Rocky’s Kadayawan treat: maximum indulgence for festival revelers

Street dancing, aimless walking, sights touring and endless shopping, this is what the Kadayawan season is all about. 

SPArty for the men and women of the media at Rocky's SM City branch

While you bask in the Davao’s most colorful festival, don't forget to avail of the other treats you can also indulge in at a great deal— a hair and foot spa at Rocky’s!

“Running on its third year, the Rocky’s Kadayawan treats for the festival revelers are back for all— men and women alike, to enjoy: Argan Oil Hair Spa and Foot Spa services at a big discount. It’s our way of being part of the Kadayawan,” said Kay Gempesaw, marketing manager of Rocky’s Barbershop.

Application of the Argan Oil hair formulation on Glen Santillan, owner of ilovedavao.com and escapemanila.com

“We encourage everyone to take time out and dive into guilty pleasures they deserve after a day under the Kadayawan sun,” said Kay.

Perfect for your crowning glory is the Rocky’s Argan Oil Hair Spa therapy. It conditions the hair and scalp and moisturizes dry, brittle hair. The treatment uses a non-greasy preparation made from natural Moroccan formula. 

And for your most able companion—your feet, give it the pampering it deserves. The Rocky’s Foot Spa will breathe new energy to your trotters and ensure it’s back at its best condition. 

Let your hair and feet glow and you’ll glow with it, especially with the 20% discount on the Argan Oil Hair Spa and Foot Spa services.

Tere  Nierva enjoying her Argan Oil Hair Spa. Head massage allows the Argan oil formula to penetrate the hair roots & relaxes the well-being as well

The Kadayawan promotion offered at all Rocky’s branches for the whole month of August.

Who said women can’t have a relaxing time in a barbershop? At Rocky’s, they can! 

Aside from the Foot Spa and Foot Massage, women can also avail of the Manicure and Pedicure from the Rocky’s Menu of services. Waiting for their men to get up from the barber’s chair need not be uneventful for them.

Emerge rejuvenated, in top form and ready for more of the Kadayawan merrymaking.

Make it your daily habit this Kadayawan season, head to Rocky’s Barbershop for your much-deserved head and foot pampering. 

Rocky’s Barbershop is along your footpath during the Kadayawan. It’s all conveniently located in all the malls of Davao- Abreeza Mall, SM Lalang Premier, SM City Davao, Gaisano Mall of Davao and Victoria Plaza Mall. 

Davao media & social influencers with Rocky's marketing manager, Kay Gempesaw

Kay Gempesaw with the Davao's social media influencers

Rocky's fragrances- 1969 & Adventure

Follow Rocky’s Barbershop on Facebook: Rocky’s Barbershop, and on Instagram: rockys¬_barbershop.

Kadayawan 2017 Promotions : Supersize Boodle Fight Meal at Park Inn Davao

Park Inn by Radisson Davao celebrates the Kadayawan festival with a special Boodle Fight Meal for the third time, beginning Monday, August 14 till Thursday August 31, served daily for Lunch and Dinner at RBG, all day dining restaurant.

“We are bringing back the popular boodle fight for the third time, this time with even more dishes to enjoy,” explains Hotel Manager, Ms. Emelyn Rosales. “Our launch is basketball themed and we rode on the popular term 3-peat. It’s the 3rd time that we are having the boodle fight since 2015. We’d also like to make this a big splash as a take-off for our Kadayawan Celebration.”

“The tasty dishes created by our chefs are surely going to excite all Dabawenyos and visiting tourists alike.” adds Ms. Rosales. “Have a taste of your Filipino food favorites such as Nilagpang na Bangus, Lato Salad with Salted Eggs, Crispy Pork Belly, Hang Dried Chicken, Fried Tilapia, Grilled Tuna Tail, Longganisa, Pancit Canton, Camote Float, Ube Turon. All of these come with Rice and one pitcher of Samalamig Drink  Boodle Fight 3-peat Meal is priced at Php2,999 net per set good for 8-10 persons, available daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, begining August 15 to August 31.

Book your table at 272 7600 or email us at fb.supervisor@parkinn.com

Kadayawan 2017 Promotions : Rekado

When it comes to Filipino comfort food, there's one place that I can immediately think of - Rekado. The restaurant has an array of Pinoy dishes cooked like how mothers and grandmothers prepare it, with some recipes prepared with a twist to create a more flavorful taste.

