018. Davao Moments

Thanks to the profession I have chosen, I am blessed to have out-of-town audit engagements. I got the chance to visit places which I only read in books and magazines. I visited the north and even the south part of the country. Traveling was included in an instant in my vocabulary. During the latter part of last year and early months of this year, I frequently visited Mindanao. I began to love General Santos City, Polomolok and Davao City.

Among the three I enjoyed most my stay in Davao. I consider Davao City as my second favorite city next only to Baguio City, my all time favorite city outside Metro Manila. There are three reasons why I love Davao City.

First, I am amazed how clean this city is. Cleanliness was prioritized by the local government. Also during my stay I can say that people are also disciplined. There is minimal traffic jam in its main streets. Drivers especially the taxi drivers are courteous and still give exact change unlike here in Manila.

Second, I love the food in Davao. I tasted the best sea foods and fresh fruits available. I love the calamares and kinilaw na tuna served by our client during lunch. Fresh fruits are also the best in this city. Before we go back to Manila, we always drop by the “bangkerohan” in the market. You can find the sweetest pomelo and mangostene (which is cheaper when you buy during its season). And who can forget the pride of Davao- durian.

Aside from the best sea foods and fruits, almost every corner of the city, restaurants and coffee shops are available. They sprouted like mushrooms in this city. Every food establishment offers their own delicacies and specialty. Local coffee shops here can beat the commercialized coffee shops. I will not forget Bluegre, a coffee shop where we used to hang out. We love the durian coffee it offers which also its specialty. I don’t know if only this place offers durian coffee.

Lastly, I love the resorts here in Davao. I consider Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort and Pearl Farm Beach Resort as the best in Samal Island. These places are indeed relaxing. If you are a nature lover these places are the place for you. I also visited Eden Nature Park and Crocodile Farms. Eden is like John Hay in Baguio. The only difference is that Eden provides more activities to visitors. There’s mountain trekking, fishing, playground for kids, the Indiana Jones, and best of them all, Skyriding! Crocodile Farms meanwhile is similar to a zoo. I have never been to a zoo yet so, I enjoyed much my visit in the Crocodile Farm. There are many more places in Davao which I haven’t seen yet. Hope I could go back one of these days.

* * *

Every time I recall the happy moments in Davao, I always picture myself with Nowie and Ms. Maricel. They are my teammate in audit engagement team for a banana producing company in Davao. I don’t know why I enjoyed much this team. I guess we maintain the respect we would like to see in the three of us. We managed to keep our bond and the friendship that we have throughout our stay. Most of all we show the professionalism our work dictates. I can say, we blended well our friendship and professionalism in our team.

I consider Nowie as the best supporting partner in an engagement. Or maybe the word best is still an understatement. He is skillful in every substantive tests and audit procedures which I admit I lack. Meanwhile he’s waterloo is test of controls and documentation which I am good at. We maintain a mutual help and support during the course of audit. I still remember every coffee break that we have, we still discussed the how and why of the audit procedures as well as the alternative procedures and possible findings that we detected. And if ever pressure is about to arise, we always asked for a yosi break to our senior Ms. Maricel, although we really never smoke we just called it a yosi break.

Ms. Maricel on the other hand, is my frequent senior. She’s my senior almost in all my engagements. I can say she is a terrific and effective senior. I learned a lot from her. I was blessed she is very much willing to guide Nowie and I in understanding audit. I always appreciate the time she can share to both of us every time we have questions or if ever we’re lost in our work.

And like every engagement teams, time comes when it all calls to end. Last May, Ms. Maricel decided to leave the firm and seeks a better career. I guess she deserves it. After grueling years in audit a happier workplace is fitting for her. Nowie and I already prepared to this day.

He even asked me, “Mauulit pa kaya yung team natin.”

I just replied, “Mukhang malabo na pre.”

I guess some good things never last. The three of us started as strangers. Then we became friends in Davao. We created a harmonious working relationship in the office. And after two busy seasons together we bade good bye to our leader.

Thanks for the pictures which will only reminds me of the best engagement team I ever have. It is a great honor for me to work with these guys. Whenever we stay in Dream House, it is like; the three of us are cousins from different places called by our Tita Daisy to have a two-week vacation in Davao.

I will surely miss:
1. Trips and adventures we had every weekend
2. The food trips, take-out orders, midnight snacks, breakfasts cooked by Tita Daisy
3. Yakult jokes, senate hearings, and telenovelas
4. Review Notes
5. The longest trip ever going to client’s office
6. Bowling moments
7. Fishing moments
8. Coffee moments
9. Spanish restaurant not to order water or else… hehehe!
10. Finally, the color pink!

DFI Team: (Ms. Maricel, Patrick and Nowie)

This is my simply tribute to you guys! Ms. Maricel we wish you all the best. Thanks for everything!

DFI Team signing off.

Advertisement