Davao’s Treasures

CEBU, Philippines - I was recently in Davao City, via an hour-long Cebu Pacific flight from Mactan Cebu International Airport. It was an assignment to explore the “Durian Capital of the Philippines.” And my visit was timed for the city’s Kadayawan Festival on August 18 to 21.

Davao City is known as one of the safest cities in the Philippines. According to our guide, Bong Catada, CCTV (closed-circuit television) units are installed in different areas in the city. The CCTVs used in Davao have high zoom capabilities and can cover up to a kilometer and capture high-definition images even in low light. These have helped authorities track and intercept criminals as well as traffic violators.

After a quick meal at the airport, we went to President Rodrigo Duterte’s home at Dona Luisa Subdivision, Matina, Davao City. Tourists were lining outside the house of the president, just to have their photos taken in the place. Of course, we took photos, too!

Visitors to Davao, whose numbers had grown much at the time because of the Kadayawan Festival, were collecting any merchandise they could get their hands on that featured President Duterte’s image. An enterprising female vendor positioned her stall along the highway to Duterte’s house. She had stickers, mugs and other items – all printed with the President’s picture.

Next, we were ready to explore the other places of Davao City. We headed for Balik Bukid Restaurant for a taste of its delicious offerings. Joanilee Roda, from the Department of Tourism 11, had us sample organic foods, like yellow and blue rice. We also had native chicken, special pork humba, beef adobo and seafood, which were probably organic, too.

After lunch, our group then went to the hotel for some rest, and then went out again for the Filipino Martial Arts Expo opening at the Victoria Plaza. This was an exhibition of Filipino combat art. At sunset, we were joined by DOT Secretary Wanda Corazon Teo at The White House Fusion Cuisine and Wine Lounge. Over dinner, we learned from DOT 11 Chief Operations Officer Eden Josephine David of the plan to expand the existing road network in the area.

Later, we caught up with the Hiyas ng  Kadayawan pageant at the Almendras Gym. The 11 tribes of Davao City were represented: the Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Iranun, Kagan, Bagobo-Tagabawa,  Maguindanaon, Maranao, Matigsalog, Ovu Manubo, Tausug and Sama. It was such a colorful display of indigenous culture and tradition. The pretty candidates performed their own tribes’ songs and dances. And the drum beats that pervaded through the pageant had the power to stir the heart.

The next day saw the Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan, the street dancing component of the Kadayawan Festival. The parade route was noticeably clean. As one would expect, it featured graceful dancers with colorful costumes and props.  It culminated in the final dance showdown held at Rizal Park, along San Pedro Street.

Kadayawan Festival is a weeklong celebration that Davao City holds every third week of August. Visitors that come for the festival can’t help being impressed by the cleanliness of the surroundings. And the much touted peace-and-order condition in the city gives added assurance.

Other interesting attractions in Davao are the Crocodile Park and the Asian Fruit Market (near the Abreeza Mall in the Poblacion). And, of course, one must make time for enjoying the city’s famous fruit – the durian. Those that haven’t tried it yet shall dare their hesitance.

Of my own first taste of durian during my recent trip there, I find the taste okay.  There’s an initial struggle with the smell, yes, but it is easily overtaken by the milky taste. And speaking of taste, there’s more to taste at dinner in Jack’s Ridge, which I personally recommend. (FREEMAN)