Whats going on with Davao lately? Ever since Thursday until yesterday blackout (we call it here brownout) twice a day. It’s early Wednesday here so maybe later it will have another blackout again. I am also wondering if its in Davao and a little bit in GenSan only. I spoke with my sister when we had our first blackout and she said they also had blackout. It’s really annoying. I never heard any advisory on TV or radio about it. I don’t know if they did and we just didn’t see and hear it. Before they usually give an announcement and the details even on TV and radio AM/FM and newspaper too, but this time I didn’t see one.
The thing also in our subdivision, our next door neighbor often has power when we don’t have. Maybe they experience the blackout too this time. In the past they are okay when we don’t have power. They are on a different line than us. I guess we are on the line with the commercial places on F. Torres Street and Bajada area (this is the place where most of the coffee shops and restaurants are located). So, we are the ones that have blackouts most of the time. Somehow our next door neighbor isn’t connected to the same circuit and they have power most of the time.
I hate when its blackout especially during night time. As you know a lot of crimes happen then. We have to be on the lookout then too. We always hear stories about somebody climbing (akyat bahay) over the fence and getting anything they could inside the house. Some even murder the homeowner and the people inside. When its brownout its good to lock all the gates and the doors. That’s what we do now. I haven’t heard of any gangs here in Davao. But you’ll never know. I saw some graffiti on some walls here but I don’t really know if its from somebody who just wants to write something. As always just stay safe.
Last Friday I went to Aaron’s school. They had program for the kids who will receive some awards. The program started at 12:30pm. Just right when the program started everything went dead. The person next to me immediately said “brownout again.” I think it lasted for 30 or so minutes. The staff didn’t anticipate this brownout so we waited for them to put the karaoke machine that uses batteries so that they can use the microphone so the program may continue. It took them like less than 10 minutes to change, the only thing, it was hard to hear the person talking on that microphone. Everybody was really glad when the power was back again. For one we can hear the program better and the big fan was going again! With so many people the fan is not enough. Luckily its an open air area where the program was, so at least some air was flowing. I am not used to bringing a small fan (Paypay) like a lot of the ladies in the Philippines are bringing in their purse. I’m so glad it was over in 2 hours because I was already sweating.
It would be a week tomorrow since its been brownout everyday. I hope that its going to be better soon. I think people are getting tired of this. When calling the power company the operator will just say that all circuit are busy now. I’m pretty sure that people are calling them and asking whats going on? When we had the brownout again today I called up my sister too and its also brownout in GenSan. It must be the whole Mindanao thats brownout everyday?
What do you think Mindanaons?
Good article, Feyma. We also have brown-outs here in my city (Elizabeth City, North Carolina). Sometimes, it’s a snake or squirrel that’s climbed into the tranformer box; at least that’s what I hear. It usually lasts for a minute or so. Seldom does it lasts for 30 minutes or longer. Each time it happens, I have a flashback of being in the Philippines.
Feyma you need for Bob to buy you a small generator to run the house when this happens 🙂 …When I chat my Jess we would get brown-outs and she would stop chatting .. so I wait then she will txt me "Brown-out hon ".. And when it happens when she is at home she is up all night watching for " Steelers & Killers " She will txt me and say what she is doing ,I can tell by the way she txts that she is really worried.. I am bring a small generator for my home in talasay ..Jess would say when someone was robbed or killed in there neighborhood .. It get really scary out there sometimes .She would tell me about the rebels that come down out of the mountains and walk on the roads . I just wish I could be there for her when that happens For now I just sit and pray for her and the boys ….Phil n Jess
In Iligan City brown outs very common and are a way of life. I asked the Power Company why we have brown outs every 3 weeks or so? She said our brown outs are "always" maintenance related unless there is a storm.
Meaning to say that the Power Company are always getting some one to put a new AA battery into the generator to get it working again. Problem is, it normally takes someone about 6 to 8 hours to put the battery back in before we get power again.
When there is a brown out, I use the time to get "reaquainted" with my fiance, now I know why the Pines has a huge population!!! Also dinner by candle light is not so bad.
