Mindanao has been checked off my bucket list!
On March 12, 2025, I was fortunate to join the Marketing Enhancement Program of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, an attached agency of the Department of Tourism responsible for marketing and promoting the country as a world-class destination. The program focused on identified and existing Community-Based Tourism (CBT) sites in Davao and Lake Sebu.
Moreover, it aims to promote local attractions, culture, and heritage while empowering communities, small entrepreneurs, and artisans and culture bearers through marketing assistance, content creation, and sustainable tourism. This means that the locals are not just part of the tour—they are the stars of the show.
To bring this initiative to life, TPB gathered tour operators, content creators, and media practitioners to collaborate and enhance the impact of community-based tourism.
It was my first time in Davao City—and in Mindanao as a whole—making the experience even more meaningful. I was deeply grateful for the opportunity and honored to contribute to the promotion of its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant local communities.
Here, I’m sharing the places we visited in the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, all within a limited time.
So if you’re planning a day trip to Davao City soon or looking for a unique itinerary, this might be perfect for you.
Welcome to Day 1 of a five-day tour! Welcome to Davao City! Mabuhay ug madayaw!
Dod’s Ihaw Ihaw
After landing at Davao City Airport and meeting our tour guides, the entire delegation headed to Dod’s Ihaw-Ihaw on Lapu-Lapu Street in Poblacion District for the first order of the day—breakfast.
It was no ordinary breakfast, as the owner, Bing Felix, welcomed us to Filipino favorites like sweet and sour pompano, native chicken tinola, pinakbet, and their specialty, grilled tuna panga. Fresh, smoky, and juicy—just the way it should be.
That morning, as a first-time visitor, I felt that Davao City had put its best foot forward through this restaurant. ‘Yong pa-breakfast nila, parang pang-lunch na,’ I even commented.
I learned later on that this restaurant had gained international recognition. Their passion for food craftsmanship and culinary excellence earned them a spot in the Top 50 World Street Food Masters by the World Street Food Congress in 2017.
Before we left for Kadayawan Tribal Village, I teased one of their food servers, “P’wedeng paki-take out po nito [the grilled tuna panga]. Haha!” That is how good it was.
CHECK OUT some of the delicious dishes served to us for breakfast at Dod’s Ihaw-Ihaw here:
Kadayawan Tribal Village
After enjoying a plentiful breakfast at Dod’s Ihaw-Ihaw, we headed to the Kadayawan Tribal Village, located inside Magsaysay Park.
(Kadayawan originates from the Mandaya word “madayaw,” meaning “good,” “valuable,” or “beautiful.” As a thanksgiving festival of Davao City, it is celebrated every August to honor the city’s rich culture, bountiful harvest, gifts of nature, and the harmonious way of life of its peoples.)
Built in 2017, this village showcases Davao’s diverse heritage and culture, featuring the traditional houses of its 11 Indigenous tribes: Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Matigsalug, Sama, Tausug, and Uvu-Manuvu.
I have seen them countless times in videos and vlogs, especially during the Kadayawan Festival every August when they are given much attention. But seeing them in person is a completely different experience.
I was able to enter some of the houses, engage in conversations with the people, learn about aspects of their colorful cultures, and marvel at how they crafted their products. It is such an open-air museum!
This place is so immersive—it feels like traveling back in time, moving from one community to the next. Two hours simply isn’t enough.
Sadly, we had to leave by noon for lunch without fully exploring all the houses. Bitin!
Nonetheless, I’m grateful to have seen this place personally, had the opportunity to enter some of the Lumad huts, and stepped inside the Torogan of the Maranaos.
I hope to return, especially during the Kadayawan Festival, to see the tribes in their traditional attire and the houses in their full glory.
SEE some of our photos taken at the Kadayawan Tribal Village here:
The Mangroves
The Mangroves gave our group a truly unforgettable lunch experience. I enjoyed pancit, sinabawang isda, and grilled squid in a charming wooden gazebo, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the mangroves and the sea. It was low tide then, and the calm waters made the moment even more relaxing—two thumbs up for the perfect coastal vibe!
Located in Matina Aplaya, Dumalag, along Coastal Road in Davao City, The Mangroves offers a dining experience like no other.
If you’re craving the perfect mix of great food, nature, and serenity, this is definitely the place to be.
TAKE a quick glimpse of our dining table before we enjoyed our lunch!
To get to know more about The Mangroves, check their social media here.
