Category Archives: Lifestyle

Explore South Davao

Explore South Davao

There was a time when living in Davao’s South meant quiet days and serene nights. You have to travel downtown or up north for good eats and interesting finds. But things are getting interesting now. Let’s explore South Davao City and the many things, sights, and eats it has to offer.

Weekend Markets in South Davao

Perhaps the most exciting spots in South Davao are the weekend markets sprouting in the area.

These weekend markets have become all-in-one events. Local MSMEs introduce their products and services in community spaces accessible to many. Students, young professionals, and families visit these markets to shop, dine, and try new experiences. Even elder millennials and boomers go to these markets as an alternative to malls.

Two of the most popular weekend market spots are Three Yards and Tio Noning’s, both located in the Juna Subvision and Tulip Drive neighborhood. Away from the usual downtown event venues and closer to the southern residential areas.

And further down south, more venues are starting to host pop-up markets and other community events.  Popular matcha spot Indahouse Cafe in Dumoy and even Gaisano Mall of Toril have hosted weekend markets.

South Davao Dining

And here are two things you are sure to find in those weekend markets: matcha and unique food finds. While, there are good matcha and delicious food finds all over Davao, weekend markets are where the new and underrated stuff can be found.

And here is the better news for residents of South Davao: there are a lot of great eats in the area. In and out of weekend markets.

Favorite Weekend Market Bites

We have previously shared our favorite flea market finds.

But we have more discoveries we want to share. Every week, we discover new and exciting delicious treats.

First, the hottest matcha pop up this year: O Matcha by Megumi. They serve matcha blends with sweet sticky Dango. This two in one treat is perfect for matcha lovers looking for new things to try.

Next, Bao Republic’s Pork Belly Bao. Unctuous savory belly strips with sour pickles and salty sauce, in between soft, pillowy bao. And served with crisp potato chips.

For pasta lovers, we recommend Truffle Cream Pasta with Fried Chicken. The perfect dish for umami lovers.

And finally, a go-to meal option at weekend markets: Lechon Kawali meal by Eggsthetic.

Related Link: Savory Flea Market Finds

More Foodie Stops in South Davao

Cafe Basilico is popular foodie destination in South Davao . While they have already opened a branch downtown, the main brand in Crossing Bayabas remains to be a top choice for foodies exploring the south. They are popular for their pasta dishes and pizza.

Lesser known but just as notable are Stella’s Cuisine, Knto Cinco, and Kaniii Slow Bar.

Stella’s Cuisine serves popular Filipino kakanin and snacks. Our favorites are their kutsinta, palitaw, and sapin-sapin. And of course, the binignit.

Continue reading
Penshoppe Cozy Days Ahead Davao-4

Penshoppe Cozy Days Ahead Davao Event

Love the chilly days and nights of the ber months? Enjoy the weather in fashion with Penshoppe‘s new collection. Join the Penshoppe “Cozy Days Ahead” Davao event this October to see the new collection.

PENSHOPPE continues their campaign to embrace boldness and momentum. From Brighter Days Ahead to Full Speed Ahead, Penshoppe has dedicated 2025 to campaigns that inspire optimism and the drive to succeed. Now comes Cozy Days Ahead, with a collection that encourages slowing down and enjoying cozy moments.

Penshoppe Cozy Days Ahead Davao

The campaign kicks off with a Cozy Days Ahead event in Cagayan de Oro City.

And the next stop is here. The Penshoppe Cozy Days Ahead Davao event will be on October 25 and 26, 2025 at the Annex of SM City Davao. And slated to join are Penshoppe Ambassadors BINI and Julia Barretto.

See collection previews. Enjoy Club Penshoppe rewards and promos. Go around interactive booths and cozy lounges.

Make sure to download the Penshoppe app and register to join.

Continue reading
Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

This month, celebrate love in paradise. Know more about the Discovery Samal Valentines 2025 special offers.

Staycation in Paradise

Book a room at Discovery Samal this month and enjoy world-class amenities and Filipino hospitality.

Discovery Samal Valentines 2025

Choose from a range of stunning room options:

  • Junior Suite – Php 22,310 net per night,
  • Executive Suite Beach – Php 26,731 net per night,
  • Samal Suite – Php 27,468 net per night,
  • One Bedroom Suite –
  • Php 29,678 net per night,
  • Premiere One Bedroom Suite – Php 31,152 net per night, or
  • One Bedroom Villa – Php 32,625 net per night.

Each one offers comfortable accommodations, a gorgeous view, and a memorable experience. Your stay also includes:

  • Daily breakfast for two persons at The Shoreline,
  • Complimentary romantic dinner for two persons,
  • Roundtrip boat transfers from and to our Davao Welcome Center,
  • Roundtrip land transfers from and to the Davao International Airport,
  • Complimentary spa treatment for two persons,
  • 10% discount on Morning Catch, Haribar Lounge or The Shoreline, and
  • 10% discount on motorized aqua sports activities.

Get these special package when you book from January 15 to February 28, 2025 and stay from February 1 to 28, 2025.

Continue reading

Discover Samal this 2025

Start 2025 with an island getaway at nearby Samal. Discover Samal. Enjoy the tranquility, sights, and flavors that Discovery Samal Resort has to offer.

Book at Discovery Samal Resort

Have a restful getaway with a comfy bed and a glorious sight.

Discover Samal

Discovery Samal has 153 villas and suites. Book a room and wake up to a breathtaking view of the Davao Gulf.

Stroll by the beach. Take a dip in its pristine waters or swim in Discovery’s pool. Relax. Enjoy a massage. Chill. Or take advantage of the resort’s many amenities and have an active and fun-filled stay.