Hi Feyma
I've read that the Philippines needs to build more power plants in all three geographical areas of the Philippines or there will be a shortage and the brownouts of the early 90's will be back again. Since electricity usage is increasing very rapidly in the Philippines and especially in your area, maybe this is the sign of things to come, if there are no changes coming from the transmission side or the generating side. I know in Baguio they have a rolling brownout that happens once a month, where they announce it 1 week before your area will be affected by it.
i know when i was in mati there were a lot of brownouts 8 to 10 hrs every couple days and it was hot ,hot bad at night also my wife would stay up all night to fan my daughter with a handfan and not sleep to are little girl cool ( yes i did help )
Hello Feyma,
I had not heard the turn brown out until I met Josey. As you know she lives in Davao City and so will I soon. Even here in California we have black outs, just not the worry of thieves and killers. But I did buy generator for the occasional times. You see I am on well for water. No power no water either. That will be my first investment when I get there. Very expensive to run, but heck much safer than candles. And I already know the dangers there. There are people here in fact most that have alarms on homes but some just have signs posted saying no need for alarm here we use guns. hehe In any case not having power is at anytime of day or night a problem that I hope they we fix.
Hi Feyma – You make me homesick! In our soon-to-be home in the province, we have brown-outs quite frequently. Luckily for us (I think luckily for us), the brown-outs are almost all scheduled as the electic co-op makes upgrades, planned repairs, etc. The local radio station makes it a point to check with the co-op daily and report what is scheduled for when during the day/night. So far that I've seen, these reports have been accurate. 😉
P.S., It was nice chatting with you the other morning. As I told Bob later on, you have a most pleasant speaking voice and manner. Perhaps you could start a little "school" for telephone conversational English – it would better prepare those who seek a job in a call center! 🙂
look us up when you get there ..we are about 125 miles north of Davao..( as the crow flies )…
Hi Feyma, My wife and I arrived here in Davao last sunday and have noticed that there has been a lot of black outs(brown outs). Most of the time we have been in one of the big shopping malls when this has happened. Its a little worrying when all the lights go out and the emergency lights are not the best. I cannot recall any other visit to Davao where this has happened so much. Hope they have it sorted out now. Cheers, Jason
things like these scare me out of moving back home. i am so heavily dependent on computer work & blackouts just spell major loss of income for me. it's also a crappy reason to tell my clients why i'm missing deadlines. just bad news all around.
Blackouts/Brownouts here in Cagayan De Oro are fairly common but more pronounced in certain parts of the city . As Neil said the Philippines is heading for some major problems with the power grid simply because too few plants are going on line and increased demand . I did a Google on this issue once before but found it to depressing to pursue . 🙂
Bottom line is the Philippines has to find more outside investors and given the current economic situation and the difficulty in negoating the Philippine " system " not sure that will happen . Maybe we all buy generators before the price goes up .
Hi Feyma,
I was always under the impression that Davao City had a back up generating system to kick in when there was a danger of brownouts,i must be wrong.
I know that in Bukidnon brownouts are a regular occurence.
Is it possible to buy those small gaz canister camping lights there,would be handy,and safer than candles.
regards Chas.
Hi Feyma, yeah, I also experienced such brown outs (black outs) since last week. That means also: no current water supply, problems in cable tv reception AND internet and a lot of more hindernesses in business. One will never get a really satisfying explanation from the authorities – in our case from Davao Light and Power.
Hi chasdv – I don't think Davao has it. If they do I'm not sure where they would used it.
We have some flashlights and big candles and we used aluminum and crystals as coasters.
Take care and nice seeing you here again.
Yeah, actually, Davao does have a generating system for backup. When that backup system is in use it is very loud and can be heard for a couple of kilometers from Davao Power and Light's generating facility. Sounds like jet engines, only much louder! It's expensive to generate power, though, so it's only used in extreme circumstances.
I just got back from Cebu, stayed in Minglinilla at the Ruvi resort-Swimming pool. 1000 pesos a night-what a deal!First time to Phillipines -Holy cow is all I can say. What a place. I am a fisherman and all I can say is: my 4-6months off a year will be spent in Cebu. Lost 10 pounds in 2 weeks just sweating San Miguel light and eating small meals and exercizing-fun type. Talasay, is where a lady friend of mine lives-small world Phil and Jess
Hi Nicholas – I might…. just might, make it down to Minglinilla on Thursday. I have a friend down there whom I really should visit while I am in town.
Just in town for a bit then are you. Looks like 4 more months before I can make it back. I miss the Phillipine allready. Have some real motivation in life after having visited Cebu. Feels good to really have something to look forward too. I gave a little extra so a lady friend could attend cooking school 2 days a week. In 3 months she will have a certificate. Feels good to do something for a change…Nick