Davao

[GoodEnough]

Yep, got the same notice. Duterte took the right action.

I tend to agree with you, but the outcome isn't yet known. If the decree is expanded to the rest of the country, I'll start to become concerned for the future. If it remains in place for only 60 days, and remains restricted to Mindanao, then yes, it will have been the right thing to do in my opinion. Whatever the case, if the curfew is imposed, it's going to wreak some havoc with the restaurant and Hotel businesses.

GE.

[Nice Guy 99]

Just received from the US Embassy:

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines.

Emergency*Message for USA Citizens:* Mindanao Security Situation.

Yep, got the same notice. Duterte took the right action.

[GoodEnough]

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/...-stay-at-home/

Not a great time to own a commercial establishment in Davao.

[GoodEnough]

Just received from the US Embassy:

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines.

Emergency*Message for USA Citizens:* Mindanao Security Situation.

May 24,2017.

*.

THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES IS TRANSMITTING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION THROUGH THE EMBASSY WARDEN SYSTEM AS A PUBLIC SERVICE TO USA CITIZENS IN THE PHILIPPINES. *PLEASE DISSEMINATE THIS MESSAGE TO ALL USA CITIZENS IN YOUR ORGANIZATION OR NEIGHBORHOOD. *.

*.

The USA Embassy cautions USA Citizens that there is an ongoing conflict between terrorist groups and Philippine Security Forces in Marawi City, Mindanao. * Media reports suggest that there are multiple dead and injured. * On May 23,2017, the Philippine government declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region for 60 days. * The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been placed on high alert. *.

*.

The USA Embassy has temporarily suspended Mission personnel travel to Mindanao pending a better understanding of the threat environment. * While the USA Embassy has no information that the events in Marawi City*represent a direct threat to USA Citizens or USA Interests in the Philippines, we encourage USA Citizens to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

*.

The USA Embassy wishes to remind USA Citizens of the most recent Worldwide Caution, dated March 6,*2017, which indicates there is an ongoing threat of terrorist actions and violence against USA Citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines. *Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems–including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. *Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses and popular restaurants have also been targets. * USA Citizens should be mindful of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines‎.

*.

For further information about security in the Philippines:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Contact the USA Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 301-2000, from 7:30 am To 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for USA Citizens is +(63) (2) 301-2000.

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 am To 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except USA Federal holidays).

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

[GoodEnough]

Evidently the insurrection in the province of Lanao del Sur (concentrated in the city of Marawi) has been precipitated by the Maute (pronounced Ma-you-te) Group, a self-proclaimed offshoot of ISIS. At one point the group evidently took over city hall and a radio station in Marawi City, and the battles continue between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the insurrectionists. Local news channels refer to the latter continuously as terrorists, who are presumably trying to establish a caliphate in Lanao del Sur. The armed conflict began almost as soon as Duterte and all his top miliatary officials departed the country for a state visit to Russia, and local media, are focused almost exclusively on the threat now posed by this group in the Marawi area.

The pitched battles now occurring evidently caught the authorities here by surprise, and so far, there have been no warnings or official pronouncements from foreign embassies, or at least none that I've seen.

I'm not overly concerned about the situation in Davao, where life continues peacefully as it did before the outbreak of hostilities. However, I'd encourage anyone out there considering a trip to anyplace in Mindanao other than Davao to re-think your plans.

GE.

[GoodEnough]

I do not know if the recent declaration of martial law in Mindanao has made the international press yet, but it happened yesterday by Presidential edict. Evidently serious outbreaks of violence have occurred in the city of Marawi and the military is concerned about the spread of clashes between the AFP and IS-related rebel groups throughout other areas of the region. From the scant coverage I've read, under the Constitution of the Philippines, the President has the right to declare martial law for a period not to exceed 60 days, but that period can be extended with the concurrence of Congress. There's little doubt that President Duterte did the right thing in this instance, as evidently the clashes have been protracted and extremely violent, and there's also little doubt that the military's presence in Mindanao will become more visible.

