Great Food, Great Place At Batu Café

Obrero is now a booming area in Davao City where you can find lots of restos, bars and cafés.

In Loyola Street, specifically on the first floor of Las Casitas de Angela Inn II, has a small but comfy and chill café that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks and desserts in between!

Batu Café serves food inspired by different countries and culture. And what’s more exciting is that their food is really affordable with big serving.

These are the food we have tasted and believe me, everything tastes good. I will be visiting Batu Café again.

Taco Salad (139 pesos, serves 2-3) – tacos, lettuce, chili con carne and fresh salsa with cheesy dressing.

Aligue Pasta (189 pesos) – cooked with aligue or crabfat, topped with shrimps.

Brownie Ala Mode (109 pesos) – warm brownie topped with homemade vanilla ice cream and crispy brownie thins.

Ham and Cheese French Toast (139 pesos) – ham and cheese sandwiched in thick slices of freshly baked homemade tasty bread, dipped in butter and pan-grilled. Drizzled with maple syrup and served with orange marmalade butter.

Korean Pork Spareribs and Chagio (198 pesos) – chagio consists of Vietnamese spring rolls with pork and vermicelli, served with nuoc cham sauce.

Three Cheese Lasagna (169 pesos) – made using homemade lasagna pasta.

Chicago Style Hungarian Sausage Sandwich (198 pesos, with Parmesan Fries +49) – big, spicy Hungarian sausage topped with onions, tomatoes, pickles, drizzled with Mayo and Dijon mustard on homemade freshly baked bun.

Basil Malunggay Pesto Fettucine (139 pesos, with Grilled Rosemary Chicken +60) – paired with 1 piece homemade garlic French bread.

Vietnamese Chicken and Basil Fried Rice (169 pesos) – spicy, saucy sautéed chicken in lemongrass and Asian spices, served with Basil fried rice.

Nachos (189 pesos, serves 2-3) – in 3 different dips.

Pandan Chicken with Thai Bagoong Fried Rice (269 pesos) – pandan-wrapped chicken served with shrimp paste fried rice with 7 kinds of sidings.

Indian Chicken Curry with Samosas (259 pesos) – nutty curried chicken with assorted spices served with 2 pieces Samosas and mango chutney.

Bulalo Steak (280-380 pesos, serves 2-3) – soft beef shanks and beef bone marrow in bones, with creamy mushroom sauce.

The food served to us were all delicious. It was also more appetizing to eat because the staff were accomodating, the interior was great, with decors and paintings soothing to the eyes that created a homey and cozy feel.

Of course, they also serve other desserts like cakes (from Margie’s Bakeshop) and homemade ice cream where the chocolate mint flavor is my favorite. I forgot to take pictures though.

What’s also great in Batu Café is that they have standby generator set incase of brownout, and a WiFi for browsing the internet. They are open from 6AM to 9PM.

So if you want to try something new aside from the usual mall cafés and restos, head on to Batu Café for some great food that’s great to share with great people.

Find Batu Café here.

Date With The Elderly

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) Philippines had another activity last February in the 3 key cities of the country – Manila, Cebu and Davao, called Valentines Date with the Elderly. Although the activity was already done in Manila and Cebu earlier in February, Davao’s schedule was last February 27. Kinda late for Valentine’s Day but it was fun, exciting and emotional.

I got invited because I followed the instructions on how to be invited. Hahahaha. Actually, I follow CBTL’s Facebook and Instagram pages so I am always updated with what’s new. So I read their post, did the instructions and tried my luck (with prayers, too) because only 25 slots were given. Although the venue is unknown to me and I know no one there, still I was eager to join.

Then I was chosen. Came February 27, I explored alone again to the other side of Davao City, somewhere in Calinan, to a Barangay called Biao Guianga, Tugbok. I miscalculated the expected time of departure and arrival so I was 1 hour late. I nearly got lost, and got so confused. Good thing I got with me my data connection, power bank, coins, small bills, umbrella and advise of friends so I was able to ride the right jeepney, got off the right spot and eventually arrived at the venue, The Care for the Elderly Foundation, Inc.

