Something Old, Something New in Davao

I always feel giddy when I get the chance to be given field work assignment in Davao, for meetings and trainings.  There's always a good chance that I'll be able to say hello to my family, reconnect with some old friends and enjoy the new food haunts in the city. 

Of course, it swells the heart of a Dabawenya to see her city that's clean, smoke-free and safe. 

Motorists always leave the pedestrian lane unoccupied. Unlike in Manila.

Its streets is still relatively sparse. Just like this one in front of ADDU College campus.

 

Tree-lined Roxas Boulevard

Before Starbucks came into the consciousness of Dabawenyos, we already have our own designer brew -- the Bluegre Coffee. It specializes in durian-based brew, hot or cold.

I remember this shop having the coolest interior when it opened in 1998 in Gaisano Mall Davao. The store design interspersed coffee beans and Bluegre Jeans, shirts and other merchandise all throughout the store. It had ambient lights and the furniture and wood paneling were made of beech wood. It was the height of my barely-out-of-college social climbing--scrimping on my allowance so I can afford a cup of coffee, sit inside and people watch.

The BluGre Cafe in Matina Town Square

Today, whenever I have guests I make it a point to bring them there. The durian-based coffee concoctions are a subtle way to introduce the acquired taste of durian to a non-eater. 

On this visit, my old friend and namesake and I came here to reminisce and reconnect. We're both transplanted, I in Manila and she is living an expatriate's life in Japan. It was just rad that we were both home at the same time, staying for a few days.

The few times that I get to go home, there's always something that catches my attention. Like this cab. I learned that there's a new fleet of pastel colored taxis. There's also the blue and black fleets outfitted with GPS from an established taxi operator.

Cheeky name, eh?

While in the city, I made sure to eat at one of my fave restaurants, Tiny Kitchen. I wrote about it two years ago when it was literally a tiny kitchen. Click here to read.

My friends and I raved about its dessert and paella. Today, I discovered something new. 

Frozen mango cake. Heard the frozen chocolate cake is much, much better.

Another night, I dragged along a colleague to this fairly new restaurant in town called, The White House. This house used to take my breath away when I pass by the flyover. Back when there were fewer developments in the city, it had an unobstructed 180 degree view. I used to wonder if someone lives there. In later years, I was betting for it to be converted into a quaint B&B.

Serves Asian fusion. Has open kitchen. Nice view of the good looking chefs inside :-)

Fancy cheese cake

Fancy, fancy place.

Will come back this Christmas and sample more of its fusion cuisine. And maybe enjoy a bottle of wine.

On my last night in the city, I was tired and suffering from colds so I had the ever reliable room service of Marco Polo. 

Pork Adobo.

The Marco Polo Hotel's driveway entrance.

It was a short and sweet stay in my favorite city and a much shorter visit with the family in my hometown where I met for the first time, a new member of our family, my youngest nephew who is barely three months old. He's quiet as a mouse and smiles a lot. What a happy baby. 

Will be back soon, Davao.

XX

Sheng

The price of being smoke-free

Ten years ago, Davao City implemented its No Smoking Campaign in all public places and business establishments. 

I remember that it drew so much opposition. So many negative reactions. Others even blatantly defied the city ordinance by smoking right beside/under the No Smoking sign or where there is police presence in the area. 

To show political will, those who were caught were fined heavily and the ones who were prominent citizens were made an example by throwing them in jail, with TV/News coverage, in tow. Fine ranges from P500 to P10,000. Steep for a one-peso stick of a 1-minute lung-busting, cancer-causing puffing of cigarette. *huff huff* 


I think the city and its leaders were really pushed and shoved. But the political will was strong; the socio-civic groups were relentless in information dissemination of the ordinance and the health hazards smoking poses. 


The campaign is so well-integrated into the business and social agenda of the city that anywhere and everywhere, one is reminded to smoke only at designated areas. Even in open spaces, one cannot just light a cigarette unless there is a sign that says it's legally okay. Unlike the country's capital, Manila, the people or smokers take it as their right to smoke even when there are kids around. 

In Davao, al fresco establishments and bars have an enclosed smoking room. This allows the other patrons to enjoy the air sans the deadly carcinogens. 
And it's a great reminder, too that signs like this are ever present in Davao establishments. 

Just one of the numerous signs inside the hotel's premises.

The smoking ban in Davao is even part of the spiel of cabin crews upon touchdown on its airport. Really, no one can claim ignorance.

