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Exploring the neighborhood

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One of the things I enjoy about moving into a new part of town is that it gives the opportunity to do a bit of exploring, and finding new things about the City where I live.

I have been starting to do some walking around the neighborhood, and I’m liking what I see as I walk.  I had an interesting day last week when I needed to get a haircut.  We are located roughly halfway between two major malls, and each is within walking distance.  When I get my hair cut, though, while there are barber shops in the malls, I tend to prefer to go to a smaller “outside the mall” barber shop.  I find that those places are more genuine with “real” people, and also a lot cheaper!  I enjoy engaging with the barbers in Bisaya, and in the malls, I feel that the barbers are less friendly, and more just concentrating on getting their work done instead of chatting with the customers.

So, anyway, last week, I took off on a walk, headed toward a small barber shop that I had seen along the road, not far from one of the malls.  I could really see that the neighborhood where I am living now is quite an old and established neighborhood.  There are a lot of houses in the neighborhood that are obviously quite old, yet mostly very well kept as well.  There is a mix, though, because while some houses appear to be maybe 50 years old or more, some houses are relatively new.  The house where we are living is about 15 years old, I understand.

The neighborhood is quiet and has a feeling of being “secluded” – yet it is also very close to one of the major highways through town.  In fact, on one side of the neighborhood, about a half mile away, is the major highway through town (in fact, it is the National Highway), and on the other side of the neighborhood, also about a half mile from our house, is another of the major streets in town.  So, that makes it convenient, yet since the neighborhood has a quiet and secluded feel, it is also perfect for living in.

So, after a few minutes of walking, I arrived at the barber shop.  I walked in and nobody was there, except that one barber was sleeping in the barber chair.  I had come during the lunch hour… it crossed my mind that perhaps they were closed during lunch, as many businesses here are.  I decided to just play it by ear, and I quietly sat down in one of the “waiting area” chairs.  After only a minute or two the barber woke up and glanced over at me.  He waved for me to come over and he would cut my hair, so I did.

A few minutes into the haircut, a man, perhaps about 30 to 35 years old came in with a young boy.  It was obvious by their look that these were street people, poor indigent people who were looking for money.  The barber told the man several times:

Hawa na.

Walay tag iya.

(Go away now.  The owner is not here)

The man said something inaudible to the young child, and the child then approached me with his hand out for money.  I sat there and ignored him for about 30 seconds, but he wasn’t going anywhere.  Soon, I looked at him and said “Hawa” (go away).  When I said that, the kid started to leave, but his father told him to sit down in a chair and wait.  The man came over near the barber’s chair where I was sitting, and picked up a straight razor from the counter.  He proceeded to start shaving his dry face with the razor.  I glanced, through the mirror, at the barber, and I could tell that he was uneasy.  He was watching the man very closely, but not saying anything.  The man continued to shave himself for about 5 minutes, then he picked up some lotion and rubbed it on his face.  He got some hair gel and groomed his hair.  I was really wondering what was going on.  My thinking was that he was waiting for the barber to finish cutting my hair, and when I left the barber shop he was going to hound me for money.

Thankfully, after about 5 more minutes, the man and his son left.  I was happy to see it.  The barber didn’t say a word, but I could tell that he was more at ease now.  I turned my head and glanced at him and said…. “Buang sya” or “he’s crazy.”

Maybe those mall barber shops are worth the extra price after all! 😉

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nice read a there a Bob…I like smaller Barber shops also my self for about same reason you mentions. I will say this..maybe on in the Phillipines you experience something like that..a stranger come in and shave him self with the places straight razor..hahaha You do that here and you probably have a free place to stay for the evening…..

    • Hi Dan – It’s funny, because over the past few days since this incident happened, several Filipinos have told me that it was a very dangerous situation there, because they felt that this fellow may have been threatening to use the razor on me, in a violent way. I felt uneasy at the time, but I did not think about it that he may have been “threatening” me. As I think back, though, I think it is possibly correct, though.

