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Bloggers’ Favorite Cocktails at Zanzibar Davao

While Davao City is one of the country’s major urban centers, its night scene is very much chill compared to Cebu and Manila. Yep, chill is how we would best describe the local nightlife. One of the best spots for chillaxing is Zanzibar Davao.

First, if you haven’t been to the place, you might not find it at all. The bar is situated inside Batu House Cafe. It used to have no outdoor signage of the bar at all. (Luckily, now they have a signage already.) So it’s sort of a secret bar. It used to be such a quiet place, known only to a few. But now, more Davaoeños have discovered our favorite spot. And we suspect, its popularity will just grow in the coming months.

Zanzibar Davao is a nice, cozy place where you can just sit back and enjoy a bottle of beer for less than a hundred while spending quality time with old and new friends. They pipe in music at just the right volume that you can actually converse with your friends.

Davao Bloggers at Zanzibar Davao

Davao Bloggers at Zanzibar Davao

Davao Bloggers love the place for its easy, relaxed vibe and their wide range of delicious cocktail drinks. They have so many drinks that it can become confusing and overwhelming for those visiting for the first time. Great thing is nothing is over PhP300. And their 30+ cocktails are categorized into five: Bold and Boozy, Sour, Fruity, Fizzy, and Sweet Confectionery.

Fruity Cocktails at Zanzibar Davao

Since we love the place so much, we each have our own favorites. Here’s our guide to our Davao Bloggers’ Favorite Cocktails at Zanzibar.

Let’s start with our most ordered drink, the Strawberry Basil Fresca.

Strawberry Basil Fresca

Strawberry Basil Fresca

Menu Description: Like summer in Baguio! Refreshing and Cool! Vodka, Strawberries, Basil, and Lemon.

Clea Banal and Julie Alontaga both love this drink since they both like strawberries. It’s strong but remains sweet and refreshing. It might seem like a light drink, like a fizzy strawberry drink. Do not get deceived. The alcohol will hit you even before you finish one glass.

On our first cocktails night at Zanzibar, the girls tried Gin Pom.

Menu Description: Made using Davao’s Sweet Pomelo!

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Gin Pomelo was the most popular cocktail of college students and yuppies. It was sweet and fruity and gin was hella cheap. You could say Zanzibar’s Gin Pom brings us this classic favorite, but this time made with fresh pomelo juice. And the rim of glass has pink sugar, making it an Instagrammable drink.

For those who want something more refreshing, our editor-in-chief Ria Jose recommends Kalamansi Krush.

Kalamansi Krush Cocktail by Zanzibar Davao

Kalamansi Krush Cocktail by Zanzibar Davao

Menu Description: A cocktail that highlights our own local lime! Gin, Calamansi, Cointreau, and Honey.
Like the other fruity cocktails of Zanzibar, this is deceivingly sweet and light. But becareful. It packs a punch. So do not take this and other items in the Fruity Cocktails menu lightly. They will give you a buzz.

Sweet Confectionery

If you want something sweet but not fruity, order the White Russian.

White Russian. Photo by Claudine Chua.

White Russian. Photo by Claudine Chua.

Menu Description: Creamy Coffee Cocktail! A boozy dessert!
For coffee lovers who also love alcohol, this is what Claudine Chua and Jeffrey Mondia would like you to try. It is a combination of milk, Kahlua and well, vodka. It is the best of both worlds, or three rather, as what Claudine says.

Note that Kahlua is basically rum and coffee. So you get two doses of liquor in one drink. And they serve it in such a quaint way, too. The vodka-infused milk is served in a jar labeled with the instruction “Pour Me” and the Kahlua is served in an Old Fashioned glass with ice. And you get to pour the milk over the Kahlua so you get to see the layers of booze, milk, and coffee swirling and mixing together creating a decadent (and very alcoholic) drink. After drinking, it has the aftertaste of coffee instead of the rum or vodka.

Roxanne Lacap mixing the White Russian

Roxanne Lacap mixing the White Russian

This cocktail is not just for the girls because guys love it too. “I am not a big fan of cocktails but I like the White Russian for its coffee flavor and it is like I am making an affogato.” Jeffrey shares.

Sours at Zanzibar Davao

If sweet is not your thing, give your palate something tangy, citrus, tart… everything sour.

Julie suggests the Amaretto Sour.

