Hey AIESEC exchange participant,

A warm welcome from AIESEC ADDU of the Philippines! We deeply appreciate that you
have chosen us to provide you the AIESEC experience. We hope this booklet will help you
prepare for the new chapter of your life that you are about to embark soon! We are
looking forward to having you here with us – helping each other and learning of our
differences.
The adjustments that one has to make when living in another country can be daunting,
but the friendly and secure atmosphere prevalent in Davao City has made it an attractive
option for a growing number of expatriates.
This traineeship will help you in discovering and developing further your potential. Let us
savor the moments that we're about have. Together, let us become positive change
agents of our world today!

AIESECly yours,
AIESEC Ateneo de Davao University

AIESEC Ateneo de Davao University | Jacinto Street, Davao City | Philippines 8000
http://www.aiesecaddu2008.multiply.com
Davao City
The paradise of
the orient
ABOUT DAVAO
Davao is a province capable of arousing
interest or curiosity. The cultural diversity
and traditions; the mountainous region
marked with rolling hills and fertile valleys.
The alluring orchid called the waling-
waling, the intriguing endangered
Philippine Eagle, whose sanctuary is at the
foot of Mt. Apo, Philippine highest
mountain. The harmonious relationship
between its neighboring provinces
influenced by ethnic and cultural ties have
made Davao the window to the island of
Mindanao.
They were the ones that gave the province
a name from the word “daba-daba”, now
Davao. It is because of its abundance of
natural resources Davao has also
attracted neighboring provinces and
settlers.
Despite its differences in culture and
tradition people have live together in
peace and harmony, makes Davao
unique!
Davao is a melting pot for all culture;
its geography and surroundings, the
piece of history, the diversity of culture
and tradition, the gathering and
festivities like the Kadayawan Festival
makes Davao City inviting and
exciting to visit. Just ask the
Dabawenyos.
 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Total Area: 2,443.61 sq km
Elevation: 22.3 m (73 ft)
One of the largest cities in the
world.
It is the capital of the Davao
Region.

ECONOMY
Currency: PESO (PHP)
“Crown Jewel” of Mindanao
Business Outsourcing & Human
Resource
Exports: Banana, Pineapple,
Pomelo, Mango,
Coconut, Papaya, Mangoosten,
POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS Flowers

Population: 1,650,337
Density: 558/km2 (1,445.2/sq mi)
Languages: English, Filipino (BISAYA)
Religion: Roman Catholic (83%); Other Christian
groups (15%); Non-Christian groups (1.17%)
Life Expectancy: 70.335
CITY GOVERNMENT
 The city government has invested Regular checkpoints in key parts of
millions of peso to ensure the security of Davao City and at the city
people leaving and working in Davao boundaries are conducted 24 hours
City. Aside from the usual forces has been to ensure the strict implementation
formed to insulate the city from any forms of traffic rules.
of criminality. That is why the city was The use of fireworks and other
named by the “ASIA NEWSWEEK” as one of similar pyrotechnics, as well as
the 20 Most livable cities in ASIA due to smoking in public, is strictly
almost zero crime rate every day. prohibited in the city. Violators are
made to pay hefty fines, perform
The city government also
community services, serve jail time,
maintains a 24- hour emergency
or a combination of the three.
response system patterned after 911
Littering is also prohibited.
systems that can also be found in
Canada and United states. People can
dial the 911 number to report
emergencies and criminal incidents.
A curfew is also observed in the
city for minor citizens. Motorcycle drivers
with no helmets and with defective lights
are also not allowed to enter or drive in
the city.
FESTIVALS
 It is a celebration of Good Harvest! This
globally famous festival is a weeklong
celebration and thanksgiving for nature’s
bountiful harvest. Kadayawan Festival is
being celebrated every 3rd Week of August.
A celebration of the plentiful harvests of fruits
and orchids during the season. Kadayawan
is derived from the prehistoric word
“madayaw,” a warm and friendly greeting
also used to explain a thing that is valuable,
superior, beautiful, good, or profitable,
“Kadayawan” in Mandaya means anything
that brings fortune, a celebration of life, a
thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the
wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest
and serenity of living. Ethnic tribes around Mt.
Apo usually gathered during the harvest-
time when they had a bountiful harvest to
KADAYAWAN give thanks to their gods particularly the all-
powerful Bathala (supreme God). According
to legend, the occasion is noticeable by
happiness, singing, and dancing, as well as
offerings to their divine protectors.
 Araw ng Dabaw is
the annual
celebration of the
foundation day of
Davao City. It is
celebrated every
16th of March. During
this celebration, the
entire city is abuzz
with parties, events,
and parades. The
day kicks off with a
ARAW NG DABAW
colorful parade along
the main streets of
the city.
CITY TOURS
 Davao is the third most popular city in the
Philippines following manila and Cebu. It is
considered as the center of trade and business in
the southern part of the Philippines. In terms of
tourism, it offers a lot of wonderful tourist
destinations and world-class facilities for you to
enjoy. And if you love traveling, Davao should be a
part of your itinerary. When in Davao, you can
visit wonderful places just like these establishments
that is certified EP “must try” to complete your
Davao experience:
SHOPPING MALLS
NCCC MALL

