76th Araw ng Dabaw – Schedule of Activities

76th Araw ng Dabaw Schedule

 

February 20 – 4pm Mutya ng Dabaw Talent Showcase
NCCC Mall Activity Center
February 20 – March 16 – 4pm Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw Photo Contest
City Information Office
February 25 – 7am 76th Araw ng Dabaw Opening Program
Quezon Park
February 24 – March 24 Araw ng Dabaw Sportsfest
Different Venues
February 27 – 5pm Mutya ng Dabaw Semi-Finals (Selection of 5 Grand Finalists)
Abreeza Ayala Mall of Davao
March 1 – whole day Mutya ng Dabaw Community Project Activity
Various Baranggays
March 1-16  10am – 9pm Davao: Then and Now Exhibition
SM City Davao Annex
March 1-17  6pm – 2am Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw
Bolton Extension
March 2 – 6pm Mutya ng Dabaw Grand Coronation Night
Davao City Recreation Center
March 10 – 5am Phoenix Araw ng Dabaw Marathon
SM Lanang Premier to SM City Davao Ecoland
March 13 – 6pm Sayaw Pinoy (Elementary & High School Categories)
San Pedro Street (fronting Agila Stage, Rizal Park)
March 14 – 6pm Sayaw Pinoy (Adult Category), Kanta Dabaw & Laban Labandz Finals
San Pedro Street (fronting Agila Stage, Rizal Park)
March 15 – 7am Sayawan sa Da’n Competition
Carousel Route: San Pedro St.-Bolton St.-Bonifacio St. – Pelayo St.
March 15 – 6pm Datu Bago Awards Night
The Royal Mandaya Hotel
March 15 – 7pm Lankuban: Musika sa Dabawenyo Concert
Hudyakaan Stage at Bolton Extension
March 16 – 6am Thanksgiving Mass
San Pedro Cathedral
March 16 – 7am – 12nn Parada Dabawenyo
Roxas Ave. to San Pedro St.
March 16 – 6pm

 

 

 

 

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

 

Pahalipay Concert ni Mayor Sara ug Vice Mayor Rody Duterte, Rizal Park

 

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76th Araw ng Dabaw Kicks Off

Here’s Mayor Zara Duterte Carpio’s  message to all of us as Araw ng Dabaw officially opened yesterday, 25 February 2013.

Zara Duterte

I will share with you the schedule of activities soon.

So come and enjoy our beautiful city as we celebrate our foundation anniversary. The culmination of which is on March 16, 2013. This is normally celebrated with a street parade. 🙂

Happy Araw ng Dabaw!

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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The Sun Is Out…

Woo hoo.. the sun is finally out! 🙂

Gee, several gloomy and rainy days is kinda tiring. Plus I worry over the low places which are prone to floodings. We have relatives and friends who’ve suffered the past months due to flashfloods. So I’m so happy that the sun is done hiding..

I feel blessed. …  A rainbow greeted me when I woke up. 🙂

The view outside our window.

The view outside our window.

Beautiful right? I was amazed to see a second rainbow on top of the other one.. :)

Beautiful right? I was amazed to see a second rainbow on top of the other one.

Blue sky , after several cloudy days..

Blue sky , after several cloudy days..

Since I was already out, I thought I’d take a walk. It is Saturday , after all. Work doesn’t start early today…

My cute neighbors.:) Java Mayas, perched on the grass...

My cute neighbors.:) Java Mayas, perched on the grass…

Misty Yellow Bell, planted beside the subdivision road...

Misty Yellow Bell, planted beside the subdivision road…

I don't know what it's name is. But I found it beautiful..

I don’t know what it’s name is. But I found it beautiful..

Fallen...

Fallen…

These little flowers are planted below the palm trees, in the sidewalk of our subdivision.

These little flowers are planted below the palm trees, in the sidewalk of our subdivision.

Palm Tree fruit, lined up beautiful on the subdivision road...

Palm Tree fruit, lined up beautifully on the subdivision road…

Black and White capture of the pine trees..

Black and White capture of the palm trees..

Another colorful flower in our subdivision road..

Another colorful flower in our subdivision road..

Wood..

Wood..

In our garden..

Full bloom flower of a Money Tree.

Full bloom flower of a Money Tree.

Red gumamela..

Red gumamela..

Pink Anthurium..

Pink Anthurium..

