DAVAO City is as unique as it can be with its own personality and quirks. For those who have been living in the city for the past couple of years may have developed some of these quirks or have experienced some unique aspects of the city.
Here are some of the things that makes us say, “Taga-Davao ka kung...”:
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Taga-Davao kung makuratan ka makadungog ka ug pabuto. For 17 years Davao City has been very strict in observing the ban of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, that’s why some Dabawenyos have a tendency to be quite jumpy when there are fireworks. At the same time, some are also in awe of the fireworks display when they see or experience one.
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Taga-Davao ka kung mahadok ka manigarilyo sa public places. The Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Ordinance is strictly observed in Davao City. Hence, it is quite common to hear some Dabawenyos asking where the designated smoking area is, even if they are outside the city.
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Taga-Davao ka kung mahadlok ka mag Jaywalking. Another indication that one could be a Dabawenyo or have lived in the city for quite some time is their tendency to look for a pedestrian lane or overpass. The city strictly implements the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance, which penalizes pedestrians for not crossing the streets using the pedestrian lane.
Taga-Davao ka kung hawod ka musayaw ug budots. Budots is a grassroot electronic dance music genre that originated in Davao City, this is considered as street style hip-hop that eventually spread in Bisaya-speaking regions.
Taga-Davao ka kung naa kay picture sa carousel sa Victoria Plaza tung bata pa ka. Many Dabawenyos growing up in the 90s will most likely have a photo of riding this famous little carousel in one of the oldest malls in the city – Victoria Plaza. Sadly, the carousel has already been taken down.
Taga-Davao ka kung naka renta kag bike or rollerblades sa Magsaysay park. Before the famous People’s Park was established, Magsaysay Park was one of the most visited parks in the city. Here you can rent a bike or rollerblade that you can use in the skating rink while enjoying the view of the Davao Gulf.
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Taga-Davao ka kung naka-laag ka sa Peoples Park. The largest cultural themed park in the city that features a mini-forest, man-made falls, a dancing fountain at night, fish ponds, children’s play-ground, and a giant durian dome. People's Park has been the perfect place for Dabawenyo Families to have their bonding activities.
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Taga-Davao ka kung nakatilaw ka sa Lugaw ni Mayor.
During city-organized activities it is common to see people carrying a small bowl of the humble lugaw. This porridge is commonly dubbed as “Lugaw ni Mayor,” which has been a staple in the city for several years now.
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Taga-Davao ka kung naka kaon ka sa Roxas Night Market. Roxas Night Market is one of the majortourist attractions in the city. Not only does it offer a variety of products, it also mirrors the simple life of Dabawenyos. However, it is truly known as a one-stop-shop for affordable food for Dabawenyos after work. Barbecue, buchi, siomai, and ice cream, among other food available here, are enjoyed by Dabawenyos. While it temporarily closed at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the night market is about to make a comeback this month.
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Taga-Davao ka kung mo kaon ka ug durian. Also known as the “King of Fruits,” the funky-smelling fruit is enjoyed by many, if not all, Dabawenyos. Many describe the fruit to be quite milky and sweet.
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Taga-Davao ka kung nagapangukay sa Bangkerohan, Uyanguren, ug San Pedro. These are the popular spots for thrift clothes. Dabawenyos with good negotiating and bargaining skills can be assured of high-quality clothes bought at a very low price. Most likely, you may have owned one or two items bought from the ukay-ukay here.
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Taga-Davao ka kung mo musugod ka inom alas-7 sa gabii. Davao City has an existing liquor ban that prohibits the selling and serving of liquors and other intoxicating substances from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Therefore, it is quite common to see some Dabawenyos enjoying their glass of beer as early as 7 p.m.
Taga-Davao ka kung Naligo ka sa Times Beach. Many Dabawenyos who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s can remember a time when they do not have to travel far to enjoy the beach. Times Beach then was a family destination for those who want to enjoy the beach. Now, the area has been lined by several restaurants and bars. JRO