CHIMES SPECIALTY STORE

GAISANO MALL

VICTORIA PLAZA SM CITY MALL

JS GAISANO MALL SOUTH

ALDEVINCO
SHOPPING CENTER CHINA TOWN
RESTAURANTS/ ASIAN
NONKI

ZAKOYA
SOMANG

AFHAT

KRUA THAI

TADAKUMA
RESTAURANTS/ WESTERN

DE BONTE KOE

DE BOERDERIJ
RESTAURANT/ FILIPINO

And many
more! 
RESORTS & WATER ACTIVITIES

CHEMAS
BLUE JAZZ

ISLA RETA

ILIHAN
PARKS & LAND ACTIVITIES

MAGSAYSAY PARK
FREEDOM PARK

RIZAL PARK PEOPLE’S PARK

 ZIP LINING

PAINTBALL

And many ZORB

more! 
BUBLIC TRANSPORATIONS

SIDE CAR
BUS

JEEPNEY
TAXI
TRISIKAD
COMMUNICATIONS
Leading telecommunications companies put facilities
in Davao City paving clear connections from and to various
destinations in the Philippines and all over the world. The
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT),
Bayan Telecommunications Corporation (Bayantel), Globe
Telecom, Smart Communications and Sun Cellular operate
vital transmission towers in the city.

Trainees are required to buy pre-paid SIM (mobile)

card for their cell phones for temporary means of
communication. It is more efficient and less costly than
roaming charges. Do not worry. The trainee is accompanied
by an AIESECer to buy a SIM card.
If you don’t have a cell phone, we can also
accompany you to buy one. It’s better to buy the cheapest one,
which will cost below P1,000.00.

Postal requirements are served by 18 post offices

citywide. Forwarders, truckers, custom brokers, international
couriers, and messengerial companies offer overnight mail and
freight/cargo services.
COMMUNICATIONS: MOBILE NETWORKS & TELEPHONE COMPANIES

PHILIPPINE LONG DSTANCE TELEPHONE

COMMUNICATIONS: MAIL & COURIER SERVICES
FILIPINO CULTURE
 Most of the Filipinos are of Austronesian descent
with mainly a mixture of Spanish, Chinese, American, and
Arab lineage. That is why we are called the marriage of the
EAST and the WEST. Thus Filipino culture shows a fusion
of native traditions of the Philippines blended with
Spanish and American customs, as well as Chinese,
Indonesian and Indian specialties and Japanese traditions
and culture. You will also notice Hispanic influences in
Filipino culture, which shows prominence in many of the
religious festivals and even in naming of streets, towns and
provinces as well as in cuisine. As you explore the Filipino
dishes like noodles, you will notice the Chinese influence.

