#AirAsiainDavao: Experience Davao's Sights and Flavors with AirAsia

Three amazing days of chasing wonders down south in the Crown Jewel of Mindanao, with awesome sights and flavors brought together by the World's Best Low Cost Carrier...

AirAsia recently launched it's new In-Flight Catalog along with a tasty addition to its Santan In-Flight Menu in Davao just in time for summer. It's one more layer designed to enhance the traveler's experience with AirAsia...

It's been said many times before that the journey, more than the destination, is an experience in itself. With AirAsia, this is taken to heart with their never-ending pursuit of providing the very best travel experience to its guests. Our adventure began with an early morning flight from Clark to Davao for a headstart on an awesome three-day escape down south. AirAsia takes you there with regular direct flights from Manila and Clark, and even Kuala Lumpur, Davao is never too far away. With a total land area of 244,000 hectares, Davao is considered by many as the largest city in the world, almost three times the size of the nation's capital. The King City of the South promises a whole new world of sights and flavors that will set you off chasing wonders in no time.

From Francisco Bangoy International Airport, a short half-hour drive takes you up the winding hills leading you to Malagos Garden Resort. The lush 12-hectare resort is an oasis tucked at the outskirts of the bustling city that brings you up close to nature, and the ideal spot to recharge and rejuvenate. The pristine nature preserve was also the venue for the launch of AirAsia's new In-Flight Catalog. 

Heading to your villa, the gentle whisper of a nearby stream leads you to another surprise. Think of it as nature's very own welcoming committee. 

The expansive property includes cabin-inspired villas for that perfect getaway, each one blending with the abundant forest greens for that intimate vibe. And if the name sounds familiar, the lush garden resort is owned by the same group behind the popular brand of local artisan chocolate (for more on Malagos Garden Resort, see my next post on my travel blog #AirAsiainDavao: Up Close with Nature at Malagos Garden Resort).

After settling down, it was time for lunch. They say the best way to know a city is to dine where the locals gather and savor comforting homegrown flavors, and Belito's Vineyard fits the bill offering a wide variety of fresh seafood to hearty savory mains. The homey and rustic interiors of Belito's Vineyard recreates that same vibe like dining in your favorite aunt's place. Belito's Vineyard is one of those dining destinations that should be on your list on your next trip to Davao City (more on Belito's Vineyard on my recent post, Flavors of Davao: Dining with the Locals at Belito's Vineyard).

Back at Malagos Garden Resort, the AirAsia team assembled at the Koi Cafe for the evening's festivities for the launch of the new In-Flight Catalog. At AirAsia, it's all about the experience, starting on-line or via the counter for your ticket, in-flight meals, and shopping all the way to arriving at your destination. It's a continuous chain of memorable moments linked by AirAsia's innovative service that weaves a lasting impression of your travel experience. It's this passion for innovation that continues to make AirAsia top-of-mind among seasoned travelers, recognized as the World's Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years by Skytrax. Garbed in their signature red uniforms, the friendly and beautiful faces of AirAsia welcomed guests to Malagos Garden Resort's idyllic Koi Cafe for the In-Flight Catalog launch.

The outdoor setting for the launch highlighted the natural beauty of the resort while adding a casual yet festive feel. I've been to quite a number of AirAsia events, with each event more memorable than the last. And this one promises to be another memorable experience. The new In-Flight Catalog also includes all-natural food products and hand-woven items selected and curated among social entrepreneurs by the Air Asia Foundation, such as artisan tea from Tsaa Laya with its collection of local teas...

...colorful handmade fashion jewelry accessories from Olivia & Diego Upcycled Jewelry...

...and exquisite hand-woven fabrics from Anthill Fabric Gallery. Shopping in the skies is yet another layer in the AirAsia experience. The inclusion of local products in the extensive range of in-flight shopping options is a nice touch, allowing you to bring back memories of your travel adventure with AirAsia. Shopping done, your appetite is worked up and AirAsia's got that covered too. Known for their popular Santan hot meals like Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rice, and Thai Green Curry, AirAsia tempts your palate once more with another collaborative culinary creation by Chef JP Anglo infusing local flavors and his own unique style for yet another colorful and tasty layer to the AirAsia experience.

One of the country's noted young chefs and the creative force behind one of the metro's innovative restaurants, Sarsa, Chef JP Anglo shares his modern and innovative touch to local, homegrown and regional flavors with his newest dish made specially for AirAsia. And yes, his dish is infused with Davao's famed Malagos chocolates... 

Proudly Philippine-made, the internationally-recognized single-origin brand prides itself with its unique tree-to-bar advocacy resulting in the finest chocolates this part of the world. In fact, Malagos Chocolate has been selected as one of the Best 50 in the World. That's no small feat. And when AirAsia gets one of the country's premier young chefs together with one of the world's best chocolates, you just know it's going to be special... 

That evening, Chef JP Anglo prepared his special dish infused with Malagos Chocolate for his flavorful Roasted Dalandan Chicken with Pimiento Sauce. Drawing inspiration from his roots, the dish is an inspired take on regional flavors for a comforting savory option on your next AirAsia flight.

"I am incredibly happy and excited to share my first dish especially made for an airline and I love it that AirAsia is literally taking Filipino home grown products and talents to greater heights," mused Chef JP Anglo during the launch. At the launch, guests from the media and bloggers from Manila, Cebu, Davao and Malaysia enjoyed an exclusive first taste of Chef JP Anglo's special dish for AirAsia. And what a treat...

