Lost in the Humidity: A Drummer's Dispatch from Davao
okay, so. davao. wow. i’m still peeling, honestly. i just got back from a gig there - a corporate thing, super boring, but the city itself? a trip. i’m a touring session drummer, you know? i bounce around, mostly playing weddings and stuff, but occasionally I get dragged into these soul-crushing events. this one paid well, though, so i can’t complain too much.
I checked the weather - it’s clinging to you like a damp towel right now, hovering around twenty-five degrees with a feels-like of twenty-six. eighty-five percent humidity. seriously. you walk outside and you instantly feel like you’re swimming. i’m pretty sure my drumsticks absorbed moisture just sitting in their case.
Speaking of which, gear list time. because, you know, drummer brain.
Snare Drum: Pearl Reference Series (essential, obviously)
*Kick Drum: Tama Starclassic Maple (worth the extra baggage)
*Cymbals: Zildjian A Custom (gotta have that shimmer)
*Earplugs: Seriously, invest. Your ears will thank you.
*Dehumidifier: Okay, this one’s a joke… but I wish.
I spent most of my downtime wandering around. San Pedro Cathedral was surprisingly peaceful, a little oasis of calm amidst the chaos. I stumbled upon this amazing little cafe, Matina Downtown Coffee Project, and had the strongest, most delicious coffee of my life. Seriously, check it out if you’re ever there. TripAdvisor link.
I overheard some drunk guy at a bar telling everyone that the best mangoes in the Philippines are grown just outside of Davao. Apparently, you can find them at the Bankerohan Public Market. I didn’t make it there myself, but I’m adding it to the list for next time.
Someone told me that the traffic around Quimpo Boulevard is absolutely insane during rush hour. Apparently, it’s a parking lot. Good to know for future planning. I also heard that Aldevinco Shopping Center is the place to go for souvenirs and local crafts, but be prepared to haggle. Yelp link.
If you get bored, General Santos City and Tagum are just a short drive away. I didn’t have time to explore much beyond Davao City itself, but I’m already planning a return trip. I need to find those mangoes. And maybe invest in a full-body dehumidifier.
I also saw a bunch of street art around Toril*. It was pretty cool, a mix of murals and graffiti. I wish I’d had more time to check it out properly. I’m thinking of hitting up some local art forums to see if I can find some more info. Davao City Art Forum.
Honestly, the whole vibe of Davao was just… different. Relaxed, friendly, but with this underlying energy. It’s a city on the rise, you know? I can feel it. I’m already itching to go back and play another gig. Maybe next time I’ll bring a bigger dehumidifier. And definitely more earplugs.
Oh! And one last thing. A local warned me about the jeepneys. Apparently, they’re a vital part of the transportation system, but they can be a little… chaotic. Just be prepared to jump on and off quickly and hold on tight. Davao City Jeepney Routes.
Okay, I think that’s everything. My brain is fried. Time for a nap. And maybe a shower. Several showers.
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