival, recognizing its huge draw for local and international visitors.

“The tourism industry has really been prepared for Kadayawan, even at the very start of the year, because we all know this is really the biggest festival. Our operations are now in full swing. Hotels have started releasing their various promos to attract tourist to attend the festival. The travel and tourism sector has also developed new tourism products or tours that we can offer to our guests,” she said.

In anticipation of the tourist influx, hotels will launched a special promos, while the travel and tourism sector has introduced new cultural experiences to enrich visitor or even local’s engagement.

Ledesma highlighted the two major additions to this year’s tourism offerings for kadayawan festival: the Palengke Tour or Market Tour which highlights the abundance of fresh produce, fruits, and traditional food in Davao City. And the Chocolate, Coffee and Cacao Tour a flavorful journey through Davao’s award-winning cacao and coffee farms, showcasing the locally produced chocolates and coffee beans recognized both locally and internationally.

To support these efforts, local restaurants are also preparing food deals and discount programs to encourage both tourists and locals to dine out.

One key initiative is the “Kaontabay” Food Discount Card, spearheaded by the Davao Tourism Association and with the JCI Partnerships, which grants discounts at 40 homegrown partner restaurants in Davao City for the entire month of August 2025.

Aside from promoting economic activity, Ledesma emphasized that Kadayawan is a celebration of Davao’s cultural identity, through the representation of its 11 tribes.

Moreover, discounts, promos, and event schedules will be accessible through the websites and social media pages of each partner restaurant such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok. In addition, there will be a Food Bazaar located at the back of Rizal Bolton St. extension.

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News

Millions at stake 

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas
  • Davao City ready for Kadayawan Festival 2025

THE KADAYAWAN Festival 2025 preparations are in full swing as it is set to open on Aug. 8, with P3.3 million waiting for the grand winners of the culminating categories—the street dancing and floral float parade on Aug. 17.

“For the preparations of Kadayawan, everything is in full swing as we are nearing the event,” City Tourism Operations Office acting head Atty Jonah Margarette Presto said during the media launch on Thursday.

For Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan or the street-dancing competition, contingents for the open category and Davao City schools category each will win P1 million with a plaque, and 150 medals up for grabs. The second placer will receive P500,000; third place (P400,000); fourth place (P300,000); fifth place (P200,000), and 10 consolation prizes of P50,000 each.

The winners of special awards–Best in Music, Best Choreographer, and Best in Artistic Design–will receive P50,000 for each.

For Pamulak sa Kadayawan or the float competition, P500,000 is up for grabs for the grand winner for the small category. This is followed by P400,000 for second prize; P300,000 for third prize, with trophies and four consolation prizes of P75,000 each.

Meanwhile, for the big category, the grand winner will bring home P800,000; second place (P600,000); third place (P400,000), all with trophies and four consolation prizes of P100,000 each.

The budget for this year’s edition amounted to about P60 million from the local government and P14 million from the private sector for both x-deal and in cash.

Nicole Hao Bian Ledesma, Davao Tourism Association president, said the amount is subject to increase as the private sector is still negotiating with entities for more sponsorships.

In terms of renovation of the cultural houses in the Magsaysay Park, which is one of the highlights, the city government earmarked P3.5 million, including the rehabilitation of the facilities to accommodate the tourists.

The Agung ug Kulintangan is back to the usual highlight events: Hiyas sa Kadayawan- search showcasing the beauty of the 11 tribes, Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan; Pamulak sa Kadayawan; and Dula sa Kadayawan. Agung ug Kulintangan was removed from the official list in 2024.

“We added the Agung ug Kulintangan to showcase the musical highlights of each culture of the 11 tribes,” Presto said.

Oscar Casaysay, Davao City Culture and the Arts in charge, said this year’s Kadayawan will focus not only on the 11 indigenous and Moro tribes but the culture and arts sector.

“This year we are bringing back to showcase the past winners, and they are going to have a back-to-back event on the Indigenous Peoples Day and Agung ug Kulintangan sa gabii,” Casaysay said.

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