Go Hotels opens in the ‘City of Fines’
Almost four months after the city’s wellloved mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte was elected President of the Republic, there is no stopping local and foreign tourists from exploring Davao City. While others content themselves with having their souvenir photos taken in front of the humble house of P-Duts, some go there to experience what it feels like to live in a “fine” city.
Davao City levies on a number of city ordinances to maintain its peace and order, and clean image. And those who break the rules will be “fine”-ly dealt with.
In Davao, smoking is strictly prohibited in public conveyances, entertainment establishments, workplaces and public outdoor spaces. Smokers are only allowed to puff in their homes, private vehicles (as long as these aren’t moving), and designated outdoor smoking areas.
And, just like the “City of Fines (Singapore),” there’s also a liquor ban, curfew, anti-smoke belching, and over-speeding, which are strictly implemented and adhered to.
Like the ubiquitous durian stalls, President Duterte’s stamp can be seen all over the city.
On our way into the heart of the city (from the airport), we were impressed with the cleanliness and orderliness of the place. The city is busier than ever as there are various construction, road works and refurbishments going on — especially in the hospitality industry — everywhere.
BUILD AND THEY SHALL COME
We were in Davao for the opening of Go Hotels in Lanang, the newest addition to Robinsons Land Corporation’s (RLC) Go Hotels chain.
“We were optimistic with the market because Davao is always promoted as the center for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions),” enthused Elizabeth Gregorio, general manager, Go Hotels. “Well, we came to the right place at the right time. Tourism is booming in Davao, especially now that its famous son is now the head of state.”
Located within the Phoenix Lanang Complex, Go Hotels Lanang-Davao is the first project of the joint venture between RLC and Udenna Development Corporation (UDEVCO), the company behind Phoenix Petroleum.
“When we started Phoenix Petroleum, our first customer was Cebu Pacific. RLC president and CEO Frederick Go and I are not only busi- ness partners, we became good friends as well,” shared Dennis Uy, chairman of Udenna Development Corporation.
And so when Frederick asked him to be part of the project, Dennis replied: “Bahala ka na. You have my full trust. I hope we’ll make money.”
After four years, the (hotel) project is now a reality. “I hope this project will lead to more projects with RLC.”
Go Hotel Lanang has 183 well-appointed guest rooms spread through six floors. The second floor is dedicated to function rooms that can accommodate a maximum of 250 persons, making it a perfect venue for business events or social occasions.
Go Hotels Lanang is near to both the seaport and airport, so it caters to a wide spectrum of demographics — from businessmen to tourists, both local and regional; especially now that airlines ply routes around Southeast Asia with Davao as a takeoff point.
“Families and barkadas are also welcome at Go Hotels. We have adjoining rooms as well,” noted Gregorio.
For the adventurous set, Gregorio encourages tourists to go island hopping in Samal Island. It’s safe, affordable and absolutely fun!
The hotel is also 30 minutes away from Sta. Ana Wharf, where we went on an islandhopping adventure to the beautiful beaches in Samal Island with our hosts, Robinsons Land Corporation PR director Roseanne Villegas, her assistant Jan Egot and Go Hotels’ Jacquelene Florence Lim and Clarmaine Co.
Go Hotel Lanang is a budget hotel, but that didn’t reflect in the quality and service I experienced. Each air-conditioned room boasts a Windsor mattress, smooth sheets, puffy down comforter and soft pillows. And with fast, reliable Wi-Fi, I barely got out of bed. Except, of course, when it was time to eat.
SAVOR DAVAO’S BEST EATS
Although Davao does not have a signature dish that defines its cuisine — like Iloilo’s batchoy or Bicol’s laing — the city takes pride in its fresh produce (fruits and seafood), which are highlighted in homegrown restaurants that dot the city. Here, you’ll find hole-in-the-wall eateries that offer fresh seafood at reasonable prices and gourmet restaurants that are worth every peso you’ll spend.
If it’s your first time in Davao, don’t miss Claude’s Le Cafe de Ville on Rizal St., Davao City, which serves authentic French and Mediterranean dishes in a convivial and laidback setting. Owned by husband-and-wife Claude and Tess Le Neindre, the restaurant occupies the living room of the Oboza Heritage House, which was built in 1929 by engineer Alfonso Obaza, the first municipal mayor before Davao officially became a city.
Le Cafe de Ville’s Fine de Claire fresh oysters, cured tuna and hot chili shrimps left a mark on my palate when my husband and I dined there in 2013.
A visit to Davao isn’t complete without dining at one of President Duterte’s favorite hangouts: Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant, which is right in front of Go Hotels Lanang.
Named after the iconic tuna found in the region, Yellow Fin Seafood Restaurant had me at Tuna Laing (P45/piece) — the specially prepared tuna wrapped in taro leaves and cooked in spicy, thick coconut cream. It was so good I totally ignored the perfectly grilled chunk of tuna belly and slowcooked Adobong Tuna Buntot right in front of me. For dessert, we were served durian shake and the creamy halohalo, which tasted like durian as well. More seafood dishes await diners at Blue Post Boiling Crabs and Shrimps. Since the restaurant specializes in the shellfish it’s named after, this entails getting your hands messy, sticky and oily. If that’s fine with you, then indulge in the sinfully delish garlic-fried crabs and cereal prawns. Blue Post’s Boiling Crabs and Shrimps Restaurant is located along J.P. Laurel Ave. Lanang, Bajada, Davao City.
There are just so many places to see, restaurants to dine in and things to do in Davao, especially when you’re billeted at Go Hotels Lang.
But before heading to the “City of Fines,” be sure to memorize the city ordinances by heart. If not, be prepared for President Duterte’s wrath!
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