Though late, I was just in time for the major activities like paper flower making, serenade, dancing, speech and group photos. It was fun.

During the activity, when I look at the elderlies, I felt a little emotional but happy for them. Emotional because some of them cannot walk already and in wheelchairs, some cannot move by themselves and rely to other people to transport them from one place to another, some cannot eat by themselves, some are already senile due to cardiac attack or stroke.

At the same time, I am happy for them because they have reached that far, very far that some of them are nearly 100 years old! I am happy for them because even in that situation, there are still people who care for them – the people who run the center and those who keep on donating for the daily expenses.

After the activity, I am sure that all of them were entertained. If only I could go there more often, I would, because those elderlies need love and attention especially that their days are counted.

Kudos to CBTL for a very meaningful activity. We ended the activity with a group photo and snacks from CBTL.

Thank you so much CBTL. Hoping to join more exciting activities soon.

Lorelei Beach Resort: A New Gem in IGACOS

I am sure that most of us just head to one of Samal Island’s beaches for a holiday or a long weekend escapade with friends and family. Mostly, we head back to the same beaches again and again, because one, we know it’s nice. Two, because we are comfortable and at peace.

For explorers like me, I like to try something new from time to time. This way, I can compare and have alternative choices during peak seasons, type of special occassion, when friends from other places visit Davao or depending on my mood.

In Barangay Catagman, Peñaplata, Island Garden City of Samal lies a newly-opened beach resort that can cater our escapade needs. They have seven rooms where we can stay overnight. Price ranges from 2,500 to 3,000 pesos depending on its capacity. Each rooms are named after the Little Mermaid’s royal princesses, Ariel and her sisters!

With their wide space, celebrations can be held here simultaneously because it can be done on different areas – pool area, shoreline, main building and the space fronting the building. There is also a wide parking space for vehicles.

They also have a souvenir corner where visitors can buy shirts and mugs.

If you are not that confident to let your kids swim in the sea, then you can let them swim in the kiddie swimming pool. There, they are safe. You can guard them by staying on the benches while drinking or eating.

It is much better to bring your own vehicle but Lorelei Beach Resort has a van that can transport you from the ferry wharf and back. They can charge 200 pesos per person up to 3 persons one way, for the use of van. If more than 3, then it will be 150 per head.

To get there, you will ride the ferry from Sasa Ferry Wharf. Each person is charged with 10 pesos, or if with vehicle, prices depend on the type of vehicle and the number of persons inside.

When you are in Samal already, it will be a 15-minute ride from the wharf to Lorelei Beach Resort.

For bookings and reservations, just contact the details below.

So the next time you want something new, head on to Lorelei Beach Resort and experience their new nature-y and relaxing offer.

Coffee, Massage and More at Balai

I am sure that Balai Coffee and Spa is already popular to the people of Tagum, but not all have experienced their services.

First, Balai Coffee and Spa is a homey coffee shop that serves hot and cold coffees and teas, juices and shakes paired with sandwiches, pastas or cakes. They also serve lunch and dinner with their variety of sumptuous meals.

Second, they also have massage services. You can choose from Swedish to Shiatsu to Stone Massage in an ordinary room or couple room. Either way, you will be relaxed and de-stressed when massaged. They also had sauna.

Third, they have this service called Ear Candling or, according to Google, is a thermal-auricular therapy, an alternative medicine practice claimed to improve general health and well-being by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal. Although if you read scientific literature about ear candling, most of it says it is ineffective and dangerous.

Therapeutic or not, effective or not, with scientific proof or not, I tried it for the sake of trying. I just want to try it to know how it feels and I felt good. Good because I was brave enough to have a lighted candle stuck in my ear canal. The experience was worth it.

Balai Coffee and Spa is really a good place to to meet and stay connected with friends, have some relaxation, or just eat good food.

