Pinoy tradition: the Christmas Parol

(photo credits)

We are the Land of Fiestas! I think - and probably all Dabawenyos would agree - that Christmas is the most celebrated of all holidays in the Philippines. To be honest, we might be even renowned in the world as a nation that loves to start this festive season as early as the "-ber" months hit the calendar. Then no one can escape the 'Last Christmas I gave you my heart', 'The Christmas song', 'Rudolph the red-nose reindeer' and 'All I want for Christmas' blasting out of the speakers and radios over and over again.

A vendor selling parols along the street (photo)

As early as then, I love seeing the vendors along McArthur Highway, Quimpo Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard and the side street of BSP Quirino, who are selling those beautiful Christmas lanterns as decoration. A Christmas without these illuminating the streets, buildings or bridges in the city of Davao, is not possible and unthinkable. It is a deep-embedded tradition which we love. What the Christmas tree is to the Westerns, is the Parol to us Filipinos.

Hundreds of white parols hung in the old acacia trees in Davao's Rizal Park.
(photo credits)

It is interesting to learn that these Christmas lanterns are also called "Parol" from the Spanish word "Farol". Farols evolved some time in 1928 from the five-pointed paper star lantern originally crafted by an artist known as Francisco Estanislao. 

A woman making a parol (photo credits).

Way back then, simple people used to build their parol with Japanese rice paper ("Papel de Hapon"), sticks taken from a bamboo tree and a candle that will be placed inside to light their paths during the Misa de Gallo (learn here how to make your own parol) The five-pointed stars originates from the bible when The Kings followed the Star to Bethlehem to find the Infant Jesus.

It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos' hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.

A parol made of capiz shells (photo)

Nowadays, Parols look very different and come in different shapes and sizes. But generally, modern crafters still stick to the traditional pattern of a five-pointed star. They use plastics, woods, ropes, cellophane and other materials that are available. 

A Sea of Lights: Mana Davao

The Mana Davao or Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas is one of the most anticipated, and a must-see spectacle in Davao City during the Yuletide season.

Bright colors, artistically crafted lights and glitters of the shop's facade draw thousands of Dabawenos and visitors alike to this spot in Lanang - even causing a traffic along the highway as people walking by, jeepney and taxi drivers and passengers  stop&look in awe at this enormous sea of dancing lights.

This year's theme went big displaying giant christmas trees with huge ornaments... Simply magical! Year after year, it is hard to believe how the event organizers can top this the next time.

Mana Casa de Artes y Antiguas opened in 1999 along J.P. Laurel, Bajada, and has a 3,850-square meter showroom of various arts, antiques and imported furniture mostly of hard wood sourced from Greece, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Korea, Pakistan, India, Indonesia as well as Turkey and some parts of Europe, as far as Central and South America aside Philippine artifacts.

Yes, this is real!

You can find it here:

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The tone sets the melody: Easy Commands in Bisaya!

photo credits

Here is a little collection of easy commands you may use during conversations. Here again, the tone sets the melody. If you say things the soft way, it sounds normal and inviting, while if you raise your voice and be firm in tone, it sounds insisting, angry or even taunting. So be watchful when using!


Come here!                    Dali diri!

Look! See!                     Tan-awa!

Listen!                            Paminaw!

Wait!                              Hulat!

Sit!                                 Lingkod!

Stand!                            Tindog! 

Stop!                              Para! (can be used for drivers)

Run!                              Dagan!

Be silent!                       Hilom! / Paghilom bhe!

Enough!                         Tama na! (f.ex. if somebody is giving you food)

Lets go!                          Tara na!

Sleep!                             Tulog na!

(the 'na' emphasizes the now-moment)

Last night in Davao City: JI Bomber shot and killed by SWAT

Policemen of the Davao City Police, shot and killed yesterday night (Friday, December 14) a suspected suicide bomber who is an alleged member of the extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The extremist's Filipina wife was arrested.

According to the media, Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, city police chief, said that they received initial information from a reliable source that an alleged JI member, known as the Malaysian Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar and his Filipina wife, a Sorsogon native and a “balik Islam” named Anabelle Nieva Lee, checked in at the Sampaguita Hotel at Room 204 at the corner of Camus street and Quirino street at 7 p.m evening.

Further in the reports, an improvised explosive device (IED) was said to be in their possession. Negotiations were undertaking between the police under Dela Rosa and the hotel management for the arrest of the two suspects who most probably planned an attack in the downtown area of Davao City.

At 10:30 p.m., Kahar checked our with his wife of the said hotel. A confrontation took place in the hotel lobby between members of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the couple. Fikrie's wife was wearing a black backpack containing the suspected improvised explosive device IED bomb.

With no sign of surrender to the authorities, Kahar raised a cellphone as the triggering device, saying: "If you arrest or shoot me, I have a bomb, I will explode it!" as quoted by the media.

This moment prompted everyone to clear the area and look for a safety spot, while the couple, embracing each other, walked out of the hotel. To ensure their safety from police, Fikrie continued to hold the cellphone threatening to detonate the bomb anytime.

