Greenwich Hosts Pizza Making Camp for Bloggers

Pizza is love! Ask several adults if they love pizza and for sure, you would get a big YES for an answer.

I've always loved pizza and I've made a few at home in the past. But it's a different experience if you are made to create your own courtesy of a well-known national pizza chain in the Philippines.

Greenwich recently invited several groups of Davao bloggers for a pizza making camp at their Ilustre branch. All of us from the Davao Bloggers Society had no idea that the event would let us make our own pizza because we only expected the gathering to be some of kind of a simple get-together wherein we would get to eat our favorite Greenwich pizza. It was only when the program started that we learned about this very first pizza making camp for bloggers from Mindanao marketing head Arvin Tolentino.

Christmas, A Time To Be Thankful

THANK YOU. These are the two words taught to us early in life and which we should never hesitate to utter when the situation calls for it.

In  my daily life, it has always been automatic for me to say "thank you" even to the smallest gestures of kindness shown to me. Like when a vehicle stops to let me cross the street or when somebody offers to give my money to the driver while riding a jeep. When we experience these acts of kindness, great or small, it makes life a little better despite the challenges that we face.

This Christmas season, we should be reminded that apart from giving love, we also have to be grateful for the blessings we received throughout the year. We give thanks as well for the birth of our Savior Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who is the real reason for the season.

Workout Whenever You Want To at Anytime Fitness Gym

Do you crave to hit the gym late at night or perhaps after a morning jog but can't because your favorite gym is closed? This should no longer be a problem as Anytime Fitness is now open to serve health buffs any time of the day or night.

Anytime Fitness is the world's largest gym franchise with more than 3,400 branches across the globe. It is a fitness club that fits your goals and feels just right and the good news is that it recently opened its first branch in Mindanao situated at the second floor of Abreeza Mall, specifically at the Corporate Center fronting the Redemptorist Church.

DBS Christmas Party: 'Twas the Fairest Night of All!

When members of the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS) get together, it's bound to be one awesome party. And that's exactly what happened during the Fairest Night of All Christmas party last December 3 at the Garden Oases Inland Resort.

It was my first Christmas party with the group and my first costume party as an adult. We were notified about the Disney theme more than a month earlier so there was enough time to think about what costume  to wear and what character to be. I came as Snow White and surprisingly, three generations attended that night (with me as the most senior haha!). But I guess one is never too old to dress like a princess, right?

3 generation of Snow White with their evil Queen stepmom. (Photos by Jim Carlo) 

Bayad Centers Launches Online Facility for OFWs and Local Consumers

As a wife of a former OFW, I know how difficult the situation is for Filipino migrant workers who work hard in a foreign land away from their families. The sacrifices of both husbands and wives should never be looked down.

I know as well what land-based workers have to go through to send money to their loved ones back home. They need to find a specific time from their regular work schedule to be able to go to a bank and transfer funds. Or if they're too busy, they will just request a friend to do the task for them.

Thankfully, the process of remitting money to the Philippines is easier these days. The good news is that Bayad Center has launched its online facility to help OFWs do faster transactions such as sending money to their families. And not only that because local customers can also take advantage of this technology and innovation particularly when paying their bills.

Sarangani Bay Partners with Pepper's Iberica to Bring Delicious Milkfish Dishes to Davaoenos

Davao has an abundance of fruits and food of all kinds. When it comes to fish, it also has rich resources and that includes the local milkfish or bangus in Tagalog and in the local dialect. The Ilonggos call it bangrus.

I've always loved eating this national fish since I was small despite the fact that it has perhaps the most number of bones. I just love its taste which is creamy (it's a milkfish, after all) and different from the rest of the fish species.

About Sarangani Bay Prime Products

Here in Davao, Sarangani Bay is a leading supplier of frozen milkfish products available in most grocery stores and supermarkets. It also has the largest and only commercial bangus fry hatchery in the Philippines spanning 50 hectares situated in Lun Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani province. Among Sarangani Bay's prime products include the split regular-sized and baby bangus (unseasoned and marinated), milkfish belly, sliced bangus, smoked milkfish, whole regular and the whole baby, sinigang cut and fillet tocino style.

