March ’12 musings. Food, fashion & fine arts.



Muni-muni sa ilalim ng ulan sa Haji Street

The month started on the right note- courtesy of the ivory keys. Two talented artists, four hands on one piano. It was the latest musical collaboration by two good friends who believed Davao deserved to enjoy its share of live classical music. Thus, they took the mountain to Mohammed. The Dabawenyos were captivated from note one.


Artsy at Wicked in SG & classical pianists rehearsing for Davao show.

Who doesn’t want to witness a steady stream of the fine arts into the city? Maybe become as dynamic as the fast-changing styles on the racks of the fashion houses sprouting like mushrooms? Do we have enough audience to sustain the scene? I believe we do. 

For some productions, we do have to travel. Luckily, with the growing number of carriers present, traveling cost is no longer prohibitive. The seat sale have extended from the net to the shopping malls, and the “fabulosity” deals give us no excuse not to zoom to the destination of choice (most especially this summer and DOT XI RD Art Boncato is inviting us to go visit Samal Island) and catch that coveted stage show or shop everything on the “it” list. This has turned traveling into the new black.


From Davao to the world. Traveling is more affordable & fun,
DOT RD Art Boncato is making sure of that.

In my case, the most recent travel took me back to Singapore, with gratitude to the Singapore Tourism Board. Soon after meeting its new top honcho in the country, Sherina, I found myself aboard the plane to the Lion City. 

Sherina of Singapore Tourism Board & tour segment "barkada" Karen of Philippine Star.

People of interest. Louise of TWG SG & Bruno S. of Marco Polo DVO.

There I was housed in a chic designer boutique hotel - the Wanderlust, (finally) caught Wicked at the Marina Bay Sands, got in touch with the kid in me at Universal Studios, discovered more hidden treasures of the place, gave in to the lure of Singapore shopping (I love my new Japanese and Swedish picks and the affordable pieces of H&M and Uniqlo!) and went on a gastronomic journey from hawkers to high tea. 


Fashion pick- Miharaya Suhiro for Puma. The clerk at Avalanche in SG.

Yes, the strict diet was shunned for food was in fashion for me this month. A few more dishes made it to the “black book”- Dina’s Nutella pie; Marco Polo’s Mediterranean spread (available until the end of the month); the homemade gelato at Haji Street.....


Dessert heaven. Dina's Nutella Pie, homemade gelato from a Haji Lane shop, Ned's Diner fudge & apple pie ala mode, PS Cafe's Key Lime Pie, Black Forest Profitaroles & Banana Butterscotch Cake & TWG's Creme Brule in Strawberry Crust.

....the spicy crab of Jumbo restaurant in Clark Quay (I rarely eat crabs but this one was good); the Indian fare of Murtaba and Biryani at the Victory Restaurant in Arab Street; the satay that came in chicken, beef and duck...


Must eat in SG- Satay & Murtaba.

.....two encounters with the Wagyu Burger at PS Café (where I was challenged to finish three ptateful of desserts!).....

PS Cafe's Wagyu Beef Burger & the ultimate dessert challenge.

......and TWG Tea Salon (where everything on the menu is infused with tea, including their famous French macarons)....


More that just tea at TWG. Tee infused chocolates & French Macarons.

.....the daily French breakfast at Colette’s was a great way to start the day....


Wanderlust Hotel wonders- designer furnishing & French food.

......truffle oil elevates the taste of food and you must have Spirale’s linguini and PS Café’s French fries (winners!)...... 

Truffle love. Spirale's Linguini with truffle cream & PS Cafe's truffle oil fried french fries.

and finally, my brush with Spirale’s cocktail picks where the rest of Davao will taste come April 25th- if you’re invited to the opening of Marks & Spencer in Abreeza, that is. 


Spirale's picks for M&S launching in April & go Mediterranean at Cafe Marco 'til end of March.

These March encounters with everything F- fashion, fine arts and food, was just fantastic. So, if I you happen to catch me in my bloated state (WTF!), please understand that I was a victim of fashionable food out of necessity. I don’t want offending my hosts and go Pinoy leaving a shy piece on the plate.


For more lifestyle and travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ and http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/.


Published in Sun.Star newspaper on March 25, 2012.