I've been existing in this planet for 26 years, 23 of those were spent in Davao City. I was born to a family who's roots are planted in the northern part of the Philippines. My mother is from Nueva Ecija, while my father is from Pangasinan. In our home, we use tagalog as our main dialect. But whenever people would tease me of being "taga-luzon" everytime they hear me speak tagalog, I would always but in and say I am a true blue dabawenya, loud and proud! I was born and raised in Davao, this is my homeland.

I love this shot! Thank you Gian! =)

For 23 years, I have been pampered with a feast of familiar establishments that have gone through several transformations through the years. I know everything about this city. Wait! Really? Well, that's what I thought until last Saturday when we toured around familiar places and felt an unfamiliar ambiance that I truly enjoyed. That's when it hit me. I haven't truly experienced being out on the streets to get in touch and savor the land I grew up in. I'm really thankful that we took time to visit these iconic establishments:

City Hall of Davao - Davao takes pride in being one of the most livable cities in the world,and that is because of the outstanding governance we have in the city.

Rizal Park - located just next to the City Hall of Davao

A View from the San Pedro Cathedral

San Pedro Cathedral - One of the oldest churches in the city. San Pedro Cathedral is shaped as that of a fishermen's boat in honor of St.Peter. He was a fisherman.

Bloggers in front of San Pedro Cathedral

Statue of Andress Bonifacio in the center of Magallanes Rotonda, just a few steps away from the City Hall.

Osmeña Park - An interesting thing about this park is that, you can have a quick back massage after a stressful day, while enjoying the cityscape.

Commemorative Monument of Peace and Unity

Sangguniang Panglungsod

It was  great experience stepping out on the streets and savor the city I grew up in. More than the monuments and establishments, I saw people carrying out their day-to-day lives in the midst of the hussle and buzzle of the city. I saw faces of hardworking Davaoeños with ready smiles despite the stress they're dealing with. It gave me a warmth feeling inside that will forever remind me why Davao is a beautiful place to live in. Indeed, Life is Here in Davao.