Kadayawan sa Dabaw 2012

Posted on August 18, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Woo hoo!

Indak Indak sa Dalan (street dancing ) parade was done yesterday, in celebration of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival.

As usual, I was there with my family to witness it! 🙂

But first, let me commend the Local Government of Davao City for a very successful event. It was a peaceful and joyous parade. Locals and visitors alike,  were so excited as we all took pictures of what’s going on around us.

Congratulations Davao City! 🙂

Here are some of the shots I took!

Kadayawan sa Dabaw is a thanksgiving festival for all the bountiful harvest during the year. It is done every August of each year. The culmination of which is on the 3rd week of August celebrated with a Street Dancing Parade and Floral Float Parade.

Mabuhay ang Dabaw! 🙂

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Riley Simon – Grilled Burger and Ribs

Posted on August 17, 2012 by leawalkerblog

John and I always see this place when we go to downtown Davao. But since we’re working, it’s difficult to stop and check it out.

Last night, we had the chance to stop and try their specialties – Grilled Burger and Ribs. 🙂

The place was small but it was 80% full.  Not bad on an early Friday night. So I thought, food must be good…

Ten minutes later, our food was delivered to our table. Service is fast. And when you’re hungry, that means a lot. hehe

I was stunned when I saw the burger. It was huge! Almost double than the burgers you usually order at any burger places in Davao. And it tasted better than most.

RS Burger is big! hehe..

The ribs is tender and also good. One serving is also big.

My nephew matt with his grilled ribs. At Riley Simon. 🙂

John and I, attacking our food.

lol

 

Ohh..this tastes good! Choco fudge with vanilla icecream.

If you like dessert, you should try their Choco Fudge with Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s really good but will mess with your diet. LOL

RS Grilled Burger and Ribs is located in Mabini St., Marfori Subdivision, Davao City.

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

 

Posted in Davao, davao city, restaurants in davao | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pygmy Forest of Mt. Haguimitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary

Posted on August 13, 2012 by leawalkerblog

I’ve read about this place for about a year now. I went to school in San Isidro , Davao Oriental but I never even knew about this forest.

Unlike any other forests, Mt. Haguimitan Wildlife Range  has bonsai trees aging at least 100 years old. It has a total land area of 6,834 hectares that is found to possess high and varied ecosystem with many endangered, endemic and rare species of flora and fauna.

I am so glad to note that the Local Government of Davao Oriental is taking measures to preserve its value and uniqueness. As of the moment, they’ve closed the area from trekkers pending the approval of the LGU’s management plans on how to protect the forest that is home to the pygmy trees and the 2nd largest eagle in the world, the Philippine Eagle.

The LGU submitted a bid to UNESCO for them to inscript this valuable wildlife sanctuary as a World Heritage Site.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5487/

I am praying that this will be approved as such so that it will always be protected and conserved.

I also commend the LGU of Davao Oriental for their efforts in protecting this wonderful site.

This is a very good legacy for our children and our “children’s children” in the future. When I think of a World Heritage site, I think of Angkor Wat. The Banaue Rice Terraces. The Great Wall of China.

All of those are man made. While the bonsai forest of Mt. Haguimitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary is a splendid work of God.

To all the people of Davao Oriental and the rest of the Philippines, should this place be opened again in the future, please don’t litter. And let’s do our best to help in protecting this beautiful gift of nature…

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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Entree by Apo View Hotel

Posted on August 9, 2012 by leawalkerblog

For a relaxing fine dining experience, Entree Restaurant of Apo View Hotel  is one of the best.

They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet.

In our case, we went to have dinner with friends, Francis and Sherry of Blue Carabao. Sherry is a very good chef too. But I’ll feature their restaurant next time. 🙂

If you’ve been following my blog for awhile, you would know that we don’t usually go out at nights. Except for important occasions.

Before 7pm , we were already parked outside Apo View Hotel. I remember telling John that I feel so blessed because there are so many Filipinos who are suffering now due to the onslaught of moonsoon rains in Manila. And here we are, about to have a beautiful night with friends. Couldn’t help but thank God for such blessings…

As usual, the food was excellent. 🙂 My most favorite, being their fresh shrimps, cooked to my liking. I only had to take it to the chef and the waiter delivered it to our table a few minutes later.

