Primarily an agricultural area, Davao boasts of almost all kinds of tropical fruits, among them the durian, citrus, mangoosten, banana and pineapple that are among the country's leading export commodities. Also one of its growing industries is the cutflower production. With 985,274 dozens annual volume of production, the city is able to supply 60% of the total demand in the Philippines, with exports showing considerable growth annually. The healthy business climate and the rich pool of skilled workers have also attracted a steady flow of investments through the years.

Davao offers visitors with attractions that are uniquely its own. The city is home of the majestic monkey-eating Philippine Eagle, the world's largest eagle; Mt. Apo, the country's highest peak; and the waling-waling, a rare orchid of exceptional beauty. The most popular festival in Davao City is the Kadayawan Festival celebrated in August. The celebration showcases the vibrant and colorful traditions of its indigenous tribes expressed in song, dance, and crafts. And there's definitely more. Davao is also known for its
exquisite beaches and world-class resorts where one can bask in the sun and enjoy the fine sand and clear waters. Visitors can also enjoy quite a handful of activities like scuba diving, golf, trekking, cultural immersion, and even shopping.

by Dennis Reyes

Mt. Apo, tallest peak in the country at 10,311 feet above sea level the mightiest upward surge of along mountain range extending from North Cotabato, Davao del Sur and Davao City to Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao. Mt. Apo straddles a long mountain range delineating the boundaries of the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato and Davao City. The volcanic peak Apo meaning grandfather of all Philippine mountains dominates a vast area of 72,769 hectares where natural wonders lure outdoor enthusiasts to trek through this tribal god's domain and conquer this towering peak and sea an exotic display of nature at its best in its virgin state a steaming blue lake in a picturesque setting, geysers and sulphur pillars, rainwater lakes, the swift flowing Marbel, Sibulan and Baruring Rivers, waterfalls

cascading with a thunderous roar from a deep gorge for a total drop of almost 300 feet. Several miniature falls in lake like spray give touches of silvery beauty to the verdant surroundings.

Mt. Apo straddles a long mountain range delineating the boundaries of the provinces of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato and Davao City. The volcanic peak Apo meaning grandfather of all Philippine mountains dominates a vast area of 72,769 hectares where natural wonders lure outdoor enthusiasts to trek through this tribal god's domain and conquer this towering peak and sea an exotic display of nature at its best in its virgin state a steaming blue lake in a picturesque setting, geysers and sulphur pillars, rainwater lakes, the swift flowing Marbel, Sibulan and Baruring Rivers, waterfalls cascading with a thunderous roar from a deep gorge for a total drop of almost 300 feet. Several miniature falls in lake like spray give touches of silvery beauty to the verdant surroundings.

Climbing Mount Apo takes four days. There are many trails so climbers often ascend and descend through different routes to see more of the place. Before climbing, contact the Department of Tourism Office in Davao (Magsaysay Park Complex, Tel. (82) 221-0070/221-6955) or the Mt. Apo Climbers Association of Davao City where tents, camping, gear, provisions and guides are available. The Davao Tourism Office also organizes Holy Week climbs called "Conquer Mt. Apo" and semestral break ascents in October called "Octotrek" where large numbers of climbers join in.

Eden Nature Park is Paradise rebuilt No man has seen the original Eden except Adam & Eve. Yet, there is such a wonderful place in Davao City called Eden Nature Park nestled 3,000 feet above sea level which many believed provides visitors somehow a glimpse of that glorious place. So far, no one has refuted or opposed this popular perception and I guess no one would waste a single minute doing so. Eden nature Park is 95% human made. End of discussion. Yet, Eden Nature Park shall continue to usher new beginnings for every enthralled visitor. It is paradise rebuilt. Calmly refreshing. And serenely captivating. It is a manifestation of how man is able to follow the Great Creator’s example by rebuilding on what was once broken down to nothingness. Eden used to be a deforested area covered with nothing but wild grass. Yet, its potential as a mountain-resort was enormous given the spectacular view it provides and the cool breeze that surely enlivens tired tropical souls.

