Ang Dabawenyo

Last night found some of us tech-heads at a new coffee shop called Bruegger’s Café (yes, they will also have free wifi in the very near future). It’s in the Wheels n’ More Drive compound, beside another new establishment, called Hpnotiq, an interestingly-designed bar.

Can’t say much about the name of this hotspot, but Wheels n’ More Drive is an exhilarating night spot during weekends. Being there on a Friday or Saturday heats up your blood, is what I mean. That’s because it’s jampacked with young people — not quite yuppy yet, still somewhat wet behind the ears, but definitely partying.

This was my first time to be in that area on a weekday for a lo-o-ong time, and I must say, it’s not bad at all. Weekends it’s overflowing with our younger cousins (dare I say, nephews…? noooooo!!). But on weekdays, apparently, the place is quite relaxing and frequented by after-office types.

Bruegger’s coffee is, well, not bad. But honestly, we went there for ‘washing’, or the night’s last couple of beers. That’s the way we Davaoeño IT types wind down… before winding up again for the weekend!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done — planned or spontaneous — on a Valentine’s date? Or the most memorable? And why was it unforgettable? Or, as many of the menfolk might profess, do you have a proven and tested formula for successful dates that made her say, "Oh ye-he-ss"?

Married already? So what did your hubby do to win you over? Was it on Valentine’s Day? Just how romantic was it for you? Don’t be shy…

Guess what, people? There’s actually a contest where you can share your Valentine’s story, and announce to the whole wired world just how magical your own best experience was. This contest is for lovers — for them gals who just lo-o-ove those sweet little red hearts, and them guys who put up with it just to please the womenfolk. Kidding! Really, we can be excused for being mushy at least once every 365 days, can’t we?

On second thought, it might not even be mushy for the guys. Coz guys have to exert monumental effort to make the whole 14-Feb date seem effortless… and mushy for the girls. Correct, boys? Well, I’m not really talking from experience — the last time I ever gave flowers to a girl on Valentine’s was wa-a-ay back in Grade 3. As my pop would jokingly say, Imagine to that!? Well, anyway, it’s all worked out for me in the end.

So boys & girls: this contest ain’t about the mullah. It’s all about bragging rights, dudes & dudettes! It’s all about, Hey I got da thang!

But seriously, I think this is a unique contest that’s perfect for lovers who love to blog. Lovers who love the online space so much that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences to the blogosphere and beyond.

When I asked a Japanese tourist to describe Davao in one word, without hesitation she answered, "nonbiri". Relaxed. She was describing the general atmosphere, the pace of life, the way she feels whenever she’s in town. Many more visitors to our city feel this way. No surprise then that a coffee-shop culture has emerged here.

At my last count, there are now no fewer than 25 coffee shops in Davao’s urbanized district. For someone who’s been passionate about this heavenly brew, it certainly is a delight to witness the mushrooming of coffee houses just in the last few years. Compared to the present, my coffee moments at dear old Café Josefina in the mid-90s now seem so subdued, quiet. And there wasn’t much choice in the matter, either. Today, coffee lovers have a healthy number of choices — not only in the blends, but also in the character of the café that suits them. Here are a few of my haunts:

Basti’s Brew. The first word that popped in my head as I wrote this was ‘convivial’. Basti’s @ Victoria Plaza possesses an air of friendliness, and has such a great following that many can say that they’ve made friends with other patrons right there. While it wasn’t the very first honest-to-goodness coffee shop in Davao, it certainly was the one that pushed forward Davao’s coffee culture, in my opinion.

Blugré Café. This is most probably Davao’s pioneering coffee shop. Blugré was most likely the one that set the bar for all other shops to follow. While Basti’s has a relaxed atmosphere, Blugré has a decidedly business-like impression to it. Indeed, it’s a perfect venue for capping that deal, or for treating a client to a cappuccino break.

Bo’s Coffee Club (on F. Torres St.). Bo’s exudes a certain worldliness. It’s the one that’s probably closest to Starbucks in terms of appeal (well, it is a franchise itself). Most café goers might describe Bo’s to be exclusive, or in the local parlance, sosyal. So it might present itself as rather off-putting to the easily intimidated. The other Bo’s Coffee Club, the original franchise located in SM City, has a more affable charm.

51 Coffee Shop. They serve an exquisite Americano at 51 (pronounced five-one, by the way). They import their beans from Japan — thing is, Davaoeños might find the blends a little on the thin side. The owner runs the place like a typical Japanese coffee house, where you can expect the proverbial "Irasshaimase!" greeting. 51 Coffee Shop is huge, and is probably the most quiet of all.

Karl’s Koffee Korner. Now with 3 branches, Karl’s is the coffee shop that could possibly be known as a local franchise. However, its down-to-earth, gritty sort of appeal might not come across all too smoothly among coffee connoisseurs. But, it’s a comfortable place, especially the one in Buhangin.

The other coffee shops, like Copa Bossa, Formula Pete’s, Kasagingan, they all have their peculiar personalities as well. Some are easy to take; others take some getting used to. Some are instantly likeable; others, you have to let them grow on you. And all of this makes for an interesting café-hopping experience, don’t you think? Whatever your trip, I’m sure you’ll find that snug little café that fits you.