      • Ya Bob..that thought crossed my mind, but did not want to say any thing, but since you said about it all ready, you may be right. Kinda scary…so do you think you will get your hair cut there again…maybe if you go there again, have Feyma take her big Bolo!, one of those big ones from the Province…

          • Hi Bob – No need to take Feyma and her big Bolo. The double barrel shot gun should enough to scare them away, Hawa na. The street in your pic above looks clean and free of litters and trash. Are all the streets in your new place like that?

            • Hi Jun – That street in the picture is the major highway through Davao. As such… it’s probably one of the dirtier streets in the City! Ha ha… our neighborhood streets are much cleaner than that! I would say the street is pretty typical of a busy road in town.

      • Bob – I see an opportunity for those “buzzer buttons” that unlock the door in that neighborhood. He gives you the once over while you’re outside, and buzzes you in only if he likes you. 😉

      • Bob

        I go to a small neighborhood barber and get a $10.00 haircut. The conversation is always good there. They have been around for years and they get mostly older people as there customers. It was a good idea by the barber not to say anything, you never know if that guy would have used that razor. Good article

  2. Bob that was certainly an interesting introduction to your neighborhood. In the couple of times I have been in the Philippines staying with friends in a neighborhood of single family houses I have never seen anyone walking around except what appears to be maids and workers. I am guessing it is not usual. Does that mean it is not safe or people just don’t do it there?

    • Hmm…. I’m not sure about that Dwayne. I guess it depends on the area. Here in our neighborhood, and in our former neighborhood, I see people walking and jogging regularly. I mean, like many times every day people pass by our house just walking for a bit of exercise. So, I am not sure why they don’t walk in the neighborhood where you were staying.

      • Well I stayed in two places in Manila. One was called San Antonio Village and the other Forbes Park. One had what I would call Typical middle class family houses you would find in any American cookie cutter suburb and the other had really big houses mostly behind big walls. But strange that no one walked around not even children playing. Seems most just got in cars with drivers and went wherever. Sounds nicer and more down to earth outside of Manila where you are I guess.

        • Hi Dwayne – I am not familiar with San Antonio Village, but Forbes Park is certainly a very exclusive area. I am not surprised that is how it is in Forbes Park.

        • Manila,that says it all,most people with money,are always in danger of being kidnapped there,which is probably why they never walk anywhere.

          • The two times I have been there I actually felt very safe like I was in New York or Bangkok or any other large city for that matter. I walked around both in the day and night. I am a city boy at heart and have street smarts which have kept me safe and out of trouble for 46 years. I have not been in the province much, only to Batangas and Puerto Galera and those were really nice too. I would not think of living in Manila and I will be trying to find a place that has a good size foreign population to mingle with, decent housing, beaches, restaurants good diving and golf as well as close proximity to a larger city. If anyone can help make suggestions I would appreciate it. I have heard that Cebu, Dumaguete, Bogo are three places to consider. This December I will try and visit those places on top of any others I might hear about.

      • Bob

        I have a friend in Davao who’s father is a Davao Policeman. She says Davao is probably the safest city in the philippines. Her father is very proud of the city and the job the police do. She says they really try to enforce all thel laws to keep crime low.

        • Hi Randy – I personally do believe that Davao is the safest city in the Philippines. Others may disagree, and that’s fine, but having lived here for more than 8 years, I feel very comfortable here.

  3. Hi Bob. Good Morning. Wow the streets is so clean! I can tell it’s not Manila. He he. And from your description of the new neighborhood, I see to you’re liking it. Good for you.

