travel and leisure: Davao (People's Park & Crocodile Park)

Davao City is 3 hour ride from General Santos City. Davao is my second home; in fact it is a home away from home. I’ve been there for the nth time because I once lived and worked there.

One of those wonderful flowers in People's Park, Davao.

Aside from the fact that Davao offers a lot of jobs for its local people and those outside its territory, it is also a safe place to live. The government officials there really take good care of their people. They create jobs for people.

There are two common destinations people love exploring in Davao; Peoples’ Park and Davao Crocodile Park. These places offer work for locals and of course breathtaking sceneries for tourists. These two places are walking park and Animal Park which is a good epitome for the preservation of fauna and flora and Davao’s culture.

First stop – Peoples Park. This park is a huge walking park that allows everyone to see its beauty for free. Yup! You got it right, there is no entrance fee. However, their management is very strict. No sharp objects allowed, no drinking of alcoholic drinks and a lot more. But the rules are for the safety of everyone who wishes to enter this wonderful place.

With my boys during Christmas of 2012 at People's Park, Davao

Tita Joy Grace Maglasang and daughter Jelai.

Tita Amy Seno with daughters Anica and Alexa.

My sister Liza and brother Bryan.

They feature Kublai Milan’s work of art – the statues.

One of these days, I will visit Kublai Millan's house of art work. It's also in Davao.

They make the whole area so green and clean for the people and for the birds to visit them as well.

They have a place for water animals too like Koi fishes.

They have a mini rainforest with variety of plants; plants that either grows high like a tree or blooms like flowering plants.

They have a park for the kids to enjoy. Sculptures of some cartoon characters that invite children. Moms do not need to worry because they have a clinic that ensures safety for everyone.

They have dancing fountain that really looks lovely and fascinating at night because of the lights. They have a very nice bridge and a wide area of pure grass where you can sit down and relax.

Next stop is somewhere we could fill our empty stomachs. Yellow Cab, SM Davao.

Next stop is Davao Crocodile Park. You may ride your private vehicle or a cab/taxi to get there. Don’t worry, drivers got ID’s and receipts for your payments. It's their policy. Plus, they are friendly.

Upon entering Davao Crocodile Park’s area, you could already see the Zorbing area and Air Soft Battle Field. We didn’t get the chance to try it though but somebody promised me we will try it. I am looking forward to that day.

There is a portion there which shows the culture of the tribes of Mindanao. Philippines is divided into three: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Davao along with General Santos belongs to Mindanao. It shows the houses of the early Mindanawons. They even have fire dancing show at night. Preservation of culture is a must! This is the only way children in the future would know what existed before them.

Traditional B'laan House

Photos of the early people in Davao mounted on the wall with their handmade picture frames.

Letting these kids experience what it's like to be inside this house made of pure tree.

Another portion is the crocodile park itself. They have separate areas of giant crocodiles, yearling stage crocodiles and other animals like: Siberian tiger, Philippine mouse deer, reptiles, birds and a lot more. They even offer something scary but surely a once in a lifetime experience -- to walk on a thin rope and creatures below are awaiting for your fall -- the hungry crocodiles!