Celebrating 12 long years of partnership

THE Cecilia Stock Farms Inc. (CSFI), one of the leading hog raisers in Mindanao, spearheaded the celebration of its successful 12-year partnership with Pig Improvement Company (PIC) at the Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) recently.

Dubbed as the “12.12.12.12,” the party was held last December 12, 2012 to commemorate the partnership between CSFI and PIC, which began 12 years ago and has since been strengthened through the years.

Night of wine tasting as Matina Swiss Deli

DIFFERENT types of wine and cheese abound when the Matina Swiss Deli and Restaurant staged its wine tasting for guests and clients early this month.

Matina Swiss Deli part owner Peter Gilbertson welcomed his guests for the event and was a gracious host to everybody present, including his English buddies.

Responding to a call for help

THEY were among the firsts to have responded to a call for help after Typhoon Pablo hit Davao Region on December 4.

Pooling their resources, a group of civic-oriented Dabawenyas, all active members of JCI Davaoena "Daba-Daba", Inc., launched Oplan Kaagapay: Operation Typhoon Pablo, in a bid to extend immediate assistance to thousands of affected residents in hardest- hit barangays of New Bataan town in Compostela Valley.

Lizada: Brothers

Sometimes you do things right.

A few weeks ago, Raphael did something no one in the family ever did. He appeared on national television. He was part of the Ateneo de Davao Debating team. They debated with another team from Mindanao. They lost. But that is not the real story here. Of course we felt bad about the loss, of course Raphael felt disappointed with it. But if there was any consolation to all that, his two brothers were with him. Both Miguel and Gabriel accompanied him to the ANC studio and watched their brother debate. Both Chona and I really wanted to watch it live but we figured the tension might be too much. Perhaps not so much for Raphael but for us! So we had to settle to watch the debut of Raphael at home.

Ilocano!

IMEE’S turning out to be a treasure trove of places that escaped our notice, like this Ilocano place that has more dishes than the other Ilocano place.

The greater surprise was, as we stepped out of Imee’s car and walked toward the dimly-lit garahe-turned-tindahan there was a very familiar face inside –- in shorts and uncombed. Boy!!!

December musings: The Haunting of Psy

It has become a cultural phenomenon (which I don’t- and never will- get) thanks to YouTube, the Gangnam Style is today’s “I will always love you” (Whitney Houston’s) and “My heart will go on” (Celine Dion’s) – all irritating (to me). Sorry but I am not a fan of the plump oriental cowboy in tuxedo twirling an invisible lasso and galloping. Surprisingly, the “Psy style” was embraced even by the musicdom’s royalties, Queen Madonna is one of them, and to top it all, it won awards in Europe and the US.

Just like video going viral, Psy’s creation has become an epidemic worst than the bubonic plague that found its way into the vulnerable state of the humans, the Dabawenyos are not spared from the infection. Proof of which were the parties I attended this holiday season.

DSWD to include high schoolers in feeding program

NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley -- The Supplementary Feeding Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) purposely only for grade school children will include high school students in areas affected by typhoon Pablo, Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

Soliman said that the Department and the Provincial and Municipal Governments of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley will work hand-in-hand to take care of the feeding program for students who are in high school.

Battle of college bands on with Sun Broadband Quest

CALLING all college and university bands. This is your chance to show off those killer riffs and rock the crowd with your high-octane performance at Sun Broadband Quest, a battle of broad music styles between college and university bands all over the country.

Open to all unsigned and amateur college bands composed of three to five members between 16 to 25 years old, Sun Broadband Quest is an opportunity for up-and-coming bands to showcase their talents, share their music and get noticed in the music scene. The winning band will get a staggering cool prize of P150,000 cash, record deal, guaranteed gigs plus their own music video!

'Home for Holidays' to run until yearend

WITH only a few days left to the New Year, Camella is all geared up to accommodate as many homebuyers as possible who will avail of the closing salvo of its yearend promo.

Hedcor contributes 600T trees for refo

RUN-OF-RIVER hydropower developer Hedcor has planted more than 600,000 trees to date.

The milestone was reached during this year’s reforestation activities in Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Davao City and Davao del Sur. This year alone, the company planted close to 300,000 trees.

Sun.Star Davao holds Christmas party

IT'S not the usual press work but the preparations of each department for the lively broadway-themed Christmas party that kept Sun.Star Davao employees busy in the evening of December 14 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel Davao.

The jovial night was jumpstarted when the people behind each department - editorial, production, circulation, G & A, and marketing – clad in their respective improvised costumes battled it out in the annual Christmas presentation, which had become a tradition to highlight the celebration each year.

The 2012 jeepney ride around the globe

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

SO TRUE, such was the lesson I learned with Singapore. A nation small enough that one visit would do. The Universe had its way of showing me I was mistaken. Invitations came one after the other and with each visit, I was shown what the city’s nooks and crannies hold- small place, big surprises.

