What's up guys? Long time no blog! But here I am again trying to be active because it's going to be worth it!

I have never been to parties like this one and I'm about to crash this off of my bucket list this August! Simply because it's Kadayawan and there is no better excuse.

The good thing about it is that it's FREE!

Join the party #etcpaintensity2016

For more updates on this event you can check out ETC on Facebook and on Twitter and Instagram via @etc_channel

Here are the guidelines to follow:

PARTY RULES

-STRICTLY NO SMOKING

-NO WEARING OF SLIPPERS

-NO BRINGING OF BACKPACKS

-DANGEROUS AND VIOLENT ACTIVITIES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

-THROW YOUR GARBAGE PROPERLY

PROHIBITED ITEMS

-PROFESSIONAL VIDEO AND PHOTO CAMERA

-BIG POSTERS AND BANNERS

-LASER PENS AND POINTERS OR ANY SHARP OBJECT

-CANDLE,FIREWORKS OR ANY KIND OF PYROTECHNICS

-GLASS BOTTLES, CANS, HARD PLASTIC CONTAINERS

-NO PETS ALLOWED

-ALCOHOL BEVERAGES AND ILLEGAL DRUGS

-LARGE CHAINS, SPIKE BRACELETS, WALLET CHAINS, LARGE METAL BELT BUCKLES

-FOOD AND DRINKS

-CHAIRS

For safety reasons, children, pregnant women and anyone with disability will not be allowed to enter. Strictly for 16 years and older only.

The management reserves the right to deny entry to anyone carrying prohibited items r deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Hope to see you there!

The official media partner for this event

My weekends are usually spent at Davao. I always wanted to try new places to eat. Usually, I had to wait until 10 or 11 am before establishments open. So, I'm always having brunch whenever I'm here. This time around my sister introduced me to a new place - Cafetiere. Residencia del Marina Business Center at Jacinto Street, near Ateneo de Davao. It wasn't our first choice because I wanted to eat Gyudon from a Japanese resto that was just a few blocks away too.

Since we were already at Jacinto street doing some of my sister's errands we decided to eat at Cafetiere. The place seemed nice from the outside. When I got inside it was very pleasant. I loved the ambiance. They accommodates us even if we were a few minutes early from the opening hours of the store. They made us comfortable and took our orders so that it would be served once they were ready to open.

As for wifi... Nope, there's none. But one of the posts on their walls said (If I remembered correctly), "We don't have wifi but we're sure you'll make a good connection." Something like that. There were only a few people in. I like it that way though. My sister said it would be different if we went there during lunch time. So, I guess if you ask me when's the best time to visit the place it would be the first of hour upon opening of the store. Just to avoid a huge crowd.

Their food is affordable and delicious too. I have yet to try other recipes on their menu. Surely, I'd come back but for now. It's a double thumbs up for a first timer like me! :D

P.S.

Store hours:

Monday to Saturday

10:00 AM to 9:30 PM

 

We always wanted to go to Hill top or Jack's Ridge. Last weekend, we finally got the time to do so. It was so unplanned and out of the blue. Sometimes things are nicer unplanned. After eating dinner at Hukad we went straight to Jack's Ridge and just strolled, took pictures, and had coffee. It was perfect. The skies were clear, the city lights were enchanting, and the music was good. I'd like to have my solemn time there one of these days if only it weren't so far away from the city.

I think this is one of the "must see" places of tourists in Davao.

I think I'll always be a night person. I enjoy the silence of it.

I've been eyeing over secdea for quite sometime since I saw photos of it on instagram. It was quite alluring. I said to myself I must go there.

Well, I just did. A few days before Christmas Team LG planned out a day tour for all of us. I was so hyped! We got our reservations and waited for the day to come!

Haven't been around them for quite sometime so it was a little reunion. Not all of us came because of the schedule differences which was a bummer. College friends should treasure the moments where they could schedule getaways with less complications just because of the schedules. Block sectioning I now appreciate you.

I had to make some errands so I came a day earlier. Good thing my colleague Nina agreed to swap scheds from pm to am shift. So I had time to prepare. The following day everything was set and we were good to go. We met up at Mcdo Bajada first to grab some breakfast.

We then went to Sasa wharf to get on a barge. We had to pay 10 pesos for the token. That's one way, another ten on our way back. After riding the barge we rented a tricycle on the way to secdea. I think it was a 20 minute ride? More or less. Didn't really noticed but it took forever. We had to get down from the tricycle on high areas because it was such a struggle. But don't stress. Good vibes all the way!

