Where is Davao anyway?
I don’t recall knowing of Davao until a couple of years ago. I think I knew it was in the Philippines but I definitely had to look on the map. For me, Davao was put on the map by Justin and Joe from the Empire Flippers (then known as Adsense Flippers); a blog/podcast by two Americans who are chronicling their entrepreneurial journey in this Southern Philippine city.
On Business
As part of my Global Travelers trip around Asia, Davao was my first port of call. I was in Davao last year so this time around I intended to meet business friends and check out the nearby beaches which I missed the last time I was here.
I met up with the guys at a dinner they have for local and visiting entrepreneurs. There was 16 of us in all, and at one point during the night it occurred how networking online has connected me to so many people. I know it is fashionable to disparage how much time people spend online these days, yet I have made more friends and connections than I could of by unplugging.
It’s an interesting experience meeting up with people you listen to online as well. There are not many podcasts I have listened to beyond 50 episodes, but the Empire Flippers podcast is one of those.
I was sitting next to the guys at dinner and their voices are so familiar to me that it felt like I have known them for years.
[Empire Flippers in stereo]
On Beaches
One of the reasons that outsourcing businesses have set up here is that is that the costs of running a business are much lower than in Manila. Getting out of the city is easier as well, and the most popular place to visit is Samal Island, which is a 5 minute boat ride away from the port of Davao. The beaches are resort style, so there is a small admission fee which varies depending on the beach. Expect lots of karaoke bands and families feasting on picnics.
[Costa Marina Beach, Samal Island – Davao]
Where I Stayed
As part of this Carlson Club Global Travelers promotion I was staying as a guest in properties from the Carlson Rezidor hotel group along the way. In Davao I stayed at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao, which is located next to the fancy newly-built SM Lanang Mall.
In between visiting my friends and checking out the beach I ended up making the most of my time here by working either poolside or at the workspace in my room.
Here is my full review of the Park Inn by Radisson Davao.
[Working at the Park Inn by Radisson Davao]
Sweet I hope to get over an see Justin and Joe one day š
Would love to have you, Neale…let us know if you head out here! š
Thanks for the mention, James! Your post on cafe’s in HCM came in handy this last weekend!
Awesome!
You’re the first to put this on my map as well James! Would you head back there to work more long-term?
I would love to come back, but mainly for leisure as the internet and transport infrastructure makes it harder to work remotely. Seems that most people that are working here either have a physical business or are employing outsourcers.
Hi James
Was the internet that bad out there? Dave and I are hoping to spend a month or two doing online work in Davao City. Did you try working in any co-working spaces while you were there?
I didn’t go to any co-working spaces, or cafes for that matter, on this trip. The main problems I have had in the Philippines is when moving around as wifi isn’t as wide spread.
Hey Erin…hope you enjoy your trip to Davao!
Shoot us/me an email when you get here. We’d be happy to introduce you to other expats, get you plugged in, etc.
Hi Justin
Good to hear from you, I’m a fan of Empire Flippers. We should be arriving early next year and we’ll definitely look you up.
Davao is a wonderful place where because it offers nothing but the best. There are a lots of good sightings and hotels there which can make your stay worth while.
sounds like GREAT trip