We call this kanding kanding. I got this in our land in Samal Island. They just grow everywhere like grass. hehe

We call this kanding kanding. I got this in our land in Samal Island. They just grow everywhere like grass. hehe

I did not know that mayana blooms? It's supposedly a herbal plant. John like its deep violet leaves.

I did not know that mayana blooms? It’s supposedly a herbal plant. John like its deep violet leaves.

Our lovebirds and cockatiels are happy.. 🙂

We have 9 lovebirds. 2 cockatiels. And 2 java mayas. :)

We have 9 lovebirds. 2 cockatiels. And 2 java mayas. 🙂

Lea C. Walker

http://www.davaoproperties.com

 

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The Yellowstone Dream…

Firehole River Reflections. (Couresy of Yellowstone National Park's facebook page)

Firehole River Reflections. (Couresy of Yellowstone National Park’s facebook page)

Ok, so it’s 3 in the morning, Philippine time. 🙂 I am half awake but couldn’t go back to sleep. Looking at the window, it’s raining and dark.. According to the weather website, Davao is on typhoon signal no. 1. Gee, what is happening with the world. We do not have typhoons in Davao! And now, we are on signal no. 1. Crazy huh? Al Gore didn’t lie when he and his group talked about climate change. If that’s not real, then how do you explain what is going on in Mindanao and the tragedies that struck,  brought about by typhoon Bopha.

Enough about the weather.. I don’t want to start my day on a serious note. But I want to pray for all of us living here on earth, to be protected from all calamities. That I can do..

And dream.

For an hour or so, I have been reading a lot about Montana. I’ve been studying/ dissecting/ googling (whatever term that applies..lol) about the places on the way to Yellowstone National Park.

There.. I’ve said it. 🙂 So help me God. I’ve been praying for awhile now for God to grant me this wish. And while waiting for his approval, in his right time, I am preparing and gathering all the data I can get. You know, like a girl scout should. 🙂

So why Yellowstone National Park?

For one, we do not have much geysers in our country. I’ve seen a few at Mambucal Mountain Resort in Bacolod years ago. But well, I long to see Old Faithful which can go as high as 200 ft. Amazing right?

The Old Faithful Geyser.

The Old Faithful Geyser. It is called such because it  erupts faithfully every 90mins or so.. I told you, I am doing my homework. lol (Photo courtesy of Frances Hunter).  

Or the rainbow colored Grand Prismatic Spring. Unbelievable huh? 🙂 But there you go, if there is no God , then explain to me who made all those possible.

The vivid colors in the spring are the result of pigmented bacteria in the microbial mats that grow around the edges of the mineral-rich water.

The vivid colors in the spring are the result of pigmented bacteria in the microbial mats that grow around the edges of the mineral-rich water. – Wikipedia

Wouldn’t you fall inlove with this?

Courtesy of YNP's facebook page.

Courtesy of YNP’s facebook page.

Awesome, I know.. But Yellowstone doesn’t end with that. There are the animals. The bisons, the elks, the grizzly bears and cubs, wolves , coyotes and the likes, the bighorn sheep, mountain lions, deers, moose and a lot of others.

I wonder what this fox was thinking... by: Yellowstone National Park's facebook page.

I wonder what this fox was thinking…
by: Yellowstone National Park’s facebook page.

I may not see all those things when I go there, (notice the word “when”. That’s how you blackmail God.. haha . ), but I will take whatever I can get. Ya’ know, with my camera..

Just writing about this made me happy. Maybe I can go back to sleep now… 🙂

Good morning guys and have a beautiful week ahead of you!

Lea C. Walker

http://www.davaoproperties.com

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My Not So Ordinary Valentine…

ValentinesMine came early, as John surprised me with roses on February 13. His words – if I do it tomorrow, you won’t be surprised anymore. Which is true because I would be expecting it. LOL… All wives do right? 🙂

As February 14 came, we had to work. But I didn’t mind.  We are going to Samal Island, after all. 🙂 The scorching heat of the sun didn’t bother me because I was looking forward to cooling off at Hagimit Falls. Ha!  It’s a classic case of business with pleasure trip.. With friends Bob and Beth.

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Yes, we are selling this beautiful piece of property. It has a fantastic view of  Davao Gulf with Talicud Island as the backdrop.   (For more details: please visit Allea Real Estate page in Facebook. )

After showing off our land for sale in Samal, we proceeded to Hagimit Falls as planned. After paying the P40 per head entrance fee, off we went to the 100 something steps down the water falls.

