Ang Dabawenyo

Last Friday and Saturday, Andrew, Ria, Migs and I took Aileen (who’s more and more loving it in Davao) out for rounds in the city.

Friday, we attended Christopher Cubos’ “I.T. party” at Fwendz Diner. That was part of Chris’s efforts in reviving the Silicon Gulf initiative. There were I.T. professionals present, and plenty of students, which was a good sign that Chris’ initiatives will soon bear fruit.

Next we went to Pops Resto•Bar for the launching of Nokia’s 5310 model. Davao’s party-scene regulars were there to kick off their night. Nokia treated everyone with an open bar, and a preview of the music-playing functions of the 5310.

Saturday, I joined the bloggers at Red Moon after having dinner at Zakoya, an elegant Japanese restaurant on F. Torres Street. Red Moon opened just last week, and is located in the K1 Compound, also on F. Torres. They serve Chinese food, and the place looks quite modern and stylish. I didn’t eat there, though, so I don’t really know how their food is.

After dinner, we headed to Studio Onnie, which is also in the same compound. It’s a very popular comedy bar, where you have to stand in front of everybody to sing — and, if you’re lucky, be ‘personally entertained’ by hosts Ahbet and Rikki. Migs and I convinced karaoke noobs Winston and Aileen to do a duet. Andrew was fortunate to have come in late….

After that, we brought Aileen to Davao’s controversial “seawall” (the old nickname) or baywalk (what everybody calls it now). It’s a seaside place, behind Queensland, the city’s longest-running drive-in motel. What makes the place so controversial is the humongous bronze statue of David — in his birthday suit! It’s becoming a popular after-party hangout, chiefly because it’s by the beach and there’s plenty of parking space. I also find the long pool fronting the statue quite soothing. Watching the black-tipped sharks, black molly and other fish is very idyllic.

There’s even a replica of the Little Mermaid right on the surf. I find it funny, though, that the owners felt they had to label the statue….

We ended the night at the City Hall grounds, where the trees and buildings are decorated with pretty lights. Then we brought Aileen back to Casa Leticia, her favorite home in Davao.

That was my off-the-beaten-track gimmick with blogger friends. Photos are courtesy of Migs and Aileen.