Meaningful Connections at the DBS Safari Christmas Party

Making meaningful and lasting connections is, for me, the essence of a Christmas party and that was successfully achieved during the Davao Bloggers Society's Safari Night.

It was on a Saturday, the first day of  December, when bloggers from the different parts of Mindanao and special guests gathered at the Grand Men Seng Hotel for a night of thanksgiving, camaraderie and for the awarding of winners of the Davao Blog Awards 2018. After a long hiatus (due to health reasons), I was glad to be with my fellow bloggers again. Being the Christmas season already, I could not resist attending the organization's special safari-themed event. It felt good seeing the old members and meeting the new ones as well.

Bloggers from the SOX Bloggers Society and from Tagum City  as well as representatives of our generous sponsors joined this year's DBS Safari Night making the event more exciting. Big thanks to our co-presentors and sponsors who gave away great prizes for deserving bloggers through a short Q&A game and raffle.

Emman, Nep-C, Kriselle and I dressed in our Safari outfit for the DBS Christmas Party. (Photo by Red Agreda).

Where to Renew Your Driver's License and Car Registration

Renewing your driver's license and car/motor registration now takes a short time and can be done in various locations. No need to go to the main Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Quimpo Boulevard. You now have three options depending on where you live or work.

Those in the south can process their renewal at SM City Davao in Ecoland. The LTO branch there has been in existence for years now. Processing time can take as short as 15-20 minutes as per my experience.

Recently, two new LTO renewal centers have been opened. Both are in the northern area benefiting those who live in Lanang, Sasa, Buhangin and Panacan.

The one in Lanang is the LTO E-Patrol specifically located in the Davao Central Warehouse Club (DCWC) building near Damosa. Renewal of driver's license including student permit as well as car and motor registration can be accommodated there.

LTO E-Patrol Lanang (Photo from the LTO XI FB page)

How to Uplift the Profitability of Your Printing Business

Small entrepreneurs involved in the business of printing documents and photos can rely on a wide range of high-tech products these days. Those who want to sustain the business for the long term are usually more determined to invest in resources that can help meet their customers’ demands.

HP realizes this and has introduced two hardworking printers that are becoming the trusted partners of productivity-driven business owners.

Entrepreneurs who demand maximum work output will appreciate the value of the HP Ink Tank 315 All-In-One (AIO) printer and HP Ink Tank Wireless 415 AIO printer as they can easily print up to 8,000 pages using a tri-color bottle set or 6,000 pages with an HP black ink bottle.

Costa Marina: A Relaxing Beach Destination Without the Crowds

Dabawenyos are lucky to have easy access to the white sand beaches of Samal Island. Any day of the week, they can just take a pumpboat or barge from the Sasa area and they can reach their destination after 15 minutes (particularly the resorts in Babak fronting Davao City).

One of my favorite beach resorts now that I highly recommend is Costa Marina. It's adjacent to Paradise Island Resort but is smaller in area and with less crowd. I learned from one staff that the owners of Costa Marina and Paradise Island resorts are cousins from the Rodriguez clan.

Costa Marina Beach Resort

JaDine Team Real Rocks Davao Anew with their Revolution Concert

The phenomenal team real once again delighted fans last Sunday in their unique concert dubbed Revolution. As expected, it was a huge success and I was there to witness it. An avid JaDine fan like me (and my teen daughter) would not miss it for the world.

Unlike their JaDine In Love concert back in 2016, the Revolution had a different concept. Mini movies featuring current social issues were shown on big screens (with James Reid and Nadine Lustre doing the voiceover) before each segment. No casual conversations between the lovebirds in between. Just pure dancing and singing and some short personal greetings to their Davao fans.

James and Nadine doing a duet. 

The opening number was a blast. After several hours of waiting in line outside the venue and a few games before the main performance, the fans were screaming and waving their balloons and neon sticks as the countdown began until James and Nadine came out. Dressed in their marching band-inspired costume, team real rocked the stage with "Light It Up" then followed by solo performances.

The Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018 is On

The Davao region has so much to offer travelers and adventure seekers from across the country and the rest of the world. Traveling to this part of Mindanao has been made more fun and exciting thanks to the Visit Davao Summer Festival initiated by the City Government of Davao.

