A Unique Place to Stay in Davao: Ponce Gallery Suites

It was a rainy day... and because CDO's airport is situated in a mountainous area, the plane from Cebu (which would take us to Davao) could not land because of zero visibility.  The flight was declared cancelled at 7PM. The next day was still partly cloudy with scattered rainshowers.

When we arrived in Davao, I was relieved that the weather was better than in CDO.  The place where we stayed for 3 days was a delight to my artistic senses.  I've never been happier stuck inside its 3-storey pension house/ art gallery.  It didn't even bother me at all that we were not able to go and see much of Davao's tourist spots when rain followed us after our first night.

Meet Kublai Ponce-Millan... 
one of the greatest modern artists in Mindanao!

Ponce Gallery Suites filled some of its ceilings 

 and almost all walls with thousands of his artworks

that records his journey from the past confusing dark nights 

to the enlightenment of his soul as an artist.

 I totally enjoyed walking around...

 looking at every detailed artwork he made...  

He's such an inspiration to artist-wannabes like me! ^_^

Through his photography and some of his artworks, 

I could not help but think that

if Kublai and I were classmates, 

we would have been best friends! 

(^_^ Feeler lang ^_^)

He's got very unique, interesting, and funny 
photographs, paintings, sculptures, literary works 
that would definitely not bore you... 

But if you're feeling tired already, 
you can either spend some time at their roofdeck garden/ cafe...

... or wave hello to neighbors (if you happen to see them since the place is located inside the quiet neighborhood of Dona Vicente Village (walking distance from Abreeza Mall & Victoria Plaza)...

or curl up with a good book...

... or if you prefer to dine indoors, 
Kublai Cafe offers delicious meals at affordable prices...

... or if you're ready to doze off, 
their rooms will guarantee you a goodnight sleep... 

You'll forget that you're not sleeping at home ^_^)

So, if you're in Davao, trying to trace your family tree...

... or trying to discover your many selves...

... or trying to embrace your fears...

... or fight it (^_^)

... or stalking someone...

... or making new friends...

... or meeting someone special...

don't be intimidated with the giants who guard the area...

... just listen deeply to the rhythm of the music naturally playing around you...

... and allow yourself to fall in love with the different dimensions of the art world...

Before you lose your sanity from trying to figure out where to stay when in Davao....

... be glad to know that you can find your own little corner at Ponce Gallery Suites...

... where you will re-discover peace deep within your soul...

... So, go ahead... 

book now through poncesuiteshotel.com

for a truly unique experience! ^_^)

~

StopOver @ Ozamiz

From Cebu, ships/ ferries would always make a stopover at Ozamiz port before it goes to my hometown, Iligan, which is about an hour and a half away.  Most often, I would not bother to get off.  However, this time, I decided to explore a bit of Ozamiz City.  

Although it was drizzling, I still went on and walked past its mini-park.

I found out that they have their own version of Fort San Pedro (Cebu).

The Cotta (or The Fort) was built in 1756 for two reasons: to repel the Moro piratical raids which were at their height in the 1750's, and to provide shelter for the Spaniards during that time.

It is considered as the oldest structure in the area.

They built a museum inside, however, it was still too early when I went there, so I wasn't able to see the artifacts they have in their collection.

The lighthouse, pre-World War 2 addition, is located at the eastern bastion.
It has a height of 0.6 meter from the Cotta floor with a winding 38-step stairway.

Also known as El Fuerte De Nuestra Señora De La Concepcion Del Triunfo 

(The Fort of Our Lady of Triumph)

These stones have stood, ravaged by time and elements, for more than two hundred years.

The fort stands mute witness to the many events that took place in the city.

I still have hope that future generations will appreciate the importance of

 preserving historical sights and remember the valuable links that we have from our past...

There was a topiary of the Eiffel Tower at the centre of the fort
which was kinda out of place.

The gardener must have a dream to visit the city of romance too!

~ ~ ~

A Church Visit @ Santo Niño de Cebu

"Never read books you aren't sure about . . . 

even supposing that these bad books are very well written 

from a literary point of view. 

Let me ask you this: 

Would you drink something you knew was poisoned 

just because it was offered to you in a golden cup? 

~ St. John Bosco 

“Pray as though everything depended on God. 

Work as though everything depended on you.” 

~ St. Augustine

“Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry” 

~ St. Pio of Pietrelcino

“For me prayer is a surge of the heart, 

it is a simple look towards Heaven, 

it is a cry of recognition and of love, 

embracing both trial and joy.” 

~ St. Therese of Lisieux

"Spread love everywhere you go: 

first of all in your own house. 

Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... 

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. 

Be the living expression of God's kindness; 

kindness in your face, 

kindness in your eyes, 

kindness in your smile, 

kindness in your warm greeting."

~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

"We can cure physical diseases with medicine 

but the only cure for 

loneliness, despair, and hopelessness 

is love. 

 Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. 

Money is not enough. 

People need love. 

So spread love everywhere you go."

~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Beside each believer 

stands an Angel 

as protector and shepherd, 

leading him to the stairway to Heaven.

~ St. Basil the Great

~ ~ ~