I've been to Rekado several times and it never failed me. It's consistent when it comes to taste and service. I always have a delightful meal when I go there whether for lunch or dinner. 

Another thing that I like about Rekado is they always offer something new to its diners. This Kadayawan season, Rekado came up with new comfort food entries on its menu.

“For the Kadayawan menu, we are bringing in the classic Filipino dishes,” said Chef Pauline Benedicto-Mallillin.

Chef Pauline Benedicto-Mallillin

A delicious new dish is added on the appetizer list— the Oyster Dinakdakan. It's deep-fried oyster meat tossed in a seasoned creamy dressing with onions and chilis dressing. This is my favorite! It's best paired with their kinilaw na malasugui to balance the taste and get away with the "umay" factor.

Kinilaw na Malasugui

Oyster Dinakdakan

Crispy Dinuguan with Chicharon and Burong Mangga is crispy yet tender pork belly on a rich stew. “We top our homemade burong mangga to balance the richness of this dish,” said the chef.

Crispy Dinuguan with Chicharon and Burong Mangga

Corned Beef and Bone Marrow Bulalo. The broth of this hearty dish is simmered for hours with aromatics and flavorful beef cuts. The corned beef is specially made for Rekado with no preservatives. This is served with a beautiful cut of bone marrow that is seasoned finely and oven baked. 

Corned Beef and Bone Marrow Bulalo

With the Inihaw na Liempo, the pork belly is charcoal grilled to infuse smokiness, while brushing with a flavorful marinade until flavors are well incorporated. 

Inihaw na Liempo

Chicken Adobo sa Gata. This all-time Filipino favorite is delicious in itself but the coconut milk takes this dish to another level by adding creaminess to the sauce. It's one of those times the diners will have to say, “Extra rice please!”

Chicken Adobo sa Gata

On Rekado’s Davao Seafood Platter are the treasures our waters so graciously provide: the tuna panga, bagaybay, bihod and imbao. These are marinated in a spice paste and barbecued with a special marinade.

Davao Seafood Platter

“That’s six new dishes on Rekado’s menu starting this Kadayawan month, and we’re making these permanent entries on our menu,” said Chef Pauline, “And we’re cooking up more additions in the coming months.”

Aside from the delectable dishes mentioned above, we were also served with their home-made biko (rice cake) which became my instant favorite. I love how simple it was cooked and presented - just biko topped with latik and lunok. Simple yet delicious and satisfying.

Biko (Rice Cake)

As for the drinks, try their healthy fruit shakes - guyabano and avocado. I ordered the latter ans it was good - creamy and not too sweet.

Guyabano and Avocado shake

Rekado Filipino Comfort Cuisine is at 1050 Jacinto Extension 11-B Poblacion District, Davao City, with telephone numbers (082) 284 2136; (082) 224 3031.

Follow them on Facebook: Rekado Davao, and on Instagram: rekadodavao

Kadayawan 2017 Promotions : Marco Polo Davao

Most of us are usually on the look out for delectable food during the Kadayawan season. As much as possible, we try to experience something new and different from the usual food we eat. Well, if you're this kind of diner, you might want to check out Cafe Marco at Marco Polo Davao as it celebrates the colorful flavors of Davao's 11 tribes. 

“We take pride in the diversity of our cuisines but this month we are highlighting the local flavors of Davao which we took a inspiration from the 11 tribes of Davao city. It's a great opportunity for our guests to know more about their city by being able to taste the flavor that's truly ours," says Marco Polo Executive Chef Alex Destriza.

Adobo Pugo

A wide variety of local delicacies will also be available. Spicy tuna (Maranaw style), Tiyula Itom (Sama style), Adobo Pugo, Piassak (Tausug style), Linotlot nga Nonno (Jangan style), Yellow rice (Kalagan style),  Palikambing and Pitis (Tausog style) and Dugdug na Bulig (Jangan style) shall give you a memorable dining experience during this most festive time of the year. 

Tiyula Itom (Sama style)

The Kadayawan Food Festival at Café Marco will be available from August 14 until August 21, 2017 for Php799nett per person for lunch and Php1,100nett per person for dinner. Group diners can also enjoy the 5+1 group promo at the buffet.

Marco Polo Davao's Fashion & Fusion

It's Kadayawan month again! If you are into arts and culture, I highly suggest you pay a visit to Marco Polo Davao and be mesmerized by the works of a local grown Mindanaoan artist, Mr. Victor Dumaguing with his 40-piece art series of paintings displayed at the Maco Polo Davao Lobby.

