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.

Christmas with the elders

A GROUP of Davao City-based journalists, led by Liloh Evangelista of Zee Magazine and freelancer Ben Tesiorna, partnered with the Davao Filipino-Chinese Cultural Foundation, to conduct gift-giving and feeding activity for at least 29 wards of Co Su Gian-Home for the Aged in Buhangin, Davao City on Tuesday.

Media practitioners, including newspaper editors, took a break from field and desk works, to join in the activity, which was also attended by officers and members of the foundation, led by its president Benito Mesina.

Eden Nature Park marks 'Beats & Vibes' New Year

EDEN Nature Park and Resort's tradition of fun and unforgettable New Year's countdown celebration continues this year with "Beats and Vibes," a Mardi Gras-style New Year's countdown party on December 31, 2012, starting at 5 p.m. at the resort's Vista Restaurant.

Marvel at Camiguin's Katibawasan Falls

BEHIND its majestic views and natural reserves, Camiguin still has more in store as a primary travel destination in Mindanao for travelers and mountain climbers alike.

In my previous travel stories, I discussed about Camiguin’s pristine sceneries and astounding picturesque of its mountainous terrain, its white sand beach, and its very own Guiob Church.

Japanese up north

DAVAO is really growing and people no longer all converge downtown to have their special treats. This row of restaurants in Lanang beside the Subaru showroom is but a proof of that.

It was a Thursday and Miggy was treating. Yey! It’s a Japanese Restaurant, she said.

Pablo & Pacquiao

FOR the third time, Pacquiao will be throwing punches at Marquez in the ring and try to beat him to the ground so he can keep his belt. The set of waist huggers will never be the same minus one. But we all know there’s so much more involved than claiming rights to the big-buckled-clinchers —a title, pride, world notoriety and of course, the moolah. Win or lose, both parties the earnings will be enormous—for both boxers.

Boxing has become a (huge) money making venture for the pugilists. The sport has never been this popular in history with one boxer owning seven titles to his name. Manny Pacquiao has etched his name in history.

Guiseppe Morisco: Master Chef’s Finalist up close

“THIS is the first time I have been to Asia, and my very first trip, too, in the Philippines,” the Italian chef said in an interview. “This country is very beautiful. The people are very warm and very friendly. Oftentimes, I see them smiling.”

The statement comes from the mouth of Guiseppe Morisco. He was a top ten finalist in the Season 2 of Master Chef, an American competitive cooking reality show for Fox Television Network. It is open to amateur and home chefs. It is co-hosted and co-produced by Gordon Ramsay.

Global Nomad at SM Ladies Fashion

THE fashion world is yours for the taking with the SM Ladies Fashion's Global Nomad collection.

A mix of new collections are now on display, each boasting an unparalleled elegance that best fits just every woman's taste for new clothes, be they simple or extravagant designs with a pop of color.

Gawad Kalinga, Smart partner to promote recycling, livelihood

WHAT'S there to do with used plastic bags, discarded fabric, and old tarpaulin? Call in some of the brightest minds in Philippine design and get their creative juices flowing.

Hola España: One great dining place

THERE'S a nice dining place at the Damosa Gateway in Lanang that's attracting customers since it was established back in 2007. Hola España, a Spanish restaurant, never ceases to arouse food lovers because of its fantastic ambience and great cuisine.

Grand in every point

I WILL forever love 3-in-1. Not so much the coffee prep, though it is handy and a lifesaver when I need a caffeine fix—stat, but that of hotels.

Japanese ice cream now in Davao City

A SWEET delicacy famous in many Asian countries has arrived in Davao City with a more improved taste to fit the palate of the Filipinos.

It's more than just an herb

IT GIVES just any gourmet a distinctive aroma, Lemongrass "tanglad" has been one of the Filipinos' preferred herbs for many years.

In the recent Mindanao Trade Expo (MTE) at Abreeza Ayala Mall last week, one of the booths which drew much attention from Davao market was that of Timothy Hull's.

Food Trip -- Part Two

AS PROMISED, here is more.

Chicken Parmesan of Bread Talk

Where the young chill

MIGGY asked if we could have coffee Wednesday night. I called a rain check because I still had a dinner appointment. But after dinner I realized I do have to have coffee.

Manila buddy Ariel was on a bus on his way to Davao from Butuan and would want to meet up for some coffee or something.

November musings: the brighter side

THERE was Sandy, then the snow. It was cold, vey cold, and dark. In the East Coast, it was a chance to get a glimpse of life in the past, void of new world conveniences— candle lit nights when great conversation ruled and smart phones set aside (it’s not as smart minus the power it needed to run), warmth came from not only from throws and blankets but from the company of good friends as well, and “hiking” to the tenth floor (several times a day) was good for the heart, thighs and butt, I said to myself between gasps for air.