Like a child, I ran towards my favorite spot. It was a shallow area where I can wade my feet. 036

          Thanks to John for this picture. 🙂 I told you, I was so excited! ha ha

Valentines

My funny valentine. ha ha  – John being his funny self.

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I wonder how many people have taken a rest on this old bench while listening to the soothing sound of the waterfalls…

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Kung Hei Fat Choi

Chinese New Year

Nope, I am not Chinese. 🙂  But well, the chinese tradition is deeply engraved in our culture. So the chinese new year is kinda a big thing in our country.

A few days ago when we were buying groceries, I made sure to include Tikoy in our cart. Actually, I bought 3 boxes. And gave mama and my sister each. It’s supposed to be good luck if it’s given to you. So I hope they get good luck this year. 🙂

Tikoy is made of rice flour and is very important during Chinese New Year. It is believed that during the new year, the Kitchen God will inspect your dining table, goes back to heaven and report. With the “tikoy” being sticky, it will stick to his mouth and prevent him from saying bad things. Therefore, bringing good luck to the family.

Another story I heard was that it’s supposed to make your family stick like glue. 🙂

Whatever it represents, I like the taste of it. So that’s why we have tikoy during chinese new year. 🙂

Years ago, when John and I were still newly married, he laughed when I explained to him what the tikoy is for. LOL.. But well, he has accepted my craziness over the years, so he understands it better now. he he..

Chinese New Year

I just slice it into little squares. And then, as instructed above, dip in the egg before frying it.

So this is how it looks like after frying:

Chinese New Year tikoy

John eats it with fresh milk. I think that’s gross.. lol  But he likes it. While I prefer sprite with it.

So as the chinese year starts, let’s pray for a wonderful and blessed future. 🙂 May it be in our business and family lives.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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Shiloh National Military Park

Shiloh National Park

I had the chance to visit this park last year. I was so amazed how clean and well-maintained it was, considering the land area. It was perfect for walking or biking. But well, we drove in mommy’s car. he he

The visit started with a short movie showing the Battle of Shiloh. I got teary eyed after viewing such. The death of 24,000 people , (young and old alike), was really sad. 😦

I’m just glad that their memories were preserved through the works the government has done in the park to honor them.

Shiloh National Park

Shiloh National Park

Shiloh National Park

Who would have thought that centuries ago, this place was a battlefield? If not for the cemetery and the other mounds I’ve seen, I would think that this is just another beautiful park in America.

As we drove towards the rest of the park,  sights like these can be found everywhere.

Shiloh National Park

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Since I was there during autumn, everything just seemed really gorgeous to me…

Shiloh National Park

For a free park, check how beautiful that is! 🙂

Shiloh National Park

Shiloh National Park

This pool of water is called the “Bloody Pond” since the soldiers came here to drink and bathe their wounds. According to the brochure, both men and horses died in this pond. Hence, their blood staining its waters…

We stayed here for a long time. Mommy and John were talking. While I just sat and played with my camera.

Shiloh National Park

A few feet away from us, I saw this little guy.. He looked cute right? I had to walk slowly because this squirrel didn’t like me following him around. lol

Shiloh National Park

Shiloh National Park

We don’t have squirrels in the Philippines, so this was my first time to see one. I heard John laughed as I continue to stalk him. ha ha… I wish I had a better zoom lens though.

As we went out of the park, I saw another animals which made my day. 🙂

Shiloh National Park

A group of deer. 🙂 Amazing right? They’re just walking freely in the woods.. How great is that!

You know, it’s been 3 months since I got back in Davao. But when I look  at the photos I took when we were in the US, I would remember how happy our visit was. I miss going to the woods and seeing cute animals.. 🙂

Yeah, I know.. I’m not your normal city girl. 🙂 I long for a quiet time in the wilderness rather than shopping in the malls.

For those who plan on going to Tennessee, you will find more details of Shiloh National Park here – www.nps.gov/shil/index.htm

 

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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Street Photography

Model :  Ms. Ruby Bernardo Photographer: Ms. Jojie Alcantara

Model : Ms. Ruby Bernardo
Photographer: Ms. Jojie Alcantara

I learned about Ms. Jojie Alcantara through a friend of mine. Beng, as fondly called by friends, is very beautiful. But with Ms. Jojie’s talent and skills, she looked like an ethereal goddess.

So since then, I’ve been “stalking” on her works.. ha ha.