A Garden Called Dreanca

It is not a surprise that establishments like cafes and restaurants will sprout in Tagum City because of its promising modernization and industrialization. Students and workers residing from neighboring municipalities are regular contributors of foot traffic in the city.

Again, another cafe/restaurant has opened to cater the healthy appetite side of Tagumeños, but this time, it is on the other side of the city.

Garden Dreanca is a cafe/restaurant/hang out place for those who want to escape the rush and the stress. It has ornamental plants around that you can rest your eyes to and relax. They also have this indoor waterfalls that its sound make you feel calm.

The food is basically the same with the other restaurants since they also have chicken, pork, beef, salad, soup, sandwich, pasta and value meals. They also serve fruit shakes and juices, coffee and beer.

Outside is a wide area where they have huts if you want to stay outside, especially for those who want to smoke. They have a mini stage for the singers and instruments during nights with live band.

The place can also be reserved for occasions and they offer several packages depending on the number of guests. Although they have corkage for lechon, but you can bring cake and it is free of charge.

There is ample parking space but if you have no ride, commuting is hard especially at night since there are only a few tricycles that roam around Curvada-Magdum area.

This Valentines Day, they will be offering a dinner buffet for 349 pesos for couples only, with complimentary wine, rose and red velvet cupcake.

So if you want to just dine, unwind or hold celebrations, then Garden Dreanca is a new place to consider. They are located at the National Highway, Curvada (going to Magdum, before Merville), Tagum City. You can contact them at 0930-8238-088.

Estrella’s Kitchen & Cafe

A new chic and posh cafe has just recently opened in Tagum City. I believe that they are still on the process of fixing and finalizing things because lighted signage outside the building is still not visible, only a tarpaulin at the outside front that tells you that you are on the right place.

A few of my friends were there during the soft opening that’s why I heard about this place. The explorer in me was triggered again so I dragged along my daughter and head there.

Estrella’s Kitchen & Cafe is located at the 3rd floor of Reno Building, Osmena Street. Confused? Well, it is across the City Hall, along Goldilocks Bakeshop. The main reference point is the DW Electronics. If you are there, then it is on the third floor. The stairs going to the third floor is beside DW Electronics. Still confused? Well, just ask the security guard at the DW Electronics.

Going to the third floor was not easy especially if you are in high heels. I just got out from the office so I was still in complete uniform, but the delicious food was my motivation to reach there. There was no signage on the sides but when you reach the third floor, you can see the welcome signs and you can smell the aroma of good food being cooked.

It was almost full. We asked for the menu and I was surprised that the prices were quite high compared to other cafes in Tagum City. Honestly, the prices are not student-friendly, but the servings were generous. We ordered pasta, salad, breakfast meal, dessert and drinks. Yes, they have breakfast meal served all day.

Photo grabbed from Estrella’s Kitchen & Cafe’s Facebook Page

Photo grabbed from Estrella’s Kitchen & Cafe’s Facebook Page

The Fruit and Nut salad was colorful and really appetizing. There was a little dressing and the veggies were not really wet, but when you eat it, it was flavorful. Well, when I eat vegetable salad, I want the dressing to be a little soupy. The sauce of their Mushroom and Cream has a right consistency and it tasted perfectly for me. The dessert called Pot De Creme is delicious too, perfect for those with sweet tooth.

Since this is our first time, we will visit again to taste their other food. For my first time visit, I can say that I was really satisfied and I’m craving for more.

If you are planning to visit, they are open from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM and from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Zumba With A Twist

December 1, 2015 was a special day for Big 8 Corporate Hotel because it was the lighting of their Christmas Tree. Their tree is the highest in Visayas and Mindanao in a hotel-set up. There were also Christmas decorations all around the hotel.

To make the event more meaningful, they conducted a Fitness Color Blast Zumba wherein powders of different colors were thrown at us while dancing, making different color combinations on our white dri-fit shirts.  The Big 8 Hotel staff randomly throw it at us, in front and at the back of our shirts. No worries because the colored powders were nontoxic and easy to wash.

