Monday, January 10, 2011

King of Philippine Fruits: Durian



But Davao is not Davao without the fabled durian. Idle tales go that Davao’s treasures are guarded by fairies and mystical spirits whose food staple is durian—a kind of food of the gods. Thus, where durian abounds treasures are hid, they say. But watch out for the wrath of the gods.

Durian is a tropical fruit similar to jack fruit—only more velvety and, like wine, alluring. Its hard, spiked crust keeps the edible flesh intact inside. The strange smell could mislead the uninitiated into misjudging it unfairly, throw it off, and miss out on the best thing in Davao.

To others, the aroma is like aged wine—durian’s and Davao’s, that is. It can entice you into having endless one last tries until the intoxication gets you hooked for life.

A five-hectare farm—this is one of the places in Calinan where the heavenly fruit proliferates. It used to be a coconut farm converted by owner, Elmer Solomon, into a durian farm. It’s more productive now—luring more enthralled buyers. It is an attraction to both local and foreign tourists who love durian or are curious about the fruit.

Restaurant: Banana Leaf Asian Café

Davao City has popular high-class restaurants that serve delectable dishes. These restaurants offer sumptuous Asian dishes. One of the restaurants that serve Asian dishes plus the warm welcome of its people  is Banana Leaf Asian Café.


Specialties of Banana Leaf Asian Café

Banana Leaf Asian Café offers delicious Asian dishes like Roti Canai and Mee Goreng. Roti Canai is an Asian dish that makes use of flat bread that comes with curry sauce that is sweet and semi spicy. On the other hand, people can taste the famous fried noodle dish at Banan Leaf Asian Café, which is Mee Goreng.

The Thai Burger, Indian Vegetable Samosas, Malayan Curry, Hainanese Chicken and Chili N Spice Seafood Rice are just some of another best dishes that the restaurant has to offer.  Thai Burger is really good for snack time. Thai Burger costs Php 108 while Indian Vegetable Samosas, deep fried pastry, costs Php 100. People can also try Malayan Curry and Hainanese Chicken, which costs Php 160 and Chili 'N Spice Seafood Rice that, costs Php 180.

Banana Leaf Asian Café is one of the famous and alluring restaurants in Davao City. Many people who do reviews on restaurants in the city give Banana Leaf Asian Café five star rating. Hence, people who will dine at this restaurant will surely satisfy their cravings.

The restaurant serves other Asian dishes and desserts. It also holds lunch buffet once in a while, so people can taste the specialties of Banana Leaf Asian Café. To have a look at the menu of the restaurant, they can look at reviews of Banana Leaf Asian Café. The reviews include prices of dishes at the restaurant. Thus, people can prepare before they visit this beautiful restaurant.

Contact Information

If you plan to hold special occasions and make reservations at Banana Leaf Asian Café, Visit them at the Ground Floor of Chimes Specialty Store, Governor Sales Street in Davao City. You can also call them through their local number, which is (082) 225-8898.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Davao Icon: Philippine Eagle



The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world. This bird of prey, or raptor, belongs to the family Accipitridae. It is also known as "Haribon" or "Haring Ibon," meaning "Bird King."

Davao is the home of this majestic bird in the Philippine sky. The Philippine eagle foundation has been taking care of these jungle giants. The Foundation firmly believes that the fate of  the vanishing Philippine Eagle, the health of the environment, and the quality of Philippine life are inextricably linked. Therefore people must be committed in promoting the survival of the Philippine Eagle, the biodiversity it represents, and the sustainable use of our forest resources for future generations to enjoy.

The Philippine Eagle is ecologically important to people and yet vulnerable to human activities. Conservation of the Philippine Eagle contributes to sustainable development and improves the quality of human life by maintaining biological diversity and environmental health. 

The next time you visit Davao don't miss to see the "Haribon", in the Philippine Eagle Foundation. 

Park and Landmark: People's Park



The formerly known as PTA grounds is now People’s Park. The park has a collection of tropical rainforest trees, a Durian fruit dome or a fantasy-themed park with the children to play and enjoy. It also portray the most famous icon in the region the "AGILA" or the Philippine Eagle. The entire park showcases different sculptures of the living of the people in the city which was designed by Kublai Milan, a local artisan.

Since its opening last December 15, 2007. They park has been crime-free, this the result of intensified security in the park. The former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte warned that abuses will not be tolerated inside the park.



Surveillance cameras are installed all over the park to ensure the safety of visitors and monitor possible abuses inside. The close circuit TV cameras will discourage illicit activities. Another good thing is that Caregivers and wheelchairs are available for senior citizens who want to visit the park but could not do so.



People's Park is named after the winning entry of "Name the Park contest" of the city before it was officially opened. From the name itself it caters not only the people of the city but people of all cities.There is no entrance fee to the People's Park. People's Park is located near The Apo View Hotel and Casa Leticia Hotel.

