Buhangin District: The Heartbeat of Davao City

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-moo-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pah-ah-lahm]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomePaki
  [pah-kee]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sah-lah-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya/Sorry
  [pah-sen-sha / soh-ree]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [kah-moo-sta kah]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-boo-tee. ee-kahw]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka ba mag-Ingles?
  [mah-roo-nong kah bah mahg-eeng-lehs]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee koh mah-een-teen-dee-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh koh sah-nahng mah-kee-tah ahng meh-noo, pah-kee-oo-sahp]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee ah-koh koo-mah-kah-een ng kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-boo-hay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, pakiusap
  [goo-stoh koh sah-nahng mahg-bah-yaad, pah-kee-oo-sahp]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-long]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [loo-mah-yoh kah]
• Call the Police!Tawag ka ng pulis!
  [tah-wahg kah ng poo-lees]
• Call a doctor!Tawag ka ng doktor!
  [tah-wahg kah ng dohk-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-wah-lah ah-koh]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [mahy sah-keet ah-koh]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [goo-stoh koh boo-mee-lee ng]
• I'm just lookingNagtitignan lang ako
  [nahg-tee-teeg-nahn lahng ah-koh]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mahg-kah-noh ee-toh]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal
  [mah-syah-dohng mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang babaan ang presyo?
  [pweh-deh bahng bah-bah-ahn ahng preh-syoh]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-nohng oh-rah-s nah]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [ah-lahs oo-noh nah]
• Half past (10)Alas diyes y medya
  [ah-lahs deeh-yes ee med-yah]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-mah-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [hah-pohn]
• EveningGabi
  [gah-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-hah-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [ngah-yohn]
• TomorrowBukas
  [boo-kahs]
• 1Isa
  [ee-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-lah-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [taht-loh]
• 4Apat
  [ah-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Anim
  [ah-neem]
• 7Pito
  [pee-toh]
• 8Walo
  [wah-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [see-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [sahm-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...
  [nah-sah-ahn ahng]
• What's the address?Anong address?
  [ah-nohng ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pweh-deh moh bah ah-kohng ee-pah-kee-tah sah mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod (bus)?
  [kah-ee-lahn ahng soo-soo-nod (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ...)
  [ee-sahng tee-keht (pah-poon-tahng)]

Buhangin District, like much of Davao City, was originally inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Bagobo and other Lumad tribes. These communities lived harmoniously with nature, relying on agriculture, fishing, and hunting. Their rich oral traditions and cultural practices have significantly influenced the area's identity, emphasizing a deep respect for the land and natural resources.

During the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century, Buhangin began to see the introduction of Christianity and new agricultural practices. The area was part of the wider efforts by Spanish missionaries to spread Catholicism, leading to the establishment of small chapels and schools. The influence of Spanish culture can still be seen today in some local festivals and community events.

The early 20th century, particularly during the American occupation, marked significant changes in Buhangin. The Americans implemented various infrastructure projects, including roads and schools, aimed at modernizing the region. This era also saw the introduction of public education and health services, laying the groundwork for the community's development.

Buhangin, like the rest of Davao, was affected by the events of World War II. Japanese forces occupied the region, leading to significant hardships for local residents. The war's end brought about a period of reconstruction and recovery, as the community worked to rebuild and stabilize following the conflict.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Buhangin experienced rapid urbanization, driven by the growth of Davao City as an economic hub. The establishment of various commercial establishments and the influx of migrants from other regions transformed Buhangin into a vibrant urban neighborhood. This growth has continued into the 21st century, making it a diverse residential and commercial area with a unique blend of cultures.

Buhangin District is easily accessible from various neighborhoods within Davao City. From the city center, you can take a jeepney or taxi directly to Buhangin, which will take approximately 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. If coming from the airport, taxis are readily available and will take around 10-15 minutes. For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus to the terminal closest to Buhangin and then a short jeepney ride.

Buhangin is primarily navigated by jeepneys, tricycles, and taxis. Jeepneys are the most popular and cost-effective mode of transport, with various routes connecting different parts of the district. Bicycles are also a feasible option for the more adventurous, with some areas having bike lanes. Walking is an excellent way to explore the local shops and eateries, but be cautious of traffic.

Buhangin District is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings. Areas near the airport and bus terminals can sometimes attract petty crime, so keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables. It's best to travel in groups, especially at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance in Davao City. Familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics. It's also wise to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and most staff in tourist areas will speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly and comfortably, especially when visiting religious sites. Don't wear revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; it’s polite to cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat for the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Don’t be overly familiar; a handshake is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do sample local dishes and accept food offers politely. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Buhangin like a local, visit the local markets, especially the Buhangin Public Market, where you can find fresh produce and local delicacies. Engage with vendors for a taste of local culture and cuisine. Try the local specialty, 'kinilaw' (raw fish salad), at neighborhood eateries. Attend local festivals or events if your visit coincides with them for a deeper cultural experience.