Iko's Garden: A Visit to One of Davao's Best

As I was trying to revive my food blog, I stumbled upon these pictures in my laptop. These were taken a few months ago and this is something one shouldn't forget writing about. It's one of my most memorable dining experience with my fellow Davao Bloggers.

Iko's Garden has been in the business for 3 years when we got invited for a dinner. We were all very astounded to have been known it that late. There were clearly no marketing or advertising strategy that was implemented to attract  more customers. Only word of mouth. 

This is owned by Mr. Ferdinand Galeno who named the restaurant after his youngest son Rico hence the name "Iko's."

He shared that more than profit, what he really cared about was to provide a convenient and relaxing place that can offer great dishes. He wanted to make people happy. Iko's Garden truly lived up to its name. Indeed, the place seemed like a paradise and people would definitely be joyful to experience such place.

The moment we arrived at the place, the first thing we recognized was he owns a huge piece of land. It was very spacious from the parking, to dining area up until the garden section. He definitely utilized the land and made a paradise in it.  

The garden looks magical at night. It is very  soothing to drop by in a place like this every once in a while. There's a lot of green and the air is seemingly fresh. We had a breezy night.

The place is rated G. Anyone can enjoy. If you're having dinner with your family, boyfriend or girlfriend, hanging out with friends or even meeting with your officemates, the place is definitely perfect. There are tables inside should you wish to face the television while eating, there are table fronting the garden and most especially there are those super cozy pavillions where me and my colleagues relaxed.

And yes, they have a function room and it can cater 12-18 person.

I almost forgot. There's also a bar wherein you can sing through the videoke machine, order alcoholic drinks and converse with whomever you are spending the night with. Their beer cost P38.00 and there's also a variety of wines to choose from.

Food post/review will soon follow, I can't wait to share all the dishes we've tasted because they are all so (please just fill in the blank once you've already visited Iko's)

They're open from Mondays to Saturdays (8 am to 12 mn) and 4 pm to 10 pm every Sunday so feel free to visit  what I think is one of Davao's best :)

Iko's Garden

Amina Way Business Complex,
Airport Road, Davao City
Contact No. 0922888IKOS (4567)

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PAL: ICCT 13-06

Last June 16, I poured my heart's discontent at a blog post here. It was a moment of acceptance that I may not be able to be a part of PAL anymore. It was so melodramatic but I have a basis for stating such. My schoolmate whom I processed my medical tests with already started her training for PAL, and I am so happy for her. That's when I thought that I didn't got in but I still continued finishing all the requirements.

After finishing all the requirements my schoolmate tipped me, I unexpectedly got a call from PAL last July 1. They were asking me to report to their office for final processing.

  

July 3: Final Processing

At 8:00 am, we're already at Macapagal Avenue. We were asked to submit all the requirements for processing (lots of filled up and signed papers) but obviously mine were incomplete.

After our medical test last May 20, all of us were asked to go back to Macapagal Ave. for the list of requirements except me. Everybody got informed except me. And that is why pala... the typical miscommunication. So there I was being paranaoid for a long period of time just because I lack the instruction others got. So anyways, Iv'e moved on. I already got my chance.

This day I managed to finish my training I.D., open a bank account for our allowance and register my account number at the payroll and timekeeping office. I'm really getting close to the realization of my childhood dream. I'm all set for my training that will start on July 15.

Come a few days before our training, it was postponed *sob* but only for a week. Haha! I'm giddy and excited. We're finally off to our training site tomorrow. That's why I have to cut this short. I need to pack my things. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who sympathized when I thought I didn't make it most especially to those who encouraged me to never stop reaching that dream despite almost being turned down. Ehem! Thanks to  Jam, Chino and my family :*

AMDG! :)
-Pau

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Cara's Food Haven: A Quick Visit

I don't know what brought us to talk about cakes but a friend butt in and bragged about a place that sells this uniquely delicious cake that he gives to his girlfriend. He even told us that if it's not from Cara's, his girlfriend wouldn't like it that much. Our curiosity grew even more because we can't just visit the place right away. It's not available in Davao City because its main and only branch is located in Panabo.

When we got the chance to go to Compostela Valley for a relief operation, we decided to drop by at Cara's Food Haven. Cara's pala is a dessert garden. When you open the door and make a first step inside, you'll be welcome by the sweet interiors and of course a display of their sweet pastries.

They also serve short orders and other meals and the fun part is you also get to choose where to stay. You can finish your meal inside where everything seems so chic or outside, in the garden, where you get to enjoy your piece of cake at a serene outdoor environment.

I really hoped that we have stayed longer, the place could have been relaxing but since we needed to travel back to Davao we just tasted a slice of their cakes and ordered some to go. The first time I encountered chocolate moist, it gave me a new perspective on how chocolate cakes should taste. When I tried Cara's oh so flavorful chocomoist it was like putting the standards for chocolate cakes to a much higher level again. I highly recommend this.