    Anyway, as to the haircut, majority of Pinoys tend to go to their nearby barber shop. However, if you have extra for haircut, I’d say go to the mall. At least there, they’d give you massage too so it’s cool and relaxing. Plus solicitation of any kind is disallowed. So yeah, whats with paying extra if it means convenience and possible safety. 🙂

    • Hi sugar – I enjoy the small neighborhood barber shops! Not only for the cheaper price (P40 for a haircut vs. P110 in the mall!), but the friendliness too! And for P40 you get a massage with it as well! So, no missing out on that! 😉

      As for the street… that street I had in the picture is one of the dirtier streets in town, so I was surprised when you commented on the cleanliness! 😯

  4. Hi Bob;
    Sounds like your new Barber Shop is not in Mr. Rogers Neighborhood.
    I’ve been going to the same barber here for years. We laugh about getting older, he’s 69 years old now. I asked him why his price hadn’t gone up since 1994. He smiled and said that they have, but when they were P40 I always left P 100. and now that they’re P125.00, he figured, he’d just not tell me. It never had anything to do with the price, it is the comfort you feel while there.

    • Hi Paul – Wow, P125 for a haircut? That’s quite expensive! I don’t think I could find a barber shop anywhere in Davao who charges that much!

      I know the feeling of having a long term barber like that, though. My barber previous to this is a place I went for like 6 or 7 years, and he did a good job. He is across town now, though, and it’s just a bit far to go. I will probably drop in from time to time, though! 😉

      • Bob;
        You can still get a P40. to 50. haircut here. My barber caters to the Kano’s. Nice air/con shop. and sells cold beer if you want. So approx. $2.30 for a haircut? What guy who doesn’t live here, would complain about that? (lol)
        My last American haircut in 1999, cost $12.00.

        • The haircuts in the states have not changed to much. You don’t see to many barber shops any more, at least I have not been seeing them. Most places a haircut cost $14 but sometimes you can get them for around $8. The barber that I got to here in Bacoor only cost me P70 and that is with a full shave.

          • Hi Bill – P70 for a haircut and a shave is pretty good! I’ve had a shave a few times at the barber shop here, but they tried to dry shave me, and that was not something I enjoyed! So, I have not tried again! 😉

        • Paul Thompson

          Beer at the Barber Shop. You can’t beat that. That is still a good price for a haircut and you can feel good while getting it done. I still get a $10.00 haircut here. He just went up to that price from $8.00. When I start living in Bataan you’ll have to give me the name of your barber hahaha.

  5. Hi bob scary s==== when the guy picked up the razor i think i would have been in attack mode shaving dry is not nice either i bet the barber was concerned as well i have only been to one barber shopo there in a mall but it was an enjoyable experience my veiw may have been different if i had been in your shoes /seat
    chris

    • Funny that I didn’t feel in any danger during the incident, but a lot of people keep saying it was dangerous. Upon reflection, I suppose it was, though. I’ll still go back there, though, as I think that was an unusual incident. We shall see!

      • hi bob i hope it was for your sake and also the poor barber all he is trying to do is earn a living and all you are trying to do is get a haircut , i had a woman confront me outside magasaysay fruit vendors holding her baby wanting money told her to go away ,also sitting in a jewelry store (goldsmiths) and had a strange one walk in as if it were in a transe with its hand out owner gave a coin to get rid of her i think

  6. Hi Bob,
    Boy, you sure are an early bird!
    Maybe some locals might know the significance of the shaving in front of you, if there is some precedent there. I refuse to give money to street beggars here, but on occasion I’ve walked someone to a takeout eatery and paid their bill. I only do this if the person really does look hungry. Here in the US, you are often confronted by people whose clothes are fairly presentable, and who look as though they’ve been eating pretty regularly. When they’re smoking a 30¢ cigarette, I definitely ignore them! I suspect you don’t encounter this situation much there. Have you ever considered the food purchase idea?
    –James

    • Hi James – Ha ha… I am an early bird, but that’s not why my article shows up early! I write all articles several days in advance, and they are scheduled to automatically post at 5am Philippine time! 😆

      Of course, we get plenty of beggars in the Philippines, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with a cigarette in their mouth or looking very presentable! Different worlds!

