Joe Marfori shows the poster of the 1st Don Francisco S. Dizon Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday’s Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn. (Photo courtesy of Edgar Arro of the Davao Sportswriters Association)

DAVAO CITY — Even after his death, help will continue for four organizations when the 1st F.S. Dizon Charity Golf Tournament tees off on November 10 at the all-weather Rancho Palos Golf and Country Club.

Jose `Joe’ Marfori, son-in-law of the late Don Francisco `Paco’ Dizon, announced on Thursday’s DSA Forum at the Tower Inn that the tournament aims to raise P1 million to benefit the Davao Medical Center, Maharlika Charity Foundation, Missionary Sisters of Charity and Balay Pasilungan.

Don Paco allocates funds to support the four organizations every year when he was still alive and the family members decided to continue the legacy left by the philanthropist.

Marfori said that all proceeds will be given to the organizations.

The charity golf tournament offers, though, P1 million as hole-in-one prize other than the prizes at stake for the winners.

Guests from Manila and Cagayan de Oro cities are joining the event, said the national senior’s golf squad member.

Two hundred golfers are expected to see action.

Source: Davao City Tagadabaw.com

When the first ever search for the Most Child-Friendly City in the Philippines was launched in 1999 , there was no doubt in selecting Davao City as its recipient and for two years this much coveted award has been given to Davao City.

Although, the 2006 presidential award for the most child-friendly city has been awarded to Naga City, still Davao City still maintains is image to make this place safe for children.

Not only does it boost of its protection to the welfare of child, but when it comes to learning and fun, Davao City won’t be left behind.

I am particularly pointing out a worthwhile learning experience that my pre-schooler and three-year old kids during an educational field trip they had a week ago.

I could feel the questions that have formulated in their young minds as we visited the Missionary of Charity somewhere in Matina, but I know that they were relieved upon learning that there are people caring for them in the absence of their parents. That experience helped my kids realized that they were lucky that they have parents.

Then the Nuestra Sto. Nino de Prague Shrine Park in GSIS, Matina where the whole bunch stopped over for an early lunch was a solemn experience for both of them. Shrine Park is not just a place for worshiping, it also caters to groups who want to have some solemn and quiet place for retreats and recollections.

The most exciting part for my young kids were in the Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum located in Mintal, Davao City. There they got to experience the wonders of science. Even at this age I was amazed by the several displays they have. The room full of mirrors which would give you an illusion that you are entering a very big room; the dark room that features a shadow of different hues and wherein you could actually leave the shadow that you have casted; the video phone; just everything in it amazes my children.

I know that this place becomes a must-see for students since there were other schools that had their educational field trip during that day in the centrum.

Our last stop was the Philippine Eagle Center. I admit I have gone to this place several times, but I am always enchanted by this different kind of connection to the nature one would surely feel when in this place. My children just simply loved looking at the century old crocodile who looks friendly that time since this creature is dormant at daytime. Then they rushed to the big cage that housed the eagles but these will eventually be sent back to the forests when they will be fit enough to tend for themselves. The majestic floras that were a plenty - growing so wild and so free.

Indeed, we don’t have to go far to be able to understand and learn more for Davao City has a lot to offer and much more. Not only for adults who crave for adventures, but Davao City is a good place for children; not only for their safety but most of all for their learning experiences too.

Source: Davao City Tagadabaw.com

I was at Davao’s Gaisano Mall buying several things I need. I was waiting for a text message from someone I’m meeting within 20 minutes. Carrying the things I bought, I looked for a good place to sit and rest for awhile. I saw that McDonald’s stairs were clean and vacant so I decided to sit there while waiting.

After about 15 minutes, a group of five middle-aged people went towards the Kenny Roger’s dining area (very close to where I’m sitting) to rest too, with the only guy going towards the stairs I was sitting. He asked me if I mind. I said I don’t so he sat right next to me. After putting down his backpack, he started a conversation asking if Gaisano Mall have the most people coming in compared to other malls in Davao. I answered that most people who want to stroll the mall to get away from the sun usually go there ( since, in my observation, most of the people who go to SM City Davao are usually those who really want to buy things and not just stroll around).

Our conversation went on for several minutes. I discovered that they are from Zamboanga, came here for a seminar and will be going back the day after. He also mentioned that he is a music teacher in a college in Zamboanga and was considering living here in Davao. He really appreciate the security he is feeling here and went on asking about the people’s general view of the city under Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. He said that the City Mayor’s strategy in handling Davao City is benchmarked by other mayors in the country.

When it was time for me to go, I bid goodbye to him, forgetting to ask his name. I went on thinking about our conversation after. For me, it was a confirmation of my thoughts about Davao. People outside the city have been hearing a lot of good stuff about our city for quite some time now and I agree with them. Indeed, the way the Mayor is handling things is remarkable.

I can’t help but feel proud to be a Davaoeno and I feel lucky to have been living here all my life.

Source: Davao City Tagadabaw.com