A fascinating metropolis of natural and cultural diversity, Davao City is the center of
trade, industry and tourism in the bountiful Southern Philippines. With a total land
area of 224,000 hectares, it is considered the world’s largest city.
Davao is the home to a number of national pride – the Philippine Eagle, the
National Bird and the world’s largest eagle; Waling waling, the Queen of Orchids;
Durian, the King of Fruits; and Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak.
This cosmopolitan city of multi-cultural people consisting of Christians, Moslems,
indigenous tribes, migrant settlers and a fairly large expatriate community boasts of
exciting and colorful festivals, island to highland adventures, vibrant nightlife,
sumptuous culinary delights and exciting shopping centers.
Situated in a typhoon-free zone, high quality of life coupled with the availability of
world class facilities and a wide range of accommodations make the city a favorite
tourist and convention destination.
If you’re in for an exciting and unforgettable experience for both business and
leisure, come to Davao and feel the captivating lure of nature’s bounty fused with
cosmopolitan comforts. A city that’s bustling yet peaceful, modern yet rustic. Anytime
of the year, there’s always a good reason to visit Davao City.
History
The rich cultural and historical heritage of Davao comes from its various indigenous
tribes. Among the predominant groups are the Bagobo, Mandaya, Mansaka,
Manobo, Ata and B’laan tribes. Davao is said to be a result of the phonetic blending
of words “davoh” (Obo group), “duhwow” (Clatta group) and “dabu” (Tagabawa
group) from three Bagobo subgroups, meaning “beyond the higher grounds” or
“over the hills yonder”, a reference to Davao River, the site of trading settlement in
the past.
Led by Alvaro de Saavedra, the colonizing Spaniards arrived in the region in 1528.
After the Spanish troops revolted and slayed Moro leader Datu Bago in 1847 – a
local hero who fought the colonizers, Don Jose Oyanguren became the first
governor of the province and renamed the place Guipuzcoa.
Even before World War II, Davaoeños had maintained amicable relations with the
Japanese. In 1900, the Japanese established extensive plantations of abaca around
the gulf area and was engaged in logging, fishing and trading. The increase of
Japanese in the area earned Davao the nickname “Japan kuo” or “little Japan.”
Davao finally became a city in October 16,1936 when President Manuel Quezon
signed Commonwealth Act No. 51, also known as the Charter of the City of Davao.
Awards and Accolades
In recent years, Davao has received various accolades given by government and
non-government organizations. Among the highly urbanized cities in the region,
Davao City was consistently in the top 20 of the Most Livable Cities in Asia survey of
Asiaweek Magazine, and was the highest ranked Philippine city in the same survey.
The Asian Institute of Management and the Department of Trade and Industry also
awarded Davao the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines. Davao garnered
high ratings in areas of quality of life, cost of doing business, quality of human
resources, linkages and accessibility, infrastructure and dynamism of the local
economy.
Davao was also presented the League of Cities in the Philippines’ Best Practices
Award for Project 911 and the Galing Pook gand prize in mainstreaming gender and
development in local government, considered one of the top ten programs in the
Philippines for 2004. It was also given a special citation for its gender - responsive
governance, a trailblazing program in the country for the same year, and a citation
from the Department of Health for its Iwas Paputok Campaign. Davao is also a
forerunner in implementing the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
The city has received other prestigious awards including the Cleanest and
Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines, Kalakbay Award’s Destination of
the year, top honors in the National Literacy Awards, Best City Police Office, Most
Child Friendly City, Hall of Fame Award for Best Peace and Order Council, among
others.
Festivals
Araw ng Dabaw is a vibrant feast held every March 16, celebrating the oneness
of this multi-cultural city. Festival highlights include a socio-civic and band parade,
food street party, various park extravaganzas, dance spectacles, and the much-
anticipated search for the “Mutya ng Dabaw,” the city’s Ambassador of Goodwill.
Other events, such as sports competitions, pop music festival and concerts, arts and
culture presentations, are also held during the festival.
