Event | Strengthening the 70 Years Relationship between Indonesia and the Philippines

Part 1: Business-to-Business Forum

Business Delegates from Mindanao for the B-to-B Forum

The bilateral relations between Indonesia and the Philippines is at its 70^th year. With this long years of relationship, both countries are keeping the brotherhood and close ties, also as geographical neighbors, when it comes to tourism, food and trade. Thus, the Wonderful Indonesia: Tourism, Food and Trade Expo 2019, supported by Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), has been a venue for this step in strengthening the relationship of both countries.

Business Delegates from Indonesia for the B-to-B Forum

The Expo dated July 12-14, 2019 at SM Lanang Premier, J. P. Laurel Avenue, Davao City. Before the expo, a B-to-B (business-to-business) forum was conducted so that Indonesian business people will have a business matching with business people from the Southern Philippines. It was a great avenue for both parties as a number of Indonesian business people attended from the sectors of tourism, food and trade sector. It was also attended by a number of business people from the Southern Philippines.

ConGen Dicky Fabrian Giving Welcome Remarks

Mr. Nathaniel Dalumpines Giving Message of Support

The B-to-B forum was also graced by the Consul General of the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao City, ConGen Dicky Fabrian; OIC Chairman of MinDA, Sir Nathaniel Dalumpines; President of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc., Mr. Art Milan; CEO of Reefer Express Line Filipinas, Mr. Felix Ishizuka; members of the diplomatic corp and friends from the media.

Mr. Felix Ishizuka Giving Updates on BIMP Plus Route

Mr. Felix Ishizuka gave wonderful updates about the initial results of the BIMP Plus route of the Reefer Express Line Filipinas. The route included shipping of goods coming from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam passing through Labuan and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, then to Bitung, Indonesia and to Davao City, Philippines. Mr. Ishizuka was happy with the turn out of the route and asks the business sector to patronize the route to be sustainable. The route was indeed a game changer in the BIMP Plus region wherein goods were being transferred Southern Philippines few days earlier than having it shipped to Manila before going south.

Delegates Business Matching

Delegates Business Matching

The B-to-B forum was successful and both business delegates from Indonesia and Southern Philippines were happy!

Part 2: Wonderful Indonesia: Tourism, Food, Trade Expo 2019

Ribbon Cutting for the Expo 2019

The Expo started with a ribbon cutting with the Consul General Dicky Fabrian leading the group, together with the Ma’am Fera Andriani; Mr. Ricky Fauzi, Director of Marketing Regional III, Ministry of Tourism - Indonesia; Asec. Norman Garibay, DFA Mindanao; Mr. Nathaniel Dalumpines, OIC Chairman - MinDA; and Hon. Nilo Abellera, Davao City Councilor.

Captivating Garuda

One of the Cultural Dances Presented During the Expo

There were a lot of cultural presentations on stage the expo. It was very colorful and musical! The Garuda was also present in the expo that symbolizes the mythical bird of Indonesia. It was a very beautiful, elegant, colorful, and grandiose representation of Indonesia! The officials and staff of the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia also gave a musical presentation using the angklung, an Indonesian instrument, and it was endearing to the ears.

Consulate Officials and Staff Presentation Using the Angklung

Several tenants were present in the Expo 2019 that ranges from many different travel agencies from Indonesia and the Philippines, variety of food choices coming from Indonesia and an opportunity to tie up with some business people from the Southern Philippines.

Prize Ship from Wonderful Indonesia

The 3-day event was also packed with so much surprises. There were games and interview portions wherein guests were given tokens from the Wonderful Indonesia. I also luckily received a prize after winning a game. I suddenly owned a ship! Thank you, Wonderful Indonesia!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com!

Food | Malita's Food Products Worth A Taste!

Me holding an Adlai Rice

Malita is the town capital of the youngest province in the Philippines, Davao Occidental, to date. It is around 2 to 3 hours of land travel from Davao City via a private or public transportation. The municipality has some food surprises that you'll love as much as I did. So, let's check it out!

Kape de Netibo and Adlai Rice

Rice is the staple food for many Filipinos. It is best paired with the delicious barbeque, adobo and many other viand. However, the regular rice is more glycemic thus people who have lifestyle disease like diabetes will control intake of it.

Meal with Adlai Rice

Good thing that ADLAI RICE is a healthier option than the regular rice. This is one great Malita product that is low glycemic, with protein, dietary fiber, minerals and it is gluten-free. Its taste is not far from a regular rice’s taste. It looks more circular than an elongated grain; bigger than a corn grain that is also substituted for a regular rice. What I like about it is that when you eat it, you will get full but you feel light. The cheapest adlai rice is around P250 coming from Malita and it is one that is considered as an ancient grain.

