Diary day 1 (Saturday, April 12, 2025)

However, as is so often the case in life, where there is light, there is also shadow. The attractiveness of this region has of course not gone unnoticed by others. During my initial online research for accommodations in the area, I came across some – well – "alarming" overnight prices. 17 EUR per night! 😱 This inevitably conjures up images of spartan hostel rooms in the lowest price segment in my mind's eye. This is certainly not the segment in which we want to position "The Coconut Canopy." However, it underscores the need for thorough market analysis.

Task Allocation for Day 1: Focus on Real Estate and Accommodations 🔍🏡

For today's first day, we have a clear division of tasks to efficiently begin our digital exploration.

Penky's Mission: Scouting the Real Estate Market in Cabantian 🇵🇭🤝

The important task of taking a closer look at the local real estate market in Cabantian falls to Penky. Her mother tongue, one of the local dialects in the Philippines, is an invaluable asset here. Contacting local real estate agents and landowners in her native language will hopefully allow her to obtain more authentic information and potentially more moderate price expectations. As an "Americano," I would likely be quoted higher prices in this situation – a well-known phenomenon in many parts of the world.

Today, Penky will focus on making initial contacts, gathering information on available properties, and getting a feel for the price range in the region. In doing so, she will pay particular attention to the following aspects:

• Location and Infrastructure: How well are the potential properties connected to the road network, electricity and water supply, and the internet? Are there schools, hospitals, or shopping facilities nearby? The Cabantian infrastructure is a crucial factor for quality of life and thus also for the attractiveness to future guests or residents of our project.
• Price Level: What is the current price level for properties in different locations in Cabantian? Is there room for negotiation? The Cabantian property prices are a critical factor for our budget planning.
• Rental and Purchase Options: We are now focusing on finding an existing property to rent or, if necessary, purchase. What are the rental prices for suitable properties? What are the asking prices for properties that could potentially be converted? The Cabantian rental properties and Cabantian properties for sale are our primary focus.
• Potential for Value Appreciation: What are the development prospects for the region? Are there planned infrastructure projects or tourism developments that could increase the value of the properties in the future? The Cabantian investment potential is relevant for our long-term considerations.

I am eager to hear Penky's initial impressions and the information she will gather. Her local knowledge is invaluable at this stage.

My Mission: Scouring the Accommodation Market Online 💻🏨

While Penky focuses on direct contact, my task is to analyze the existing accommodation market in and around Cabantian online. My focus is on hotels, Airbnbs, and other potential competitors. The goal is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the current offerings, pricing, and quality standards.

My online research will concentrate on the following aspects:

• Variety of Accommodations: What types of accommodations are available in the region? From simple hostels to budget hotels to upscale resorts and private vacation rentals (Airbnbs)? The Cabantian accommodations are diverse, that much is already clear.
• Price Ranges: How wide is the price range for different types of accommodation? Are there seasonal fluctuations? How do prices relate to proximity to the airport, Samal Island, or other attractions? The Cabantian hotel prices and Cabantian Airbnb prices are important benchmarks.
• Quality and Amenities: What is the average quality of the accommodations offered? What amenities are common (e.g., Wi-Fi, air conditioning, pool)? What do the top accommodations offer compared to the cheaper options? The Cabantian hotel amenities and Cabantian Airbnb amenities provide insights into standards.
• Reviews and Guest Feedback: What do previous guests say about the various accommodations? What strengths and weaknesses are highlighted in the online reviews? The Cabantian hotel reviews and Cabantian Airbnb reviews are valuable sources of information.
• Occupancy and Availability: Are there indications of the occupancy rates of the accommodations at different times of the year? Are certain times particularly in high demand? The Cabantian accommodation occupancy is an indicator of demand.
• Marketing and Online Presence of Competitors: How do the existing accommodations present themselves online? What marketing strategies do they pursue? Do they have professional websites and social media presences? The Cabantian hotels online marketing and Cabantian Airbnbs online marketing can provide us with inspiration.

The initial findings with the very cheap overnight prices show that there is definitely a segment in the lower price range. It will be important to find out how large this market is and whether there is significant demand for higher quality accommodations that "The Coconut Canopy" could serve.

The Importance of Location Analysis for Our Project 📍📊

The careful analysis of the Cabantian location is crucial for the success of our project. The proximity to Davao Airport and Samal Island are undoubtedly attractive factors that can give us a potential competitive advantage. However, we must also realistically assess the challenges and competition in this region.

A deep understanding of the local real estate market will help us make the right decisions when selecting a suitable property to rent or buy and develop realistic budget frameworks. The analysis of the existing accommodation market, on the other hand, will provide us with information about the needs and preferences of travelers in this region and how we can differentiate ourselves with our offerings.

It is important to note that we are now shifting our focus from building a BnB from scratch to finding an existing property to rent or, if absolutely necessary, purchase. The construction of our own facilities will take place later on Penky's land in Tagum City. This changes our immediate needs in Cabantian but does not diminish the importance of understanding the local market dynamics.

First Impressions and Outlook for Day 2 🌅

The first day of digital exploration was intense and has already yielded some interesting insights. The attractiveness of the region around Cabantian is undeniable, but it also presents challenges in terms of competition and pricing.

I am eager for Penky's feedback on the local real estate market, focusing on rental and purchase options. Her findings will make a significant contribution to assessing the potential of existing properties. At the same time, I will continue my online research and try to delve deeper into the price structures, quality standards, and marketing strategies of the existing accommodations.

For Day 2, the more detailed analysis of competitors is on the agenda. We will take a closer look at individual hotels and Airbnbs, compare their offerings, and try to identify gaps or unmet needs in the market. These findings will help us define the unique value proposition for "The Coconut Canopy," keeping in mind that our initial venture in Cabantian will likely involve renting or buying an existing property.

Digital remote exploration is not the same as a personal visit on site, but it allows us to save valuable time and resources and create a well-founded basis for decision-making before we potentially take further steps.

I am optimistic that "The Coconut Canopy" can gain a foothold in this promising region, initially by securing a suitable rental or purchased property. The combination of strategic location, the beauty of the surroundings, and our unique concept has the potential to attract both travelers and longer-term guests. The later development on Penky's land in Tagum City remains an exciting long-term goal.

Stay tuned for more updates from our digital adventure in Cabantian! 🥥🌴🗺️

(End of Diary Entry for Day 1)