I'm from Davao and what you have said are spot on, tho there's a reason for that especially the traffic. They are now working on those that's why it's much more traffic than before. The national government also neglected Davao City for a long time, they'd focus more on Luzon and Visayas, but when Mayor Duterte became the President he insure that Davao City will get the proper attention that it needs. I really hope that our current government will continue what Former President Duterte started. Anyways, i enjoyed watching your videos! Hope to see more of this ❤️✌️
Hang on why do you have to blame everything on the national government? You have your local government who receives funding from the national government. Ask your local government what happened to the funding. Ask them whats up. Yo, Baste what up?
Personally, I love Davao City! This is affordable, friendly, very safe, quiet, tropical and exotic. I’m planning to become an expat there. I’m from Canada. Everybody is different! ❤️🇵🇭👍
I will be moving to Retire to PH in a few months and I was pretty much set on Dumaguete but now I am looking at Davao for various reasons! If you have lived in both areas please give me done advice ! Thanks for a great video !
I've visited several times to Manila and Cebu, I recently spent ten days downtown Davao city, I felt so relaxed because the people were more honest and friendly than the other cities I visited. I didn't feel like I had to be careful about getting over charged or ripped off with foreign tax. The nightlife there is awesome too.
So 2024 Did you make it to the Pi ? If so, what city? How goes it so far ? Did you retire from USA? So many questions lol Hopefully you are in your paradise
Whenever i go for short vacation, since i dont own any properties in Davao City, i usually rent a condo and take taxis and jeep as my transportation in the city, but when we go out of the city like for a day, i opt renting a car (which is 1,000-1,200pesos per day) or rent a van ..depending on where we are going..not that bad than taking a taxi .
Interesting discussion about Davao. I have lived in Cebu City for 9 years and have experienced many changed. Many more condos, better infra but has a long way to go, inflation, etc. Definitely want to visit Davao this year.
I met my wife there in 1998 walking down the street. 20 years ago I could of bought damn near half of Samal Island for $10,000. But there's no freaking way I'm retiring in that climate. There's nothing to do but drink beer all day.
Crimes in San Francisco and Daly City area is high, downtown San Francisco is very dangerous. Many of high in malls and stores are closing down and moving out. And the cost of living is extremely high.
thanks for the review of Davao City... coincidentally enough, my Pinay pen-pal-girlfriend that I'm in touch with she's from Davao City, so I'll be landing there sometime soon enough... now she's working in Taiwan, and I'm in the states, but we'll eventually meet with her family in Davao once we synchronize our schedules I like your videos, I can see the trainer-teacher preparation in them, and I love your honest opinions, and pros and cons, it helps us a lot to get a better understanding from afar from your previous videos, for me, my main concerns are the privacy - or lack thereof - and the noise pollution, and the critters, especially mosquitos and rats keep up the great work you do...
As far as road conditions and potholes, I'm in California where streets go for decades without being paved. Davao is paved in gold compared to the shitty streets here
Thinking ahead, about 10 years ago, my asawa and I bought a condo in Davao (Northpoint). It was our holiday home, which this year becomes our permanent home and holidays will be in Canada. In your next DVO video, for another place to visit, you could mention the Philippine Eagle Center (sanctuary).
Hello sir is there a way I can speak to you on Skype, would like to discuss some things that are going on between me and a philipina, could I be making a mistake, need your advice professionally
The roads in San Francisco and Daly City are the worse in many countries that I have visited, this is in America. To own a car in these two areas is costly as for as repairs. The front end of car is very costly.
Just started watching and one question. Seems like you're on the move a lot but I was thinking that with a JD did you ever think about teaching in the Philippines (or elsewhere overseas). A seminar on say US ConLaw, Evidence, CivPro, etc? Might be an interesting experience.
