MANILA, Philippines—A small contingent from Davao arrived in Singapore and began their invasion. They were not warriors but dancers, models, bringers of food, and members of the Philippine Tourism Board. They took the Lion City by storm.

The NATAS Travel Fair, held twice a year, is the largest consumer travel fair in Singapore, presenting to travel agents, families and individuals the latest in travel packages and destinations in the world. Last year, over 110,000 people attended both shows. This year, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) made a gallant stand for Davao. Taking advantage of the new International Airport which caters direct flights from Singapore to Davao, DOT decided to bring a large chunk of Davao to the NATAS Fair.

“There is a rise in the number of Singapore tourists in the Philippines,” explains DOT’s Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab. In fact, the Undersecretary (U-Sec) explains that there has been a rise of tourists in the first 2 months of the year. “It’s not the dollar’s monetary value that lures them in,” he shares. “More than shopping, the main reason why tourists go here is for our beaches, for diving, and because of our cultural heritage.” U-Sec Palabyab explains that “we have a uniqueness in our culture that makes us so different from the rest of Asia. Our behavior makes us open to foreigners.” Since places like Boracay need no more sales pitches, it’s time to work on the other provinces, and this time it’s Davao.

The gateway to Mindanao

Davao is one of the most live-able cities in the world. Very clean and quite safe, Davao is the pride of Mindanao. With an international airport, Davao becomes your first stop into the richness of the Southern Philippines. “Davao has everything,” U-Sec Palabyab proudly states. “Mindanao culture is not just Muslim,” he says and explains that there are other ethnic elements coming into play and that all of these can be witnessed here. “In Davao, there are cultural heritage spots, rest and relaxation, great distinct food, and is very strong in adventure tourism,” he enumerates. Just the sights to see, there is a combination of beaches and mountain terrain for all kinds of nature-lovers.

At the opening ceremony of the NATAS Trade Fair, William Tang, President of NATAS said, “Travelers today are spoilt for choice.” The NATAS was filled with booths from most Asian countries and Australia, New Zealand and even Turkey. To make a stronger impact, the DOT put together a booth that was more than eye-catching, it was interactive. Outside the faux stone structure, the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe continued its performance of native dances. They already wowed the people during the opening ceremonies and at the booth, invited people to try their hand, or shall we say their feet, at the Tinikling. Inside the booth, families could sit and talk to a representative from the many resorts that were present such as The Pearl Farm and Punta del Sol amongst others.

At the Filipino fine dining restaurant 7,107 Flavors, the DOT prepared the Kulinarya Dabaw which featured the native delicacies of Davao and a fashion show by designer Renee Salud. All-throughout the NATAS fair, the DOT ensured that people were treated to an early taste of Davao.

A tale of two cities

While Singapore is the gateway to Asia for the rest of the world, Davao is the gateway to Mindanao and all its treasures. Like Singapore, Davao is, as U-Sec Palabyab says, “is a city of immigrants for the Philippines.” People who are sick of Manila and are searching for a healthier, more live-able atmosphere, apparently, go to Davao. “That’s why it’s so fertile and progressive there,” expresses U-Sec. He hopes that its wonderful natural beauty coupled with the rich cultural heritage and the diversity of people would become a stronger selling point for tourists.

Today Davao and next time Bohol or Palawan or another beautiful part of the country still untapped; the DOT prepare their culture warriors for another invasion with the hopes of luring more tourists to the shores of our country.