Now on its fourth year, this festival which was originally called Davao Fun Sale has expanded to include sports as well as art and cultural activities. It is now known as the WideFest and LongFest. WideFest because more municipalities in the Davao region have joined the festival with Compostela Valley (ComVal) as the newest addition. LongFest because this is the longest-running summer festival of its kind which kicked off on April 15 and will last until June 30.

The Visit Davao Summer Festival Execom and stakeholders showing their proof of commitment. 

Visit Davao Summer Festival (VDSF) Executive Committee Chairman Benjie Lizada said during the media launch that their role is mainly as facilitator of the events. He added the main players in this festival are the events organizers who continue to be committed in providing fun and exciting activities for travelers each year.

Boost Your Child's Creativity With the HP DeskJet Ink Advantage Printer

Summer is a great time to let your child's creativity shine. With no school assignments and tests to think of, the young ones have all the time to engage in their favorite arts and crafts activity.

Parents who need help in printing their kid's art works can count on Hewlett-Packard (HP) deskjet ink advantage printer. The product is known for its vibrant and quality printouts. 

And good news for mom and dad because HP is now offering a special deal that lets you have two free HP 680 Black or Tri-Color Original Ink Advantage Cartridges for every purchase of a HP Ink Advantage All-in-One printer. 

Rophe's: Your New Buffet Destination

Buffets are so in today. They're everywhere and they've been attracting countless foodies who can't get enough of their favorite food in just one order.

Here in the city, there are already several existing well-known local buffet restaurants. And there's one more you can add to your list - Rophe's Chicken.

Rophe's Chicken Restaurant at Km. 5, Buhangin

Established in 2012, Rophe's originally offered an a la carte menu while still at its first location along Tionko Street. However, the owner Ralph Cambronero decided to serve buffet lunch and dinner instead when Rophe's opened at its new location along Kilometer 5 highway in Buhangin.

The JaDine Revolution Tour Continues in Davao

The JaDine team real continues to shine wherever they go and I'm one avid fan so giddy to know that they're heading to Davao City again soon for their JaDine Revolution concert tour. This is their second major concert after the very successful JaDine In Love back in 2016. Of course, I was there to witness it at the SMX Convention Center together with my daughter. 

James Reid and Nadine Lustre rocked the Araneta Coliseum to the rafters last February 9 during the launch of their Jadine  Revolution Love Rules concert. They next brought lots of love and music to San Fernando, Pampanga on February 17.  The concert tour will now go South.

Photo by EKG Productions

The next stop is at the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao City on April 29, 2018. This will be followed by the Cebu tour at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu, Mactan on May 19.  Tickets are now available for these dates.

Save and Invest to Live Brighter

In this digital age, it is possible to live the life you want. But it doesn't come easy. It takes hard work, patience, discipline and perseverance to achieve one's personal and professional goals.

One of the ways to reach your dreams (assuming that you have a job) is to save money. It's the first step you need to take and it doesn't matter how small you are saving as long as you are consistent. Discipline is key here. And savings should be a priority before your expenses. This way, you are sure to be setting aside money each month rather than saving only what's left of your expenses.

A 2017 study conducted by Nielsen on the consumer habits of Filipinos found that 58 percent save money only after paying for their essentials. The research also noted that 29 percent of Filipinos said they would invest in stocks while 27 percent would spend on home improvements.

Sun Life Regional Sales Manager (Mindanao Cluster) Eunice Aton

Lessons from the First National Information Convention

One of the areas of the Duterte government that has made a great leap, in my personal opinion, is the communications department. Kudos to Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) chief Martin Andanar for exerting efforts to upgrade the facilities of the agencies under his care and for organizing campaigns online and offline to raise awareness on the government's activities in and out of Malacanang.

Last February 19 and 21, I had the privilege of attending the first ever National Information Convention (NIC 2018) which carried the theme "Spurring National Development and Empowering Communities Through Information. The event opened my eyes to the various government flagship programs accomplished under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration and those that are still underway. Held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, the convention organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) gathered more than a thousand information officers and staff of government agencies and local government units across the country.  Thanks to PIA-XI for inviting the Davao Bloggers Society to cover the event.

JBL Opens First Concept Store in Davao City

Audio technology is evolving and thanks to major manufacturers such as JBL, people young and old alike can now enjoy top quality audio from a wide variety of innovative products. This is possile whether they are simply listening to their favorite music, watching a TV show or movie or playing a video game at home or while on the go.

