January 18, 2014
We were picked up on time -actually, it was 10 minutes earlier than the meeting time 9am- at Viajeros Economy Inn. We were greeted by Ms. Marlene - the manager - and she introduced us to Mr. Edwin - our chauffeur for the day. It was a good decision booking our tours with them because the tour spots were far apart and we had the van to ourselves. In addition to our booked tour, sir Edwin even showed us the mansions of the Ampatuans. Tsk tsk tsk.
First stop: Eden nature park
Eden Nature Park is high up a mountain overlooking Davao City. The weather was a bit chilly and there was a slight drizzle. According to sir Edwin, it almost always drizzles so it may be best to bring a cap/umbrella/hooded jacket.
 |
| This photo was taken inside the van. Eden signboard |
 |
| This needs attention! |
To make most of our short stay at Eden, we were included in a guided tour. This is also the easiest way to go around the property. You may proceed at the Day Tour Center in front of a pine tree and wait for the shuttle. They also have a souvenir shop.
 |
| Day tour center signage |
 |
| This is the pine tree in front of the day tour center |
After the tour, we proceeded to Vista Restaurant to have our buffet lunch. I didn't get to take pictures of the restaurant but the food was really delicious. I also appreciate the salad area because the lettuce are guaranteed fresh. I enjoyed the taste of the food so much that it didn't really bother me if there were few food choices. There was rice, creamy carbonara, some sort of mixed seafood dish, beef in red wine sauce, a dish like chicken afritada, kinilaw na tuna, salad, soup with quail egg, grilled pork, fruits(pineapple, watermelon), red velvet mini cupcakes, coffee jelly, banana fritters, banana con yelo. That's all I could remember. But even if it was a simple spread, each dish tasted the way they should. Unlike some buffet where the every dish almost tasted the same. So, after having my fill, we proceeded to the Philippine Eagle Center.
Second stop: Philippine Eagle Center
I was really saddened by the weather. It was raining when we got here and I hated my raincoat. Darn the airport for prohibiting umbrellas. I could've stayed there longer to watch these majestic creatures.
 |
| Philippine Eagle - this was the only eagle not in a cage -- but his leg was tied up |
 |
| The groom |
The Philippine Eagle Center has a museum. You will be greeted by these cute stuff toys wearing wedding clothes designed by Rene Salud. I almost took them with me. Ha! I would love to have one of these cute Philippine Eagle stuff toy but it'll only be one of the clutters at home. I bought a ref magnet and a keychain instead.
I'm still wondering why some people would exchange the lives of these beautiful birds for a certain amount of money that could be spent easily or how could anyone eat it? Why can't people just stay contented eating chickens/ducks/turkeys?
 |
| The bride |
Going around the Philippine Eagle Center was educational. There were trivias along the way and there were other birds too. It was really bad that it rained. I also would've appreciated it more if we had a tour guide.
Last stop before flying back home: Crocodile Farm
 |
| Pangil |
It was drizzling at Eden, it was raining at Philippine Eagle Center, I sure am thankful that it's dry at the Crocodile Farm. This is the home of
Pangil, largest crocodile in the Philippines after
Lolong died.
 |
| This was really a big tiger. Smelly too. |
What else can you see at the Crocodile Farm? Aside from crocodiles, there were also birds, snakes, reptiles and tigers. There is a separate 20php entrance fee for you to get close to the cage of the tigers.
There was also an animal show at 4:30pm. I didn't watch it though. We were a bit tired and the batteries of my camera ran out. The next time I come back here, I'd definitely go to Mt. Apo.
