Is Davao City cultural fallow field?
Many times journalists have been ciriticized as notorius know-it-all-betters, who love to attack people or institutions whenever they can, and even those “victims” really try their best to do their job. Especially painful is it if these journalists do not know enough about the topic they are writing or talking about.
For example, their are still some people not being convinced yet on the pride of Davao in terms of food and out dining. Okay, everybody has a different taste. I have the problem regarding cultural aspects in this city and it’s surroundings. I must say “again”…
Sorry, I might be also quite guilty to expect too much, or I might be also still in the process of discovering. Maybe another excuse is accepted that I might be also too much smiled upon by fate because I got the chance to stay and live in different places worldwide with an overwhelming cultural exchange and cultural offer. Of course, Davao City is neither Berlin nor the Broadway, neither Manila nor Tokyo. Nevertheless, Davao City should not be classified as a provincial town with backwoodsmen or hillbillies. For some, this place may not be the ideal to live but it is definitely one place worth living. I do it myself since 1999.
As I said before, I might be still in the process of discovering more. Maybe I am still hiding myself too much in my mouse-hole while keep on writing, instead of looking around. Or do the information politics and readiness to support ideas of the appropriate and corresponding local government departments turn out to be more and more emotionless? Where are all the people with ingenious and brilliant ideas for rebuilding the history of civilization? Talents are more then enough here. Talents are living in the whole Philippines. The Manila Symphony Orchestra in Davao City - a never ending dream?
Benefactors, sponsors and donors are ready to support any kind of event. Visitors, tourists and more inhabitants of this city must be convinced that there (not only?) living philistines, Here are also living people with grandiose ideas how to attract Davao City (more!). Let’s start to support them Let’s prevent, that all these ideas become again a short-lived passion.
I concur with your observations, Klaus. I have been quietly waiting for an awakening in an original and creative movement in Davao (be it in the arts, cinema or culinary).
Though there have been some pockets of success (recently a local film director has received some recognition), there is no movement that has caught my attention.
I suspect that many of these talents can be found studying nursing schools or quietly plying away in some trade that does not fully utilize their gifts. I know of many potential fine artists, graphic artists, chefs or tech geniuses that have set aside their skills as mere hobbies. Many of them are my friends, and I sometimes wonder what they could have been if they did not grow up in Davao.
Those that do go on and do work in a field that is compatible with their talents, have usually moved to Manila or out of the country. Money talks and so far, Davao has not delivered in these regards.
I myself work in a field that requires creativity and I cannot imagine surviving with my skills solely with what Davao has to offer.
I really hope that something comes along that will make me eat my words — A creative movement that is original and is strongly backed and financed by locals.
From a different perspective - I’m happy and satisfied that the province I’ll retire to is culturally blessed with local/regional/island arts and artisans, and not just more imports from the western world. Philippine culture and custom is beautiful, even to these kano eyes, and very intriguing as well. Performances are true and from the heart, not imitated or mimicked, and as professional as any by troupes performing in a major metropolis. The arts are living - creativity and new expression mix well with the traditional.
The only drawback is indirect - many of the local people cannot take better advantage of these arts. Living, whether as a fisherman, farmer, sari-sari store owner/employee, etc., does not provide much “off duty” time and keeping one’s family healthy, fed, clothed and under one roof doesn’t allow for much “disposable” income. These folks do flock to the free perfomances at town fiestas and celebrations throughout the province, however. Their “cultural spirit” is never dampened by life’s difficulties. (Video karaoke machines that seem to be part of every party play more local/regional music than other types, with partygoers performing impromptu traditional dances while singing along!)
If I want western cultural events, this kano knows they are but a plane ticket or bus trip away.
Hi Macky - I was watching a feature show about Davao City on ABS-CBN News Channel last night. They featured an artisan who designs and makes world class furniture. Based on her name and age, I believe she may be your aunt. Do you have an aunt or another family member doing that kind of thing? I will say this - her designs were quite unique and beautiful.
Hi Bob,
How funny and what coincidence with the timing of the tv feature and this article!
yup, her name is Ann (or Tita Ann to me). She’s won a lot of awards and does well with her business. Her story is quite inspiring. She started her business late (after her 3 kids were in their mid to late teens) and pretty much built her business and success from scratch by herself (really no outside help. almost like an American success story).
Her creativity and uniqueness in her crafts surprised almost everyone because she showed no hint of it before starting her business (was a full-time mom before all of this).
Very unique designs and wonderful furniture designs. I’m actually pleased that she kept her warehouse and base of operations here in Davao.
Did my mentioning of my aunt’s success just contradict my first post? haha. Still, I must stand by my words.
Hi Macky - Ha ha… with every rule there are exceptions, and your Aunt is one of them! I was indeed really inspired by your Aunt’s works when I saw them on TV. She really has a knack for design! I can see that artistic endeavors run in your family! I remember when you visited here, we had lunch one time, and your Aunt was sitting at the next table, you got up and talked to her for a few minutes. Was that Ann? Next time you are in town, I’d like to meet Ann, and maybe feature her on my Mindanao Blog.
Hi Macky #1: you are so right. But up to now no big changes here in Davao City. Sometimes I also used to watch foreign TV-channels to get my “daily dose of Classics”. Let’s hope together, that something comes along the way…
Hi Paul #2: You are absolutely right. Maybe i am just too lazy to take a plane to enjoy Western culture. Regarding Philippine native culture, I enjoy it like you. My wife was an Ethnic dancer during the 1980s. We also built up our New Manisan Dancers Group in Berlin. We were blessed to keep all the Original costumes.