The Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018 is On

The Davao region has so much to offer travelers and adventure seekers from across the country and the rest of the world. Traveling to this part of Mindanao has been made more fun and exciting thanks to the Visit Davao Summer Festival initiated by the City Government of Davao.

Now on its fourth year, this festival which was originally called Davao Fun Sale has expanded to include sports as well as art and cultural activities. It is now known as the WideFest and LongFest. WideFest because more municipalities in the Davao region have joined the festival with Compostela Valley (ComVal) as the newest addition. LongFest because this is the longest-running summer festival of its kind which kicked off on April 15 and will last until June 30.

The Visit Davao Summer Festival Execom and stakeholders showing their proof of commitment. 

Visit Davao Summer Festival (VDSF) Executive Committee Chairman Benjie Lizada said during the media launch that their role is mainly as facilitator of the events. He added the main players in this festival are the events organizers who continue to be committed in providing fun and exciting activities for travelers each year.

VDSF Execom Chair Benjie Lizada (seated left)  with ComVal Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy

The events included are divided into three categories - sports and adventure; culture and arts; and party, fun and leisure events.

Sports and Adventure 

The highlights of the sports and adventure events are the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge and the Mt. Apo Sky and Vertical Race hosted by the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The boulder face challenge is now on its 10th year and is one of the longest-running adventure races not only in the country but in the ASEAN region. More than the race, this activity primarily aims to raise awareness on the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the Philippines' highest peak, Mt. Apo.

Other exciting sports activities lined up this year are the Amihan National Skimboarding competition, Bonamine Ultimate Beach Frisbee competition, Air Asia Durian Triathlon, Flanax Samal Marathon, climb caravan, divefest, among others.

Culture and Arts

Those who are into culture and arts can check out several activities. These include the Dabawenya Alla Prima, National Heritage Month opening ceremony, Ugnayang Alampat (visual art exhibit), Hataw Dabaw (dance workshop and competition), Lumadnong Pagsaulog and Tambayoyong Dabawenyo.

The VDSF kick off party last April 18. 

Dept. of Tourism 11 Regional Director Antonio Blanco (center) with the dancers outside the venue. 

Party, Fun and Leisure

Those who love to party and shop will not be disappointed. There will be a sand sculpting and Bigiw Regatta competition in Samal this May while a Mindanao Pet Congress will take place at Abreeza Mall and SM Lanang Premier also in May. Discounts can also be enjoyed at various places of accommodation, major malls and restaurants. Those who want to take advantage of tour packages can enjoy lower prices during the festival.

Thanks to this yearly summer festival, tourist arrivals in the city have increased, Mr. Benjie Lizada revealed. From 2015 to 2016, local tourist arrivals went up by 8.16 percent from 1,586,688 to 1,716,224 (data from City Tourism Operations Office). The number of balikbayans and OFWs who visited the city also rose by 58.21 percent.

So plan your trips around Davao region now and have a great time with your family and friends. If you want to get updates on these events, simply follow or like the Visit Davao Summer Festival Facebook page.