The city of davao,considered one of the largest in the world in terms of land area,is all of 244,000hectares.It belongs to the Southern MindanaoRegion,which is composed of the provinces of Davao del Norte(now Davao province),Davao Oriental,Davao del Sur,South Cotabato,and the chartered cities of Davao and General Santos.The warm waters of Davao Gulf lap the eastern shores.
Geography and Climate
The predominant terrain of the region is mountainous.Davao City and its outskirts are marked with rolling hills sloping down to fertile valleys.Mountain ranges straddle the rest of the countryside.Located in a sheltered groove on the southeastern tip of Mindanao,Davao enjoys good climate year-round and is practically free from typhoons.
Population and Dialects
Davao City is a home to more or less a million people of different regional origins.Some come from as far as Ilocos in northern Philippines;others are Visayan settlers;still others belong to indigenous tribes.Cebuano is the main dialect,but English and Tagalog are widely understood and spoken.
Getting There
Philippine Airlines flies twice daily to Davao from Manila(one hour and 35 minutes away) and from Cebu(55 minutes away).There are also PAL flights to Davao from Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga.For more scenic route,take the 2-day overland trip along Pan Philippine Highway from Manila to Davao via Philtranco Bus Lines'Luz-Viminda Run.Many shipping lines also service sea routes to Davao from Manila and other neighboring island provinces.
Getting Around
The ubiquitous Philippine Jeepneys provide easy and accessible means of transport within Davao City.Bantam cars,called P:U.'s serve as taxis around the city.For other routes,it is best to negotiate with the driver before starting off.But the best way to get around is still via hired car;contact your hotel concierge.
Accomodations and Other Facilities
Davao City is a tropical getaway with all the modern conveniences of the city living.Within the city are plenty of hotels,lodges and inns for the traveler to cool his heels.
Surrounded by well-manicured lawns in an 8-hectare area,the davao Insular Interncontinental Inn has 153 rooms that look out towards the half-moon bay between Davao and Samal Island.At the heart of the city is the hospitable Apo View Hotel,Durian Hotel, Marco Polo and many more.
Discovering My Home land...Dabaw
The visitor's introduction to the cultural diversity and vastness of Davao begins upon touchdown at the Davao International Airport.Muslim motifs draw attention to the spacious terminal building,with its dark wood panelling and dangling capiz shell chandeliers.From the tarmac,the 244,000 hectare expanse that is Davao City stretches towards the horizon,where the cloud-covered Mt.Apo looms in solemn majesty.
From the airport to downtown is a mere 25-minute ride along diversion road,past burgeoning industrial and commercial districts,golf courses,the casino,hotels and inns,manufacturing plants and government offices Downtown is a building grid fo shopping archades,market-places,movie and shop houses,restaurants,modern office buildings and apartment rows.
The face of this booming metropolis bears little resemblance to the Davao that was and still is the home of ethnic tribes like the Bagobo, the Manobo,the Mandaya,the Mansaka,the B'laan and the T'boli.These early inhabitants gave the land her name- from daba-daba,meaning fire-conjuring images of tribal wars and ritual fires along the banks of the Davao River. Other tribes like Maguindanaos from the adjacent provinces of Cotabato(my birthplace),Zamboanga and Jolo also settled in the fertile basin of the river.It was not until the mid-19th century that the spaniards were able to overcome the stronghold of the Muslim chieftains.With this conquest came Christian settlers from Luzon and the Visayas.
Today,Davao is a melting pot of people from all over the archipelago.This diversity extends itself to all aspects of society,from cultural and traditional practices to religious and political affiliations.In spite of these differences,Davaoenos thrive in peaceful co-existence and are smiling examples of the well-known Filipino brand of hospitality.
Aside from its people,Dabaw is also a land of many natural attractions.Outside the city proper are agricultural plains planted with all manner of exotic flowers and fruits.Outlying islands harbor beaches basking in the sun and coral reefs teeming with marine life.Within its forest are sancturaries of rare animal and plant species.Surrounding hills and mountain ranges beckon with th promise with the promise of adventure.
Mabuhay.....daba-daba..lunsod sa mga guapa sama nako...