Fresh Shrimps. Entree Restaurant, Apo View Hotel.

As we ate, the singer started his piece. The piano played so softly that everyone clapped when he was done. Then, he started singing some of the 80’s mellow music. Songs like “I’ll always love you” and “When I fall Inlove” made our dinner not just beautiful but romantic as well.

Sherry and I had goosebumps…The singer took us down to memory lane.  We talked about our childhood and how we’ve changed over the years. Again, I’d say that God has been very good to me.

The place was filled with mostly foreigners. There was a time when Davao City was a scary place. That was more than two decades ago. But thanks to the,  then mayor  Rody R. Duterte, everything has changed. Davao became one of the best cities in the Philippines. Yep, we talked about this too , among other things during dinner. 🙂

Seriously, I don’t understand why the media or the people who do not come from Davao say ridiculous things without doing some research first. I just find that  irresponsible of them, writing or airing an article , not really knowing the real score.

We, Davaoenos , are so proud of our city because like I said, it is one of the best. It is a safe haven not only to the locals but also to our visitors.

Oh well, can’t please everyone, I guess. So I’ll just concentrate on the dessert instead. hehe

The Sushi Bar.

Cherry and Chocolate Mousse.

To Francis and Sherry, thank you for a wonderful night of friendship, music and good food. 🙂

For those visiting our city,  you can find the details of Apo View here –

http://www.apoview.com/dininng_and_leisure.php?pageid=entree

Don’t miss this when you’re in Davao. I promise you, you will enjoy the experience. 🙂

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

 

Posted in davao city, restaurants in davao | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Here Comes The Rain Again…

Posted on August 8, 2012 by leawalkerblog

It’s raining in Davao as I write this.  But ours is nothing compared to what’s going on in Manila.

Looking at the photos online, it breaks my heart to see people suffering from the flood. Some of them are already on the roof, waiting to be rescued. I wonder how cold it must be for them. What about their food? True, there are so many donations, but what good is that if it’s impossible for the rescuer to reach them. What about the children and our kababayans who died. And their families who cannot even mourn because their houses are floating…

It breaks my heart.

I am sure, yours too…

According to the news, Manila has experienced a torrential downpour of rain. The normal volume is 500mm in one month. But 300mm of which , poured down in one week. And so the dams overflowed , buried Manila and its nearby provinces in murky , dirty and dangerous waters.

This has happened several times already.

But I guess we never learn. Or maybe, most Filipinos just don’t have the option to leave their homes and start all over again.

In a perfect world, there are no illegal loggers. And so we have trees to hold the overflowing waters.

In a perfect world, garbages are not thrown everywhere. And so the drainage canals are not clogged up. And is working properly.

In a perfect world, there is no global warming.

But since our reality is far from being perfect, here we are wondering what to do to fix the problem.

Makes me wonder, how long will Manila last , from the onslaught of natural calamities. Good for those who can afford to leave. I feel bad for those who do not have the option to move out and transfer somewhere else.

This is so sad… There’s this feeling of helplessness, knowing that there is nothing we can do once nature brings her wrath upon us.

And so we pray. For God to stop the rain. And for the water to subside.

But more than that, I pray that all of us will learn to become a better “caretaker” of all the resources that God has given us. Including our nature.

We only have one planet, so maybe it is time for us to love her back… Maybe, it is not that late yet…

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PROBINSYA

Posted on August 5, 2012 by leawalkerblog

Probinsya , meaning province, is a restaurant in Davao City serving local dishes.

I visited the place again very recently. But this time, I brought clients with me who just arrived from the UK. I was glad I did, because they really loved it. They said that they missed authentic filipino food while living and working abroad.

With the Kadayawan Festival coming up, include this place in your must visit place. They serve buffet which consist of soup, appetizer, main course , salad bar, bbq bar and a long table of dessert – cakes, fresh fruits , halo-halo… They got me with their halo-halo. lol

Let me share some photos with you. 🙂

The Halo-Halo Bar…

This reminded me when we were kids. Every summer, my sister and I were selling halo-halo infront of our house. 🙂 You know, it’s a blessing when you grow up very poor. In our case, we learned how to make money when we were young. I didn’t know the word entrepreneur then.  Little did I know that it was God’s way of training me in becoming a businesswoman. 🙂

Dessert Bar. 🙂

Davao is blessed with fruits all year round. That’s why they’re cheap. When you go to buffet places in the city, it’s always filled with fresh and juicy fruits. 🙂

Appetizer Bar.