Aside from the interesting paintings, the hotel lobby is also made vibrant and colorful with a stunning tribal and ethnic vibe designed by Marco Polo Davao's very own florist, Mr. Dionelo Balofinos. Together with T’nalak Home artistry and indigenous instrument collection of Arch. Jose Racho, the lobby itself became an attraction that awed the guests from of Hijos de Davao Foundation, the City Tourism Office, Davao City’s Diplomatic Corps, Department of Tourism and regular guests.

Marco Polo Davao's love and support for the Philippine Eagle overflows as it overtakes the runway. With the introduction of the awaited Philippine Eagle mascot that opened the fashion show. Ten pairs of Philippine Eagle stuff toy dressed by the associates also fashioned its way through the ramp. All the Philippine Eagle stuff toys will be opened for auctioning and will be awarded to the highest bidder. All the proceeds will go to the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

“We are very proud to hold Fashion and Fusion's third year as Marco Polo Davao's tradition of welcoming the Kadayawan season. We wanted to make this year more meaningful by putting on stage the efforts made by our associates through the eagle toys costume which we will auction. We invite all Davaoenos to take a look at the festive exhibit at the lobby which is open to the public,” says Marco Polo Davao General Manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin

The exhibit will run until August 31, 2017.

Kadayawan 2017 Promotions : Seda Abreeza

It's Kadayawan month again and Seda Abreeza is gearing up for an indulging set of promotions that Davaoenos and tourists can enjoy this month of August. Seda Abreeza has partnered with Philippine Eagle Foundation, Tabula Rasa Art Group, Malagos Cheeses, and Malagos Chocolates to bring the festivities on a higher note this Kadayawan 2017.

Seda Hotels continues its share in wildlife conservation. Guests who will avail the Best Available Rates from August to September 2017 will get the chance to help in this noble cause, whichever Seda Hotel they are checking in. This initiative is for the benefit of the Bird Ambassadors in the Philippine Eagle Center, which are often presented in the organization’s Keeper Talks – part of the center’s information and education drives. As a chain, Seda sees the importance of this conservation mission campaign and is one in making this partnership happen once more.

One of the center’s preserved eagle, “Diola” is also back in the hotel lobby to further raise awareness and learning to guests who come and stay at the hotel.

Misto, on the other hand, boasts its culinary prowess through its food and beverage offers. The Philippine Tatler awardee for Best Restaurants has prepared an ala carte menu filled with local favorites, presented with a touch of exquisite flavors. Dishes as Sisig Samosa, Malagos Kesong Puti and Crispy Adobo Flakes Pizza, Slow-Roasted Angus Beef Short Plate, Misto Chili Prawns, Grilled Tuna Panga, Alimango in Kurma Sauce, Chocnut Banana Turon, Ube Leche Flan Cake are on the menu. Prices start at Php 380 nett.

During the Kadayawan week, a bountiful dinner buffet is ready for all Misto diners. The regularly offered ala carte dishes are already part of the said buffet from August 17-19, 2017, with a lot more courses included as: Smoked Fish and Salted Egg Triangles, Boneless Lechon, Grilled Adobo Baby Back Ribs, Caramelized Patis Chicken Wings, and Tofu Sisig with XO Sauce. Desserts will remain as one of the eye candies of Misto’s promotions. Some of these are: Champurrado Bico with Malagos Dark Chocolate Ganache, Durian Panna Cotta, Durian & Mangosteen Pralines, Ube Crinkles, and Fresh Fruit Salad with Native Davao Honey. Diners may avail this at Php 980 nett for adults, Php 580 nett for kids 7-12, and free for kids 6 and below.

The all-day dining restaurant’s specialty promotions come with an authentic Davao taste as we partner with Malagos Cheese and Malagos Chocolates. A wine-pairing promotion that comes with a delectable Malagos Cheese platter and a bottle of wine will be available 1880 nett all month long. For chocolate lovers, we have Malagos Chocolates available in two ways: a flavorful and distinctively exquisite Malagos Dark Chocolate Cheesecake (using Malagos Cheese, too) available at Php 340 nett per order or; a dessert drink with a kick of vodka called Table Twist available at Php 320 nett per order.

