Monday, September 14, 2009

article on Davao City

Davao - Home of the Durian

Davao, comparing sizes by land area, is the largest city in the Philippines and in the island of Mindanao. It has one of the most progressive economies in the country with its seaport and international airport being very active cargo hubs in the region. In the whole southern Philippines, Davao City remains as a strong business and investment center.

Davao city is also a major tourist destination in the country. People come here not only to invest or do business, they also visit the city for its fine beaches, dive spots, and mountain resorts. Nature trails are also popular here because of the city's proximity to Mount Apo, the Philippines' highest peak.

One reason for Davao's popularity is due to its typhoon free climate. The city enjoys and takes advantage of calm weather all year round. Because of favorable weather conditions, the city's agriculture industry remains strong. Temperature ranges in Davao from 20 degrees Celsius or 68 degrees Fahrenheit going up to as much as 32 degrees Celsius or 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Favorable weather conditions make it an ideal place for a great vacation any time of the year.

Davao City's Tourist Attractions

There are a lot of popular tourist destinations here in Davao City. Some of these are historic sights that give people a feel of the city's history. Other destinations are cultural featuring the best of the people's culture and arts, while others are simply havens for those who would love to spend a lovely tropical vacation.

Some of the historic sites in Davao City include the Battle Memorial, a historical marker memorializing the longest battle between the Japanese and Filipino-American forces during World War II. Another place to visit is the Davao Historical Society Museum, which features its historic collections, located in Magsaysay Park. The Uyanguren Landing Site marks the area where the Spanish conqueror, which name it bears, first landed. He later became Davao's first governor.

Some of the cultural sites in Davao City include the Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine where pilgrimages of Japanese war veterans are made, Lon Wa Buddhist Temple, the San Pedro Cathedral, and the city's Mosques. Another interesting site to check out is the Philippine Eagle Center, which is a sanctuary for the Philippine Eagle, an endangered and one of the largest of its species. If you're a bit outgoing, then you may try climbing Mount Apo and enjoy the panoramic view.

If you're looking to relax and unwind then you may check out some of the city's resorts. A couple of places you might like to visit are Eden Nature Park, and Paradise Island. Other fun and thrilling activities here include river rafting along the Davao River and feeding crocks at the Crocodile Park.

The coastline of Davao is spanned by a lot of dive sites. Some of these dive sits include Ligid Cave, Big Rock, Pinnacle, East Point, Aundanao, and Mushroom Rock. You may contact any of the dive centers in the city to schedule your dives.

Davao's Gastronomic Experience

Finding a place to eat in Davao won't be much of problem. If you find it senseless to tour Davao and just eat the regular fast food then head on to the many restaurants around the city. Gardena Fresca, Ahfat, Talaba Joe's, and Yahong are a few establishments that serve fresh seafood. You won't get enough of their steamed shrimp, diablo chicken wings, crab fuyo, and crispy pata. Jack's Ridge serves the best of Filipino dishes while Arirang serves Korean food.

The malls in Davao City also have restaurants that will interest its visitors. G-Mall and SM Mall are two of the really popular malls to go to here. Expect them to be crowded as malling is a favorite activity anywhere in the country. Gerry's Grill in G-Mall is the place to go for spicy food especially for different types of sisig. If you're looking for barbecued chicken then go for Mang Inasal.

Places to Stay in Davao City

You have a varied range of options when choosing accommodations in Davao City. There are inns and hotels to choose from and will match your budget. There are also many apartments and townhouses in Davao City where backpackers can rent, which means you have the option to negotiate for a better price.

With great weather throughout the year, Davao enjoys many economic and tourism advantages. The city is one of the must see places to visit whether you're in the Philippines for business or pleasure.

Davao City, the most livable city in the Philippines and the largest one in land area, situated under the orange and blue skies of Southern part of the country, this place is truly a paradise. The city occupies 2,444 square kilometers and is now considered the one of the countries most progressive city. It has a rich history, culture, tradition and natural resources. It is the window to the entire Mindanao island, the eye to which the promise of beauty can be seen.

Davao is place where diversity in tradition and culture is very dominant. During the early years, the ethnic tribes living in the city lived a harmonious living, dwelling in peace and friendship. The forefathers of the city were the Mandayas, Bagobos, Manobos, Tiboli and Mansakas which gave the province its original name, “daba-daba” and later became Davao. Despite of the differences in tradition and culture, Davaoeños live a peaceful life together which make the place a unique one.
The city is loaded with breathtaking views of mountainous region coupled with fertile valleys and rolling hills. You can find a lot of beautiful flowers such as the orchids including the waling-waling. It is home to the famous durian fruit. The Philippine Eagle can also be found in the city. It is sheltered in Malagos, the sanctuary for the eagles and can be located at hoof of Mt. Apo, the and tallest and highest mountain peak in the Philippines. White sand beaches is just near by the city, with just minutes of boat ride from the wharf, you will be mesmerized with the amazing view of the Paradise Island and Pearl Farm Beach Resort in the Garden City of Samal.

One of the city's pride is the People's Park which was newly opened last December 15,2007. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and the people of the Davao are very proud of this mini-forest park. The place is filled with large sculptures that represent the indigenous groups living in Southern Mindanao. One interesting fact about the park is that, the music being played inside the premises is purely Filipiniana and OPM, bringing the musical culture of the Filipinos back to life. The replica of the Statue of David is also considered as the city's landmark. It can be found near the Queensland Lodge.

The City of Davao is rich in art. This is manifested by the city's Kadayawan Festival, tagged as the festival of all festivals. This is usually celebrated during the second week of August and tourist from different parts of the country and the world visit Davao and join the celebration. The festival is a colorful display of culture and tradition which spreads the messages of harmony and peace. The highlight of the festival is called the Indak-Indak or Street Dancing.


source: http://www.davaoboard.com/ (not in anyway connected to DBRFI)