Davao Dreams & Humidity That Hits You Like a Wall (Seriously)
okay, so i’m currently sweating through everything i own in *Davao City, Philippines. it’s…a lot. like, a warm hug from a very enthusiastic, slightly damp friend. i just checked and it’s hovering around twenty-four degrees, but feels like it’s trying to boil an egg on the sidewalk. the air is thick enough to chew, ninety-three percent humidity, apparently. my hair has officially declared independence.
i’m here scouting locations for a low-budget indie film - think gritty realism, lots of rain, and questionable karaoke bars. i’m the indie film scout, by the way. it’s as glamorous as it sounds, which is to say, not at all. mostly it’s me awkwardly asking people if i can film them eating halo-halo.
the numbers 1979125 and 1608545440 keep popping into my head, i have no idea why. maybe it’s a secret code? maybe i need more coffee. speaking of, the coffee here is…an experience. i found this tiny place near People’s Park - seriously, look it up on Yelp - and the barista just stared at me when i asked for a latte. apparently, it’s all about the kapeng barako here. strong stuff. like, “will keep you awake for three days” strong.
i’ve been wandering around, trying to get a feel for the place. the markets are insane. a total sensory overload. mountains of fruit i’ve never seen before, the smell of grilled fish, and people shouting prices in a language i barely understand. it’s amazing. i overheard someone saying that the Bankerohan Public Market is where you go to find the real Davao, but be prepared to haggle.
"Don't trust the smiles, they say. Always check the price twice. And never, ever eat the durian unless you're prepared for the consequences."
that was old man benny, who runs a tiny repair shop near my guesthouse. he also warned me about pickpockets around the ferry terminal, so i’m keeping my camera bag extra close.
the locals are…interesting. super friendly, but also very direct. i asked for directions to Eden Nature Park and the guy just grabbed my map and drew a route with a ballpoint pen. no explanation, just scribble scribble. i’m pretty sure he also added a drawing of a chicken. it’s endearing, honestly. if you get bored, Samal Island is just a short ferry ride away, apparently. TripAdvisor has a bunch of stuff about it.
someone told me that the Jack's Ridge Resort is super touristy, but has amazing views. i also heard a drunk guy in a bar ranting about how the Philippine Eagle Center is a must-see, but that the eagles look depressed. take that with a grain of salt, obviously.
i’m staying in this little guesthouse in Toril. it’s basic, but clean, and the owner makes a mean mango shake. the pressure is a bit wonky, and the ground level is lower than sea level, which is…weird. but hey, it’s cheap.
i’m starting to think i need to invest in a dehumidifier. and maybe a hazmat suit. just kidding (mostly). but seriously, the humidity is real. i’m off to explore more. wish me luck. and send air conditioning*. you can find more info about Davao on this local tourism board.
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