Amaretto Sour

Amaretto Sour

Menu Description: Disarrono liqueur, hand-squeezed lemon juice, egg whites, all shaken violently.
It is just the right amount of tangy and bitter with just a hint of sweet. Unlike the fruity and sweet cocktails, you can easily taste the alchohol content in this one.
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Mother's Day Gift Ideas Header C

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

We are only a few days away from Mother’s Day and you might be panicking because you do not have a gift for your mom yet. Worry no more. We have an awesome list of Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Flowers and Food for Mother’s Day

First, any mother would love to have a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Ria with Olivia and Fleur Flowers and Pastries by Yolks

Ria with Olivia and Fleur Flowers and Pastries by Yolks. (Not a mother. Just saying.)

Get your mom the most beautiful bouquet of flowers from Olivia en Fleur. Take your pick from local and imported flowers and let the talented florists of Oliva en Fleur arrange it beautifully match your mama’s beauty.

To make your floral arrangement even better, pair it with pastries and maybe a bottle of Rose Wine from Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery.

The Olivia en Fleur Shop is conveniently located inside Yolks along Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights, Davao City.

Olivia en Fleur Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaenFleur
Instagram: @olivia_en_fleur

Yolks Flower Cafe + Cupcakery Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/YolksPh
Instagram: @YolksPh

And here’s something trendy and sumptuous that your mother will surely enjoy. My Home Kitchen has an array of dessert boxes and grazing boxes that you can choose from.

Grazing Box by My Home Kitchen Davao

Grazing Box by My Home Kitchen Davao

We recommend the Wine and Cheese Grazing box. It comes with grapes, crackers, spreads, and other gourmet items that your mom can devour. Tell your mom she does not have to share it with anybody because she deserves to be a little bit selfish sometimes.

My Home Kitchen also makes gorgeous Surprise Cakes, Letter Cakes, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, and other sweet options if your mom likes sweet more than savory.

Surprise Cake by My Home Kitchen Davao

Surprise Cake by My Home Kitchen Davao

We’re sure that whatever your mother’s cravings are, My Home Kitchen Davao can satisfy it. So gift your mom with some indulgence from My Home Kitchen Davao.

My Home Kitchen Davao Website: https://myhomekitchen.com.ph/
Facebook Page: link
Instagram: @MyHomeKitchen_Dvo
Photos provided by My Home Kitchen Davao.

More Sweets

And for chocoholics, you can never go wrong with Malagos Chocolates.

Malagos Chocolates

Malagos Chocolates

Davao chocolates are definitely to die for and Malagos Chocolates has raised the bar, locally and internationally. So if your mother is a chocoholic who loves dark chocolates, buy her a bar or two of Davao’s most popular chocolates.

You can buy a bar of Malagos chocolates at the Malagos Farmhouse located in Bolcan Street, Agdao, Davao City or in select groceries and specialty shops.

Malagos Chocolate Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/malagos.chocolate
Instagram: @MalagosChocolate

And here’s another sweet treat for moms with a sweet tooth.

Sweeties Mango Float

Almond Mango Float by Sweeties

Who would have thought that almonds and mangoes would go great together? These two, when mixed, make a dessert that gives out a unique yet delicious taste.

Give your mom a sweet gift: Almond Mango Float by Sweeties. This dessert is topped with both mango bits and loads of almonds on the sides (even mixed with the cream). The Almond Mango float dessert is made to order (minimum of 2) which makes it a unique present that is made from the heart.

Contact Number: +639338563780 (Kimberly Ramos)
Sweeties Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/sweetiesdessert
Recommended by Athina Angliongto.

Accessories

Another great Mother’s Day gift is a piece (or pieces) of personalized accessories.

Hello Amber Brass Skinny Cuff

Hello Amber Brass Skinny Cuff

Hello Amber sells cuffs and other accessories that may be customized. You may have it inscribed with the name of your mom, a thank you message, an inspirational quote, or a motto. They also do custom pendants.

To know more about Hello Amber Cuffs, check out this post on Diyosa Life at this link.

You can buy Hello Amber Cuffs at the Creative Agenda Design Lab along Circumferential Road, Marfori Heights, Davao City. Other items by local designers and artists are also sold at Creative Agenda. Drop by to see if something there will suit your mom’s style.

Hello Amber Shop: https://www.facebook.com/helloamber.ph/
Facebok Page: http://www.facebook.com/helloamber.ph
Instagram: @helloamber.ph

If your mom is a certified beach lover, gift her with these limited edition, handmade earrings.

Diyosa Life Mermaid Tail Earrings

Diyosa Life Mermaid Tail Earrings

When she wears these Mermaid Tail Earrings, your mom is sure to feel closer to the sea. Diyosa Life earrings are available in various colors but in limited quantities. So make sure to buy a pair for your beach loving mother now.

