My NCA Chronicle

The National Conference of Architects started a day early for me. Two of my companions in the graduate studies, Jun and Agnes, flew in before Day O. We actually had it all planned. Our other companion, Connie, arranged for us to stay overnight in Chemas Resort in Samal Island. Another part of this crazy group is Karl but he could not come early so he missed our first day escapades.

From the airport, Jun and Agnes went to Poblacion Restaurant behind Victoria Plaza. We all met there for breakfast. We then went to Connie's office for last minute preparations. To get to Chemas, we had to take a boat inside the Waterfront Hotel, one of Davao's first class hotels. Chemas is a great place to relax. Anyone going to Davao should include this place in their agenda. We also managed to get a good bargain on some pearl jewelries. Connie was attending a seminar on hospital design so she couldn't join us during the day.She joined us during dinner time and stayed overnight. She brought her car along.

We were supposed to leave early the following day but Connie's car got stuck in the mud just outside the gate of the resort. With the help of the locals, we managed to get the car free after almost an hour. It was my first time to use the barge to cross the sea between Samal Island and the city. Connie had to rush to her hospital design seminar so after we checked in our hotel I brought Jun and Agnes to a walking tour of the city. Jun and Agnes asked two of their friends, Randell and Ces,  to tag along. We first went to People's Park, then walked to the City Hall and Cathedral. I then brought them to Aldevinco where native products were sold. We ended in Gaisano Mall to take lunch and buy some toiletries and needed items.

Most of the delegates have arrived. Karl arrived around lunch time but we didn't go out again until dinner time. This time, Connie had finished the seminar so she brought us to Jack's Ridge. We then went to Studio Onnie, a comedy bar in Torres Street. Connie's husband, Eming, requested for his favorite performance which we really enjoyed a lot. Karl and I were thinking of bringing these comedians to Cebu for one of UAP's events.

The following day was the conference proper so we stayed in the hotel all the time. What is memorable on this day is the announcement that the Mayor had signed an Administrative Order enforcing the RA9266. The vice-mayor also announced that they are working on the paper works to set up a City Architect's Office in Davao! Before we broke up in the evening, our group had a lot of fun during the raffles especially because Agnes won a box of pomelo.

For the second day of the conference, we decided to sign up for the eco-tour. It was a wise decision. We first went to the Philippine Eagle Preservatory, then to the Malagos gardens where we watched a very entertaining bird show. We had our lunch in Malagos gardens. Across it is the Puentespina gardens, famous for their orchids and other ornamental plants. Our last stop was the crocodile farm. After the closing ceremonies in the hotel, we all went back to the Crocodile Farm for the Fellowship Night. It was fun! It was overflowing with beer as well! Davies was also very generous with their raffle prizes. We were very happy when someone from our group won the HongKong trip for two!

Agnes, Karl and Jun left the following day. Their flight was at 9:20am. After seeing them off my attention was diverted to a group of friends who were not due to leave until 4:40pm. These guys were part of our basketball team for the sports fest so they didn't get a chance to tour around Davao. I brought them to Aldevinco and the fruit stands so they can buy their "pasalubongs", then toured them to People's Park. We then ate in Whaw. I didn't know that there was such a thing as a "tuna chicharon" until one of the guys bought some for "pasalubong".

When they left for the airport I headed home as well. I spent the rest of the day setting up the internet connection in the house so I can get in touch with everyone else.

This is the last NCA. Area assemblies will replace it starting next year. I can not wait for another opportunity like this one to have fun with friends again.