MARCO Polo Davao invited travel writers from different publications in Manila to promote Davao City as an adventure and leisure destination.
Apart from giving them a luxurious and relaxing stay in the hotel, they were shown around for three days for a sneak preview of what Davao can amazingly offer.
My buddy, Ian Garcia and I were invited to come along as representatives of M Magazine, while I documented the activities with hotel PR Meg Sta. Ines and Patty Basa, and my assistant Ronald Amonoy.
Day 1 itinerary included a short introduction from the new general manager Nigel Fisher and a short AVP presentation of "Make It Davao Now" (which I created for Data).
A sumptuous dinner followed at the Polo Bistro, after which we invaded two of the newest bars in town, Fat Bobby's and Metro Lounge.
The coolest in our group was GM Nigel who gamely belted out Beatles' "Saw Her Standing There" with the young Baby Boomers band onstage at Fat Bobby's full crowd.
Day 2 was a trip to Eden Nature Park with some of them braving a thrill zip ride at Skyrider. A visit to our Philippine eagle came next, plus getting a little too close for comfort with the reptiles.
The group dropped by the newly installed Deca Wakeboard Park, as Brazilian models Fabio Ide and Daniel Kenji Matsunaga (the Solmux guy) of Mercator Models had a romp on the water till sunset.
Marco Polo then treated the guests to another gourmet dinner experience and a relaxing rub in Lazuli Spa. Last stop for the night was a round of drinks at the Eagles Bar.
A Davao tour isn't complete without the Samal Island hopping. Lunch and relaxation at Chemas by the Sea on a beautiful day was invigorating as Fabio and Daniel playfully posed for me with wacky somersaults.
Jake of PDI and Daniel won hands down as having the most number of pearl necklaces bought from the Badjao vendors.
Last stops before they boarded the plane were Pearl Farm Marina, Chimes, Blugre Coffee (to try the durian coffee), and more shopping at Aldevinco.
Ian and I have gained new acquaintances with the friendly guests: Jerry Donato of Philippine Star, Jake Ramirez of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jacky Oiga of Manila Bulletin, Mira Gloria of Business World Highlife, Jose Erece of Yes and Cosmo Magazine, Walden Belen of Manila Bulletin, Joyce Ramirez of Philippine Daily Inquirer, and Jonas Gaffud of Mercator Models, the manager of both Kenji and Fabio, these polite gentle hunks who sweetly call me Ate.
Write to jojiealcantara@gmail.com or visit her website www.witerary.com