Adlai, Kape de Netibo and Bangus

Then, one of the best bangus (milkfish) I have tasted is from Malita! I often dislike bangus because of its bones; it will take me some time to remove the bones and still I will get boned. However, the bangus from Malita is a surprise: it has less bones and it doesn’t have a stinky odor. Yeah, believe me, it is something to buy and taste! Perfect for an inun-unan or known as paksiw! 

Then, the Kape de Netibo. Actually, I am not a coffee fan but this coffee is not too acidic for me and it does not make me hyperactive - something that I think is a thumbs up!

Women Entrepreneurs of Barangay Buhangin ice cream

Then, a group of women in Malita or the Women Entrepreneurs of Barangay Buhangin (WEBB) offers good ice cream that will tickle your taste buds. The ice cream comes in five (5) flavors, to wit: 1) kalabasa (squash), 2) malunggay (moringa), 3) durian, 4) chili level 1, and 5) chili level 2. Among the flavors, I like most the kalabasa! The squash has good blend with the sweet cream than the moringa - well, that’s for me, but still tastes good. Durian flavor is not that strong but there is a kick of the durian's taste. Then, as for the chili flavors, not much of a chili fan - sorry but still good tasting. Price ranges from P40 to P45. :-)

Kalabasa Flavored Ice Cream

Tasty Daral

Then, the daral. It is a Tausug delicacy that at an instant has become a favorite. Good thing that I have tasted it in Malita since it is Ms. Jean's favorite. hihihi It is a rolled crepe with coconut and sugar inside. It is a good snack item! Yum!

Calamares with Salted Egg Batter

One of the unforgettable that I have tasted in Malita is the calamares! Thank you very much for this recipe of yours Ms. Jean! The calamares has a salted egg batter that tastes so good in my mouth. The spices also compliment well. Super favorite!!!

Oh well, those are just among the food you can taste in Malita. Our group is very thankful to the generosity of Ms. Jean, together with her staff. Malita has marked good food to me! Until next time!!! :-)

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Did you enjoy reading this? Don't hesitate to leave a comment or share it to your friends!

Travel | Enjoy the Waters of IGACOS!

Babu Santa, Talicud Island

A plunge to the beach, waterfalls and other bodies of water may be your thing during dry and hot season in the Philippines. Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), commonly known as Samal Island in Davao Region, may have some of those activities you have in mind for the season. Let’s check it out!

IGACOS is part of Davao del Norte Province wherein it lies at the middle of the Davao Gulf. It has great white sand beaches, waterfalls, caves, diving spots and you can do some water sport activities. It is the nearest city from the center of Davao City wherein less than 10 minutes of roll on roll off (RORO) water vehicle ride will reach you to the port of Babak in IGACOS. One can bring their own vehicle or commute with the island city bus or with motorcycle in IGACOS.

Hagimit Falls

One of the treasures of IGACOS is the hagimit falls.

Hagimit Falls

The hagimit falls is situated 2km from Penaplata proper and entrance fee to the place is P40. Upon entering the place, one will need to walk down towards the basin of the water falls. The place is relaxing with the sound of pouring water from the steps to the basin of the water falls. The water is also cool and fresh. It is really one of the places flocked by people during the dry and hot season.

I love Samal, Kaputian Beach Resort, Kaputian, IGACOS

The best part, really, of IGACOS is the white sand beaches. It is spread around the whole island and really a place to enjoy the salty waters and have some aquatic activities. The LGU-managed resort in the island is the Kaputian Beach Resort. Entrance fee is set at P10 per pax for a day tour, but P75 for overnight stay. Rental of cottages and rooms will range from 200-400 pesos.

There are more to experience in the island and nearby island, Talicud island. These are only among the few places to visit in IGACOS. The city government of IGACOS has taken part to the ongoing Visit Davao Summer Festival, together with the provincial government of Davao del Norte Tourism office, so there's more to enjoy during the season in the island!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

#VisitDavao

#WideFest

#LongFest

Event | All Set for the Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018

Davao Region is now up for a very wide and more than 2-month long festival - the VISIT DAVAO SUMMER FESTIVAL! 

