Davao City 15 Years Ago

I came to settle down in Davao City in the early part of 1997. A month after my husband and I arrived here, I started in my new work as a desk editor. Admittedly, I was so excited to start a new job and meet new friends.

It was through my new job that I was able to learn how to go about the city on my own. I had to do it especially since there were times I was tasked to cover some events on behalf of a reporter who was absent or was covering another event hence, was not available.

In my experience, working in the media was most beneficial in terms of traveling around a new place. It allowed me to go to places I've never been to and learn how to find the right directions.(Photo by laz'andre)

I remember there was already much progress going around the city at that time. If I'm not mistaken, construction of some of the first tallest buildings in Davao such as The Marco Polo Hotel and the Landco building started around that time. Also, Gaisano Mall although already opened that time was still a work in progress.

I'm so amazed that up to this day, infrastructure development in the city is unceasing. More modern and taller buildings are being built in the different parts of  the metropolis and they're not only commercial structures
but even the residential types such as the condos.

I'm proud to be part of this progressive city that has earned much international attention. It's my home away from home.

First Encounter with the Philippine Eagle

When Davao City is mentioned, what often comes to your mind? Common answers would be durian, Mt. Apo and of course, the Philippine Eagle.

Back in 1995, I had little knowledge of this city. But when I first visited here, I was thankful that my mother and I were brought to the Philippine Eagle Center by my former BF. It was an exciting experience touring the place and seeing the different eagles including the famous Pag-Asa. We also had the opportunity to see the hatchery and learned additional information on these eagles. It was a wow moment for me.

The photo on the right is with my Nanay in front of that huge bamboo that still caught my attention the third time I visited the PEF Center.

Last year, I had the chance to visit the center again (for the third time) when my family toured my husband's friend who was visiting the city for the first time. I felt great being there and showing my children the different birds. What made the visit more exciting was the presence of a huge eagle outside its cage and on the ground allowing people to see it up close and take photos of themselves with the bird.

Starting Out in the City

Once I settled in the city, I wasted no time and started to find work right away. Of course, I spent some special moments with my hubby being just newlyweds but getting a job was also foremost in my mind. I was unemployed for several months before the wedding so I was quite excited to apply for work in a new place.

If I remember right, I submitted applications to only two companies. I landed in SunStar Davao which publishes a local newspaper as a desk editor after passing the exam they gave me. Being a former broadcast journalist in Iloilo City, the job was a perfect match for me and it got me excited to do writing and editing work once again.

The big difference when I started out in SunStar Davao was my exposure to the computer for the first time on a daily basis. We had a computer then while still working for GMA Iloilo but only the management people were allowed to use it while we news reporters were limited to the old typewriter.

Fortunately, I had no difficulty operating the PC as my colleagues were also very helpful. Soon, I found myself enjoying my work with new people in my new home. My job kept me occupied as my partner shortly flew back to the Middle East where he was working at that time.

I was also pregnant while working as desk editor but my condition didn't stop me from doing what I love to do. Admittedly, I felt homesick once in a while but again, my job helped take away the loneliness I felt being away from my family, old friends and my spouse.

Settling in a new place may not be that easy for any individual but if you embrace the place and its people and adjust to them, you'll eventually find yourself at peace with your new environment.

Time to Relocate

I'm an Ilongga with a Kapampangan blood (courtesy of my Tatay who's from Lubao), born and raised in Iloilo City. I've never moved and lived to a new place for the entire 27 years of my existence until I got married. As such, it was hard for me to leave my native hometown when my husband decided that we make Davao City as our place of residence.

I've gone on trips with my family to other places in the Visayas and Luzon since I was small but relocating to a new city was farthest from my mind. Then the inevitable happened and I had to leave my city and family after I tied the knot. It was a heavy feeling that naturally made me cry.

Before the wedding, I was open to the idea of living in Davao City but I guess when the time comes for you to go, it's natural to feel sad deep inside. My heart felt so heavy that time while I was packing my things with tears running down my cheeks.

But on the other hand, I was also a bit looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life as a wife. It has always been my wish to get married and have my own family and at 27, I felt it was just the right time.

And so we set sail to my new home on board Superferry a few days after the wedding.

My First Davao Adventure

Davao City is one popular place here in the Philippines. Spanning 244,000 hectares, it is the biggest city in the country.

I first visited the city back in 1995 upon the invitation of my then boyfriend (now husband). Tagging along my Nanay, off we sailed from Iloilo to Davao via Superferry. The trip took more than a day but it was worth it.

This visit was my first in Davao and Mindanao. Never did I imagine I would set foot on this island and make it as my second home. But I guess, it's true that love comes from the most unexpected places.

My first visit in Davao City proved to be a pleasant one as my partner toured us around the place. Our weeklong stay here created good memories. That photo on the right was taken at Harana.

Let's just say I fell in love with the place right from the start. And that includes falling in love with my man, too.