National Museum of the Philippines Davao
“Wow! Ang ganda!” That was my first reaction upon seeing the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) Davao. And why not? Its stunning facade, inspired by Davaoeños’ beloved durian, is truly a sight to behold.
Located within the People’s Park Compound in Poblacion District, this newly built yet already iconic structure opened in December 2024 as the NMP’s 17th regional component museum.
Inside, it boasts an impressive collection of artworks by renowned artists, including Davao-born National Artist Ang Kiukok, National Artist Victorio Edades, and Kublai Millan. Visitors can also explore exhibits featuring native textiles and traditional attire crafted by local weavers, the rich flora and fauna of the Davao Region, and an extensive collection of rocks and minerals that highlight Mindanao’s natural history and geology.
For students, history buffs, and culture advocates, this museum is the perfect place to dive into the soul of Davao and Mindanao—beautifully housed in its durian-inspired edifice. Check it out here:
Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies
Our next stop was Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies, a thriving local business known for its desserts and pasalubong infused with durian and other Davao fruits like mango and mangosteen.
Its journey to success began in 1993 when owner Arnel Raakin transformed his grandmother’s durian recipes into a business. Through hard work, passion, and innovation, it has grown into the beloved brand it is today.
They truly know how to win over customers—both their hearts and taste buds. The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed with a free sample of their durian yema.
My companions tried Apo ni Lola’s durian coffee and durian ice cream, while I went for a durian shake with matcha. It tasted a little unusual at first, but it was so good—I finished it to the last drop!
Located in 28 San Miguel Village, Talomo, this shop is a must-visit for sweet treat lovers and durian enthusiasts. Be sure to add it to your Davao City itinerary.
SEE what’s inside the Apo ni Lola Durian Delicacies store at 28 San Miguel Village, Talomo, Davao City here:
You may check all Apo ni Lola products here.
Poblacion Market Central
Next, we headed to Poblacion Market Central along C. Bangoy Street to shop for more pasalubong. We only had one day in Davao, so we had to go all in!
And true to its reputation, Poblacion Market Central did not disappoint. This vibrant hub effortlessly brings together creativity, heritage, gastronomy, and business, offering a well-curated mix of antique stores, souvenir shops, and unique restaurant concepts. It’s a true treasure trove of local arts, with every corner bursting with Mindanao’s flair.
I’m happy with my haul—souvenir shirts and a few pasalubong items to take home.
HERE are some snaps from my time at Poblacion:
Vistaview Resto
The best way to end the day? A sumptuous dinner at Vistaview Resto.
Perched atop a hill in Brgy. Langub, this spot feels like Davao City’s version of Antipolo or Tagaytay, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city below.
By the time we arrived, it was already dark, and the city lights were glowing, giving us a stunning view.
But the view wasn’t the only star of the show. Vistaview also served mouthwatering Filipino favorites like sinigang and kare-kare, creating the perfect blend of comfort food and mesmerizing scenery.
So imagine this—in just one day, we had breakfast in the heart of the city, lunch by the mangroves, and dinner in a cabana on a hilltop. Day 1 was definitely an adventure!
HERE are some snapshots from our unforgettable dining experience at Vistaview Resto!
GET a glimpse of the breathtaking views and delicious dishes at Vistaview Resto here!
Dusit Thani Residence Davao
Our last stop for the day was Dusit Thani Residence Davao, where we checked in late.
Nestled along Stella Hizon Reyes Drive in Barrio Pampanga, this residence is perfect for both business and leisure travelers, thanks to its proximity to key city attractions like the Davao Museum of History and Ethnography, SM Lanang Premier, Lon Wa Temple, and more.
My room on the sixth floor—a deluxe studio—was spacious, cozy, and exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring.
And the best part? They even set my last name as my WiFi password—a small but thoughtful touch that made me feel right at home.
WATCH my short room tour video here and get a glimpse of what the Dusit Thani Residence Davao deluxe studio looks like!
And that wraps up our jam-packed Day 1! Huge thanks to TPB, our amazing tour guides, drivers, and the entire team for making our adventure in the King City of the South truly unforgettable.
Stay tuned for Day 2 of CBT in Davao del Sur—coming soon on GoodNewsPilipinas.com!
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article launches a new travel and culture series by GoodNewsPilipinas.com Social Media Manager and Staffwriter, Atom Pornel. Atom brings a fresh, firsthand perspective on local destinations, food finds, and cultural experiences that highlight the beauty and pride of the Philippines. Watch out for more of his day-by-day adventures and insider stories from the Philippines and beyond—only here on GoodNewsPilipinas.com!
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