I had a feast with their  Fried Bulad Bolinao. (dried fish)  With a little vinegar, it tasted sooo good. They also have fresh tuna kinilaw. Chicharon Bulaklak.

The BBQ area.

More dessert… 🙂

Probinsya is located at the back of Victoria Plaza Mall in J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City.

Buffet costs Php300.00 per head. Excluding drinks.

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

Posted in Davao, davao city, restaurants in davao, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Getting A Bank Loan in the Philippines

Posted on August 3, 2012 by leawalkerblog

The easiest way to purchase a property in the Philippines is through a developer.  Mainly because most developers have a business “tie up” with the bank. Meaning, the bank accredits the company that’s developing the housing project. And based on their capacity to pay and the collateral, they agree on payment schemes that’s easy on the buyer.

For instance with East West Bank, properties owned by Filinvest Land, Inc. and DMC – UPDI automatically gets a 90% approval. That means then that the buyer only needs to pay an equity or downpayment of 10% to avail of the unit.

These are the requirements:

* 2 valid government id’s

* marriage certificate

* Job Contract or Certificate of Employment

– For OFW’s , please have this authenticated at the Philippine Embassy near you.

* Latest Payslip

* Special Power of Attorney

– This applies to all overseas workers.  Since you are not in the Philippines, you need to authorize your representative (Attorney-In-Fact) to sign any and all documents on your behalf.

Why Get A Bank Loan?

The best answer to this question is that, the banks’ interest rates are cheaper than that of the developer. Going through a developer (In-House) financing, you will probably get a 14-18% rate per annum. That’s too high. So if you have a good credit standing, I suggest that you get a bank loan.

As of the moment, the standard rate is 9% to 12% per annum for a 5-15 year term loan.

I know, I know. 🙂 For those living and working in the west, you find this too high compared to the 3-5% loan interest in your country. But this is the Philippines. And that’s how it is here. Sad to say.

FIXED RATE OR NOT?

What is that? Upon loan approval, the loan incharge will ask if you want a fixed rate or an option to change your rates every 5 years.

Pros and Cons:

1) If you have a fixed rate for a period of 15 years, you don’t have to worry of your interest rate going higher after several years. If your contract states 10% per annum, then it stays like that for the whole duration of the contract.

But with repricing, as the word entails, changes will happen depending on the actual interest rate (may it be higher or lower) every 5 years. That’s the risk on the borrower’s part.

HOW ABOUT PRIVATELY OWNED PROPERTIES, CAN ONE STILL GET A BANK LOAN?

Yes, you can. The difference is that, you will have to pay an appraisal fee of Php3,500.00. The approval will then be based on the appraised value of the property. Normally, for house and lot – the approval rate is 70% to 80% of the appraised value.

Example:   Actual Price – Php6,000,000.00

The appraised value amounted to P5,000,000.00 . The bank’s approval will then be, Php3.5M to 4,000,000.00 pesos. This means that the borrowers have to come up with a 2M -2.5M downpayment.

Per experience, with a market price of Php6M and a property owned by a private individual, the approval is about P3,000,000.00 . So I suggest that you prepare 50% equivalent for the downpayment.

It sounds so tiring huh? 🙂 Worry not, because we do this for free. Just let me know which house you want to buy after shopping at www.davaoproperties.com , I will do the rest. Just submit all the requirements mentioned above.

SO WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPROVAL?

We will let you know when the loan is approved so you can proceed to the bank for the contract signing. This is when you pay the Mortgage Fee or Loan Processing Fee. 

Morgage Redemption Insurance will also be added to the Cost.  The MRI will pay off the loan incase the borrower dies during the contract period. If the loan involves a building or a house, then expect also an additional cost for Fire Insurance.

Yes, that’s a lot of additional costs to pay. But it’s for your own protection too. 🙂 Better be safe than be sorry. And of course, the banks will protect their investment, first and foremost. So you do not have a choice but pay the MRI and Fire Insurance.

