Tagged as the Philippine’s melting pot of diverse cultures, Davao City is a safe haven in Mindanao for those who want to experience modern city life and commune with nature’s offerings. With its contemporary malls and establishments, nearby world class beaches and explorable caves, great restos and foods, superb adventures and lovely people, Davao City is definitely the place to be.

It is South East Asia’s largest city at 2,444 square kilometers with population of 1,725,355 (2005). Foreign magazine ranked this place as the most livable city in the country, and earned a spot among the 20 most livable cities in Asia surpassing Metro Manila and Cebu.

It is home to the Philippine Orchid (waling-waling), the exotic Durian, the country’s highest mountain - Mt. Apo and the Philippine Eagle. You can also visit the Crocodile Park, feel the rapids of Davao River with the White Water rafting Adventure, and defy your fear of height in Davao’s latest attraction - the Zipline (Zip for Life).

Davao, the Premier City of The South, the City in Bloom, the Royal City. Experience it and find your own words that best describe how magical this place is.

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Summer in the Philippines has officially ended, and we are now bracing for monsoons and typhoons quite early this year. But before you keep your backpacks and cancel all your out-of-town trips or travel outside the country, you might want to try the other local destinations that are best experienced during rainy season or go to other places with lesser or absence of rain when it is pouring hard on where you are.

But when exactly is the rainy season? It actually depends on your geographical location.

Rainy Season Activities

Believe me, there are activities best enjoyed during rainy season aside from malling. Among them is white water rafting, one of my favorite things to do. In fact most white water rafting organizers in the Philippines prefer rainy season since the water in the river is high and the rapids are bigger. For adventure lovers (*ehem, like me*), you will appreciate the rapids more during this time. During summer or dry season, most rivers become unraftable thus making it imposible for this type of sport, but river kayaking is still doable. The popular white water rafting sites in the Philippines are in Kalinga, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

Lakwatsero in three popular white water rafting sites in the country:

Cagayan de Oro River Davao River Chico River (Kalinga)

Cagayan de Oro River Davao River Chico River (Kalinga)

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Boracay is indeed a paradise. With fine white sand beaches and blue water as backdraft, the place is haven for those who like sea sports, swimming, sun bathing (if you like a tan), snorkeling and scuba diving not to mention island hopping. It is also a tropical party place with its cozy bars and restaurants. So for a typical tourist, those are the activities waiting for you.

But of course, I enjoy doing things differently. My first time in Boracay, we spent a day in Tibiao, Antique, two hours away from the white beach, for a white water kayaking, and ended up with bruises and swellings all over our body, we enjoyed it nevertheless. We also trekked to a majestic waterfalls and soaked in a hot kawa tub at the end of a day. I tell you, it was more than a sidetrip. The fun and adventure we had in Tibiao is worth all the bruises and body aches which I will not trade for a lazy day of just swimming and lying in the beach or partying in the bars (I am not a party goer anyway).

Things to do in Boracay and Tibiao:

[1] Braid your hair. [2] Soak in a hot kawa tub. [3] Trek to waterfalls.

[4] Kayak in Tibiao River. [5] Watch the sunset. [6] Try aquatic sports.

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Callao Cave is perhaps one of the most popular caves in the Philippines (even more popular than the caves of Sagada) and the best known tourist attraction of the Cagayan Province. It is located in Barangays Parabba and Quibal, in the town of Peñablanca, a thirty minute drive from the provincial capitol Tuguegarao.

Unlike the caves of Sagada, Callao Cave is very easy to explore but requires little test of endurance as you go up the stair with close to 200 steps before witnessing the massive limestone and rock formations inside.

It is made up of seven chambers and various formations: the Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head and Dog’s Head Formations. The Chapel, being featured in many tourism ads and postcards, is the main attraction of the cave (and of the whole Cagayan), it is a chamber turned into a cathedral by the locals. The place draws a dramatic picture as the skylight illuminates the hall through its opening.

While in the area, one must also try a wooden boat ride in Mororan (Minoran) River passing through small rainforest, a bat cave, scenic rocky cliffs and picturesque river banks with crystal clear water ideal for swimming.

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Recently, Lakwatsero invaded TriNoMa’s best restos where bloggers were treated to another round of exclusive food tour sponsored by SPOT.ph and Ayala Malls at TriNoMa.

It was an afternoon of food and fun, of countless stories and experiences. Thanks to SPOT.ph and TriNoMa and of course all the participating restaurants: Bubba Gump, Cafe Breton, Cyma, Cold Rock, Fish & Co., Five Cows, Haiku, Holy Cow, Italiannis, Jack’s Loft, Krispy Kreme, La Maison, Madison Grill, Recipes, Red Box, Ruby Tuesday, Starbucks and TGI Fridays.

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Two hours away from the famous Boracay is a quiet town of Tibiao, a fourth class municipality in the heart of the provice of Antique. With a population of 21,772 in year 2000, this town may not be a popular tourist destination but it has surprisingly something to offer with its unspoiled and panoramic beauty.

See the a seven-tiered waterfalls called Bugtong Bato, feel the rapids of the Tibiao River, soak in the hot kawa tub, commune with the rain forest of Barangay Tigbaboy, swim in the white sand beach of Seco Point and witness its rich marine life.

Tibiao is more than just a Boracay sidetrip, discover this place and experience the uniqueness of the town that is distinctly Tibiao.

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For love of Sagada, Lakwatsero is featuring this place:

Fifteen hundred feet above the sea is a small and tranquil town of Sagada in Mountain Province, 275 Kilometers north of Manila. A remote town with so much to offer to anyone who chooses to experience its distinct appeal. With its temperate weather, wondrous caves and cliffs, lofty rice terraces and waterfalls, luscious foods and delicacies, rich heritage and traditions, Sagada promises everyone an unforgettable and truly remarkable experience with nature and culture.

Sagada also embraces its visitors with the warm hospitality of the locals that complements the beauty of the place. Undoubtedly, the charm of this mountain town is still incomparable to most tourist destinations in the country, making it one of Lakwatsero’s favorite destination and thus calling it home away from home, like most local and foreign tourists do.

Whether you are a laid back traveler or more into adventure, young or old, Lakwatsero of any backgrounds and ages, you definitely have a place here.

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