Each time I travel outside my hometown, new acquaintances almost always ask me about the Durian. This does not surprise me because I come from a place considered as the Durian Republic — the home of the King of Fruits. You see, home for me is Davao City — Mindanao’s Land of Promise.

For those who haven’t visited Davao City just yet, I can give you a litany of reasons (durian-tasting excluded) why Davao City should be in your “must-visit” places list but for this blog post, I shall enumerate ten:

1. Davao City is considered one of the most livable cities in Asia. The cost of living is reasonable and contrary to what you see or read in the news, Davao City is a VERY peaceful place to live in.

2. Davao City is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the Philippines. Our tap water is potable and the 3rd best in the world, we have an efficient solid waste management system, and the local government has intensified its program on pollution control.

3. Davao’s residents have the luxury of living in a highly-urbanized city in a pace that is neither fast-paced nor laidback. While we have moderate slow-downs in vehicle and commuter traffic during weekday mornings or evening rush hours, it’s nothing like the endless maze of monster traffic jams that has become part of the urban life in other metropolitan cities as Davao City residents and tourists can efficiently travel from one part of the city to another at any given time.

4. We have an abundance of fruits and vegetables, livestock, fish, meat, and poultry. Everyday is market day in Davao City. Think fresh fish, meat and vegetables at affordable prices. Think of all the succulent fruits you can bring home to your families. Sweet pomelos, anyone?

5. You can have a decent meal (yes, drinks included!) for under Php60 and I’m not pulling your leg. Moreover, you can have your fill of grilled ‘panga’ or go to a specialty restaurant of your choice without draining your budget. Davao City also has a long list of coffee shops and cafes with wireless internet connection which is often free. And even if you cannot stand the smell of durian, there is no reason for you pass up on durian coffee, durian pie, durian candies, durian jam, and durian ice cream. Believe me, you are definitely in for a heavenly surprise!

6. You can have your choice of accommodations depending on your budget. Davao City has a wide array of luxury hotels, business hotels, pension houses, inns, condotels, and bed & breakfasts for you to choose from.

7. In Davao City, the fun and adventure never ends. You can explore the city proper by foot, shop for souvenirs, visit various nature parks, swim, play golf, sample gastronomic delights to whet your appetite, go to the spa, or experience the nightlife Davao-style. You may also try white water rafting, or even go on a Sky Ride adventure. The possibilities are endless for the cautious and bold alike.

8. We have really, really honest taxi drivers. Our taxi drivers will even give you the exact change, yes, down to the last peso.

9. Davao City has its own share of yearly festivals. Who hasn’t heard of the Araw ng Dabaw and the Kadayawan sa Dabaw? Both festivals are so grand complete with fluvial parades, street dancing, and various arts and cultural events that tourists and residents flock the streets of Davao City to witness and participate in the said festivals. Another event to look forward to is the Pasko Fiesta sa Davao. Watch the city transform itself into a festive paradise with all the colorful lightings, decorations, bazaars, night markets, and events all in celebration of the Christmas season.

10. Davao City is very accessible by land, sea, or air. The Davao City Overland Terminal and the Sasa International Wharf are always bustling with passengers from other cities and provinces. Furthermore, the Davao International Airport services daily flights to and from major cities and key destinations within the Philippine Islands as well as other destinations within Asia.

This bustling metropolis, in all its finest, is the ultimate getaway for those looking for a weekend adventure or a grand holiday. It remains one of the Philippines’ and even Southeast Asia’s best travel destinations. And with Cebu Pacific‘s ridiculously low fares, it is definitely time every ‘juan’ flies to Davao City.