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There
are many compelling reasons why people choose
Davao over any other place in Southeast Asia. As
varied as the reasons and factors may be, still
they all summed up to one thing- quality of
life.
The air is fresh. The city is clean and green.
There is real abundance of the freshest harvests
from the land and sea. To top it all, the
quality of potable water is among the best in
the world.
Starting life in Davao is easy, convenient,
affordable, and fulfilling. Real-estate prices
are easy on the pocket. There is a wide array of
housing packages from low-cost to prime
residential estates. Rentals are inexpensive.
Electricity, water, and phone lines are readily
available.
The City is being primed up to serve as the
health and medical care center of the East ASEAN
Growth Area (EAGA). The city is host to 39
schools (universities and technical colleges)
offering a system of education that is at par
with the best in the region.
 From
the most basic needs to life’s little pleasures,
the City’s shopping scene has become more
vibrant with the sprouting of big malls that
provide enjoyable shopping experiences and offer
more value for money.
Buses and jeeps provide a cheap land
transportation alternative as well as a quick
look to the life of the common people. Most
residents prefer riding taxis or their own
vehicles. The city is blessed to have the most
courteous and honest taxi drivers in the
country.
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International Community
As Davao is being geared up to become a better
retirement haven in this part of the region,
more and more people from all over the globe
have started finding their respective places in
the city. With a bigger space to accommodate
more people than other cities in the region,
there certainly is a place within the city ready
to welcome new members of the Davao community.
 Before
WWII broke out, Davao is already a melting pot
of Asia with nationals from India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, China, and Japan doing business at
first with the locals but eventually decided to
stay for good and consider it a home. There was
even a period when the place was called the
“Little Tokyo” of the Philippines because of the
presence of hundreds of Japanese workers who
have migrated to the City at the height of the
massive production of abaca fiber.
Being a relatively peaceful place with a
cosmopolitan setting that is relaxed, foreign
nationals find it easy to assimilate in a place
that is generally appreciative and respectful of
cultural uniqueness.
Ethnic groups in Davao include Americans,
Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, Indians,
Indonesians, Malaysians, Australians, Germans,
Italians, and other nationals from Europe and
the Asia-Pacific region.
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Food and Dining
Davao dining offers a variety of culinary
delights that will excite even the most
discriminating gourmet.
The freshness of ingredients harvested from the
sea and the farms provides a fulfilling taste
that is distinctly Davao.
The city is known for its inihaw (grilled tuna)
and kinilaw (local version of sashimi using tuna
or blue marlin strips).
There is a variety of dining destinations to
whet your appetite and suit your mood. There are
restaurants offering a panoramic view of the
Davao gulf. Others prefer a wider perspective of
the city by dining in an array of restaurants
located on top of hills.
Delectable Ala Carte and smorgasbord at
affordable prices can also be found in popular
restaurants, hotels, and cafes all over the
metropolis. Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Japanese,
Korean and other cuisines are included in the
menu of specialty restaurants.
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Culture and Religions
Davao culture has assimilated influences from
both hemispheres of the world. By and large, it
is a mix of Asian, Spanish and American
cultures. With predominantly migrant population,
the City is a melting pot of cultures where
diversities are well appreciated, respected, and
nurtured in a harmonious and peaceful
environment.
 Davaoeños
are a versatile and talented people with music
and other arts that are well appreciated in the
entire country. Folkdance rhythms and steps are
unconventionally challenging and entertaining.
Basketball is considered as a national sport. A
Basketball court can be found in almost all
villages in the City. Chess is being played
alongside a local board game called “Dama” in
some parks devoted for the mind game
enthusiasts.
Major languages and dialects are Filipino
(mainly derived from Tagalog) Cebuano, English.
The city is predominantly Christian with more
than 80 percent of the population practicing the
Roman Catholic faith. Cathedrals, churches, and
chapels of Catholics, Baptists, Methodists,
Pentecostals, and other Christian groups dot the
city’s landscape.
Some born-again groups that have gained national
or worldwide prominence are founded in Davao
City. Some international evangelists have stated
that Davao is the spiritual capital of the
country. Due to a growing number of secular
Christian groups, it is interesting to note that
some even conduct their worship services in
places like cinemas and warehouses.
There are places of worship too for those
practicing Islam, Buddhism and other faiths in
Davao.
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Bank and Other Financial Institutions
 There
are over 2,000 financial institutions operating
in Davao City including over a hundred branches
of Philippine and international banks.
Some banks operate 7 days a week. Those inside
big establishments such as malls operate 6 days
a week (Mondays through Saturdays).
Added banking convenience is provided through
numerous automated teller machines in strategic
places all over the metropolis as well as
through other forms of electronic banking. |
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