A Visit at D'Bone Collector Museum

What will you do if you find yourself in a boring afternoon with only P100 cash in your wallet? Will you head to the mall or buy an overrated ice cream? 

For someone like me who doesn't like crowded areas and overpriced items, I will definitely spend the day and the money into something worth my time. Thus, last May 1, an official non-working holiday in the country, I found myself convincing my cousin to go with me in one of our city's museums: D'Bone Collector.

me and my cousin after the educational museum tour

Located in San Pedro Extension, Davao City, the museum is the the product of hard work and dedication of the museum's curator and director, Mr. Darrell Blatchley. The museum showcases the different bones of various air, sea, and land animals. Some of these bones were donated by individuals and institutions who believe in the museum's cause which is to educate people and promote preservation of these animals.

from different sharks

The museum is just a small room but it has immense lessons to impart to its visitors - from zoology to environmental preservation. 

skeleton of a sperm whale

The museum has a vast collection of skeletons from sea creatures particularly with sperm whales. According to the staff, many of these marine mammals died due to ingestion of wastes like cellophane and other plastics that shouldn't be in the sea on the first place. 

skeletons of different water buffalo

The management has plans of expanding. It's good news especially that the expansion will mean heightening the awareness and getting more people educated.

shell of an armadillo (above)

If the collection looks familiar to you then don't be surprised as this has already been featured in famous local TV shows like Jessica Soho (GMA 7 Best of 2010 and Vintage Collections 2012) and Born to Be Wild 2010. 

And before I end this post, let me present to you our accommodating museum guide: 

The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday from 1pm-5pm. Admission fee is P50 only. You can buy souvenir items like shirts and interesting accessories at the museum's ground floor. For more info., you can check out their facebook page here.

Conquering the Rapids

It was on the 4th of February when Manny, Grace, and I had our first white water rafting experience. It was definitely one of the best adventures that I've tried!

In the morning of February 4, the three of us meet at Roxas Avenue. We were told that someone from the company will take us to Crocodile Park compound for orientation. After around 30 minutes, we saw the staff and their vehicle.

Gearing up!

At their office, we were asked to sign the waiver which basically states that we understand the risks involved in this activity. After signing the waiver, we then head to their restroom to change our clothes.

There were 7 of us scheduled on that day: a couple from California, workmates from Manila, and three of us from Davao. Someone gave us an orientation about the activity. A video was presented to us then a brief talk about what to do and what to expect in the water. I don’t know if it’s excitement or nervousness but I was not able to pay attention to what the staff was saying. Good thing, they informed us that another orientation will be conducted on the area.

Initial orientation

After placing our things in the locker and some group photo shoots, we board their vehicle for an hour ride going to our starting point in Tamugan. 

Getting Ready!

The group :)

Jump shot!

We were divided into 2 groups. The couple and the other two from Manila were assigned in one raft and the three of us in another. We couldn’t contain our excitement and giddiness to be in one raft – just the three of us (of course excluding the guide).

At the starting point

Our guide, Mac, gave us a brief orientation. It was basically on what to do when the raft capsizes and in how to rescue a team mate. We were also taught on some rafting lingos. It wasn’t boring at all because our guide is funny (I guess ‘funny’ is an understatement).

In the placid part of the river, each of us was given the chance to act as the victim and the rescuer. When everything was clear enough, we head to the raft, secured our feet on the straps in the raft, and head to conquer the rapids.

practicing how to rescue a team mate

This is it!

Just minutes before we left our starting point, our raft capsized. It was, of course, unintentional but then, I love it! I don’t know what I was thinking that time but I heard Manny shouted ‘defensive swim!’ It took us some time before we were taken back again in our raft.

The place is awesome!

Having fun with the other team

We had our lunch just minutes before we reached the midway. I'm speechless with the serenity of the place. 

Lunch break

The rafting lasted for almost 4 hours. We were ‘drifting (jumping off the raft and just flow with the current)’ along the river when we’re almost through with the activity. It was scary but nonetheless FUN!

on action

Almost done!

Let's drift baby! haha

Tips:

• Wear light clothing (rash guard and board shorts are advisable).
•  For your footwear, it would be better to wear aqua shoes or anything that’s light and won’t come off easily.
•  Wear your protective gear properly. These include your helmet and life vest/floating jacket. Make sure they’re tight enough to keep you safe but not too tight to make you feel uncomfortable.
•   Do some stretching beforehand. Paddling for almost 4 hours isn’t easy so you better come prepared.
• Listen to the instructions and don’t panic. When you fall off the raft, stay focus. You can’t think straight when your emotions over rule your logic.

More videos:

Interested in white water rafting?

You can reach Davao Wild Water Adventure here.

We paid P2,000/each inclusive of the gear, lunch, photo/video coverage, and t-shirt.

Meet the Rafting Warriors

L-R: Manny, our guide Mac, Grace, and me

Happiness!

Davao is a WOW :)

The power of 3!

P.S. If you'll ask me if I'll do it again, I would say YES, YES, YES! It's fun although I suffered from sunburn and some minor abrasions.