Overnight guests get to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at The Shoreline restaurant. They also have a 10% discount at the resort’s restaurants and Samal Escape Spa treatments.

Indulge in Discovery’s Dining Delights

Aside from a scrumptuous breakfast at The Shoreline, there are many dining options around the resort.

Your Samal experience is not complete without tasting fresh seafood. Visit Morning Catch and enjoy seafood dishes by the beach club. They have a selection of fresh seafood: shrimps, crabs, scallops, and more. Choose what you like and have it prepared the way you want it.

Continue reading

Galentines in Davao

Hi, Davao girls! Looking to spending the upcoming Valentine’s Day with your girl friends? We have the perfect spots and events for you to spend your Galentines in Davao. So gather your best gals and celebrate the season with good food, great coffee, and some interesting finds. Maybe a glass of wine or two, as well.

What is Galentines? It is an occasion to gather your favorite girl friends (single or otherwise) and celebrate friendship and each other’s successes. Most people celebrate it on February 13. We think you can celebrate it any day this February. Or the rest of the year. Why not?

Galentines in Davao

Here in Davao, we have a few spots which we think would be a great places for you and your gal pals to gather at.

  • Club’s Bakery North
  • Koop Cafe
  • Yesterdays Coffee + Bar

Plus, some events this February that you might be interested in:

  • Louis Mireille & Friends at Fika Cafe
  • The Love Club by Little Toast

Club’s Bakery North

One of our favorite food spots we discovered in 2024 is Club’s Bakery. And we are glad they have now expanded to a new branch.

We chose this as our first spot for Galentines because it is cozy and quiet. They have the perfect menu for a brunch date. Or an afternoon coffee date with your gal pals. We love their Sea Salt Cream Latte.

And of course, their various croissants.

Our Editor Ria picks their Double Cookie Croissant, the Lemon Cruffin, the Pain Au Chocolat, and the Strawberry Croissant as her personal picks.

Club’s Bakery North is located at Veloso Street in Obrero.

Koop Cafe

Next on our list is Koop Cafe.

Koop Cafe is another cozy cafe in the Obrero area. They are popular for their sweet crepes. But they also serve savory crepes, pasta and rice dishes. And of course, coffee.

Our favorites are the Tomato and Basil Pasta, the Blueberry and Cream Crepe, and the Mango Crunch Crepe. Their Spanish Latte is also really good.

Koop Cafe is located along Loyola Street in Obrero.

Continue reading
Valentines Date in Davao 2024

Valentine’s Date in Davao

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you do not have your Valentines Date in Davao planned yet, we have prepared a list for you. This year, we are recommending spots that are a little bit out of the way and underrated. These are the perfect venues to spend quiet time with your partner or to have a nice bonding time with your family and friends.

Valentine’s Date in Davao Recommendations

Here are our 2024 recommendations for your Valentine’s Day Date:

  • Club’s Bakery in Matina Crossing
  • Wood and Coffee in Magtuod
  • Pilgrim Restaurant in Barangay Baganihan
  • Benjarong at D2 Dusit Thani in Lanang

Afternoon Coffee: Club’s Bakery

Our choice for a nice low-key afternoon coffee date is Club’s Bakery.

Valentines Date at Clubs Bakery Davao
Lemon Cruffin and Iced Spanish Latte

Club’s Bakery has a great selection of classic French pastries and some interesting novel items. And their coffee is superb.

We recommend their Pain Au Chocolat, the Fresh Blueberry Danish, and the Lemon Cruffin. Partner it with their Iced Spanish Latte. The yummy pastries and coffee make for a good, simple, and low-key but memorable afternoon coffee date.

If you want to extend your date a bit, they also serve savory dishes.

Read more: Club’s Bakery Davao

Art and Nature: Wood and Coffee

Enjoy both art and nature in just one date. Plus, good matcha. Wood and Coffee in Barangay Magtuod is less than an hour’s drive away from downtown.

Wood and Coffee Croffle and Matcha Green Tea Latte for your Valentines Date in Davao
Croffle and Matcha

Our contributor Andrew recommends their Sardines Pasta, Puttanesca Pasta, Concrete Matcha, Mugwort Latte, and Croffles. Enjoy these with your partner or with your friends while enjoying fresh air and gorgeous green scenery.

Located in the same homey building is the Gil Bumanlag Art Gallery that features avant-garde pieces. Enjoy a quiet Valentine’s Date away from the noise of downtown Davao.

Our Editor Ria picks this as her top option for a solo date with herself.

Wood and Coffee is also on Best Matcha in Davao list. Check it out if you and your partner are matcha lovers.

Read More: Wood and Coffee Davao

Away from the City: Pilgrim Restaurant

And even further away from the city is Pilgrim Restaurant.

This quaint restaurant is located at Barangay Baganihan, 80 kilometers away from downtown. But it is worth the trip. Cozy ambiance. Superb food. Our contributor Andrew recommends their Scallops, the Truffled Mushroom Gnocchi, and the Coq Au Vin.

People usually have a meal here en route to Bukidnon or if they are staying overnight in the area. But if you and your partner love long drives, this is worth the trip. Make sure to prepare a nice driving playlist and drive safe.

Read more: Pilgrim Restaurant Davao

Thai Cuisine: Benjarong at Dusit D2

And up north, we recommend Benjarong at Dusit D2.

If you are looking for a quiet place for your date, we recommend Dusit D2’s Thai restaurant, Benjarong. It’s pricey but we love it. Benjarong offers refined dishes but still with authentic taste. Ria recommends the Lab Kai and the Gung Sa Moon Prai. And their cocktails.

Plus, the entire restaurant is just exquisitely gorgeous with romantic low warm lighting.

Read more: Benjarong Davao

Continue reading