Davao comes alive with Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival celebrated every third
week of August, coinciding with the harvest of fruits, such as the durian, lanzones,
mangosteen and rambutan, and the bloom of the Waling waling. Witness the city
streets packed with various festivities such as “Indak-indak sa Kadalanan” (street
dancing), a spectacle of graceful performers in ethnic-inspired garments, and Floral
Float Parade, which features floral and agricultural bounties. Other events include
arts and culture exhibits, agro-industrial trade fair, festivals expo, music and dance
competitions participated by various indigenous peoples of Mindanao, street parties,
food fiesta, river festival, world music festival, and “ Hiyas sa Kadayawan,” the
pageant for the symbolic spokesperson of the festival.
Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw is an integration of festive and competitive Christmas
events merging government and private sector initiatives. For the entire season, the
city is adorned with exciting sights and sounds, barraged with mall sales, bazaars,
and night markets filled with wholesome entertainment day and night in our parks,
hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and malls.
Join our nightly tours to our Christmas villages and witness our communities
decorated with colorful Christmas arcs, lanterns, trees, and “belen” (nativity scene).
Take part in our merrymaking on the streets with cheer dancers, dancing bands n
parade and food fiesta. Listen to the singing of old Visayan carols and chorale
concerts coupled with dancing competitions.
City of Fruits and Flowers
The ethereal splendor of the Waling waling (Vanda sanderiana) perfectly illustrates
the richness of Davao, also known as the Country’s “Orchid Capital”. Roam through
our enchanting gardens of flowers and foliage in Tugbok, Calinan, Baguio and Toril
districts.
Davao is also known for our vast orchards of fruits, such as pomelo, banana,
mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan and the most popular of them all, the durian,
earning the city the title “Fruit Basket of the Philippines.” The thorny durian is
described as a fruit that “smells like hell but tastes like heaven” because of its
pungent odor yet delectably filling and tasty flavor.
Eco-Adventure
Scale the Philippines’ tallest mountain, Mount Apo, towering at 10,311 feet. The
four-day trek via Tamayong Trail traverses through creeks, ridges and waterfalls
with amazing panorama of rainforest flora and fauna. Through the trail is notoriously
known as the longest and one of the most difficult, the excellent condition of wildlife
and the natural environment is unparalleled. The city also serves as an entry point
to other trails in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
Another eco-adventure destination to satisfy your hunger for thrills is in the
mountainous district of Marilog where you can find springs, waterfalls, rivers and
caves. Davao’s countryside has moderately rugged terrain perfect for trekking,
orienteering, mountain biking, and other eco-adventure activities.
Davao is also home of the largest crocodile in the country named “Pangil” (jaw)
measuring at eighteen feet. You can find other mindorensis and porosus species of
crocodiles along with wild cats, pythons,turtles,lizards,monkeys and varieties of
exotic birds at the Crocodile Park.
King of Birds
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) stands a meter tall with a powerful set
of wings that can widely stretch up to two meters. It feeds on flying lemurs, civets,
cats, bats, snakes and occasionally, monkeys. Said to have evolved from the
dinosaurs, this powerful raptor nests at approximately 80 feet above the ground in
prominent peaks, overlooking a river or stream to give it a good view of its territory.
The eagles, an endangered species, along with other animals endemic in the
region are sheltered at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District. The
center facilitates captive breeding management, filed research, community-based
enterprise development and conservation education.
Great Getaways
Craving for a weekend of sun, sand and sea? Davao is blessed with stretch of
beaches along Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines. A number of seaside
restaurants and resorts, favorite weekend retreats of the locals, dot the waterfront.
Davao is also the gateway to the Island Garden City of Samal. A ten-minute boat
ride away is all it takes to enjoy the island’s row of white sand beaches and
numerous dive and snorkeling sites. Davao Gulf is an exciting destination for
kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, skim boarding, cruising and game fishing. Provinces
across the region also offer various eco-adventure and cultural destinations.
Golf and Games
Golf lovers favor our world-class courses – located accessibly near the downtown
area – after grueling meetings or simply to enliven their otherwise ho-hum weekends.
Our golf courses are dramatically set amidst the panoramic splendor of the
countryside or the enchanting vista of Mt. Apo. Play and enjoy our golf courses and
driving range at Apo Golf and Country Club, Lanang Country Club, Rancho Palos
Verdes, Davao City Golf Club, Golf Masters Sports Club and Andrew’s Driving
Range.