Davao, at least as of last night, was calm, with no evident of increased military presence. However, the imposition of martial law carries with it the stipulation that all residents, whether permanent or itninterant, carry identification with themselves at all times. Thus, I'm writing this to ensure that anyone out there in ISG-land contemplating a visit to anywhere in Mindanao, remember to retain ID at all times when outside of your accommodations.

GE.

[Omega 3]

This is the second part of a general travel & food report, for any who might be interested.

Day 2.

SM Lanang.

After a leisurely morning, proceeded to SM Lanang, where asawako needed to shop for some clothing items. This mall is moderately large, new, clean and bright. There was a big 3-day sale with many items half price. At noon on a big sale Saturday, the mall was not at all crowded, actually a relief. Was later told that there are century-old trees around the outside of this mall, but did not remember seeing them.

Bukidnon Milk.

On the SM Lanang ground floor, in the center of the mall "open area" (with a view of the upper floors) there was a mini flea market type area, with small portable stalls and various snacks and dry goods on offer. Stopped by a stall selling Bukidnon Milk, "from the happiest cows". Claimed to be 100% grass-fed, free-range Holstein hybrids. May be the best milk I have tasted in the Philippines. Bought a couple of liters, at P100 each, and an insulated carry bag. Enjoyed drinking the tasty milk in our hotel room later that evening and early the next morning. Ran out too quickly, wished we had bought more. What a treat!

Swiss Deli (Lanang).

From SM Lanang, just a very short taxi ride north on J. P. Laurel Avenue (toward Waterfront Hotel) past the first traffic light and under the flyover, to Swiss Deli. Across JP Laurel from BPI Lanang, and generally across from Mamay Road and Damosa retail. Big black & white statue of heifer in front. Taxi driver called it "Restaurant with baka (cow) in front". Spanish for cow = "vaca". Some words in Tagalog or Bisayan are very easy to learn if you know a little Spanish! Would like to visit Zamboanga some day, even if reportedly dangerous, just to hear Chabacano (with even more Spanish influence) being spoken there.

The SD staff were friendly and opened the underground "wine cellar" area for us, turning on the lights and AC there. A couple of picnic-type wooden tables with benches, adjacent to shelves of wine. Yum. Luckily, no wine bottles were broken here during the earthquake the day before (reportedly, 7. 2 at the epicenter, near GenSan, and quite noticeable in Davao early in the morning).

Ordered "wild boar" pate (P160) and US Angus ribeye steak (P795) plus bottle of 2014 Ribbonwood Marlborough Pinot Noir (P1195 plus small corkage fee). Swiss Deli had one French pinot and two Marlborough pinots on display. Ribbonwood was recommended by the SD folks. Did not recognize the winery or label. The Ribbonwood pinot turned out to be bright and fruity, with sour cherry notes and hint of smokiness. Low tannins. Pleasant enough for a little lunch in the wine cellar on a warm afternoon, when I did not feel like opening up a bigger cab or Merlot. The ribeye was tasty, although thin (not thick cut). Ribeyes generally are expected to have more fat than tenderloin, and I wound up cutting away a bit of fat (from the steak, not my belly). No problem, a good time was had by all.

Food is tasty enough, ambiance pleasant, and prices reasonable at Swiss Deli, which has a relatively larger selection of wines. For some reason, SD reminded me of a miniaturized Hi Time Wine Cellar in Costa Mesa.

Was told that there is a second Swiss Deli, in Matina, with a different owner, who is a friend of the two owners of the original Swiss Deli Lanang. Did not stop into this second SD Matina, although passed by the following day (Day 3 report).

Had to attend a dinner event at the hotel that evening, so did not go out.

End of Day 2 report.

Shout out to GE, for recommending Swiss Deli. Thanks, GE, for another good call!

Day 3 report (last day, whew) to follow.

OM.

[Red Kilt]

.

So, I now don't think that there was an ASEAN meeting on Sunday in Davao.

I think you're both partly right.

