The name Davao was probably derived from the Bagobo word "Daba-daba" which means "fire." The early Jesuit priests refered to this place as a region of flames or fire as recorded in their early books. Many natives, however, believe that the name Davao was derived from the great river which the early Tagabawa tribe refered to as Dabu. Davao is the fastest growing city in the Philippines after Manila. There is still plenty available room for newcomers here, as it covers 2440 sq km and is one of the most sprawling urban areas in the world. You can't miss the Chinese influence here, especially west of the wharf, where numerous business people have set up little stores. Muslims have also set up the so-called Muslim Fishing Village, not far from the wharf and nearby Magsaysay Park. Tamolo Beach and Times Beach, southwest of Davao, are not particularly impressive, but the white Paradise Island Beach on Samal Island makes a good day trip from Davao, as do Talikud Island and Eagle Camp.
Early People
During the ancient times, Davao has already been a place of different tribes and ethnic groups coming from different regions of the Philippines and people in the nearby countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo. The native tribes that comprise the majority group of ethnic tribes in Davao during the early times were the Bagobos, Bilaans, Guiangans, Tagacaolos, Manobos, Mandayas, Mansakas and Atas. The early Muslim Maguindanaons, who were traders and merchants, also came to this place to do business.
Spanish Conquest
In 1848, the Spanish forces, led by Don Jose de Oyanguren, launched an expedition and defeated the Muslims and killed their leader Dato Bago. Oyanguren then started to build a Christian community.
A Chartered City
On March 16, 1936, Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo sponsored a bill in Congress that will turn Davao into a chartered city. In March 1, 1937, Davao City was formally inaugurated under President Manuel L. Quezon.
People and Culture
Davao is considered as the "Melting Pot of Culture" in the Philippines. In the past, people from diverse ethnic groups and backgrounds have come to settle in Davao and called it home. These ethnics groups consists of Bagobos, Bilaan, Mansakas, Mandayas, and the Atas. Other Muslim groups from different parts of Sulu and Mindanao also came to love this place. These Muslim tribes are the Tausug, Maguindanaons, Maranaos and Kalagans. And then during the Spanish occupation, people from Luzon and Visayas also came here. These resulted in a highly diverse population of Davao.
Today, the people of Davao, known as the Dabawenyos, is a diverse as ever. In spite of its diversity, it is a surprise to many that these people also live in unity and support in promoting peace and prosperity in the land.
Davao Dialect: Learn Bisaya or Cebuano
Majority of the population in Davao use Cebuano or the Visayan Dialect in their day-to-day conversations. Tagalog (or the Filipino Language) is also used by some people and mostly in business. If you are a Tagalog-speaking traveler, don't be surprised if you sometimes hear a different kind of Tagalog (somewhat grammatically wrong, but perfectly acceptable in Davao -- a carabao Tagalog, so to speak.) The typical Dabawenyo is also able to comprehend and speak the English Language. If you are a foreigner, you should be able to communicate with the Dabawenyo in English just fine. If not, begin by asking questions that are answerable by Yes or No.
Early People
During the ancient times, Davao has already been a place of different tribes and ethnic groups coming from different regions of the Philippines and people in the nearby countries of Malaysia, Indonesia and Borneo. The native tribes that comprise the majority group of ethnic tribes in Davao during the early times were the Bagobos, Bilaans, Guiangans, Tagacaolos, Manobos, Mandayas, Mansakas and Atas. The early Muslim Maguindanaons, who were traders and merchants, also came to this place to do business.
Spanish Conquest
In 1848, the Spanish forces, led by Don Jose de Oyanguren, launched an expedition and defeated the Muslims and killed their leader Dato Bago. Oyanguren then started to build a Christian community.
A Chartered City
On March 16, 1936, Assemblyman Romualdo Quimpo sponsored a bill in Congress that will turn Davao into a chartered city. In March 1, 1937, Davao City was formally inaugurated under President Manuel L. Quezon.
People and Culture
Davao is considered as the "Melting Pot of Culture" in the Philippines. In the past, people from diverse ethnic groups and backgrounds have come to settle in Davao and called it home. These ethnics groups consists of Bagobos, Bilaan, Mansakas, Mandayas, and the Atas. Other Muslim groups from different parts of Sulu and Mindanao also came to love this place. These Muslim tribes are the Tausug, Maguindanaons, Maranaos and Kalagans. And then during the Spanish occupation, people from Luzon and Visayas also came here. These resulted in a highly diverse population of Davao.
Today, the people of Davao, known as the Dabawenyos, is a diverse as ever. In spite of its diversity, it is a surprise to many that these people also live in unity and support in promoting peace and prosperity in the land.
Davao Dialect: Learn Bisaya or Cebuano
Majority of the population in Davao use Cebuano or the Visayan Dialect in their day-to-day conversations. Tagalog (or the Filipino Language) is also used by some people and mostly in business. If you are a Tagalog-speaking traveler, don't be surprised if you sometimes hear a different kind of Tagalog (somewhat grammatically wrong, but perfectly acceptable in Davao -- a carabao Tagalog, so to speak.) The typical Dabawenyo is also able to comprehend and speak the English Language. If you are a foreigner, you should be able to communicate with the Dabawenyo in English just fine. If not, begin by asking questions that are answerable by Yes or No.
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