Jay Ledesma
From the time I relocated to this beautiful city, some 30 years ago, Davao has grown and transformed so much. So many business establishments, structures and infrastructures have erected. And since it’s one of the most visited cities, by both domestic and foreign tourists, the city has added more attractions for its visitors.
But I must admit, as a Davao resident, I have not been to most of these new attractions. Thankfully, my Manila based girlfriends, visited Davao last week. As it was just few days after the Kadayawan festivities, the city and its people are still reeling from the Kadayawan bug. We got to enjoy the Kadayawan fever, less the revelers and the traffic. As their self-appointed tour guide, I got to see these places… for the first time. My friends cannot believe that just like them, I am just seeing these places only now.
This beautiful art piece welcomes guests at the entrance of the Museum
The 11 Tribes of Davao: 6 Moro Tribes and 5 Lumad Tribes
Manila-based AIA PH Top Producers visit Museo Dabawenyo
The Museo Dabawenyo, which is temporarily located in Juna Subdivision, is just a one floor affair but is able to give its guests a good glimpse of the heritage of the city and its people. The room’s layout was done so well that they were able to maximize every nook and corner to display the artifacts. We were even able to play one of the tribal instruments and dance to its music. Their very welcoming and knowledgeable staff (who are all volunteers) made out short visit fun, entertaining but informative. They will not even accept tips for doing a great job. For guests who would just like to learn a brief history of the City, do not miss to visit Museo Dabawenyo. Looking forward to the completion and opening of its new and bigger home soon!
This colorful signage is the most favorite photo background of the Park’s visitors.
The beauties with the life-sized statues of the indigenous people of Davao
This welcome arch features Davao’s gems: durian, waling-waling orchid and Philippine eagle
I have heard and read very good reviews about the People’s Park and I am so glad that I finally got to visit it with my friends. It’s big and spacious, offering a good sanctuary for families and “barkadas’. People from all walks of life, tourists and local residents, come here for rest and recreation. I love that trees, plants and flowers abound inside the park. There’s playground for children, colorful artworks perfect for those FaceBook and Instagram poses, and eating areas where families and friends can share their packed food. When we were there, we even saw people doing their afternoon walking, jogging and stretching. While some senior citizens were just sitting on the benches, either reading or observing the passersby. It really is the People’s Park. Entrance to the park is free. There’s enough security at the entrance and roving inside the park, giving its guests a sense of safety and peace. One suggestion though… They can put more garbage bins around the park so people will have no excuse to litter.
The ladies in yellow infront of one of the 11 tribal houses found in the Village
The tribal houses showcase their life and livelihood
The many pop up stores selling native handicrafts
Another tourist attraction every Kadayawan season is the Tribal Village set up at the Magsaysay Park. Introduced to the public back in 2017, the Tribal Village features the 11 tribal houses of the 6 Moro tribes: Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanao, Kagan, Sama and Iranun; and the 5 Lumad Tribes: Ata, Ubo Manuvo, Matigsalog, Klata and Tagabawa. The houses showcase the culture of the different tribes…their dances, songs, food and how they live. There are also pop up stores around the tribal houses where guests can appreciate and buy the tribes’ handicrafts and art pieces. It’s an educational and entertaining experience to visit the Tribal Village. As first timers to experience it, I and my friends were happy that our driver/guide Mark, brought us to the Village. If you missed it this year, pls make sure that you make this a part of your itinerary during next year’s Kadayawan.
Let’s not be a stranger in our own City. We might be missing a lot. I am just so glad that I got to visit these places and now I can talk about them and promote them too. I believe I owe it to my city. (Jay Ledesma)