We really had fun and it was my first time to join this kind of Zumba. I called it Zumba with a twist. The instructors were also very good as they can really make you move and dance. Their choice of music were also good.

Photo grabbed from Davnor Photographers Society Facebook Page

I am into Zumba about three years now and I really like it because you are just dancing and it is already your workout! Hundreds of calories are already burned.

I hope to join more Zumba parties and extraordinary Zumba parties such as this.

Giant Holiday Tree 2015

Last night was the ceremonial lighting of the Tagum City’s Giant Holiday Tree for 2015. This is one of the much-awaited event for all Tagumenos during holiday season. Every before the parochial fiesta (which falls every third Sunday of November), happens this spectacular event which is the lighting of the holiday tree at the Freedom Park. Almost all people are waiting for the big day and when it finally came, they were there in awe of the beautiful design and lights of the giant holiday tree.

Well, the holiday tree was not just designed to look pleasing to the eyes. Every design has meaning.

What does the tree symbolize? The 6 levels represent the 6  city councils of Tagum, 16 ring stars symbolize the 16 distinct qualities of love stated in Corinthians 13:4-8. The giant ring and rope represent unity among Tagumenyos, Filipinos and the entire mankind. The flowers are symbol of peace; Christmas lights for the camaraderie between and among Tagumenyos and others (From Choose Philippines).

A variety show was presented from talents all over Tagum. The spirit of Christmas was really all over the place because of the Christmas songs heard from solo, duet, chorale and dance numbers from the participants.

The highlight of the event was the 10-minute fireworks display that really opened the Christmas season in Tagum City.

It was indeed another memorable and historical event.

Photo grabbed from City of Tagum Official Facebook Page

Merry Christmas everyone!

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf 2015 Holiday Launch

I just attended the 2015 Holiday Launch of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf here in SM Lanang Premiere. I was invited last Wednesday and I brought with me my friend, Mia Polly. I am a fan of CBTL ever since my Indonesia days where I bought 2 can of teas, the Moroccan mint and the green tea apple.

When I saw the post of CBTL about their launching here in Davao City, I immediately sent my entry so that I will get my invite. I told them that I like CBTL and I am so happy that they are in partnership with the Real Life Foundation.

I was so amazed that the activity was mostly attended by members of the Davao Bloggers Society. I am a blogger in my own ways, but I really do not expose my blog for others to read. However, I guess I changed my mind and I will be blogging seriously. I will decide whether it will be in tumblr or blogspot.

Well, we had a short program and activities. We had a short film viewing and the watercolor lettering. It was fun! There was snacks and lunch served – banana blueberry muffin, chicken sandwhich, unlimited coffee and spaghetti. It was yummy!

The best part was we were given the 2016 CBTL planner, a 500 pesos gift certificate and coupons. These made my day so complete.

The much better part was everything that CBTL is doing is giving back to the community, like supporting scholars of the Real Life Foundation. As a member of Victory Tagum, we also support and pray for the Real Life Foundation.

Thank you Lord, thank you CBTL for this opportunity. I am greatly honored. I will forever patronize your products.

Trivia Night @ Sprockets

We did not expect this activity. In Sprockets Coffee + Milk Tea Cafe, very Monday night is Trivia Night. Actually, we (me and Sunshine) just went there to have some milk tea and pasta. But we were so surprised when the guy (later became the quiz master) asked us if we want to join the Trivia Quiz. Just for fun, we agreed to join. He then gave us a small white board and a marker and told us to write the name of our team. Our team name was SMASH, taken from the names of our best friends in high school: S-Special, A-Ayris, M-Meilfe, SH-Shine/Sunshine. As expected, we did not win because the questions were so difficult. But we enjoyed it so much. The food was great too. I ordered fettupasta in pesto cream, and nachos. The milk teas were so heavenly and cheap. It’s a nice place to hang out.