Hi - I've been to Davao the last few Christmas' to visit my mom, I grew up there but left over two decades ago. Here's some info/insight/opinions about Davao:
- hospital - Davao Doctors of course (very baised as my mom worked there since it was founded
)
- schools - what level? Ateneo is Jesuit run school and it goes all the way to university level, there are a number of nursing schools (Davao Doc is one
), there's a medical school, a few universities
- safety - the current mayor has had a very tight control over crime in the city, though always use common sense coz with the current economic conditions, people can easily be tempted)
- food - very baised opinion of a Davaoeno, we have the best fruits available - rambutan, mangosteen, durian (stinks but taste really great), pomelo, lanzones, duhat, guavas, papaya, the list goes on.... The seafood is also great, try the grilled tuna cheeks/jaws (panga). There are so many restaurants/places to eat to choose from.
- sightseeing - Davao Museum in Insular Village, Aldevinco for ethnic goods shopping (in the past had one of the better exchange rates, though not sure now as I have been using the ATM), Eden, Philippine Eagle Foundation are what comes to mind, Samal island
- shopping - there are a number of shopping malls in the city
- heat/sun/weather - the sun is extremely strong if fair skinned bring lots of sun block, as far as I can remember Davao is protected from typhoon though with the recent growth & lousy infrastructure, some areas are prone to spot flooding during heavy rains, did I say that it can be extremely hot & muggy
- beach resorts - Pearl Farm is excellent but quite expensive, Paradise Resort is good for families and large groups, there are other resorts but these have been the only two I have been to
Here are some links:
http://www.davaotraveler.com/places/
http://travel.webshots.com/album/560095970MABUDj - Paradise resort
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...al_Island.html - Samal is just a small boat/ferry ride from Davao City
http://davaosfoodhuntress.blogspot.com/
http://www.pinoytravelblog.com/categ...inations/davao
Have fun in Davao.