My friend who works for DFA told me that there were ASEAN meetings in various places in the Philippines during the lead-up to the event. These were for the backroom delegates who do all the leg-work and then the dignitaries swan in for the ceremonial signings, posturing, photo-ops etc and then fly out again.

They were in Bohol and Davao that I know of but there were other places too. No big deal guys. More important things to worry about (like world peace?

[Omega 3]

Thanks Omega for the PM. I stand correct as obviously the ASEAN meeting was here and I didn't even know about it. I do find it a bit strange that it got to little publicity though. At any rate, thanks for correcting me.

GE.

Thanks, GE. Upon further reflection, I now think that you were correct and I was mistaken. Although my recollection is that the signboard at the Davao Waterfront Insular the morning of Sunday, April 30, referred to an ASEAN meeting event there, either my recollection was mistaken, or the signboard was erroneous. Mainstream media reports that the ASEAN farewell dinner was on Saturday evening, April 29, at the Sofitel in Manila, with no report of any ASEAN event in Davao on Sunday.

President Duterte met with President Widodo and an Indonesian delegation in Davao on Sunday, April 30, but that was in connection with the inauguration of the RORO from Davao to GenSan to Indonesia, and was not an ASEAN event per se.

There was a big influx of Asian guests with colorful lanyard ribbons at the Davao Waterfront on Saturday afternoon and evening and on Sunday morning, but, on reflection, I did not hear any of them speaking Thai or Lao or any language other than Mandarin and what I believe to be a couple of Chinese dialects. And, on reflection, the guests I saw did not look like ethnic Southeast Asians so much as Chinese.

So, I now don't think that there was an ASEAN meeting on Sunday in Davao.

My bad. Apologies!

OM.

[GoodEnough]

While I agree it was a minor propaganda coup. I don't think the situation is quite as dramatic as Omega3 describes. The fact is that US warships have docked, and continue to dock at various ports in Mindanao at least once a year during the joint Philippines /-US military exercises. And when the US forces arrive, it's with a carrier naval force. The presence of 3 warships in Davao harbor wasn't played up much in the local press and if intended as a grandiose PR gesture by the Chinese, it failed. Also I believe the ASEAN conference was held in Manila so it's highly doubtful that any of the foreign delegates would have seen the Chinese ships.

GE.

Thanks Omega for the PM. I stand correct as obviously the ASEAN meeting was here and I didn't even know about it. I do find it a bit strange that it got to little publicity though. At any rate, thanks for correcting me.

GE.

[Omega 3]

First trip to Davao in about a decade. Last time there, the original SM Mall in Davao was not quite completed. Traveled with asawako, who was attending some meetings there. Thus, this is a general travel & food report, for any who might be interested.

Day 1.

Asawako used Grab app to price out approximate taxi fares (and, thus, approximate distances) from hotel to various restaurants. We discovered that there are no Grab cars, but only Grab taxis, in Davao. Our first restaurant choice, Bon Appetit, on Loyola Street, showed up on Grab at over P400 taxi fare, so we decided to defer our visit there until another day. Later, found out that the Grab app fares shown were several times quite inaccurate and misleading, including this one, and that Bon Appetit is actually not far from Victoria Mall, and we easily could have gone there first. Too bad, but good motivation for next Davao visit!

Claude's Cafe de Ville.

Booked a Grab taxi to Claude's Cafe de Ville, at #143 J. Rizal Street. We enjoyed the weekday business lunch special, at P550 per, including entree and salad bar. Enjoyed the grilled cobbler (fish, much like cream dory) and duck confit (duck leg, tasty, a bit tough), and pleasant salad bar, with a small assortment of cheeses. Did not have time for a bottle, but paired a glass of Camas Pinot Noir (P320) with the duck entree. As the "house" wine, it was pleasant enough.

Met the proprietor, Monsieur Claude, who turned out to be a congenial French restaurateur, cosmopolitan and pleasantly urbane, much like a few other French expats in the trade whom I have met over the years around Southeast Asia. Monsieur Claude mentioned that, before opening this restaurant, he previously was GM at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao.