So, it is but fitting that after 10 years, the city earns a well-deserved pat on the back. In a decade, it has influenced the nearby provinces and cities to actively campaign against unregulated smoking. This influence has even extended to neighboring ASEAN countries. They use the Davao platform in drafting their own campaign. 

I think that the regulation instill discipline on the residents. It doesn't strip the tobacco companies of their right to profit. It merely put in place the proper way of enjoying the people's freedom, in this case to smoke, without sacrificing the welfare of the city and its non-smoker residents. 

Given this organic and well-rooted policy, Davao is poised to take center stage, economically and socially. 

One day, its influence will extend to grass-roots levels in barangays, urban or rural. I hope that I get to see the day that my siblings will consciously choose or even build a smoking room in our property so the children and the non-smokers in our home, will get to enjoy fresh air. 

Even after inroads in huge developments in commerce and tourism, I envision that Davao will still have blue skies like this, a decade or more, from today. 

smog-free sky, any given day.

Congratulations, Davao! To former Mayor Rudy Duterte, Sir, hats off to you. A lot of things are said about you. But one thing for certain, Davao has become a better and cleaner place because of you. 

To you, my friend, if you're curious to see more of the Philippines, you may want to give Davao a chance. I assure you, it's the safest place in the country. And it has more to offer, more than the usual.

Down South

I feel nostalgic whenever I am back home. Or to be more apt in the city, I claim as mine. Truthfully, though I was never a city girl. I grew up in the most laid-back province, right in the heart of a banana plantation. Nothing could be as provincial as the life we lived in our hometown. 

But I studied in the city. So, I have grown an affinity to this southern belle. Back in the old days, we only had jeepneys and minicabs plying the wide roads. Now that progress has crept in, the roads seem narrower. And there are air-conditioned taxicabs roaming the city, nowadays. A far cry from the old days.

We used to hangout in Victoria Plaza. It was then the coolest place to meet. There was no mobile phone then, so we'd meet across McDonald's inside this mall. We'd wait for hours and hours when one of our friends decide to be very (un-)fashionably late. Today, the mall has become home of bargain items from China. It has lost its glamour. But the memory still lingers.

Friday nights are gimmick nights. We'd all converge at Zed Pizza to enjoy acoustic music, popcorn and the best tasting iced tea, ever. I don't know if it's still true these days. Our taste buds must have become more sophisticated. But this local pizza joint is still standing, after so many decades. It must have retained its magic to cash-strapped college students and young professionals who want a good time that doesn't a burn a hole in the pocket.

It's been over a decade that I have not claimed a residency status in Davao. But every so often, I get to visit my city. Aside from the usual Christmas Holidays, work takes me back here on business trips, frequently. 

So, I count myself lucky that I get to see the city's progress. I feel giddy when I see a new building rising in the very sparse horizon of the city. It's because I know that it means more job opportunities for my kababayans. 

And as much as possible, I shop when am here. It helps (hopefully) turn the wheels of the economy. I dine local, I buy local. 

Am a big coffee drinker. For a long time, I'd go out of my way to go to a local coffee joint. I'd drink durian coffee even if what I'd really love to enjoy is a cup of espresso. 

Things changed though when Abreeza, an Ayala Mall opened its doors to the Davao locals. It brought with it Manila-based shops and restaurants. And other international franchises. 

Inasmuch as I'd want a Blue Gre experience, I need my Starbucks fix. I think this is one of those few "vices" I have that's almost a non-negotiable. I go out of my way to sip my cuppa here and read a few chapters as I while away the time. Or just like tonight, write a blog while having a lovely chat with a friend. 

Times have changed. And it's a nice thing going. One thing that's welcome though is a respite from the noise of Manila. Because no matter how developments have sprouted in its landscape, the city will always retain it's laid-back vibe. 

XX

Sheng

Tiny Kitchen

Welcome to the Tiny Kitchen! Literally, it's tiny. But mind you, it's packed with food goodness! 

We were in Davao for a week-long business trip and we were so looking forward to the food treats. We missed the fruit festival, though. Nevertheless, it was a gastronomic experience. While still in Manila, Davao friends had made us promise to visit, Tiny Kitchen. The Sunday we arrived, we head straight to it. Only to find out that it's closed every Sunday.

Monday night, we came by again but we were a li'l late. It closes at 9pm! Sigh. We keep on missing this place... might not be meant for us. Persevering foodies that we are, we persisted. Saturday night, we made sure we got in as early as 7pm. 