    • James,
      I know what you mean buy not giving money. I all most never give money, because if given to the kids, they will gamble with it are use it to by inhaleints. There are some kids outside the 7 eleven near my house. What I will do is buy a siopao and give it to them. I would rather give them food than money.

      • Hi Bill – The other thing I find is that if you give to a kid, or an adult, suddenly dozens more come out of the woodwork, and you have almost a mini-riot going on. I feel it is simply best not to give. I admit, though, from time to time I get caught by a face that I just can’t stop from helping.

        • Your right about coming out of the woodwork. I do it at the 7 eleven near the house as there is one the one, maybe two. When i’m out and about in Manila I don’t give anything cause it is like cockroaches running when you turn the lights on, but these roaches don’t hide, they run at you.

            • The Philippines is such a beautiful natural paradise. It’s a shame that such poverty exists amongst such natural abundance. If I were “King”, I’d have classes on self sufficiency and how to live naturally off the land in all schools from the time they enter school, until graduation…Then I would also incorporate legislation to allow all Pinoy citizens the right to own land sufficient to feed their families. Then a sophisticated barter system…then… Ahhh yes…..if I were King 😉

              • Hi Terry – You must be on the verge of becoming king! Many Filipinos live natrually off the land already… and indeed every Filipino has the “right to own land”. So, it’s a start!

      • I agree Bill & Bob,
        While in Malolos, a suburb [I think] of Manila last year, I was approached by 2 street boys about 10 years old. You could tell they were young pros, but they were so charming, bright, persistant, and engaging that I couldn’t resist. But as I pulled out my wallet, my Filipino nephew put up his hand and urged me not to do it. This didn’t deter the boys, so I got the idea to give them a “job.” I told my nephew to ask them if they wanted to pose by the motorcycles and cars in the pizza shop parking lot where we were for his photographer relative. He did, and [of course] they agreed, and I ended up getting some of the greatest picturess of my trip. Every time I look at these pictures, I feel a little sad that these bright and charming boys had to be reduced to begging. Oh well…
        –James

        • Hi James – I know what you mean about viewing those photos and feeling a bit sad. I get the same feeling often when viewing photos from my many trips around Mindanao.

    • James, I don’t think it’s likely to be some kind of precedent; but the obvious message is “Look Kano, this razor is sharp enough to shave my face dry, what do you think it could do to your throat you rich stingy git”? On the other hand, he might just have thought he’d take a shave for free in lieu of a monetary gift…just to avoid losing face. Or he could just have been buang right enough!

      But Bob’s right, you can’t just stop going a place or the looney wins and the hard working hairdresser loses.

      • While I was there, I did not feel threatened. I did feel that it was inappropriate behavior for the fellow be just go and start using the barber shop’s equipment like that. I did feel uneasy, but not in a safety type of way.

  7. Hi Bob,
    Scary,i bet that shaving knife is well blunt now.
    I think i will have to stick to Mall Barbers,safer,lol.

    It reminded me of an incident in Malaybalay City.
    We were passing some retail stalls,a scruffy middle aged guy,with no teeth,insisted on shaking the Kano’s hand (He didn’t understand i was a Brit).
    He was very joke’y,but wouldn’t let go of my hand,much to the amusement of passers by,i just kept on humouring him,until i managed to release my hand,and gave him a cheery wave as we left.
    Sheryl was very uncomfortable about it,said she thought he was the local Shabu clown,lol.
    regards,Chas.

    • Hi Chas – I will continue going to the neighborhood barber… if there are other events that make me reconsider… I’ll find a different neighborhood barber. I just find it a more enjoyable experience than the mall barber.

