When my friend Pau — a fellow writer and teacher — messaged that she’d be in Davao, I was thrilled. She was visiting her sister but could spare only a few hours for a catch-up. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we had one short day. Not enough time to head out of the city, and definitely not enough for a full tour, but just enough to craft a memory.
Now, Pau lives in Manila, so malls were out of the question. I wanted to give her a Davao experience — something rich in culture and creativity, aligned with our mutual love for books, learning, and stories. If you ever find yourself playing host to a friend for just a day, maybe our mini-itinerary can help.
First stop: National Museum of Davao
We started at 10 a.m. and headed straight to the National Museum of Davao, located at People’s Park. It was actually my first time visiting too! And what a pleasant surprise — it had more exhibits than I expected.
There’s something special about walking through a place where history and identity are preserved. The different weaves and the Maitum Death Jars particularly intrigued me. Someday, I hope to contribute to this museum myself.
Davao City Library and Information Center
Now, most people wouldn’t think of a library as a tourist spot, but remember — Pau is a writer, and we are both members of Pinoy Indie Author. I’d donated some of our books to the library last year, so I brought her there for a quick visit and some photos.
Pro tip: if your friends are into Instagram or TikTok, the rooftop is a hidden gem for taking photos. And if you just want to relax, there’s a cozy coffee shop downstairs. Perfect for conversations about books and life.
Lunchtime: Thai flavors in downtown Davao
There are many delicious options for lunch in downtown Davao, but Pau and I went with Thai cuisine. I’ll leave it up to you to explore, but Davao’s food scene is wide, flavorful, and worth every bite.
A hidden gem: D’Bone Collector Museum
Our next stop was the D’Bone Collector Museum. It’s often overlooked, and yes, the entrance fee might feel steep to some — but trust me, it’s worth every peso. It’s not just about bones; it’s about conservation, biodiversity, and respect for life.
One floor is dedicated entirely to marine life, and seeing the size of those bones up close? Jaw-dropping. Also very sad when you hear why they were there in the first place.
Final stop: The Big House – A Heritage Home
To wrap up our short but full day, we headed to The Big House: A Heritage Home. This charming place captures the soul of Davao’s past.
While waiting for our food, I gave Pau a mini tour and showed her one of the empty rooms. I showed her antiques that my grandparents have acquired and regaled her with stories of the place.
We indulged in their signature halo-halo, local coffee, and a must-try: the durian turon. It was the perfect sweet ending to our day. I would highly recommend the durian turon. The durian came from my farm so it is 100% local.
Oh, I also had her taste our new Kombucha, we brewed it ourselves.
Soon after, Pau had to meet up with her sister. So our day ended. That evening, she messaged me to thank me for the best Davao experience — even if it was just one short day. That made my heart full.
But here’s what I want to leave you with — this tour wasn’t just for Pau. These aren’t places meant only for visitors. These are living spaces of heritage, knowledge, and community. I meet my local friends at the library. I write in cafés tucked inside historical homes. I walk museum halls to remind myself of who we are.
We should visit them, too.
Treasure our history. Celebrate our stories. Support our spaces of learning.
Even if it’s just for one short day.