According to Dela Rosa, SWAT snipers received orders to take down the suspects, but it was difficult to execute the orders "since the area was overcrowded with pedestrians and motorists"he said.

Kahar took the backpack from his wife and escaped towards People's Park. The chase ended in front of the Apo View Hotel where he was shot and killed by SWAT team. His wife, Lee, is presently detained in the city for further investigation.

A 60mm mortar round improvised explosive device was successfully diffused. Background of the attempted bombing are not yet released. “But probably the suspects were from outside Davao City and were just sent here to plant the bomb,” so dela Rosa.

The Little Davao Food Directory

Are you looking for good FILIPINO FOOD???

1. APUNG KULA , Anda-Rizal Streets, 222-7472,
2. ATE APRIL , Amgar Bldg, Ilustre Street, 304-0382
3. ATE LOLENGS, Tower Inn, Quirino Avenue, 221-1099
4. DENCIO’S KAMAYAN, SM Mall, NCCC Mall, Damosa
5. GARDEN OASES. Porras Street, Barrio Obrero, 224-1402
6. HARANA, F. Torres Street, 227-3937
7. IMPIT PUROK, Metro Complex, Torres St, 228-6181
8. JALTAN, City Hall Drive, Magallanes St, 305-6484
9. KUYA ED’S, Magallanes St., 224-2162
10. LORING’S, Km 2, McArthur Highway, 298-1752
11. McCASTILLO, Sobrecary St, Barrio Obrero, 302-4044
12. NANAY BEBENG, Mabini St near Torres, 222-3201
13. PINUTOS REPUBLIK, Prime Square, F. Torres St,
14. PAMPAGUENA, K7 Strip Bldg, Lanang, 234-4150
15. PROBINSYA. Victoria Plaza, Bajada, 225-1455
16. SAGAY CAFÉ, Casa Leticia Hotel, Camus St, 224-0501
17. SARUNG BANGGI, F. Torres St. 221-5615
18. SALU-SALU SA ULAS, McArthur Highway, Ulas, 296-1578
19. TITA ANNIE, Gaisano Mall, Bajada, 301-5967
20. GERRY GRILL, Abreeza Ayala Mall,
21. RANCHERO, Abreeza Ayala Mall,
22. SMOKIN’ TOPPINGS, NCCC Mall, Matina
23. CHIKA-AN, Abreeza Ayala Mall
24. KAMAYO CAFÉ, Royal Mandaya, Palma Gil St
25 RED KNIGHT Garden Café, Guadalupe Village
26 MINER’S Food Haus, Ponciano Reyes St
27 TINY KITCHEN, cor Torres-Mabini Sts

28. THE BAGNETIAN KITCHEN, Polo st.,  300-7134

Wanna grab some good CHINESE food???

1 CHOW KING, SM, G-Mall, NCCC Mall, Victoria Plaza
2. DAVAO TAI PAN, Tapia Bldg, Anda St, 227-5787
3. DIMSUM DINER, Damosa, Quirino, Gmall, Fairlanes
4. DAVAO GREEN BUFFET, Legaspi-Gen Luna St
5. DENCIA’S Restaurant, Genera Luna St, 227-6777 .
6. FELCRIS GOURMET DELI, Gov Sales St
7. LITTLE KOWLOON, Roxas St, 305-3910
8. MTB KUSINERS, Times Square, Ilustre St
9. MANDARIN TEA GARDEN, Gmall, NCCC, SM
10. MONGOLIAN GARDEN, F. Torres St, 221-2615
11. NEW DAVAO FAMOUS, Magsaysay Ave,
12. SHANGHAI, Magsaysay Ave, 227-1092
13. SEN TON WHAN Hong Kong, Victoria Plaza
14. UY CHING SIONG, San Pedro St, 222-2000
15. WORLD PALACE, Acacia St, Juna Subd
16. BUFFET PALACE, Victoria Plaza park

How about JAPANESE tonight???

1. D’JAPANESE TUNNEL, Balusong Ext, Matina 298-3705
2. MAUI TERIYAKI, Times Square, Matina
3. OFUKULOSAN, Victoria Plaza Mall Park
4. RAI RAI KEN RAMEN, Abreeza, Robinsons, SM, GMall
5. TADAKUMA, Damosa Gateway, Jacinto Ext
6. TSURU, Abreeza Mall, Camus St, Damosa Gateway
7. NONKI, Davao Convention Center, F. Torres St, 226-3058
8. ZAKOYA, F. Torres St, 227-7760
9. SANKAI Restaurant, Jacinto Ext, 222-1799

What ASIAN food? Davao got it all...