Sports club, fitness gyms, shooting ranges, tennis, basketball and badminton
courts, paintball games, billiard halls, ten-pin and duck-pin bowling centers are
conveniently located all over the urban center.
Culinary & Night Escapades
Eating is what you will probably be doing frequently when you are in town especially
with the city’s abundance of fresh seafood and farm-fresh bounties. Dine and dive
into our local specialties such as “inihaw na panga” (grilled tuna jaw), “inihaw na
bihod” (grilled tuna roe), crispy “buntot na bariles” (tuna tail), and the ubiquitous
“kinilaw” (raw tuna or blue marlin strips marinated in coconut vinegar, soy sauce and
spices).
As the “Sashimi Capital” of the Philippines, Davao’s Fish Port Complex exports
world class sashimi in many countries. The port is the only trans shipment point in
the Philippines, exporting yellow-fin and big eye tuna, octopus, prawns, cuttlefish and
other marine products.
Also available in the city is a wide selection of Filipino, Chinese, Thai, French,
Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and other Asian and European cuisine in
various restaurants around the city. But the best way to cap your culinary adventure
is taking a bite or two of our legendary durian, making your stay definitely more
memorable.
Davao’s nightlife is a merry mix of after-dark action. Paint the town red with fun
happenings in our dance clubs, music lounges, resto-bars, bistro, videoke and piano
bars, ballroom halls, cafes and casinos. Check out our diverse exciting dining and
entertainment enclaves such as The Venue, Matina Town Square, Victoria Plaza,
Jack’s Ridge, Station 91 and Rizal Promenade.
Convention City
Dubbed as the “Convention City of the South,” Davao prides itself as host to
various national and international conventions, meetings and events.
The city is a preferred convention destination due to able assistance form the
Davao Convention Bureau and various competent event organizers, capability to
house large number of guests with the 911 quick response program, ready-
availability of data banking service, state-of-the-art communication and audio-visual
equipment, accessibility to major business capitals through the very modern Davao
International Airport, and diverse choices of post-convention activities.
trade, industry and tourism in the bountiful Southern Philippines. With a total land
area of 224,000 hectares, it is considered the world’s largest city.
Davao is the home to a number of national pride – the Philippine Eagle, the
National Bird and the world’s largest eagle; Waling waling, the Queen of Orchids;
Durian, the King of Fruits; and Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak.
This cosmopolitan city of multi-cultural people consisting of Christians, Moslems,
indigenous tribes, migrant settlers and a fairly large expatriate community boasts of
exciting and colorful festivals, island to highland adventures, vibrant nightlife,
sumptuous culinary delights and exciting shopping centers.
Situated in a typhoon-free zone, high quality of life coupled with the availability of
world class facilities and a wide range of accommodations make the city a favorite
tourist and convention destination.
If you’re in for an exciting and unforgettable experience for both business and
leisure, come to Davao and feel the captivating lure of nature’s bounty fused with
cosmopolitan comforts. A city that’s bustling yet peaceful, modern yet rustic. Anytime
of the year, there’s always a good reason to visit Davao City.
History
The rich cultural and historical heritage of Davao comes from its various indigenous
tribes. Among the predominant groups are the Bagobo, Mandaya, Mansaka,
Manobo, Ata and B’laan tribes. Davao is said to be a result of the phonetic blending
of words “davoh” (Obo group), “duhwow” (Clatta group) and “dabu” (Tagabawa
group) from three Bagobo subgroups, meaning “beyond the higher grounds” or
“over the hills yonder”, a reference to Davao River, the site of trading settlement in
the past.
Led by Alvaro de Saavedra, the colonizing Spaniards arrived in the region in 1528.
After the Spanish troops revolted and slayed Moro leader Datu Bago in 1847 – a
local hero who fought the colonizers, Don Jose Oyanguren became the first
governor of the province and renamed the place Guipuzcoa.
Even before World War II, Davaoeños had maintained amicable relations with the
Japanese. In 1900, the Japanese established extensive plantations of abaca around
the gulf area and was engaged in logging, fishing and trading. The increase of
Japanese in the area earned Davao the nickname “Japan kuo” or “little Japan.”
