Pack your bags & go!




It’s summer—give in to you wanderlust! Pack your bags and go to that one new place (or two) you’ve been eager to see for the longest time.



The travel agents will show you the way to your dream destination… (photo credit: DTAA Facebook account)




If you were lucky enough to grace the 5th Mega Travel Sale hosted by the Davao Travel Agencies Association, you may have booked a trip at a very good deal. You, along with the other travelers and deal seekers, will soon be flying to a dream destination.



The recent well-received travel sale of DTAA in Abreeza Mall



If you were not aware of the sale event, worry not. These guys from the DTAA can find you the best deals for your destination of choice. But if you still don’t know where to head to, ask any of the DTAA agent and they will gladly point you to a destination that will fit your budget.

For starters, here are some of the participants of the 5th Travel Mega Sale who recommend where to go and stay. You might want to take a cue from their travel tips.








CECIL G. MARCELO
Regional Manager
Cathay Pacific
Royal Mandaya Hotel, Palma Gil St.
(6382) 2228901, 2228902

Suggests you go to… South Africa. The place is simply breathtaking that it captivates any seasoned traveler.

Stay at… The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City. Luxurious hotel with rooms in African-inspired décor.








PIA LOURDES MONTANO
General Manager
Par Travel & Tours
Santos Bldg., Gov. Duterte St.
(6382) 2264406, 221 3424

Suggests you go to… Israel. After experiencing the journey to this place, reading the Bible and praying the rosary (for Catholics) will have greater meaning.

Stay at… Manger Hotel. It’s a 3-minute walk to the Church of the Nativity where Christ was born.







ZUHAIRAH A. ABAS
Marketing Executive
Tourism Malaysia-Philippines
16/F Picadilly Star Bldg., 4th Ave. cor. 27th St.
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Suggests you go to… Malaysia. New spots to see are the I-city, the counterpart of Madame Tussauds in HK, Legoland & Hello Kitty is gaining popularity, & shop in Johote Premium outlet.

Stay at…The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur. It’s value for your money, good location & easy access to golden triangle area & shopping malls, & the KLCC Twin Tower is not too far away.







IVY TAN
Reservations Manager
Frontier Travel & Tours
111 Magsaysay Ave.
(6382) 2241837

Suggests you go to… Jiuzhaigou, China located north of Sichuan Province—a high- altitude UNESCO World Heritage Site with large number of lakes, waterfalls, captivating landscapes, rich variety of endangered flora & fauna. It’s beautiful!

Stay at… Intercontinental Hotel, it's the best resort in Jiuzhai, perfect for comfort & relaxation, & close to nature!








MARICAR DELA CRUZ
Reservation Officer
Century Express Travel
JP Laurel Ave., Bajada
(6382) 2260656

Suggests you go to… Dubai. It has amazing structures mixed with old culture.

Stay at… Ibis Mall of the Emirates.






PINKY PINEDA
Senior Account Officer-Davao
Philippine Airlines
Ateneo de Davao University Bldg.
C.M. Recto Street
(6382) 221-5513, 222-0366

Suggests you go to… Hong Kong. It’s a very nice place to take a breather because of the cool weather & good food.

Stay at… Holiday Inn Express Hotel. It’s right across Times Square Mall.








ARNOLD KING
General Manager
Good Fortune Travel Centre
Door #6 Lee Business Center cor. Juan Luna St.
(6382) 2250021

Suggests you go to…Siem Reap. The temple ruins are very impressive most impressed with the Bayon Temple and its towers having faces carved on all sides.

Stay at… Holiday Angkor Hotel, a very nice, inexpensive three-star hotel that’s centrally located. It’s walking distance to everywhere.







JOVEN JIMENEZ
General Manager
Grand East Asia Travel & Tours
G/F Milagros Bldg., Ilustre Street
(6382) 2218083, 3052740

Suggests you go to… Halong Bay, Vietnam. It is a must to see & visit, scenic & amazingly beautiful.

Stay… aboard the Starcruise Superstar Virgo. Aside from Halong Bay, The 4day-3 night cruise will let you enjoy scenic views of Hong Kong (the jump off point) and Sanya in China as well.








MA. DINA GARCIA
Area Manager-Mindanao
Cebu Pacific Air
G/F Robinsons Fuente, Cebu City
(6382) 2557831

Suggests you go to… Dubai. The open city in the Middle East is a must visit place. The man-made structures are amazing & the activities could be endless. Do not miss the Desert Safari & the Shawarma, which somehow tastes different (in a good way).

Stay at… Ibis Deira City Centre Hotel, if traveling on a budget. Rooms are spacious & breakfast is buffet.








For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ and http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 23, 2014.