When we hear the word Davao, what comes to mind automatically are the most famous symbols of the city such as durian, orchids, eagle. As you exit Davao International Airport, there is a huge durian sculpture and I was able to take a photo of it a long time ago. Another thing that connotes Davao is the waling-waling orchid. The airport is decorated with these symbolic figures as passengers proceed to claim their baggage.
I just love durian even with its pungent odor. It has this exquisitely rich creamy sweet taste that lingers (including the smell) long after you’re done eating. I can actually finish one whole fruit just by myself. Too bad we have no Durian tree in our backyard. All of us in the family love durian (the real fruit not the candy). Durian is not the only fruit produced in Davao though. They produce a lot of bananas for export and also mangosteen, rambutan, marang and other tropical fruits. Durian, however is the favorite of Davaoenos.
Magsaysay Park is lined with durian fruit stalls from end to end and people just choose which fruit they want to eat then the vendor opens it for them, give the customers plastic gloves so their hands won’t get messy and smelly afterwards. But what’s peculiar is that they order a bottle of coke to drink while eating durian! I tried it but I would rather just eat durian and drink water after I’m done. There are several varieties of durian with their particular characteristics. I don’t remember which variety I preferred but it’s the one that is creamy but not too sweet, and with what they call somewhat “bitter taste”. Anyway the vendor can tell you exactly what to expect. I tasted several and there were indeed subtle differences; but for me all durian fruits taste great no matter what variety! Other stalls across the street also sell durian candies, durian tarts, cookies & other souvenirs.
If you have other transactions in Davao and have no time to visit tourist destinations, a quick stop at the People’s Park will give you an overview of what’s in Davao. At the park you will find the magnificent giant eagle sculpture seemingly swooping down on its prey. Sculptures that depict cultural traditions can also be found there and a botanical garden, as well as other modern attractions. Outside the park there are souvenir shops where you can buy shirts with Davao print and products made of their traditional cloth “tinalak” and/or “dagmay”.
If you want to see real eagles though, you have to visit the Philippine Eagle Conservation Center in Malagos, Davao. It is being run by the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Because the Eagle is considered as a national treasure and yet already endangered, there is a need for captive breeding to sustain their population. When captive breeding is successful, the birds can later be released in the wild. The center also doubles as a rescue center for other threatened animals and ecological park so they collect conservation fees that will help in the operation of the center. Some of the captive animals in their care have been adopted by corporate sponsors financially as part of their social responsibility. Many environmentalists and environmentally conscious groups and individuals also donate to the foundation. Although there are regular staff and several volunteers working in the center, there are many problems in sustainability and sometimes the animals die of disease or other factors.
Wildlife that were confiscated and even dead animals are donated to be preserved for educational purposes. Thor was one of the preserved (stuffed) eagles being displayed in the center. She was turned over to the center when she was younger but she failed to reproduce probably because of her traumatic experience before she was turned over to the center according to the guide. Each bird in the center has its own name. The staff try very hard to care for these animals but the space is simply not big enough. The only sustainable way really is to have a vast forested area untouched by people where animals can roam freely and forage or hunt for their own food in the wild.
Malagos, Davao is home to one of the best chocolates in the world. Malagos chocolates have garnered several awards in the international market for its high quality products. Most Filipinos however, do not really prefer dark chocolates as we are used to sweet chocolates with more sugar. Although Malagos chocolates are not very popular among the Filipino masses also because these are relatively expensive, are more favored by foreigners especially the health conscious. What is popular among local tourists in Malagos garden resort is the beautiful landscape and the bird show as well as the buffet lunch.
Another tourist destination in Davao is Jack’s Ridge. The Jack’s Ridge Restaurant & Resort is located in Shrine Hills in Matina, Davao City. They serve the best durian shake! Actually it was only there where I tasted the durian fruit shake. The restaurant is also famous for its Dabawenyo food but it is more popular for its strategic location. Being situated on the slope of a hill gives it the advantage of having an unobstructed view of the whole city. This vantage point also served an important role during World War II when the Japanese used the area as part of their headquarters. Now, Jack’s Ridge Restaurant and Resort offers a great view of the Central Business District of Davao with its glittering lights. Outside the restaurant, shells of giant clams and other fossils are being displayed as proof that the ridge was submerged in the sea in the distant past.
One more thing I remember about Davao is the environmental singer/songwriter José Íñigo Homer Lacambra Ayala otherwise known as Joey Ayala. He sang the “Karaniwang Tao” and “Agila” which are commonly used to accompany students’ interpretative environmental dance presentations. Although he hailed from Bukidnon, he has a studio in Davao and had been performing there with his Bagong Lumad Band using a fusion of ethnic/traditional and contemporary musical instruments which made them stand out. He is unforgettable not only for his melodious rich voice but he is also an outstanding musician playing multiple instruments; most of all he cares deeply for the environment and promotes his cause through music.
For Catholics, a visit in one place should always include the church. The St. Peter’s Metropolitan Cathedral in Davao was designed as an ark which gave it a unique appearance among catholic cathedrals. Like all metropolitan cities though, the cathedral cannot accommodate all the faithfuls in the city, hence, schedule of mass is not only once but several times.
Images: Other Journeys 