Jeepneys and Durians

Davao, the main city of prior Filipino president, is a mix of modern buildings as well as older structures. Lots of new late model cars are seeing along with traditional transportation. There are a lot of areas with trees and greenery, mountains and the sea (Davao Gulf) is close by. Just off the coast is the Samal island, which was occupied by the Japanese during World War II.

There were so many Jeepneys plying the road providing reasonably priced transportation along predefined routes to the locals. They were decorated with many colors, usually carrying 10 to 15 passengers. People could use viber/text messaging to get location or other information from drivers.

Another innovative transportation I saw was the motorcycle sidecar. This used a regular 100cc motorcycle and had a carriage attached. Besides the driver, it accommodated 5 passengers and seemed like a greener way to travel. Like the Jeepney, each of these was decorated differently reflecting the owner's personality.

Similar to the motorcycle sidecar, there was a bicycle sidecar. There were some shy little kids around inquisitively looking at me as a non-Filipino, trying to communicate in Tagalog but I couldn't understand them. I got a 2km ride in this contraption for just $0.60, what a deal!

Near the beach was China town. Around it were many fruit and dry fruit vendors' stalls. Durian was sold in many of the stalls, and I bought one. It cost 135 pesos, about $2.50 and the vendor cut it three lines. After that, it was easy to manipulate this fruit which has a spiky sharp exterior.

Each area had a meaty part that was very sweet and tasted like custard. Each part had a core containing a large seed pit. About six delicious parts were in the small fruit I purchased. To enjoy it, I was given a thin plastic glove as the fruit is very fragrant and gets a little messy.

Besides the Durian, there were many mangosteens to be enjoyed which were delicious as well.

Near the beach was a recreation of tribal villages across the country of Philippines. Each tribe was represented with the replica of their hut structure as well as a description of their tribe and their clothing.

Further along the same area was a big monument to the Filipino president Ramon Magsaysay.

Magsaysay in his brief life of 50 years, served in the World War II, led the democratic nation of the Philippines and was widely admired.