It was my first time at Camp Holiday, which is located north of this island “city”, right beside the ferry terminal. I was delighted to see (despite the heavy rain) that the resort turned out to be quite pleasant. I had thought it was just like most of the beach resorts on Samal: just a beachfront with simple amenities. The Camp does have an area for tents, but there are plenty of hotel-style rooms available (but none that night because the place was fully booked).

I was with the Venuti (Swiss Deli, Picobello) and Alabado (Skin Doctors) families to welcome the new year, and we had a great time reminiscing on the events and happenings of 2010 and talking about the possibilities in 2011.

The entertainment prepared for us — and hosted by performer extraordinaire, Ahbet Padilla — was not exactly what I had in mind for New Year’s Eve, but the dancers, actors, singers, and even a young magician, did a great job of lifting everybody’s spirit. I especially enjoyed the performances by the Sinang Tala dance troupe of John Paul II College. They wowed us with some fire dancing accompanied by a very lively, engaging and colorful percussion band.

There was a snag, though. In the wee hours of the first 2011 morning, the ferry left earlier than scheduled and stranded us on the island, without warning, and in spite of the fact that the supervisor had called ahead to inform the ferry that there were still guests at the resort. There were no more rooms available and the supervisor was too inutile to do anything about the situation. (Mind you, the resort and the ferry service are both owned by the same people.) I heard nary an apology from anyone among the resort staff.

I must admit, generally speaking, good customer service is something to be desired in these parts, but the people at Camp Holiday took the problem to lower depths last New Year’s Day. I sure hope they shape up if they plan on beating the growing competition on Samal Island.

The food. Hmmm… how shall I put it? It was a dinner buffet, and there was a good number of choices and the place didn’t run out of food. But, the grilled fish was dry and the rice was simply awful, and most of the food was lukewarm. Except for the lechon, which was mouth-wateringly good!! The vegetables were delicious, though (I believe it was a pastel), and I did enjoy the lamb. All in all, it wasn’t worth the ₱900 I paid for the ticket, I’m afraid to say.

Still, I did have lots of fun. (The vino helped, of course.) And the fireworks bonanza was fantastic! I believe it lasted for about 10 minutes and it was bright and brilliant and dazzling!!! It had been a long while since I last experienced an honest-to-goodness fireworks display on New Year’s Day, so this time at Camp Holiday was an awesome treat (despite the snags).

Also, since the next ferry wasn’t due till 5:30 in the morning, I got to tour the villages of Babak, Samal and see how they celebrate New Year’s. There were street dancing (and drinking), complete with open-air disco lights, and gregarious revelers milling about on the streets. Sari-sari stores were open until daybreak, and the locals didn’t seem to mind the brightening horizon…

The ferry arrived half an hour late. I got home exhausted and still a tad miffed, but I woke up refreshed and wanting to do more exploring of Samal Island. I’ve been going to the beaches of Samal since forever, but there’s still much to see there! This year, I hope to be able to experience more of the Island Garden City of Samal.

Mana-Davao’s yearly spectacle has become something of an expectation each year-end for Dabawenyos. Since the year 2000 I’ve not missed a single viewing. But it was only three years ago that I started documenting it (links: 2008 & 2009).

Jojie Alcantara, my friend of more years than I dare admit, has graciously given me the go-ahead to showcase her Christmas photography. These scenes were of Mana-Davao’s 2010 lightscape, the Petron gas station in Sasa, and City Hall.

Jojie has many, many more pictures of this year’s Christmas celebration in Davao, as well as of other themes and persuasions. Head on over to her pbase site to view them!

Malipayong Pasko sa Tanan!!!

The IVLP fellowship was conducted in Washington, D.C. for all ten of us (and then in San Francisco just for me, courtesy of the Institute of International Education). After the official business and the conference where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a policy speech on Internet freedom of expression, we were given a tour of the imposing city, the capital of the most powerful nation. And you could feel it, too! The history-rich buildings, the wondrous monuments, the provocative landmarks, the White House (although we only saw a fraction of the interior)… they all served to impress upon the visitor a sense of awe and admiration.

Experiencing Washington was a wonderful surprise. On the flight to D.C., I thought it was going to be a drab city, populated by boring government types and such. Far from it! Even though we were in deep winter, I could see how vibrant life was in Washington. Most people dressed in dull colors, yes, and yet I couldn’t help but see a colorful city, alive with activity and vigor. And being the capital, my ears pricked at the abundance of foreign languages spoken everywhere I went.