Tender and juicy chicken perfectly grilled with that lightly crisp charred outer layer for subtle smoky hints and contrasting textures, the Roasted Dalandan Chicken with Pimiento Sauce is a welcome addition to AirAsia's Santan In-Flight Meals (for more on AirAsia's Santan In-Flight meals, see my previous posts, Celebrating Asian Flavors with AirAsia's Santan Food Festival and Enhancing the Onboard Experience with AirAsia's Santan Food Festival on my other travel blog). The delicate notes of the chicken are complemented by the mildly sweet and citrus hints of the dalandan, capped by the smoky flavors of the pimiento sauce and perfectly finished by the nutty Malagos chocolate adding depth to the dish. Mildly sweet, smoky, savory, tangy and nutty, it's a celebration of local regional flavors in one masterful dish. The contrasting flavors come together in a seamless blend, with each note complementing the other for a delicately balanced dish. AirAsia's newest in-flight hot meals and merchandise are available on all AirAsia domestic and international flights in the Philippines with the Z2 flight code. Travelers are encouraged to pre-book their meals and save up to 20% as compared to purchasing their meals on-board, with a guarantee that their preferred meals are available during their flights. Guests who have booked their flights without meals can easily add them in via the "Manage My Booking" option after logging in to www.airasia.com.   

AirAsia always adds a local touch to its service culture showcasing the best of the region. "AirAsia is a sociable and innovative brand and we take pride in our collaborative nature. There is so much talent and unique products in the Philippines especially in Davao that deserve the world's attention and it brings us so much pride that we are with Chef JP, Malagos chocolates and social entrepreneurs who all value a strong, innovative service culture--which is also the hallmark of AirAsia's brand of service," shared AirAsia Philippines CEO Captain Dexter Comendador. The integrated approach weaves a vibrant synergy to complement the travel experience enhanced by the focus on the best local artisan products. "We value customer experience at all points of the journey--from the purchase of the ticket to leaving the airport, on board, and onto the destination. This latest enhancement in our in-flight menu makes flying with us also a delightful dining experience," added Captain Dexter Comendador. The evening ended with round after round of free-flowing wine, live music and good vibes. Malagos Garden Resort definitely rocked that evening.  

Early the next day, our group headed for the second part of our Davao experience with an early brunch at Punong's, a scenic local restaurant built on stilts above a large fish pond (more on Punong's on my next post at Flavors of Davao: Brunch with a View at Punong's). Go fishing after your meal, or simply enjoy the views.

The enormous distance from Davao City to Davao Oriental blurs past and after a few hours, we've reached the border. I've never been to this part of Davao, with my previous trips confined to Davao City. It's an eye-opening experience, revealing yet another side to Davao's natural, cultural and culinary richness. Representatives from the local city government and Department of Tourism welcomed our arrival, as we head further down to our first stop...  

The modern Mount Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum is a World Heritage Park showcasing some of Davao's natural wonders. Built atop a hill surrounded by verdant forests, Mount Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum is home to Davao's lush bio-diversity preserved and protected by the local government (more on Mount Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum on my travel blog at #AirAsiainDavao: One with Nature at Mount Hamiguitan World Heritage Park). With interactive exhibits and a real hiking trail, Mount Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum is one stop not to be missed on the way to Mati.

A few hours drive further into Davao Oriental, we reached yet another scenic landmark, the Sleeping Dinosaur on the way to Mati. Located at Badas Point in Barangay Dawan, the Sleeping Dinosaur is a unique land formation jutting out of Pujada bay resembling, as the name suggests, a sleeping dinosaur.

It's not hard to spot the slumbering giant, laying flat on its belly on the calm ocean. And on a perfect day like this, the gentle sloping lines of the Sleeping Dinosaur become more apparent.

The high vantage point offers breathtaking views of the Sleeping Dinosaur, so bring out your cameras and phones for that mandatory selfie and Instagram post.

It's stops like these that make any trip to Davao Oriental special, so plan ahead and wear your best outfit for that Facebook post.

A half hour later, we've reached Mati and its famous beaches. The capital city of Davao Oriental, Mati is the fifth largest city in the Davao region and known for its pristine beaches. Dahican, with its fine white sand beaches is also popular among surfers, skimboarders and frisbee enthusiasts. Once you get a feel of the soft, powdery sand and the gentle surf, you'll understand why Mati is a destination in itself.

And just before sunset, we settle in to our beachfront cottages...

...calmed by the gentle rhythmic sound of surf lapping on the beach by day's end.

Later that evening, a lavish dinner with Lechon or whole roasted pig, succulent seafood and refreshing salads capped another day of chasing wonders in Davao Oriental. 

Early the next day, bright blue skies opened up endless possibilities...

But first, breakfast. That morning, a hearty breakfast of Champorado, a local rice porridge blended with Malagos Chocolate, sets you on the right track...

...paired with local dried fish for that winning sweet and salty combination. After a sumptuous breakfast, time to hit the beach.

At Dahican, the surf's always up and the locals show their stuff as they race to meet each crashing wave. It's the spot for the boys and girls of summer, so grab your skim board and go for it (more on Dahican on my travel blog at #AirAsiainDavao: Surf's Up in Davao). 

Back at our home in Mati, we enjoy the last few hours of sun, sea and sand before the long drive back to Francisco Bangoy International Airport.

Memories of the past few days linger in another memorable getaway of chasing wonders with AirAsia.

And just like that, another adventure of chasing wonders comes to a close. And now, it's your turn. Embark on your own journey with AirAsia, it's just a few clicks away...

For more on AirAsia Philippines, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/airasiaph/

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