I recently made a quick trip to Davao City to host the Philippine Retirement Authority’s 40th anniversary dinner for our foreign retirees who have settled down in the Mindanao area. Since I wanted to be near the city’s shopping, recreation, and dining establishments, I decided to stay at Park Inn by Radisson, that little jewel of a hotel in the city’s Lanang district.
The moment I walked into the lobby, I noticed its fresh look right away, which made the lobby seem much bigger than it had the last time I stayed at the hotel. Once adorned with apple green and mustard yellow accents, the lobby now features vibrant shades of pink and purple, creating a fresh, modern, and lively ambience.
After I dropped off my things in my room, I went around the hotel to see what else was new. The pool area now showcases a striking mural by local artists, Grupo ng Aktibong Mindanawon. Whereas it used to have a sports bar theme, the pool area now has this colorful artwork, radiating warmth and energy that invites guests to relax in an inspiring setting. The unique mural shows fluid lines and interconnected faces, which make any viewer imagine the diversity and unity of the human spirit, reflecting the collective identity of Mindanao’s people.
The hotel is currently undergoing a series of upgrades across its facilities, public spaces, and guest rooms. Two floors of the hotel are undergoing complete renovation to align with the latest Park Inn by Radisson brand standards and will be completed by the third quarter of this year.
But a source of pride for the hotel is its recent recognition by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishment in the Davao Region. This milestone underscores the hotel’s strong commitment to inclusive hospitality and culturally sensitive service.
The recognition was awarded in accordance with DOT Memorandum Circular 2024-003, which lists guidelines for Muslim-friendly accommodations—providing prayer mats, installing Qibla direction markers, placing Qur’ans in guest rooms, and offering flexible meal options upon request, such as strictly No-Pork or other Muslim-friendly alternatives. Now, the hotel also has a dedicated Non-Pork Station at its daily breakfast buffet and ensures that the staff are trained in culturally respectful service.
Muslim employees within the kitchen and food & beverage service teams further strengthen this commitment. Their presence fosters greater cultural awareness and attentiveness to guest needs, providing an added level of reassurance to Muslim diners. Guests can also interact with servers in familiar dialects, creating a friendlier, more welcoming environment that enhances the overall comfort of their stay.
In the recent Halal Friendly Culinary Olympics, the hotel’s Executive Sous Chef, Chef Vance Bolivar, showcased his creative Tiyula Itum Steak Medallion, a modern interpretation of the traditional Tausug dish. Typically served as a soup, Chef Vance reimagined it as a deconstructed plate by searing a tender cut of beef tenderloin and finishing it with a rich, dark sauce made from charred coconut and spices. The dish highlighted authentic flavors while demonstrating refined culinary techniques and elegant presentation.
Chef Vance drew inspiration from a member of his culinary team who is Tausug, infusing the dish with authentic cultural roots. The entry won a prize, underscoring the team’s culinary creativity, cultural respect, and growing expertise in Muslim-friendly food preparation.
DOT Region XI commended the hotel for setting a standard in the local hospitality industry and for its role in making the Davao Region a more accessible destination for travelers. This recognition reaffirms Park Inn by Radisson Davao’s position as one of the trailblazers in inclusive hospitality.
Now in its 12th year, the hotel continues to be a beacon in the dynamic hospitality landscape. Through the ongoing enhancements, along with its recent commendations, the hotel banners its “Yes! I Can!” service philosophy, giving guests like me every reason to keep coming back.
More information on the offerings of Park Inn by Radisson Davao is available at (082) 272 7600 or through reservations.davao@parkinn.com.
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
She had a photographic memory, but she never developed it.
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