Contrary to expectation, there were so many young people around. Dupont Circle and Georgetown were a special treat for me — in and around the beautiful shops along the picturesque streets, college students and yuppies were everywhere to be seen. And it was easy to get to know them and talk about stuff. It was quite exhilarating!

Also part of the IVLP was a chance for us to spend time with American families. I had dinner with a wonderful family in Potomac, Maryland. The purpose of “home hospitality” was to give IVLP participants a feel of the typical American home. But I didn’t feel it was “typical” at all, because the family I was fortunate enough to meet is, in fact, quite an internationalized bunch. The man of the house was a former JAG officer who was stationed in the Philippines for a time, and his wife is a Japanese national — I was very delighted to have had the chance to practice my Nihongo with her! Their daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter had recently come back from Hong Kong and Singapore, and happily joined us for dinner. Talking with them was eye-opening for me, and gave me a glimpse of American family life that’s wholly different from what you might see in movies.

On my first weekend, a couple of Manileño friends brought me to the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia. This facility houses an enormous collection of aviation and space artifacts owned by the Smithsonian Institution. (It’s where they filmed the sequel to The Transformers — remember the SR-71 that turned into an old but friendly Decepticon?) As a Star Trek fan, it was incredible seeing the Enterprise space shuttle up close; I think I spent more time in that section of the Center than anywhere else.

My friends also brought me shopping (Outlet, where else?), and to an honest-to-goodness diner in McLean, VA called Silver Diner where they serve hearty American fare. All in all, it was a great way to kick off the vacation part of my stay in the U.S.

While I was in the East Coast, owing to good friends who went out of their way to host me, I was able to see New York City, Boston (as well as other places in New England), Nashua, and other cities. From Washington I took the bus to NYC, via a relatively new service called the “Bolt Bus“. Get this: comfy seats, quiet ride, free wifi, and power outlets everywhere! What’s more, the rates are incredibly affordable — I was lucky when I booked my trips online, because I got the D.C. to NYC trip (4 hours) for only $10, and the NYC to Boston ticket for only $15.

Even before I got there, I knew I’d love New York — and I did! A cousin who lives in Manhattan brought me around the night life there, and a dear friend from Davao showed me the quieter side of the Big Apple’s attractions. I also had a chance to see a high school classmate, and we had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Times Square. And in between, I gave myself time to really walk around this bustling city. I didn’t pass up strolling along the frozen lanes of Central Park either. But of all the places I’ve been to in New York, I think it’s Brooklyn that I like. It’s more relaxed, so to speak, compared to the hectic nature of Manhattan.

When I thought of visiting New York, I was apprehensive about taking the subway. But once my friend explained it to me, it was a snap. I got myself a 7-day metro pass and tried to lose myself in the city… but it just wasn’t possible. With all the signs and maps, it’s simply impossible to get lost. Of course, thanks to Google Maps, it was easy to locate the subway stations. One thing that I truly appreciated is that New Yorkers walk and commute to where they need to go, and that public transportation is reliable and efficient (which is the opposite in Los Angeles).

One of the places in the U.S. that I made a point to visit was Boston, to see an old friend from my college days; actually, he and his family live in Waltham, Massachusetts, but they gave me the grand tour of the East Coast’s oldest city. It had been more than a decade since I last saw my friend, so the time I spent in New England was a chance for us to catch up. We reminisced the good old days on frozen lakes, at an English pub called John Harvard’s (guess where that is), around Boston’s historic suburbs, and at Union Oyster Hall, reputedly America’s oldest restaurant.

It was too bad I could only spend three days with my old buddy, but I had to go back to Washington for my flight to the West Coast. I took the Amtrak for an 8-hour trip back to the capital, and then a 7-hour flight to the city I fell in love with the moment I got there: San Francisco. (It was a connecting flight via Atlanta, GA, so I might say I’ve been to 10 states… but then I didn’t really get to see anything except the airport.)

The San Francisco leg was actually part of my official business in the States. Still, I had lots of time on my own, and I put it to good use. Walking around downtown SFO was an exhilarating experience, what with the variety of places to see, interesting people to chat with, and the sights, sounds and scents to take in!

I had a hilarious experience when I was at Pier 39. I was ambling around Fisherman’s Wharf, holding a humongous hotdog I had just bought from a sidewalk vendor. Suddenly, a huge pelican swoops down and snaps resoundingly at my hotdog-holding hand!! I can still remember the awful sound that big bill made — he could very well have severed my fingers! I was still in shock when I heard a group of people laughing behind me. I turned around and proudly showed them my mustard-covered snack, cut in half by that sea bird, but still all mine. I walked away with the group clapping in glee.

