My First Trip in Davao

Hello! This article is about my first-time visit in Davao. When was the last time you were there? Any plans to come back? What did you expect? 

From Butuan city, I rode a nonstop bus for 7 hours. If you pick a bus/van-stop, expect a prolonged trip for 9 hours. 

Did you know that Davao has the largest area among all metropolitans in the Philippines? True, because there were wide places I passed by before we arrived at the core of the city. From Butuan city, we can see and come up with these places of Agusan del Sur from the town of Sibagat, Bayugan city, Prosperidad, Esperanza, San Franciso, San Luis, La Paz, Bunawan, Loreto, Veruela, and the boundary of Agusan del Sur which is Trento. Finally, we entered Monkayo, the threshold of Davao from Cagayan de Oro travel and Caraga region. 

I was relieved that finally, I can eat, pee, and relax. But my sister made clear to keep my eyes closed for 4 hours until we get the following places of Monte Vista, Nabunturan, Tagum city, Carmen, Panabo, and finally, Davao city. 

For a long journey like that, every traveler should know the most important things to do before riding a bus/van. I am a concern to the commuters. 

Shall I eat more, drink more? For me no! Do not drink plenty of water and eat a lot of foods. I know you don’t want to beg the driver to stop because you are peeing. 

How to control myself freaking? Prior to your schedule to leave home, pack the important things you need. You might be rushing, especially when you commute because you have just begun to pack your things an hour before the vehicle/plane is scheduled to leave. 

I hate traveling. I always get a headache. I am dizzy and vomiting. What will I do? If motion sickness (like me) is your nature, take an anti-emetic medication. There are some people that cannot understand how we feel. It can ruin our day! It is embarrassing! Before you leave, go to the nearby pharmacy and ask the pharmacist the accurate milligram on your age.

 I don’t like to move in my seat because I don’t feel well. It happens to me often but brings foods for snack. If it will never treat you, remind yourself before you go to bring a mug and flask thermos with a hot water and drink it. You will soon feel better. 

DAVAO AND ITS ORIGIN

Davao, a city of turmoil and physical violence in the days gone by, where killings and war presented itself during the Japanese colonization in the past, later was a methodical bombing by Douglas Mac Arthur before he expedited Leyte. The days after the World War II, the struggles of Davaoenos (dabawenyos) at odds with the alien’s besiege was the longest bloodshed documented. 

Davao has proven its given nickname as the "City of Royalties" formed by different ethnic groups that are Lumad, Aeta, Maguindanaonas, Maranaos, Sangrese, Ilonggo, Iranus, Sama Bajaus, Indonesian, Malaysian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, American, European. 

Davaoenos can speak Cebuano, Davaoeno, Chavacano, Tagabawa-Bagobo, Manobo-Bagobo, Mandaya, and Hiligayhon.

Dabawenyos were dejected to live in a peaceful place until Rodrigo Duterte ran the region in 1988. Before his time, Davao was a murder capital city. 

Duterte's time maintained peace and heroic deeds to defend the abused. He has involved a shooting incident in San Beda after informed a Visayan student bullied and quoted:

"But the truth is, I am used to shooting people. When we were about to graduate from San Beda, I shot a person."

Duterte maintained the prevention of illegal drugs and added:
"If you are doing an illegal activity in my city, if you are a criminal or part of a syndicate that preys on the innocent people of the city, for as long as I am the mayor, you are a legitimate target of assassination."

GEOGRAPHY

Davao- aside from its known motto, “life is here in Davao,” this growing and independent metro has given its seven nicknames as the City of Royalties, Crown of Jewel of Mindanao, Eco-Adventure Capital of the Philippines, Durian Capital of the Philippines, Fruit Basket of the Philippines, Philippine Little Japan, and the Silicon Gulf. It is located in South East Region Mindanao along Davao city, the third popular city in Metro Davao. It has 3 congressional districts and 182 administrative barangays. 

Davao is divided since 1967 into three provinces of Davao Del Norte, Davao Del Sur, and Davao Oriental. 