Mr. Lizada (center) with the execom and Gov. Uy

Visit Davao Summer Festival is an initiative of Mr. Benjie Lizada, together with the Department of Toursim Davao Region headed by Mr. Antonio Fernando Blanco, in participation with the different local government units and partners in Davao Region. It has a lot of summer activities that people can enjoy from different sites of the region such as in Davao City, Island Garden City of Samal, Tagum City, Mati City, Davao del Norte Province, Compostela Valley Province (with the Municipalities of Maco, Mabini, and Maragusan), Davao Oriental Province (with the Municipalities of Governor Generoso and San Isidro), and Municipality of Sta. Cruz. A total of 35 activities are to be expected that cover much of summer sport activities, travel, shopping, arts, pet shows, and nature appreciation. This region-wide festival starts from April 15-June 30, 2018.

This is such an exciting festival as it features the region more of sporting activities from highlands to islands. Yes, more of sport activities from a vertical, going to the mountains or diving the deep blue sea, and horizontal races and extreme sports - name it, you’ll gonna experience it in Davao Region. Hopefully, this will bring the region as a major sporting hub in the country especially that some events are being participated not only by the locals but with some international competitors, too.

Wayback, it is VISIT DAVAO FUN SALE! It is situated and focused only in Davao City with summer shopping sale and fun activities. With the Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018, it is wider and reaching more cities and provinces. That’s a goal of a One Davao Festival!

Show a Signed MOA with Execom and Sponsors

Inking the Memorandum of Agreement between partner local government units with the executive committee, and sponsors with executive committee is really the start of making the Visit Davao Summer Festival 2018 on the roll! Hoping to see you guys around, either shopping or sporting! ;-)

For more information about the festival as well as the roster of events, you can reach them at this LINK!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com!

Travel | Introduction to Bird Watching at Malagos

Bird Watching in Malagos

Wild life is really among the things that I enjoy experiencing. It is a time being with the nature and creatures. Not always that I have time for such activities, but bird watching caught my attention. At the Philippine Eagle Center, also where the Malagos watershed is located, a free introduction to bird watching is an activity every first Saturday of the month. I signed up and joined!

Baguio District in Davao City is where the Philippine Eagle Center is located. It is more than an hour away from home commute, yet I am pretty interested to experience bird watching, thus, a very early call time, 6:00 AM, is not an issue. I had my early breakfast at home and got my camera with me, hoping for some great shots even with a 70mm to 300mm lens only, sad but hopeful - it is one photography challenge I want to explore and hopefully hone. :-p

It is a breezy morning at the Philippine Eagle Center, Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City. At the parking area, where the meeting place is set, you’ll hear the birds chirping and see them freely flying around. It is such a beauty to experience early in the morning. There are a number of students from the Ateneo de Davao University and University of the Philippines Mindanao joining. There are also some joiners, like me, with some expert bird watchers from Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and the Philippine Eagle Foundation to guide us during the activity.

There are a number of bird species in this area, said to be more than eighty (80). The activity hopes to at least see and hear more than half in a span of 3 hours. Participants are given a bird guide and a list of species to expect in the vicinity. Binoculars are also handed for use since most birds are perching on branches that sometimes camouflage with the leaves and can be clearly seen with binoculars. However, I am not able to get a copy but I have a guide, still hard to catch the birds and scroll the guide, so I just kept on taking photos. The activity aims to introduce people on bird watching and raise awareness of the amazing wild birds in Davao City.

As the activity is about to start, participants are reminded to be not so loud, have open ears and fast eye to hear and see where the birds are. It is also a way not to shoo away wild birds in the area. Here are some of my shots during the activity, have fun! 

Early Birds in Malagos

Bird at the Center

Bird at the Branch

See it? Bird at the Center

Cute Colorful Birds

Not Birds - Bats (mammal)

Since the activity started from the parking area of the Malagos watershed, managed by the Davao City Water District, towards the Philippine Eagle Center, it is a sure thing to see the Philippine Eagle up close. Free entrance. :-p

Philippine Eagle

After the 3-hour activity, participants are called to gather at the function room to share what birds they heard and saw. As a compilation, yes, 41 species where identified in a span of 3 hours. Isn't it great? Of course, it is! I hope to be really familiar of the birds, but my bad, I can only appreciate but not knowing them completely.

Thank you to all the guide and facilitators, it is such a great pleasure to experience the introduction to bird watching. You can always check the events of bird watching in the facebook pages of Birdwatching in Davao and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines - Davao. Perhaps, bird watching will be on your list in visiting Davao on a first weekend of the month. :-p

Thank you for dropping by my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Hope you like and share this post to your friends. :-)

Event | #AirAsiaRedTalks: Inspire and Connect People in Social Media

AirAsia Team with the Davao Digital Influencers and Media

Finally, after a successful season last year, the second season is up for #AirAsiaRedTalks!

