KADAYAWAN is the celebration of bountiful harvest, and the season to forget the diet and feast on the Davao offerings of fresh fruits and local cuisine. Here are the stops you should be at to refuel your festival energy.
Misto at Seda Hotel
Eat, sip, sleep and save the Philippine Eagle
With every bite, sip and minute of sleep at Seda Hotel, you keep the Philippine National Bird away from extinction. The hotel teamed up with the Philippine Eagle Foundation as its beneficiary of the promotion. Diola, the mother of Pag-asa, is exhibited at the lobby.
Sip: Ascend. Dedicated to Fighter, the 3-year-old male eagle rehabilitated from a gunshot. Part of the sales of Ascend will go to the foundation.
Feast: Flavors of Mindanao. Ongoing until August 31, Sous Chef Giovanna “Bang” Flores whips up lunch and dinner sets (Php 780 nett), which will include beef short ribs, grilled seafood on skewers, and mangosteen mousse and durian crème brûlée for desserts.
Special Kadawayan Dinner Buffet on August 20, Thursday, will include the classic lechon, slow-cooked roast beef short plate, grilled squid paella, and many more (Php 980 nett for adults, Php 680 nett for kids aged 7-12, and free for kids aged 6 and below). Talentadong Pinoy Grand Champion, Neil Llanes, is guest performer.
Sleep: Avail of the “Kadayawan Holiday Stay” until the end of the month. Included on each stay will be a gift bag from the Philippine Eagle Center, which includes a hand-sewn toy made by the Manobo-Tinananon women of Arakan, North Cotabato.
RBG at Park Inn by Radisson
Sip: Alcoholic or non-alcoholic, the Pomejito (pomelo + mojito. Php 155.00 net) drink is a refreshing drink after hours of dancing on the streets.
Feast: The hotel’s signature Supersize Family Meal is twisted into a Boodle Fight style meal availbale daily until the end of the month. A mélange of Filipino favorites like Grilled Vegetable Salad with Chevre Cheese, Tinolang Manok Soup, grilled and fried seafoods, along with chicken, pork, lumpia and pancit, plus desserts of Special Davao Cake and fresh fruits can be shared by 6-7 people. (Php1,999.00 net).
Added fun: Post your fun Instapic on the “Wall of Memories” and get a chance to win a hotel gift certificate on September 3.
Sleep: The Kadayawan Room package at Park Inn by Radisson Davao (Php5, 000 per night) will include an overnight stay, breakfast for two adults and two children, and a Quickfire 4-course set lunch.
Marco Polo Davao
See: The Heart of Davao is showcased at the lobby featuring the beats of the city—fashion, handcrafted accessories and decors, blooms and a photo exhibition.
Feast: Newly appointed Executive Sous Chef Alex Destriza prepares his first festival spread highlighting the a la carte menu at the Polo Bistro poolside eatery. Go for the Malagos Green Salad with sauteed garlic shrimps drizzled with Davao suka emulsion and the Sous vide Beef Tenderloin in Bistek Sauce. Both are prepared and cooked perfectly.
SM Lanang Fountain Court
Listen: The Davao Gourmet Collective this weekend, August 21-23, is serving live music as well. Techy Romantics, Up Dharma Down, Skymarines and BP Valenzuela will take turns on stage.
Feast: This season’s offering will be exciting with the addition of new players in the hood. While you may still want to a bite of your regular favorites, start your feasting with my personal top picks: the Alibaba’s shawarma (pork or chicken on wrap or pita pocket), Jam Food’s angus tapa, and SOUL Kitchen’s chicken wrap and meatless taco salad.
It’s a 3-day affair, you will surely be able to sample all the offerings from La Bodeguita, Cellar de Boca, Don Durian’s, Classio Pizza, Kushiya, Backyard Burger, Café El Gato and the desserts of Carmela’s, JR Pastry & Osvaldo’s.
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