Davao Tripping: Hodge-Podge of Food Memories

I will be spending a week here in Davao for work. In between free times, I am sampling as many dishes as  can here. Being in Davao never fails to astonish me, it has this urban yet laid-back feel. People are nicer, pace is slower even traffic is not that bad compared to Cebu. But the thing the reason why I love about Davao is the sheer abundance of restaurant per area. I've never been in a place where small, start-up businesses are encouraged and thriving. People are supporting local cafes and restos over franchises. I love how each area in the city reminds me of Maginhawa. Food is affordable. You can get a decent meal for P100. Plus, people here speak a mix of Tagalog/Bisaya so for non-Bisaya speakers its so easy to navigate your way around here. 

..Plus I'll never understand why there's this abundance of coffeeshops and neighborhood pastry everywhere (not that I mind). Lunch was Penong's chicken. (I failed to take a photo just because I was too hungry that time). The chicken is their specialty. Unlike Mang Inasal's version, Penong's was a cross between grilled and lechon manok. Not dry, tasty with the right amount of spice; one serving ain't enough for those who skipped their breakfast. Don't expect anything fancy though, the place does look like your neighborhood kainan. Penong has a lot of branches in Davao so its easy for you to find one here.

Your neighborhood artsy cafe: Yellow Hauz

I have a soft spot for neighborhood cafes. This one has cute art projects everywhere. Just don't get the mango shake because you are going to be bound for some disappointment. Their selection of white coffee is comparable to Starbucks. They also serve meals (pastas, pizza, cakes, etc). So while you sip your favorite coffee drink, you can buy arts and crafts materials inside as well. 

Sarum banggi:  Skin Burns

I might have to be the clumsiest person you'll ever share a meal of sizzling food or anywhere near to cooking paraphernalia  My attempt at cooking has lead to tremendous burnt marks, I usually end up hurting myself or other people in the process. So tonight, my left arm wasn't spared. Anyway, I got a bit confused with the place's interior. They ought to replace those table cloth and tiles immediately. 

Anyway, Chiara recommended this place as Raffy was craving for some steak. 

I got Steak Ala Pobre (..supposedly at medium well). But it did ended up well-done anyway. Nothing special really but for P250, you get a hefty serving of  meat. (see photo below). Think of it as an upgraded version of your Sizzling Plate, with loads of gravy to accompany it.

Raffy got something from the Surf and Turf menu (calamares and steak). Rice and loads of gravy, I am not that hard to please.

Davao Itinerary: R&R

My boss came up with a pretty neat itinerary which put me to shame. Where else would you get a color-coded itinerary, detailing an hourly breakdown of events in excel? Kabog ang skills ko.

Now off to the "more relaxing part of the trip".

1. SPA- After a tiring day 1, we treated ourselves to a good massage. I fell asleep the entire time, P250 for a full-hour body massage at Scents & Oil.

2. Food Comatose

                                   

What better way to indulge yourself than spend it munching around an unlimited array of dishes.

a. Buffet 1: Glamour

I am not a seafood fan. But if you love your aligue, Glamour fills her buffet selection with crab dishes (soup, coconut cooked, pancakes, etc).

b. Buffet 2: Apo View

Oddly enough, if you are part of the demographic that listens to 105.9, you might enjoy bands' renditions of love song classics. My favorite part? They cook your pasta right there. You have the option to choose your base ingredient and pasta (penne!). The seafood cream is a winner.

c. Buffet 3: Pearl Farm

Usual classics:  yummy pastel, wide array of dessert selections and baguette on the side. .

d. Buffet 4: Eden Nature Park

Fresh ingredients: As part of the tour, you can actually see what goes in the salad buffet. You can also take home some of the ingredients in the shop near the restaurant. Dine with peacocks as well, as they can freely roam  the outdoor part of the resto.

3. Nature tripping

                                           

Looking for team building activities? You can try daring them to go to the Zipline. Or for a more relaxed vacation? a day tour at Pearl Farm for some R&R. (Don't forget to ask for your free towels and wash room).

River Rafting First Timer (Davao Part 1)

I was never into outdoor activities. As part of our Davao itinerary is to experience river rafting in Tamugan River, an hour away from Crocodile Farm. It was part of a package we availed (Davao Wildwater Adventure). The P2000 package includes your own photographer (aside from the raft guide). Your very own photos and videos as you get washed away. This also comes with free entrance to Zip City, Tribu K'mindanawan and Butterfly House.

Come in prepared.

a. Bring in your phone and set a meeting time. The transpo takes 2 hours (back and forth), the whole rafting experience takes about 3 hours (13-km River stretch).  For people picking you up, there's a fee if you go inside the premises of the Crocodile Farm. (The drop point is inside the facility). Don't worry, the placed has its own safety box, which will come in handy to what I am going to tell you next.

b. The 'gears':

1.  Brightly colored Aqua shoes.

These pretty things come in handy for trips to beaches, rivers, what have yous. Not only does it protect you from the heat when you have your breaks or when you are walking on sand (by lunchtime), it also keeps your feet safe from edgy surfaces of rocks while rafting. 

2. Rashguard

I got heavily burnt. Even our guide is wearing one of these. Protects you from the heat and makes it easier to move vs a bulky soaked tshirt. Easier to paddle your way around.

3. Armada Sport SPF 70 

Apply generously on your face, arms and thigh. Then again, there's always Vandol to treat your sun burnt skin.

The experience? 

It was unforgettable. Nothing beats having lunch in the jungle or drifting freely on a hot, summer afternoon. For beginners, better to try it when water level is slightly lower/still as you get to have breaks and less likely to fall on the edge when you reach "challenging areas". 

Don't forget to work those abs out as part of "rescuing" a man overboard is holding the shoulder straps on his/her lifevest and pulling him upwards. 

Try to keep the balance. When faced with a huge rock that might topple your boat,  you can stay in the middle or avoid being knocked down by  rowing (and not just screaming when you see the next big wave). Wink.

Have fun!