DAVAO CITY - A City Like No Other

Of all the places in the Philippines I've been, Davao City is my most favorite and the most number of times I've visited, 10 times since 1998 to be exact.

Davao City is a sprawling metropolis of over a million people located in the Southeastern part of Mindanao. It is one of the largest cities in the world with a land area of 2,443.61 square kilometers.

There are a lot of words to enjoy and celebrate in Davao City. Aside from being the country's melting pot of diverse cultures, the city offers a wide array of modern urban amenities such as shopping malls and an active night life that readily complement its accessible beaches and abundant supply of fresh seafood and fruits including the Exotic Durian. It is situated in a typhoon-free zone. It is one of the most peaceful cities in Asia. Almost everything of quality in Davao City costs cheaper compared to other major cities in the country.

The Most Livable City in the Philippines - according to Asiaweek, the City was ranked among the top 20 livable cities in Asia and number one as the most livable city in the country.

Home of the Philippines' Highest Peak - Mt. Apo - the tallest peak in the country at 10,311 feet above sea level.

Orchid Capital of the Philippines - City in Bloom - the City is specifically known among florists all over the world for its famous waling-waling, considered as one of the most beautiful orchids.

Fruit Basket of the Philippines - the City of Durian - all the freshest tropical fruits are here to find - watermelon, mango, pomelo (suha), rambutan, banana, mangosteen, lanzones, strawberry, pineapple, avocado, langka, buko, you’ll definitely have your fill in Davao City. To top them all is the exotic Durian (the King of the Fruits or the Fruit of the Gods) serving as the fruit of good and evil with its strong aroma (or pungent odor) overpowered by its heavenly taste which you would not want to exchange for anything.

Home of the Great Bird of Asia - the Philippine Eagle - the City has become it's breeding ground and contributed to the birth of more than a dozen eagles (hatched in captivity). Better known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine Eagle is considered as the 2nd largest eagle in the world and was threatened for extinction as early as the 70’s.