If I were given the choice of city to live in the U.S. it would be San Francisco (in spite of the pesky pelicans). There’s something about its character that appeals to me, and it would be great if I could discover it more meaningfully someday.

And finally, I traveled to Los Angeles on 5 February for the remainder of my journey. I flew Virgin America, which is a cool airline, if you ask me — the ground personnel as well as the in-flight people were casual and friendly, and yet very professional in their service.

Even though I went to only one state in the West Coast, I did go to quite a number of cities in California: San Francisco, Berkeley, L.A., Burbank, Glendale, Castaic, Venice Beach, etc., not to mention Silicon Valley.

The city of Castaic is not very well known (even among Americans, I found out). It’s in Santa Clarita Valley, the northernmost part of L.A. County, and it’s where my aunt and her husband live. My mom’s sister and I hadn’t seen in each other in many years, so she moved heaven and earth to get me to Los Angeles for the last couple of weeks of my stay in the States. I got to like it in Castaic… although it was rather too bucolic for my city-boy tastes. So off I went traipsing around L.A. with more friends, although I did do my best to spend time with my aunt and her lovable dogs.

My Filipino friends brought me all over the place: Universal Studios, West Hollywood, downtown L.A., Griffith Observatory, etc. Three new friends, one of whom is a regular reader of my blogs, gave me an awesome tour of the studios of The Family Guy and The Simpsons. And I got a Simpsons action figure to boot, signed by the two Filipinos, who’re über-talented artists!

This was my first time in the States, and for this opportunity I’m very grateful to the State Department (especially to Sarah L., Christopher S., Ryan M.), the U.S. Embassy in Manila (particularly to Rebecca T., Richard N., Yoly dG.), and the Institute of International Education (especially to Perrine L. and her colleagues). I certainly hope a similar opportunity will come my way again in the not-too-distant future.

My love and gratitude to my friends, Kuya Dong & Mary Ann, Ram & Martin, Bob & Lani, Lem & Rai, Ian, Grace (who put me up in NYC), Jhoanna, Ricky & Riza, Manny, Corky (who gave me an impromptu tour of SFO); to my cousins, Ate Elaine and Jenny (who welcomed me in Michigan), Paolo, Karl; and to my dear Tita Baby & Tito Alex. Thanks to all of you, I had an extraordinary and memorable month-long stay in America!

This Davao-born visual artist frequently stepped upstage during his college years for consistently winning painting competitions. His stuttering childlike speech, incompatible with his towering 6-foot height, sometimes made people laugh. Today, Bienvenido Banez, Jr., towers all the more for achievements uncommon among Filipino artists.

Diagnosed with mild learning disability during childhood, Ben’s focus of attention has always been his art. Rightly so. In 2002, he won first place in the Asian Fellowship Painting Competition of the prestigious Vermont Studio Center, launched from Vermont, USA. Last year, in New York City, where he based himself after his Vermont fellowship, he was the only Filipino among the more than seventy international, surreal visual artists featured in the grandest-ever birth anniversary celebration of John Milton and what is considered as the greatest English poem, his Paradise Lost.

Earlier, in 2004, the president and executive director of Williamsburg Art & Historical Center in Brooklyn, while viewing Ben’s painting, commented to a fashion photographer that Banez is the “greatest living surrealist from the Philippines.” This comment from contemporary Surrealism’s prime mover, Terrance Lindall, himself the organizer of Milton’s biggest birthday bash, may have been trivially said. But today it is substantiated by yet another achievement in Banez’s career: his name, profile, and sample work are recently published in a German edition of “The International Encyclopedia of Fantastic, Surrealist, Symbolist, & Visionary Artists” or Lexikon Surreal for short. Thus, Bienvenido Bones Banez, again the only Filipino in the inventory, now appears along with Surrealism greats such as Salvador Dal&iaccute;, Ernst Fuchs, Keith Wigdor, and Jon Beinart, to name a few, in the same book.

666 Screaming by Ben Banez

In page 35 of Lexikon Surreal, Banez’s work, “666 Screaming,” appears in full color; while in page 44, his profile is printed in German. Translated into English, it reads:

BANEZ JR. BIENVENIDO BONES

(Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines, 1962- &nbsp Filipino visionary, male, lives and works in the USA. Studied in the Ford Academy of the Arts in Davao City, Island of Mindanao; associate professor in the Philippine Women’s College-Davao. 2002 winner in the Asian Fellowship Painting Competition of the Vermont Studio Center, Vermont, USA., and has lived since in the USA.

