Museo Dabawenyo

03/08/2026

𝗘𝗬𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘!

Museo Dabawenyo highly appreciates the public's interest in filming, documentation, and interviews. To help facilitate your requests, please follow the 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘣𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 for obtaining authorization for your inquiries.

Interested in learning more about Davao's history and culture? Come visit Museo Dabawenyo and discover the rich heritage, stories, and traditions that make Davao unique. We look forward to welcoming you

27/07/2026

Chinese Abacus (Suan-pan)

The abacus had long been used by Chinese merchants as a traditional tool for calculation before they migrated to the Philippines. In Davao, abacus education gained wider recognition in the early 2000s alongside the growth of the city's Chinese business community and educational programs. The significance of the Chinese community in Davao was further recognized in 2004 when Davao Chinatown was officially established, highlighting the city's strong historical and cultural ties with China.


The abacus is a manual counting tool popular among early Chinese businesses in Davao City. The Chinese opened bakeries, sari-sari (variety) stores, rice and corn mills, and engaged in shipping and logging. The abacus is the forerunner of the adding machine and the digital calculator.

Reference:

CMA. (n.d.). History of abacus. CMA Mental Arithmetic. https://cma.edu.sg/about-abacus/history-of-abacus/

Alama, R. I. (2025, February 14). Bustling Chinatown reflects Davao's deep ties to China. Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/mindanao/dr/bustling-chinatown-reflects-davaos-deep-ties-to-china/
cma.edu.sg

02/07/2026

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲, 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝, 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐨

On July 1, 2026, Museo Dabawenyo had the distinct honor of welcoming Her Excellency Emma Hickey, Ambassador of Ireland, during her courtesy visit to Davao City.

We were delighted to present our exhibition, "50 Objects That Tell the Story of Davao," which highlights the rich culture, history, and heritage of our city through carefully curated artifacts.

The start of July has brought us meaningful moments and new stories to cherish. We sincerely thank Her Excellency for taking the time to visit Museo Dabawenyo and for showing interest in Davao's cultural legacy.

The Museo Dabawenyo is open to the public - Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We invite everyone to explore our exhibits and discover the stories that shape Davao's vibrant heritage.

01/07/2026

𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐀 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐘, 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐄𝐍, 𝐏𝐀𝐘𝐒 𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐘 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐎 𝐃𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐎

Museo Dabawenyo is honored to welcome "Her Excellency Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden", on 01 July 2026, marking a meaningful start to the month.

As part of her official visit to Davao City, Museo Dabawenyo was among the distinguished destinations included in the Ambassador's itinerary. During her visit, she explored the museum's exhibits, including the "50 Objects That Tell the Story of Davao," a collection that showcases the rich cultural heritage and remarkable history of the Davao Region.

Curios about Davao's Culture? Visit Museo Dabawenyo and discover the stories, traditions, and history that have shaped our community through our engaging exhibits and collections.

24/06/2026

The Museo Dabawenyo warmly welcomed the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, led by H.E. Saija Nurminen, Ambassador of Finland to the Philippines; Mr. Antonio Peralta, Honorary Consul of Finland in Mindanao and ECCP-SMBC Representative; Mr. Realingo, ECCP Davao Branch Officer; and Ms. Rie Realingo, ECCP Davao Branch Officer.

Through their visit, they explored the rich history and cultural heritage of Davao City, gaining deeper insights into the stories that have shaped the city through time.

Discover Davao's vibrant culture and fascinating history for yourself. Museo Dabawenyo is always happy to welcome and serve visitors seeking to learn more about our city's heritage.

22/06/2026

𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐖 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐎: 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐂 & 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗵𝗶.

The Vivarkada stars of Dating Alys Perez—Rabin Angeles, Zeke Polina, Angela Muji, and Ethan David—visited Museo Dabawenyo, together with PJ Rosario (Our Yesterday's Escape) and Dann Aquino (My Husband is a Mafia Boss).

Want to discover the history and culture they explored? Visit Museo Dabawenyo and experience Davao's rich heritage for yourself.

11/06/2026

In commemoration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, please be advised that Museo Dabawenyo will be closed tomorrow, June 12, 2026.
​As we pause to honor the sacrifices of our heroes and celebrate the rich history and freedom of our nation, we encourage everyone to spend this meaningful day with family and loved ones.

Have a safe and blessed Independence Day celebration, everyone! 🇵🇭

10/06/2026

Martaban jars, locally known as 'gusi' or 'tapayan', were more than just storage vessels—they were symbols of wealth, status, and cultural identity. Originating from Southern China and Myanmar, these treasured stoneware jars found their way into the lives of Indigenous communities in Davao and Mindanao, including the Bagobo, Mandaya, and Tagakaolo peoples.

Another trade item, a storage jar, which has an ochre glaze and a dragon entwined around its body. In Chinese mythology, dragons are benevolent creatures who emerge from the waters and rise to the skies to make rain fall to nurture agricultural crops. They symbolize power, strength, and good fortune.

Through these jars, ancient communities became part of vast maritime trade networks, connecting Mindanao to the wider world through commerce, tradition, and ritual.

Reference:
Ladrido, R.C (2022). Tapayan, gusi or martaban: Tales of stoneware jars in the Philippines. Vera Files. https://verafiles.org/articles/tapayan-gusi-or-martaban-tales-of-stoneware-jars-in-the-philippines

08/06/2026

In light of the recent earthquake that affected parts of Mindanao, Museo Dabawenyo will be temporarily closed tomorrow, June 9, 2026.

​This precautionary closure is being implemented to conduct thorough safety inspections of our facilities and to ensure the utmost safety of our visitors and staff against potential aftershocks. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we prioritize public safety.

​Please stay tuned to our official page for further updates regarding the resumption of museum operations. Stay safe, everyone!

01/06/2026