White House

Davao, known for its famous "durian" and other sweet delicacies is also known for their cuisine. One famous attraction in the heart of the city is the White House. Located at J. P. Laurel avenue, the European inspired ancestral house of a renowned family has been converted into one of the best fine dining restaurant in Mindanao. Boasting of old world charm appeal, the beautiful interiors gives one a glimpse of life at a certain period in history.  Wood furnishings and crystal decors reflect a fusion of mixed heritage.  Heigh ceiling, huge window panels an wooden flooring are still intact as it is maintained an managed well.  The ambiance brings you back in time as the mood and feel is reminiscent of a glorious era full of parties, gatherings and socials. Run by chefs Cathy Binag and Niño Laus, their  impeccable fusion cuisine offers a wide variety of French, Italian and Japanese dishes to feast on.  The White House has a wine lounge with a great selection of both old and new world delights. The perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening with good food and buzz with friends. The outdoor setting is a spacious botanical area filled colossal trees with contemporary furnitures. The modern garden feel is perfect for events and big gatherings where one can enjoy the fresh air over bubbles and wine.  A must-see for everyone who wants something old but new. Definitely a place one would look forward to come back to in Davao!  

The author with Ish Tan, Florence Alejandre and Jesyl de la Cruz.

Seda: Davao

A few weeks ago my team and I flew to Davao to do the Style Origins Abreeza Mall and we were billeted at the newly opened Seda hotel which was strategically located across the mall.  With its modern boutique-inspired interiors and minimalist ambiance, it boasts of a relaxed and unpretentious setting one would truly adore. A habitué where business meets pleasure, one can't help but notice the contemporary feel with mod furnishings and design accents that are proudly made in the Philippines. The look is seemingly painted with a range of neutral hues, the business/four star hotel is seasoned with a distinct atmosphere of low-key luxury. As one enters the main lobby, the sleek and understated polished appeal  welcomes the guests with much ease and comfort. Highlighting the entire hotel is an impressive and beautiful showcase of glass, textures and study of linear perspectives. Something refreshing to the hotel industry, Seda is making a trademark with its distinct style of luxury living.

What's Next

After last week's success of Style Origins Greenbelt and Trinoma, my team and I had to fly all the to Mindanao to stage the Abreeza show.  My team went two days ahead to check out the 44 brands participating in this colossal event in the South. Everything went smooth since it was well organized by Ayala management from the clothing selections to fittings.  The cast was huge as both professional and community models of almost a hundred in totality paraded the runway with the latest collections of each brand.  Hosted by tv host/personality Mark Nelson, the well attended occasion staged at the activity center was packed and filled with distinguished local personalities.  Fashion and style comes alive this annual noteworthy exposition of rtw brands as they showcase what's next to come. Last night's event simultaneously happened with Style Origins in Bonifacio High Street while tonight with be at Market Market at the Fort. Next to unfold will be Style Origins, Glorietta, Alabang Town Center, Cebu and Subic.  See you there!

Abreeza Mall, Davao.

The Stage.

Penguin.

XOXO.

Promod.

Espada.

Espada.

Bayo.

Mags.

Soul.

Kikay.

Kikay.

WAGW.

Penshoppe.

Kids.

Style Origins Abreeza host: Mark Nelson.

Ethnic Chic

After three recent entries on wonderful Davao(Style Origin, SOUL and Yummy Trail), this last entry is something every woman would love-shopping.  If you're looking for something more interesting than the countless retail brands available in the mall, check out the most interesting cluster of malls where shopping is paradise-Aldevinco Shopping Center.  Located in the heart of Davao city, this unique cluster of stalls is filled with batik made products, artifacts, antiques, sarong, malong, jewelry(pearls are abundant in all colors), bags, shoes--name it they have it.  The establishment  that has been around for more than 40 years is filled with a variety of handicrafts all proudly made in Davao and nearby provinces.  Boasting in rich culture and heritage, you can't help but marvel and spot on the one-of-a kind pieces around you that somehow tells a story. Who would have thought that this empty lot founded by Conrado Alcantara and his wife would become Aldevinco(it's old name)--now one of the famous landmarks of the city. A shoppers paradise where one can find an assortment of souvenirs for the perfect "pasalubong" to bring back home.  If you're planning a trip there to shop, don't forget that it's best to learn how to haggle well before going so you can get the best of your money's worth. Definitely a must-go with lots of must-haves, Aldevinco Shopping Center is more than just your ordinary tourist attraction.

Stalls of interesting finds.

Warrior breastplate.

Bags of all shapes, sizes and prints are plenty.

Choice pickings.  These bags are so cheap they can go from 250-500 pesos max.

My favorite fashion find are these uber comfortable drawstring patchwork pants 
channeling Etro and Missoni  which you can get for only 550 pesos.

Aldevinco Shopping Center is located at corner Claro M. Recto and Roxas Avenue, Davao city beside Marco Polo hotel. Telephone No. (082) 227-9609Fax No. (082) 226-4715.

The Yummy Trail

One of the best pleasures on can get from traveling to a new place is to try out the local cuisine.  The recent trip to Davao for the Style Origin series wasn't all about the show.  Half of the time was really hopping from one restaurant to another and checking out the best of what this province has to offer.  Driving through the city, one can't help but notice that there's just so many restaurants everywhere--from hole in the walls to the super restos.  The famous Torres Street shouldn't be missed--the area is filled with a variety of dining havens to satisfy any food craving. The author asked recommendations from close friends Pam Gonzales and Chef Tina Pamintuan where they serve the best food in town and the following are some of their recommendations:

The once hole in the wall Ahfat is now a colossal structure with four restaurants under its name known for their excellent Chinese seafood cuisine.

Kiss of the dragon.

From left to right:  Steamed Pampano(fish) in hoisin sauce, slipper lobster in garlic and shrimps in garlic and butter sauce.

Leche flan and mango float for dessert.

The legendary Harana on Torres street.

Lato(seaweed) salad.

The mouth watering barbeque spareribs is to die for.  Make sure to stay away from rice and just have the ribs.

Eat all you can crabs for such a reasonable price is a sensation.  Don't forget to bring your hand sanitizer.

The perfect afternoon delight place Swiss Deli is like Santis and Mikey's deli in Manila.

The wine cellar is always fully booked for intimate dining.

Cheers.

Can't seem to have enough of these sausage platters.

Cheese whiz.

Proscuitto and salami Milano anyone?

The best in Tuna is here.  The owners are exporters to Japan's Tsukiji Market.

Proof of the truth.

Sashimi that literally melts in your mouth.

Asparagus with garlic.

Shrimps ahoy.

The famous crispy "buntot ng tuna" is the best on the menu--you won't believe me but it unbelievably tastes like crispy pata.

Hot and Sour seafood soup is filled with the ocean's best.

Baked scallop in butter and garlic is orgasmic.

After three days of pigging out, the author completely forgot about watching his weight and realized that his clothes started to feel tight at the end of the trip.  A gastronomic adventure one shouldn't really miss out on doing while in Davao.  the food is reasonable and seafood is really good and fresh.  Definitely a place where you can go eating with no regrets.  And yes, the idea of getting food coma used to be a myth until this trip made it so possible.