To make the celebration complete, Seda Abreeza partners with Tabula Rasa Art Group as they portray Davao’s rich cultural diversity and scenic attractions through a month-long art exhibit in the hotel lobby, and a series of sketching sessions on the Kadayawan week. Cultural performances will also be shown in Misto on the 3rd week of August which features University of Southeastern Philippines’ Pangkat Silayan.

For further inquiries and reservations, please contact 082-2443000 or 082-3228888 or send an email to dvo@sedahotels.com.

Rocky’s man Wesley Tyrone Yap, W-Industries’ president & salesman

To be a great leader, one must become a follower. To make it to the top, one must start from below. These are just a couple of maxim we hear on how to be successful businessman. 

Fast cars and motorcycles, Wesley goes crazy over toys for the big boys

For 36-year old Wesley Tyrone Yap, running W-Industries as the head of the company also entails working as its salesman.

It’s an 8 to 5 job for Wesley, starting the day at the office followed by visits to his clients and checking on the job sites. Work extends to dinner meetings when required.

“I am the company President but at the end of the day, I consider myself very much a salesman," said Wesley.

Established in 2011, W-Industries is a design and construction company. It specializes in interior finishing and fitouts, steel fabrication, aluminum cladding supply and installation, and visual display merchandising for commercial and residential applications. 

The company has done projects for malls like SM and NCCC, mall-based stores like National Bookstore, 7-11, companies like Teleperformance, MTS and Mega Harbor.

Having all these brands and establishments in W-Industries’ roster of clients is quite impressive for a young company— and the list is growing. For all these projects, Wesley is grateful, most especially to NCCC Mall.

“I would like to say that the projects we did for NCCC best define what W-Industries can do. They gave W-Industries our first break. I will always be thankful that they gave the ‘little guy’ a shot,’” confessed Wesley. 

Perhaps the other key to success this “little guy” employs is how he values relationships with clients.

“I deal with the company’s clients directly. Most of them become friends. Relationship is a top priority for me,” said the president-salesman, who takes charge of projects from sales pitch to after-sales service. 

Respect is essential in making relationships work and for Wesley, being well groomed before a client counts as a very important element.

“How essential is grooming for me? Very. How you are and how you present yourself to anyone shows how you respect them. Plus, it does not hurt to look good,” he said as he flashed his winning smile.

Wesley Yap with son Kael, having regular haircuts together at Rocky’s is one of their bonding times. 

Wesley runs to Rocky’s every three weeks for grooming, and when asked when he started patronizing Rocky’s, his reply was,  “Holy cow. I can't even remember exactly, but I know my suki barber was Toni in Victoria Plaza when it first opened, after which, I have Mario cutting my hair for several years now.”

“What I like about Rocky’s is the environment. All its shops are clean and simple, and I feel like I’m visiting a friend when I visit my barber.”

The friendship between client and barber now involves his son, Kael (named after Superman). “Kal-el had his first haircut at Rocky's. He goes regularly, too.”

Wesley admits that the visits to Rocky’s is also one of their bonding moments and somehow has become a tradition. 

“Kal-el and I just shaved our heads together last summer. We were laughing the whole time,” the dad said.

Yes, for Wesley business is good but his greatest accomplishment is his being a father.

“I take my son with me as much as I can even on client calls or to meet up with my friends. I'd like him to experience new things first hand with me. Everyday is an adventure us.”

On his personal adventures, “I am always up for anything that gets my adrenaline up. I have been blessed with friends who have crazy toys for big boys—fast cars and motorcycles. They let me join them all the time. I've started to learn to fly ultralight planes three years ago and working on a schedule to get in all my hours and be able to do my first solo.” 

Wesley’s escapades best describe the essence of Rocky’s new fragrance, Adventure. Its scent perfectly embodies the young modern Rocky’s Man— daring, fresh and full of optimism. It bears a light and fresh citrus, woody marine fragrance with lime and bergamot for top notes, cedar wood for middle notes and grey amber and musk for base notes.

Wesley’s escapades best describe the essence of Rocky’s new perfume, Adventure.

What would Wesley’s ultimate adventure be?

“I've always dreamt of flying a MIG 29 (a Russian fighter Jet). There is a tour offering trips to the edge of Russian airspace. It’s not cheap but I will have to work really hard to make this adventure happen,” said the adventurer. 

Adventure perfume, from Rocky’s new fragrance line, is available in all Rocky’s Barbershops at Victoria Plaza, Abreeza Mall, GMall, SM City & SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, and Centrio Ayala Mall and SM City in Cagayan de Oro City.