My Davao City

One of my fondest childhood memories of Davao is every 16^th of March. I remember that every Araw ng Dabaw my mother, father, brothers and me of course would troop downtown to join the festivities and watch the parade. We would find a good spot along C.M. Recto or at San Pedro St. and my father would carry me on his shoulders so that my tiny self could watch the parade. I would watch in awe at the colorful floats passing by and be entranced by the street dancers with their spectacular costumes. My heart would beat in tune with the drums and my hands would clap in glee. After watching the parade we would usually have Halo-Halo at Merco Bolton. Afterwards, we would visit the Agricultural trade fair at PTA Grounds (now People’s Park) and buy orchids and plants that my mother would fancy. That was around the 80's and after a while when I grew older we just watched the Araw ng Dabaw  Festivities on Television at home.

Fast forward to present,it’s 2012 and the 75^th Araw ng Davao is fast approaching. I am married and a mother myself and I am smiling as I recall those memories. I am planning to bring my 1 year old son downtown and watch the parade amidst the heat and the crowd. I understand now what my parents were trying to instill in me then, appreciation of Davao and our culture.  It is also a good time for us Dabawenyos to gather round and celebrate. And there are a lot of things to celebrate about our city.

 Davao is Philippines' Most Livable City. Davao was recognized by Asiaweek (1996-1999) as having the highest quality of livability as a city. After I graduated from College I worked and lived in Laguna and Makati for a couple of years and have travelled to other places in the country but still I return to Davao.For a Dabawenya like me, nothing compares to Davao. This is the perfect place for me to settle down and raise a family. We have an outstanding water utility system and a stable power source. We are typhoon free. Our city is clean and green, peaceful and safe. What more could one ask for? Davao is simply an ideal place to live. 

Davao is a Top Eco-Tourist Destination. One often hears the tagline “From Highlands to Islands” to describe Davao. This is simply true because Davao is an expansive city that boasts of beautiful mountainsides and at the same time beach shores. All the tourist destinations are just within the near proximity to the city. Visitors can have extreme adventures such as zip lining to simply relaxing activities such as lounging by the sea all in one day. On top of our nature parks we also have malls, cinemas and restaurants and one can enjoy the nightlife of a metropolitan city as well. 

Davao is rich in Natural Resources. We are known as the Durian Capital of the country because we are famous for our Durian. We are rich not just in bountiful fruits but also in flora and fauna which we give thanks for during the Kadayawan Festival. Mount Apo, the highest mountain in the country is located between Davao City and Davao del Sur. Its peak overlooks Davao City (40 km) just like an Apo “ancestor” watching over its people. We are also home to Philippine Eagle, an endangered specie. Our city is blessed with  Mother Nature's abundance.

Davao is home to the most beautiful people in the world. This is not based on any survey but this is simply based on my personal opinion which I know other Dabawenyos would agree.  Davao is home to at least 11 major tribes, Lumad, Christian, Islam and migrant settlers from all over have made us very diverse.  our city has been through a lot of adversities and we have overcome all of it and became stronger people.  Our inner strength and cultural pride have made us beautiful inside and out. Our hospitality and warm smile  makes our visitors at home in Davao. 

I could go on and on about how amazing our city is. Our city has grown a lot compared to my childhood days and I know it will continue to grow and improve. Living here and our wonderful life here are my legacy to my son and his future children. I know that someday they can say with all pride and sincerity that LIFE IS HERE IN DAVAO.

                 Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Author's Note: This is my entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition.Photos are  used with permission from the Photographer my Husband, Michael Balgos