Upon arriving we were fetched by a golf cart because it turned out the resort was still found a lot further inside from their gates. We enjoyed it though. The view was nice. Perfect for pictorials. One of my friends had their pre nuptial photo shoot there and it was pretty.

We arrived at the lobby and paid. We spent 750 each for the day tour which is inclusive of a buffet lunch. We also saw a fat ass pug totally adorable.

Our overall experience was such a pleasure. Highly recommended place especially to those who have such an easy access to the place. Until the next trip!

Xo <3

You know when you deserve a break after days of work and stress. What better way to spend these fortunate days than spending it with the people you love. Going back to Davao is a way of unwinding and enjoying my vacant days. Since I rarely visit the city, my friends find time to squeeze me into their schedules even if it’s a little bit hectic and I appreciate them for that.

As a line from a song would say, “We don’t even have to try it’s always a good time.” There’s  never a dull moment when I’m with them.  Our team used to be all single. I think I was the first one to break the so called “curse.” Haha. But everything’s all looking good for us – career wise and happiness wise, because being single is never a hindrance to happiness! And umaarangkada  na ata ang lovelife naming lahat. Haha! *knocks on wood* Buyag!

(c) KarlaMisa

It was time for them to meet CORNBALLS (our code name for him before which turned out to be his name for our team now). We spent the evening at the place where all the talking unveils – Starbucks Abreeza. Yes, it has to be specific because this is our favorite place. We honestly think they do what they do best. Comparing to other branches we've tried, the yummiest food & drinks are here. Although you think they’re all probably the same… Think again! It’s really different.

So much for that... we spent the whole night talking about random stuff mostly work, latest buzz, and anything under the sun. Catching up big time because there’s so much happening for all of us. We talked it over coffee and ended the night young. Cornballs and I had to go out with our friends from high school after the that so we had to dismiss earlier.

 

(c) KarlaMisa

In another day of visiting the city just to get some documents from my alma mater, I spent most of my time catching up with them again. We had dinner at Café Mediterranean. We wanted to have coffee but everyone was drained from duty and we all need some rest. We left unusually early, looking forward for our next get together.

They day after, I had a lunch date with the absentee from the previous meet up – Pokieyaaa. After getting all the necessary documents from our school, we thought of where to go next because we wanted to put his car into use. We decided to go to Tea’Amo just to chill. Found myself hungry so I ordered their chicken parmigiana. Pokie only went for desserts because he was planning to eat a full lunch at their home.

Thumbs up for everything! :D Just can't get enough of this place. I hope we can have our christmas party here! After the lunch date we both headed our own ways to attend to different things... but that would be another story to tell... And that concluded my day current day(s) off. Shout out to Cindy! I miss you! Didn't get to see you.

All I can say is... When you're given a day off enjoy it. Spend it wisely! Go out and have fun! :D

Have you ever been to Tea'Amo before? Well, you should probably visit them sometime soon again because they just underwent some minor renovations and a little rebranding. It just started last year around March and looks like they're already making it big. They never really thought of having students as their target consumers but it ended up that way. It was a place for college students reviewing or just hanging out. As they made some changes they are hoping to cater different groups of people.

And that explains our simple gathering with the owner themselves and a few other bloggers. We were fortunate to have the leisure of time to ask them questions. 

 The place now looks more of neutrals rather than the colorful/girly/cutesy image before. So men... no need to worry about that anymore. I love the place either way of course. But it felt more "homey" before. Of course they were known for the sticky note walls. The space is now limited  for that but the sticky notes remain! You can still post them on a corner provided for it. The place also expanded which gives us a larger space for more people.

The choice of music is also good because it's relaxing and not too loud.

After getting a glimpse of the place we were lucky enough to get a taste of their main courses which they take pride of. I guess we should give them bragging rights for this because I loved everything!

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Mamita's Chicken Parmigiana

Breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese

Since it's already boneless it's so much easier to eat and the sauce is also very tasty. I'm not a fan of java rice but I really like how light the taste of their java rice is. Just the way I like it.

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Caldereta Bordeaux

Slow-cooked beef bathed in our special sauce

This meal has a hint of red wine and I love how the meat is so soft and easy to chew. The flavors aren't just on the outsides but you can taste it with every bite.

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Adobo Festival

A classic homegrown recipe of their family used to serve during festivals

When everyone saw this they were all complementing the presentation. So "pinoy" and we love how they pair up meals if it's better with plain rice or java rice but you can request whichever you prefer.

