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Davao Dreams & Damp Drumsticks: A Session Player's Take

@Topiclo Admin4/3/2026blog

okay, so davao city. it’s…a lot. i landed a few days ago, chasing a rumor about a jam session at a place called the Blue Room. turns out the rumor was mostly true, but the Blue Room is less “room” and more “slightly-sticky-floored karaoke bar that occasionally hosts jazz.” still, a gig’s a gig, right? especially when you’re bouncing around southeast asia with nothing but a backpack and a pair of sticks.


first impressions? *humid. like, walk-outside-and-immediately-feel-your-hair-curl humid. i just checked and it’s…a sauna out there right now, honestly. the weather report said twenty-seven degrees, but it feels like you’re trying to play a drum solo in a steam room. and the air pressure…it’s definitely present. i’m used to touring, so i’m not complaining, but it’s a different kind of sweat.


my guesthouse is near bangkal, which is…interesting. the neighbors are mostly families, and everyone seems super friendly. if you get restless, samal island is just a ferry ride away - apparently, the beaches are insane. i haven’t had time to check them out yet, though. too busy trying to find decent drumheads. seriously, the music stores here are…a challenge. i did find a guy who promised to order me some remo emperors, but he said it would take “a few days.” which, in philippines time, could mean anything.

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“apparently, that seafood place near the pier? don’t order the grilled squid. someone said they found…something…in it.”


i overheard that little gem of wisdom from a taxi driver. he also recommended i try the durian, which, let’s be real, smells like someone left a gym sock in a dumpster for a week. i politely declined. i’m a drummer, not a masochist.


gear-wise, i’m keeping it minimal. gotta be able to move fast. here’s the breakdown:

 *Sticks: Vic Firth 5A (obviously).
 *In-ears: Shure SE215 - gotta protect the ears, even in a sticky karaoke bar.
 *Laptop: For recording ideas and, let’s be honest, doomscrolling.
 *Universal Adapter: Lifesaver. seriously.
 *Earplugs: Because sometimes, even with in-ears, it’s just loud.


so, the music scene? it’s…developing. there’s a lot of cover bands, a lot of karaoke, and a surprising amount of ukulele. i’m trying to inject a little bit of funk into the mix, but it’s slow going. i did meet a bassist who’s into jaco pastorius, which is a good sign. we’re talking about trying to put together a little trio.

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“the traffic here is…an experience. just accept that you’ll be late for everything.”


that’s from a fellow musician i met at a street food stall. he wasn’t wrong. the jeepneys are amazing, though. seriously, those things are works of art. you can find more info about them here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/philippines/visayas/davao/attractions/jeepneys/a/poi-sig/1456914/360314. i also found this helpful forum about getting around: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298460-i6984-k12849499-Davao_City_Transportation_Options-Davao_City_Mindanao.html.

i heard someone at the aldevinco shopping center* complaining about the prices, but honestly, it seems pretty reasonable to me. you can find everything from fake designer bags to fresh mangoes. it’s a sensory overload, in the best way. check out some reviews here: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Shopping&find_loc=Davao+City.

blockquote>
“don’t trust the guys offering you ‘special tours.’ just…don’t.”


that one was from the guesthouse owner. i didn’t even ask. he just volunteered the information with a very serious look on his face. good to know.

overall? davao city is…real. it’s messy, it’s loud, it’s humid, and it’s full of surprises. it’s not a polished tourist destination, and that’s exactly what i like about it. now, if you’ll excuse me, i need to go find some earplugs and a fan. and maybe avoid the grilled squid.

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About the author: Topiclo Admin

Writing code, prose, and occasionally poetry.

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