Interestingly enough, English language is daily used

in Philippines(while for most have become their native and
mother tongue) and shows trends of American influence in the
spoken style, basketball, fast-food joints, sprouting interest in
American music and movies.
 Friendship, bondage in families, nationalism and
commitment are greatly appreciated in Culture of
Philippines. José Rizal, a Spanish-speaking reformist
whose writings induced national identity and awareness
among the commoners, is an important figure in the
country. Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, written
by this reformist are must-read among the students of
this country and are highly evaluated.

While music and leisure are close to the heart of

Filipinos, sports like boxing, badminton and billiards are
also quite popular.
WE ARE ALSO KNOWN TO BE :

Hospitable: Ever wondered why any full-blooded

Pinoy (slang for Filipino) that you meet and be lucky to
be friends with is always eager to share their meal,
whether in your lunch room, or at a party? It is because of
this trait that we are born with. We are known to even
share not only our meals but our entire home to our
guests. We do not feel well when we are eating and
somebody in the table isn't. We are quick to offer our
food, or drink to anyone; we cannot enjoy our food and
drink if we do not share them first. We are known for
throwing parties and serve delicious foods in abundance,
and would insist on visitors to eat some more. After the
party is over, we are known to pack up "to-go" boxes for
our visitors so that they can enjoy the Filipino delicacies
when they get home
 If by any chance you visit this small country of
7,107 islands, you will find that there is always someone
willing to help you and offer you things even though most
of the people living in this archipelago live in poverty.
They will find ways to welcome you in their hearts and in
their homes. Tourists remember this trait of Filipinos and
often state so when asked why they like visiting the
Philippines--- they would readily say that Filipinos are
very friendly and hospitable.
 Humble: Filipinos are known to be very humble.
When people praise them for their accomplishments
they always shyly shake their heads saying you or
someone
else is better than them. When it is already evident they
are ahead in life or have a beautiful home or have a lot
of belongings, they will not show them off blatantly
because it is not right. They will humbly say theirs is not
the best or there is always someone else better than
them. Filipinos oftentimes feel guilty of showing off things
because of fear that they may offend others. This is
maybe because of one of the Philippines' popular creed
"Ang hindi lumingon sa pinaggalingan ay hindi
makakarating sa paroroonan" translated as- "Those who
do not look back to where they came from will never
reach their destination".
 This explains why when
Filipinos leave their country, they always give
backsending
money, boxes of goodies to their friends and
loved ones. They are also known to save money each
year so that they can go home and visit families and
friends even if they have already settled in another
country.
Honorable: Filipinos are known for being honorable,
which could mean a couple of things. When a Filipino
makes a promise they will intend to keep it. We are
known for our "Palabra de honor" (word of honor). We
will do our best to fulfill that promise, even if we have to
make sacrifices just to do it. Another form of being an
honorable Filipino is that we have pride on what we do.
Yes, we maybe humble, but we have pride. Honorable
pride for a Filipino is valuing our race and our attainment.
This honorable pride is our way of showing you that we
have worked hard to attain our goals, so do not push us
down just because most of us work for a living all over
the world, coming from an impoverished nation and
succeeding abroad is not an easy task- it takes sweat and
blood and a lot of sacrifices! Every Filipino values
education- rich or poor. Quezon, one of the Philippines'
former presidents once said that "Education is the birth
right of every Filipino child". Every Filipino parent's
dream is to give their child quality education, even if
they have to sell all their belongings in hopes that
someday the reality of this dream will come true.
LANGUAGE

