Wow Davao !

Wow Davao !

South Africa, Australia, Denmark and Pakistan are interested in Davao !

South Africa, Australia, Denmark and Pakistan are interested in Davao !

The interest of foreign states wishing to invest in Davao is increasing. In the last 6 weeks the ambassadors of South Africa and Australia have been  here in Davao. Previously the ambassadors of Denmark and Pakistan were already here. Together with the ambassadors, representatives of industrial companies came “to establish  business contacts".

One is about tourism, which can be built up quickly. Davao has enough hotels of all classes and beaches . It is also about long-term projects, as it has become to know that the Philippines want to realize a series of major projects in road construction, bridge construction, port expansion and rail transport.

It is also about financing. And if an industry company can also offer a favorable financing, then not all projects will be outsourced to Japanese or Korean companies - as before. There were not much  competitions!

Best regards

Ludwig from Davao

Parking in Davao

Parking in Davao ?

Since some time there is a big move  in Davao. Not only that  the roads were  widened or bushes and flowers were planted between the streets, but also traffic signs were set.

The traffic sign, which provides attention at the moment, is the NO PARKING sign. You can find it   somewhere in the middle of the street, or there are two such signs and that mark certain areas, where one can not park. Or something else. It is a science in itself.

The best thing is to avoid such roads and do not park there. And it is pointless to argue with a policeman. It is an execution of an "administrative order" from the year 2008. You just pay his punishment with the LTO and the penalties are quite high: The lowest amount are 1077 PHP.

There are no car parks yet in Davao, but the amount of cars is huge, which  look for a parking place  in the city center. This new merit "Gaisano-South" had already discovered a long time ago. Here the hour for parking costs 30 pesos or you have to shop for  more than 200 PHP. All other malls do not ask for parking - but that seems to be only a matter of time. Sure.

With best regards,

Ludwig from Davao

This is a real help

This is a real help for Filipinos

Last week There was the last concert of the German music association “Musikverein Kressbronn” here in Davao. It took place in Davao-Toril. In a highschool of this small town with  more than 1000 students, teachers and Germans living in Davao region. It was great and everyone loved it.

After 7 years it was the second time that the “Musikverein Kressbronn”was  with 70 musicians - at its own expenses– here in the Philippines to bring German brass music and at the same time to bring joy.

Many of the musicians have visited the children and students which   they support from Germany. In particular, the “Musikverein Kressbronn” supports the work of the “Kressbronn-Toril-Education-Program (KTEP)” in Toril. This KTEP was launched about 25 years ago by a German-Philippine family from Germany in order to help poor people with long-term projects and provide them with a livelihood

With the help of  donations and many initiatives the KTEP was able to build around 100 wells  in the surrounding villages, which have no water connection. In the meantime  the KTEP could  finance and build: e.g. Two kindergartens with free food on Fridays, the installation of  a dental practice, a start-up of a chicken and pig breeding. Further projects are  waiting for implementation.

Help is appreciated. So, fellow-workers are welcomed.

Best regards,

Ludwig from Davao

Increase of salaries and taxes

So shortly after the election of Mayor Duterte to the president,  - that was, at the time when he promised the army and the police the salary increases -, my friend said to me: "Watch out. Now everything  will get  a bit more expensive! With  what are the higher wages to be paid for? "

At that time I thought to myself: "Well. Then the vegetables and fruits will be more expensive! "

Then  the announcement was published that the salary of teachers should be increased. And for Christmas any teacher could ever expect a nice bonus of at least PHP 5,000.

Today, I think again of my friend, because I have received infos from Kidapawan. The people there are disturbed and annoyed because the annual taxes, which have to be paid there in December, should have increased. So simply, so from now-on, without any warning. The taxes are almost twice as high as last year! So I was told

We here in Davao have to pay our taxes starting  January. Let's see how high these are.

With best regards

Ludwig from Davao

Angel's Hide-Away in Davao

Angel's Hide-Away in Davao

Last Friday there was a big birthday party and we were invited to the "Angel's Hide-Away" near SEAGUL Beach Resort in Dumalag / Matina / Davao.

The roads until Matina  are all in good condition and when we reached  the crossing you  must turn left and driving on a narrow road towards the sea. The road gets narrower. However, one has the feeling  that people  - and especially children – are becoming more and more and huddle on the small area.

But you have to move forward in a walking speed,then  you have  to turn left and you think that there is  no way anymore, so narrow it is. But the road goes on and then  - in a sudden -  there is  ANGEL'S HIDE-AWAY with a wonderful  view over the Golf of Davao.

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The water is quite clear - just watch out for some coral blocks that can scratch one's legs at low tide. A part of the beach is reserved - so in the direction SEAGUL BEACH RESORT - because that  area is granted to the Philippine sea turtles for breeding.

The birthday party was nice and long. And  plenty to eat and drink. So, until the next time that we shall meet again in this windy, hidden, nice  Beach Resort.

Best regards,

Ludwig from Dava

International direct flights from Davao

 International direct flights from Davao

 Davao is now interesting for airlines, who previously served only Manila and Cebu. The Department of Tourism Davao (DOT) had invited to a city / airport tour and around 20 airlines have come. Among them are "Air China", "Turkish Airlines", "Qatar Airways", "Cathay Pacific" and "Korean Air".

From the international airlines only "SilkAir" had used the runway  in Davao and has brought the passengers to Singapore. One of the problems still seems to be the runway, because that is a bit short for the big Jumbos. But since some time there are plans for a large new airport in Davao. Although the new airport is not the topic at the moment, then  for Davao speak the numbers of passengers, the still low landing fees and the less traffic chaos compared with the situation in Manila.

You see, it is something going on in Davao for the coming years."Rodrigo will do it !"

With best regards

Ludwig from Davao

Avida Towers - located in Davao Center

Avida Towers - located in Davao Center

In a prime location of Davao - in C. M. Recto Ave. - the two towers of AVIDA TOWERS are to be seen . And it has  a fabulous view to Samal Island, Mt. Apo  and the Golf of Davao.

As it was scheduled , the  Condos in the first AVIDA TOWER  should be available in October 2016 – from now it’s only 6 months time.  The works are still on schedule. Currently the TOWER has  reached the 23rd floor and  this is also the maximum height.

It is still a hard job. The works started  in July 2014 for 24 hours/ a day. Always at nighttime the precast parts  were delivered  for the next day with special low-loaders - otherwise the whole traffic would be collapsed the other  day.

All in all there will be 431 Condos and the prices start  from 1.9 million PHP  with a minimum  size of 22 sqm.  If you calculate, then 1 square meters costs about 86,000 PHP or about 1.661.-euro (calculated at 1 Euro = 52 PHP)

It is believable as reported by the administration that  all Condos and car parking spaces are sold out . It is really is a very good location.

With best regards,

Ludwig from Davao