DAVAO CITY—The distance between north and south has been bridged anew: It is now just a 90-minute flight, via Cebu Pacific’s Clark-Davao-Clark flights.
On Friday Cebu Pacific launched its Clark-Davao-Clark maiden flights from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga, to the Francisco Bangoy International Airport here and vice versa.
The largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area at 2,443.61 square kilometers, this highly urbanized city in Mindanao is not only home to President Duterte but also to the country’s pride and symbol, the great Philippine Eagle.
Pampanga Provincial Board Member Rosve Henson extended his congratulations on behalf of Gov. Lilia G. Pineda during a simple ceremony at the DMIA domestic terminal prior to the maiden flight.
With the launching of the Clark-Davao-Clark flights, Cebu Pacific has reiterated its commitment to help the economic development of Clark and boost tourism.
Flight 5J 985 departs from the DMIA in Clark to Davao daily at 1:45 p.m., with scheduled arrival at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport here at 3:40 p.m.
The return flight, 5J 986, departs from this highly urbanized city at 4:10 p.m., with an estimated time of arrival at the DMIA at 6:05 p.m.
It was observed that contrary to the harsh description of martial law in Mindanao, this city presents a totally different outlook with nary a hint of the alleged strict and unforgiving atmosphere.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao offers one of the best locations in the city, being only 15 minutes away from the airport and right across SM City Lanang Premiere Mall with an air bridge connecting the hotel to the mall.
Emelyn M. Rosales, general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao, said the hotel has 165 Standard Rooms, 33 Superior Rooms and six Junior Suites enhanced by it has vibrant décor, complimentary in-room high-speed Internet and good food. She added that they maintain the signature “Feel Good” service concept, which aims to exceed expectations.
Park Inn by Radisson Davao offers great food like the homegrown Davao kinilaw crostini, Davao cheese platter, pomelo and fern salad, chicken durian curry, tuna belly, mangosteen and durian cheesecakes, as well as fresh, juicy and sweet fruits that are locally sourced.
Meanwhile, Katherine D. Anuta, tourism operations officer II of the Department of Tourism Region 9, said the new route will “definitely increase the number of tourists going to Davao.” She said the DOT is promoting agritourism and ecotourism in the region, to take advantage of the area’s natural biodiversity and booming agricultural commerce.
Anuta said Davao City alone draws 1.5 million tourists per year, while records show Davao Oriental attracts 700,000 visitors annually.
Described as a real Pacific destination, Davao Oriental offers the best beaches in the Pacific shore.
Davao Oriental is also the home of Mount Hamiguitan, the first World Heritage site in Mindanao, which lies at the boundaries of San Isidro, Governor Generoso and Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental.
Mount Hamiguitan was declared a Unesco World Heritage site for its “outstanding universal value” where centuries-old bonsai trees or Pygmy forests can also be found. It rises to 5,345 feet above sea level.
On the other hand, Mati City offers diverse tourism activities including the ultra light adventure, courtesy of the Mindanao Saga Flying Club, as well as pristine beaches like the Dahican Beach, an ideal place for skim boarding.
In the heart of Mati City is the Subangan Davao Oriental Provincial Museum, where the giant skeleton of a sperm whale, named Davor for Davao Oriental, is placed as its centerpiece.
Davao Oriental is also where the sun rises four minutes earlier than the rest of the Philippines at Pusan Point in Caraga town, the south easternmost part of the Philippine archipelago, thus earning the moniker—Sunshine Capital of the Philippines.
The DMIA in Clark has served as the hub for North and Central Luzon of Cebu Pacific for the past 10 years. It has emerged as one of Asia’s fastest-growing airports, with passenger volume expected to breach 2 million in 2018.
Cebu Pacific also mounts direct flights from Clark to Cebu, Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong; and has resumed direct flights to Caticlan (Boracay).
Image credits: Mirko Vitali | Dreamstime.com