by Kenneth K. Ong
I am genuinely a kid at heart and nothing fascinates me more than having new or memorable experiences. The beginning of 2011 brings back memories of the past 365 days of 2010 and the many happenings that amazed my eyes, tickled my taste buds, inspired my mind and touched my heart. I know there are a myriad more memories and experiences and each of them fitting to be mentioned but here are some of my favorite things (cue the song from the sound of music).
Gleemixes by DJ Drian Cua
The Glee TV series never seems to bore me. To be honest, I am a bonafide Gleek (Glee adik) myself. What made 2010 more memorable for me was the sheer volume of groovy dance hits inspired by the series and mixed by my friend DJ Brian Cua. Who has not heard or danced to updated covers of Madonna, Bruno Mars or Katie Perry all masterfully mixed by one of the Philippines’ top club DJ.
Unforgettable treats
Everybody knows Natalie’s by Booboo Maramba produces some of the city’s best loved desserts and pastries but what really made this year memorable for me were Booboo’s love for taking indigenous ingredients like tablea, avocado, tamarind, and even ylang-ylang flower and incorporating such into her recipes. I can still remember the time I tasted the floral masterpiece, no words can describe the wave of emotions and sensations that can literally bring one to tears.
Another memorable dessert treat would be the artisan cupcakes made by Joel Rodriguez. From his indulgent red velvet cupcakes that literally melt in the mouth to his decadent yet subtlety flavored green tea mouse cake, each and every bite was a masterpiece fit for a dieter’s nightmare. I try hard to resist these temptations but alas I am only human and thus both Booboo and Joel’s desserts are part of my favorite things.
Favorite hangouts
With a lack of spaces that have character and artistic pizzaz in Durianburg as of writing, the Paseo de Legaspi along Pelayo Street is hands-down my favorite place to chill out and relax after a hard day’s work. There are restaurants and a couple of bars in the area(check out the many delicious cocktails offered by Kamagoo), you can have a massage at the spa or even have your clothes done at the dress shop on the second floor overlooking the courtyard. The vibe of the area takes you back a few decades to a time when things in Davao were a little bit more laid back.
Facebook it!
Yes, you read that right. I am a Facebook addict too. But not for the reasons you might think. Yes, I like connecting with old friends and how it allows you to quickly organize events and happenings and share photos for the world or just friends to see. And yes, I like the games like Restaurant City, Mafia Wars and currently Cityville, that almost everyone inevitably plays while working in the office. But Facebook for me is a way to share and create ideas through a social medium the way I share my ideas to you via this column albeit on Facebook ideas run at the speed of light. And its FREE! Brilliant!
Its alive!
The Davao Museum has always been there through the years, tucked in its own world and needing a breath of fresh air. It is a good thing the current board of directors are finally getting their act together and mounting one successful event after another. The more memorable ones to me was the religious icon exhibit and the Museo Musika concert that shines a light of culture into an otherwise blank tapestry.
I know there are more memorable happenings out there enough to fill an encyclopedia but I will just leave my writing up to here for now.