I know you have questions out there, so please feel free to ask. I will try to answer them as best as I can. Or you can privately email me through lea@davaoproperties.com . 🙂

 

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

 

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A Day In Pearl Farm – Part 2

Posted on July 30, 2012 by leawalkerblog

We finally left Davao Marina around 8:45 a.m. We boarded on a big boat with outrigger that can carry about 60 people.

On our way to Pearl Farm, we saw the beach resorts in Samal Island, from afar. Then we all got excited when we saw four dolphins swimming and jumping. They were happily playing with each other. 🙂 It was a surreal moment. In my 10 years of doing business in Samal Island, I only had the chance to see the dolphins twice. Yes, there are dolphins in Samal. And you’ll probably see them too if you’re on your island hopping tour.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with leis and a glass of fresh pineapple juice. 🙂 It surely felt so hawaiian!

I took a few minutes for some picture taking before proceeding to the pavillion for  East West’s broker’s event.

Malipano Island, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Island Garden City of Samal.

East West Bank’s program only took a half day. I will write about that in my next installment of this one day get away. 🙂 For those who are thinking of buying houses or lots through bank financing, please make sure to read it.

Then, lunchtime came. Man, Pearl Farm’s chef prepared a mouth watering buffet for all of us. Infact, someone said that she wants to marry the chef because of his cooking skills. lol It’s just too bad that he’s already married. haha

The buffet consisted of a salad bar, fresh tuna kinilaw , soup and the main course. Oh the dessert, I should not forget to mention that their cakes are great! The moist chocolate cake with cherry on top is out of this world. I am not kidding! Pearl Farm’s day tour includes this buffet lunch.  I was just lucky that mine was an “all expense ” paid trip by East West bank. If it wasn’t , I would gladly pay for it. The food is soooo worth it! Not to mention, the view and the ambiance.  John isn’t a beach person but for the first time, I heard him say when we were sitting infront of the beach after lunch , “this is a beautiful view” , when you’re in your porch. He was referring to having a beach house. 🙂 Coming from someone who doesn’t like the beach, that’s something.

So here are some of the pictures I took. Davao has been cloudy mostly these days, but I’m glad that even so, the photos still showed how beautiful Pearl Farm is.

The cottages.

At the Parola.

The Infinity Pool.

I saw big fishes and a really big starfish in this lagoon. 🙂

On the way to the Recreation Center.

The volleyball and recreation area.

The stilt cottage on the water at Pearl Farm Beach Resort. 🙂

The Parola from afar.

Another thing that amazed me was the fact that while you’re swimming in the beach, a school of colorful fishes are swimming with you. Isn’t that cool? I am going to buy me an underwater camera. I promised to myself! So I can take pictures of them the next time I go to Pearl Farm. It just looks so beautiful I can’t explain it with words….

OTHER INTERESTING THINGS:

Water Lily at the pond.

Mangrove Flower.

Big mangrove trees.

Mangrove Flower. Malipano Island, Pearl Farm.

THINGS TO DO IN PEARL FARM:

Snooba  (Combination of Snorkelling and Scuba Diving) – 4 persons @ P850.00 / pax

Scuba Diving – Day Dive with Gear Php1,600.00 / pax

Coral Tours

Fishing Tours

Wakeboarding – P1,200.00 per person

Banana Boat  – P500 per person (minimum of 3persons for 20 mins)

Sea Kayak  – P450/ hour

U Tube – P1,750.00 per 20 mins.

Those are on top of the free use of swimming pool , recreation area with billiard and table tennis.

Yes, it is expensive. But then again, you get excellent service with a smile. Good food. A really nice ambiance. White sand beach filled with colorful fishes.

It was truly, an enjoyable experience!

And before I forget, before we left, we were given a souvenir of sea shell necklace. I loved it! 🙂

Thank you East West Bank and Pearl Farm for a beautiful and amazing day….

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A Day In Pearl Farm – Part 1

Posted on July 27, 2012 by leawalkerblog

One week ago, Jay of East West Bank, called up. He asked me to block off my Friday (July 27) for their Broker’s Event. I was told that EWB will be focusing on Consumer and Business Loans. Hence the invite, for them to introduce their products to us.

