In the past, I have written about the lack of any New Year’s celebrations in the Philippines. John Grant wrote a good article about his experience along these lines too a while back.
The fact is, if you want to celebrate the New Year here in the Philippines, you will likely find that almost every place is closed up for the night! Traffic is non-existent on New Year’s Eve. People stay home with the family. Nothing wrong with staying home to ring in the New Year, but for many of us that is not what we are used to. For some people who are single, they might not have a family to spend the night with, so they have no choice but to stay home and actually be lonely.
But, this year, it seems that in Davao there is finally a place where you can go out, enjoy time with friends, and ring in the New Year when Midnight rolls around! That’s right, Felis Resort has announced that they will be having a New Year’s Party this year!
The Party will start at 8pm on December 31. Location is at Felis Resort, which is located in Matina Aplaya, Davao City. You can get there by either taking the road behind SM City, headed south, or by going to Matina Crossing and turning North to Felis. Felis is located right on the Gulf of Davao, with a beautiful view of Mt. Apo. It is really a wonderful place to relax, enjoy time with friends and have a generally great time!
Will I be at the New Year’s Party? Not sure yet…. but there is a good chance that I’ll be stopping by for a while at least. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Klaus
Hi Bob, I also got an invitation to Felis. I am sure, one will have a lot of fun there during New Years Party. Unfortunately we will join 2 other parties, and – last but not least- even 2 or 3 am in the morning with our family. HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and Feyma and your families. Have fun wherever you are!!! 😆
Bob
Hi Klaus – So, we won't be seeing you if we stop by at Felis? Oh well…. we do hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year!
gerry
One of the advantages of living in Manila….. which there are plenty of…. (had to get that in ) is that there is a big New Years Eve celebration here in Makati with food and fun stalls and a huge fireworks disply. I haven't experienced it yet but an American that I know says that it is like a remake of WW2…. should be an interesting experience.
Bob
Hi gerry – Ha ha… I don't make it a secret that Manila is one of my least favorite places to spend time, but I am happy for you that they have a nice New Year's Eve celebration. 😆
Frank Fealey
Hi Bob Felis resort i just wonder but only just if acertain Mr Grant has been in volved in putting a trash to gether on new years eve.
Bob
Hi Frank – John does some consulting work for Felis, and he did indeed have a hand in putting together the festivities. 😆
Frank Fealey
Bob I thought that might be the case. Can not be with you guys physicaly but i wil be with you in spirit such as brandy vodka whiskey.
Frank Fealey
P S.Where is MANILA ?
bong
Hi Bob-I would like to personally thank you for taking time to post in your blog the events we have at Felis. Ian,John and I will do our best to make sure that you have a better than good New Years celebration again many thanks.
rick b
Bob
I was in Davao last christmas and thoroughly enjoyed a quiet family occasion and i flew to HK shortly after, stopping in manila and talking to a westerner there my goodness me Manila did indeed seem like a WW2 experience and dangerous
seeing some of the injuries of the people and children on the news programme after new year i agree with the Davao authorities decision to ban firecrackers etc
not trying to be a party pooper but yes i have heard WW2 is accurate for Manila, Makati especially, glad not to be there…maybe Felis resort next year, didn't realise it was so close to Bangkal, i can nealy walk there ……soon for me
happy new year
rob
New Year's Eve in Makati and especially The Fort (also in Metro Manila) are lots of fun. They usually have live bands, showbiz personalities, and lots of places open. I think they show it on TV too if you want to check it out from Davao.
The fireworks are less and less every year and if you stick to the commercial districts in Makati and The Fort, those areas would be relatively firecracker-free.
Bob
Hi Frank – We'll remember you during the revelry! 😆
Hi Bong – It's my pleasure to make mention of the event, as it is really a unique thing for Davao! I am looking forward to it (hoping that I'll be able to be there). Hope to see you!
Hi rick b – It sounds like we are alike – I prefer the more quiet (non-war) atmosphere here in Davao for New Years.
Hi rob – Thanks for sharing your experience. Have a great New Year!
Bobby
Happy New Year. I understand Samal Island being independent from Davao City has fireworks.
Bob
Hi Bobby – Felis is in Davao City, not on Samal Island, so no fireworks there!
I hope you had a nice New Year Celebration!