As mentioned in my previous blog, I went to Davao for a business trip and it was indeed an excellent opportunity for me not only to experience the First Philippine Book Festival but also to immerse myself in the rich and colorful cultural diversity in Davao City, Philippines. And strolling around downtown in celebration of the Kadayawan Festival shall be the content of today's blog.
Thinking of exploring Davao City other than coming for work, I and my newfound buddy Ma'am Jane decided to follow our other companions who went ahead of us to try to witness and experience the Kadayawan Festival in Davao. It was actually late in the afternoon that we got the chance to stroll around heart of Davao City coming out from SMX Davao Convention Center where the Philippine Book Festival was held and so we weren't able to witness the festival grand parade anymore. Having received a chat that some of our companions were heading to Ramon Magsaysay Park, we left from the hotel where we were staying and followed them towards the park riding a taxi.
Being crowded with so many people who just witnessed the Kadayawan Festival street dancing and joined the celebration, we had to get off at the corner before reaching the park and I took my chance to have some quick snaps of the place.
Having visited the same place way back 2010, I found the place so familiar and recalled the time when we came here to buy the fruit that grows abundantly in Davao, the durian fruit, to bring home to Cebu.
Taking the pedestrian lane on the other side of the road before getting inside the park, we continued our walk toward this eye-catching arch that told us we were in Chinatown.
This Chinatown in Davao is the largest in the Philippines by area with a total land area of 44 hectares and is part of four barangays. Source: Wikipedia
This small park situated next to the Chinatown Arch became a perfect place for selfies and photo opportunities for some local tourists and visitors.
Standing at this spot for a while, I was welcomed by the strong durian odor that filled the atmosphere. And I realized I was actually in the middle of the Durian Fruit Stands situated in this area.
Just across the Chinatown arch is the Magsaysay Fruit Stand Vendors Association where a long row of fruit stands selling durian and other sweet and delicious fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen, and pomelo. And of course, what Davao is also proud of is its popular delicacies such as candies and some other sweet snacks made of these luscious fruits.
Thinking our companions were already inside Magsaysay Park, we tried to cross the street only to see this long queue of people patiently standing under the scorching heat of the sun just to get inside the park. Whew! I actually wondered what was in this park that these locals really wanted to penetrate and go there despite the heat. I even saw a mother bringing her 4 kids, 2 of whom were actually twins about a few months old. While she was carrying one of the twins, the other was held by her other daughter about 10 years old. I was amazed!
The thought of backing out actually occurred to us but seeing the flow of people was fast, we just decided to stay in the line to find out for ourselves what's actually inside the park! The curious Cebuanas (chuckles)
Passing by the fruit stands situated just outside Magsaysay Park, I could see some locals taking some refreshments and snacks in front of the stalls.
I also seized the opportunity to buy some delicacies made from durian and mangosteen displayed at the stalls to bring home as pasalubong to my family and friends in Cebu.
While Ma'am Jane really bought durian fruit as she wanted to taste it first time being known to be a stinky but sweet and delectable fruit.
Having received what we needed according to our budget, we proceeded back to the line and continued to the entrance of the park. With the throngs of people inside the park, we knew our other companions didn't actually enter the place anymore and changed their minds. But I should say, they missed half of their life not coming in because if not because of the festival, we wouldn't be able to experience the rich and colorful cultural diversity of the people in Mindanao visiting Davao on ordinary days.
This signage at the entrance welcomed all guests and visitors to the 38th Kadayawan Festival celebration.
Finally, inside the park, this skating rink that became a biking rink seemed very busy with children and adults alike enjoying biking.
Looking farther towards the left is the 25-meter-long tri-pillar obelisk-like concrete tower standing above the life-size statue of Ramon Magsaysay, as the name engraved at the foot of the statue showed it.
This city landmark was built in honor of the most-loved and revered President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay who, in March 17, 1957, died in a plane crash in Mount Manunggal on Cebu Island while en route to Manila. He was the third President of the Republic of the Philippines. Source
Of course, I should not miss taking a selfie with the "Idol of the Masses", the former President of the Philippines, Ramon Magsaysay. Yeheyyyy!
This marker displays a brief description of the former President Ramon Magsaysay as well as a short historical background of when and how this landmark was constructed.
This beautifully crafted design adjacent to the Ramon Magsaysay statue and was situated at the center of the park became a perfect spot for photo opportunities for local and international tourists.
As I ventured around the park, I was overwhelmed with what I witnessed,-the Kadayawan Tribal Village that showcased the very colorful and rich cultural diversity in Mindanao and this shall be featured in my next blog.
This photo was taken with the natives of Mindanao called the Ata Tribe.
And this is all for today's blog dear Hive friends. Thank you for reaching this far reading and supporting my blog. See you again in my upcoming blogs. Until then....
All photos are mine unless stated otherwise.
Lead image edited thru Canva.