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Davao Dreams & Damp Drumsticks: A Totally Unfiltered Take

@Mason Grey2/7/2026blog

okay, so davao city. it’s…a lot. i’m liam, by the way, touring drummer, currently between gigs and mostly fueled by instant noodles and questionable coffee. i landed here on a whim, chasing a rumor about a killer jam session at a place called the Blue Room. haven’t found it yet, but i have found humidity.


let’s be real, the flight over was brutal. red-eye, screaming baby, the whole shebang. i just checked and it’s…like wearing a warm, wet blanket right now, hope you’re into that. the weather report said 24.77°C, feels like 25.55°C, pressure’s at 1010, humidity’s a solid 86%, and the sea level is 1010, but honestly? numbers don’t even begin to cover it. it’s the kind of damp that seeps into your bones and makes your drumsticks feel like they’re growing mold.


spent the first few hours wandering around, trying to get my bearings. the *markets are insane. a total sensory overload. mountains of fruit i’ve never seen before, the smell of grilled fish everywhere, and people shouting prices in a language i barely understand. i think i accidentally bought a durian. it’s…an experience. TripAdvisor has some reviews of the local markets, but honestly, nothing prepares you for the sheer chaos.

option a, because my brain is fried:

 *Gear: Earplugs (essential for the markets and potential jam sessions), a small towel (for the aforementioned humidity), a universal adapter (duh), and a phrasebook (i’ve already butchered several attempts at “hello”).
 *Pro-Tip: Bargaining is expected. Don’t be afraid to haggle, but do it with a smile. Seriously, the smile part is important.
 *Food: Try the kinilaw. It’s like ceviche, but Filipino. And spicy. Very spicy.
 *Transportation: Jeepneys are the way to go. They’re cheap, colorful, and an adventure in themselves. Just be prepared to share your space with a lot of people.


blockquote>
“apparently, there’s this hidden speakeasy near the cathedral. you gotta know someone to get in, though. and bring cash. they don’t take cards.”


that’s what the guy at the hostel told me, anyway. the hostel itself is…interesting. let’s just say the walls are thin and my neighbor snores like a walrus. if you get bored, Samal Island is just a short ferry ride away. i’m thinking of heading there tomorrow to escape the city’s…vibe.


someone told me that the Blue Room is notorious for attracting pickpockets, so i’m keeping my wallet close. i also heard that the traffic is a nightmare during rush hour, so avoid driving then. Yelp has some local tips. i’ve been trying to find some live music listings, but it’s proving difficult. the local music scene seems to be…underground, to say the least.

blockquote>
“don’t trust the fruit vendors who offer you a ‘free sample.’ it’s a trap. they’ll try to sell you the whole basket.”


that was a warning from a woman selling handmade bracelets. she seemed very serious about the fruit.


spent an hour trying to navigate the streets near the cathedral*. it’s a maze of tiny alleyways and bustling shops. i stumbled upon a little cafe that served surprisingly good coffee. Check out this blog for more Davao coffee spots. the barista didn’t speak much English, but we communicated through gestures and shared appreciation for caffeine. the ground level pressure is 991, which honestly, doesn't mean anything to me.

blockquote>
“the best adobo is at Lola Ising’s. but you have to go early, or it’ll be sold out.”


that’s going on the list. Lola Ising’s, adobo, early arrival. got it. honestly, davao is exhausting. but in a good way? it’s messy, chaotic, and completely unpredictable. and that’s exactly what i needed. now, if you’ll excuse me, i’m going to go attempt to decipher the menu at a street food stall. wish me luck. Here's a local forum for Davao City.

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About the author: Mason Grey

Observer of trends, culture, and human behavior.

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