Mindinao Islands
Davao
Rainy day. We're on our way to Davao, previous capital of Davao Province and currently regional capital of Davao Region. Also the Durian capital of the Philippines, a dubious distinction.
Prior to the Second World War it was also known as Little Japan, as there was a huge influx of mostly rich Japanese in the area. During the second world war there was an even huger influx of Japanese, but not so much rich. More kind of military. Even after the Battle of Davao, which saw the Japanese army kicked out, regular Japanese, who were the overwhelming majority of people in Davao, were not entirely exiled and many became simply absorbed into the local Filipino population.
Today it's considered the second safest city in Southeast Asia for tourists if you don't mind the odd terrorist attack.
Let's go!
Tagbilaran City with Panglao Island in the background. Panglao is mostly resorts, beaches and diving.
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Pamilacan, Resting Place of the Mantas. Which is an odd translation, because a Pamilac is a harpoon. I think this demonstrates a change in the local economy as it pertains to wildlife. The economy nowadays is based pretty much on whale and dolphin watching tours.
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And then miles and miles of water. Off to the left is Camiguin Island with a couple of volcanos. We'll see them another day.
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Cagayan de Oro, the City of Golden Friendship. We're now on Mindanao Island.
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I'm not even remotely a farmer so I don't know what these crops may be, but the area grows eggplant, squash, string beans, tomatos, bell peppers and bitter. Also some root vegetables. And probably durian.
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We're going to have to thread our way through this mess.
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One more hill and we're home free.
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Tada. Davao City.
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And that's a wrap. I think I'll go check out the eagles while I'm here.
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