Davao: Wandering Through The Streets of Rizal and C. Bangoy

January 23, 2014 - Wandering through the streets of Davao is something that I like doing whenever I feel like just walking and not in a hurry. In fact, it's a lot better if the weather is in the mood and brings cool breeze. This was the perfect day for me to wander the streets of Rizal and C. Bangoy.

Intersection 

Paseo de Legazpi

Before heading to Rizal Street, My starting point is the Paseo de Legaspi. When you're inside the compound, it's like you've been transported to Spain. It houses Legaspi Suites, restaurants such as Tio Cococ's, Tata Benito's and Dampa Davao Bar & Grill. If you want to order a cake, Osvaldo's Cakes is perfect! But they also have other tenants such as dental clinics, law firms, ticketing office, etc.

Las Casitas Hotel

One of the known hotel here is Las Casitas. They're strategically located in Rizal Street and it's one of the known hotels here in Davao. If you want to know more about Las Casitas, click here.

Rizal Street is also known for it's nightlife as night clubs are built here. Although few years before, this street went almost quiet, it's slowly awakening and starting to party the street once again. Here are some of the night clubs in Rizal Street.

Rizal is not just a haven of nightlife, it's also a street for foodies who want to have a gastronomic experience. From Persian to Dutch to French, everything is just right here!

 Persian Majid's Kabab

If you want a taste of Middle East cuisine, then this restaurant is a perfect fit! Persian Majid's Kabab specializes Middle East cuisine especially the Kabab's. They used to have a branch in Gaisano Mall of Davao until they've concentrated here in Rizal branch.

When in Rizal Street, one must notice a number of ancestral houses being converted into a functional office and restaurants that brought life and success. Here are some of the ancestral houses:

Drunken Monkey

Claude's and Cellar de Boca

If you want to experience fine dining, then Claude's is a great choice! It's a French restaurant that is located in an ancestral house. They share with Cellar de Oboza who is located on the right side just below Claude's. Before its transfer, Claude's was located on the right side near the ancestral house that Drunken Monkey occupied. Now, they've moved to a bigger and better location where they can serve more customers.

Cafe France and Manila Bulletin

Last 2012 when Manila Bulletin and Cafe France occupied this ancestral house, it literally changed the landscape and paved way for other ancestral houses to be revived and functional. Cafe France houses French cuisine and also a home of the first Cronuts here in Davao. Manila Bulletin occupied the first floor of the ancestral house and so far, it's their only office here in Davao.

If there are ancestral houses, this building mushroomed in Rizal Street, joining the party. It houses several tenants including Unionbank and other services such as clinics and photography studios.

Jollibee & Taps

If we're talking about the 1st branch of Jollibee, it's right here! It's located at the corner of Rizal and Bolton. When this was first opened, it was a very long line just like when Starbucks and Krispy Kreme opened their 1st branch here in Davao.

If you want a breakfast meal whole day round, head to Taps to enjoy munching their meals. It's just across Jollibee on the left. There are wide variety of choices of meals that you may find it hard to choose or easy to find a favorite. Before, it was not air-conditioned and their table was like a big swirl. I find it unique though. Right now, most of the branches are now air-conditioned they now have tables and chairs. It's now more comfortable and cozy to eat their meals but I kinda missed their old design. But not to worry as their Ilustre branch is still sporting an old design but it's also air-conditioned.

McDonald's Rizal Branch

If there's Jollibee, of course, his best friend McDonald's doesn't want to miss some fun and competition! It's their newest branch here in Davao and is sporting a modern design just like in Sta. Ana branch and soon in Bajada branch which is undergoing renovation. I would like to visit this branch soon.

C. Bangoy Street

This portion of C. Bangoy is one of the narrow streets in Davao. What made me love walking in this street is obviously, the narrowness of it. I haven't seen a narrow street in downtown but this one. What also made me love this street is its unique charm. I dunno but this street is attractive! (Call me weird but it is!). Here are some pictures of the street.

Food Joints

If you happen to be hungry and want a quick lunch, Lachmi Food Court is the answer! They house numerous food joints that can solve your hunger and make your tummy happy! There are also food joints that are found outside Lachmi Food Court. Not to worry as they're safe and good! But when the weather is scorching hot, you might want to combat the warmth while having a good lunch.

Cellphone Services

If you have problems with your cellphone or just want to buy new case or protector, they also have stores that caters with the cellphones. They can be cheap but useful.

Barbershops and Beauty Salons

If you want a makeover but in a price that you can afford, well, you're in a right way! Barbershops and beauty salons offer affordable services that can make you look beautiful and dashing in minutes!

Well, I have wandered in these streets few times but it never failed to amaze me especially the narrow street of C. Bangoy. They may not look like a European or American cities but it has its own charm that made me smile. The ancestral houses of Rizal Street is also a reminder that we really have to preserve these houses as they can tell us a history and be marveled with its colorful past. I hope soon we'll have a photo-walk with fellow Davaoeños who share the same passion and love in history like I do. :)

Madayaw! Thanks for reading!