ENGLISH TAGALOG CEBUANO

Hello ! Kamusta! Kumusta!
Good morning Magandang umaga Maayung buntag
Good afternoon Magandang tanghali Maayung udto
Good evening Magandang gabi Maayung gabie
Goodbye Paalam Babay
How are you? Kamusta ka? Kamusta man ka?
I’m fine Mabuti naman Maayu man
And you? At ikaw? Ug ikaw?
Thank you Salamat Salamat
You’re welcome Walang anuman Walay sapayan
I am… (your name) Ako si … Ako di ay si…
I’m from… Ako ay galing sa… Gikan ko sa…
Where is… Saan ang … Asa ang…
Yes Oo Oo
No Hindi Dili
Sorry Patawad Pasaylua ko
It’s alright Ok lang Walay kaso
Do you speak English? Nagsasalita ka ba ng ingles? Kabalo baka mag ininggles?
I don’t understand Hindi ko maintindihan Dili ko kasabot
What? Ano? Unsa?
EP SERVICING
AIRPORT PICK- UP
Francisco Bangoy International Airport, also
called the Davao International Airport, is the main airport
servicing Davao City in the Philippines. It is located at
Buhangin, Davao City.

Be sure to inform us of your flight details

beforehand. We will be the ones to pick you up. We will be
there 30 minutes earlier for convenience. In addition, be
sure to contact the Vice President of Services and
Receptions for constant communications through emailing
or in any ways of internet communications before the date
of your arrival. Our Service & Receptions also are the point
persons for
this and they’ll be bringing an AIESEC banner for you to be
able to recognize us.
ACCOMMODATIONS

Residencia del Marina business center and Dedeng’s

place are AIESEC ADDU’s accommodation place for
all of their trainees. The two establishments are both
owned by one owner. Residencia del marina is a
dormitory type accommodation where most of the
students from our university live and also some
AIESECers stay there too. While Dedeng’s place is a
town house type where we put our Eps in case if there
is no vacant anymore in the main buillding
(RESIDENCIA). Both are located at
The heart of the city and 6 minutes walk from our
university. Both buildings are also located at the center
of the city proper. It is about 10-30 minutes away from
almost all of our TN offices.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS’ ADDRESS & RATE:

Residencia del Marina Business

Center
Jacinto street (beside holy child
high school), Davao City

Good for 3 persons: Php 6,500 (per

person)
Good for 2 persons: Php 7000 (per
person)
Dedeng’s Place
Ponciano street (in front of kapitan
tomas high school), Davao City

• Php 7,000 (per person)

CREDIT CARDS/ MONEY CHANGERS

Foreign currency can easily be converted into

Philippine Peso. Aldevinco Shopping Center, which is
located at Roxas Avenue , is the nearest recognized money
changer from Residencia del Marina. It is best to check the
currency exchange rate before changing money to ensure that
you can get the best change rate.

Major foreign credit cards may be accepted only at

major hotels, resorts, shops and restaurants. Trainees are
advised to bring sufficient amount of change in small bills or
coins. Major international credit cards are widely accepted in
hotels, resort, restaurants, and shopping centers, among others.

Please do inform us ahead of time, if you plan to

make use of your own credit card so that we can check if it
can be used in any of the banks. We also advice the trainee to
open a bank account to safeguard their money.
WELCOME PARTY

Within a week of arrival, we will prepare a welcome party for

you! This will enable you to meet and know more of our
AIESEC members and our city. We will make sure that this
welcome party will be very memorable to you.
Also, your AIESEC buddy may be introduce to you
at this time or beforehand. He/she will be the one to help you
around whenever you find any difficulties or if you just wish
to talk with someone – he/she is the person who will be there
for you.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS

The International Telephone Code for Philippines is

+63. Davao City’s Area Telephone code is +6382.

Davao City Central Communication and Emergency

Response Center (DCCERC), or also known as Davao City
911 is responsible to accept emergency calls, and accurately
locate and dispatch requests to emergency service providers
such as the police, fire departments, and hospitals for
ambulance service. Remember, dial 911 for any emergencies.
 VP COMM
LCP VP TM

VP ICX
VP ER VP OGX

VP S&R VP PROJ
PREPARED BY:

Malvin M.Cagadas
Vice President for Services & Reception
Ateneo de Davao University
AIESEC in the Philippines

Mobile: +639226561447
E-mail: malvin_cagadas@yahoo.com
Facebook: Jaziecagz_saltshaker
Skype: Saltshaker171