Diyosa Life Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DiyosaLifeShop
Instagram: @DiyosaLifeShop

Uniquely Davao

We recommend gifting a La Chula for moms who love adding a pop of color in their outfits.

Dela Sernas with their La Chula Bags

Three generations of Dela Sernas with their La Chula Bags.

Aren’t they delicious? These La Chula Bags are colorful and come in various styles. There is sure to be one (or more) that will match your mother’s style.
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Summer Activities drop shadow

Fun Family Summer Activities in Davao

Summer is here. The sun is out and school is closed. Now is the perfect time to spend quality time with the entire family. Davao promises to be the region of fun and adventure from islands to highlands. But it is not just in downtown Davao City that you can have summer bonding adventures. The entire Davao region has an endless list of fun summer activities that can be enjoyed by kids, teens, adults, and seniors.

Check out our list of spots for wholesome fun family summer activities in Davao.

Summer Activities at Eden Nature Park

Every Davaoeño knows that summer is best spent in the mountainside. One of the most popular spots for a cool weekend staycation is Eden Nature Park.

Summer Activities at Eden Nature Park with the Family
Bring the family to Eden Nature Park for fun summer bonding activities.

Enjoy different fun activities in the 80-hectare man made nature park. Activities for the entire family include hiking, fishing, horesback riding, and nature-tripping. If you want an adrenaline rush, try the zipline, skycycle, and skyswing.

Check out all the fun activities your can do with your family at Eden Nature Park:

Day tour rates are at P280 for adults and P230 for kids with plated snacks. You can choose to have buffet lunch for P600 for adults and P400 for kids. Standard room rate for overnight stay is at P3,900 for 4 persons.

Related Post: Eden Nature Park Celebrates 20 Years

Visit their website at https://www.edennaturepark.com.ph for more information. Follow Eden Nature Park on social media on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/edennatureparkdavao/ and on Instagram at @EdenDavao for updates and inquiries. You may also contact them at +82-2860383 or at +63918-9307590.

Recommended by Jexx Hinggo.

Malagos Garden Resort

Another popular spot in Davao for nature lovers is the Malagos Garden Resort. The resort boasts of various accommodations and multiple nature experiences such as a butterfly dome and an interactive bird show.

Enjoy Fun Family Summer Activities at Malagos Garden Resort
Malagos Garden Resort

One new Malagos experience that both kids and adults may enjoy is the interactive tour of the Chocolate Museum, capped with a delicious chocolate making session.

For more information about Malagos Garden Resort and the Chocolate Museum, visit their website at https://www.malagos.com. For updates and inquiries, follow them on social media on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/malagos.garden.resort/ and on Instagram at @MalagosDavao. You may call Malagos Garden Resort at +6382-2211545.

Summer in Marilog and Buda

Further down south, going down the Buda Road, Marilog District is slowly gaining attention. It is known as Davao’s little Baguio. Peppered with small mountain resorts and homey cottages, Marilog has a cool weather that will make you forget that it’s summer and an ambiance that will make you think you are not mere kilometers away from downtown Davao.

It is the perfect spot for a couple to bond while communing with nature. The cool climate and rustic ambiance is perfect for a romantic weekend date.

Or you can bring the entire family for a fun and cool road trip.

Check out this video by the Davao Blogger #ExploreDavao Squad trip to Marilog District and Buda featuring a stop at Bemwa Farm.

The entrance fee to Bemwa Farm is only P50 per guest. In exchange you get a P50 value ticket that you can use to buy P50 worth of food and drinks from their café.

Related Post: Bemwa Farm: Cool Summer Destination in Davao

For updates and information about Bemwa Farm, follow them on Facebook at http://www.fb.com/Bemwa.Farm.

Contributed by Gem Tadefa, Renz Bulseco, and Julie Alontaga.

Fun Family Summer Activities in Tagum

Want a quick weekend getaway for the whole family but do not want to travel so far? The Palm City of the Philippines may just be the perfect destination for you. Located less than one a half hours away from Davao City, Tagum City has many restaurants and malls for the whole family to visit and enjoy.

Try out Yuyu Café and Dessert Shop’s famous baby back ribs.

01 Yuyu Cafe and Dessert Shop in Tagum Davao del Norte
Baby Back Ribs by Yuyu Cafe and Dessert Shop in Tagum Davao del Norte

You should also try their new homemade ice cream with unique flavors.

Check out these recommendations of what you can order at Yuyu’s Cafe and Dessert Shop: link.