If you want an idea regarding their rates, I hope this can help:

Chocomoist Php 900 (Whole) & Php 480 (Half)

Food for the God Php 380/box

Cappucciono Bar Php 380/box

Carrot Cake Php 200 (Half) & Php 40/serving

Mugu Mugu Php 45

Banana Muffin Php 65/serving

These are just some of their product rates. They also have special package rates if you want to celebrate an occasion at their place. For a more updated information you may contact them at the given number below.

Cara's Food Haven

700 Mahogany Street, 8105 Panabo, Davao

(082) 628 6199

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Starbucks: Well Spent Rainy Days

My newest favorite, Asan Dolce Latte :)

On a bed-weather day like this, people would usually stay at home, on their couch and watch a movie. It works the other way around for me and my partner. I would recall that he would always need to do errands and me being the good girlfriend that I am would accompany him wherever he goes. It's a good thing Starbucks is there  to provide a comfortable place to stay no matter what the weather is. 

Can you remember the efforts you pulled off to collect those stamps for your Starbucks 2013 planner? Half of the year is already gone and so are half the pages and coupons of your planners. I never got the chance own one but I've been enjoying the coupon treats from my boyfriend's planner. It was thoughtful of them to provide special promos that

 could bring you and a friend together to spend time over a cup of coffee.

I've been missing Davao. Starbucks in SM Bacoor, Cavite doesn't seem comfortable enough for me. A lot of my friends are intimidated to enter it plus they charge P60/hour for their wifi. I miss the warm shout of greetings of Starbucks (SM City Ecoland) attendants and the several familiar faces I've been bumping into every once in a while. Those were well spent days even though the weather wasn't that friendly.

Starbucks, Ground Floor
SM Annex, SM City Davao
Ecoland, Davao City

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Taps: Davao's Breakfast Capital

27 years in the food industry is definitely not a joke. TAPS is a home-grown Dabawenyo food business that was the first to bring 'Tapsilog' (beef tapa, sinangag or fried rice and egg) in Davao City. I wasn't even existing by that time.

When I was young, I used to spend the summer vacation at Davao and I've been passing by the TAPS, Matina branch because it's located at the corner of MTS alongside McDonald's. It is an open-air counter style eatery with stools that has been very appealing to the masses because of its simple layout.

Recently, when Matina Town Square (MTS) was revamped, TAPS followed by having an air-conditioned fast food type store to cater the students across the area and guests from MTS as well. It also carries a new "Busog Pinoy" sign that adds up to the over all impact of the chain.

We love the very Pinoy ambiance of TAPS, Matina. It's spacious and well-maintained. Moreover, they have ample parking spaces outside. If I may add, what we really appreciate from this branch is their very good customer service.

I cannot paint my food buddy's face. Haha! I think he's really hungry. Fret not, Taps service isn't slow. He's JUST hungry, that's all. So here's what we had: the all-time-famous 'Tapsilog' and mine's the 'Porksilog' plus sliced tomatoes. Yummy! :)

Porksilog Php 72.00

Tapsilog Php 82.00

Tomatoes Php 15.00
Extra rice Php 12.00

Though there may be a minimal increase in the price of their products, I assure you that you get the worth of what you pay. Their staffs, from security to the attendants, are all so nice.

For affordable Pinoy dishes, try TAPS. You may visit their different branches at:

Bolton corner Rizal Street
F. Torres Street (fronting Coco's)
Matina Town Square, McArthur Highway (in front of Ateneo High School)
Sta. Ana Ave (fronting Holy Cross College)
Palma Gil Street

Gov. Duterte Street (near Hotel Galleria)

Damosa Gateway Complex

Taps MTS Branch
Matina, Davao City
Telephone Number: (082) 305 0164

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Food Blog: Tummy Tale

Boy, what a transition! I re-visited my food blog (Tummy Tale) and I realized that I've abandoned it for 3 months already *shocked face* It's as if it was left out when I left for Manila. It makes me miss the food trips in Davao and my food trip partner, too. 

http://tummytale.blogspot.com/

I've decided to revive it and I hope you can visit it real soon. I have a lot of back log posts and new ones as well. Davao may really be a god spot for food bloggers but I think I can take advantage of my stay here in Manila. I can also be a gateway blogger for the food industry here in Cavite. I wish that these plans may push through.

Click on the link to be redirected to my food blog or you can just simply click the 'Food Blog' tab in my side bar. Thank you! :)

Pau  <3

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Krispy Kreme: 76th Anniversary Treat

Source: Krispy Kreme Philippines (official) FB Page

As Krispy Kreme celebrate 76 years of sweetness, they have been generous enough to come up with a 76 peso promo. All terms and condition regarding the promo can be found at the electronic coupon above. 

Our favorite original glazed doughnut may be bought for Php 76.00. Half dozen original glazed for only Php 76.00. It was really a delightful treat for Krispy Kreme-rs like me! Happy birthday Krispy Kreme. I think all those who availed thought that it was money very well spent :)

My fair share of Krispy Kreme's original glazed doughnuts. Yum! :)
P.S. Krispy Kreme is soon to open in SM Dasmarinas. Now, I'm more excited than anyone. hahaha. The box of happiness is soon to come to Cavite.

For updates & future promos you may follow them on:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

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