(CEBPAC ROUTES. Tokens and PR collaterals are displayed at the launch of the Clark-Davao and Clark-Tagbilaran flights of Cebu Pacific Air held at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark on Friday with CEB VP Jomar Rodriguez, Pampanga BM Rosve Henson, Angeles City tourism officer John Montances, and Department of Tourism Central Luzon supervising officer Chisell Yambao. Photos by Bong Lacson)
DAVAO CITY — The distance between the north and the south has been bridged anew, which is now just one and half hour 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 participate in the overall economic development of Clark as it continuously advocates tourism in the country.
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
Park Inn by Radisson Davao offers one of the best locations in the city with only 15 minutes away from the airport and right across SM City Lanang Premiere Mall with an airbridge 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 its 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.
The hotel also offers social spaces for meetings and events. With smart services and smart rooms, including four meeting rooms that can each accommodate up to 30 persons which can also be combined into a one big conference room that can accommodate up to 200 persons.
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.
Tourism
Meanwhile, Katherine D. Anuta, tourism operations officer II of the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XI, said the new route will “definitely increase the number of tourists going to Davao.”
She also said the DOT is working on programs for promoting agri-tourism and eco-tourism in the region, to take advantage of the area’s natural biodiversity and booming agricultural commerce.
Anuta said this city alone has been generating around 1.5 million tourists per year while records show that Davao Oriental attracts around 700,000 visitors annually.
Described as a real Pacific destination, Davao Oriental is offering the best beaches in the Pacific shore.
Davao Oriental is also the home of Mt. Hamiguitan, the first World Heritage site in Mindanao which lies in the boundaries of San Isidro, Governor Generoso and Mati City, the capital of Davao Oriental.
Mt. Hamiguitan was declared as UNESCO’s 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 ultralight 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 two 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).
