I answered the simple question with these following statements and descriptions. I lived at a city that is a expansive metropolitan area of more than a million residents situated in Mindanao particularly in the southeastern part of it. For a fact, my place is considered as one of the largest cities in the world. Natural advantages are the blessings of this place that the soil is so rich in minerals and very fertile. Our local government has always been taking benefit of its strategic location which is a typhoon-free region and balance or equal distribution of climatic conditions defines its weather the whole year round.
Our mountain stood tallest amongst any mountains in the Philippines. This mountain seems to overlook our humble city and appears to be a vigilant sentinel watching us for anything that could harm us. Climbing the peak of this mountain would make one realize how blessed this modest land is: intact forest, productive valleys, traversable river, extensive metro and first-rate beaches facing the gulf.
We value education as we had been recognized one of the cities with high literacy rates in Asia. Workforce is one of the best because we can speak English and we were trained to be industrious and self-reliant. Our city is a sort of melting pot of cultures and differences are respected and developed in a pleasant and peace-loving atmosphere.
Our metropolis has bee the center of services, trade and commerce in Mindanao and our facilities are among the best providing an avenue for further economic expansion. Urban living is at its best because we have the usual amenities and facilities and we can have them in reasonable prices as well. Accessibility to the usual needs is never a problem in this place such as communication, recreation and leisure. We have had the basic needs covered with a plus.
The economic pace of this metropolis is on the rise but the great outdoors and breathtaking wonders of nature make the stability between work hard and relaxation. The question I was trying to answer was 'where do you live?' Of course, the simple answer this question was Davao City. I did not answer it directly because I wanted them to realize that the word 'Davao' was not just another ordinary place. In a way, as I answered the query, I also set their expectations of this beautiful place called Davao.
The land of the exotic fruit, Durian, has much more to offer than just delicious fruits and wonderful looking flowers. Davao festivals are highly anticipated events and many visitors go to this place in the southern Philippines to enjoy a lively and highly entertaining day.
Celebrated in August and the focus being on the indigenous group that have lived in Davao since centuries back, the Kadayawan Festival is an interesting event that captures the culture of this sector. The indigenous group of Mindanao has gone through many experiences in the past, both good and bad, and their journey is depicted in the presentations made during the Kadayawan Festival. There are two parts to this Davao festival and they are the Lumadnong Kasaulogan and the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan. The first part of the Kadayawan Festival is the main event and here, the indigenous group’s culture and arts are on display. Part of their culture is the colorful hand woven costumes that they wear everyday and the members spend a lot of time making them. The Kadayawan Festival also showcases the traditional dances of the indigenous group and some of their handmade crafts can be bought during this Davao festival. The second part of this Davao festival, the Subay sa Lumadnong Kagikan will help the visitor learn about the impact that this group has on the Filipino artists from years back to present. The Kadayawan Festival is also about the history of this indigenous group and their importance to today’s society.
Another great Davao festival is the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. The whole of Davao celebrates this event with grandeur. The parades on the streets of Davao will surely get one’s attention with rhythmic beating of the drums and the fast beat dancing of dancers dressed in colorful costumes during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. Even the malls celebrate this Davao festival by showcasing products of Davao and selling them at discounted rates. There are numerous beauty pageants during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental, and contestants from those below 12 years of age and up to 25 can participate. There is also a music fest during the Araw ng Dabao Oryental and numerous bands play at the SM Mall Event Center. Everybody is welcome to join the festivities or just simply watch the events that transpire during the lively celebration of the Araw ng Dabao Oryental. At the end of the day, an amazing fireworks display illuminates the night sky.