WHEN one thinks of summer there is only one place in the mind of every urbanite, the beach! Sun, sand, cool waters and hot bodies make the beach the best way of escaping the hot tropical heat. We Dabawenyos have it easy when it comes to enjoying the beach life given the fact that we are just a mere 15 minutes away from any beach resort, whether on Samal Island or at Dumoy. Too bad, the beach just off Quezon Boulevard and the one called Times Beach are no longer conducive to swimming, otherwise we would have the only Chinatown in the world with it’s own beach!
Although Davao City is classified as a highly-urbanized city, having brunch at the beach and then going to work afterward is still a common practice in Durianburg, though it is usually during summer weekends only when you will see scores of Dabawenyos heading for the islands and to soak up some sun. This is thanks to the Dabawenyo urbanite’s love for the good life and laid-back personality.
Beach dine
Food is de rigueur on any Dabawenyo’s beach outing and one can expect lots of food on the table, but the most common chow for any beach spread remains the ubiquitous barbecue—chicken or pork. Whether it be chicken or pork skewers, fish or even ribs, barbecue is a staple in any beach spread. Another favorite is the very Pilipino kinilaw (raw fish) seafood cooked in vinegar and a variety of condiments. The favorite Dabawenyo version of the kinilaw features tuna or malasugi, cucumber, radish and roasted pork belly for a little smoky flavor served with vinegar, chili and a little soy sauce. I prefer mine dipped in condiments with a dash of wasabe for a bit of kick up the nostrils. Pair the food with some ice cold cola drink or some fresh fruit juice and you have a complete family-size culinary festival for the summer.
Beach wine
Alcohol, in moderation, is the perfect partner to any summer beach outing. The key to a great drink is to really chill it to the proper temperature with lots of ice. Ice is your drink’s best friend. Honestly, who would want to drink warm beer? (Maybe when stranded on a desert island ala Temptation Island but that is another story).
Another drink that should be hitting the beaches soon is white wine. Why white wine and not red wine you ask?
White wine actually tastes better when the sun is hot, thanks to the wine actually being chilled to the ideal temperature first before serving. Remember that cold drinks plus hot beach equals bliss! White wine pairs better with the typical Dabawenyo beach fare of chicken barbecue, pancit, fish and kinilaw, making your dining experience just divine. White wines are also easier to appreciate since they tend to be naturally sweeter, fruiter and have a fresh crisp finish without the tannins associated with red wine.
I would typically suggest a nice crisp South African Sauvignon Blanc 2009 from Douglas Green, Frontera Chardonnay 2009 from Chile, or a Yellow Tail Chardonnay 2007 from Australia. These wines are perfect for pairing with seafood or just lounging around the beach with their distinctive flavor of tropical fruits, apples and peaches. Both the Frontera and Douglas Green wines are priced below Php300 while the Yellow Tail is priced just around Php500, not bad for a day at the beach.
And as the sun sets behind Mt. Apo and it’s time to head back home. I raise a glass to say “Cheers” to that! and see you next week.