      Interesting about the fellow in Malaybalay! You have a new friend there, chas, through thick and thin! 😆

  8. Bob,
    I use a local barber here in Tagum, no aircon, 30p. I don’t use aircon at home, so it is not a problem. I have never seen a beggar in the barbershop, but many everywhere else in Tagum. I never give them any money.
    Richard D

    • Hi Richard – P30 for a haircut, that’s a nice price! I don’t believe you can get one in the city for that price anymore! Maybe I’ll have to walk to Tagum for a haircut next time! Ha ha… 😉

  9. Bob
    Nice write up about getting out and about to get the pulse of the new hood.

    Now about this 99 person randomly picking up a straight razor, as soon as i read this and digested it I thought that you was in a possible a hairy predictament glad to hear it turned out fine.
    One other thing a straight razor could expose you to Hep C if they nick you while cleaning up your neck on the haircut, I bet the do not use new blades every customer and autoclaves are prolly not common there either.

    • Hi Neal – I thought about the cleanliness issue… But, I have to say, in my 10 + years of living here, every time I can think of, they have always used a fresh new blade on me. I don’t know if they do that on everybody, or if I get a bit of special treatment because I am a foreigner. But, it has always been that way.

  10. Bob,

    Sorry to go off topic. When I used to live in Beijing, the young kids, less then 5y/o would target the foreigners and latch on to your leg. I mean really wrap their arms around your leg and demand money. So I want sure what to do as I didnt want to give money, especially in this manner, but you cannot touch them as they can start screaming and all the people will think your abusing them. So I wound up shuffling down the sidewalk for a little ways until they give up. But its really embarrassing to have some kid on your leg and your doing your best to ignore. Not sure if they practise this in PI.

    I pay S$10 for my haircut in Singapore. Its at one of the quikie 10 minute hair cuts often in subway stations or malls. Really convenient and decent haircut, no wash or dry. Most only speak Mandarin so I just point at how short i want it. My wife doesnt like it, but then for $10, cant expect miracles.

    Don

  11. Hi Bob- Like you I enjoy walking in our Barangay as I take our little dog for it’s morning stroll. It’s amazing what you observe when you do it regularly and I enjoy meeting our neighbours and practicing my scant (Gamay) Bisaya.
    I don’t however use the facilities of the local barber as Marilou took a hairdressing course at the local college where we lived in the UK before we returned so I think my throat is safe for now.
    I was just wondering about the photograph you included in your article, I hope that new building is not a Call Centre but it could be a Factory or Warehouse maybe.
    Regards.
    Jim.

    • Hi Jim – Walking around the neighborhood is very enjoyable for me. I need to do it more, really. It’s my intention to take a walk every day, but I’m not always successful in doing so!

      Don’t worry on that building… it’s far away enough from my house that it won’t bother me if it’s a call center! 😉

  12. Hi Bob,
    OMG! I was scared for you and started shaking whilst reading the article. All sorts of things started coming into my head on what may have happened to you. I think, what you said, next time you go there, perhaps bring somebody with you just to let them know that you are a local also so they get use to it.Even better if Feyma goes with you. Everytime I go to Philippines, my relatives won’t let me go anywhere by myself. Even if I walk around in plain clothes, no jewelry (locals dresses up better than me). My relatives thinks I’m an easy target to get ripped off because of my light skin and my tagalog with an accent and my translation of English to Tagalog and my pronounciation is a dead give away and sometimes sounds funny to them and things get lost in translation. I Know you are gutsy, and so am I but being extra careful won’t go astray. Please be careful next time you go walk-about.

  13. I have my haircut in the same shop, Bob. I know the family who owns the place. A beggar or two have dropped by while I was there but nothing like what happened to you. I know that some shops allow the neighborhood guys use the razor to shave themselves, but permission is first secured. From what you say, the guy does not seem to be from the neighborhood. He was perhaps acting ‘siga’ or probably thought he could play a little intimidation game with a foreigner who refused to give. It would be bad if he goes back and tries the same routine on me.

    On a lighter note.

