Back in 1992, I heard it from the proverbial Marites grapevine of the time that the city had in its plans a construction of a coastal road along the Davao shores facing Samal. However, this was reportedly shelved and the funds allocated to it was instead sent as aid to the victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption which happened in June of the previous year. As grapevine stories go, especially in years before internet, no one could confirm whether this was true or not.
No matter, all that is water under the bridge now, because trivia or barber talk, here we all are, enjoying this new stretch of highway which may as well be one, if not the best Kadayawan gift for the city in a long time.
I think a few years back when our fam of three would wake up at four every Sunday morning and drive up to its Toril entrance so we could run on its still-unopened kilometer of fresh pavement, with a breathtaking view of majestic Mt. Apo in the background. While many may have done the same, jogging and biking up to behold its clean surroundings, who could forget the overly expectant thousands of Dabawenyos who filled it up one night, only to fail to witness a botched drone show that would’ve been part of its opening?
Still, all water under Bankerohan bridge now. But like the modern highway snake that it is, it’s still moving and stretching ever forward, until it reaches where, Panabo, or infinity and beyond? The final destination, unknown to me.
Taking the flashback train further, I remember my late friend Vernon while he took me for a ride upon my permanent return to Davao after a few years in Manila. Starting from somewhere beyond Sasa, we traversed a long and winding highway, all new to my eyes, daring me to guess where we were every few kilometers, until promptly turned past Bolton bridge and parked at their driveway at the edge of The ole PC barracks. It was only later that he told me we’ve gone via the Diversion road.
I’m willing to bet, all Dabawenyos have gone and done the same, but this time, driving along the coastal road with their visitors, as if to show off a new toy. As for us three, we still occasionally run there on Sundays, as it’s closed to vehicles from 4 to six in the morning and open only for joggers and bikers. Sometimes, coming back to the city from Gensan, we would opt for its scenic route and proceed to SM or downtown for errands or a late dinner before finally heading home. As one ad said it all back in the 80s, we’ve come a long way, baby!