Hey love your videos :D ive been to Davao 3 times., my Wife is from Agdao Ruiz and we are comming back 21th August. departing Norway 19th. This time we are staying until 19th September. but my dream is to live in Davao. just STAY THERE! but i am only a Transport Driver in Logistics DB SCHENKER. and a little Security background at Securitas. so if any idea how to work remote woud be great. Best regards From Tommy And Sheila :D
Nice observation ! 👍Happy to see you promoting Davao. One thing you would notice there is the discipline. The peace and order in Davao is sacred compare to Manila or Cebu. Cleanliness and orderliness is must in Davao. 1.) Curfew for minors from 10pm to 5am. 2.) No Karaoke/Videoke after 12 midnight. 3.) Firecracker ban 4.) No smoking in public places. 5.) No drinking liquor in public places / Liquor ban. 6.) Shirtless or half-naked is prohibited in public places. And many more city ordinances. No disrespect to Japan and Singapore but Davao is not far when it comes to DISCIPLINE. The law (peace) and order in Davao City is implemented very strictly. Credit to the DUTERTEs. By the way, to the Military and Police in the Philippines the only airport that you can take a rest and get some free snack and coffee/drink is in Davao City airport. It's called 'Heroes Lounge'. Credit to then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte. When PRRD became the 16th President he doubled the salary of the men in uniform (AFP, PNP, PCG, BUCOR, BFP, BJMP). 👊❤🙏
Wife and I have been in the Philippines (Rizal province area) living in her old house. Wife is doing ok - I am not. I have just about had it. Food is limited and expensive, unless you want to live off of rice. Neighborhood dogs almost never stop barking. I want to rename the road in front of the house to "Dog Poop Lane" Everywhere is dirty - garbage (paper, plastic) everywhere. Why? Just bought a new (?) cement mixer. It's main bearings seized up when mixing the first load. I doubt a return will happen. Internet sucks. Never works well, often does not work at all. On the + side, the weather is nice and I am able to do my long duration fasting.
Could be the local government there that's not doing what's best for their province, bcoz in Davao City cleanliness is prioritized along with safety of the residents...(that's my own observation).🙂
@@xinhi1447 Sadly I live here (Pililla), not Davao. As a non citizen there is not much I can do about the local government. I thought about taking a walk along our road and picking up all the dog poop and dropping off at the local barangay office. For some reason I think it would not help.
Never been to that province. But the things that you describe are things that I have seen in several provinces in the Philippines. Not all of the cities in the Philippines are the same. I always tell folks that the Philippines is a huge place with differences. Kind of like comparing Appalachia in the US to say Las Vegas. Completely different. I hope you find someplace that works for you and that your Wife can adjust. Good luck.
@@davidgoodell4298 Read your comment and its so hilarious. Lmao. I live in Cebu and I think Davao was awarded as the cleanest, safest, and livable cities in the whole Philippines.
Is the smoking situation really better than in other cities in the Philippines? Is it possible to conduct your daily life in Davao without being forced to inhale cigarette smoke? Or is the smoking law just a smoke screen like it is everywhere else? I learned in the Philippines that the non smoking room in the hotels is the biggest scam. Non smoking room means that smoking is OK everywhere else but in the room. Anybody can tell me anything about this I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you
Smoking is strictly implemented in Davao, it is the only city in the country that is smoking seriously implemented. An asian tourist has been forced to eat his cigarette because he refused to follow anti smoking law.
My wife and I have visited Davao City and the area of Davao in general a few times for extended stays. The roads there (most) in Davao City and the major highways we were told before coming were very good, and we found that to be true. Compared to Clark, Cebu, Negros the road here were enjoyable to travel. The traffic...not so much because it's very heavy; especially with all the underground tunnel work being done. Outside of the highways/ main through ways I don't have enough experience to comment. We also thought the traffic was a lot less aggressive than the earlier mentioned area's. This is the only city I've seen where traffic stops at cross walks for pedestrians! The choices & varieties of places to dine was awesome too; ass well as the cost of food in general compared to the likes of Cebu. It's now on our serious contender list of places to move soon.