It also has a cooked and frozen line such as the milkfish regular and baby size smoked, stuffed relleno style and embutido. The cooked and bottled milkfish is another line featuring the regular and spicy variants.

Lazada's Grand Christmas Sale is On and Why I Trust Lazada

Online shopping did not appeal much to me in the previous years. Although I do book flights online every now and then, I was too hesitant to buy personal items online for security reasons particularly when the only payment option is using one's credit card.

But Lazada changed my perception. Thanks to the Lazada affiliate marketing team who came to Davao City for a roadshow and to inform bloggers about its 2016 Online Revolution, now I'm enjoying online shopping.

Lazada Roadshow in Davao (Photo by Davao Bloggers Society)

Star Express Shows Off Amazing Tupperware Gadgets

I grew up with Tupperware products (and loads of them) in the house. Yes I admit, I'm a Tupperware baby being the daughter of a former dealer back in the 1970s. As a kid, I was already aware of these Tupperware parties and how sturdy the products are. I remember the products then were mostly colored yellow or light blue unlike today which come in various vibrant colors.

Through the years, the Tupperware products have really evolved and I'm amazed to know that the company has created items beyond the usual food and water containers. Now, they have gadgets and even cologne, powder and lotion.

Some of the brilliant gadgets they have today are the Mando chef vegetable slicer, speedy chopper and their unique can opener and peeler. I only got to know about them during a recent product demo for Davao Bloggers hosted by Star Express, Davao City's major Tupperware distributor. It was a 'wow moment' for me when Ms. Madel Alderite showed us how efficient the two kitchen gadgets are as they can save so much time and effort when preparing ingredients.

Gabay Guro Pays Tribute to Davao Teachers

"Teachers are our second mothers. They are candles that light our path."

Having grown up in a home with one teacher, my Aunt (Nanay's eldest sister), I know the hard work that goes with their profession. I thank my Aunt Inday and second mother for molding my character and for being my source of inspiration especially in my studies back then. A strict yet loving person, I've seen how dedicated she was as a teacher that even after her retirement in the public sector, she continued to pursue her passion in the private sector. I'm proud to share, too, that she was the high school teacher of the late Ilongga Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago at the former Iloilo High School now Iloilo National High School.

Teachers deserve accolades for their dedication, patience and all the hard work they do for their students and schools. And I salute PLDT-Smart Foundation for its Gabay Guro program that lifts the spirits of teachers across the Philippines through its various enriching and fun activities. This year, it organized a major event called TeacherFest 2016 that gathered tens of thousands of teachers from around the country in the Mall of Asia Arena last September in time for Teacher's Day. The star-studded event provided great entertainment and fabulous prizes for the attendees.

Photo by Donn Riel

Smart Padala Unveils Perks for Mindanaoans

I've always been a loyal Smart subscriber. One proof of this is that I've never changed my prepaid Smart number since I had it back in 2001. I've also been greatly satisfied with the developments that this major telco firm has made through the years.

Recently, Smart has been making smart moves. Last August, it improved its LTE (long-term evolution) or 4G coverage in Davao City providing faster and better quality data connection in many parts of the metropolis.

And just last week, the company relaunched its Smart Padala service and revealed some surprises for Mindanao consumers. This "PadaLapit" service makes it easier and faster for people to send money anywhere in the Philippines regardless of the mobile network of  the recipients. Consumers don't have to go far as they can send money by just visiting certified Smart Padala centers that includes sari-sari stores.

Roseville Christmas Mansion: A Christmas Wonderland

The most wonderful time of the year has come and the best destination to bring your family and friends as early as now is the Roseville Christmas Mansion. The place is truly a Christmas wonderland that brings a different kind of happiness to everyone (kids and adults alike) who goes there and it's the only one here in Davao City. Lucky for me as I live just a stone's throw from this mansion.