Through her blog, I found out that she will be giving a one day street photography workshop. So of course, I enrolled. Delegated my work to my assistant and made sure that I arrived at the venue on time.

When I finally met her, I was so amazed how down to earth she was. I mean you know, her photos have been published in several national and international magazines. One would think that she may have an attitude or something.  But she showed up wearing shorts and shirt. Looking very cool and casual. I guess, that’s her way of making us, her students, feel comfortable around her. 🙂

And so the lessons started. I am not going to bore you with that, unless you force me. LOL

Seriously though, I learned a lot of technicalities in photography, which I hope would help me when I take photos in the future.

After teaching us some techniques, we were allowed to roam the streets of Davao to implement what was discussed.

Let me show you some of my works that day. 🙂

This was the first picture I took. According to the owner, this dog is half spanish. I forgot the breed, sorry.

street photography (5)

Oblivious to what’s going on around him, this kid was busy playing with bubbles. This picture was taken infront of San Pedro Church in San Pedro Street.

street photography (3)

Same little boy, playing with the doves. 🙂

street photography (1)

Black and white capture of a normal life in San Pedro Street.  The “manicurista” was probably wondering why this crazy lady (meaning me), was taking picture of her. ha ha

street photography (2)

And my best output of the day is this blind beggar beautifully playing the guitar.

This photo was chosen by Ms. Jojie as the 2nd place winner among the entries submitted by all the participants. I am still in shock until now. 🙂  Being recognized by one of the best photographers in the industry is such a nice feeling.

street photography (4)

Ms. Jojie Alcantara presented her choices at the end of the day.

The 1st prize winner was Mr. Tomas Inigo of Davao Camera Club. His photo showed that of an old woman and a child selling candles outside the church.

street photography 6

Yours truly with Ms. Jojie Alcantara and Mr. Inigo. 🙂

street photography 7

And of course, the workshop will not be complete without the Street Walkers right? 🙂

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Saying that I had fun is an understatement!  The day of street walking was such a blast. 🙂

Thank you Ms. Jojie Alcantara for sharing your knowledge and skills with us.

Thank you also to Chippens for  a delicious buffet lunch. To Aromacology Sensi for the giveaways and for the venue. To ABS-CBN for the giveaways. To 7107 Islands Magazine for the giveaways.  And To Canon for the printer.

For those who wish to learn more about photography , you may contact Ms. Jojie Alcantara through:  jojiealcantara@gmail.com

Or you can follow her blog – http://kodakerdabawenya.com/

Once again, thank you Ms. Jojie for a wonderful day! 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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Davao River Flashflood

Davao River

A month ago, we went to Compostela to give relief goods to the  flood victims. Little did I know that one month later, I will be doing the same again. But this time, to someone close to me.

Davao River, when we were kids – about 30 or so ago,  was called Bankerohan River. We swam there everytime we visited my grandmother. Let me correct that, my cousins swam. While I stood at the shallowest part of the river. he he  Oh, we had so much fun… 🙂 Back then, Bankerohan River was very clean. Playing with my cousins during low tide was one big treat for me.

Now,  it’s a different story… With the place getting crowded and the river being dirty, I cannot see myself touching its waters anymore. 😦

Looking at Google map, Davao River has several tributaries. Most of those come from Bukidnon. But some came from Agusan.  With the forests becoming bald as time went by, it cannot sustain all the rainwater anymore. Hence, the flashflood that happened in Davao City recently.

Like I said, someone close to me was affected.

Let me tell you about Ate Nena. She’s just a few years older than me. But her difficult life is clearly etched on her face. Her husband left her for another woman a long time ago. So she raised their 3 children on her own by buying and selling  of flowers. Her house got flooded before. If she had a choice, I’m sure she would have left Madapo Hills. But she has none. So she stayed.

She told mama and me that they all got surprised when the river swelled up. There wasn’t much rain, you see. They thought, it was just an ordinary rain. So no it will not flood.  Or so they thought. At first, it was just ankle deep. And then a few minutes later, the water were as high as a person’s neck. That’s more or less 4ft deep. And it kept on rising. It’s a good thing that they immediately moved out.  And was already at a shelter when the flashflood reached its heights.

The water finally subsided after 2 days. She went home with her children and of course, it was what she expected. Everything was covered with mud. 😦  She’s been cleaning her house since Tuesday and it’s still dirty she said.