Eden Nature Park today is a wide 80 hectare- expanse of nature’s wonders and attractions with over 100,000 fully-grown pine tress spread all over to provide canopies for other trees and plants, mostly fruit-bearing to grow, flourish and serve as secondary forest.

It has numerous attractions, amenities, and facilities that are awe-inspiring such as the manicured grass-covered amphitheatre, a flower garden where flowers grow in abandon colorfully, a prayer garden, an organic vegetable garden, tree nursery, hiking trails, a
vista kiosk playground that features the ever popular “Indiana Jones” ride, a deer park, the Birdwalk aviary, the firefly sanctuary, a soccer field, the Plaza Maria, jogging lane, swimming pool, campsites, log cabins, seminar halls, cafeteria, mountain pond, and many more.

The accommodation facilities are unique and diverse from campsites, log cabins, pine lodge, vista cottage, to ethnic inspired rooms that provide the usual standard hotel facilities and amenities.

I have one advice though for first timers- never try to explore the expanse of the park without the aid of a guided shuttle tour as you can’t cover the entire park through walking in a day.(by Ivan C. Cortez / DCIPC)

Sales and Reservations Office is located at

Eden Nature Park Mountain Resort, Inc.
Sales and Marketing Office
Matina Town Square
McArthur Highway, Matina
Davao City, Philippines
url: www.edennaturepark.com.ph/

Contact Numbers
Tel: +63 82 299-1020 / +63 82 296-0791
Fax: +63 82 299-0313
Cell #: +639189307590
Email: info@edennaturepark.com.ph

Malagos, Calinan, Davao City Tel. No. 2213021 info@philippineeagle.org & phileagl@pldtdsl.net Once known as the monkey-eating eagle; it is endemic(found only) to the eastern portion of the Philippine comprising the Sierra Madre mountains in Eastern Luzon and the heavily forested area of Mindanao. The largest eagle, standing to about three and a half feet (3 1/2) may be recognized by its powerful bill, strong legs and claws. The general body color is grayish brown in the back and wings, whitish front neck and belly with shafts of gray brown streaked feathers on the head, which when erect forms a crest. The prey mostly on monkeys, but lately they have been observed

feeding on flying lemurs (caguang), wild cats (musang), and flying squirrels (tapilac) in Mindanao. Usually the male does the hunting, sharing his catch with the female and the young, especially during the breeding time.

The life of the eagle has been closely watched resulting in the following findings: pairs occupy a wide territory in lowland and medium elevation forest. Hunting flights extend to the cleared areas as well. At breeding time, they usually indulge in high searing flights and are said to mate in mid-air. The nest is a crude platform of branches and twigs, set in the tallest tree. Only one white egg is laid which hatches in about two months.

The very size of the monkey eating eagle with its majestic stance makes it a very desirable target as a trophy. Also because of its uniqueness, there is a demand for its in major zoos of the world.

The Davao Wildwater Adventure, Inc. is here to promote water sports particularly whitewater rafting with the Davao River as its playground. We aim to promote Eco tourism, to bring people closer to nature, to the river. We aim to create awareness most specially about our river. We aim to lead in the practice of safety in water sports. We aim to serve people in providing them an opportunity to experience the magnificent ride into the mighty Davao River. We all envisioned that our City, our Country would become one of the prime destination of tourists and investors through this humble company of ours. Thus opening opportunities for everybody. We strive improve our services, in terms of professionalism, safety, and great outdoor experiences. In riding with us, we thank you. For in one way or another you have become one of us in our dreams and our

experiences. You make life a little better if not best. We’ll see you downstream… Happy paddling!

Crocodile Park Compound, Riverfront Corporate City,
Diversion Highway, Ma-a, Davao City, Philippines 8000
(+6382) 221 7823 & (+6382) 286 1055
(atoy +63920 954 6898, +63922 856 9790)
(poloy +63920 954 6897)
or email us at davaowildwater@yahoo.com
www.waterrafting.psdgroupph.com