I'm from Davao and there are a few things I disagree. Traffic - traffic is terrible along JP Laurel Avenue and also in Matina but it's better than EDSA lol. Cell phone coverage. I can use my data wherever, except for remote areas. I really have no problems. What provider were you using? I rely heavily on data and I pretty much get a good reception if you are in the city center. Internet connectivity - in all honesty, I can't say that internet is terrible because the entirety of the Philippines has terrible internet anyway, not discrediting your experience but you were probably in places where they didn't pay much higher plan to get a good mbps. Also, it's not just in Davao where you need to have a contract, it's everywhere in the Philippines and we are all using the same providers. I have good experience with my provider so far. In some places in Manila, there are places where there is terrible internet. No, it's not with the place most of the time, it's the Philippines.
My wife and I have visited the Crocodile Park and it's a fantastic place to take your kids for the day. Wonderful collection of animals, clean, and friendly staff.
so far, loving it here.. but only here for 5 weeks this time :) have so far been walking everywhere, from SM Lanang to Magsaysay park :) was the first video you did where I actually recognized places. Headed to Digos city for a few days next week.
Very nice! While in Digos head over to Liling beach if you get a chance, pretty nice place during the week when it is not too crowded. If you want a neat outdoor place to eat try Chefyard off of Roxas Ext. Great Calamari and Sisig.
Hi doc , I agree with what you have said , cars imho are not a great idea for transport in Davao ,but they do protect you from the rain , WiFi on your phone is hit and miss , I have skyfiber in my condo and that's good , the countryside around Davao is very interesting and some of the beaches on samal are very good , there's a short boat trip to an island called dugod ( I think ) the island beach and the area was enjoyable, so was a visit to the dudong enclosure
I always wanted a motorcycle to zip around traffic..until i sat on one🙄 they weigh the same as a couch🙄..rolling on just 2 wheels..in traffic against steel cages meanwhile our skeletons are the cage_any minor fall @ speed is broken bones😷_nope🦴 broken bones take tooo long to heal..and that;s best case scenario of going down in traffic👻
We dont know if there is really enough budget from the government.. even in samal island where i came from.. the development a.k.a.infrastructure is really reallly slow.. luoy kaua mi compared sa visayas..
another expert on the Philippines ! Time all these so called experts are through with their Filipino expertise no one will come here . He is afraid of the roads so I can see he wants to change the Philippines and not accept it for what it is. Many filipinos will not like this
Anyone here in davao a store that sells international products like hot cheetos and Mexican items. Also best spot to get fresh fruit. I'm staying in matina crossing
@@DrLawaytravels does power outages happen alot there? Cuz if not the infrastructure truly is better than in Bicol, power outage is frequent in Bicol, it's Fuckin annoying.
My current internet speed is at 500mbps, and when it goes down at 300 I cry. HAHAHA but yes, you do need to get the wired fiber subscription if you want good speeds. 5G is not available in Davao yet, that's why it's very "laggy" when you use mobile data. Have fun in Davao!
Crazy thing is I was about an hour outside of Davao in Digos City and was getting 5G at the mall, was lightning fast. Could not believe it. Was with Smart on my cell phone.
Dr. Laway I live in Dallas, metro pop of 8.2 million. I am 65 and I do not know if this man can quickly change to accept the living conditions in Davao. I would like to speak with but I see you have not responded to any msgs in this thread for about 4 months. I am comparing Davao City to Cagayan De Oro. CDO has twice the annual rainfall of Davao but I think living in Davao would be more expensive than living in CDO.
Having lived and stayed in Davao, CDO and Cebu, Davao region has the cheapest commodity prices from fruits, vegetables, rice, fish, meat and water and electricity bills.
In spite of the drawbacks, I've been very comfortable here in Davao. Parking a car is a big problem. We usually take a taxi to MTS, Roxas night market or Big Bang night market. If you like fish, I found a great little place called Ellen's Tuna Queen. It's right around the corner from S&R Matina.