Related Post: Davao Dining Directory

For more information and inquiries, visit their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/yuyucafe. YuYu Cafe is located along the National Highway, beside Jollibee, in Tagum City, Davao del Norte. You may contact them at +6384-6556731.

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Bemwa Farm in Marilog District Davao City

Bemwa Farm | Cool Summer Destination in Davao City

Davao City is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of area. With more than 2,400 kilometers square of area, we have almost all kinds of tropical terrain. We definitely have it all from islands to islands, as one of our tourism catchphrases say. Going south, an hour and a half drive away from the busy downtown area of Davao City sits a fascinating beauty of nature perfect for a cold summer getaway. Known as Bemwa Farm, this emerging ecotourism spot in Barangay Datu Salumay, Marilog District has captured the attention of locals and tourists alike.

It is just one of the many inland resorts and tourist stops in Marilog District. The entire district #feels of being in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. It has enthralling green scenery, plants, and cool weather. It is, in some ways, better than Baguio in that it is less crowded and less urbanized.

Bemwa Farm is now one of the a must-visit spots in Marilog. It offers a nice spot to rest, take photos, and eat heartily. we suggest visiting it early in the morning when there are not too many guests yet. Plus, of course, enjoying the fog blanketing the farm is a cool experience. Literally and figuratively.

Most Filipinos only enjoy fresh strawberries when they are visiting Baguio. It comes as a nice surprise for everybody when they see that Bemwa has rows of strawberry fields. It is just one of the picturesque spots in the farm. Aside from the strawberries, they also have rows of sunflowers, fresh organic products, and other potted herbs that you can purchase at very reasonable prices.

Entrance Fee and Food at Bemwa Farm

For the price of only P50 per guest as entrance fee, you get to experience Bemwa Farm for unlimited time. Not only that. You can use your P50 value ticket in exchange for P50 worth of food from their café.

Bemwa Farm has their own café where you can savor their special Lugaw and Goto cooked using locally grown products at P50 per serving. Also on the menu is the Vegetable Salad made with their own garden-fresh produce for only P90. For something sweet, you may order their famous Strawberry Taho priced at P30 per serving. And to quench your thirst, they also have various Fresh Lemonades for only P25 per glass.

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Top One Grill and Hotpot Opening in Davao Soon

Who loves grilled meat? If you do, we have great news for you. Another Asian fusion buffet restaurant is coming to town. Top One Grill and Hotpot is opening its doors at SM Lanang Premier soon.

Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

Top One Grill and Hotspot promises to offer the biggest Asian fusion buffet spread combining grill and hotpot shabu-shabu in one.

Top One Grill and Hotpot

When Top One opens their doors to the public, Davaoeños will surely enjoy a new dining experience.

Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

Table Top Grill and Cooker at Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

Table Top Grill and Cooker at Top One Grill and Hotpot at SM Lanang Premier

More than Just Grill and Hotpot

Top One offers more than just eat-all-you-can grill and hotpot. Their spread will include Asian and Asian fusion dishes that are sure to delight diners of all ages.

Fried Chicken

Fried Chicken

Shrimps

Shrimps


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Jadine REVOLution Concert Davao

Jadine REVOLution Davao Concert

The Davao audience is hyped. A must-watch and sought after concert act is coming to town. James Reid and Nadine Lustre are bringing the Jadine Revolution Concert to Davao. The Jadine REVOLution Davao Concert will be held on April 29, 2018 at the USEP Gymnasium.

The first Jadine REVOLution Concert was held on February 9 at the country’s premier concert venue, Araneta Coliseum. Jadine filled the venue and rocked the stage as praises from fans came pouring in shortly after the event. After one week, James and Nadine brought the concert to San Fernando, Pampanga.

Jadine REVOLution Davao Concert

This April, Jadine’s Davao fans will enjoy this unique concert experience by one of the country’s most important love teams. The University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium will surely be full of die hard Jadine fans and concert aficionados looking to spend a great night of fun and entertainment.

The chemistry between James and Nadine is undeniable on and off camera, on and off the stage. James and Nadine’s collaborations always create a buzz and receive praise from fans and critics. From movies to tv series to music, James and Nadine is a loveteam to watch. They have the talent, charisma, and artistry that goes beyond just kilig.

Jadine REVOLution Davao

Jadine REVOLution Davao

REVOLution: The Jadine Concert Philippine Tour in Davao is a production of Viva Live is brought to you by Concert Producer and Promoter, EKG Productions Company, owned and managed by Mr. & Mrs. Emil & Kate Gayap.
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