Lo and behold, the place is really very tiny. It's about 18 square meters only, I think. But it's packed to the hilt. Evidence is the packed menu scribbled on a blackboard hung on the wall behind the pasty counter. 

And so the adventure began. We can't decide which food to order. Everything seemed too good to pass up. After quite a group huddle, we decided on these:

Paella Valencia. Can feed at least 3 people. Price? P410. Not bad, eh?

Pasta Verdura (P185) for the vegans. 

 

 

 

 

Of course, a meal isn't complete without the requisite dessert. Especially for those with sweet tooth like me and my friends. 

To die for, red velvet cake. About P85/slice. 

 

 

 

I think this is called, major major cake. Yes, major chocolate goodness.

And they live happily, ever after. 

A little fuzzy shot of us ladies who dine :-)

We slept a little better that night. And we dreamt of the scrumptious food we enjoyed, a little too much. And that red velvet cake, we want to go back to the next time we're back.

When in Davao, do check out the Tiny Kitchen. It's at the far end of the Torres Street's Restaurant Row.

Go visit. It's one meal, you'd like to re-live over and over again.

Revisiting Davao

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to” ~ John Ed Pearce

When I was younger, I was in a hurry to leave my home, my town, my city. I couldn't wait to get out. Someone once told me when I was a young kid that I would go places. I didn't realize then that it would happen, literally. 

My work assignments have allowed me to reach distant provinces, well-hidden towns and little heard of barrios. And so I revel in the thought that I am able to expand my horizon and get to know the places that I might choose to settle into. 

Yet, oftentimes, I catch myself pining for home. And I have become an ambassador of sorts to friends and acquaintances who think of Davao as an exotic destination. The pull to explore it is great but they're just afraid that they might not be back alive. So, I made it my personal mission to introduce them to the city of my birth. How else? But through a personal experience of the sights, sounds and taste that are distinctly Dabawenyo. 

Recently, I toured some local and foreign friends... albeit, on a very limited time. (I was on official visit.) See what awaits you in Davao, click here.

Welcome to Davao!

One of the places that you can easily access even at night are really worth seeing.

Jack's Ridge 

Its beautiful amphitheater.

And I believe Davao did not disappoint them. Just look at their happy faces.

Can't resist the little lumad sculptures. 

a view of the city at night

Hello Eden!

A beautiful spot in Eden Resort.

 

Samal Island. A mere 15-minute boat ride from the city.

The patio that leads to a modest-size pool. 

the steps that lead to the casitas on the upper level.

On a nearby resort, Paradise Island, you can even enjoy a relaxing massage by the shore. Beautiful massage huts are lined up. And this side of the resort's beach area is exclusively dedicated as its massage area.

Your view while enjoying a relaxing therapy.

Flying to Davao is the easiest route to take to get to this southern city of Mindanao. There are several airlines to choose from such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and even Zest Air. With the advent of many players in the aviation industry, fare has become cheaper than it used to. Now, you can get a round-trip ticket for a fraction of the fare in yesteryears. 

Accommodation likewise is easy. There are small hotels to cater to budget travelers, business hotels for executives and resorts for families on vacation. One of the most notable hotel in Davao is the Marco Polo. Rates are affordable and the location is very convenient. 

The Marco Polo Davao Hotel. To know more, click here.

  















Madayaw Dabaw!

Growing up in the Banana Republic

I grew up in the barrio, right smack in the middle of a banana plantation. Who I am today is largely influenced by my upbringing in the banana republic.

My home town is hours away from the big city. Back then, my concept of the big city is the seemingly endless plains of Davao. But because of my love for the written word, my world expanded beyond the rural confines of my small barrio.

I dreamt of one day stepping, living and breathing the air and life of my city. I aspired the nonchalance of downtown dwelling. I craved for a niche in my laidback city.

One day, another opportunity knocked on my door. Off I flew to the queen city of the south. I was thrilled! That was my first of countless plane rides.

A few years later, I took a chance to be lost in metropolitan Manila. The sights, sounds and smog are the soundtrack and backdrop of my existence. I discovered the joy and sadness of being, on my own… in the big city.

It is a life full of promise, opportunities and friendships. It widened my horizon and added dimension to my being. It has afforded me a view to the other side of the world. Here, I discovered culture, travel, and nature. And how it intersperse with my roots, in the barrio.

And so I write about my thoughts as a barrio girl living in the city.