“What’s that strange object hovering over the rooftops? Is it a spy drone, a new landmark maybe? Could it be a UFO landing from outer space?”

These were the weird questions that hammered my thoughts after witnessing a bizarre event from an empty sidewalk inside a narrow street in Davao City. You know, there are plenty of paranormal occurrences around the world, and I wasn't expecting to encounter one in the Philippines. Or was it? Could it be just an optical illusion? What if it was something else? Perhaps I was only dreaming, hmm…

Becoming restless, I surely had to get to the bottom of this visual oddity. Like a powerful magnet, my itching curiosity dragged me closer to this peculiar metallic object. It reflected the sky’s blue color, nearly blinding my eyes due the glaring rays of the sun that bounced off its shiny surfaces. I had to shield my face with my hand while approaching the secluded spot through a tight alley. And then out of nowhere, I suddenly bumped into a person who was wearing a hard hat, dressed as a construction worker. Oops…

During that instant I suddenly realized that it wasn't an extraterrestrial spacecraft transporting tall, skinny creatures with round bulging eyes after all. It was simply an unconventional edifice built by human hands, yet clothed with a futuristic skin. Its radical design concept almost fooled me.

“What’s this cool place?” I asked the friendly fellow who was busy completing the site’s temporary enclosures.

“For your info Sir, this is Davao City’s newest museum! It's still under construction as you can see. And you’re not the only curious person probing here, by the way.” He laughed.

“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. Since this project is still ongoing, this must be a restricted zone - off-limits to the public, right? Where can I enjoy a much better view of this amazing tower?”

“You can experience much better sights of this museum inside People’s Park, just a few blocks from here, ” he replied - pointing to the exact direction.

“Awesome, thank you - I’m heading there right now. Can’t wait to meet this spectacular monument up close and personal,” I said while waving goodbye to him upon leaving the vicinity.

And sure enough, as I ventured inside People's Park, one of Davao City’s most touristic green habitats, there it was standing tall - persuading me to move closer. From a distance, you clearly wouldn't miss this emblematic beauty due to its distinctive architecture. Interestingly, its glittering exterior cladding was similar to a pair of sparkling eyes winking back at me, inviting me to approach it. Truly, I was hypnotized by its enchanting allure. Aren’t you?

Just look at that stunning facade! In my various architectural tours around the planet, I haven't seen any other building much like its unique appearance. It was arguably different from the rest!

According to other spectators who were present nearby, this museum’s exterior shell actually exhibited a Durian-inspired architecture. Translated into creative cubic geometries, its abstract character completely blew my mind! Isn't it a compelling spectacle?

And because Durian is Davao region’s king of fruits, it isn't a surprise that the landmark's Architects and Designers clinged to nature for design inspiration.

Upon completion, it will be officially known as the National Museum of the Philippines - Davao, adding to the ever expanding roster of cultural destinations sprouting in major cities across the archipelago.

To reach this national institution, the best pedestrian access for tourists and visitors will be inside People's Park since it’s already integrated within the environmental footprint. I can simply imagine the tremendous influx of guests coming here as soon as it’s formally inaugurated.

Again, as you'll notice, passage to its interior spaces was strictly denied. The improvised barrier made out of metal pipes and blue canvas sheets were enough to signal “No Entry” for unauthorized personnel.

Nevertheless, I still spent the rest of the day there, admiring this iconic creation from the comforts of the beautiful gardens. I'll definitely be back in the near future.

We certainly can't deny the existence of natural or man-made phenomena that defy our mortal imagination. Most likely, they would catch us off-guard, presenting themselves to us in unexpected locations and spurs of the moment.

Architecture that wear otherworldly qualities is obviously one of the physical realities that stop us in our tracks and challenge our normal perceptions. Rather than being overly superstitious and paranoid to whatever happens around us, let’s practice open-minded attitudes instead. Hence, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embrace the unlimited wonders of the universe - whatever they may be.

Honestly, what's your first impression about today’s featured architecture?

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