There is one sculpture in our Davao International Airport which I really admire. Its the big Durian fruit which everyone coming to Davao should notice from the arrival area. Durian is a symbol of Davao's history and culture because of its abundance in the city. Quite synonymous to the blessings the city is gaining.
I become aware of the Durian fruit when in elementary, we were asked to read about some national legends and myths. And of course one of those stories is about the legend of the Durian fruit. Its lead character is Dory. In the drawing (from the book) she looks like Fiona of the movie "Shrek". Well, she is supposed to be an ugly daughter of a Datu in a faraway land in Mindanao. But even if she is not pretty she is good and compassionate to the people but is so unlucky in love because there was no one who would want to marry her. And to make the story short, she died in a most unlikely accident. Because she is well-loved, the people just cannot forget her. Years passed and the people noticed a tree growing beside her grave. When it bore some fruit they were surprised how different it looked with the sharp spikes all over and the most pungent smell it produces. Some of them tasted the fruit and found out how heavenly it tastes. That is all I can remember. I hope my memory is still that accurate.
Giving Durian such reverence is acceptable for me because of its close association to what and where Davao city and the people has gone so far. The sculpture also has people (with different religion, cultures and practices) inside it which for me signifies unity in spite of the many differences.
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