Parking is a major problem even with a bike in a lot of places in the City. I usually will park near a place and either walk or take Taxi the rest of the way in some places like the Wet Market. Overall the drawbacks are very few for me so I chose it as my homebase in Asia.
Hey i married Filipino 2017 could only live there till 2019 because everyone There think's everyone is Poor except foreigners Right and no matter what you tell em they're don't believe we are Not Rich as they suppose but we in Australia work 2-3 jobs save up and some of us who've lived in Philippines Like me Only 3 years have experienced poverty typhoon floods dengue thefts jelousy ridiculed and being overcharged and like Me being stupid enough to buy Chinese hardware Very bad quality especially being Australian with the best quality on earth.. And Now im saving up to prepare our garden of Eden in Philippines with Australia goods'and hardware off-grid self-sufficient farm so we not dependent on Filipino bad iregular Power grid brownouts often And living in flood free area...
Tools both hand and electric are not as good as other places. I shipped one Balikbayan box before I left that was only filled with tools. Best decision I made on things to ship was tools and books. Just don't ever loan the tools out or leave them laying around or you will never see them again!
Hi Dr. Laway. I just joined your group. Thank you for all your helpful info. I just found out that many provinces there do not have any sanitation services for trash pickup. So my fear is that due to the burning of trash required every week from residents, does that mean that this is the reason for rat infestations in some areas? How did you deal with that in Davao? I am having second thoughts about building a home in Negros Occidental because of this.
Welcome! In Davao City the areas that I have stayed and live have city Trash pick up twice a week. I looked at homes that were sealed with screens on the widows (keeps out bugs) that did not have entrance ways for rodents to get in. The neighborhood mostly places trash in their private trash cans in front of their homes for the city to pick up. that makes it harder for rodents to get to the trash/food source. The neighborhood you live in really plays a role. If lots have Junk piles, old tires, hording old furniture etc. it creates homes for large infestations to grow. Still any place that has lots of humans is going to have rodents. The best line of defense is to live in an area where each home takes care of the property, clean etc which makes it easier for you. That means looking at living in subdivisions that are more costly and that have regulations.
I paid to joined your channel looking for the in depth one hour video about Davao you mentioned during this video, but no such video exists in your member area...please advise.
Hello User Error. The tier with that video is currently disabled as I am refilming and updating the guides. I will try to figure out how to cancel your membership and refund your fee as soon as possible. I will have someone notify you when the City guides tier is available again.
Hi, The Philippines use only 1 cell per mobile tower. The more developed countries use 3 cells per tower. Also, the Philippines is lacking around 53,000 mobile towers across the nation.
I figured it was some sort of lack of Capacity. I noticed this same thing in the US in Gatlinburg when lots of Tourists would come in, my service would be garbage all weekend lol
@Dr Laway I'm going to put a signal booster on our house and a wifi satellite dish. I hope it works. We're in a valley and signal must be going over our heads. There's no wifi cables there about 2 kilometers off the main road down in the valley, so a wifi satellite dish will have to do. We're building our 1 level house very tall to get them up high.
My wife and I are signing papers 📃 for home ownership in Cebu. As far as riding bicycles as a mode of transportation, that's a NOPE for me. Those days are best behind me. However, I do see myself on a motorized scooter for trips here and there. Remote work in conjunction with rental spaces is a capitalization plan worth considering to sustain my local family needs as a viable source of income.
Good point. I try but I am in about 6-10 countries each year so it is hard to keep up. I think in pesos for small transactions like less than 3000 pesos, but my brain does not compute larger amounts.
Thanks for these videos. Wife's from Davao and trying to convince me to relocate. (pension retirement coming in about a year.) Anyways your videos have been helpful. Thanks! From usa
Heading back to Calinan Davao in two weeks. Agreed on hotel prices. We’ve stayed at Duset Thani, same prices as in US, but just as nice hotel and way better service. That’s the difference for me. Everyone knows and shows excellent customer service. Gonna take my daughters to Roxas market for the first time too!
