Davao City: Humidity, Halo-Halo, and Honestly, Just Trying to Cope

okay, so davao city. it’s…a lot. i’m a freelance photographer, and i usually chase light, but here, it’s just always humid. like, walking-through-soup humid. i just checked and it’s basically a permanent steam room, which, honestly, isn’t ideal for my *gear. i’m constantly wiping down lenses. the weather report said 22.36 degrees Celsius, but the ‘feels like’ is 23.24, which is a lie. it feels like 35. and 99% humidity? seriously? my hair has a mind of its own.

i came here on a whim, honestly. a friend of a friend mentioned the fruit markets, and i’m always down for a good photo op. and the fruit is incredible. mangoes the size of my head, rambutan that looks like tiny sea creatures… it’s a photographer’s dream, if you can ignore the sweat dripping into your viewfinder. i spent a whole afternoon at Bankerohan Public Market - it’s chaotic, loud, and smells amazing. you can find reviews on Yelp but honestly, nothing prepares you for the sheer volume of everything.

someone told me that the durian is an acquired taste. an understatement. it smells like gym socks and tastes…interesting. i tried it, for the photo, obviously. wouldn’t rush back.

i’ve been staying in a little guesthouse near People’s Park. it’s basic, but clean, and the owner, ate linda, makes the best coffee. seriously, i’m a bit of a coffee snob, and this stuff is good. she also warned me about pickpockets around the park, so keep your phone close.

“apparently, there’s this guy who pretends to be a tourist and asks for directions, then swipes your wallet.”

i overheard that at the coffee shop. lovely.

the locals are super friendly, though. everyone smiles, and they’re genuinely curious about what i’m doing. if you get bored, Samal Island is just a short ferry ride away, apparently. i haven’t had a chance to go yet, but i’m planning a trip next week. i’ve been looking at some tours on TripAdvisor.

i’m trying to document the street art scene, but it’s a bit…sparse. there are a few murals here and there, but nothing like i’ve seen in other cities. i did find this cool little alleyway with some graffiti near the university*, though. it’s worth checking out if you’re into that sort of thing.

i heard from a fellow traveler that the Eden Nature Park is worth a visit, but it’s a bit touristy. she said it’s good for photos, but overpriced. i’m still debating whether to go. you can find more info on their website.

i’m starting to think i need to invest in a dehumidifier. and maybe a new lens. and definitely more coffee. oh, and halo-halo. that’s a shaved ice dessert that’s basically heaven in a cup. i’ve had three today. no regrets. i’m also checking out this local forum for events.

“don’t trust the jeepney drivers with your luggage,”

that’s what a local warned me. apparently, there have been a few incidents of theft. good to know.

honestly, davao city is exhausting. but it’s also…interesting. it’s not a postcard-perfect destination, but it’s real. and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.