#1: Chasing Feathers and New Friendships in Davao
The thrill of birding begins long before the first wingbeat. For me, as the group’s treasurer, the excitement starts during the booking stage—scanning flight schedules, confirming accommodations, and imagining the landscapes where rare species await. Each trip is more than a checklist of birds; it’s a promise of discovery, camaraderie, and those heartwarming meals that seal the day’s adventures.
This recent sortie took us to Davao, a region rich in biodiversity and culture. Our team—Joegen, Gino, and myself—was joined by Allan, a seasoned birder from Mindanao whose generosity and local knowledge made this journey unforgettable. From the moment we landed, Allan welcomed us like family, ensuring we felt at home in his beloved birding grounds.
Enjoying Cinnabon while waiting to board. We used Park ‘n Fly for only ₱2,000 for a 4-day stay—such a convenient and affordable option!
DAY 1: the arrival
Our original flight was scheduled for 2:30 AM, but a month before, Cebu Pacific informed us it would be moved to 4:30 AM. The flight departed on time, but boarding via CebuPac’s bus caused a delay—we had to wait inside because the rented Bulgaria Air aircraft wasn’t ready. Thankfully, the flying time made up for it, and we landed in just 1.5 hours.
Upon arrival, Allan’s warm smile greeted us, and we immediately set off for Comval—our first birding stop. Along the way, we couldn’t resist trying Balbacua at a highway restaurant. Joegen and I were excited, but it turned out quite different from Elmer’s in Palawan, which still remains my favorite!
After another hour’s drive, we reached Comval, where mobile signal disappeared. At the mountain’s highest peak, birds make their stop. Despite the lingering fog at 10:30 AM, the birding hype was alive!
We witnessed the midday mixed flock influx and spotted these amazing species:
Lina’s Sunbird
Cinnamon Ibon (one of our target birds!)
Turquoise Flycatcher
Rufous-headed Tailorbird (so friendly!)
Olive-capped Flowerpecker
Warbling White-eye
Mindanao Heleia
The route to Comval
A peaceful 3-hour drive on wide, quiet roads—fog rolling in at times, adding to the serene vibe.
After two hours of birding, we headed to Skyway for lunch. Signal was back, and the Mulberry Shake was a must-try—Joegen and I had two each! Since we were already full, we settled for sandwiches.
By 2 PM, we returned to the birding spot, but it was quiet. After an hour, we decided to rest and check into Coco’s Hotel—the nearest and most decent place to stay overnight, and Allan’s go-to for his visitors.
A bit of relaxation, then by 5:30 PM we had an early dinner at a small restaurant just outside the hotel. A quick plate of rice and bagnet satisfied our hunger. By 8 PM, we were all fast asleep, ready for the next day’s adventure.
DAY 2: rolling in comVAL
After a refreshing 8-hour sleep, we were up early for a 5:00 AM call time. Allan brewed a wonderful cup of coffee for everyone—a perfect start to the day. What surprised us most was how bright the morning already was at this time of year.
Perfect coffee for a perfect weather
As we rolled past where we stayed yesterday, the ascent greeted us with foggy roads and a cold 20-degree wind for about 30 minutes. It felt like nature’s way of saying, “Brace yourself for the adventure ahead.” When we reached our spot, Kuya Dante was already waiting, ready to lead us into another day of birding.
Walking further beyond yesterday’s location, we discovered even more bird species. Breakfast was a fun mix—complimentary hotel packs and our pre-order from Skyway, enjoyed by the roadside. The first rush hour brought a lively scene of mixed flocks, and here’s what we spotted:
Lina's Sunbird
Asian Glossy Starling
Olive-capped Flowerpecker
Turquoise Flycatcher
Little-pied Flycatcher
Bicolored Flowerpecker
Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
Warbling White-eye
Mindanao Island-Thrush
Pied Bushchat
Rufous-headed Tailorbird
When the forest quieted down, we headed back to Skyway Café for a refreshing mulberry shake—a sweet pause after a double breakfast! By midday, the birding spots were silent, so we decided to return to the city and check in at our Airbnb. Tomorrow’s 2:00 AM call time for Mount Apo meant we needed an early rest.
The trip back was a challenge—four hours of wild traffic. For dinner, we tried Steakside. Pricey, yes, and not quite the steakhouse we were craving, but it was the best option nearby. Back at our overnight nook, the two had beers, and we reminisced about old sorties before calling it a day. By 8:30 PM, it was lights out—ready for the next big adventure.
We booked an Airbnb for two nights, and it was super convenient—just a short distance from Allan’s place, which saved us from the traffic chaos in Davao. The spot was a perfect little nook, cozy and comfortable. The only downside? The bed was a bit short for Joegen and me (haha!), but overall, it was a great stay!
DAY 3: Mount apo, here we come!
Route to Mount Apo (Kapatagan)
Allan driving on the wee hours of the morning till we reach the 1900m elevation to where we parked. Zigzag roads and cold breeze.