1. SUMANG KIM CHI Korean, near Victoria Plaza mall, Bajada
2. DAVAO KOREA TOWN, Victoria Plaza park area, Bajada
3. BAR-B-Q KING (Korean), Victoria Plaza park area, Bajada
4. TASTE OF MALAYSIA, near Carmelite church, Lanang
5. HANOI (Vietnamese), Camus St, Abreeza mall 225-4501
6. HAN WOO RI, Victoria Plaza park, Bajada,
7. BANGKOK WOK, Robinsons Cybergate, Lanang, 234-4774
8. KONG AI VEGETARIAN, Gempesaw St, 225-5894
9. ASEYA CAFÉ, Tropika Hotel, Lanang
10. KRUA THAI, Metro Complex, F. Torres St 228-6181

11. NEW ASIA CUISINE. Villa Abrille St, 226-4988
12. MONGOLIAN GARDEN, F. Torres St, 221-2615
13. ASIAN FUSION Restobar, MTS Matina 297-4704
14. LASSA ASYANO, Tiongko-Arellano Sts
15. MANNA KOREAN, Lanang near Grand Regal

This is what we call good TUNA!

1. BINGGOY’S Gourmet,Villa Margarita,Bajada,221-5675
2. BULWAGAN NI TITA MYRN, Amazon St, Bacaca Rd
3. BOSS BUSOG, Sandawa Road, SIR Matina 222-1774
4. CORA CHAD’S CAFÉ, Davao Airport Complex,
5. D’FARMER’S MARKET, Pryce Road, Torres St, 225-4861
6. EVY’S RESTAURANT, Km 12, LosAmigos, Tugbok
7. KUSINA SALERA, Legaspi Suites, Legaspi St, 221-2695
8. NEW KUSINA DABAW, San Pedro St, 221-5858
9. SUNNY POINT, Magallanes -Anda St
10. SHIELA SAMPULA, Madrazo Bldg, Ponciano Reyes St
11. MARINA TUNA, Pampanga, JP Laurel Ave 235-8653
12. YELLOW FIN SEAFOODS, Sandawa Plaza, Quimpo Blvd
13. LUZ KINILAW, Quezon Boulevard,
14. BOODEL’S GRILL, N. Torres St, Barrio Obrero

Greetings from the OCEAN!

1. AHFAT SEAFOODS, Victoria Plaza park, Bajada
2. COGOT SEAFOODS, Quirino cor. Jacinto Ext
3. D’ FARMERS SEAFOODS, Pryce Road, Torres St
4. DEI’S GOLDEN Seafoods, McArthur Hiway, Matina
5. DELONGTES Seafoods, Ateneo Food Court,
6. DWENZYL Seafoods, Times Beach, Matina
7. JADE BY THE SEA, Matina Aplaya

8. PARD’S SEAFOODS, Ilustre-Camus Sts
9. PENONG’S SEAFOODS, Ilustre, Sta Ana Ave,
10. SEN TON WHAN Seafoods, Victoria Plaza park
11. YELLOW FIN SEAFOODS, Quimpo Blvd
12. YANTIS SEAFOODS, Km 15 MacArthur, Matina
13. ISLAND SEAFOODS, Abreeza Ayala Mall
14. EMERALD SEAFOODS, Victoria Plaza park

15. HUDYAKAAN, Matina Times Beach

CRABBY greetings!!!

1. NEW ASIA CUISINE, Villa Abrille St 226-4988
2 GRAB A CRAB, Abreeza Ayala Mall
3. LET’S CRAB IT, Davao Convention, F. Torres St
4. HANOI (Vietnamese), Abreeza Ayala Mall
5. AHFAT Seafoods. Victoria Plaza park

Gimme MEAT!!!

1. ANTONIO’S Bar & Grill, SM City Mall, Qimpo Blvd
2. BIGBY’S Café Restaurant, Abreeza Ayala, SM Mall
3. BISTRO ROSARIO, F. Torres St, 221-9021
4. MONMARTRE CAFÉ, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang
5. COCO’S SOUTH BISTRO, F. Torres St 222-3494
6. GREEN VILLAGE, Diversion Road, Buhangin 300-4697
7. POLO BISTRO, Marco Polo Hotel, CM Recto St 221-0888
8. PACIFIC HARBOR, Legaspi-Gen Luna Sts 225-1860
9. PABLO STEAKS & CRABS, Metro Complex, Jacinto Ext
10. RANCHO PALOS VERDES, Indangan, Buhangin 301-7101
11. RIVERWALK GRILL, Crocodile Park, Maa 303-2387
12. ROSITA’S STEAK, Jacinto Extension, 302-2333
13. RANCH & REEF, Abreeza Ayala Mall 321-4051
14. SWISS DELI, Damosa, Lanang 234-0271
15. VINTA BAR, Waterfront Insular Hotel, 233-2881
16. HAGAR’S PLACE Insular Village, Lanang 2331018
17. BAR-B-Q BOSS Steakhouse, Prime Square, F. Torres
18 GRUB Resto Café, Duterte St

Taste of EUROPE!