This is the second year that the owners opened the Christmas mansion to the public. The Roseville residents, myself included, are among the first to enjoy this wonderful place last year.

Christmas Mansion 2015

Owner Frances Quilban said her goal of opening her home and making it a Christmas wonderland is to give back to the community and share her blessings. "Let's be merry this Christmas!" she added.

Park Inn Hotel Lights Up Christmas Tree

The Christmas is one of the most popular symbols of Christmas and it is one of the first decors put up by people and business establishments when the holiday season starts. Here in Davao City, malls and other business organizations set up giant Christmas trees each year and they hold a major lighting ceremony for them.

Last week, I was fortunate to have witnessed the lighting of Park Inn Hotel's Christmas tree together with other members of the Davao Bloggers Society (DBS). The event was graced by Ms. Elizabeth Sy, President of the SM Hotels and Convention Corp, together with corporate guests, Department of Tourism regional director Roberto Alabado, VIP's, affiliates within the SM Group of Companies and local media.

iFlix Goes To Davao

Movie entertainment is so convenient and easily accessible today, a far cry from the past. Thanks to internet TV services, people can now enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies from years back to the present whether in the comfort of their homes or while on the go.

iFlix is one of the world's leading internet TV service  offering unlimited access to thousands of TV shows and movies at a very affordable monthly rate. And just recently, iFlix launched in Davao City in the presence of local media including members of the Davao Bloggers Society. It was a fun night at Rekado Filipino Cuisine Restaurant led by the iFlix marketing officers from Manila, Monika and Jenell. Rovic Cuasito of ABS-CBN Davao was the program host.

Ms. Jenell of iFlix explaining the all-access features.

The Cool Muzik'sKool Marks Its 3rd Year

Dabawenyos are music-loving people. In fact, Davao has produced a roster of excellent musical talents in the past and continue to do so today. Many have made it to the Asian and world finals.

One music school committed to training young talents is Muzik'sKool. Situated at the Damosa Market Basket in Lanang, it is owned and managed by couple Jeremy and Katrienne Sarmiento and is now celebrating its third year. Jeremy Sarmiento (Gem Cache) is a popular singer-songwriter of Davao City who has produced several local hit songs.

Muzik'sKool is the most modern music school and recording studio in Davao City today. It boasts of state-of-the-art equipment, modern studio design and the best teachers who are amazing talents themselves.

Lazada Affiliate Marketing Visits PH’s Key Cities for Online Revolution

In preparation for Lazada’s upcoming Online Revolution Sale kicking off on Nov. 11, the Lazada Affiliate Marketing team went on a roadshow tapping some of the Philippines’ key cities namely Manila, Davao, Cebu, Iloilo and Bacolod. During the 4-day roadshow, the cities’ top bloggers and influencers were given an introduction to Affiliate Marketing in order for them to earn while promoting Lazada.

Davao Bloggers at Cafe Demitasse (top right)

AlaskaMazing Mom 2016 Launched in Davao City

Moms are indeed amazing women because they can multi-task and take on a variety of roles. Dabawenyas are no different the reason why they were treated by Alaska  Milk Corporation to fun activities and a search for AlaskaMazing Moms at People's Park this weekend.

Now on its 13th year, this project for moms aims to promote health and a sense of community among families across the Philippines. Originally a pageant-focused program, AlaskaMazing Moms now puts emphasis on the different skills of mothers and encourages the participation of the entire family in its activities.

Sweating it out during the Zumba (Photo by Naprey Almario)

Davao Heritage Walking Tour Part 2

To continue with our heritage tour of Davao City, there's also one building in the San Pedro area that dates back to the American time. The PNB building at the corner of San Pedro and Claveria (now C.M. Recto Street) across San Pedro Cathedral was built during the occupation of Americans in the city hence, its more modern architectural design.

