Davao was surprisingly elected as the next host for the Asean Tourism Forum which was slated to happen on January 17-23, 2006. The selecting of Davao as an alternative host instead of Myanmar was beset with many controversies. Originally, Myanmar was defunct in hosting the ATF 2006 due to issues of their country's numerous violations on human rights. Thus, it was agreed that Philippines would be the venue.
In so short notice, the City government of Davao have had problems about preparing the entire city for the gangantuan work in organizing the said event. As guests started to pour in as early as January 16, 2006, we've shown everyone that we're up for the challenge. With intensified and collective efforts of everyone in Davao City, we have impressed not only ATF partcipants, but also those visiting foreigners and Filipino tourists.
Never was Davao so bustling and colorful than it is now...when guests have started to arrive in Davao International Airport, a 100-member dance ensemble welcomed them, giving them bundles containing Davao's home-grown fruits. Singapore's Minister was noted to be so vocal of his positive impressions of Davao's clean air, environment, and water.
As of now, the ATF participants are having a swell at Davao's no. 1 tourists' destination: Pearl Farm. And just last night, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sponsored a dinner party for the delegates at Matina Town Square, where they were entertained with dancing and singing presentations. The highlight was the presentation of Davao's all-year round festivals such as Araw ng Dabaw, Santa Cruzan, Kadayawan Festival, and Pasko sa Dabaw.
I was there and I can't help but be really proud to be a Filipino and a native-born of Davao...we did well in showing the Asean peoples that indeed Davao is a great place to be whether as a permanent resident or transients touring . Here are some of the pictures that I took during last night's party.
I can't get close enough...the crowd was so thick....
In so short notice, the City government of Davao have had problems about preparing the entire city for the gangantuan work in organizing the said event. As guests started to pour in as early as January 16, 2006, we've shown everyone that we're up for the challenge. With intensified and collective efforts of everyone in Davao City, we have impressed not only ATF partcipants, but also those visiting foreigners and Filipino tourists.
Never was Davao so bustling and colorful than it is now...when guests have started to arrive in Davao International Airport, a 100-member dance ensemble welcomed them, giving them bundles containing Davao's home-grown fruits. Singapore's Minister was noted to be so vocal of his positive impressions of Davao's clean air, environment, and water.
As of now, the ATF participants are having a swell at Davao's no. 1 tourists' destination: Pearl Farm. And just last night, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte sponsored a dinner party for the delegates at Matina Town Square, where they were entertained with dancing and singing presentations. The highlight was the presentation of Davao's all-year round festivals such as Araw ng Dabaw, Santa Cruzan, Kadayawan Festival, and Pasko sa Dabaw.
I was there and I can't help but be really proud to be a Filipino and a native-born of Davao...we did well in showing the Asean peoples that indeed Davao is a great place to be whether as a permanent resident or transients touring . Here are some of the pictures that I took during last night's party.
I can't get close enough...the crowd was so thick....
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