The Island Explorer

I have been open about my love relationship with Samal, and again, she impressed me with this place. Around 30 minutes drive from the roro port of Samal from Davao City, we arrived at a dark night at Maxima by the Sea, a house that literally is built on water.

When we talk of white sand beaches in Davao, we are actually referring to the beaches of the Island Garden City of Samal. We always thought the quintessential Pearl Farm Resort is situated in Davao, since it is posted in most pictures of Davao, when in fact, it is just one of the many resorts that dot the pristine shorelines of Samal. Pearl Farm Beach Resort has been one of the pioneers of luxury resorts in the Philippines. With the burgeoning of high end resorts in different parts of the country, Pearl Farm still maintains its exclusive image. From its private wharf in Lanang in Davao City, you board an outrigger that takes you to the resort in Samal Island. If you get there before the scheduled departure times, you can get to relax in their wharf lounge, or even take a dip in a swimming pool. As you arrive in the resort's pavilion, a guest relations officer will brief the entire group about the activities one can engage in. They also show you a map of the entire resort. The pavil

Legaspi Suites is the only boutique hotel in Davao. What makes it boutique is its size and attention to design and ambience. Legaspi Suites is located in a complex that was once an ancestral home. The landmark still remains in tact at the middle of the complex and a 4 story apartment building was built around it to house the hotel. Once you enter the lobby, you would feel that the hotel thought about its design, which is uncommon in Davao. I would think this would be normal in Cebu already, but in Davao, good design is still scarce. I got the cheapest room, a standard room for P1,600 since I was only staying for one night. The room was huge and very bare. I'm assuming this room was made simple because of the class. The rooms have different colors, as seen from their brochures. I passed by a suite room which was open, and I thought it looked charming. My room was located on the second floor beside the spa, so I had a view of the courtyard downstairs. I love this place because it had

I am a fan of Banofie Pies, or Banana Cream Pies. Thus, I was excited when I was brought to Kasagingan in Davao City. Located along Torres St, Kasagingan turns out to be a favorite cafe as well, since there is free Wifi. I like their Banana Cream Pies. The sweetness is just right, and the cream was smooth. I didn't like the crust however, I felt it wasn't firm enough. I also had a Roast Beef Sandwich, which was really good. I wasn't expecting anything, so I guess I was happy with what they served. The beef was tender and the ciabatta bread was soft and tasty. So, when in Davao, try out Kasagingan, perhaps the only banana specialized cafe in the country.

Ola Espana is one of the more popular restaurants in Cebu. Owned by Amparito Lhuillier, it's one of the several restaurants owned by the family from high society (another good resto they own is Pino). Ola Espana in Cebu is located at the Banilad Town Square. I was introduced to this place by one of my colleagues who was based in Cebu. We had a press launch for an event there, and my partners from Manila couldn't stop raving about the food there. I was able to try Ola Espana, not in Cebu but in Davao. Located in a compound of restaurants beside Microtel Inn (I forgot the local name of the place), Ola Espana was full on a Sunday lunch. We had to wait for a table for around 10 minutes, and it was even in the extension area of the restaurant. And it's not surprising to see why it was packed. The place looked so cozy, yet brimming with energy. There was a deli as well, selling a lot of imported products, from pastas, to sauces, to sausages, and cheeses. We ordered the Paella Val

Davao is known as the manukan country, there's just chicken everywhere. Fried, inasal, BBQ and the list of chicken variations go on. I was already sick of grilled food, so we searched for an Italian restaurant. After calling a few friends, we ended up in the 5th level of the Gaisano Mall near Rizal, where Picobello was located. Picobello turns out to be a well established Italian resto in an inihaw dominated city. The place looks like an authentic pizzeria, and I was so excited as it is tucked away inside the rundown mall. We started with their freshly baked pizzas. The crust was not thin, but it was soft and hot. We ordered two variants, a Four Cheese, and a Chicken and Olive one. Both were satisfying, though the Four Cheese could be better. The Calzone was huge as you can see. Slicing through it was a pleasure as the aroma of the cheese and flavors burst out. The pasta dishes were nothing special compared to the best Italian restaurants in the country. But what the heck? We were

Have you tasted the Chocolate Decadent Cake of Blugre Coffee in Davao? It is a simple chocolate cake, heated and bathed in a cream sauce. Simply amazing. Or how about this Revel Bar? I just can't get enough of it. I was surprised to have these wonderful cakes in Blugre Coffee in Davao. It's not my first time to visit Blugre. It's my coffee shop of choice in Davao. They have a Durian Flavored Coffee, but I am not a fan. So, when in Davao, have a break at Blugres, and savor their delicious pastries.