Davao identity

THE city is growing very fast, and along with it, its architecture.

As the years progress, we see more and more building. What used to lord it over Roxas Boulevard, the soothing green and white of Marco Polo Davao is now overpowered by the glaring blue of the Ateneo de Davao building that is about to be completed.

More buildings are rising, all making Davao City look much like… Metro Manila.

Stop.

Do we even want to look like Metro Manila?

We all know how many of us cringe and shiver at the thought of having to go to Metro Manila, and yet, we welcome structures that make us look very much like it. Add the worsening traffic, and we can almost see what the city is going to be a decade from now if we continue on our mindless development. We might even end up having the multi-storey condominiums that look like some exaggerated garrison, with nary a hint of art except three strips of colors in vertical lines going up, that many Metro Manila residents are now familiar with. Clue: It’s among the most aggressive condominium developers there that is known for its awful designs.

Think.

We all are very proud of our city, why can’t we push that forward to make us even more proud of our streets, our architecture, our parks, and street corners?

We all love the sculptures of children in People’s Park. They look unusual, yes, but we all know whenever we see photos of those big heads that we are in Davao. Why can’t we bring similar art interpretations out in the streets and outside and within buildings to distinguish our people as those who appreciate art and beauty.

We can’t forever say we are proud of our city and yet allow our city to go the way of the national capital region that we all detest, you know. But the city will if we are content in saying we are proud of our city.

-o0o

In another topic, it’s pathetic to hear the military deny there was ransom paid to the Abu Sayyaf for the release of the two German hostages. Apparently, military and government officials still think they can gag people who have the eyes, ears, nose, and yes, technology to sniff out crap from truth.