Davao finally became a city in October 16,1936 when President Manuel Quezon
signed Commonwealth Act No. 51, also known as the Charter of the City of Davao.
Awards and Accolades
In recent years, Davao has received various accolades given by government and
non-government organizations. Among the highly urbanized cities in the region,
Davao City was consistently in the top 20 of the Most Livable Cities in Asia survey of
Asiaweek Magazine, and was the highest ranked Philippine city in the same survey.
The Asian Institute of Management and the Department of Trade and Industry also
awarded Davao the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines. Davao garnered
high ratings in areas of quality of life, cost of doing business, quality of human
resources, linkages and accessibility, infrastructure and dynamism of the local
economy.
Davao was also presented the League of Cities in the Philippines’ Best Practices
Award for Project 911 and the Galing Pook gand prize in mainstreaming gender and
development in local government, considered one of the top ten programs in the
Philippines for 2004. It was also given a special citation for its gender - responsive
governance, a trailblazing program in the country for the same year, and a citation
from the Department of Health for its Iwas Paputok Campaign. Davao is also a
forerunner in implementing the Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance.
The city has received other prestigious awards including the Cleanest and
Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines, Kalakbay Award’s Destination of
the year, top honors in the National Literacy Awards, Best City Police Office, Most
Child Friendly City, Hall of Fame Award for Best Peace and Order Council, among
others.
Festivals
Araw ng Dabaw is a vibrant feast held every March 16, celebrating the oneness
of this multi-cultural city. Festival highlights include a socio-civic and band parade,
food street party, various park extravaganzas, dance spectacles, and the much-
anticipated search for the “Mutya ng Dabaw,” the city’s Ambassador of Goodwill.
Other events, such as sports competitions, pop music festival and concerts, arts and
culture presentations, are also held during the festival.
Davao comes alive with Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival celebrated every third
week of August, coinciding with the harvest of fruits, such as the durian, lanzones,
mangosteen and rambutan, and the bloom of the Waling waling. Witness the city
streets packed with various festivities such as “Indak-indak sa Kadalanan” (street
dancing), a spectacle of graceful performers in ethnic-inspired garments, and Floral
Float Parade, which features floral and agricultural bounties. Other events include
arts and culture exhibits, agro-industrial trade fair, festivals expo, music and dance
competitions participated by various indigenous peoples of Mindanao, street parties,
food fiesta, river festival, world music festival, and “ Hiyas sa Kadayawan,” the
pageant for the symbolic spokesperson of the festival.
Pasko Fiesta sa Dabaw is an integration of festive and competitive Christmas
events merging government and private sector initiatives. For the entire season, the
city is adorned with exciting sights and sounds, barraged with mall sales, bazaars,
and night markets filled with wholesome entertainment day and night in our parks,
hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and malls.
Join our nightly tours to our Christmas villages and witness our communities
decorated with colorful Christmas arcs, lanterns, trees, and “belen” (nativity scene).
Take part in our merrymaking on the streets with cheer dancers, dancing bands n
parade and food fiesta. Listen to the singing of old Visayan carols and chorale
concerts coupled with dancing competitions.
City of Fruits and Flowers
The ethereal splendor of the Waling waling (Vanda sanderiana) perfectly illustrates
the richness of Davao, also known as the Country’s “Orchid Capital”. Roam through
our enchanting gardens of flowers and foliage in Tugbok, Calinan, Baguio and Toril
districts.
Davao is also known for our vast orchards of fruits, such as pomelo, banana,
mangosteen, lanzones, rambutan and the most popular of them all, the durian,
earning the city the title “Fruit Basket of the Philippines.” The thorny durian is
described as a fruit that “smells like hell but tastes like heaven” because of its
pungent odor yet delectably filling and tasty flavor.
Eco-Adventure
Scale the Philippines’ tallest mountain, Mount Apo, towering at 10,311 feet. The
four-day trek via Tamayong Trail traverses through creeks, ridges and waterfalls
with amazing panorama of rainforest flora and fauna. Through the trail is notoriously
known as the longest and one of the most difficult, the excellent condition of wildlife
and the natural environment is unparalleled. The city also serves as an entry point
to other trails in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
Another eco-adventure destination to satisfy your hunger for thrills is in the
mountainous district of Marilog where you can find springs, waterfalls, rivers and
caves. Davao’s countryside has moderately rugged terrain perfect for trekking,
orienteering, mountain biking, and other eco-adventure activities.
