Ang Dabawenyo

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 more »

My previous post of a few minutes ago notwithstanding, I’d like to greet all those who are still in awe of the allure of puppy love: HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

The best expression of LOVE that I’ve seen this year is written atop Marley’s place, and it reads:

When the power of love
overcomes the love of power
the world will know peace

My partner in crime Ian and I went out for a midnight snack right on the eve of Valentine’s Day. This is typical of people who think of Valentine’s dates as rather cheesy. But the truth is, seeing as we’re both single, we just had to make sure to get a night-out in before Valentine’s set in for real.

As usual, there were many people out and about. I’d come from Basti’s and met up with Ian at Bo’s Coffee, which is typically occupied by spring chickens, or the young and the restless. Good thing Ian had a sudden craving for breaded whatever, so blew that joint and headed to The Venue (there was a time when Davaoeño entertainment place owners had a penchant for generic names). Read more »

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.

It’s a few short weeks running up to that occasion people have mixed feelings for. Valentine’s Day. There are those who get really excited about 14 Feb. And there are some who actually dread the day. A whole spectrum of emotions over one out of 365 days.

Everyone knows that Christmas and New Year’s in Davao are a totally different experience due to the absence of fireworks. But what about Valentine’s? What do Davaoeños do on this day of hearts? Is there something special that we do that other people don’t do in Metro Manila or Iloilo or Zamboanga? Maybe not. But why don’t we take a look at some places that could set you apart from other "daters" out there?

Imagine the sea. And moonlight. Too cheesy for you? Ok, imagine not having to shell out hundreds of bucks for this Valentine’s date? There are quite a few deserted beaches out there, offering a truly romantic setting for that special day. But moving on, where could be the best date place for Valentine’s this year?

What about presents? Is that special person not going to be with you on the 14th? Send a Valentine’s Day gift and make him/her feel like you mean it. Try this for starters.