Why I Love Davao City

There are just so many reasons to love Davao City! Whether it's personal, business or professional, one can definitely find a good reason to like the place and consider it home.

International Recognition

Davao City hogged the limelight in recent months owing to its positive achievements and its people's warmth. It's one of the "World's Friendliest Countries" according to HSBC's 2011 Expat Explorer Survey capturing the 8th spot. Thanks to the warm smiles and hospitality of locals that greet domestic and foreign tourists of all ages who come to visit all year round.

Business-wise, Davao City is among the fastest growing cities. It's in the 87th place of the World's Top 100 Fastest Growing Cities and Urban Areas. The ranking was made by the City Mayors Foundation, a research group based in London.

More than a decade ago in 2000, Davao City was also named by Asiaweek Magazine as the most livable city in the Philippines and among the Top 40 cities in Asia grabbing the 17th place.

Thanks to the strong governance of Mayor Sara Duterte and her father, Vice Mayor Rody Duterte. Their excellent rapport with the people and business owners have kept the metropolis peaceful and business-friendly through the years.

Way of Life

Unlike in other capital cities such as Manila and Cebu, life in Davao City is quite laid-back. You can't feel the rush that is so much associated with the lifestyle in those two big metropolitan areas. Traffic along the major thoroughfares is very bearable and banks, schools, churches as well as offices are very accessible. Even without a car, you can easily catch a ride via a public transportation.

People here can also engage in their favorite social and family activities after office hours and on weekends. With lots of dining places, coffee shops, entertainment spots as well as beach, inland and mountain resorts in place around the city, there's always an opportunity to meet up with friends after work or spend quality time with the family on a weekend.

Food Resources

Foodies can definitely stretch their budget while in the city because of the cheap food resources available.

For vegetables, one can buy at the "bagsakan" along Magallanes Street in the downtown area. There, you can choose from a wide range of fresh vegetables. With a 100-peso budget, you can already go home with two large sando bags filled with your favorite veggies.

Don't forget that tropical fruits are in abundance, too. Durian, mango, pomelo, lanzones, rambutan, chico, banana, watermelon, mangosteen, avocado...just name it and you can enjoy eating them here.

Restaurants are in large supply as well. From the budget-friendly to the fine dining spots, there's one you can always go to whether alone or with some company.

Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in the city is a breeze. Lots of hotels and suites have been put up in recent months which means more choices for the people.

You can just go online and search for #Davao hotels and inns and instantly, you'll get results fast. Depending on one's budget, there's surely a place to stay in Davao City any time of the year.

Interesting Places

Being the largest city in the Philippines, Davao City offers a mix of rural and urban atmosphere. As such, both nature and city lovers have every opportunity to enjoy a great time.

Those looking to explore Davao's natural wonders can visit the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos Garden Resort and Eden Nature Park. At the Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, one can have a fantastic view of Mt. Apo. Beach resorts in the city as well as in nearby Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal are also worth visiting.

Those who prefer the city life, on the other hand, can check out the major malls. Davao City now boasts of local and world-class shopping centers such as Gaisano Ilustre, Gaisano Mall, Victoria Plaza, SM City Davao, Robinson's Cybergate and the new Abreeza Mall. Opening soon are the new SM City Lanang while other big mall chains are also set to open in other areas of the city.

Peace and Order

Your safety is always assured when in #Davao City. Peace and order are well maintained by law enforcement authorities and the Duterte leaders to boot. Known for their fearless attitude, the father and daughter tandem make sure that hoodlums are put to jail and other security threats are warded off before they can occur.

Personal Testimony

I am the living proof of somebody who's not a pure Davaoena but who has come to love Davao City enough to call it as home. An Ilongga who moved here in 1997 after getting hitched, I can proudly say that the place has endeared to me. No regrets at all.

Family members and good friends who have visited me here all gave the city a thumbs up after their brief stay and promised to come back. One of my best friends who visited for the first time in November 2011 even loved the place so much that she's now contemplating about relocating here in the future. I was glad to know that she and her buddy had a grand time when I toured them around the famous tourist spots and it was no surprise when they told me they shall return with their families.

This is my own way of paying tribute to the city as it marks #Araw ng Dabaw this March. Thanks to the #Davao Tourism Office for holding this #Araw ng Dabaw blog competition as a way of promoting the city to the world. Indeed #Davao Life is Here!

Submitted as an entry to the 75th Araw ng Dabaw Blog Competition

Resources:

1. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=767588&publicationSubCategoryId=63">

2. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/11/10/davao-worlds-87th-top-city-189867 http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015">

3. http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=105015

All About the Dragon

Hello 2012!

Time really flies so fast and I can hardly believe that it is now 2012. It's the year of the water dragon (yang water dragon to be exact) in the Chinese calendar. The next 365 days under this zodiac sign are foreseen to bring possibilities of good fortune.

I was born in the year of the rooster and feng shui experts say 2012 will be a good year for those born under my zodiac sign being compatible with the water dragon. I look forward to that!

Before I came to know that 2012 would be the year of the water dragon, all I thought was just it's going to be simply the year of the dragon, in general. I had no idea that there are actually different types of dragon being followed by the Chinese -- the wood dragon, fire, earth, metal and water. For each type of dragon, there's a different year being observed.

The year of the water dragon occurs every 60 years. It started on January 23, 2012 and will end on February 9, 2013.

The dragon is said to be the only mythical animal among the zodiac signs. In the Chinese element theory, the water dragon produces wood and wood symbolizes growth.

So are you a dragon? Whether it's your year or not, what matters is you work hard to achieve your goals in your personal and professional life. Luck won't be at your side if you don't do your part in reaching for your stars.