We woke up at 1:30 AM and left by 2:00 AM, fueled by Dunkin’ (thank goodness for 24-hour stores!). By 5:00 AM, we were in Kapatagan under clear skies and 18°C weather. At 5:15 AM, we began our ascent—about 2 km in 1.5 hours, reaching 2,200m altitude. Carrying a 5kg camera setup made this one of my toughest hikes!
THE ASCENT
Good morning from Mount Apo, looks easy for now but wait for it.
The trail was slippery and crater-like, with steep drops that could easily wreck gear—or bones. Sadly, much of the area is now farmland, replacing natural habitats. As a conservationist, this was hard to see.
While Allan, Joegen, and I were deep in search of the elusive Apo Sunbird, Gino decided to take his DJI Mini Pro 5 for a scenic flight. Everything was going smoothly—until we heard a distressed call: the drone had crashed.
What started as a calm birding expedition quickly turned into a rescue mission. Panic set in, but thanks to Eric—who knows the Mount Apo trail like the back of his hand—and the combined power of two-way radios and DJI’s tracking technology, the search began. After an hour of trekking and venturing two kilometers off the beaten path, we finally recovered the drone.
What seemed like a heartbreaker turned into a moment of triumph. This experience reminded us that nature photography isn’t just about capturing stunning images—it’s about the stories, challenges, and teamwork behind every shot. This one will remain unforgettable.
The tired boys except Allan, the calmness before Gino’s solo trek.
After a quick bunwich break, we enjoyed the incredible birdlife despite the challenges.
Our main goal: spot the Apo Sunbird—and we did! Along with:
Cinnamon Ibon
Rufous-headed Tailorbird
Philippine Serpent Eagle
Turquoise Flycatcher
Little Pied Flycatcher
Gray Wagtail
Brahminy Kite
Yellow-bellied Whistler
Black-and-cinnamon Fantail
Negros Leaf Warbler
As we began our descent, it only took 45 minutes, but the challenge was far from over. Rain started to pour, turning the trail into a slippery stretch of mud. I slipped three times—thankfully without damaging any gear. The trek became increasingly difficult as our shoes lost their grip, making every step a calculated move. Despite the conditions, we pushed through and completed the hike successfully. This was one adventure I will never forget, and I feel fortunate to have seen our target birds.
After the hike, we drove down to Mers, a popular local restaurant in Digos. The place was packed, but the meal was worth every minute of waiting—a well-deserved feast for the team. From there, we headed back to the city and opted for an early rest. Thanks to the heavy lunch, two of my companions enjoyed a beer while I settled for my favorite Mogo-Mogo. We washed up our shoes and tripods, and by 9 PM, the entire team was sound asleep, ending the day on a quiet, satisfying note.
But here’s the reality: Mount Apo’s beauty is under threat. The patches of farmland we saw are signs of habitat loss, which directly impacts the survival of these endemic species. Every photo we take is not just art—it’s a call to protect what remains. Let’s work together to preserve these ecosystems so future generations can experience the same wonder.
DAY 4: A Relaxing Finale
The moon upon arriving at Carmen
Our last day was more relaxed. After a good night’s sleep, we woke up at 5 AM and headed to Carmen, a serene area once frequented by former President Duterte and now under DENR care. Our main target was the Cryptic Flycatcher. After parking near the entrance, a short hike and the calm morning breeze set the tone for the day. Unfortunately, the wait was long and the bird never appeared. On the way down, however, we managed to capture a beautiful shot of the Orange-bellied Flowerpecker.
Next, we traversed near the Philippine Eagle Center to try our luck with the Rufous-lored Kingfisher, but it didn’t show either. Instead, we were treated to an unexpected sighting—three Rufous Paradise-Flycatchers hovering in the area. A pleasant surprise indeed.
For lunch, we drove along the new coastal diversion road and stopped at Liza’s Seafood Restaurant. The food was exceptional—see the photo to understand what I mean! Truly satisfying. On the way back, we made a quick stop at Lola Abon’s Delicacies for some durian treats and picked up three boxes of pomelo to take home.
Back at the Airbnb, we cleaned up and finally had a chance to rest. On the way out, we had to pass by Luz’s Kinilaw—hands down the best kinilaw in town. Even though we were already full, skipping it just wasn’t an option.
Allan then dropped us off at the airport—hospitality overload, as always. The Cebu Pacific check-in was predictably stressful, but we somehow pushed through and cleared it without any disasters.
Joegen and I ended up on the same flight, while Gino, who had booked a separate ticket, wasn’t as lucky. His flight got diverted due to an emergency, and he didn’t make it back to Manila until 4:00 AM.
Tough luck, Gino—but definitely a trip to remember.
Thank you CebuPac, first time di kami nadelay and lumabas bagahe namin!
This marks the end of my first-ever blog. Writing this brought back vivid memories of the adventure, and I’m excited to do more. Watch out for Blog 2! A big thank you to Allan for his hospitality throughout this trip.