1, CLAUDE’S Le Café de Ville (French), Rizal St, 227-9405
2. SWISS DELI, near Damosa Gateway, Lanang, 234-0271
3. CAFÉ MEDITERRANEAN, Gov Sales St, Abreeza mall
4. LA TOSCANA, (Italian). Dacudao Bldg, Quirino St, 305-6556
5. LA PIZZERIA Nel Traliccio, F. Torres St, 221-5610
6. HOLA ESPANA.(Spanish) Damosa, Lanang, 234-6434
7. PIZZERIA MICHELANGELO, Damosa Gateway, 234-6434
8. PICOBELLO RISTORANTE, 5F, Gaisano South, Ilustre
9. SPIRALE RISTORANTE (Italian), Damosa Gateway,
10. PRECIOUS GARDEN (German),Libudan, Babak, Samal Island
11. DRIFTERS PUB (British), Nova Tierra Village, Lanang
12. SALUTTI (Italian), Habana Cp, Rizal St, 303-5183
13. LA PARILLA, Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang
14. LE GRANDEUR CAFÉ, Grand Men Seng, Magallanes St
15. MONMARTRE CAFÉ, Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang
16. EL CELLAR, Rizal cor. Ponciano St
17. LE BONTE European, Rizal St
18 HAGAR’S PLACE, Insular Village, Lanang
19 AL’S & ROBZ, (UK-US) Ponciano Crooked Rd

20. TINY KITCHEN, F. Torres st.

21. CALDA PIZZA, Gaisano Mall J.P. Laurel Ave, 222-2532

ITALIANO style, pronto!!!

1. MICHELANGELO Pizzeria, Damosa Gateway
2. MAMA’S PIZZA, Hotel Elena, Nova Tierra
3. PIZZA PAMILYA, Bajada near Victoria
4. GREENWICH, Ilustre, SM, Victoria, GMall
5. SHAKEY’S PIZZA, SM, Duterte St, Gmall
6. PIZZAIOLO, Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang
7. PIZZA HUT, SM Mall, Gaisano Mall
8. ZED PIZZA, Bonifacio St near Anda
9 PICOBELLO, 5F Gaisano South, Ilustre St
10. LA TOSCANA, Dacudao Bldg, Quirino Ave
11. LA PIZZERIA, F. Torres St 221-5610.
12. FARFALLA PASTA Bar, Victoria Plaza
13. D’YUMMY PASTA, F. Torres St
14. TAXI CAB, Damosa Gateway, SM

It's gotta be biiiiig!!!

1. SPACEBURGER, Damosa, Mt Apo St, Juan Luna
2. TAPS, Bolton, Duterte, Torres, MTS, Palma Gil
3. MINUTE BURGERS, Ponciano, Lanang, Damosa
4. BROTHERS BURGER, Damosa Gateway
5. RILEY SIMON, Mabini st., Quimpo blvd.

Enchant us, ORIENT!

1. KHASH KABAB (Iranian) Quimpo Blvd
2. MAJID’S KABAB (Iranian), Rizal St 297-6400
3. MOGHAL Restaurant Bar, Jacinto Ext, 305-5849
4. TURQUOISE Turkish Restaurant, SM City Mall,
5. TAJ MINAR Restaurant, Medical School Drive, Bajada
6. ZABADANI Café, Ponciano (near Tesoro) St

7. MY KEBAB, Jacinto st.


No, it has to be CHICKEN!!! 

1. BAK-BAK NATIVE Chicken, Pryce Park, 286-0964
2. BANOKS IHAW, Quimpo, Torres, Camus, Diversion
3. BC CHICKEN House, Quimpo-University St, F. Torres
4. CHIKIES N PATTIES, Guerrero St, Magsaysay Ave.
5. COLASA’S BBQ, Magallanes St (near Museo)
6. CLYDE’S ROASTED Chicken, GMall, Bajada
7. DUSK TIL DAWN, Torres St, Rizal St, Quimpo
8. DONEY Chicken House, Tionko-Mapa Sts .
9. DOZEN MATTER Native Chicken, Araullo St
10. FLYOVER IHAW, front Victoria, Bajada and Matina
11. HONEY BEAR Chickenhouse, Quirino Ave 221-4286
12. JOLLIBEE, Rizal, SM, Victoria, NCCC, Gmall, etc, etc
13. JO’S CHICKEN INATO, Quirino Avenue
14. KOOKEL’S Chicken, McArhtur Hi-way, Matina
15. MANG INASAL, Robincon, Abreeza, SM, Gmall,
16. MAR’S Lechon Manok, DBP Village, Maa
17. MAMO’S Fried Chicken, Times Square, Matina
18. OMBU Chicken House, Sequoia Hotel, Monteverde
19. PRITO SA PLATO Chicken, Lim Bldg, Quirino Ave
20. PRITONG MANOK, SM City Mall, Quimpo Blvd
21. RAMS CHICKEN Grill, Quimpo Blvd, Ecoland
22. REAL TASTY MANOK, Tiongko Ave 222-2215
23. SUNBURST Chicken Haus, Tiongko – Mapa
24. TRELLIS N VINES, Davao Convention, Torres St
25. WINGS N TIPS Chicken wings, Arellano St
26. TORYANO’S Chicken haus, Camus St
27. PAPA CHING’S, Barrio Obrero
28. MAX CHICKEN, Abreeza Ayala Mall

COFFEE time, darling!