If greatness also means winning an international art fellowship, the admiration of a globally-distinguished art organizer, and being genus among a roster of historical figures and international achievers, then, this Mindanaoan artist has at least cut himself a slice of the surreal pie.

Banez’s art is an expression of fundamental belief in Evil having gained dominion over the Earth. Injustice, inequity, conflicts, wars, environmental destruction, human suffering–for him all these are manifestations of Satan’s rule–a perception ancient as the Judaeo-Christian doomsday prophets and feasted upon by the human mind ancient to modern.

What makes Banez a paradox among surrealists is his depiction of hellish conditions not as murky depths, but psychedelic sceneries where spectra of colors enthrall the viewer to a fantastic world only he could conceive. Figures–human, geometric or biomorphic curiosities–lose tactility and become translucent images and luminosities swirling, shimmering, or disintegrating in a world bereft of gravity.

Marvelous colors, resembling those of jewelry and precious stones, at closer look turn out to be cellular infections, acid-chemical concentrates, or spreading volcanic lava, eating up human figures, corrupting techno systems, and contaminating the cosmos–the artist’s vision perhaps of bio-chemical warfare and natural catastrophe combined to destroy the Establishment. Neonlike brushstrokes snake through his canvases–flowing traffic that at certain points entangle on some physical perversion and gets jammed on a plexus of human agony nestled on infernal flame.

Esthetically mesmerizing the colors are in a Banez canvas, the perverted figures and miserable faces of humankind are as morbid and offensive to good taste. Apparently, the artist schemes to capture the viewer with wonder; then, in succeeding moments, pounces on his cognitive faculties with horrors of the wages of sin. This rare Banez visual irony fits well with Surrealism as originally defined by spokesperson Andre Breton: Beauty must be convulsive. In this context, Banez earned his ticket to the theater of the absurd where Hieronymus Bosch and company once sat and dreamed.

It is notable that Banez, despite his psychedelic colors, is not and was never a drug abuser. His recent works indicate he has evolved from common representational surrealism into unique abstract surrealism as his figures and images lose physical and material volume, reduced to their astral constituency–something that only the very rare eye of contemplation could see. It is said only 2% of the world’s total population could see with contemplation’s eye.

His abstraction of surrealism is a direction not commonly trodden by surrealists down history. This is the future that Banez should look forward to, to discover new horizons where he as Man is created not to languish in murky infernal depths, but to fulfill his vivid godly inheritance. It does not set him apart from his fellow Filipinos but pulls them up as artists universal as any other race.

Lexikon Surreal is authored by Gerhard Habarta. Measuring 9 x 6.75 inches, it is printed hardcover, with ribbon. It contains 1,122 artist biographies from 69 countries in 464 pages, with 950 black-and-white and 458 color reproductions.

From rowing a banca in a river during his teen years to bringing his own children to their first beach outing, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Felix Mari Hotchkiss Durano shares why idyllic Carrascal in Surigao del Sur is still home to him in the latest issue of m (Life and Living in Mindanao) magazine. Durano, champion of Philippine tourism, reveals the many unforgettable summers he spent in his maternal hometown as well as his plans for tourism development in Mindanao.

Also in m‘s sixth issue, learn about the sumptuous paella recipe of Dabawenyo chef Juan Guino-o Gaddi; the purposeful journey of Eric John Madela in helping rebuild lives in many Mindanao communities; the stylish creations of Cagay’anon designers Roel Rosal and Melvin Lachica in the recent Philippine Fashion Week; Mindanao’s bustling rubber industry and Zamboanga’s Ecozone and Freeport Authority; and, the passions of visual and performing artists Rosalie Zerrudo and Jun Cayas.

Itching to travel? Flip through the pages of m and unravel the treasures of ancient Maitum, the vibrant nightscape of Iligan, the festive and religious rituals of Kinabayo Festival, and the vibrant blend of the north and south in Binuyugan Festival. Get your backpacks ready and join m in rediscovering the island’s amazing destinations — Dapitan, Mati, Sohoton Cove, and the islands of Surigao.

