BYAHILO visiting Davao, for the very first time

I t was my first time to visit Davao City Philippines. This city in southern Philippines is known to be the largest in terms of land area. Davao City is so vast that the term large is actually an understatement.

Malagos Garden Resort

It may be my first time in Davao City, but definitely I know some stuff about this city. For one, it is the home of the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo, the Philippine’s National Bird, the Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga Jefferyi), the queen of all the orchids, Waling-waling, and the of course the king of all the tropical fruits, Durian.

Philippine Eagle

It is through these Davao Icons where the original name Kadayawan Festival came from. The festival was then called Apo Duwaling a contraction of Mt. Apo, Durian, and Waling Waling. It was then renamed to Kadayawan a Bagobo term for thanksgiving.

I must admit, I felt intimidated when I was in Davao. The scary thought of getting lost in the sea of people during a festival in a large city mingles in my mind all the time. I have never experienced this kind of feeling when I visited other cities for the first time. But many thanks to some local friends who made me feel safe and secure while there.

Waling-waling, the queen of Philippine Orchids

Davao is clean. Despite the fact that it was festival season when I went there, litters are kept to a minimum. The locals are very warm and friendly. The police is very helpful and accommodating. The food is great.

And just like what St. Ambrose once said “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” that’s what I exactly did in Davao. Enjoy the festival like a local, eat like a local, and speak like local.

Durian, the king of tropical fruits

For two straight days I have been eating fresh durian like there’s now tomorrow. It’s so delicious. The melt in your mouth texture is just perfect. I also tried the durian cheesecake in one of the best kept dining secrets of Davao. And since Davao is just a few hours away from the Saranggani Bay, Tuna is sold dirt cheap. It is always tagged at a price that is much much cheaper than the frozen ones on Manila. Shopping is definitely a must in Davao. The Aldevinco Shopping center is full of all the ethnic goodies you can bring home. From the T’nalak coin purses, to the Yakan pillow cases or the Dagmay Table runners, everything’s is there.

Tuna from General Santos City

And so as to polish my conversational skill in Cebuano (main dialect in Davao), I tried my best to speak to the locals in their native tongue. I can actually understand more, than speak the dialect. Good thing, the locals were able to understand when I blabber some Cebuano phrases!

Magallanes Elementary School, Indak Indak 1st runner up

Exploring Davao for 3 days and 2 nights is not enough. So many things to do with so little time. I have barely scratched the earth. Definitely I will be back here. Hopefully before the year ends.

Tampakan, South Cotabato. Kadayawan Festival 2008 Winner

Many thanks to my Skyscrapercity Forum friends! You guys rock! To the Davao bloggers, Ria, Andrew and Winston. Kitakits next week! And to Richard, many many many thanks to you. I very happy we met last weekend.