For dessert, asawako enjoyed the cheesecake, which she pronounced her new favorite, supplanting her previous fave cheesecake at the Cebu Marco Polo Plaza.

Claude's charming French bistro is located in an historical house, with wooden floors, and graceful wooden floor to ceiling arched room dividers. Tiny Eiffel Tower replica perched on a shelf toward the front. On several of the walls, attractive framed art, which turned out to be watercolors by a local artist, Gilbert Millaflor. Artwork available for purchase.

After lunch, we booked another Grab taxi for a quick detour to De Bonte Koe, which we just noticed also had a J. Rizal Street address. DBK turned out to be just a stone's throw away from Claude's place, and easily could have been walked.

De Bonte Koe.

Unfortunately, DBK turned out to be an anticlimax after Claude's. First, it was not easy for us as first-time visitors to find the restaurant itself. We easily spotted their DBK roadside sign, and Casa Habana. Walked up the steps in front, only to find a "Closed" sign in the locked door. Looked like the wrong place. Walked around to an open building just on the side, where a young female concierge directed us up some stairs. After we climbed to the third floor, the young lady followed, and informed us that she had misunderstood, and did not really know of DBK. Back down we went, and asked at another establishment, and the folks there waved vaguely in a direction toward the back. Turns out that DBK is in a separate structure, at the back of Casa Habana. Easy enough to find, once you know where it is.

We entered DBK, and my first impression was of an off-putting smell, kind of like disinfectant in a CR. Asawako also commented on this, but thought it was the smell of "old" fixtures and furnishings. The interior was a bit dark. We were debating whether just to turn around and leave, but the proprietor, Henny, was quite pleasant and welcoming, so we decided to sit down and sample the food. Ordered a simple pasta dish, plus mango soup. Both were reasonably priced, and tasty enough. The warm mango (sweet) soup reminded me of the "hot" mango halo-halo at Gerry's Grill at Cebu Robinson's Galleria (other branches also).

We booked a Grab taxi, and when the app showed the taxi was 2 minutes away, walked to the road front, but then waited over ten minutes, watching a couple of empty non-Grab taxis drive by. Finally, we canceled the Grab taxi and within a couple of minutes, flagged down an empty taxi passing by. Back to the hotel and siesta.

Luz Kinilaw & Inihaw Place.

Several of asawako's Cebu colleagues, also visiting, invited us to join them at dinner at Luz Kinilaw & Inihaw Place, on Quezon Blvd, near Magsaysay Park and Chinatown. The "legend" is that Lucente Polache, the namesake proprietor of Luz Place, originally borrowed P200 to start out with an humble food stall, which became so popular that she wound up with a busy two-story restaurant, and now has a home in the same neighborhood as ("next door to") then-Mayor and now-President Duterte.

We enjoyed the focused local fare, with a huge slab of tasty grilled tuna belly on a stick, and grilled fish, squid and chicken, with fish soup and platters of plain rice. The restaurant was filled with large numbers of happy diners, but no other westerner visible.

Durian at Magsaysay Fruit Stalls.

After dinner, we walked a few minutes to the Magsaysay fruit stalls and ordered several different kinds of durian, which we ate while sitting at a simple rough roadside table. Durian, sometimes known in southeast Asia as the "king of fruits" is an acquired taste, and took me many years to appreciate (just as it took me years to appreciate the smell and taste of "tsou tofu" or stinky tofu in Taiwan). The first few times I tried durian (in Bangkok), couldn't get over the awful smell, and retched and spat back out immediately, nearly vomiting. Because of its pungent aroma, many hotels in southeast Asia still have signs at their front doors, prohibiting durian from being brought in.

Davao durian is legendary in the Philippines, but this was off-season, and the durian was costly, at P300 per kilo. We were given disposable plastic gloves and ate by hand. My favorite was the first one we ate, an orange colored variety, which had a heavenly sweet creamy taste and texture, a bit like custard, with a hint of cinnamon. Must come back to Davao during durian season (around August?) and pig out. Have been warned by locals though, that those suffering from hypertension (like me) should eat durian only in moderation, as it allegedly increases body heat and raises blood pressure.