1. BASTI’S BREW, Victoria Plaza, Legaspi-Rizal
2. BO’S COFFEE, Abreeza, SM, Torres-Jacinto
3.. BLUGRE COFFEE, Landco Bldg, MTS, SM
4. CUTFLOWERS Coffee Shop, Palma Gil St
5. ELYSEE’S Coffee Shop, Hizon, Lanang
6. FIRRENZO Coffee , Qurino cor. Jacinto St
7. GLORIA JEANS Coffee, Casino, Grand Regal
8. HAZEL Coffee Shop, BMP Bldg, Bajada 225-4424
9. JOSE RAFAEL Fine Coffee, Insular Village, Lanang
10. COFFEE MONSTER, Ilustre St near Gaisano
11. KARL’S COFFEE, SM Mall, Quimpo Blvd
12. BOGSER’S Coffee Shop, Central Park, Bangkal
13. CHICCO DI CAFFE, Roxas-Faura Sts,
14. TATA BENITO’S, Legaspi Suites, Legaspi St
15. RYNMA Coffee Shop, Damosa Lanang
16. PRONTO MARIO Café, Paper Tree, Sta Ana Ave
17 FAGIOLI’S Coffee Club, Quirino-Gen-Lina St
18 COFFEE CAT, Sutherland, Quirino-Jacinto Ext
19 KOPI ROTI Coffee, Jacinto Ext


Insider tips

1. BROWN CARABAO, Porras-Lacson Sts
2. BULCACHOING, Gen Luna St
3. EL GATO CAFÉ, Crocodile Park, Maa

4. BANKEROHAN CUISINE

¡Buen apetito! A lovely Tiny Kitchen in Davao City!

Rating:

I heard that Tiny Kitchen started out as a small outlet of the couple Vincent & Donna Rodriguez with carefully chosen Spanish, Italian and Filipino recipes for the Dabaoenos. Since then, this little restaurant has made its way into the heart of the city and of Dabaoenos along Torres street. Recently, it opened its bigger spot inbetween Holiday Spa and Ronaldo's.

The seafood soup

The restaurant has a tasteful offering of pato (duck), vaca (beef), mariscos (seafood), pollo (chicken), pescao (fish), their home speciality of paella and pasta, pizza and much more.

Special try:

• Pato a la Sevillana, a duck simmered in a Spanish style broth and garnished with orange slices for Php320;
• Osso Buco are made of shanks of beef that are slowly soften in a red sauce. It is served with penne pasta and a slice of toasted herb foccaccia (Php250),
• Zarzuela de Mariscos is a seafood medley in a thick tomato stew with triangle slices of toasted bread garnished with olives and fresh parsley (Php255)
• Caldereta Español (Php225) and the Salpicao en su Salsa (Php240). 
• Paelle Negra is a house specialty of Tiny Kitchen: a black rice made of squid ink and assorted seafood. Depending on the size of the serving starting with a XS size Php320 up to Php2,000 for a big family size;
• or pastas like the Catalonia Penne (Php190). Chorizo Tomati (Php175); Gourmet Tuyo Pasta (Php140).

The amazing Pato a la Sevilla

The Osso Buco

The serving time takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but it is worth the wait. Meanwhile you can get carried away by many dessert choices in the display.

Tiny Kitchen is a lovely, neat place. It has about three to four parking spaces in front. Catchy are their menus that are printing on paper table cloths! ¡Buen apetito!

Tiny Kitchen is open Monday to Saturday, from 10:00am to around 9:00pm (last order at 8pm).
F. Torres corner Mabini St.

For reservations call: 082 305-9232

Red Velvet Cake. A deliciously temptation in red.

All smiles with my best Dudey. Yes, he loved the food too!!! 

Dudey wanted to go chicken this time: tender. juicy and tasty.

looking good. doesn't it?

When I think about you, I miss you too, sweety pie!

Rating:

Cleanliness: 5/5
Food 4.5/5
Ambiance 4/5
Service 3.5/5
Edge 4/5

You can find the place here:

View Larger Map

Typhoon "Pablo" enters Philippines' territories

"Pablo" (international name Bopha) is the 16th storm to visit the Philippines and the second to hit land in 2012. Pablo, which measures 259 kilometers per hour, has reached supertyphoon status comparable to a Category 5 cyclone in the Western hemisphere, said American meteorologists of the US Navy and Air Force's Joint Typhoon Watch Center (JTWC).

PAGASA weather division chief Robert Sawi said floods and landslides are possible to occur in Surigao, Davao, Compostela Valley, Misamis, Bukidnon, Lanao, Zamboanga, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay and Mindoro.

The typhoon is expected to cross the Visayas islands on Wednesday (Dec. 5) towards Panay, northern Palawan and Mindoro, and over the South Philippine Sea on Thursday as it gradually weakens, the PAGASA weather division chief added in an interview.

PAGASA officials also said that there is a possibility that Pablo will become a super typhoon and may be even stronger than "Sendong," which caused massive destruction in Mindanao in December 2011.

