Culture & Cuisine. Kadayawan 2011 at the Apo View Hotel




Caught a lively cultural performance when Marijac Pamintuan, AVH PR lady, asked me to join her for lunch at the Entree.  Nodded to this invite because: 1. I believe that Entree still serves the best buffet in town; and 2. To get that Kadayawan spirit alive after hearing & reading (not-so-great news) about the only-three-weeks-to-organize (quoted from a councilor) city festivity (bonga!). The outpouring of intrigues are disconcerting-- from the (still) unexplained "new branding" to drab advertising materials to conflicting festival information (bonga-ier!), and lately,  to the "non-transparent operation by the new foundation in charge of the event" (bonga-iest!). But congratulations are still in order, everyone took part in filling the schedule of activities, it will amaze you. 

And one of those to commend is this hotel- the Apo View.

On its final week, Apo View is showcasing the best of Mindanao's culture & cuisine in their "Kadayawan Fiesta at the Apo View. Cultural performances, Mandaya weaving Dagmay fabric, art exhibition by a Tiboli artist, and indigenous-inspired cuisine are just some of the activities that transpire in their hotel daily. Here, the atmosphere is upbeat, the colors vibrant, & the cuisine, a delight to the palate. Truly festive!

Showcase of culture:




Tribal dance by the Kaagan Dance Theatre Collective Inc.,
 (Mindanao finalist, Pilipinas Got Talent)

Showcase of cuisine:





Sea Bass cooked in green bamboo





Ginataang kinilaw





Davao staple- the pomelo





Freshly baked Durian Tarts






Ube halaya that's not too sweet. Several servings in not impossible.


You still have until Sunday, August 21st, to join this fab fiesta.


Pahabol: 

And speaking of food, in a recent blitz to promote Davao abroad, I still cannot fathom why a non-Dabawenyo represented Davao in its culinary presentation. The only explanation I can think of is there must be a single Dabawenyo gene in this person's body to make his representation official. Parang half-blood soccer player? O di kaya pinauwing mestiza sa bansa para ipadala sa Miss U para maganda ang bet ng lugar natin? Our local chefs' abilities not befitting your standards? Bonga-iest-est!

FYI. This hotel's chef cooks quite well.