JANUARY 2018 MUSINGS: It’s not yet over
The past year was busy, in an exciting and “filling” way. Then the New Year was welcomed. A new page in the new calendar with blank squares was a welcome sight. It read: break time, written in invisible ink. No event and food invites, yes? No. The image of the fireworks across the sky hasn’t dimmed (so to speak), the sound of revelry hasn’t faded, and the holiday food hasn’t been digested yet then came the emails and invitations. First on the list was the Indonesian Consulate’s casual get together, which happens to be Consul Berlian Naputupuu’s birthday as well. Indonesian cuisine kicked off the food tripping for 2018.
WATERFRONT Insular Hotel’s seaside seafood dining at the La Parilla came next. Seafood is supposed to be the healthier choice to dining, not unless the see food syndrome kicks in. It was exactly what happened with the sumptuous buffet the chef has prepared.
A charity concert held at Marco Polo Davao featured classical pianist Jovianney Emmanuel Cruz. Shows like these come rarely in Davao and the opportunity to catch was hard to resist. So was the exquisite cuisine served in between the artist’s grand piano performances.
Homegrown brand, Patok Sa Manok, announced that it will open its newest restaurant along Tulip Drive Avenue in Matina. It is the third PSM branch to open in the city with the biggest branch in Lanang. The new Matina resto though will be the official PSM template for the growing restaurant chain. At the Tulip Drive branch, experience an upgraded menu, a new look of tropical modern and old world fusion plus the new addition to the resto’s service—a bakery section that will carry fresh breads and premium dessert items.
The media got first dibs on the offerings a few days before it officially opened. We were literally drowned in the goodness (and quantity) of the food served. Though the menu will tempt you to order everything on it, do hold back and save space for dessert. The Happy Lemon Cake will really make you happy and the Mango Brulee is to die for (forgive the cliché but that’s the best way to describe its goodness).
What’s in Misto at Seda Abreeza Hotel for Valentine’s? A wine pairing meal. To make the dinner date more exciting, they’re throwing in the bestseller, the roast beef, plus a dessert buffet. These offerings will surely make your heart beat fast.
Something exciting is happening in Cebu which will urge us to use the city as the gateway to our international travel. Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport is due to open soon. It’s a state-of-the-art edifice will have a resort vibe to it and promises to extend our stay in Cebu for two more hours (because that’s how much time is required before we board our planes).
Personally, I prefer to use this channel. Not only is it more economical to do so, but it also saves on travel time to reach my international destination. The Cebu airport is a lot less busy than Manila, where chances of the delayed flights are high.
Speaking of traveling, two airlines just announced two direct flights from Davao. AirSwift rolled out the good news that it will have direct flight to El Nido from Davao this May and Philippine Airlines will fly the Davaoeños direct to Siargao in March. Isn’t that sweet?
The good news, fun and excitement of 2017 carries over to this year. I’m not complaining. Forget rest. Forget the diet.
For more photos about this feature, visit ofapplesandlemons.com. For travel stories, visit jeepneyjinggoy.com. Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com