Author Archives: Ria Jose

About Ria Jose

Professional Blogger. Social Media Strategist. Davao Bloggers Society Founding President. Aspiring Vlogger. Brand Ambassador. With over 10 blogs developed, you could say Ria has tried it all. Well, at least online. After more than 10 years as resident blogger and editor-in-chief of MyDavaoCity.com, she remains passionate and committed to sharing her hometown to the world.

Digital Farmers Module for Davaos Cacao Farmers

PLDT and Smart Help Davao’s Cacao Farmers Go Digital

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Davao’s Cacao Farmers are going digital. PLDT and Smart have partnered with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute (DA-ATI) to assist in the digital boost.

Davao’s Cacao Farmers

80% of the Philippines’ cacao is produced in Davao. Davao cacao and Davao chocolates are considered as some of the best in the world.

The Digital Farmers Program provides training and tools to the farmers. The program started in 2024 and has trained over 300 farmers in local communities.

It covers all essential parts of the farming process such as mobile apps for crop monitoring and track weather conditions. There are also modules and tools to manage resources. Finally, farmers connect with more buyers via online marketplaces.

Related Link: Davao Business Stories

Modernization and Sustainability

Meanwhile, partner organization MEDA provides training on sustainable farming techniques. This ensures that farmers maximize resources while protecting the environment.

Davao's Cacao Farmers receives training for use of digital tools and platforms.

Lizabeth Gabonada, a farmer and member of the MIEDECO cooperative shares “These apps help us monitor the weather properly. Now, we can decide the best time to plant and find the best areas for growing cacao. That makes a huge difference.”

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Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

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This month, celebrate love in paradise. Know more about the Discovery Samal Valentines 2025 special offers.

Staycation in Paradise

Book a room at Discovery Samal this month and enjoy world-class amenities and Filipino hospitality.

Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

Choose from a range of stunning room options:

  • Junior Suite – Php 22,310 net per night,
  • Executive Suite Beach – Php 26,731 net per night,
  • Samal Suite – Php 27,468 net per night,
  • One Bedroom Suite –
  • Php 29,678 net per night,
  • Premiere One Bedroom Suite – Php 31,152 net per night, or
  • One Bedroom Villa – Php 32,625 net per night.

Each one offers comfortable accommodations, a gorgeous view, and a memorable experience. Your stay also includes:

  • Daily breakfast for two persons at The Shoreline,
  • Complimentary romantic dinner for two persons,
  • Roundtrip boat transfers from and to our Davao Welcome Center,
  • Roundtrip land transfers from and to the Davao International Airport,
  • Complimentary spa treatment for two persons,
  • 10% discount on Morning Catch, Haribar Lounge or The Shoreline, and
  • 10% discount on motorized aqua sports activities.

Get these special package when you book from January 15 to February 28, 2025 and stay from February 1 to 28, 2025.

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Discover Samal this 2025

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Start 2025 with an island getaway at nearby Samal. Discover Samal. Enjoy the tranquility, sights, and flavors that Discovery Samal Resort has to offer.

Book at Discovery Samal Resort

Have a restful getaway with a comfy bed and a glorious sight.

Discover Samal

Discovery Samal has 153 villas and suites. Book a room and wake up to a breathtaking view of the Davao Gulf.

Stroll by the beach. Take a dip in its pristine waters or swim in Discovery’s pool. Relax. Enjoy a massage. Chill. Or take advantage of the resort’s many amenities and have an active and fun-filled stay.

Overnight guests get to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at The Shoreline restaurant. They also have a 10% discount at the resort’s restaurants and Samal Escape Spa treatments.

Indulge in Discovery’s Dining Delights

Aside from a scrumptuous breakfast at The Shoreline, there are many dining options around the resort.

Your Samal experience is not complete without tasting fresh seafood. Visit Morning Catch and enjoy seafood dishes by the beach club. They have a selection of fresh seafood: shrimps, crabs, scallops, and more. Choose what you like and have it prepared the way you want it.

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Galentines in Davao

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Hi, Davao girls! Looking to spending the upcoming Valentine’s Day with your girl friends? We have the perfect spots and events for you to spend your Galentines in Davao. So gather your best gals and celebrate the season with good food, great coffee, and some interesting finds. Maybe a glass of wine or two, as well.

What is Galentines? It is an occasion to gather your favorite girl friends (single or otherwise) and celebrate friendship and each other’s successes. Most people celebrate it on February 13. We think you can celebrate it any day this February. Or the rest of the year. Why not?

Galentines in Davao

Here in Davao, we have a few spots which we think would be a great places for you and your gal pals to gather at.

  • Club’s Bakery North
  • Koop Cafe
  • Yesterdays Coffee + Bar

Plus, some events this February that you might be interested in:

  • Louis Mireille & Friends at Fika Cafe
  • The Love Club by Little Toast

Club’s Bakery North

One of our favorite food spots we discovered in 2024 is Club’s Bakery. And we are glad they have now expanded to a new branch.

We chose this as our first spot for Galentines because it is cozy and quiet. They have the perfect menu for a brunch date. Or an afternoon coffee date with your gal pals. We love their Sea Salt Cream Latte.

And of course, their various croissants.

Our Editor Ria picks their Double Cookie Croissant, the Lemon Cruffin, the Pain Au Chocolat, and the Strawberry Croissant as her personal picks.

Club’s Bakery North is located at Veloso Street in Obrero.

Koop Cafe

Next on our list is Koop Cafe.

Koop Cafe is another cozy cafe in the Obrero area. They are popular for their sweet crepes. But they also serve savory crepes, pasta and rice dishes. And of course, coffee.