A Typhoon is categorized as cyclones with maximum sustained winds over 118 kph. 'Supertyphoon’ is a category created by the media and is used by the US-based Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Typhoon ‘Pablo’, the 16th to visit the country for this year is the second storm after Tropical Storm ‘Ofel’ to hit land. Last October, Ofel made landfall over Siargao Island in Northern Mindanao. When it hit, the storm only packed 65 kph maximum sustained winds; a far cry from the 185 kph that ‘Pablo’ is packing.

A food place of joy: Hudyakaan at the Matina Times Beach

we wanted the pusit to be grilled and stuffed!

Truly a treasure in Davao City is the Matina Times Beach. Honestly, I have seldom eaten such good and fresh seafood! The restaurant named Hudyakaan, which is deep Cebuano and means something like 'place of joy', became one of our favorites!

Hudyakaan at Matine Times Beach

What shall I say, the place is along the seashore. During the day, you have a fantastic view over the ocean and the people who are enjoying time at the beach. Try to go at around 4:30 to 5:30 in the afternoon, get a nappa hut and catch a great sunset while eating!

a "sabaw", a soup with seashells!

The nice staff offers fresh hito for about Php250 the kilo and crabs starting at Php400.

You can choose from the freezer, what your hearts desires.  Hudyakaan offers pretty much everything that is about seafood! From crustaceans, seashells to various kinds of fish! The little frozen packages show already a price, including the cooking. The fun part is it is customized; you can tell them how you want it prepared: fried, grilled, as soup or another variation. That is fabulously local and very unique!

big serving of fresh kinilaw

Another plus of this enchanting restaurant is the complimentary like free pineapple as an dessert and peanuts for a snack! We are usually three to five and spend about Php1,500 per dine. A place where it is worth to dine and get busog! A place in Davao City of joy! We just love this restaurant! Maghudya ta!

If you want to make reservations or just want to ask about the menu, call: 304-1066

Take  a look at the google location!

we chose the shrimps to be fried in garlic

Matina Times Beach: Doesn't food taste much better with this view on the ocean?

DTI and Private Sector: Creating banana recipes in challenging times

Creating goodies: Banana rum brownies

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here has tied up with the private sector in creating a number of banana recipes as an effort to innovate, revive the market since the China issue and find new investors.

The Mindanao Banana Congress which was held at SMX Convention Center last November 7 and 8, introduced various recipes made with banana. DTI Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said by value-adding, more consumers will be enticed to patronize banana products since they will get to enjoy products other than the traditional ones such as banana chips and banana crunch.

She also said that a number of women had been trained to venture into the banana food business like preparing banana chicken salad wrap, banana chocolate cake with banana chip streusel, banana choco cream trifle, banana rum brownies, fresh fruit taco, and banana oatmeal cookies. The project is aimed at empowering women to become self-sustained and confident in running a small business.

This is also a way to process excess banana productions from the dispute over Scarborough shoal islands that created loses as China market, the largest importer of Philippines’ bananas, supporting the livelihood of about 200,000 farmers, had sharpened its quarantine policy and there had been a decreasing exports to other international markets.

According to National Statistics Office (NSO), the dominant product forms of banana are cavendish and banana chips. These two generated earnings of US$ 360 million in 2010, or about 99 percent of the total banana export earnings.

how about a banana streusel cupcake

or banana chicken salad wrap

or a banana nut cookie?

READ ALSO: Banana growers in Mindanao still suffer loses: China and Europe issues

Banana growers in Mindanao still suffer loses: China and Europe issues

The banana industry continues to suffer loses as China market, the largest importer of Philippines’ bananas, supporting the livelihood of about 200,000 farmers, had sharpened its quarantine policy and there had been a decreasing exports to other international markets.

The China issue which started early this year with the dispute over the Scarborough shoal islands, wherein China claimed ownership of Philippine territories, has rolled into a national crisis. Mindanao is greatly affected since banana is the islands main export product, aside mangoes and pineapples.

It was reported that scale type insects (Aonidiella comperei) were found in one of the containers, but Chinese quarantine officials claimed to have discovered insects in 43 shipments. 

As a result of the issue, thousands of boxes of Cavendish bananas (which are sold at around $2 per box) had been rotting at Shanghai's ports since the mainland is turning down banana shipments from the Philippines that do not conform with the new set quarantine procedures. Mindanao banana growers and exporters continue to incur losses of up to P120 million per week.

Then, European buyers are asking for a discount of 20-30 percent. Since European countries are trapped in a crisis themselves, referring to the European sovereign debt crisis (also called the "Eurozone crisis") is since 2009 an ongoing financial crisis that has made it difficult or even impossible for some countries (like Greece or Spain)  in the euro zone to repay or re-finance their government debt without the assistance of third parties, Philippine banana importers are pressured to offer at lower prices. 

And this move has lead to stopped production and even closure of small time banana growers. Others have diverted their selling to the Middle East market or Russia, at a much lower price starting at $1.43 per box, or ventured into banana chips, making banana cake or exploring other recipes to find a market. Another option many growers turn to is to plant areas of cacao and coconut instead of banana.

