Filipino Favorite Dishes at Bagoong Club Davao

Bagoong Club Davao is one of the newly opened restaurants in Davao City that offers sumptuous Filipino favorites at affordable prices. Located in the University Avenue, facing Philippine Women's College in Juna Subdivion, Matina, Bagoong Club is an addition to the lively food scene that you can enjoy in the south part of the city.

Bagoong Club is a chain of restaurants that originated in Luzon. Their branch here in Davao City is the first one outside Luzon.

Our Gastronomic Journey

A few weeks after its opening, my blogger friends and I went on a food feast at Bagoong Club. It was a night of good food and amazing conversations. We were able to sample some of their best-selling dishes on their menu. Here's the delectable dishes that we tried to give you some sort of a visual tour of what to expect when you dine at Bagoong Club.

When you dine at Bagoong Club, you'll get a complimentary starter of fresh singkamas (turnip) slices and a bagoong dip in two flavors - sweet and spicy. It will definitely open your appetite for a great dining experience.

Of course, we're not done with the appetizers yet. We tried Bagoong Club's Ukoy, one of their all-time best-sellers. It's a combination of deep-fried sweet potatoes, carrots and shrimps.

We also sample their isaw platter which is one of my favorites. I really have a thing for street foods especially isaw, so when I saw it in the menu, it really captured my attention. Good thing, it didn't fail me. I tasted good and complements well with the vinegar sauce.

As for the main course, we tried several Filipino favorites - Kare-Kare, Pancit Inasal, Bulalo sa Mongo, Crispy Pata, Crispy Dinuguan, Sisig na Puso ng Saging, and the star of the night - Pork Binagoongan. I really recommend you try them as well. They're all good especially when you pair them with their Binagoongan rice. It's a perfect match!

For dessert, we tried Maja, Mais and Turon rolled into one. Interesting, right? I'm sure you'll love it, too! We also had their Ensaymada Pudding which became my instant favorite. I had to come back and order it again. I really love it a lot.

For drinks, we ordered different types of fresh fruit shakes. We definitely needed it after an hour of pigging out. :)

Bagoong Club Menu

***Disclaimer: My friends and I were invited by Bagoong Club to sample their food. 

DAVAO TO HOST SPORTS TOURISM FORUM

The highly acclaimed Sports Tourism Forum will be conducted in Davao City on July 25, 2017. This was jointly announced by Davao City Sports Development and the City Tourism Offices together with Selrahco Management, the conference management outfit today.

The one day forum is aimed at developing and preparing Davao to be a sports tourism destination appealing to a fast growing market. Topics to be presented include developing events as a tourism product; planning, staging and managing sports events with emphasis on sponsorship strategies and event marketing; evaluating present sports facilities and sports tourism products; interaction with LGU ( sports and tourism agencies); working with and seeking endorsements from national sports associations; spirit of volunteerism and some case studies.

The distinguished panel of speakers include Ms Cynthia Carrion - Chef de Mission SEA Games 2017 and former Undersecretary of Sports Tourism, Department of Tourism, Ms Princess Galura - General Manager, Sunrise Events, Mr Charles Lim - Founder, Philippines Sports Tourism Awards; Mr Jude Tucuarto - Sr Vice President /General Manager, Fox Networks Group Philippines and other marketing experts from the tourism and sports sectors.

Department of Tourism Regional Director, Robby Abalado, Mr Mikey Apotadera of the Davao City Sports Development and Ms Generose Tecson of Davao City Tourism will also do their presentations on Sports Tourism.

Secretary Wanda Teo of the Department of Tourism has been invited to keynote the Forum with Mayor Sara  Z Duterte and Chairman William Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission as special guests.

Hosted by the City of Davao and supported by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Sports Commission, the 2017 Davao Forum, to be held at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, will be useful to all sports clubs and association officials, hotels and resorts manager, event organizers, corporate sponsors, schools, travel and tour operators, local sports and tourism officials, golf and country club officers, civic and professional club officials.

Registration is now ongoing on a first come first serve basis with Selrahco Management. Interested parties may call +639324261303 email selrahcopr@gmail.com or  apollo.selrahco@gmail.com  for more details. Fee is at a highly subsidized cost at P1,500.00 per person which includes lunch and snacks, forum kit and certificate.

A Salute to Filipino Culture and Cuisine at Café Marco

Marco Polo Davao is celebrating the country’s national day with a festive buffet of Filipino favorite dishes at Café Marco from June 12 to 17.

