Christmas 2010 in Davao City!

It's the season to be jolly (fa-la-la-la-la-la!). But when the sun starts to set, Davao City emerged itself as real sane city in the south. It's street lights and latest infra in the heart of the city were mere accessories to it's glamorous beauty in the evening.

Aside from the malls extended hours, delicious and mouthwatering buffets, eye-catching LED lights hanging in our business district, enjoying a lot in the Davao Fiesta bazaars for gifts and then afterward they continue to unwind in the cascading restaurants @ Torres St.

For locals or tourist, spending Christmas in the city is the most peaceful experience you'll ever have due to the firecracker-banned being implemented by the local government. 

But despite of it, nobody could miss visiting the following places which marks as cities favorite itinerary or destinations:

(1) The People's Park in Davao City. This is the only park in Davao City wherein more than 3000 tourist were visiting daily. This year's Christmas attraction is the Christmas Tree which is almost 40ft high and embodied with it's colorful star lanterns. Other attractions, were western decorations like the snowman lantern, the Santa Claus near the atrium and of course the dancing fountain which has it's launching last December 4, 2010.

(2) The Mana Heritage House which is located in Bajada, is another top and most awaited attraction in Davao City during December. This year's theme is all about environmental awareness and they lighted the whole showcase last December 15 and this will be on display until January 2, 2011. This year, Mana used more than 300,000 light bulbs and spend almost 2.5 million pesos for the lights and decorations. Their display will surely make the visitors and by-passers feel the warm greetings of this season.

(3) The Davao City Hall and San Pedro Street. It is certainly the heart of the city. Every December, the main attraction in Davao City Hall is always the hanging colorful lanterns, stars, bulbs and LED droppings in the nearby parks. In addition to that is the small fountains infront of the hall and white bulbs crossing the San Pedro Streets wherein Christmas Fiesta Davao was held.

(4)  Of the course, the parking lot of Victoria Plaza and it's Christmas Tree which has been the one of the most popular landmark of the city during December. And the array of restaurants, dining establishments, entertaining houses in Torres St were the top destinations every evening.

(5) the Matina Town Square (MTS) is also known with comedy bar, Blugre Coffee Shop, and it's Live Band performances. But during Christmas, aside from the booze and dining, this place is attracting the locals and tourist on its Choral Competition and the Bazaar.

(6) who could miss the Jack's Ridge and the Hill Top's Dencio's Grill? With the nice view and delicious food on these restaurants, the over-looking view of the twinkling city is already a bonus.

Christmas is indeed a season for the kids, for the family and for the lovers and SMPs, but these places could make your Christmas experience more colorful.

Photos by Marvin Kent

Christmas Party: A Frappé or Latte?

During Christmas season, aside from the rush in the malls, everyone were also busy attending a left and right Christmas party from it's organization, company, affiliation or even in its circle of friends.

It has been a Filipino way since the world has begun. The truth is, I learned how to celebrate Christmas the Filipino way since my first grade.

How does the companies in the Philippines celebrate a Christmas party?

Creating a working and production committee.

This time I was looking forward for a little whip and fierceful participation from a population of roughkly 3000 associates. A day before December 4, 2010, I'm expecting less on the outcome of the event since I was assigned in the registration booth.

Articulating a perfect theme.

Mardi Gras was the theme and when the clock hits 6PM, we are all glammed and amazed by the fabolous and colorful outfit of the party goers. It turns out to be a costume party but still it ends up great, with a touch of Vegas impersonators.

Great food and overflowing drinks.

With the LED lights, hanging silk fabrics, Christmas tree, and the buffet...then I'm convinced that a celebration. However, the faces were cold like a Frappé as I see it. In addition to the sweetness,  celebrities were invited to host the whole show and a band performance.

No production number. No party!

Ohh! Here's another tradition in every party...a variety show and a contest was anticipated by everyone.  This is like a main course of the meal. This includes the heads or directors showcasing their hidden but fierceful talents and naming the winners.

Partee! Partee!

The show is not complete with the sounds of a perfect band. Thus, we hired one of the countries recent famous band to add spark on the party. But after a few minutes, when the band starts performing people also start leaving the ballroom.

Change the view.

After the food, production and announcing of winners, the party goers were craving for booze (which were not included in the meal package). Thus, the only option for the mob is to change the venue and change the view.

In overall assessment, the party was a success!

Fit No More

I've been flipping and twisting in a cell that's too small
I've been painting in the wall and waiting for someone's call
You've been gripping me in, hurting a big part in my heart
Passion is fading and I don't like watching it all fall apart

Well I can't explain what I've done bad
'Cause I gave it all to you
And if I leave now
Oh just let me go now
It's the better thing to do

It's time to wave my white flag
It's been too long pretending
There's no more space in trying
Being an outcast doesn't fit anymore

I help you grow but my soul don't fit here anymore

Well you torture me painfully so I had to give in
Such a beautiful disaster that's breaking my skin
Well I hide all the scars, I hide all the damage that's done
But I show how I'm feeling until all the feeling has gone

This stuff don't fit here anymore

Oh don't misunderstand how I feel
'Cause I've tried, so many times
But still I don't know why
I made you smile hundred times

But a single mistake seemed so unforgiving
Amidst all odds, I'll be staying
No I don't know why

I don't know why

Still, this fracture don't fit here anymore

Written by : Marvin Kent

Bohol Beach Club, Panglao  08/12/2010