READ ALSO: DTI and Private Sector: Creating banana recipes in challenging times

The Best Flame Broiled Burger and Ribs in Davao City: Riley Simon

Grilled pork ribs (good for five persons)

Riley Simon branch in Ecoland

The other day, we were graving for just some good food. Something different, but maybe still with rice. We had no expectations. We were just human and hungry and our senses were open to anything new. That is when my boyfriend suggested his colleague's recently opened resto named Riley Simon Grilled Burger and Ribs, said to be the best flame broiled burger and ribs in town!

We drove over to their second branch (newly opened this November) at Ecoland, long Quimpo boulevard. The place is small but very cozy. It was lunch time and I expected it to be crowded but we still had a good table for four near their bar. We were lucky and the owner herself was around and suggested to try their specialty grilled pork ribs (good for five persons) that comes with five rice servings, two liter of blended ice tea which cost Php550 all in all. We were positively surprised about the big serving size of the rice and then of the ribs... not to mention and the taste! It tasted soft and tender, just right! And they serve generously BBQ sauce which is really awesome to eat with!

The waiting time is about 10 to 15 minutes which is still in very reasonable time frame. The place is small but well designed and lighted. While waiting we had so much fun reading all the quotes on the wall about life and love. Makes the waiting time even shorter than it seems.

The menu offers enough for everyone's taste at affordable prices (take a look at their menu below). We liked that place very much! Happy to know another burger-ribs pig out place in town!

Opening time: everyday from 10am to 10pm.

locations: 

Their giant burger

Their menu

Backyard Burgers: Customized burgers, made the way you want it!

On Facebook, I learn most about new food places here in town. But it took me two months to finally try Backyard Burgers. Why it took me that long? After their burger, I asked that myself as well.

Backyard Burgers is located on Tulip Drive, across the street from SM City Davao's Annex building. It is behind the former Marikina Shoe Exchange. Honestly, it is not a fancy place and it honors it names of giving the backyard-feeling. 

The edge of BB is that they do customized burgers. You can choose how you want to have it packed, from the bun, sauce, toppings to cheese and some other add ons. But if you are not adventures and settle the first time for something save and proven, they offer Yard Menu and Bestsellers.

Here are the steps for the customized burgers:

STEP 1: Choose Your Bun
- Sesame Bun (Php 8)
- Bagel (Php 18)
- Jumbo Black Sesame Bun (Php 18)

STEP 2: Choose Number of Patties
- 1 (Php 80)
- 2 (Php 150)
- 3 (Php 220) with FREE Regular Fries
- can be more than 3! :)

STEP 3: Choose Your Sauce
- Ketchup & Mayonnaise (FREE!)

Php 20 / FREE for 2 Patties or more
- Garlic Mayo Sauce
- Wasabi Mayo Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
- TL Sauce (Spicy BBQ Sauce)
- Garlic Tartar Sauce

- Steak Sauce (Php 25 / FREE for 3 Patties or more)
- Ranch Dressing (Php 30)
- BB Specialty Sauce (Php 30)

STEP 4: Choose Your Toppings
Php 15 / FREE for 2 Patties or more
- Pickles, 5 pcs per serving
- Coleslaw
- Shoe String Potatoes

Php 15 each
- Caramelized Onions
- Onion Ring, 1 ring per serving

- Japanese Nori (Php 18 / FREE for 2 Patties or more)
- Sauteed Button Mushrooms (Php 25)
- Bacon, 1 strip per serving (Php 30)- Ham, 2 slices per serving (Php 30)
- Yakiniku Beef, 1 strip per serving (Php 30)

FREE!
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Cucumber

STEP 5: Choose Your Cheese
- Cheddar Cheese Slice (Php 25)
- Cheddar Cheese Slice, imported (Php 35)
- Quickmelt Cheese (Php 30)
- Cheesy Dip (Php 30)
- Cream Cheese (Php 35)

The downside was that you have to wait. But we were very willing to wait if it is good food. And we were not disappointed. We ordered two of their bestsellers (Php160 each), and both were fantastic in taste. The meat was juicy and the sauces different from other burgers. Although, their buns were a bit stale and maybe a bit small, all in all it was really good, worth going and experiencing.

if you want to drop by, here are the addresses:
Oh and yes they do delivery!

Backyard Burgers, Door 4 Lim Building, Tulip Drive, Davao City, tel: 295-6935
Backyard Burgers, Quirino Avenue, Davao City, tel: 285-1377
http://www.davaoburgers.com
http://www.facebook.com/backyardburgersdavao

The Wonders at Bankerohan Market

The wonders at Bankerohan market offers to Dabawenyos everything 

that makes a Pinoy food a perfect dish.

FRUITS

Davao offers the perfect place to grow various kinds of fruits. It abundance of tropical fruits has made its name all over the country and far abroad its boundaries. Incredible fruits that make your kind of dish perfect.

