Thursday, September 18, 2014

Abloom with Orchids and Waling-Waling

I know the yearly Kadayawan Festival has gone by but when it comes to beautiful flowers, Davao City is abloom all year round. They are truly captivating and one just couldn't stop but admire them wherever they may be.

Last August, I had the opportunity to visit the Agro-Trade Fair at the SM City car park as part of the Kadayawan activities. Though short, my visit there was all worth it as I was able to see some of the city's lovely orchids and waling-waling in their best bloom and I couldn't help but take photos of them.

I'm sharing them here with you. Just looking at them will take your stress away even for only a moment.

The famous Waling-Waling
Davao City's orchids
The waling-waling (Euanthe Sanderiana) is a member of the orchid family. It is considered the most iconic orchid of Davao. Its name refers to the graceful movement of a butterfly in flight.

Friday, June 6, 2014

The Ukay-Ukay Phenomenon

Davao City is abundant in fruits, vegetables and of course, the ukay-ukay stuff.

Around the city specifically in various commercial areas, there are stalls selling second hand items from clothing, accessories and undies to shoes, bed linens and other household stuff. Prices range from as low as Php10 (for shirts) to Php100 and above. Don't worry, though, you can still haggle with the sales staff or the owner (if available) for the high-priced items.

Depending on one's budget, there are places worth exploring if you're fond of the so-called U.K. items mostly from the U.S. and Korea. The cheapest ones can be bought at areas surrounding the public markets such as those in Bankerohan and Agdao. Other stalls worth checking out are those in Lizada.



Business owners in the know about brands sell their items at a much higher price. So if you're particular about a specific brand of clothes, pants or bags that are still in tip-top shape, you can visit their shops. The area used as a shortcut from Ponciano Street and C.M. Recto or vice versa is a popular spot for these shops selling selected U.K. stuff.

On weekends, the street in between the City Hall and Sangguniang Panlungsod also becomes an ukay-ukay haven.

On special occasions such as during festivals, Roxas Avenue and  Magsaysay Avenue are closed to traffic to provide a space for sellers to display their items from morning till midnight.

There are also several shops around the city selling used household items from Japan. Some are along Cabaguio and Dacudao Avenues and there's also one along Mamay Road in Lanang.

[Photo courtesy of davaotoday.com]

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Lovin' the Durian Fruit

Yes, I swear I've come to love the king of fruits! After living in Davao City for more than 15 years, I can finally say that I now love durian.



In my younger days, I've already known about this fruit but unlike the others, I did not really abhor its smell nor did it annoy me. I could tolerate its odor but I was not the type who'll really get upset whenever I smell it. Back then, eating the durian candies was the farthest I got to liking this fruit.

I still like to eat the durian candies particularly that of Lola Abon's which are soft and chewy. And I also often bring them home as pasalubong to my family and friends.

Surprisingly, there's an abundance of  this fruit everywhere you go around Davao City today and it's not even the usual harvest season which normally occurs from July to August. But since they're in great supply now, Davaoenos and visitors from around the country and abroad have all the time to indulge in their favorite durian.

I, for one, have been buying the fruit (just the small size though) since March. Fortunately, a lot of durian is being sold along the highway just outside our neighboring subdivision so whenever I go out for a stroll alone or with my daughter or son and I chance upon the fruits being sold, I am usually tempted to buy one as well.

The arancillo variety is definitely most recommended because it's creamy and flavorful. It has a distinct yellowish meat and smaller seeds unlike the native variety. And the best way to eat it? With your hands, of course.

[Photo courtesy of bookbelowzero.com]

Friday, March 7, 2014

Big Davao Fun Sale

March is an exciting month for Davao City. Apart from the fact that it's the last month of school and it's the start of summer, it's also the time when the Araw ng Dabaw is celebrated.

This year, though, is going to be different because of the launching of a new and major event not only in Mindanao but perhaps in the entire country. It will involve an activity that many people, particularly women, love to do. What else but shopping!!

Called Big Davao Fun Sale, this event is set to become the mother of all sales as participating malls, restaurants, hotels and shops offer huge discounts up to 80 percent off on specific products and services. According to Tourism regional director Art Boncato, it aims to make Davao City as an emerging shopping hub in the country.

Take note, these bargain prices will be offered not just for three days or so but every week for an entire month. How cool is that?

Mark the date, folks and make sure to save ahead to enjoy the best bargains in town. This Big Davao Fun Sale is going to run from March 14 until April 16.

Davao City's major malls that will be taking part are SM City Davao, SM Lanang Premier, Abreeza, Gaisano Mall of Davao, Gaisano Grand Mall, Gaisano Mall of Toril and NCCC Mall.