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.

Earth Hour 2019: #connect2earth

Earth Hour 2019: #Connect2Earth

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Today, March 30, we switch off the lights for Earth Hour 2019.

On its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as one of the largest environment grassroots movement. It is spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines. Earth Hour started as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change. It is now a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource.

WWF-Philippines Head of Climate and Energy Program and Earth Hour Pilipinas National
Director Atty. Gia Ibay shares “The last decade of Earth Hour has contributed so much to the global climate agenda and has paved the way for many conservation wins. Now that we are ushering in the second year of the movement’s new decade, our efforts will still be centered on raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity to counter the worsening impacts of climate change.”

Earth Hour 2019 Theme: #Connect2Earth

This 2019, WWF focuses on the issue of single-use plastics and how it addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature. #Connect2Earth was last year’s Earth Hour theme. During its launch, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in more than 180 countries and territories switched off their lights. The turning off of lights is a symbolic act tof commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity.

#Connecr2Earth and #EarthHour trended and garnered more tha 3.5 billion impressions in 2018. This year, WWF hopes to surpass this achievement and raise better awareness about the importance of conserving biological diversity and the urgency of reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Earth Hour 2019
WWF Invites you to Earth Hour #Connect2Earth 2019

Single-use plastics is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity. WWF-Philippines has also launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement. Leveraging on its momentum, WWF-Philippines hopes to further increase the awareness, spark conversations, and change mindsets and habits of consumers. Businesses are expected to operate sustainably. And there is hope that the movement can influence policy towards more sustainable laws.

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Max's Rice Bowls

Max’s Rice Bowls

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Hungry? You can never go wrong with rice and classic Filipino dishes. Max’s Home of the Filipinos’ beloved fried chicken is adding more dishes to their now popular list of Max’s Rice Bowls. Whatever it is you are craving for, there is a Rice Bowl for you.

Now, you can enjoy your favorite Max’s dish all on your own without ordering an entire ala carte serving.

Max’s Rice Bowls for the Season

Summer also means Lent in the Philippines. So it is only appropriate that Max’s has prepared 4 new Rice Bowls for those observing meat abstinence.

If you are avoiding meat, the Max’s Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl is for you.

Max's Rice Bowls: Spicy Tofu
Max’s Spicy Tofu Rice Bowl has deep fried tofu cubes in a spicy mayo sauce.

Deep fried tofu cubes tossed in a special spicy mayo sauce over a generous mound of rice. It is served with a perfectly cooked fried egg. It might be too spicy if you are not into spice. This is the favorite of most Davao Bloggers. We highly recommend this.

And if you love kare-kare, Max’s has something new for you yo try.

Max's Rice Bowls: Seafood Kare-Kare
Max’s Seafood Kare-Kare Rice Bowl: Fish, Shrimps, and Squid in a creamy Kare-Kare sauce.

This dish has fish, shrimps, and squid with crispy vegetables all in Max’s rich and tasty Kare-Kare sauce. To make the experience even better, eat with their deliciously salty bagoong.

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SR Members Treat Sale 2019

S&R Davao Members’ Treat Sale 2019

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If there is an S&R near you, I am sure you are aware of their sale that brings us the biggest discounts and draws in the crowds. And for a good reason. This year, S&R Membership Shopping is bringing it back. This year’s S&R Davao Members’ Treat Sale is happening from March 27 – 31, 2019. Yes, that is 5 days of great discounts, unprecedented deals, and hundreds of promotions.

Related Post: S&R Davao Members’ Treat Sale September 2019

S&R holds their Members’ Treat Sale twice a year. The first is usually in March and the second one during the -ber months.

S&R Davao Members’ Treat Sale Promotions

All the aisles of S&R Davao will be full of items on sale. Groceries, imported chocolates, toiletries and skin care products, appliances, outdoor fixtures, gadgets, automotive parts… and more will be up for grabs. Over 3,000 SKUs (stock keeping units) of products will be up for grabs. Everything you need and want is at S&R Membership Shopping and they will be on sale for five whole days.