Here in Davao, music enthusiasts, movie fanatics, and audiophiles can now purchase JBL products without having to go online or go to Manila. They simply have to go to the JBL Store at the second floor of SM Lanang Premier, the first concept store of the brand in Davao City and the second in Mindanao. The shop offers a large selection of Bluetooth portable speakers, home speakers, car audio, and home theatre system.

The JBL Concept Store at SM Lanang officially opened on Chinese New Year 2018.

These audio products are available in sleek designs and varied colors that suit every lifestyle. Many are water-proof and wireless (particularly the speakers) and you can just connect them to your smartphone via the Bluetooth technology.

3 New Yummy Food to Enjoy at Jollibee

Jollibee food is life to many kids and adults. Whether it's the chicken joy, yum burger, burger steak, lumpia, palabok, spaghetti or hotdog, it's guaranteed to satisfy one's hunger and craving.

Now there's more to enjoy at your favorite Pinoy fast food chain. And it's not just one or two but three yummy food. These are the Pinoy BBQ burger steak, the Tuna Pie and the Strawberry Choco Sundae. Make sure to add these three to your new favorite list.

Eco-friendly Davao Groups Receive Bikes from CORE/R.O.X.

Davao is a bike-friendly city and in fact, an ordinance is already in place with the aim of creating bike lanes around the metro. Right now, the city is home to a number of cycling groups that promote a healthy lifestyle and hold yearly fun ride events. These groups vary in the bicycles they use as some are dedicated to mountain bikes while the others cater to different types including the classic bikes, folding bikes and the BMX.

Recently, two eco-friendly and non-profit organizations in Davao City each received five brand new bikes and other bike gears such as Fox helmets and gloves from CORE (Center for Outdoor Recreation and Expedition) through its Heroes on Wheels program and R.O.X. Philippines. The recipients were Cycle for Life and Tuburan Institute chosen by CORE's partner Firefly Brigade. They are the fourth and fifth beneficiaries of the program, respectively.

CORE/R.O.X. Phil turnover 10 bikes to 2 Davao organizations. (Photo by ROX Abreeza)

My Skin Origins Pampers The Natural Way

I am pro-organic and I always support products, businesses and campaigns that are eco-friendly. I believe the environment we live in deserves much care and attention now and the least we can do is use products that won't create further damage to our ecosystem.

I'm glad to know that many businesses today are finding ways, big or small, to contribute to environmental preservation. Hats off to those that make health and beauty products using organic ingredients and those that take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.

Here in the city, there's one local business that has gained my support and admiration because of its commitment to creating organic products safe to use by adults who want to maintain healthy skin and body. Its various services also make use of products made from natural ingredients.

My Skin Origins Matina Branch

Pay Less, Experience More with the iSaver Vouchers

It's nice to dine out or enjoy a body massage with family and friends once in a while. But not all of us are able to do this because of a tight budget. Thankfully, some restaurants and other business establishments offer perks for their customers every now and then.

If you're one of those who take advantage of special deals, I have good news for you. There's this new iSaver discount booklet that can help you save money whether you want to dine out, have a foot spa or body massage or have some fun time at recreational facilities in the metro.

This booklet contains 150 Buy 1 Take 1 discount vouchers that can be used in more than 50 business establishments including cafes and restaurants, spa and wellness centers, hotels and recreational facilities. The coupons are valid until November 2018 which means you have all the time to enjoy them at your preferred destination. So now, you can treat your family and friends without having to spend much.

DBS Grand Ball 2017: Truly A Night Worth Remembering

Glitters. Glamour. Grand. Not a showbiz event but definitely, one that we really looked forward to attending. That's the Davao Bloggers Society's Grand Christmas Ball 2017.

It was on December 2nd when the DBS bloggers dressed to the nines in accordance to this year's Christmas party theme. We gathered at the Home Crest Hotel's ballroom together with special guests to celebrate the holidays in advance and most especially, to know the winners of the Davao Blog Awards 2017.

This is only my second Christmas party with my DBS family and as I always say, there's never a dull moment with these young people passionate about blogging and vlogging. From start to finish, the gathering was full of life with every one going home happy and with a bag of goodies plus freebies courtesy of our generous sponsors and partner brands.