Davao 2016 Part 1

I have 5 posts on Davao queued, and I’m ecstatic to share them with all of you!

Besides the fun I had at the Mango Abreeza event, I had such a great time at Rg’s province – meeting his relatives, going to all the places and restaurants he and his family visited every summer, and really seeing what the fuss is all about. I couldn’t go at a better time, I think. It just so happens that the incoming president of the Philippines served as mayor of Davao for 2 decades, and it has suddenly become popular for outsiders to visit the city, and familiarize themselves with the Davaoeño-style discipline that everyone was raving about during campaign season.

They walk the talk. I wish I visited earlier!

As someone who was born and raised all her life in chaotic Metro Manila, going to Davao was an eye-opener. No one takes illegal shortcuts over there, and no one shames anyone for being too much of a goody two shoes. You’re definitely NOT cool if you rebel and break the law. People line up properly to ride elevators and escalators. Trash bins in malls are scarce but people keep their trash in their hands or bags until they’re able to throw it out in proper bins. Speed limits are strictly enforced. Pedestrian safety is prioritized.

For a while there, I thought I was in Japan. There is pride in following the rules and being disciplined. Never did I ever feel unsafe while walking in the streets or hanging out in the park. Sounds like my kind of place!

I know I didn’t stay there long enough to experience things that can go wrong, but it’s exactly the fact that I noticed all these things even if I was only there for a weekend that impressed me so much. I feel like us Manileños can learn a thing or two from Davao City!

Anyhow, here are some of the photos I took on my first day in the city.

: Don’t get me started on the food in Davao. Rg took me to the Swiss Deli in Matina after we landed. He and his family would usually have their first meal here!

: Sausage platter! We also got some salad and raclette cheese. Ahh!

: Touristy Tricia!

: The reason why we went to Matina first was because Davao Memorial was in the area.

: And before we decided to drive around the city and enjoy ourselves, we wanted to pay our respects to Rg’s grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

: It was my first time to meet them.

: The fake flowers are a pretty cool touch!

: Rg had work-related things to do for Alaska’s World Milk Day Run happening the next day, so I accompanied him until SM City. Turns out Times Beach was only 5 minutes away from where we were, which explains the spontaneous mini-shoot from the previous post. Looking forward to visit Samal next time.

: Peek-a-boo mountains! No high-rise building to cover them.

: On our way to Jack’s Ridge, we dropped by The Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague. I told Rg that if I only knew this place existed earlier, I would’ve wanted to get married here, lol.

: Row of kalachuchi outside the shrine.

: I really love the minimalist chapels.

: We bought 11 candles since there’s 6 of us in my family and 5 in Rg’s family.

: Offered petitions.

: It got dark pretty fast!

: Couldn’t catch the sunset in time, but at least we managed to see this view.

: Cardboard Duterte welcomes you to Davao City!

: Some of the indigenous groups you can find in Davao.

: At the end of WWII, the Japanese formed a path to Matina Hills to get a good view of the incoming American forces. Since then, the former Japanese headquarters was transformed into the Jack’s Ridge Resort that we know now.

: Primary reason why people go to Jack’s Ridge – a picture-perfect Davao nightscape.

: Kinilaw!

: Love at first bite. BAGAYBAY, where have you been all my life? I know they’re tuna sperm sacs, and I’ve heard of shirako sashimi in Japan, but this was my first time to try it! Where can I find this in Manila?