Further along Claveria is another well-preserved old building, Situated at the corner of Claveria and Palma Gil Streets, the ground floor used to house the popular Charlie's Bakeshop owned by a Chinese family.

Veering away from the buildings, we then checked out the heritage houses of Davao. The Travel Teller said there are four well known in the city. Two of them are situated along Rizal Street, one along Legaspi Street and another one is at the corner of Quirino Ave. and Tionko Street. One is the Oboza house considered to be the second oldest in the city. Owned by the former mayor Alfonso Oboza, this beautiful abode was built way back in 1929. It was well-preserved and now houses Claude's Le Cafe de Ville, a french restaurant.

Davao Heritage Walking Tour Part 1

It's nice to experience how a city develops and see all the infrastructures sprouting everywhere. Suddenly, you feel the excitement that comes with progress. But on the other hand, it's also nice to look back and learn what the city looked like and how the people lived in the past.

Davao City is one progressive metropolis right now and I'm proud to have experienced its development since I came to live here back in 1997. However, I also crave to know its past hence, I readily agreed to go on a Heritage Walking Tour of the city with fellow bloggers from the Davao Bloggers Society one fine Sunday afternoon of October 9.

The tour led by Olan Emboscado a.k.a. The Travel Teller started in Magsaysay Park. I learned that the site was the first port of the city. In fact, the city's first historical marker is situated here bearing the name Port of Sta. Ana.

The Travel Teller with the Davao Bloggers Society. Photo by Andrew Dela Serna

Davao City's Bid for the Guinness Book of World Records

I have long wanted to take part in a major event that aims for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records and so when I learned about Davao City's latest attempt for a world record, I immediately told myself that I'm going to be there. The event's goal was to gather the most number of people to simultaneously sing the Philippine National Anthem.

It was a Saturday afternoon, two days before the national elections or May 7, 2016 to be exact, when my son and I went to Crocodile Park in Ma-a for this Guinness activity. Initially, we wanted to take the free bus ride offered at the Buhangin gym but when we arrived there, the line was just too long and numerous people were trying their luck to get a free ride from other vehicles including dump trucks heading towards the venue.

Fortunately, my son and I were able to hitch a ride at the back of an elf truck together with other eager participants. But since traffic was very heavy already near the venue, we had to get down and walk a few kilometers more. Call time was 5:00 p.m. and it was already 4:30 when we got there so we ran just to go inside the venue and join the others who were already there since early morning.

Singing our "Lupang Hinirang" together with hundreds of thousands of people in one venue gave me goosebumps. It was one historic event that gave me so much pride as a Filipino and one that will forever be inked in my mind and heart. The attempt may not have been successful to gain a spot in the famous Guinness Book of World Records but one thing's for sure, it united Dabawenyos and non-Dabawenyos.

Getting ready to sing "Lupang Hinirang." 

Davao City Landmarks

Being a huge city spanning 244,400 hectares or 2,444 square kilometers, Davao City indeed has so much to offer visitors. One of the things that the city is well known for are its distinct landmarks which have become tourist attractions. Below are some of them.

Peace Monument fronting San Pedro Cathedral

Towering Philippine Eagle statue at the border of Davao and Bukidnon

Humble abode of President Rody Duterte

San Pedro Cathedral altar

Jack's Ridge overlooking Davao City

Fruits Galore

It's the Kadayawan season once again and you know that it's here when fruits flood the streets of Davao. Yes, all kinds of tropical fruits but most especially those that Davao City is well known for - durian, marang, mangosteen, lanzones, pomelo and rambutan.

At this time of the year, these fruits are sold at rock bottom prices ranging from only Php35 (for the marang and durian) to Php80 (for mangosteen although the price can still go lower) . You can buy them from various places such as the Bankerohan market, Agdao market, Magallanes (at the vegetable bagsakan area), NHA Buhangin and practically along many sidewalks around the city.