Our favorites are the Tomato and Basil Pasta, the Blueberry and Cream Crepe, and the Mango Crunch Crepe. Their Spanish Latte is also really good.

Koop Cafe is located along Loyola Street in Obrero.

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Chicken Biryani Dani's Palace Shawarma and Grill

Chicken Biryani and other January 2025 Favorites

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Let us welcome 2025 with our favorite Chicken Biryani by Dani’s Palace and other favorites from January 2025.

Our top picks from what we tried last month are:

  • Fried Mandu by Chung’s Kimchi,
  • Spinach Croissant by Dulce Desserts,
  • Chicken Biryani by Dani’s Palace Shawarma and Grill,
  • Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Wood and Coffee, and
  • White Peak by Purge Coffee Roaster.

Fried Mandu by Chung’s Kimchi

First on our list is Fried Mandu.

We have been to Chung’s Kimchi many times and have tried their Steamed Mandu. It was ok for us. Light and a good contrast to their more flavorful and heavy dishes.

This time, we tried their Fried Mandu and we love it even more. The meat filling is flavorful and the dumpling is fried crisp but not greasy. The sauce it comes with is salty and a bit sour and sweet. The Fried Mandu is great on its own but the sauce also complements the flavors well.

Chung’s Kimchi is located along Sobrecary Street in Obrero.

Chung's Kimchi
Casual Dining, Family Style
Sobrecarey Street, Obrero
09541620004
Social Accounts
Price Range
PhP100.00 - PhP1,000.00

Spinach Croissant

Next on our list is Spinach Croissant by Dulce Desserts.

Spinach Croissant by Dulce Desserts

Dulce Desserts is one of our go-to cafes for meetups. They have a limited savory menu and this is our favorite from their savory offerings. The spinach filling is creamy but not too rich. It is seasoned lightly and goes well with the croissant shell. The pastry is flaky and buttery. This savory pastry is good as a snack or a light meal.

They are located at CT Drive along Tulip Drive (CVA Avenue) in Matina.

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Dulce Desserts Davao
Cafe
CT Drive, CVA Avenue, Davao City, Davao del Sur 8000
+639178100260
Social Accounts
Price Range
PhP100.00 - PhP2,000.00

Chicken Biryani by Dani’s Palace

Last month’s absolute favorite is Chicken Biryani.

Danis Palace Shawarma and Grill

The Chicken Biryani is sublime. The rice is aromatic, cooked well, and bursting with the flavor of spices. The chicken is juicy and flavorful. It is spicy, salty, a bit tangy, with a hint of smokiness. The chicken and the rice go well with each other. The serving is large for 2-4 persons.

It comes with a Yogurt Sauce and a Spicy Sauce. The Yogurt Sauce is creamy and balances the spice well. But if you love spice, go for their Spicy Sauce to make the Biryani extra spicy.

We recommend ordering an extra side of our favorite Garlic Sauce. It is creamy and flavorful. It gives a different layer of flavor to the dish.

Dani’s Palace Shawarma and Grill is located at Limaria along Maa Road in Maa.

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Dani's Palace Shawarma and Grill
Casual Dining
Limaria Le Jardin de Villa Abrille, Maa Road, Maa, Davao City, Davao del Sur 8000
09666949550
Social Accounts
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Shuga Beibi

December Favorites [Davao Food Recommendations]

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Hello, 2025! Here is another favorites list from 2024. Our December Favorites is here. Mostly, our favorites from the holiday events we attended. And it is longer than usual. Plus, three coffee drinks we love.

December 2024 Favorites

Our top recommendations for December are:

  • Tomato and Basil Soup by Made Simple,
  • Kare-Kare by Romualdo’s,
  • Beef Caldereta by Chippens,
  • Mango Passion Fruit Kakiguri by Shuga Beibi,
  • Paris Brest by Dulce Desserts,
  • Sea Salt Latte by Club’s Bakery,
  • Spanish Latte by Priore Cafe, and
  • Kori-Kohi by Beans and Berry.

List is longer than usual and we have 3 coffee drinks on it.

Tomato and Basil Soup by Made Simple

We went back to Made Simple and we tried the soup.

December 2024 Faves Tomato and Basil Soup by Made Simple
Tomato and Basil Soup by Made Simple

The Tomato and Basil Soup is rich and flavorful. Tangy, a bit salty and creamy. It goes well with their bread. It is a good starter to your meal or could be an entire light meal on its own.

Made Simple is located at CT Drive along Tulip Drive.

Kare-Kare by Romualdo’s

Our next two recommendations are by two of our favorite caterers in Davao.

The Kare-Kare by Romualdo’s is a winner. Tender beef and oxtail and vegetables in a tasty rich peanut sauce. It is apparent that it is cooked with care with homecooked quality to it. Superb.

The team behind Romualdo’s recently opened their first restaurant, Recuerdo in Juna Subdivision.

Beef Caldereta by Chippens

Another favorite from the holiday events we attended is Beef Caldereta by Chippens.

Chippens is undoubtedly the most popular caterer in Davao. Oone of our favorites is their Beef Caldereta. The beef is tender and flavorful and the sauce is rich, savory, sour, and just a bit sweet and spicy. There is a perfect blend of flavors that make any occasion just a little bit more special.

Their Beef Caldereta is also available in their stores freshly cooked or frozen.

Special mention to their Lechon Baka which we also love.

Chippens is located at Roxas Avenue. You may also enjoy their Calderata at Salome’s Garden in Cabantian.

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