As this issue’s special fashion feature, m highlights six exemplary young men — Mindanao’s up-and-coming movers and shakers, plus many more fascinating stories on the places, people, flavors and colors of Mindanao as m celebrates its splendor, beauty and diversity.

m, Mindanao’s first-ever glossy travel and lifestyle publication, is now available in National Bookstore, Babasahin, Fully Booked, Power Books, Forewords, Christian Ventures, hotels, resorts and airport lounges and other leading bookstores and magazine stands nationwide. Grab a copy now!

And they were serious about the nationalistic campaign. They sent the flip-flops along with truly Filipino icons: a miniature jeepney replica, a bag of dried mangoes, and a packet of Choc•Nuts!! Seeing the Choc•Nuts brought to mind images of my much younger days… Suddenly, comfortable tsinelas and those pseudo-chocolate goodies do make a nostalgic match.

“Emblazoned with renditions of Filipino pride, the Limited Edition Havaianas Filipinas Collection features the style Havaianas Filipinas Plain, which showcases a stylized pin of Philippine colors and the style Havaianas Filipinas Print, which features the ever-enduring symbol of Filipino culture, art and lifestyle, the Jeepney, rendered in edgy silver, with either black or metallic silver straps.”

Which is what I got, the pair with the silver straps, studded with the colors of the Philippine flag.

The Limited Edition Havaianas Filipinas Collection–specially designed and produced for the Philippines–arrived in stores on the 12th of June, in celebration of Independence Day. In Davao City, havaianas® flip-flops are available in SM City, Chimes, and other specialty stores.

What I enjoy about wearing havaianas®, it gives you a pretty valid — and sometimes fashionable — excuse to wear slippers outside. And in my line of work, where I’m not expected to come in formal attire too often, I can really get away with wearing casual footwear to a meeting with clients, or when I work at any of my favorite cafés.

Thanks to Havaianas Philippines for my ‘proudly Filipino’ flip-flops! And thanks to my friend, Marga, for getting me in the exclusive list of recipients of the Havaianas Filipinas Collection!

Speaking of matters nationalistic, today is the 118th birth anniversary of our national hero, Dr. José Rizal.

Here are some action photos, courtesy of my good friend, Iris Lahora.

I celebrated the coming of 2009 A.D. and spent the last hours of the year 2008 with good friends & family at Eden Nature Park in the south of Davao City. It was my first time to spend New Year’s Eve at this mountain resort that I love so much — a big Thank you! to my friends at Eden for making this New Year’s celebration a wonderful one!

Each year — and this has been going on for almost a decade now — Eden Nature Park hosts a New Year’s bash that everyone talks about. It’s an event for the whole family, with entertainment and shows for all ages. This year, the Park put on magic shows, a Narnia wardrobe (playroom) for the kids, face-painting, henna tattooing, even fortune-telling.

The bands did a swell job of entertaining the oldies with 70s music during the early part of the evening, then moved on to more recognizable tunes for the younger set. There was also a percussion band (Katribo) that played music that really livened up the whole place. And the fire dancing show was spectacular!

Welcoming the new year with good food, good company, the gaiety and conviviality of the people around was truly exhilarating. I had anticipated a rather somber year-ender because my parents spent the holidays out of town and this was the first time that my clan would celebrate without our beloved grandmother (who had passed on last March). But some of my relatives were there at Eden, as well as friends, so the celebration turned out to be quite festive.

The food helped, of course! Eden has long been known for their sumptuous buffet spread, and it was no different during the New Year’s party. I especially relished the seafood dishes and the salads, as well as the roasted calf that made my mouth water.

Next year, I hope I can go back and celebrate with more friends and more family members again at Eden Nature Park. This time, I’d like to stay overnight. We were supposed to this time, but we decided to go and continue the partying in downtown Davao.

This 2009, I look forward to more events in Davao and beyond, both blogging-related and otherwise. Watch out for what my team and I will come up with this year!

Film actress, TV host, product endorser, fashion model and mother Angel Aquino shares her life, her passions and her unforgettable return to Mindanao in the latest issue of m. (Life and Living in Mindanao). A CineMalaya Film Festival Best Actress awardee, Aquino was once referred to as the “Ingrid Bergman of Asia” by a renowned Japanese filmmaker for her versatility in her craft.

In its third release, m. goes west of the island to rediscover the Philippines’ Latin City, Zamboanga, and uncovers its irresistible attractions and nocturnal haunts. For the adventurous, m. treks to Mindanao’s offbeat destinations, drifts into to the tranquil waters of Lake Sebu to celebrate its Helubong Festival, and takes a culinary excursion to uncover Mindanao’s leading chains of restaurants.

