The plane landed at exactly 11:40am. Stepping outside the arrival area, I was welcomed by the hot, going-to-mid-day sun. And all at once I was reminded that, this here is still Philippines. I’ve arrived in Davao City.
My workmates were already waiting outside. But I went through a different door, and later, found myself face to face with this magnificent Durian sculpture.
It was awesome to say the least. The monument’s at the far left of the place and not at all prominent. I felt myself drawn to it and to the sculpted figures that seemed to want to come out of the giant fruit. Kublai Millan did a pretty impressive representation of his native land.
The Land of Promise
Located at the southern part of the Philippines, Mindanao is the second largest major island in the country. It’s home to most Filipino Muslims. This is where vintas, great tunas and Manny Pacquiao hail from. Mindanao is a land made sacred, not just by religion or heritage, but by the lives of people who fought hard for it. And just like most of the Philippines, its filled with lush mountains, vibrant seas and warm people.
Truly, it is the land of promise.
All the Seafood that You Can Eat
I came to Davao City to work. We’re participating in a trade show in SM City Lanang.
Come night time, we went into this place where you can have all the seafood that you want. Crab Buffet is the restaurant’s name. If you’re going anywhere near Davao City, you should definitely eat here.
And then, there’s this local grill where they offer their freshest catch. I didn’t like the bagaybay very much, but the panga is all right.
What and Where to Buy Souvenirs in Davao City
When we had the time to go out and shop for souvenirs, we visited the Divisoria of the South (I’m not sure if the comparison would be correct, but it must be the Divisoria of Davao City) – Aldevinco.
Aldevinco is just in front of Ateneo de Davao. It’s a busy shopping center that the locals and tourists flock to for very affordable goods and unique finds.
I brought home pashminas, paper wallets and tote bags. All for low prices. You can haggle all you want.
The best thing about the place is that police in the area prevents the local vendors from harassing tourists. So you can really take your time shopping, with ease and security.
We also brought home fruits. Pummelo is very popular around here. A box costs P600.00, it has about 6 to 8 pummelos. Now, most tourists would want to buy the plump and golden ones. But chatting with the local fruit vendors, we learned that its actually better to buy the wrinkled and shrunken ones. And it turned out to be true! As they say, don’t you judge anything by appearance.
We didn’t get to buy any mangosteens. It was not in season, we were told. There’s santol, though. When I tried it, all my childhood memories came rushing back. All those hot summer days spent climbing the tree and harvesting its fruits. I never knew I missed those times until I tasted the fruit again. I really had a wonderful time at that shop.
Local Laws
Davao City feels like any other province here in Luzon. Not so many tall buildings and life is neither fast nor slow. But what makes it so different is that when a local law is passed, everyone, everyone, tries to follow it.
Motorists religiously follow speed limit. Local bars and restaurants observe curfew. The mayor is both feared and respected. It’s a safe place, is all I can say. Also, the place take care of the people as long as they practice discipline and the local ordinance.
I didn’t get to explore the place very much. But I think I seen enough and learned enough to say that Davao City is a very nice place. I want to visit there again.
FACT:
All Jollibee restaurants in Davao City is owned by one person. And if you’ll visit the place, you’ll see that Jollibee is located at every corner and establishments. There’s no Chowking here, though.
ADDITIONAL FACT:
They ride motorela here and not tricycle. Jeepneys are very few. Also, cab fares are low and drivers are honest.
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