Tuesday, January 23, 2007 A retirement haven By Nelson C. Bagaforo
A JAPANESE businessman, whose family owns a hospital in the "Land of the Rising Sun," spent the holidays with his Dabawenya wife in Davao City in December. It was a 20-day vacation, coupled with a visit to Davao Region's top tourist destinations.
But what could be a boost to the city's economy, especially to its tourism industry, is the impression that the city is indeed a retirement haven, for tourists, as real estate developers continue to offer residential communities, equipped with modern facilities that give comfort and healthy lifestyle among its homeowners.
This is actually the reason enough for Hajime Kondo to consider retirement in the city. He was so impressed with Las Terrazas that he decided to own a property in that world-class ridge development that caters to high-end market.
Amused by its setting, Las Terrazas is located on top of the hills where homeowners can view the entire Davao City and Samal island, Kondo instructed his Dabawenya wife, Amy, before he left on January 10 to process necessary documents needed to purchase a property in the subdivision.
"He's decided to retire here (in Davao City). He has been to other places in the Philippines, but he likes it here. Dabawenyos, he said, are more hospitable and friendly," Amy said.
Other than that, Amy said her husband was so impressed with Samal's beautiful beaches and mountain resorts.
It was indeed a grand vacation for the couple who had visited the Pearl Farm Beach Resort and other beach resorts in the Island Garden City of Samal, the Eden Nature Park in Bayabas, Toril in Davao City where they had the chance to tour the sprawling mountain resort.
They had also gone to Seagull in Salumay, at the boundary of Davao City and Bukidnon.