    On top of the 40 peso haircut fee, I give a 20 peso tip to my ‘suki’ barber. Seems the barber got too pleased with my tips that it now takes much longer to cut my hair, with the barber making sure that no strand is a millimeter longer than what it is supposed to be. I have to tell him that the cut is nice and I am good to go!

    • Hi Bdul – I also always give a P20 tip, and I get that exact same treatment! They really go out of their way to make sure it’s perfect every time! 😆

  14. I have only little hair left , and when i go to the barber here [ woman ]
    i pay 11 Euro [ 700 P. ] and it will take 10/15 minutes .
    Last year in Iligan , barber walks around on the beach and cut for 40 P , [ 45 minutes ]
    while in the city near hotel it was 35 , haircut and shave.
    So now my hair is growing longer , but it have to wait untill Febr ,
    when we get to Iligan .
    Gr. Anton

  15. Oh dear! I thought he was gonna threaten you with the razor!

    Same problem with the Bajao kids, when I go to the market, that’s why I always bring retired policeowman Linda, wwith me when I go. The fat ass mom would order her kids to go beg, GRRR!

    • Cheryll Ann
      I thought them “Bajao” were mainly hanging around the wharf or ocean so you can throw coins in for them to dive after. My question how does a Mom that sends her kids to beg get to be a “Fat Ass”? I take it your not a bleeding heart towards the less fortunate.

      • Cheryll Ann:
        Last month I was smoking outside the San Fernando SM Mall here on luzon. There were a group of kids asking every one for coins, and a few people gave them some. I laughed when I saw each kid run to the same car and hand the coins to a man inside.

        • Yep Paul..that right there is the sad part…the older person pimping the little kids to beg for a few pesos..Makes you wonder what those young kids life will be like when they get older…

        • They are supposed to be organized in some way like every AM they pick up a whole bunch of kids from 1 barrio, then drive them all to some area, feed them and then send them out to beg, their earnings are all given to the one who organized it and they are fed in return. Pretty horrible.

      • Oh they were Bajao’s and by fat ass and I MEAN IT LITERALLY the woman must have been 200lbs – so I am not sure why she is begging and the kids she were ordering around were skinny.

        I help the poor but I hate those who order kids to beg.

        • Now people who beg in other countries they are not annoying and do not pull your clothes or what have you, I have given to people who have held a cup and said Miss whatever you can spare. I have given to an old man who was just standing near a street light and had a sign that said homeless – please help. Those kind of people deserve helping.

          Yes I also give to the orphanage.

          But people who bring children and point out people for them to pull clothes etc and ask for money HA NO WAY!

  16. Hey Bob,
    It looks like a decent neighborhood. A few questions. What part(s) of Davao should be avoided? Which part is the “High Class neighborhood? Also keep us informed of that new building. I’m curious as to what it will be.

    • Hi Hudson – I know of no parts of the city that need to be avoided, if you are talking due to crime or safety issues… the city is safe. High Class neighborhoods? Woodridge, Ladislawa, Monte Ritz, Las Tarrazas… I guess any of the gated communities.

  17. Hi Bob,

    Interesting little story about your experiences at the local barbershop.

    Last August when I was in my wife’s hometown of Mainit, Surigao del Norte province,
    I needed a haircut so my assistant lined up a barber to come over to the house and give
    an in home haircut for the princely sum of P50 tip included.

    The barber turned out to be a lesbian girl dressed as a man who refused to speak a word
    to me throughout the whole haircut. No greeting or goodbye. Nothing. Even though
    I greeted her and said a few words in Cebuano! Very strange but she did a good job
    and I had no complaints about her work or the price.

    My father-in-law who turned 90 in September has a male barber who cuts his
    hair for only P30. Seniors discount I guess!

    • Hi Randall – Nice to hear from you! I hope I’ll be seeing you in the City again soon!

      Strange experience with the girl who came and gave you a haircut! Ha ha… I haven’t experienced anything like that! 😆