A switch of roles between Executive Chef Alex Destriza and Restaurants, Bars and Events Manager Chel Yabut also brings an exciting feel for our Independence week celebration. Chef Chel who is also a food historian, blogger, recipe and culinary director will once again put on the toque and takes over the kitchen to bring authentic recipes from Southern Luzon to the Heart of Davao kitchen, and to your very plates.

"Celebrating our country’s national day or Araw ng Kalayaan is very timely and important in our times today. Food is a representation of our freedom and culture as Filipino from where you can taste the influence of Spanish, American, Japanese and Southeast Asian countries. Filipino not becoming globally recognized to be truly appetizing and sumptuous," says General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin.

Guest can enjoy their favorite Filipino dishes like Kare-kare, Kaldereta, Mechado, Sinigang, Afriatada, Pinakbet, Adobo and sizzling Sisig at Php799nett for lunch and Php1,100nett for dinner

M&S x Tobi Ang: On fatherhood, work & style

This Father's Day, 36 year-old Tobi Ang shares his insights about fatherhood and how he manages to balance his time for his family and work. He is a father of two young girls, Daniella (2.5y.o.) and Natalia (10 months) and "father" and leader of The Angcore Motor Group, where he sits as vice-president and COO.

“Tobi likes to cook. Steak is his specialty,” said Michelle.
On Tobi: M&S Collection pure linen polo over slim fit shirt & pure cotton chino shorts. On Michelle: M&S Collection linen rich dress

“My day always starts waking up and spending time with my girls. The girls, Michelle, my wife, and our two girls are early risers, so I get to spend some quality family time with them before heading to the office,” shares Tobi.

We caught up with Tobi and his family in their lovely home. Over coffee, the young dad shared how he manages his time between being a dad, husband, and a businessman.

And since we can confidently say he is one of Davao’s well-dressed young men, we wanted to find out how his manner of dressing has changed from being single to becoming a dad.

What’s family time like?

Any time I get to spend with my wife and kids is quality family time for me. Usually, our best moments are those spent at home. 

As for fatherhood, it’s is my greatest challenge and responsibility. I hope I'm able to raise good kids, who will become positive contributors to society. 

And husband and wife time?

Since our kids are still very young, we barely get our own time. We try to squeeze in a vacation once in a while, otherwise, we just put on our headphones and enjoy watching our favorite TV Shows while the kids are fast asleep. 

How about “me” time?

The Angcore Group has Kia, Chevrolet & Mahindra dealerships in the Davao region and General Santos, so I barely have "me" time. But I am a big believer in staying healthy in order to maximize the time you have and what you can do with it. So, I try my best to allocate time for working out. Lately, it's been rowing, Pilates and HIIT Training three times a week. It clears my mind and gives me the energy to keep up with my kids.  

“I spend time with my daughters in the morning before heading to the office.”

On Tobi: Blue Harbor striped shirt & M&S Collection white linen shorts.

What’s your fashion style?

I used to dabble in more fashion forward and trendy styles when I was much younger, but I've since moved on to a more classic look. I always go with what makes me feel comfortable and confident to take on anything. If you call that my signature look, then I'll go with it. 

I was never good at following fashion icons. I see something I like and I get inspired by the look, but I don't take note of who was wearing it. 

Has the closet contents changed much now that you’re married with kids?

I'd say I'm a much more practical dresser these days. When you have kids who are as active as mine, it's difficult to maintain a blazer, well pressed shirt or polished leather shoes. I used to travel with all those items checked. Nowadays, I accessorize with a hip seat carrier, diaper backpack, cargo pants & sneakers. 

I wear polo shirt, jeans or slacks and loafers during the day, and when there are nice events, I don't mind putting on a good suit every now and then.  I always try to dress appropriately for every occasion.

Who shops for you?

I do a lot of my own shopping and do it when I have to, so it's not that often. I try to limit my clothes to what I can wear and let go of items I no longer use. 

Do you set a price limit when shopping for clothes?

I always look at value for money, so price is relative. I buy things of good value, and I never spend on something I'm not comfortable wearing. If I have to worry about damaging what I'm wearing, and have to be extra careful, then it's too expensive for me. I usually buy brands that feel & look good and stay that way for quite a while. 

Your Lola Pat (Montemayor) is an avid M&S shopper. How does M&S appeal to you?

M&S will always be relevant and it appeals to all generations. But personally, it will always have a special place in my heart, since I bought my first suit from their Shangri-la branch for my junior prom a few decades ago.

What important piece of clothing should a dad have in his wardrobe?

Comfortable shoes, and maybe a good watch that tells you when it's time to go home. 

Fashion: Marks & Spencer 2017 Summer Collection available at Abreeza Mall & SM Lanang Premier

Photography: Wizbren Ang

Styling: Otoy Mercado