Philippine Eagle figure made of fruits & veggies during the opening of the Asian Fruit Market.

Roxas Night Market

If there's one popular street in Davao City that turns into a vibrant spot at nightime,  it has to be Roxas Avenue in the downtown area. Starting from around past 5 p.m. until midnight or onward, this avenue is alive with different kinds of streetfood and drinks, stalls selling brand new t-shirts and souvenir items as well as ukay-ukay (used clothes, bags and shoes) plus massage therapists. The area used to be frequented only by the ordinary folks but today, even the well-off families of the city also come here every now and then.

I'm impressed that for a night market along a street, the vendors are properly organized. There's a specific section for used bags, used shoes, used clothing, street food, shirts and souvenir items. This makes it easy for people to know where they should go the next time they visit Roxas Night Market with family or friends.

Roxas Avenue is along Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) hence, one will often see college Ateneo students eating at carinderias or shopping for ukay-ukay stuff on a daily basis.

This is the street during daytime.

And this is how it looks at nightime with all the stalls in place. The people on the right are lining up to buy a local ice cream. The most popular dirty ice cream that's in demand every day there is Mang Danny's ice cream. 

Below is the area (left part) where you can find very cheap ukay-ukay clothes.

More food stalls here and some massage therapists awaiting customers.

For people, including the young professionals, who want to pamper themselves after work, there are massage therapists available in one section of the street. It's easy to spot them  as they normally call out to people passing by promoting their personalized massage service. 

That's me and my friend Marion exploring the Roxas night market for a little food trip. 

Dabawenyos Unite for Mayor Rody Duterte

Dabawenyos living in Davao City are a united people. They have a high regard for Mayor Digong and they respect the city's laws. And when called to do their share whether during a crisis or a worthy cause, they show up in droves.

This is what I witnessed during the gathering at the Crocodile Park last May 7, 2016 for a Guinness World Record event. It was the first time I joined such huge event cum rally and I never regretted being there despite the epic walkathon that I had to endure after the gathering. I'm glad, too, that my teen son decided to join me.

On that particular Saturday before the national elections, tens of thousands of Dabawenyos near and far, young and old, came to show their support for our Mayor Rody Duterte who is now the 16th president of the Philippines. Most came in their red Duterte shirts and did not mind walking to the venue as traffic was snail-paced in the highway. Many from nearby municipalities came in the morning and braved the heat to wait for the main event in the afternoon.

Hundreds of young Dabawenyos also volunteered to help the organizers whether as a member of the food committee, registration or as stewards and marshals.

But apart from participating in the Guinness event and voting for the Mayor on election day, the people of Davao have various ways of showing their support to Digong. Some of their actions are even unmatched by other cities.

• They buy Duterte shirts at their own free will and not wait for freebies from the campaign teams. They would even wait for hours and stand in long lines just to be able to buy a piece or more of these shirts. 
• They buy other Duterte merchandise such as key holders, ballers and caps. 
• They put Duterte stickers and use Duterte plates on their vehicles. 
• They hang Duterte streamers on their gates, houses and establishments.
• They join the motorcade and other gatherings including the Fun Run. 
• They share food with those who need it. 
• They offer free drinks outside their buildings for people walking to the venue during the event. 
• They would defend Mayor Digong on social media and even during personal conversations. 
• They join the campaign teams without expecting to be paid even it means being away from their family and children for months. 

This sea of Dutertards who dominated the Crocodile Park grounds on May 7 is a testament of the love and support for Mayor now president-elect Rody Duterte. 

Indeed, the support of Dabawenyos for Mayor Digong is solid as a rock and will forever be so even if he will already be in Manila to take on the presidency for the next six years. It is said that Duterte or Du30 was destined to become the 16th President of the Philippines based alone on the date of this year's national elections. May 9, 2016 if written in an equation would be 5+9+16=30 hence Du30.

Good luck and God bless you, Mayor Rody!!