Davao city in Davao del Sur has many beautiful places to visit such as the Eden Nature Park, Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Garden Resort, Davao Crocodile Park, Museu Dabawenyo, People’s Park Davao, Mount Apo, Japanese Tunnel, Epol Falls, Sicao Falls in Tamayong, Lon Wa Buddhist Temple, Tamayong Mountain Prayer, San Pedro Cathedral, Tribu Kamindanawan, Cathedral Cave in Golden Gate Adventure, Wid Water Rafting at Davao River, Jack Ridge, Roxas Night Market, D’Bone Collector Museum, Emar’s Wavepool and Resort, D’Leonor Hotel Inland Resort, Matina Town Square, Forest Hill, Gap Farm, Eagles Ridge Davao, Apo ni Lola, Deca Wake Park Davao, Villa de Mercedez, Gumamela Cave Rock Farm Resort, Partoza Farm, Bankerohan Public Market, Statue of David Baywalk, Zip City, Sul Orchids, The Peak, Holy Infant in Shrine Hills, Abreeza Mall, The View, SM Lanang Dancing Fountain, San Antonio Hore Track, Ponce Suits, Ladri’s Sans Rival Atbp, Luz Kinilaw, Bolchachong, Seagull Mountain Resort, and Magsaysay Fruit Vendor.

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Our main concern when we travel is a place to stay with good amenities and if we are safe. But we are lucky dwelling in a luxury with a cheaper price. When I visited, I did spend too much. To give you ideas, the cheaper but beautiful hotels/apartments, condos are the Hotel Uno at the center of Davao, Ponce Suites Gallery Hotel, Orchard Hotel, Alu Hotel, Bagobo Hotel House for business, Red Planet Davao, Regency Inn, Hotel Galleria Davao, Big Apple Hotel, Humberto’s Hotel, Bahay ni Tuding Inn, Green Windows Dormeti, The Ritz Hotel at Garden Oasis, Hotel Esse Davao, Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Davao, Anisabel Suits “a hidden paradise,” Hotel Trapika Davao,Grand Mensing Hotel with mini-bar, Infinity Suits, Villa Maragarita, Drifters Apartel and British Bar, El Bajada Hotel, and One Oasis Condominium

If you'd like homey, choosing a condo is the best idea. Its advantages, we cannot spend more money to pay food for our meals and hassle-free to bring our clothes to a laundry shop. We can buy raw foods at the mall and cook there. 

Some magneficent places in Davao Oriental are the Island Garden in the City of Samal, Dahican beach in Mati Davao Oriental, Aliwagwag Falls Ecopark in Cateel, Matin-ao Inland Resort in New Corella Davao del Norte, Banana Beach in Tagum City, Pasig Islet Aqua- EcoPark Resort in Sta Cruz Davao del Sur, Danivan Island and Balut Island in Saranggani Davao Occidental, Cape of San Agustin, Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, San victor Island Baganga in Davao Oriental, Little boracay Beach Resort in Sta Maria, Maragusan in Compostella Valley, Munaklay Beach in Mabini in Compostella Valley. 

These stunning beaches in Samal Island are the Island Reta Beach in Talicud Island, Babu Santa, Secdea Beach Resort, Pearl Farm Beach Resort, Maxima Aqua Fun, Paradise Island, Vanishing Island, Monfort Bat Cave, Hagimit Falls, and Dayang Beach in Talicud.

Festivals That Make Davao Known

Araw ng Dabaw (March 16)- Dabawenyos present themselves as a group to commemorate Araw ng Dabaw (the special day of Davao) for the entire week.

 Kadayawan( a friendly greeting)Festival- This legendary and prolonged festivity thrives to stun its visitors from the different parts of the world especially to spot the "Indak-Indak sa Dalan. 

Pasko Fiesta sa Davao (Christmas Fest in Davao)- Dabawenyos uniquely celebrate Christmas for the entire December. Streets are filled up with fabulous Christmas decorations and lights.

Chinese New Year Tradition-Chinese comes at one at the same time to commemorate their livings in Davao and the city's China Town.

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Normally, excitement comes first before our travel, yet there is always a mistake to spoil this habit.

When you travel, do you hire a personal tour agent? Do not do. It will cost u more. 

We do not know the end of our road. Maybe it is now, later, sooner. So, I always bring a valid ID often when I wander. Do not forget to insert it on your purse.

Again, before the day of the journey, pack the things you need excluding that unimportant stuff. It is struggling to bring our baggage in heavy weights. It limits our flexibility to move. 

Travelling has always been exciting but did you ever feel like at the day of departure, you’re freaking out? There is a great chance to accidentally leave our things. Relax! Before the flight, do not include packing the things you will need like your outfit to wear, sun glasses, shoes, sandals, cell phone, belt, and wallet. Sleep early to avoid waking up late in the morning. If you can't do, it will affect your time budget that leads to panic. 

When you travel, learn to know the strangers and locals. For me, collecting new friend is one of my successes in every adventure that I made. We can ask them help. Be friendly and don't judge anyone! 

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