OFTENTIMES we hear the phrase, “Support local” as if it had been a staple advertising maxim for local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). In Davao City, many venture into small businesses whether exploring into the food or services industry. It is also noteworthy that these business ventures of business-minded Dabawenyos are in partnership and assistance of different government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology.
But why is it ever important to help promote the products made by Dabawenyos here in the city for their fellow Dabawenyos? One thing is certain. It is with these products that we see the effort and the creativity of the Dabawenyos put together in a product that the city can be proud of to share to the tourists, whether domestic or international.
Davao City, as it is doing now, should be all the more proud and willing to assist the MSMEs in whatever they need as they strengthen the foundation starting their own small business.
SunStar Davao’s Best of Davao is one of its many video segments with the primary intention of telling the stories of Davao and its people. Started by SunStar Cebu, SunStar Davao adapted the “Best Of” campaign sometime in 2014. In 2017, it was developed to become a regular digital and print content of SunStar Davao.
How are they chosen?
The Best of Davao starts with an online poll asking the netizens what they think is the best local cheeseburger, siopao, dumplings, chocolate cake, or pizza – depending on the food category assigned that month. Lifestyle writers, trusted sources like chefs and culinary experts, and foodies here in the city will also be asked of their recommendations.
Once the top three had been determined, SunStar Davao staff sets off and buys samples of their product anonymously and unannounced. This ensures that the restaurant or shop does not alter the quality of their food only because they will be featured on the local newspaper. It is important that the sample is of the same quality as the ones they sell everyday.
Three judges, mostly composed of a food expert, local celebrity, or a lifestyle columnist, are invited to judge the top three food brands. They are not informed of the identity of all the samples on the table assuring the anonymous judging. The video recorded of them judging the food samples and giving their ratings are uploaded on SunStar Davao Facebook page and Youtube.
The food brand with the highest rating from the judges is hailed the winner and is revealed in the video. Recognition certificates are also given to the winning brands.
In the past, SunStar Davao Best of Davao has also declared Best of Davao chocolates, pastil, egg pie, liempo and so much more much to the monthly anticipation of the audience and food enthusiasts in the city.
What is in it for the MSMEs?
SunStar takes so much pride to this video segment especially with the gratitude of those declared the winner. According to them it has helped with their business be better known in the industry.
Picobello Ristorante Italiano, a homegrown pizza place in Davao City that started in the early 2000’s, was declared the Best of Davao: Hawaiian Pizza just April of this year.
“Being chosen as the Best of Davao by a prestigious and credible publication SunStar not only did our Hawaiian Pizza gain attention and following, but the whole menu as well. Picobello has even become more synonymous to good pizza and good food. Thank you SunStar for conducting the Best of Davao survey and engaging your reading and social media followers to be part of the process in choosing the Best of Davao,” Rochelle Venuti, owner of Picobello Ristorante Italiano said.
After almost 20 years of being in the food industry, Venuti said the key to their customer patronage is maintaining their high standards of quality and consistency with their pizzas.
On the other hand, Pastil Queen is relatively a new player in the food industry. Almost always they are present in food bazaars and expos. Pastil is a dish that originated in Maguindanao. It is made up of rice with dry shredded beef, chicken, or fish. Pastil Queen, however, took this brand to a whole new level with their taste and quality. Aside from the banana leaf-packed pastil, they also have kagikit in a handy, small jar. Because of their distinct taste and generous serving at an affordable price, they were hailed by the netizens and chosen judges as the Best of Davao Pastil.
“Daghan sad mi nadawat na mga inquiries, nag express og interest na magfranchise ug magpalit sa produkto. So far, growing ang business and daghan jud customers nag ingon nga nakita nila ang Pastil Queen sa SunStar. We also use the recognition as proof of legitimacy sa among brand,” Rovie Aguilar of Pastil Queen shared.
She also added how the Best of Davao distinction is important for MSMEs because it gives them the opportunity to be recognized and be able to set them apart from the rest. Pastil Queen was the Best of Davao September 2018 winner.
The winner of the most recent Best of Davao series eggpie was also as equally happy with the turn-out of their business after being hailed as the winner. “Sukad na news mi ma’am daghan mipalit sa amoa eggpie kutob sa nakabasa ug mga nakatilaw mubalik-balik jud ug palit. Dako gyud tabang. Salamat ma’am ha,” Lourdes Owe, manager of Gervacio’s Bakeshop, shared.
The first Gervacio’s Bakeshop opened in 2011. Now, after being hailed as the Best of Davao winner, Owe said they receive 70 to 80 egg pies per week.
The Best of Davao may be but a small initiative and help in promoting the local entrepreneurs but it is with so much gladness that the Dabawenyos participate and are receptive of this initiative.