Exploring Davao City

It has been some time since we have updated our blogs. That said, it has also been some time since we have had any new comments…so I guess no one has noticed!! Here’s hoping that a few new entries will spark your interests and spur you to post us a message.

So…where to begin. Well, almost two weeks ago now we took a short trip to Davao City in Mindanao. The Philippine Eagle Foundation is located just outside Davao City so we had hoped to visit their facility in support of Hans’ work here. The US State Department discourages travel in Mindanao, however, as this is the island that is home to some warfare, largely among local ethnic groups. Our friend Gina was making a trip to Davao City so it gave us an opportunity to go with a local escort which increases the safety factor.

We had a security escort - Rocky - for our entire stay and were quite safe. Gina said to just think of him as our "tour guide" but it was still sort of strange to essentially have a body guard. That said, Rocky was a great guy and we appreciated his help getting around. And while taking precautions was certainly prudent, it seems that Davao City itself is quite safe and as long as one doesn’t wander too far there isn’t much to fear. Everyone we met was very warm and friendly and assured us the reputation is out-dated and somewhat undeserved.

First on our agenda was just to explore the city a bit. We took a drive around some of the “highlights” stopping at the Tboli weaving room, a Buddhist Shrine, an Orchid farm, and the Aldevinco shopping area. While driving of course you can't miss the many many markets selling Davao's famed fruits - durian, jack fruit, pineapple, mango, pomelo...its all there and perfectly fresh and ripe. And, of course Mt. Apo - the highest peak in the Philippines - is ever present among the clouds of the city skyline. It was a quick tour to get a lay of the land. We enjoyed the sights, but still felt compelled to get out of town the next day where the pace of things is always calmer and the surroundings a bit quieter. Samal Island was just a short boat ride away. We would head there in the morning.

Our destination was Costa Marina. A simple but beautiful beach resort nestled among palm plants and acacia trees living happily with their orchid friends. The simple palm and nipa cottages and the tree-shaded beach gave this place a welcome appeal that was in striking contrast to the neighboring resort with its banana boats, jet skis, and blue tarped shade awnings. We were welcomed by Sonny and Ray - the manager and head waiter - who were kind and attentive. We enjoyed a leisure day on the beach snorkeling, snacking, snorkeling and snacking...not a bad day!

What was most memorable about our snorkeling was the life in the corals that we did not see in Boracay. We say lots of colorful fish in Boracay, but the reef itself seems washed out and lifeless. Here was our first sighting of live, colorful coral that housed many fish. It truly was a little fish city - the reef was the condo and it was packed with beautiful happy residents in every knook and kranny. It was especially fun to introduce Jordan to those "condos" and open his eyes to the world inside coral reefs. We saw plenty of fish and a couple of eels so it was a good day.

The next day was our scheduled outing to the Philippine Eagle Center. Jordan has written about this outing in some detail so I'll let you take a look at his comments. I know Hans will want to weigh in on what he learned about the foundation and their work. So, I will leave you with that cliffhanger which should spur you to return to read Hans' comments - and spur Hans to write them!

Now remember, our friend Gina is also in Davao City for work. She has family there and so from the day we arrived we were already hooked into a whole group of people ready to take care of us. Gina's cousin Ann has a son Jordan's age and immediately took Jordan in. Jordan went to a party with Robbie and spent the night there, enjoying a trip to McDonalds and a night of television - both things he hadn't had in a while. With the boys taken care of Ann turned her attention to me. I was ready to do a little shopping and Ann was the person to call! She was amazing. We compared, we negotiated, we bargained - and I hit the jackpot. Freshwater pearls are a product of the region and Ann managed to wheel and deal on my behalf in a little shop in China town. I came home with some fantastic new jewelry for myself - and for gifts. I wish I had Ann as a regular shopping buddy - she is a master.

For Sunday Gina organized a boat tour. Her brothers, cousins, neices, nephews...and a collection of friends joined us on a small boat back out toward Samal and another nearby island. Whenever our travels include time with our Filipino friends - and their friends too - it only adds to the adventure. So we were thrilled to get to meet more people and for Jordan to have 7 playmates for our day on the water.

The boat was loaded with a feast, including lechon so we knew we were in for a great time. Jordan has already posted about some of our water adventures - namely a zipline the drops you from a cliff into the water - so let me talk about the food. (How I let Jordan and Hans talk me into hanging from yet another rope to fall into certain catastrophe I will never know...but once again I did live through it and even had fun.)

Carrying the lechon and other food off the boat to the picnic site on the beach on Talikud island.

Lechon means it a special occaision so we felt quite honored that Gina treated us to such a feast. Of course the meal included Davao fruits, local rice, and a sauce for everything. We've been trying to be adventuresome and taste the foods that are served everywhere we go. So...I'm working my way through the buffet line and come to a dish that has some sort of sauce. I ask what it is and the reply was, "Do you want us to tell you before you try it or after"? I'm sure you can translate that response - it of course means it is something new or different and particularly "unWestern". I decided that I had better try it without information that might deter me. So, I put it on my rice and continued through the buffet line.

Well, I ate it and frankly it left me with no great reaction - neither good, nor bad. It was just a "sauce". So, with my meal consumed I had to go back and ask what it was. The answer: Dinuguan. The term dinuguan comes from the word "dugo" which means "blood". So, it would seem that I had pork blood with my rice. Not sure it is a recipe that I will bring home with me, but hey, I had to try it. Hoping it earns me a few Filipino Bonus points!

So, I've done dinuguan...what's next?