Are you craving for great-tasting Chinese dishes, and wished you were in Hong Kong right at this very minute? Well, don't fret, if you're in Davao, just head over to the this newly-opened restaurant at the ground floor of SM Lanang Premier called Harbour City Dimsum House.

The place has been getting raves already and it's beaming with people, full house most of the time!

And why not?  Me, I  easily got the Hong kong feels the moment I entered Harbour City. You should try it. Food are served ala carte, and bestsellers are readily cooked for the picking and displayed inside a cart that goes around the area for customers to choose from.  All Dimsum dishes: dumplings, shaomi, spring rolls, battered shrimps,  chicken feet, spare ribs, siomai, toppings and yes, even mouth-watering desserts, too!

I agree with my friend when he said that this has got to be one of the best Kadayawan celebrations ever. Indeed, the 32nd Kadayawan Festival in Davao City is both memorable and eventful. As part of this year's official social media team~~Davao Digital Influencers, I was a witness how local (both private and government) groups and individuals pooled their precious time, efforts and dedication to make it a ravishing success.

With Martial Law currently in effect in the whole of Mindanao, we Davaoenos barely felt it but admittedly, businesses in the tourism industry are somehow affected.  And Kadayawan is the perfect way to prove that Davao is still standing strong as a livable and progressive city. Well, I also believe in the fact that the President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte having his home base here (where he was mayor for 20 years) helped a lot in promoting Davao to the Philippines and the world.

I can say that the Davao City government and the organizing committee did a very good job planning and executing the event's programs/activities.  Likewise, my gratitude goes to the government for implementing strict security measures to keep everyone safe as they enjoy the revelry of the Kadayawan week.

It was like Davao city was having a huge fiesta.There were so many activities showcasing our talents, culture, artistry in dance, music and the arts. There were also tribal games and the Dragon Boat competition.

RBG Bar and Grill's Kadayawan treat: Boodle Fight 3-peat

Park Inn by Radisson Davao's RBG Bar and Grill brings back Boodle Fight just in time for the Kadayawan Festival!

Now on its 3rd year, Boodle Fight 3-peat offers Filipino favorites such as Linagpang na Bangus, Lato salad with Salted Egg, Crispy Pork Belly, Hang Dried Chicken, Fried Tilapia Grilled Tuna Tail, Longganisa and Pancit Canton.  You will also get to enjoy classic Pinoy desserts like Camote Float and Ube Turon.

My Davao Digital Influencers family

Looking back at the events I've been to in the past 12 months with my blogging family, the Davao Digital Influencers (DDI), I can't help but smile with gratitude. And if I were to choose a DDI moment that's memorable for me since July 2016 up to now, it would be such a daunting task for me. It's because I love every DDI event or activity (even those that I haven't attended). Call it lip service but it's NOT. See, I've grown to love being around with the Team DDI. No dull moment with these guys, promise.  We can light the spark even to the most boring of events.

As a community of influencers (bloggers/journalists/vloggers/social media content creators) across the Davao region, we represent diverse personalities but we blend in and become united for one common goal, and that is to be responsible catalysts of change in the niche we choose to focus on. We inspire and motivate each other to be better version of ourselves.

As one of the DDI officers, I find it humbling to be part of the org's decision-making activities. It feels good to help and serve my fellow bloggers.  I am so overwhelmed at the amount of influence we bring in the community and at the same time,  embracing the challenge to be responsible in what I share or write. Beyond that, it is awesome to have an extended family with members that share the same passion for writing and expressing ourselves via the internet and social media.

Unforgettable trips with my Team DDI (photo credit: Karla Misa)

On our first year, bumps and turns were inevitable but these only made us stronger and united. We are ready to face the challenge of the years to come.

To my team DDI and to all those who believed and supported us all the way, CHEERS!!!!! Looking forward to more adventures, travels, food trips and events with you guys. Much love!!

After the long wait, UNIQLO fans here in Davao City and the whole of Mindanao can now shop at their favorite store as UNIQLO opened its doors in SM Lanang Premier yesterday, May 26. And that's not it, another store is set to open in SM City Annex at Quimpo Boulevard Davao City on June 2.

As for me, I was happy to be part of  the exclusive media tour and VIP event a couple of days before the opening. It was graced by no less than Katsumi Kubota, Chief Operating Officer of Fast Retailing Philippines, the mother company of Uniqlo.

Yesterday, i had a great chance to get into the world of succulents together with my mommy blogger friends. We were invited to A Mother's Day Pop Up Shop called "Say it With Succulents" hosted by Trust Home Depot and Botanophilic Davao. This runs from May 8 until. May 14.

Us mommies were on for a fun-filled, educational mini-workshop where we learned tips and tricks in growing/propagating succulents. Ms. Ching of Botanophilic Davao taught us some do's and don'ts to keep these plants healthy. I can say that it is pretty simple and not that demanding in terms of caring for succulents. 

(Hmmm, I shall see in a few days and observe the succulent which was given to me at the event, lol)

Shaina Magdayao, Councilors Cherry Bonguyan & January Duterte and Vina Morales during the blessing

I had a fantastic time last week when Air Asia launched its inaugural flights to new summer destinations from Davao to Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan and Clark.  I was blessed to be part of the group of  bloggers, vloggers, and journalists  who went to Cebu for a 3-day Familiarization Tour! Yes three whole days to explore the beauty of the queen city of the south that is Cebu.

Although I have been to Cebu a few times, I have not experienced a planned trip with extensive itineraries that would take us to historical and gastronomical places in this part of the Philippines.

On our first day, after we landed at Mactan Airport, and after the inaugural ceremonies of the maiden flights. Galleon San Pedro Tours led by the seasoned guide Ka Bino Guerrero took us to a Heritage Tour to Cebu City's popular historical sites. 

Our first stop? The  Magellan's Cross along Magallanes St fronting the City Hall. It is the famous Christian cross planted by Portuguese and Spanish explorers as ordered by Ferdinand Magellan upon arriving in Cebu in the Philippines on 15 March 1521. It is very near the Basilica del Santo Nino. 

This modern mini hotel is perfect for backpackers, businessmen and those who want cozy and clean rooms at affordable rates. It is very accessible to schools, park, churches, establishments, and shopping malls.

Here are the rest of the photos I took of the rooms and facilities during the blessing and inauguration of Aikiko House:

Last Sunday, we got the first dibs on Max's returning hit, the Chicken All-You-Can. Yep, it is back for this summer only at participating Max's restaurants. For only Php 249 you will experience unlimited sarap to the bones goodness that's uniquely Max's, plus a glass of ice-cold Pepsi.

So, what makes La Lola Churros* different from the others?  

It started as a locally grown concept in Manila, aiming to serve the best authentic Spanish churros.

Theirs is a work of art and is made with love. They serve large and chunky churros using the traditional recipe with a La Lola twist. And guess what? It is made fresh from scratch upon order, using only the finest branded ingredients (100% olive oil and special flour) sourced locally and made especially for La Lola.