It's been 12 years since I celebrated New Year in Davao City so it was a great joy when I was able to spend the New Year 2025 again in the city. And what a special moment to remember because my parents were also there!
We arrived in Davao City on the 28th of December and we stayed at our childhood friend, Evan Bajan's house in South Villa, Ma-a.
We celebrated the New Year in Ulas, at the residence of my maternal aunt. On New Year's day we booked a two-night stay in the Donya Luisa subdivision apartment in Ecoland to get near to the city.
We visited People's Park, a public park in the city where I spent so many weekends jogging while still working in Davao back then.
People's Park is home to the newly opened National Museum of the Philippines featuring artifacts and heritage information of the Davao region. During our visit it has no entrance fee.
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| National Museum of the Philippines for the Davao region located inside People's Park of Davao City |
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| National Museum of the Philippines |
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| Lunchtime in Abreeza |
On January 3 my parents went home to Surigao but my siblings and I remained in Davao for two more days to explore the city. It's so nostalgic to be in Davao again. And realized I truly missed the place 😪
It feels like tripping down memory lane, remembering all the good times I had while living here. Now, I am planning to buy a property in Davao and stay here for good.
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| Lunch time at SM Ecoland |
On January 5, Sunday, we went to the beach, to Paradise in Samal. This is the nearest Samal beach to visit from Davao City, just a five-minute boat ride from the Sasa Wharf.
I lived for so many years in Davao before moving to Manila in 2013, and visited Samal Island so many times, but it was my first time to visit Paradise Island haha!
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| Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, Samal Island, Davao del Norte |
We only visited Paradise Island on a day tour. Boat ride fee: Php25.00; entrance fee to Paradise Island: Php350.00. The resort is famous for its beach restaurant so it's crowded during weekend.
Paradise Island is a white beach, well-maintained and I am impressed with the level of its cleanliness and customer service. The room accommodations are situated in the middle of greenery surrounded by tropical plants and Coconut trees. We didn't book a room so I can't comment on the accommodation experience.
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| at the aviary area of Paradise Island |
The garden area of Paradise Island is so spacious, breezy, and super relaxing. I love the tropical vibe. The cottages looked so chill and there's an aviary of birds within the garden. Hopefully, next time I can stay for the night here to experience the service in one of the cottages 😄
On Monday evening, we departed Davao for Marihatag, Surigao del sur! Home sweet home. Details of my day tour to Paradise Island in my travel blog, please visit
The Gourmand Travel Guide.
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