Once again, I was away.

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Boulders in Mt. Apo, Davao City side
I've gone on a trip for 8 days. And every time I got back in Manila, I don't have the drive to write about my trip. It's been more than a week since I returned from my climb in Davao. But I haven't written anything except for posting a few color challenges. Actually, I posted it when I was still in Mindanao; in Padada to be exact.

It was my first time visiting the place but I wasn't able to go out so much because my budget was limited. (Yeah, I know it sucks.) I thought I could stroll even just the downtown area only. Unfortunately, my friend's house was too far from the downtown and my other friend couldn't let me stay with him. If I was going to stay in the sentro (center), I have to pay for my stay in a dormitory or a hotel. I couldn't afford that luxury. And, I was kinda expecting to meet or just glance at Mr. President on some road or something. Sadly, I didn't.

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Even with my short stay, I was still very observant of the matters at the locale and here are some things I noticed about Davao City:

1. I have my own Taxi Company.

Actually, Davao has a taxi company in my name, Krizia. I was really surprised when I saw my name on a cab in Davao. I arrived early at the airport and I was waiting for my friends when a taxicab passed by. I was stunned, smiling! I waited for another one to pass by so I could take a photo. Until now, it really makes me happy seeing my name on those vehicles.

2. Davao is actually bigger than I expected.

Davao City is the center of Metro Davao and is literally the largest city in the Philippines. By literal, I mean in terms of land area. From Ateneo de Davao in Roxas, Poblacion District to Kuya Edwin Togon's house in Catalunan Grande, Talomo would take 2 rides, a jeep and a Habal-habal (motorcycle) or another jeep which is an hour ride even without heavy traffic. Having your own private vehicle is a convenience but it's useless with the congestion during rush hours.

3. The lights on the streets are quite dim.

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I heard a lot of times that Davao City is the safest city in the Philippines but I was a little disappointed to see the streets that were weakly illuminated. This maybe because the bulbs used were yellow bulbs. I was repeatedly taken by surprise by people who appears out of nowhere as well as bicyclists who don't have taillights and reflectors on their bikes. They don't even wear headlamps or something to let other motorists know they are on the side of the street. In fact, I even told Ate Pamela Togon that I can't drive in a street like that at night. I'm scared that I may cause an accident. I guess my vision isn't good enough. I hope they change those bulbs.

4. The security is very tight.

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We went outside Davao City to North Cotabato to spend the night at Mt. Apo's jump off, Agco Lake. We traversed from Kidapawan City to Davao City taking the Mandarangan Trail and exiting in Sibulan Exit, Sta. Cruz. When we came back to enter Davao City Proper again, a checkpoint was stationed at the borders where all the vehicles are pulled over and are strictly inspected and all the people are required to get out of their cars and undergo a bag check-up. Soldiers are also prying on the whereabouts of the people. I admire the police and military force. With the Martial Law implemented in Mindanao, they're doing a great job. Salute to them!

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Overall, you should visit Davao.

Despite the little disappointments, I'm still going back there. I enjoyed the time I spent there and I really want to visit the places I wasn't able to go to. I'd like to go to Samal Island, explore Davao del Norte and many other places. I also had a love interest. Baby Jennifer Manubay introduced me to someone but it's just not meant to be because even if our dinner date went well, we didn't keep in touch. I'm still going back there, though. I will.