My Davao City

Davao City is in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in the southern part of Mindanao Region. It is only 1hour and 35minute flight from Manila, and 55minute flight from Cebu. Bi-weekly flights direct to and from Singapore and Manado, Indonesia are also available. From other countries Davao can be reached via Cebu or Manila.

Davao City has a total land area of 244,000 sq.km., that makes it 3 times larger than the entire Metro Manila, 7.8 times bigger than Metro Cebu. It has 1.4M population, with 491 persons/sq.km. population density (71% of the population in the urban area.)

Interesting Facts

*Davao City is the only city in the country that has 911 Emergency Service, the third after USA and Canada. This service is absolutely free, subsidized by the local government. It responds to all kinds of emergency.

* The city that has comprehensive Smoking Ban in public places.

*The first to implement Firecracker Ban.

*The first in the country to have synchronized traffic signal lights.

*The orchid capital of the Philippines.

^A city that is not visited by typhoons. Davao City enjoys good tropical weather all year round

*The Most Livable City in the country.

*Has a strong and independent government.

*Davao City has abundant source of potable tap water both from underground and surface. The city's tap water is adjudged the best in terms of cleanliness, safety, mineral content, and taste, something Davao is very much proud of.

*Metro Davao is ranked by Asiaweek among the top 20 Most Livable Cities in Asia, above Metro Cebu and Metro Manila.

Davao City is often called the City of Royalties because of the presence of the kings and queens of nature. It is the home of the:

*Queen of the exotic Philippine orchids, the Waling-waling (Vanda Sanderiana). This exotic beauty is considered as one of the most beautiful orchids. It blooms only once a year between July and October. However new study said Waling-waling can be made to bloom at any time of the year if grown in specific sea level elevation, or it bears flowers when raised at high altitude. Davao City is the orchid capital of the Philippines.

*KIng of Exotic Fruits that is Durian (Durio) of the Malvaceae family. Durian is also widely known and revered in Southeast Asia as the king of fruits. The unusual flavour and odour of durian have prompted many people to express diverse and passionate views ranging from deep appreciation to intense disgust. Love it or hate it.

*King of the Philippine Skies which is the Haribon or the Great Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi). Also known as the Monkey-eating Eagle, and is among the tallest, rarest, largest, and most powerful birds in the world. The Haribon (means bird king) is a bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae.

*King and Grandfather of Philippine Mountains which is the Mt. Apo. It overlooks Davao City 40km northeast. The name Apo means master or grandfather. Mt. Apo is one of the most popular climbing destination in the Philippines,( it is said that the summit is easy to reach), and is home to 270 bird species with more than a hundred that are native to the region.

*Queen of Fruits in Asia which is the Mangosteen(Garcinia mangostana). It is one of the best flavored fruit in the world. A tropical fruit that is best eaten fresh (preferably after chilling the fruit). It is widely grown in Davao, and in some parts of Mindanao, and is abundant during the month of July-September. This fruit is very much present during the Kadayawan festival.

*Also present is the sweetest, juiciest, and the yummiest, and "addicting" Pomelo (Citrus maxima or Citrus grandis). Nenita Farms in Davao City produces excellent variety of pomelo. There will always be a pomelo fruit craze!