Ang Dabawenyo

Have you ever found yourself in a financial tight spot? Or do you find yourself in a quandary when you don’t know how to handle the various and endless financial requirements of living in this day and age? You really shouldn’t feel alone in this. It might be comforting to know that many are in such a situation. But it’s even more reassuring to know that there is help out there. ••• Read on »

Summer is nearly upon us. As the days start to lengthen, thoughts of beach getaways and mountain picnics become more frequent in our minds, don’t they? Thankfully, both activities are within reach if you’re in Davao.

The Davao bloggers are planning a Summer 2008 gimmick, and it’ll be open to all bloggers from all over. This event will be a resort tour, which will showcase the various beach resorts and other destinations on Samal Island. The island — officially known as the Island Garden City of Samal (or “IGACOS”) — is politically separate from Davao City, but is part of the larger Davao Region. Besides, the island is so accessible from Davao City that most Dabawenyos probably feel that it’s part of their domain. ••• Read on »

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away! Make it as romantic as it can be — that’s your job. And make it as gastronomically memorable for you and your date — that’s what Picobello Ristorante Italiano is here for. ••• Read on »

Davao City’s newest entertainment center, Damosa Gateway, has come into its own after only about a year in existence. It is being managed by one of the city’s most established property developers, Damosa Land, which also put up Davao’s first information technology business center beside the Gateway. ••• Read on »

I’ve been getting the same inquiry from different people lately: Where is the best burger in Davao being served?

Well, in terms of flavor and value for money, my personal favorite is still Space Burger, although the taste isn’t quite like it used to be. And I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but their patties seem to be rather smaller now… Still, it’s grilled, and they have a number of outlets around town (one of of which is near where I live in Matina). ••• Read on »

Last May 2007 I wrote about Talecraft, an amazing new kind of card game that was invented by my cousin, Ria Lu, who’s unfortunately based in Manila. But she’s in town now and has officially brought the game to Davao!

On 12 January 2008, there will be a Talecraft Competition at Spazzio, 3/F Gaisano Mall of Davao. This is open to all ages, as long as you have an imagination. You see, Talecraft is a tool for creating wonderful and wonderous stories. To know more about the game, visit its website: talecraft.komikasi.com.

It’s almost game time, so do register as soon as possible!

I’m going to be one of the judges, so I’ll see you there.

Had a wonderful night-out with a close friend of mine last night. Pam’s been in Cagayan de Oro all these years, so we rarely see each other anymore. So we made sure to spend some quality time together yesterday.

We met up at my favorite coffee shop, Basti’s, then proceeded to Nezz74 Café for dinner. Someone had told me that the food there was good, so we checked it out. It’s a nice enough place… but the food’s nothing fantastic, sad to say. Pam had the lechon kawali, and it wasn’t really all that great. My sweet and sour fish fillet of malasugui was OK though. Their coffee? I’m sticking to Basti’s. ••• Read on »

I had a very satisfying dinner with three very good friends at a private restaurant last week. Couple Mandy and Maej invited Alex and me to My Brother’s Kitchen, owned and operated by Richie Ferazzini. It’s located in the Ferazzini compound in Bajada. However, it’s not really open to the public, and that’s why I’m not writing about it on Davao Delicious.

It’s a simple, open-air affair, run like a home kitchen would be. The Ferazzinis also own the long-standing Merco bakeshops and restaurants in Davao. But for this one (Richie says he’s thinking of changing the name), it’s for friends only.

Too bad, because their food is fantastic! We had steamed pompano, paella negra, smoked sashimi, cuttlefish on a hot plate, and even kilawing kambing. The pompano was simply awesome! And the paella negra (for those who don’t know, it’s paella cooked in squid ink) was so rich in ingredients and tasted so good.

Thanks, Maej and Mandy, for inviting me!

A Japanese client invited me and a friend to a Christmas party last night, at Zakoya. I’ve never been to Japan, but I think I have enough Japanese friends to know that last night was a very Japanese get-together. My friend, Alex of Global Wings Travel, remarked that the party-goers didn’t behave in the ‘usual Japanese manner.’

The Japanese character is commonly known to be reserved and disciplined — some even term it Vulcan-like (from Star Trek). At work, yes, they’re pretty much like that. But when they’re relaxing and having a good time, they can be the total opposite. ••• Read on »

The old PTA Grounds, which was recently renovated and given a major makeover, is now known as “People’s Park.” The winner of the name-the-park contest is Romeo Sardon, 75, of Matina. He won the P50,000 prize money for having his entry chosen to be the park’s name from now on. Sardon is a retired electrician and seaman. ••• Read on »