We might even call Davao Philippine's Banana Republic No. 1 - our agricultural sector is said to earn $1billion a year by exporting bananas all over the country, Asia and to Western Countries, might it be as fruit or as delicious banana chips. Banana are a great food choice here in the city: Php 5 for Banana BBQ sprinkled with sugar is a good snack along the way! Dont to miss out the well known Beef Stew with Banana pieces! a local delicacy!


Especially Durian which is cultivated in the fertile grounds in Calinan, you can buy at its lowest price at Bankerohan crossing. Even off season you can make a good bargain of PhP50 to 100. Of course, during the peak season in Davao, around August, you can get it as cheap as Php 20 to 35 depending on the kind and seize. I can much recommend Puyat and Arancillo (native Durians) that are said to be the sweetest types that have a smooth texture in its spiky cover. But to those who have some health issues like high blood pressure, beware, it might shoot your score a bit too high. Despite that fact, Durian is a unique dessert that adds a rafinesse and a smile to your guest's lips. Different. Rich in flavour. A food of Gods.

Jacks Fruits is huge and prickly - might be mistaken by the first look as Durian. The inside shows a big number of yellow pods which have an amazing sweet taste. Experienced Filipinas know how to perfect dishes by adding the yellow fruit in Fruit Salads, Binignit or Beef Stew!

VEGETABLES

Food, food, food... and vegetables cannot be left out at a Filipino dish. Like Malungay, a tree with small green leaves. The leaves are full of minerals and has a good dose of Vitamin C. Soups are refined with that kind of healthy leaves - quite affordable at Php10 at Bankerohan!

Eggplant are renowned for its deeply purple, glossy beauty as well as its unique taste (yet pleasantly bitter) and spongy texture - which makes it to another essential ingredient in the Philippine cuisine. Eggplant also contains important phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant activity (free radical scavenger that has been shown to protect cell membranes from damage).

Another amazing vegetable to work with in dishes is Ampalaya. Ampalaya is a quite bitter taste, the most bitter among its kind. Research about Ampalaya has shown that Amplaya increases the production of beta cells by the pancreas, which improves the body’s ability to produce insulin. Insulin controls the blood sugar for diabetics which is quite important. Aside, it is an excellent sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene which we need for our hair and nails.

FISH

Tilapia, a fresh water fish which is caught in shallow streams and rivers along the seashores of Davao river or the wider sea. Another fish in Davao is the Lapu-Lapu, a quite tasty fish if steamed or cooked well. Especially nice with vegetables and sweet-sour sauce, daw. The fish was named after the hero of Mactan, Lapu-Lapu, who is known as the first native of the archipelago to have resisted Spaniards attempt to colonize the island, and is now regarded as a Filipino hero. Two ladies there showed me all their fishes from fresh over to tried fish, the Bulad.

A salty delicacy here! The smell was different, it smelt like sand and the wide ocean, which was a surprise to a girl who used to live back home merely out of the fridge.

Wondering about Mangosteen

I used to stay near the Bankerohan market, the biggest market place in Davao. On one day, being dismissed by class earlier, I went around the place looking for some bread. My attention was caught by two stands offering "round shiny kamote" (kamote, is some a purple sweet potatoe), I thought. 

To my amazement, when the vendor offered me one to taste, I didnt know if I am supposed to bite into it right away of peel it like an orange.

The opening of this fruit was quite a stunning presentation! The vendor squeezed firmly from both sides the fruit and opening it, in it where little white pulps!

The taste was a cross between a mandarin and a peach, a bit sour yet sweet - weird, but still impressive to me as a European.

The fruit I am referring to is named Mangosteen. Mangosteen is a tree fruit mostly found in the Pacific islands, Asia and Africa.

Mangosteen is said to have a couple of good health benefit. Many folks use this little fruit as a home remedy. 

I made some research and summarized the benefits:

Pain reliever. It has an anti-inflammatory effect which assist in reducing the inflammation, pain and joint damage (arthritis) or any other pain caused by sport and minor injuries.

Keeping blood vessels clean through decreasing free radical damage and inflammatory build up.

Maintains cholesterol level, protect heart muscle, lower high blood pressure.

Boost energy. The fruit cotains vitamin C, fiber, potassium and even some biologically active compounds like Catechins and Proanthocyanidins.

Anti-oxidant. Mangosteen has an antioxidant content mostly found in the rind. This unique antioxidant content is called Xanthones. In laboratory vitro study (test tube), mangosteen xanthones possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antioxidant properties. However, there is no proof that these xanthones have the same effect when taken orally as when tested in a laboratory setting so far.

Maintain intestinal health, which is needed to relieve diarrhea, constipation and helps to get a normal bowel health

For the beauty. What I have been trying to work on was my skin problems. It is said to fight against bacteria which causes some acne. And was positive about the result.

It is said to decrease blood sugar Type II diabetes by making insulin more effective.

It may help to manage weight and even to reduce body fat

Yet, Mangosteen is also controversial in its health benefit, labeled as "a fruit too good to be true" and and "not enough scientific proof". Despite the mangosteen controversy, you can decide for yourself what is in your best interests. At the end, it is a fruit and healthy to an extend, but maybe not the miraculous answer to healing sicknesses.