Northpoint's Christmas decors win Kahayag sa Pasko 2012

AS A way to express their gratitude to Davao and its people for their continued support to Camella and its projects, Camella opens to the public its Christmas lights and decors in three of its masterplan developments in the region.

Ramen, sushi atbp.

WE WERE getting antsy about entering any of the new places in the malls. It’s the height of the Christmas rush and just imagining the mob was already sending shivers up and down our collective bodies.

The Apples & Lemons Awards 2012

HUH! And you wished the world ended yesterday and wished that this page won’t get printed today. Well, tough luck, honey. Not even the ancient Mayans or modern day doomsday prophet can predict who’ll end up with an apple or lemon on their lap.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when the best and the worst of Davao is given credit for their good deeds and misdeeds, and awarded with the coveted lemons and despised lemons. It’s like what the Royal Bitch always say (just like Santa’s song)—you better watch out blah-blah-blah…. So without much further ado, let the awarding begin!

Kubota extends cash aid

THE Kubota Group is donating three million yen to the victims of Typhoon "Pablo" that left over a thousand dead and caused massive destruction in several towns of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

"The Kubota Group would like to offer deep condolences to all those affected by Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) in Mindanao Island, the Philippines," Kubota said in a statement.

All-new All Flip-Flops releases 2013 collection

IT’S a merry and bright Christmas in Davao City, as the all-time favorite store for flip-flops releases the fresh Havaianas 2013 Collection.

Stress debriefing for 'Pablo' victims conducted

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Claretian Pastoral Care of the Sick deployed volunteers to conduct stress debriefing to families affected by Typhoon "Pablo" in New Bataan, Compostela Valley on Monday.

Thirteen Pastoral Care volunteers led by Fr. Arnold M. Abelardo, conducted stress debriefing sessions to typhoon-victims to help them cope with the trauma brought by the calamity.

Soul fooding & Moon Dancing

AN INSIDER helps (a lot!) when you’re in his town for a visit. Although I have been frequenting Bangkok for quite sometime, I never seem to get enough of the place. There are streets I have yet to traverse and countless restaurants I have yet to dine in. Day or night, for the palate or the eyes, excitement in Bangkok is endless.

Pigging out at Hog's Breath

A COZY eating ambience and a generous serving of quality food-- this is what I have to say after digging into some sumptuous delight at Hog's Breath Cafe in SM Lanang recently.

Giant murals at SM Lanang Premier

DABAWENYOS viewed all too briefly two gigantic murals at the entrance of SM Lanang Premier's SMX Convention Center executed by artists of the Ford Academy of the Arts in Davao City from November 29 to December 2.

Photo exhibit for a cause opens at Marco Polo today

PARTNERS Jojie Alcantara and Rhonson Ng will hold a photo exhibit today, Tuesday, at the Sulawesi Function Room, ground floor of Marco Polo Davao.

UP Mindanao's Kasadya 2012 set on Wednesday

UP MINDANAO will hold its annual Kasadya Lantern Parade and Festival tomorrow, Wednesday.

The public, the alumni, and the media are invited to view the parade which will start at 3 p.m. from Mintal Barangay Hall grounds and will proceed through barangay proper to culminate in a program at the UP Mindanao Administration Building.

RDL launches new fragrance body spray

RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc. has been making a name in the industry for the past 17 years as a top producer of skin care and cosmetic products. With the changing tastes and trends in the market, it keeps up with the demand for quality but affordable products.

Like college

WE'VE been doing the rounds of all those new restaurants that are in a seeming race as to who has the better presentation, accommodation, and taste, which all come with a price.

What can I give you this Christmas?

THERE is a property boom in the city. More villages are cropping up and condominiums are sprouting like mushrooms. The idea would be unheard of years back but the metropolis is growing, thus the need for more living spaces on the ground and up in the sky.

Wherever your crib is, you only want it the best spot to nestle in at the end of each working day—there’s no place like home.

Style sisters

YOUNG Cebuanas Jacklyn and Kryz Uy are two of the most dynamic style setters in the Philippines.

Jacklyn, 25, has a Master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) while Kryz, 22, graduated with honors from Ateneo de Manila University with a major in Communications Technology Management and minor in Enterprise Development.

Now boarding

First order of the day: explore Terminal 21.

Terminal 21 is the newest addition to Bangkok’s shopping destinations. I was told these are where the budding local designers set up shop and showcase their creations hoping they’ll penetrate the market, build a following and ultimately, move in with the big players of retail and design.

The taste of authentic Italian cuisines

PIZZA and pasta restaurants are sprouting like mushrooms today, as staunch supporters for Italian cuisines are growing in number here in Davao City.

Needless to say, Dabawenyos may get a taste of these cuisines anytime and anywhere either at the neighborhood resto or at the famous pit-stop in town. They are all over the city, so finding one is less of an effort.

Abreeza launches 12 Days of Christmas Kindness

IN THE spirit of gift-giving during the most eagerly anticipated holiday season, Ayala Malls pushes for a nationwide call for the act of kindness during Christmas by spreading forth cheer in the most surprising ways.