THESE are the best and worst for the year 2018. “DO” equates to winning apples and “DO NOT” means you can chew on the lemons.
DO...
...watch out for this artist: Alfred Galvez. There are lots of good artists in Davao, and I am glad that this Davao-born artist came home to be counted among the clique. Galvez’s Realism is breathtaking and applies this in his three art ventures- the paintings of Alfred Galvez, AG Murals and Filipinoiserie. Check out his Facebook account and see for yourself. Better yet visit Art Portal along Pelayo Street. It houses some of his paintings and the works of other artists on exhibit.
...indulge yourself with these delicious food: Spaghetti Bolognese at Marco Polo; Mango Charlotte at Misto, Seda: freshly-baked breads of Waterfront Insular Hotel; Happy Home’s version of Laing, a most elegantly prepared vegetable dish and truly delicious; Little Dynasty’s Mango Sago is a winner.
...patronize these annual Kadayawan events: Habi Kadayawan and Kadayawan Ball. These events are breeding grounds for Davao’s next best thing in fashion and accessory design. You can own a piece of these artists’ works before it shoots up in value when they enter the world stage.
...look up to these women of substance and style. They are well-dressed, well-mannered and support Davao in every way they can: Joji and Nicole Bian; Gene Bangayan; Erika Mata.
DO NOT...
...segregate dining for guests in a single event. Cocktails for one group and sit-down dinner for another, and everyone meets at the center for the main program—there’s something terribly wrong with this picture.
...argue with a customer. When bad service is called out address the problem, and not make the service-charge-paying client the enemy. Activating a word war with the aggrieved customer is like digging a deep hole for yourself and the establishment. You may not know who you’re messing with.
...believe it when they say all social climbing is exclusive to the financially challenged. Money is not a gauge for this anxiety to be accepted to a social group not one’s own.
...choose clients, ignore pledged orders or get overwhelmed with popularity. Fashion and popularity is fleeting. “One day you’re in, next day you’re out” is true most especially if creativity is limited. Credibility is another factor: honor a commitment. The value of money doesn’t diminish if it comes from socialites or not. Now, notice how the fad is fading?
...neglect upkeep. It’s unbecoming of a top-tier establishment to be in a sorry state—air-conditioning and escalators constantly non-operational, filthy restrooms, fixtures and finishing in dire need of repair, sewer pipes blowing up, etc. The public deserves better.
...forget who your partners are. This government agency in Davao has the lousiest year for media relations in its existence. Respect was absent.
...go back on your word. A year ago, I won trip to any destination in this country via a writing contest. I stated my choice of city several times but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. I wonder if this prize will be honored at all.
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