Blogging the Latest Davao City Information

Experience Asia in Davao at Banana Leaf Restaurant, SM Lanang Premier

It was our second time dining in this restaurant but, just like the first, still we were captivated! Here's why: the place really offers a unique dining experience that keeps us coming back. And so, with the aim of sharing that 'experience' to Davao Portal loyal followers - and the rest of the readers - I have written this post. Here's our dining experience (the second time around).

A Malaysian-dressed female staff welcomed us with a warm smile, and a male waiter led us to our table with real banana leaves placed on it to be used as alternative to plates. The place had a comfortable and cozy ambience, which made me feel at home. (more…)

Aeon Towers in full-swing construction

Aeon Towers, dubbed as "the most iconic building project" in Davao City to date, is set to break ground on May 30, 2013 (Thursday), marking the start of the construction of this 33-storey mixed-use landmark -- the tallest structure in the region when finished -- rising along J.P. Laurel Avenue, near the Ayala Complex. (more…)

Wall Climbing At Edge – The Outdoor Specialist: Why Wall Climbing Can Be Like Solving Math

For the love of doing something new, my office mates and I tried wall climbing at Edge - the Outdoor Specialist. It's located along J.P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City, in front of Seda Abreeza Hotel, so it's easy to find. The place looks underrated at first glimpse because it has a pretty smaller space compared to other wall climbing facilities in town - and you see the wall you are about to climb immediately even from the outside. But my initial impression on the place convinced me yet again to never judge a book by its cover.

Photo credit: Gil Poligrates

Edge Outdoor is open from Mondays to Sundays, 5-9pm, so that means wall climbing in nighttime - with the stars above you and the honking cars in the street. But all of these are sent to oblivion once you get your hands on those rocks! *insert rock music* (more…)

A Taste of Korea in Davao: Manna Korean Restaurant at SM Lanang Premier

I’m a bit of a fan with anything “Korean”: music, fashion, celebrities and food! Speaking of food, for the first time ever, my friend and I decided to dine in a Korean Restaurant at SM Lanang’s Sky Garden – Manna Korean Restaurant “The Food from Heaven”. And the experience proved good for me. Manna Korean Restaurant has other branch located at C5 Dormitel, Roxas Avenue, Davao City. However, we tried the one at SM Lanang’s Sky Garden. We were welcomed with a friendly receptionist in complete hanbok attire, and were served by attentive waiters. (more…)

Upcoming Event: Lose Weight, Get Active…Fight Diabetes!

(A Free Seminar on Diabetes Control/Management by The Philippine Diabetic Athletes [PDAT])

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Davao City, Philippines (May 6, 2013) The Philippine Diabetic Athletes (PDAT), a non-stock, non-profit organization that seeks to inspire, educate, and encourage Filipino diabetics to manage their disease through an active and healthy lifestyle, is bringing its fourth leg of seminars titled “Lose Weight, Get Active… Fight Diabetes!” to Davao City. (more…)

The Thrill and Excitement at Havoc Fun Run

I dare to live life to the fullest so, aside from travel, I included fun run on my bucket list this year :-D . And while there's still a lot other things on my list , it is so fulfilling to realize that I was able to accomplish this item as early as this month - Davao City's Havoc Regeneration Fun Run made it happen...and exceeded my expectation on how 'fun' could fun run be, in fact. With thrill and excitement, my colleagues and I decided to join in this event that was set on April 7. It had a registration fee worth 350.00 - to cover the singlet, race bib and free snacks. The proceeds was intended for the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines - another good reason why we were encouraged to join.

Preparing for the event with my colleagues (more…)

Photo Slides: Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Parade

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Araw ng Dabaw 2013 Event Schedules

Are you excited about the upcoming events prepared by the local government for the Araw ng Dabaw 2013? Well, we have just got the schedule of events. Check it out below - you can surely find ways to insert these events in your busy schedules. Have fun guys! Mutya ng Dabaw Talent Showcase February 20 – 4PM NCCC Mall Activity Center Hulagway sa Araw ng Dabaw Photo Contest February 20-March 16 Public Information Center 76th Araw ng Dabaw Opening Program February 25- 7AM Quezon Park Araw ng Dabaw Sportsfest February 26-March 24 (Different Venues) Mutya ng Dabaw Semi-Finals (Selection of 5 Grand Finalists) February 27 – 5PM Abreeza Mall (Ayala Mall of Davao) Mutya ng Dabaw Community Project Activity March 1 – whole day Various Baranggays Davao: Then and Now Exhibition March 1-16 – 10AM-9PM SM City Davao – Annex Hudyakaan sa Araw ng Dabaw March 1-17 – 6PM-2AM Bolton Extension Mutya ng Dabaw Grand Coronation Night M…

Godiva Natural Skin Care Product Launching in Davao

(Yes, Davao Portal Team was there!) The Davao Portal team was one of the invited guests during the brand launching of Godiva Skin Care products held at SM City Davao (Annex) on February 2, 2013. It was really an exciting event for us (we could not afford to miss it) for two main reasons: (1) it was our first business engagement since this website was launched in July 2012, so we thought it's really a privilege to be part of the said event; and (2) because it was Godiva's first of its series of product introductions to Filipino consumers ; it's an honor for us Davaoeños to experience it first – yes, they have chosen Davao for its initial market distribution (the new Godiva skin care product is not yet available in other regions - not even in Metro Manila). So, how's our Godiva experience? We have captured some photos below to tell it all! The Davao Portal team with Ms. Ella Bugayong-Pabellano, the Marketing Services Manager, Godiva Inc., at the registration booth. (Ms. E…

Davao Building Construction Projects (2013 Updates)

2012 was quite a booming year for Davao city in terms of building constructions - both for commercial and residential projects - and this trend is expected to continue in 2013 - and in the coming years - with a number of companies expressing their interests for Davao investments. So, don't be surprised (at least not that much) if you see T-cranes sprouting here and there - you might see one even in your neighborhood. :-) This year, we can expect lots of construction activities in the city and here are some interesting projects in the pipeline (ongoing and upcoming): Abreeza Residences A 26-storey residential tower that is being built inside the Abreeza complex (Ayala Company). The construction started in 2012 and if you check it out today, you can notice that the building is slowly shaping up (they are currently working for its 10th floor). This project is expected to top off in 2014 and the turnover will be in 2015. For more detail about this project, visit Abree…