As homage to extraordinary Mindanawons, m. celebrates the artistry of fashion designer Garimon Roferos who triumphed in the Concours International des Jeunes Créateurs de Mode in Paris; reminisces the life-changing expedition of Mount Everest conqueror Pastor Emata; traces the journey of peace of the all-women theatre ensemble Mebuyan Peace Project; and highlights the man behind the top designs of Cagayan de Oro’s contemporary abodes.

In this issue, m. also takes a peek into Mindanao’s thriving film industry; Zamboanga Peninsula’s thriving seaweeds trade; Davao City’s flourishing BPO industry; and the distinctive designs of local fashion designers inspired by the island’s famous icons and destinations.

Read, get inspired and learn as m. reveals an exciting, bustling and peaceful picture of modern Mindanao. m. is now available at National Bookstore, Fully Booked, PowerBooks, Forewords, Christian Ventures, hotels, resorts, cafés, spas, airport lounges and leading bookstores and magazine outlets nationwide.

(This press release was sent in by Ian Garcia, who is part of the magazine’s editorial board. Check out an earlier post I published about m.)

My new favorite cheap, hassle-free fast food joint is now Tapa King. There’s one on Burgos St., which is near my buddy’s condo where I stayed. I had brunch there more than a couple of time, and my choice order: the Tapa Queen, because it’s spicy. They may even be better than Rufo’s… but then again, I’ve never eaten at Rufo’s except after a night of drinking, so it wouldn’t be fair to compare.

For pizza, what I always look forward to in my trips to Manila is Brooklyn Pizza. I never fail to order Porko, but I’ve discovered that I also like their White Pizza, which has 4 different cheeses in it. I’m salivating right now as I write this! I wish it was Brooklyn Pizza that opened here in Davao, and not Yellow Cab…

Another place that makes me drool just thinking about their food is Cyma. I absolutely love Mediterranean cuisine, and Cyma is one of the best. Their beef and lamb steaks are to die for! And the prices aren’t steep either, considering. There’s this watermelon salad with feta cheese and lamb chops that my friends introduced to me there (too bad I can’t remember the name of the dish). If you haven’t had that yet, ask for it next time you’re at Cyma — I recommend it vigorously!

Speaking of Mediterranean, one of my first stops during this last trip was Ziggurat, also on Burgos. I hadn’t been back there in years, so it was a long-overdue experience for me. I’m happy to report that their food is still top-notch. Spicy foods make me crazy!! And curry makes me absolutely certifiable.

One other place that I revisited was Fiesta San Miguel in Dusit Thani. It had been more than a decade since the last time I’d been there. It was a delight to find that they still have their micro-brewery. Some friends brought me there after a hearty dinner at the Shangri-la Hotel in Makati. Fiesta San Miguel’s home brews (especially the draft variety) were a perfect night cap to a splendid meal, which was hosted by Google for the launching of MapMaker.

Two new places for me: The Soup Kitchen (or is it just "The Kitchen"?) and Paul Calvin’s Deli. The first, in Greenbelt, was a very interesting experience: good Filipino food and a very relaxed atmosphere. I’ll definitely go back there on my next trip.

Paul Calvin’s Deli had a taste-testing of their new buffet breakfast offering, so they invited a group of bloggers last 5 October. I must say, it was pretty good! It was an abundant spread of 5 or 6 dishes, with various kinds of breads and pastries. Plus, I really loved the fact that they also serve taho.

Looking at the buffet spread, you get a feeling that you’re in a hotel. That’s probably because the chef (Calvin) used to work for a 5-star hotel. One of the owners, Jay Em, said that they plan to offer their breakfast buffet thrice a week (MWF). Paul Calvin’s Deli is at the ground floor of the Forbes Town Center on Rizal Drive, Fort Bonifacio. (By the way, they have free wifi there.)

As much as there are delicious food offerings in Davao, I miss the restaurants of Metro Manila. There simply is a lot to choose from over there — a week’s stay in barely enough to sample even a small percentage of the capital’s gastronomic delights. If nothing else — and despite the traffic and pollution — it’s the food that makes my trips to Manila worthwhile.

Other restaurants I got to like: RedBox in Greenbelt 3, and Shawarma Snack Center in Malate (Sales St. I think). Of course, my favorite coffee shop is still the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

A Manila-based foodie blog that I recommend is Manila Foodistas. Do check it out.