I compiled four video clips with samples of traditional dances in Philippines. For the guys, check the number two video, second part of it. It shows how to catch a girl! But in my mind I wonder what a girl would think if I tried that approach on the disco? 

This dance is said to imitate the movement of the tikling birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers. The kids imitate the tikling bird's grace and speed by skillfully maneuvering between large bamboo poles. ​The name "tinikling" is a reference to birds locally known as tikling, which can be any of a number of rail species.

First part of this short video shows men fighting. They have weapons and wear masks. The second part is actually more interesting! It's about a young man courting a girl. He catches her interest and even manage to make her pregnant! So watch and learn guys!

I filmed this fire dance at Bohol Cultural Center in Tagbilaran. I don't know if fire dancing is typical for Philippines, probably not. But anyway it's relatively common all over Philippines to experience this.

This fire dance was filmed in Davao Crocodile Park.

Related links:
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

I was the first renter in the apartment so everything was very fresh. All the furnitures and the kitchen utensils were included. The owner was helpful and keen on that everything would be ok. If you are interested to rent you can contact the owner yourself. The location in Toril might be a little bit odd since it's a bit far from Davao city. But for me it was perfect, relatively quiet compared to the bustling city centre of Davao. It's close to Eden Nature Park, a wonderful place where you can do many activities such as hiking, fishing and of course eat at the beautifully located buffet restaurant. For me it was also interesting with the relative proximity to Mt Apo since I had plans to hike there.

A tour inside the apartment. But I have an excuse to my English speaking viewers since I am talking Swedish in the video clip. But at least I added some English subtitles.

View over Andaya st which could be a very noisy specially in the mornings and evenings.

My other view from the apartment was overlooking a squatter area. The owner told me it was her land but for the time being she let squatters stay there. On the other side of the street was this little puppy which most of the time was tied up. The poor puppy was all alone there and crying all the time. But then suddenly the street kids decided to try to sell it to me. I felt sorry for the puppy but I denied of course. 

The video clip shows the first 2 km stretch from Daliao to Toril city centre. Most of the days I traveled in to Ecoland just near Davao city. I usually went to Starbucks to enjoy a delicious cafe latte and use their excellent WiFi. It's a perfect way to do some work on the computer. To get there I took the tricycle from Daliao to the city centre of Toril. Next I went with the Uso-Uso jeepneys or to the Hop On Hop Off Terminal for the 30 minutes stretch to Ecoland. Actually I usually went by the Hop On Hop Off jeepneys, they felt more safe to ride with.

One good thing I like with renting a place is that you can cook your own food.

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

​The Uso-Uso jeepneys which you only will find in Davao are customized jeepneys which are known for their fast speed driving and playing music in high volume. According to the drivers, it will only take 20-30 minutes of travel from Toril to downtown Davao. And because of that many of the Uso-Uso jeepneys are popular among the students and workers who don't want to be late. If you mention the Uso-Uso experience in Davao everybody will know the meaning of it.

The Uso-Uso experience, fast and furious with the music on the highest volume! The music in the clip is authentic from the actual trips and no editing was made whatsoever regarding the sound. 1.20 minutes video clip.

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

The Red Parrot Inn is beautifully situated by the sea. It has rooms fronting the sea and also four cottages at the back with no sea view. The AC was a little bit old but still possible to adjust the temperature ok. WiFi was only available in the main building. We had one of the cottages in the back and the room was a little bit worn but everything was nice and clean.

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

Monclair Suites has a very good location in the center of Toril. It's near to everything. Just walking distance to the wet market, G-Mall or the jeepney terminal. The room was small but clean and fresh. AC was the modern style and the temperature was easy adjustable. Free WiFi was available in the room. Breakfast was not included. ​

Toril is is the 3rd District of the City of Davao, located 40 min by car from city center of Davao. So if you visit Davao it's probably more likely you stay near the city center of Davao instead of staying in Toril. But one highlight of Toril is Eden Nature Park & Resort which is a fantastic getaway beautifully located on the slope of Mount Apo. So Eden Nature Park & Resort might be the reason for you to spend the night in Toril and then you should check out Montclair Suites as an option.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
5 Location
4 Sleep Quality
4 Rooms
4 Service
5 Value for the money
5 Cleanliness 
I stayed here a couple of times in May 2015

Monclair Suites
RCFI COMPLEX (Infront of Shell Gasoline Station), Agton St., Toril, Davao City
Phone: 09498323034 (smart), 09433045380 (sun)

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

Bangka is the name for boat in Tagalog. I found this beautiful boat on Samal Island which is one of those incredible islands found just outside the city of Davao. Samal Island is easily accessible from Davao by ferry and offers a wide variety of nice activities from the most obvious, swimming and snorkeling to hiking in the forrest. The infrastructure for the tourists is well developed for those who prefer a more quiet island life than what Davao has to offer. 

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Review of Chow King Restaurant (Davao, Philippines)

I've seen Chow King everywhere in the Philippines but it was until now I tried it for the first time. The menu is not that exciting but the food was good and the portions surprisingly big compared to for example Jolibee. This particular Chow King is located near the centre of Toril.

For those who doesn't heard about Chow King, it is a Philippine-based chain. The concept combines a Western fast food service style with Chinese food. Chowking predominantly sells noodle soups, dim sum, and rice toppings. The company was founded in 1985, at a time when Western-style burger joints were dominating the Philippine fast food scene.

Rating: 1-5 where 1 is terrible and 5 is excellent
3 Food 
3 Service
3 Value
3 Atmosphere
I was here April 2015.

Chow King
J. Rasay Street, Corner Agton Street, Toril, Davao City

Related links:
Traditional dances in Philippines
My rental apartment in Toril
The Uso-Uso Experience in Davao
The jumping kids of Talikud Island
Review of The Red Parrot Inn (Samal Island, Philippines)
Review of Monclair Suites (Toril, Philippines)
Samal Island (Mindanao, Philippines)