Davao bloggers, davao city, davao bloggers tour, davao guide , davao downtown

Last July 14, 2012 , me and my fellow Davao Bloggers embarked on a trip. A trip designed to enlighten and help us familiarized the wonders of Davao City. This particular tour was organized by Davao Bloggers in partnership with (CCOT) City Tourism Operations Office and SMART Communications.

Four teams were specifically assigned on different locations. Those teams were Calinan Thrillseekers, Toril Trailblazers, Downtown Explorers and Uptown Adventurers. Each team have different itineraries and different starting point, yet even so all teams have one goal – to have maximum fun while exploring Davao!

Yours truly were assigned to be a part of the Downtown Explorers Team. I wasn’t that trilled at first knowing that we will be tripping around the downtown area. Whats up with downtown? I think to myself. I always walked around downtown , I don’t think there’s anything worthwhile to see out there. Well that’s my typical reaction at first. Well let me just tell you what happened that Saturday that change my point of view about Downtown Davao.

It was 8:00 in the morning when we started the tour at Davao City Hall. I’ve been here a lot of times but I never noticed the City Hall the way I noticed it that morning. It’s like I’m a tourist in my own city.

I noticed some people having their morning coffee , kids playing, while some are reading the news while sitting on the benches near Osmena Park. Another group of ladies are fixing their hairs and some doing foot massage just right around the corner.



Then I noticed this piece of monument, it struck me with its scribbled wordings. Like an ancient hieroglyph it tells a short story. A story of the past and the final battle that occurred June 29th of year 1848 between Datu Bago and Oyanguren. The grounds were I’m standing at are were the early christian settlers established their community. Funny how we live in this city without knowing even just a little about it’s past, well for me that’s the case. I’ve been here for more than 4 years yet I never did have the chance to know the City history.



I find myself excited after seeing that monument. I’d like to know more about this place “I think to myself”. So with that knowledge I eagerly walked along with my fellow bloggers to our next stop , Museo Dabawenyo.

Museo Dabawenyo showcases the rich history and and diverse cultural heritage of the people of Davao. I didn’t know until then that Davao is consisted of multiple tribes. From Tagabawa , Guiangan/Klata , Obu Manawa , Matigsalog , Ata , Maranao , Maguindanao , Kalagan , Tausog , Sama and many more. Now it makes sense why the City Government of Davao have this Ten Tribes, One Vibe campaign for Kadayawan 2012. Ten recognized tribes forming one strong city, which is Davao.

By the way, did you know that Artiaga Street was named after the first mayor to be appointed here in Davao City , Mr. Santiago Artiaga. And it was Mr. Elias Lopez who was first elected back in year 1937. See? I learned something on the tour. You should try visiting this place too. A lot of cool stuff to see there. I even remember seeing this statue of a woman with six boobs! It was also on the painting. I was so curious that I asked the lady staff in the museum and she said it was about Maybuyan and Lumabat , a Bagobo Folklore. I didn’t really recall the story of that folklore but It’s pretty amazing to know that there’s a lot of things to know about each of this tribes. A lot of story and history to tell. So many questions running on my mind that time. How come this 10 tribes settled here in Davao? Did they fight each other before they unite to fight off Oyanguren during the first christian settlers in the city? Where are the remains of Datu Bago? Hmmm , theres a lot of things to know yet so little time during our trip.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take photos inside the museum so I couldn’t share some of the pictures and crafts they had preserved.

The culture and history of Davao City is really that vast and magnificent. So I would really suggest we make an effort to know our own City. I believed that there so much in it to tell. A lot of stories to be passed down to the next generation of Dabawenyos.

Those statues and Museum are always gonna be there to remind us Davaoneos about the city’s growth and success throughout the centuries. But most important of all – we the people who lives in this community , in this City , are always here to preserved it. As long as we value and take pride in our city’s heritage then Davao would continue to grow , that I’m pretty sure.

Well that’s the first half of our trip. I’ll be posting more about our City Tour on the next article. Cheers!

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