Enjoy 50% off discounts and Buy 1, Take 1 (BOGO) deals and more promotions during the Members’ Treat Sale. Check out some of the products that will be available with BOGO deals.

  • Witors Chocolates
    Witor’s Chocolates
  • Cubi Wafers
    Cubi Wafers
  • Rondoletti Wafer Sticks
    Rondoletti Wafer Sticks
  • Jaf Tea
    Jaf Tea
  • Ocean Spray CranApple
    Ocean Spray CranApple
  • Plano Field Box
    Plano Field Box
  • Tylr Steam Iron
    Tylr Steam Iron
  • Bed Sheets
    Bed Linens

And here are even more BOGO items, items that will be discounted at 50% off, and other great deals that they have already announced.

Early Bird Promotions start on March 25. That means you can start browsing the S&R aisles and yes, even start shopping.

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Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers Header

Fly Solo to Davao

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March 1 is Plan a Solo Vacation Day. Yes, there is such holiday. And luckily for you and me, both Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia are having epic seat sales this month. Plus, summer is almost here so today is the perfect time to plan your Solo Trip to Davao. We have shared itineraries in the past but this time, we have prepared a special Davao Itinerary for Solo Travelers. And just in time for Araw ng Dabaw, too.

Where to Stay

First, we have a few suggestions for where you might want to stay.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao is on top of our list.

Park Inn by Radisson Davao
Stay at Park Inn by Radisson Davao.
Disclaimer: Do not judge Park Inn based on that photo. Somebody had laid down on the bed before I took a photo.

Our editor Ria recommends Park Inn for their facilities and beautiful but reasonably priced rooms. Another plus is their proximity to a mall. Park Inn is located right beside SM Lanang Premier. That is a convenient thing for solo travelers because you can easily shop and dine just by crossing a footbridge. There is a 7-eleven on the Ground Floor of SM Lanang Premier. ATMs are also conveniently located nearby.

Park Inn also just a few steps away from the entrance to the SMX Convention Center. So if you are traveling to attend a conference or other events at SMX, Park Inn is your best option.

It is not exactly located in downtown Davao but Park Inn is near several restaurants, malls, and other destinations. And it is near the jump off points and marinas of popular beach destinations. So while it is not at the center of the city, it is at a convenient location.

PARK INN
Address: SM Lanang Premier, JP Laurel Avenue, Lanang
Contact Number: +6382-2727600
Email Address: reservations.davao@parkinn.com
Facebook Page: fb.com/ParkInnDavao

More Recommendations on Where To Stay

Our correspondent Athina recommends RedDoorz (Aljems Inn) located right in the middle of downtown. The RedDoorz listed as RedDoorz near San Pedro Cathedral is known to locals as Aljems Inn. It has been around quite a while. They have rooms you can book via the RedDoorz app for as low as PhP873.

Just download the app from the App Store or the Google Play Store, enter Davao as your destination and it will come up with options for you to book. All hotels and inns in their listing are branded as RedDoorz and have similar looks and amenities as all other RedDoorz listings. So you are sure that the listed rooms have passed the RedDoorz standards. Use the code TRAVELESCAPES33 to enjoy a 20% discount.

REDDOORZ NEAR SAN PEDRO CATHEDRAL DAVAO / ALJEMS INN
Address: Rizal Street
Contact Number: +63917-7167245
Facebook Page: Link
Recommended by Athina Anglionto.

Green Windows Dormitel is a good choice for solo backpackers. They have clean dorm type rooms that you can share with up to 7 other travelers.

PhP188 Backpacker Dorm Room at Green Windows
PhP188 Backpacker Dorm Room at Green Windows Dormitel.

For only PhP188 you already have a place to sleep, a clean toilet and bathroom, and access to other amenities. Amenities within the room include hot and cold shower, individual cabinets, and free Wifi access. Not to mention the room is ariconditioned.

