Davao 2017 (Part 4)

When we're done with Eden, we had a small stop at a fruit stand. We were able to buy a few fruits too seeing how enthusiastic Sir Diego is with "hoarding" some for his family.

+ Japanese Tunnel +

What do you know, it was also a resort! I rarely saw this in blogs so I imagined it to be a cave that is in the middle of nowhere with a small hut near it where tour guides are. Who knew in reality it is so far from the truth?

It is a lively resort but right next to the parking is where the entrance to the short stretch of the tunnel, the only one left preserved. It was said that when the area was dug, the next morning only the tractor remained and the driver nowhere to be found. Legend says that he might have seen something that have entailed him to leave everything behind (clue: gold).

The group before us really took their time as we've spent more time waiting for them to come back up than us stay down there (50PHP each). Almost everything there is already a replica of what used to be. It's a bit hot in there too, compared with some of the tunnels I've already been in. Birds seemed to have made it their home as well as some nests are found near the entrance.

One of the most haunting things we've seen is this small hole in the wall where they keep our own as slaves and was said to be cramped with as much as 7 people. The 3 of us can't even fit there!

+ Apo ni Lola +

This tour is getting better and better. I was eyeing this when I was making the IT but had no plans on how to get here at all. So I was excited when Sir Diego announced that he's taking us there! We've probably sent a lot here than anywhere else just to take home pasalubong especially that you can find all the varieties of Davao treats here. I was hoping to get some of those pastries home but I was worried on the logistics so I only grabbed bars and whatever goods that would survive the trip on a box. They could learn from Bong Bong's Pasalubong (Bacolod) in packaging ideas though. I mean they know how to really cater your purchases!

Now you might be asking, who is Lola, and the Apo? The apo is actually the owner, Sir Arnel who was the grandson of Lola Abon's. Now you might be thinking who is Lola Abon? She's a household name when it comes to Durian delicacies via a store bearing her name. So basically they are two brands and is each others competition!

Lola Abon's is a few houses away but it's not as packed with tourists as this one. Sir Diego has an anecdote he probably shares with all of his guests so you might want to hear it first hand with him regarding this.

+ Duterte House +

I was really shy asking for this so imagine our surprise when Sir Diego offered in taking us! There were military on site and an ID is left with them for the visit.

The size of the house is humbling. Compared to it's neighbors the President's really is as simple as it could get. We were able to take a few snaps just in time when a group of Japanese came that never waited for us to leave and just took photos while we're near the standee. What a funny experience!