But even if she looked tired, she still had a big smile for us. 🙂  Ate Nena said – “at least, we’re alive”…

I  am writing about this because of  two realizations .  That I should always count my blessings. And that I should never forget to say thank you.

Yes, life is hard. True. And everything does not come in a silver platter. For someone like me who grew up to be really, really poor. I had to work hard for everything that I have now.

Sometimes, life is unfair. Check. But then again, there isn’t much we can do about it. So yeah, get over it. 🙂

But the point is that, in all these things, God provides. Always. And sometimes, more than what we expect for.

I pray that, as the government and non-government units help the flood victims, my co- Davaoenos will fully recover what they have lost.

Mabuhay ka , Dabaw…

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Elvis Presley Museum

Graceland in Memphis

Elvis Presley was before my time. 🙂 But I grew up listening to his songs. With mama and papa, being avid listeners to his music, it was hard not to. Infact we still have his vinyl records until now. Those are older than me!

That’s why I was so excited when we had a family outing in Graceland (Elvis’ mansion) in Memphis Tennessee. Thanks to Jane for driving us all the way from Corinth, Mississippi. My sister inlaw rocks. 🙂

I don’t know how we missed Highway 51 but we did. I guess we were busy chatting so we had to go back until we found the sign above. So finally, Graceland – here I come.  Yay!!!

Elvis Presley Museum

You know, I’m just a small town girl from Davao Oriental. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be able to visit the US. Let alone, wander at Elvis Presley’s house. I found that really cool. So if you see me smiling like a dork in the pictures, just bear with me please. ha ha…

Graceland, the mansion of Elvis Presley.

Graceland, the mansion of Elvis Presley.

We were greeted by their staff at the door. This is when they tell you to turn off the flash. And some other rules. That’s part of the preservation process. So we gladly followed the instructions.

Elvis Presley's bedroom.

Elvis Presley’s bedroom.

The Entertainment Area.

The Entertainment Area.

This part of the house had a glass ceiling and glass wall in it. So you will see your reflection everywhere.  A little creepy, huh? lol  Unless you love seeing yourself always?

The Billiard Room.

The Billiard Room.

I had a hard time taking pictures then because the place was packed with tourists. Compared to most, I get covered easily because I’m way shorter than the other visitors. he he. So I had to duck and say “excuse me” all the time.

The Trophy Hall.

The Trophy Hall.

After viewing the mansion, we proceeded to the Trophy Bldg. Yes, this is a huge one. And it’s filled of Elvis trophies and other awards. I felt bad that he died so young. It was such a waste of talent right? 😦

Elvis Presley Museum

Did I tell you that mommy loves Elvis too? 🙂 Yes, she’s having a moment with Elvis here.. I’m glad I took this picture of her because she looked happy. She’s such a nice person , she deserves it.

More awards…

Elvis Presley Museum

And more…

Elvis Presley Museum

I remember, we were in this room when I saw the man in a wheelchair. He stayed there for a long time and just watch the concert on tv.  Maybe it was his dream to see Graceland too…

Elvis Presley Museum

Outside the trophy building, you will see the Graceland stable. This one caught my attention. Nice horse right? 🙂

Elvis Presley Museum

From here, we walked towards the meditation garden. This is where the Presley’s were buried.

Elvis Presley Museum

Elvis Presley Museum

From the mansion, we boarded the bus again going to the rest of the museum. Yes, it’s such a big place so they provide buses during the tour. 🙂

Elvis Presley Museum

The famous Pink Cadillac. :)

The famous Pink Cadillac. 🙂

Elvis Presley Museum

Highway 51 is the address of Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. 🙂 It is also known as Elvis Presley Boulevard.

From the auto museum, we went to where his planes were parked.

Yours truly with the Lisa Marie...

Yours truly with the Lisa Marie…

It’s amazing that after all these years, they were able to preserve the plane and its interiors.

Elvis Presley Museum

In remembrance to Elvis Presley, I would like to say that I was glad I got to see his museum. Somehow, it showed a little of the person he was. Seeing all the awards he got, I’d say that he had an amazing journey. I hope that he’s happy wherever he is now.

Elvis Presley Museum is located in:

Highway 51, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.A

Website : http://www.elvis.com/

You will find from their website the tour packages they offer on a daily basis. 🙂

And don’t worry, they have memorabilias for sale too! There’s a lot of shops inside the museum that sell souvenirs.

Graceland and Me... :)

Graceland and Me… 🙂

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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