End of Day 1 report.

Shout out to GE, and also to RK, for their recommendations of the fine Western restaurants!

Day 2 report to follow.

OM.

[GoodEnough]

As our aircraft climbed up out of Davao just the other day, we had a bird's-eye view of the three gray Chinese Navy warships docked below, at Sasa Wharf in Davao City. The Chinese warships, commanded by Rear Admiral Shen Hao, were in Davao for a few days on a "good will" mission. Their visit was propitiously timed to coincide with ASEAN conferences, hosted by President Duterte, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

Although certainly not the largest or newest vessels in the Chinese Navy, the three visiting warships were probably more sophisticated than anything in the Philippine Navy. The Chinese warships underscored the message of proximate Chinese military power and might, not only to Filipinos, but also to the visiting delegates from the various ASEAN countries.

How many US vessels docked at Davao City?

Zero.

Score another well-planned propaganda point for the Chinese.

OM.

While I agree it was a minor propaganda coup. I don't think the situation is quite as dramatic as Omega3 describes. The fact is that US warships have docked, and continue to dock at various ports in Mindanao at least once a year during the joint Philippines /-US military exercises. And when the US forces arrive, it's with a carrier naval force. The presence of 3 warships in Davao harbor wasn't played up much in the local press and if intended as a grandiose PR gesture by the Chinese, it failed. Also I believe the ASEAN conference was held in Manila so it's highly doubtful that any of the foreign delegates would have seen the Chinese ships.

GE.

[Omega 3]

As our aircraft climbed up out of Davao just the other day, we had a bird's-eye view of the three gray Chinese Navy warships docked below, at Sasa Wharf in Davao City. The Chinese warships, commanded by Rear Admiral Shen Hao, were in Davao for a few days on a "good will" mission. Their visit was propitiously timed to coincide with ASEAN conferences, hosted by President Duterte, at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao City.

Although certainly not the largest or newest vessels in the Chinese Navy, the three visiting warships were probably more sophisticated than anything in the Philippine Navy. The Chinese warships underscored the message of proximate Chinese military power and might, not only to Filipinos, but also to the visiting delegates from the various ASEAN countries.

How many US vessels docked at Davao City?

Zero.

Score another well-planned propaganda point for the Chinese.

OM.

[Wicked Roger]

Was in Davao briefly and had to eat (as we all do LOL) – and I mean food LOL.

Was told by a friend in Cebu who visits Davo sometimes to see one of his 'girlfriends' about a new (ish) place with very good, authentic Italian pasta and French roast chicken. Reasonable prices and a decent wine list (not that I partake much if at all but he does sometimes), where two could eat fora reasonable price with wine (or so I was told).

Called Mia Figlia Pasta located on Mabini St. At the corner with Mariner. Went there with a cutie and we had some wine (well she did), chicken potatoes and pasta and for less than PHP 1000 - for me that is great value for decent food and you are not paying lots as you may with some finer dining places in the city (even though I have eaten there as well and enjoyed it). The owner is charming and friendly – good person and runs a tight resto with good service (I like that also as in many places service is slow etc).

I would not take a cutie to a fine fining place for reasons others have stated (and I agree with) but I also won't take them to Jollibee as that is food for dogs IMHO and I need to eat also to get the energy LOL.

So, this was a good compromise IMHO and one I will revisit as I liked the food and the atmosphere – assuming am back in Davao and have time as this was a more of a quick visit.

[Red Kilt]

On the other hand, San Mig is no worse than most American mass produced beers like Bud and Millers; they all taste somewhat like water with alcohol added. However, I don't believe that the great mass of local beer drinkers is going to be weaned away from San Mig anytime soon.

After having written Bud off for the very reasons GE described it, imagine my delight to discover the Budweiser bar near the Chinggis Square in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

It has no ties to the US brand and is instead the original Czech brew that eventually made its way to the states and became bastardized beyond recognition.

I have enjoyed many cold draft pints of the REAL THING in this bar. (My apologies that this post is taking the thread further and further from Davao).