Category Archives: Philippines

Going ashore in Panabo Davao

Panabo

The port of Panabo belongs to the bigger port of Davao and it is situated on the southeastern coast of Mindanao Island and in the north part of the Gulf of Davao. It was opened in the autumn of 2015 and it is located in a very picturesque area, surrounded by coconut and banana plantation.

 

Going ashore in Manila

Manila

The capital of Philippines, Manila, is the biggest and most crowded port and city of the country. The Metropolis of Manila – or Metro Manila, how the locals are calling it – includes the city of Manila and some other smaller cities and municipalities and it has an area of more than 600 sq. km. The Port has 2 distinct port container terminals – Manila North and Manila South – and our vessel called both terminals, with an average stay of 24 hours in the North and 12 hours in the South.

Dampa Fish Market, Manila

I have visited many fish markets around the world and I think I will never get tired – nor bored – of visiting more of them each time I arrive into a new city, regardless its size or location. The most beautiful, clean and diversified fish market I have seen so far is Mercado Central from Valencia, but I prefer the colourful, vibrant and picturesque Asian markets where the fresh fish is displayed in huge piles, the vendors are friendly and the prices are always lower than expected.

Panabo Market

Panabo market

I love Philippines and all my friends know this already. I love their white sandy beaches, their amazing waters and all the other small things that can make up a unique and unforgettable vacation. But, most of all, I love the people living in this country. Despite their very difficult life, despite all their struggles and fight, hard work and uncertain future, the Filipinos always wear a big smile on their faces, always welcome foreigners in their communities and try to please them as much as they can.

Visiting the fish market in Panabo, Philippines

I always enjoy visiting fish and fruit markets whenever I arrive in a new town, regardless of its location or size. From the colourful and perfectly clean market of Valencia to the busy, crowded and noisy Asian markets I always find great pleasure in walking between the aisles, admiring their wide display and socializing with the vendors. From all the fish markets I’ve seen so far, Philippines’ markets are by far my favourites and no matter how many of them I visit I still want to visit more.

Going ashore in Davao, Philippines

Davao is the capital of Mindanao Island – situated in the South of Philippines – and it is the second largest city in the country, after Manila, with a population close to 2 million inhabitants. It is one of the largest and busiest ports in the area and, even though its dimensions are small comparing with other Asian ports (from China or Malaysia), it is considered to be one of the ports with the greatest development in the world (during the last years).