Davao is also home of the largest crocodile in the country named “Pangil” (jaw)
measuring at eighteen feet. You can find other mindorensis and porosus species of
crocodiles along with wild cats, pythons,turtles,lizards,monkeys and varieties of
exotic birds at the Crocodile Park.
King of Birds
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) stands a meter tall with a powerful set
of wings that can widely stretch up to two meters. It feeds on flying lemurs, civets,
cats, bats, snakes and occasionally, monkeys. Said to have evolved from the
dinosaurs, this powerful raptor nests at approximately 80 feet above the ground in
prominent peaks, overlooking a river or stream to give it a good view of its territory.
The eagles, an endangered species, along with other animals endemic in the
region are sheltered at the Philippine Eagle Center in Malagos, Baguio District. The
center facilitates captive breeding management, filed research, community-based
enterprise development and conservation education.
Great Getaways
Craving for a weekend of sun, sand and sea? Davao is blessed with stretch of
beaches along Matina, Talomo and Toril shorelines. A number of seaside
restaurants and resorts, favorite weekend retreats of the locals, dot the waterfront.
Davao is also the gateway to the Island Garden City of Samal. A ten-minute boat
ride away is all it takes to enjoy the island’s row of white sand beaches and
numerous dive and snorkeling sites. Davao Gulf is an exciting destination for
kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, skim boarding, cruising and game fishing. Provinces
across the region also offer various eco-adventure and cultural destinations.
Golf and Games
Golf lovers favor our world-class courses – located accessibly near the downtown
area – after grueling meetings or simply to enliven their otherwise ho-hum weekends.
Our golf courses are dramatically set amidst the panoramic splendor of the
countryside or the enchanting vista of Mt. Apo. Play and enjoy our golf courses and
driving range at Apo Golf and Country Club, Lanang Country Club, Rancho Palos
Verdes, Davao City Golf Club, Golf Masters Sports Club and Andrew’s Driving
Range.
Sports club, fitness gyms, shooting ranges, tennis, basketball and badminton
courts, paintball games, billiard halls, ten-pin and duck-pin bowling centers are
conveniently located all over the urban center.
Culinary & Night Escapades
Eating is what you will probably be doing frequently when you are in town especially
with the city’s abundance of fresh seafood and farm-fresh bounties. Dine and dive
into our local specialties such as “inihaw na panga” (grilled tuna jaw), “inihaw na
bihod” (grilled tuna roe), crispy “buntot na bariles” (tuna tail), and the ubiquitous
“kinilaw” (raw tuna or blue marlin strips marinated in coconut vinegar, soy sauce and
spices).
As the “Sashimi Capital” of the Philippines, Davao’s Fish Port Complex exports
world class sashimi in many countries. The port is the only trans shipment point in
the Philippines, exporting yellow-fin and big eye tuna, octopus, prawns, cuttlefish and
other marine products.
Also available in the city is a wide selection of Filipino, Chinese, Thai, French,
Italian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese and other Asian and European cuisine in
various restaurants around the city. But the best way to cap your culinary adventure
is taking a bite or two of our legendary durian, making your stay definitely more
memorable.
Davao’s nightlife is a merry mix of after-dark action. Paint the town red with fun
happenings in our dance clubs, music lounges, resto-bars, bistro, videoke and piano
bars, ballroom halls, cafes and casinos. Check out our diverse exciting dining and
entertainment enclaves such as The Venue, Matina Town Square, Victoria Plaza,
Jack’s Ridge, Station 91 and Rizal Promenade.
Convention City
Dubbed as the “Convention City of the South,” Davao prides itself as host to
various national and international conventions, meetings and events.
The city is a preferred convention destination due to able assistance form the
Davao Convention Bureau and various competent event organizers, capability to
house large number of guests with the 911 quick response program, ready-
availability of data banking service, state-of-the-art communication and audio-visual
equipment, accessibility to major business capitals through the very modern Davao
International Airport, and diverse choices of post-convention activities.
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| ABOUT DAVAO |