June 2016 musings: Calls to celebrate


THE second half of the year was met with celebrations. Let’s start counting.

The new Philippine president

Short, precise and on point was the inaugural speech of the 16th President of the Philippines. Our former city mayor is now the head of the republic, and even before he assumed the position, he and his team were already busy at work. Duterte’s promise of change is on its way. Let’s do our part and make everything good happen.



The 16th President of the Philippines & his family



The 52nd Hijos de Davao

And speaking of change, I like the “upgrades” I saw in the recently celebrated 52nd Hijos de Davao party.

I liked the idea of bringing back the ball to the hotel ballroom. It makes the affair more intimate and classy.

I liked the new set-up where the stage is more fitting to welcome a princess and her escort. Even the evening’s special guests get to dine on a more regal arrangement.



Fit for a princess & her escort. A classier set-up for the 52nd Hijos de Davao ball



I liked that the men wore perfectly fitting Barong Tagalog and the women looked elegant in their Ternos (the absence of Sto. Niño/Sagala embellishment was comforting).

I liked that the younger set are exposed to dressing to the occasion with propriety.

Overall, it was another fun and elegant gathering.


The fruit basket is ready

DOT, Tieza and Accendo recently unveiled the Asian Fruit Market at the Abreeza Mall. It’s a one-stop shop for local fruits, vegetables, processed-fruit products, fruit-based products and F&B services.



Now open-the Asian Fruit Market, a joint project of DOT, TIEZA & ACCENDO. TOurism front liners- Noel Dacquiag, City Tourism Office of Davao del Norte; DOT Usec. Art Boncato; DOT XI Regional Director Robbie Alabado with  Alkid Hatosa




The project will position Davao as the home to the biggest fruit market in Asia in 10 years by showcasing Mindanao’s abundance. With the participation of the local farmers across the island, this is possible.


Proudly Davao

Another “only in Davao” worth bragging is the 911—and it’s multiplying in the city. The newest is in Cabantian and it’s the first-ever integrated safety and rescue facility in country with police, fire and Central 911 stations in one address.



Bragging rights for Davao- the first inegrated public safety complex in the Philippines



Salute to Pinoy talents

Award-winning photojournalist Rene Lumawag learned the tricks of his trade by himself and today he is one of the most talented and respected photographers in the region.

His ongoing photographic exhibit at Abreeza Mall entitled “RodyDuterte: Through the years” chronicles the political career of President Duterte, a friend of his.



The photojournalist who chronicled the political career of the 16th Philippine President


The exhibit, the most successful show mounted in Abreeza Mall to date, will run until July 6.

Worth catching this week in Davao is Ma’ Rosa, a Brillante Mendoza film about a woman and her husband who deals in illegal drugs.



A Brillante Mendoza film worth watching-- Ma' Rosa



Jaclyn Jose won the coveted Bes Actress Cannes Film Festival award for her role as Ma’ Rosa.



Happy 149th birthday Canada!

Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder and his lovely wife, Irene, came to celebrate the special day with the members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce lead by its president, Julian Payne.



Celebrating Canada Day in Davao were Julian Payne, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Ambassador Neil Reeder and his lovely wife, Irene (center)

At the affair the ambassador shared how Canada values its relationship with the Philippines, mentioned the growing Filipino population that made Canada their place of residence, how commercial ties between our two countries continue to grow, and the many projects they supported projects for the development of Mindanao.

There are more but this is as much as this page can fit.

*****