If Cebu City claims to be the Queen City of the South ( also being contested by Iloilo City being the original), then Davao City takes pride as the King City of the South.
Davao City is the most urbanized city in Mindanao. Nicknamed as "The Fruit Basket of the Philippines", it serves as the center of trade, commerce and industry in Mindanao.
I visited this magnanimous city wayback in summer of 2013, when a close friend invited me to come in time for our Lenten Season break.
Delighted by the things I have seen and learned about this place, I'd like to share some of these for those who wants or planning to visit Davao City.
1. Davao City is one of the places in Mindanao where Christianity is widespread. Catholic churches are scattered within the city, while other religion's place of worship can also be found here. It was my first time to do the visita iglesia. And it was literally a form of penitence walking from one church to the other under the scorching heat of the sun. Thankfully I didn't faint.
2. A clean city. Littering is prohibited here thus the streets are generally clean.
3. Safety and security is one thing that Davao City boasts of. You can walk along the streets day and night without fear and suspiscion. You can eve leave your bags or any belongings at the tables while you order food at the counter of fastfood restaurants.
3. Honest and hospitable people. You can feel the warm welcome from the airport, upon riding the taxi, to the hotel staff, down to the street vendors. They wouldn't take advantage of you being a visitor or tourist.
4. Fruits abound in the city. Name it, durian, mangoosteen, pomelo, rambutan, marang, etc. They are generally cheaper here. For the best buys, you can go to Bankerohan Market.
5. Native dishes like the kinilaw is commonly served here. Kinilaw usually contains tuna, mackerel or swordfish with cucumber and chili marinated in vinegar. Another is sinuglaw ( sinugba + kinilaw). This one is the grilled pork mixed with kinilaw. Barbeque stalls are also a common sight in the city especially in the afternoon.
6. Taxis that ply within and beyond the city come in different colors. Unlike in other metropolis and provinces where it's usually white or yellow taxis. This adds to the charm of the city. Other mode of transportion includes tricycles (they're huge compared to other provinces), jeepneys (quite smaller than those in other parts of Visayas and Mindanao), and the habal-habal for the mountainous areas of Davao City.
7. For those who want a place to relax or unwind, the Island Garden of Samal or simply Samal Island is just a 10 minute boat ride from the city. The island has various resorts with amenities, recreational facilities, plus entertainment. Least not to forget its fine sand beaches, clear waters, and vivid seascapes. This is one of my unforgettable summer vacation.
8. If you are adventurous enough, you may explore nearby rivers and streams for a enjoyable trekk and a cool swim. For a change.
9. For the food enthusiasts, I would highly recommend Jack's Ridge. Here, you can enjoy the top view of the city while you dine at its sumptous meals while being serenaded by local singers or entertainers.
10. For souvenir items and pasalubongs, bthe best place to go is in Aldevinco. I bought an impressive malong with a unique design and colored threads.
Just like in any other place in the counyry, fiestas in honor of its village's patron saints are also commonly celebrated with festivals here. In Davao City, two major festivals are held annually : Araw ng Dabaw every March 16, and the Kadayawan Festival on the month of August.
Davao City has a lot more to offer. But these were the only ones I have experienced. Perhaps when I go back in a few years, I'd explore more.
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