Of course, being the stingy me, I asked if they will give us a good rate. 🙂 I deal with loans for my clients often. So getting a lower rate for them is a big help. I was glad when Jay said yes because this means that I will be able to refer my clients to them. I’ve known their group (originally from BPI)  for almost a decade now and it was always great and easy doing business with them. I’d be happy to do the same once again. This time with them at  East West Bank.

I was shocked when he told me that it will be in Pearl Farm! I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t happy. hehe.. Think about it, a free trip to Pearl Farm? No one who loves the beach would say no to that! Right?

Fast forward, John and I arrived at the marina by 7:15am. We knew we were early. But that’s better than being late, we thought. Plus of course, you get a good parking space when you’re the 1st one to arrive. hehe… A few minutes later, Jay in his hawaiian ensemble, arrived. 🙂 We talked for awhile until he got busy entertaining the other guests.

To pass the time, I started taking pictures.

The waiting area at Pearl Farm Marina in Lanang, Davao City.

The beachview.

Harvesting coconut wine. This is turned into vinegar as well. 🙂 

Worry not if you haven’t had breakfast yet. They serve breakfast too. 🙂

The restaurant at the Pearl Farm Marina in Lanang.

DMCI group headed by Mrs. Leonora Gutierrez.

Friends from Filinvest Land, Inc.

So now you know why Pearl Farm is expensive. From the start, they make it a beautiful experience for those who visit them. The cliche that “you get what you pay for” is absolutely right in this aspect.

We waited for awhile for the latecomers, but with the comfortable accomodation , the nice view and the chance to chat with colleagues in the business, we didn’t get bored at all. 🙂

Infact, it started the day just right….

Stay tuned for my next blog. 🙂

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Recognition Night @ Top of the Apo

Posted on July 18, 2012 by leawalkerblog

No, we’re not in Mt. Apo. 🙂

We’re on Top of the Apo, the famous function hall cum restaurant of the Apo View Hotel in Davao. The view is astounding! When you’re in Davao, I would really recommend visiting the place. Since it’s on the 9th floor, you will see the glimmering lights of Davao City at nights. And Mt. Apo on broad daylight.

At Top of the Apo, 9th floor of Apo View Hotel in Davao City.

It was our Recognition Night, given by Santos Land Development Corporation. 🙂 I told you we don’t usually go out at nights right? So I welcome events like this. It’s a nice excuse to socialize and mingle with friends and colleagues in the business.

So let me share with you the photos I took that night.

Opening Remarks by Mrs. Estela B. Aguiluz, our Marketing Head.

Our President, Mr. Tony Boy Domingo.

With the officers of SLDC. Mama, Pearlie and Me. Yes, this is a family affair. LOL

With Mama. Check the view behind us!

With John at the dinner table. 🙂

Pearlie and Mama.

The solid team of Santos Land, headed by our Marketing Head, Mrs. Estela B. Aguiluz.

Ric Liangco with the 2 singers. 🙂

Mama and Pearlie.

The watermelon looked so white. I thought it probably fell. haha.. You got the joke right? LOL

I love the eclair and the Brazo De Mercedes!

The closing remarks by Ms. Nelia.

Dinner was composed of soup, beef with sauce and mashed potatoe as its side dish, chicken , seafood , vegetables, fresh fruits, eclairs and some cakes for dessert. Of course, a party is not complete without Lechon. 🙂

Being serenaded by really good singers while having dinner is sweet! I soooo loved it.. 🙂

There were several twists that night. Mrs. Estela B. Aguiluz , our Marketing Head, gave the Opening Remarks. And Ms. Nelia, gave the closing remarks. Then we found ourselves clapping and dancing when a colleague, Ric Liangco, sang. That was fun. ha ha…

Our President, Mr. Tony Boy Domingo, gave a very inspiring speech about housing developments in Davao. And yes, we have more projects coming up. 🙂

I am grateful for the many blessings in my life. And this is another achievement that I’m thanking God for. If not for him, I will not be where I am today. 🙂 Thank you Lord.

To Santos Land, thank you for recognizing us and the rest of the producers.

See you at the 3rd Quarter Recognition’s Night sometime in October. I am looking forward to that.

Another beautiful night with great people, ahhh… what a way to celebrate my birthday too. 🙂 I can’t ask for more!

Lea C. Walker

www.davaoproperties.com

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