The next time you visit Davao City, don't forget People's Park! A park for you!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Lotus Court : Chinese Restaurant



Relish delicious Cantonese cuisine at the 80-seater Lotus Court. Surely one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Philippines, Lotus Court is all about an abundant array of fresh seafood served in a sophisticated and cozy setting.

If you are looking for a pure and flavourful Oriental dishes, find its perfect culinary cuisine in Lotus Court’s new and elegant environment. It provides a really satisfying Asian fine dining.

Here are some of Lotus Court’s top dishes:

Roast Peking Duck

The intricate and subtle flavors of Lotus Court’s roast Peking duck are the stuff legends are made of. Burnished duck skin crisps and spring onion bits are drizzled with sweet-spicy sauce and enclosed in fine momo wraps. The braised slivers of deep and dense duck meat can be popped in lettuce sleeves, if you choose. Another delicious option is deep-fried duck meat, with salt and pepper pointing up the lusciousness of the meat.

Roast Suckling Pig

Lightly crisped pork skin and chunks of meltingly tender meat are served with Lotus Court’s special butterfly bun. A kiss of hoisin sauce enhances the dish’s sublime flavors.

Yin Yang Garoupa (Two-Way Style)

Be entranced by the incredible flavors of Lotus Court’s newest signature dish. Deep-fried and filleted garoupa is teamed with two tangy sauces: honey-laced lemon sauce and the rich and spicy black bean sauce and chili.

Pan-Fried Beef Tenderloin Chinese Style

Thinly-sliced beef tenderloin takes on delightfully sweet and spicy notes from its delicate red sauce. This crowd pleaser is garnished with fresh and crunchy onion rings.

Stir-Fried Prawns and Scallops with Broccoli

A lip-smacking stir fry, premium prawns and fantastic scallops are tossed with vibrant and fresh broccoli. Its full flavors make it ever-present in banquets and lauriats.

Stir-Fried Prawns with Ginger and Onion

Indulge in prawns kept plump and succulent by quick frying and a mingling with julienned ginger and onions. This delightful treat is a winner in texture and flavor.

Stir-Fried Prawns with Chili Sauce

Bite into juicy prawns dressed with a fiery, first-rate chili sauce for an heady, near nuclear experience. This briny and spicy entrée is perfect with steamed rice.

Steamed Pompano with Special Soy Sauce

This top pick features live pompano scooped from Lotus Court tanks and steamed to perfection. A delicate ginger scent wafts from this whole fish dish seasoned beautifully with a special soy sauce.

Crunchy Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple

Crunch your way through pork cubes lacquered with a heavenly pineapple sauce. Sweet and salty flavors in a perfect balance and harmony. An example of a standard transformed, this is a must-try.

Mixed Seafood Curry in Hot Pot

The freshest bounty of the sea meets up with the popular Indian spice, curry. Relish this savory dish of garoupa fillet, juicy prawn, and squid rings in curried splendor, served piping hot, Asian fusion at its best. •


Restaurant: Lotus Court


Waiting to delight you from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm with opening hours:
Lunch: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

For reservations or enquiries, please call: (082) 221 0888 local 72

Monday, January 3, 2011

Salon Day

After a long stressing day of  work it is an ideal activity to visit a salon and have some hair treatment or simply a haircut. This activity will allow you to relieve yourself from stress and appreciate your own beauty. For a more fun and enjoyable experience try bringing some friends at the salon.

Carlo Reyes Salon is a good place you must try. It offers a wide array of services you can choose from. They have artistic hair stylists that do not only possess unique styles but a skill making you feel welcome and beautiful. You can take advantage of their promotions like the P50.00 haircut plus satisfaction guaranteed service.

Try it now.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Warm Visit at Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort

Sand, Sun and Sea. These are the things you will first observe and appreciate as you arrive at the beautiful haven of Paradise Island. A sand with white-pink shades, the sun which has enough heat to keep you warm and tan.  Finally the blue sea that will surely invite you to feel the water.


Aside from the witnessing the promising sand, sea and sun you will also feel the very warm hospitality of Paradise. Seeing a genuine smile from the people ensuring to make your stay comfortable and fun. Millions of satisfied customers has already served with these hospitality since it began its operations in the 80’s, the Paradise Island Society has established its own brand of hospitality called “the PAP”.

P– stands for Pahiyom in the local dialect, every resort staff is enjoined to wear a smile on their face when inside the resort and also encouraged to do the same outside.

A– stands for Abi – abi in the local dialect, each guest should be provided with whatever is needed for their well-being during their stay.

P– stands for Pasalamat in the local dialect, each employee should be thankful for every given opportunity to serve our guests and invites them to come again.

All these traits are inherent to every member of the Paradise Island Society and they intend to keep it that way forever.


Paradise has also a “Dive Zone” ideally developed to satisfy your underwater craving. So if you can see the birds in the Samal sky there is also a school of fish in the Samal underwater waiting for you to discover. Surely, you will experience a "fish spa" while diving into its underwater. Enjoy a deep blue and shallow green water, experience fun! See it in Paradise!

Visit Paradise Island Davao now!