Some media personalities and influencers from Cebu, Davao and Manila were invited to come and witness the launching of the newest season of #AirAsiaRedTalks! I am one of the influencers from Davao City invited for the event and this really excites me. Why? Here’s why…

Daphne Hosting

#AirAsiaRedTalks is a series of web episodes shown at AirAsia’s Facebook page every last Saturday of the month that starting February, 24, 2018. This is hosted by the very talented and multi-awarded host, Daphne Oseña-Paez, who happens to be one of my exemplars in hosting. Who wouldn’t be excited with this, right? Seeing and listening to her in person is such a grace.

This season will bring more meaningful connections, stories and tastes. This season still has six episodes that showcase variety of interesting topics. For its opening salvo, it has shown “Sweet Connections”, which was starred by the award-winning Malagos Chocolates. This is also a thing that I am excited of. It is because another thing from Davao will be showcased and served in the future flights of AirAsia’s Santan menu - especially on April 2018 for a limited time! Chef JP Anglo, a very creative chef, and Daphne traveled to Davao to create a special dish using the Malagos chocolate. Isn’t that interesting? Of course, it is! Haven’t seen the episode yet, check it here!

Chef JP and Daphne

Ms. Maan Hontiveros at the center

Next episode will be empowering women, a topic close to AirAsia’s heart with Ms. Maan Hontiveros, AirAsia Philippines Chairperson and former CEO. Then, there’s the collaboration of David Foster and AirAsia in search for talented individuals in the ASEAN region. Another episode will be talking about a global issue that needs an attention, human trafficking! Then, a trip to Bali, an experience of food festival in Ubud - which I wanted to experience, too! Lastly, the success story of Cambodian Living Arts (CLA)!

AirAsia RedTalks with Daphne

There you go, a lot of things to see in the coming episodes! Catch #AirAsiaRedTalks at 7:00 PM on its schedule at their facebook page. :-)

Launching of #AirAsiaRedTalks happened at the Twilight Roof Deck of Bai Hotel in Cebu - our official residence for the event. The gathering is graced by Ms. Maan Hontiveros - AirAsia Philippines Chairperson, Capt. Dexter Comendador - AirAsia Philippines CEO and Ms. Mun Ching Yap - AirAsia Foundation’s Executive Director.

#AirAsiaRedTalks is brought to you by AirAsia Foundation, AirAsia Big Loyalty, and Rokki.

Follow Daphne's journey using #AirAsiaRedTalks. Keep updated with AirAsia's latest promotion and activities via twitter (@AirAsiaFilipino), Facebook (facebook.com/AirAsiaPH) and on Instagram (@AirAsiaFilipino).

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Share and like this post to your friends!

Event | The Art of Weaving and Crafts

Inaul Clothings

Inaul is the fabric weaved by the women of Maguindanao at a Women’s Center in Buluan, Maguindanao. I really have this fascination over weaving. It is like, a big WOW! I mean, when you see them doing it, having intricate design, will really make you appreciate how hard working and creative they are. Take note, doing such a craft takes weeks or months to finish with beautiful designs. In Mindanao, there are so many weaving women from different tribes, and they have all my respect among their crafts.

In this post, I am going to show you some of the women weaving during the Inaul Festival 2018 - Weaving Competition. Here are the photos:

Women weaving during the Inaul Weaving Competition

Aside from the women weaving, the women’s center is also home of inaul craft gallery! You will witness some inaul dresses and crafts in this particular room. You will see the ingenuity of the designs made of the indigenous material. Like me, I am really amazed on the designs of clothing for both men and women. Actually, I like to wear one if given a chance - how I really wish! It has class and elegance with so much culture instilled on those items!

Not only that the dresses are displayed. There are also other crafts like painting and other cloths that can be used as decoration or any home use.

Inaul Galley

Paint over Inaul

I really cannot contain my happiness seeing such crafts. Why? It is because Mindanao really has this for so long and it just awaits to be discovered or showcased. For so many times I have traveled to different parts of Southeast Asia, crafts like these are among the things well-appreciated by many tourists in the world. It is like a soul unleashed in a place.

Indeed, this year’s Inaul Festival’s theme: “A Fabric of Peace: Weaving Diversity, Connecting Boundaries” is a very inspirational message. Flourish more Maguindanao! So, talking about inaul - we are referring to the people of Maguindanao - home of a rich culture and indigenous crafts!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. Hope you like and share this post! :-)