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Spicy Pork Cracklings

Pork slices fried with that guilty crunch, served with a special tangy sauce on the side

Just the right amount of spice! And it's crispy like chicharon but of course tastier. "Pwede pang pulutan!" one of us jokingly said. They plan to server alcoholic beverages but it's not yet final and hopefully they will extend their store hours soon.

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Curry Tilapia with Mango Cilantro Salsa

Freshly cooked curried Snapper/Tilapia infused in a unique marriage of Middle Eastern and Asian flavors

This one's amazingly flavorful. I could love how the flavors work inside my mouth. It's my first time to try tilapia paired with mangoes and it's utterly pleasing to the senses.

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Creamy Chicken

Tender-cooked chicken with a veil of cream, topped with kangkong leaves

It stands up to its name. It is creamy and the kangkong leaves are very translucent and yummy!

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Home Sweet Ribs

Soft ribs with that familiar home-cooked taste

I think this would be one of my personal favorites since it has that sweetness that I'm looking for plus the easy chewing and the wonderful java rice. I love how generous they are with their servings. You get what you pay for. Your money doesn't go to waste.

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Coconut and Pesto Pork Braise

Slow braised pork blanketed in a cream mixture of coconut and pesto

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Oatmeal bars and crinkles with an Oreo surprise

Their pastries are all home-baked. I like the way they put a twist on the crinkles. It has an Oreo inside!

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and of course we got a free drink before we headed home.  I got the green apple kiwi iced tea! It's more on the green apple side :)

Everything looks promising eh? I can't wait to go back and visit it with friends and loved ones. Check them out as soon as you have the time!

They are located Sanny Sweets Buildiing, Tionko Avenue, Davao City - Near Central Bank

Call them (082) 305 6312

Like their Facebook page - Tea' Amo & Tea'Amo Check-Iin Page

Follow them on Instagram - @iloveTeaAmo

Tweet them - @iloveTeaAmo

STORE HOURS

Monday-Saturday 11 am to 10 pm [This is for their test run. Watch out for updates on their social networking accounts because they're thinking about extending it.]

Menu

Main Course

Coconut & Pesto Pork Braise - 165 Php

Mamita's Chicken Parmigiana - 165

Curry Tilapia with Mango Cilantro Salsa - 155 Php

Caldereta Bordeaux - 185 Php

Creamy Chhicken - 155 Php

Home Sweet Ribs - 175 Php

Adobo Festival - 165 Php

Spicy Pork Cracklings - 155 Php

Pasta

Cheesy Corazon -135 Php

Cream of Mushroom - 135 Php

Olive Sardines - 135 Php

Carbonara Fettuccine - 135 Php

Snacks

Popcorn Chicken - 75 Php

French Fries - 65 Php

[Dips: Sour Cream, Honey Mustard, Lemon Mayo, Garlic Cheese]

Crispy Wings - 105 Php

Buffalo wings -110 Php

Oreo Beignet - 75 Php

Extra rice 15 Php

Beverages

Coffee (Hot/Iced)

Americano 75 / 85

Hot Cappuccino 90

Iced Creamy Americano /95

Latte 90/100

[Caramel, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Hazelnut]

Mocha Latte 95/105

White Chocolate Mocha 95/105

Caramel Macchiato 95/105

Blended Coffee -125

Bittersweet Symphony Mocha

The White Witch's Mocha

Butterbeer Coffee

Salted Dulce de Leche

Strawberry Cookie

Hazelnutella Coffee

Milk Tea (M 770/ L 80)

Tea'amo Milk tea

Butter Caramel

Salter Caramel

Royal Earl

Roasted Oolong

Original Black

Milky Blueberry

Wintermelon

Chocochip

Strawberry Dream

Mint Choco

Vanilla Bean

Choco Malt

Iced Tea (M 75/ L 85)

Very Berry

Green Apple Kiwi

Cranberry

Blueberry Lemon

Green Apple Yakult

Blueberry Lemon Yakult

Hot Tea (65)

Jasmine

Earl Grey

Yogurt Blend (M80/L 90)

Very Berry

Green Apple Kiwi

Cranberry

Blueberry Lemon

Green Apple Yakult

Blueberry Lemon Yakult

Cheesecake Series (M 80/L 90)

Cocoa & Cheese

Red Velvet

Cookie Monster

Choose your flavor

Choose our sweetness level [0, 25,50, 75, or 100 %]

Choose your sinker [pearls, egg pudding, coffee jelly, coconut jelly, grass jelly]

Until the next food trip. Meow!