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Emcor Mobile App Launch

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If you grew up in Davao City, you have probably been to Emcor. It was and remains to be one of the most trusted appliance stores in Davao. Over the years, they have branched outside of Davao and they have grown by leaps and bounds. This year, they continue to be an innovator as they launch the Emcor Mobile App.

Emcor was established in 1953. Originally, the sold heavy equipment and was named the Engineering and Machinery Corporation. In short, Emcor. Over the years, the business has evolved into the retail of home appliances but they have retained the acronym Emcor.

Today, Emcor is not just in Davao City. Emcor has 128 stores all over Mindanao, Visayas, and Palawan. They operate with a corporate mission of providing service excellence to their customers. The company continues to offer quality products and innovative services with their tagline “Bringing Comfort to You and Your Home.”

Emcor Mobile App

On March 15, 2019, Emcor launched the Emcor Mobile App to bring their products and services even more accessible to their customers.

Emcor App on the Google Play Store
Emcor Mobile App available on the Google Play Store.

The Emcor App brings the Emcor catalogue near you, whereever you may be. You can browse their list of products: home appliances, motorcycles, audio and video equipment, furniture, and more. Via the app, users will be updated of sales and special promos. Available installment plans are also accessible via the Emcor App.

The Emcor Mobile App is available for Android smartphone users via the Google Play Store. Click on this link to download.

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Taiwan Excellence

Taiwan Excellence in Davao

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Who loves milk tea? We do! And Taiwan is where all the good milk tea comes from. The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is bringing all the Taiwanese goodness and more to Davao. Get to experience Taiwan Excellence in Davao at the Davao International Marathon 2019 (DIM 2019).


The best brands, products, and innovations from Taiwan will be on display here in Davao this weekend.

Davao International Marathon

This Sunday, Davao will play host to the Davao International Marathon.

Davao International Marathon powered by Taiwan Excellence

There will be 42 kilometer and 21 km races with runners from all over joining the event. DIM 2019 will also have 10 km and 5 km races.

The Davao International Marathon is a Green Race.

Davao International Marathon powered by Taiwan Excellence

DIM 2019 runners are required to bring their own reusable cups and bottles to be used during the event. All are reminded to be responsible and dispose trash properly.

Marathoners will be starting their run from People’s Park.

Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone

DIM 2019 is presented by Taiwan Excellence. And TAITRA is assembling an Experience Zone at the People’s Park during the marathon.

Taiwan Excellence in Davao

And TAITRA is bringing only the best. Taiwan Excellence in Davao will feature handpicked brands and products that have received the Taiwan Excellence Award.

Products on display are selected based on their superiority in the following categories: design, quality, marketing, and research and development. Needless to say, all are made in Taiwan. The Taiwan Excellence Award is recognized in 102 countries.


The Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone will proudly display more than 30 products from cutting-edge brands.


Asus and other Taiwan Excellence Brands

Taiwanese consumer electronics giant Asus will be displaying their gaming beast ROG Strix GL504 SCAR II.

Asus Zenfone will have their #BatteryKing the Max Pro M2.

Make sure to look out for these 2 at the Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone.

Other brands that will be showcasing their award-winning products. Tern’s folding bike will surely amaze local adventure seekers. Also on display will be the Deya Ocean Recycling Roll Function Backpack. As the name suggests, it is made from recycled ocean wastes.

Taiwan Excellence in Davao

The DIM 2019 and Taiwan Excellence Experience Zone is TAITRA’s first event in the Philippines outside of Metro Manila.

Tony Lin, TAITRA Deputy Director shares “Davao boasts a teeming natural ecosystem and a vibrant population, much like Taiwan. I believe these factors make it an optimal place to promote the many innovations coming out of Taiwan.”

Taiwan Excellence will be back in Davao for the Taiwan Expo in November.


For more information about Taiwan Excellence, visit their website at taiwanexcellence.org/ph or like their Facebook Page at fb.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.