Destinations

World-class Mindanawon offerings at Datu’s Brew

The very intention of Datu’s Brew when it opened in May 2011 was to showcase that “Mindanao goods can be world-class”.

Published

10 years ago

December 30, 2016

The very intention of Datu’s Brew when it opened in May 2011 was to showcase that “Mindanao goods can be world-class”. Particularly because it is a coffee shop, owner Jehan F. Baraguir said that what many do not know is that “Mindanao has coffee beans that are globally recognized,” she said. For instance, Bukidnon coffee growers submitted their (Arabica) beans for consideration to a Canada-based accreditation organization, “at pumasa sila (and they passed).” With this, “they closely monitor the beans they produce; they’re of world-class quality.”

It is this that Datu’s Brew initially served, which may be particularly appreciated when served as Kape Mapadtadem (local version of Café Americano). It is this, too, that “helped start us create a following,” Baraguir said, “particularly those who want to drink REAL coffee.”

From there, Datu’s Brew soon grew – at first, continuing to offer more local coffees, e.g. from the nearby town of Pikit, to be paired with local delicacies; and then eventually, some locally inspired meals and (unfortunately “betraying” the intention of the place) café faves.

The menu, therefore, is somewhat “kalat”/“magulo” (scattered/confusing). For drinks, the local coffees mingle with hot choco (P100), frappe ((140-P170), and juices and shakes (P65-P95). For food, e.g. there’s Mac & Cheese (P135), Baked Spaghetti (P145), and Shepherd’s Pie (P145). But – again to highlight that what’s local can be good – there’s also Chicken Pinapalan (P145), a Maguindanaoan delicacy that uses “palapa” (pan-cooked coconut) as main ingredient. Taste-wise, this is akin to Malaysian and/or Indonesian way of preparing meals (there’s the Malay connection, after all), so expect every spoonful of chicken to be coconut-ty instead of sweetish (as the chicken ends up tasting when ordered from, say, Jollibee or the likes).

Baraguir admitted that the way Datu’s Brew is being managed was affected by the opening of franchises that “tend to eat up local businesses.” Not too far from her place are two outlets of Bo’s Coffee – “local” in the sense that the brand is Filipino, but still not Mindanawon or, to be even more particular, Cotabateño. These outlets have become go-to places of many because of the “brand”.

And this is where there’s some sadness felt, perhaps particularly because Datu’s Brew has continued to further evolve into a “local store” of some sort. Inside, the walls are clad with outputs from Maguindanaoan weaving; and they are also for sale, with Datu’s Brew serving as the avenue for Maguindanaoan weavers to sell their goods.

“We partner particularly with Maguindanaoan women from far-flung areas so their goods get the attention they deserve,” Baraguir said.

For instance, one partner community is Bulalo in Sultan Kudarat, where the products woven by older women are sold through the store. The long-term intention for this particular community is “for the older women to train the younger women so they don’t lose a cultural practice after they realize it’s a sustainable endeavor,” Baraguir said.

Come over then to get a taste of something Mindanawon. You’d not only be helping a local business grow; you’d be helping a local community thrive, too. And following the very concept behind Starbucks itself, aside from serving good coffee (of course) isn’t that what cafés are supposed to also be doing?

Datu’s Brew is located along Gov. Gutierrez Ave. (on the way to ORC Compound), Cotabato City. For more information, contact 0935 687 8800.

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Travel

Treacherous beauty: Hiking at South Stack Lighthouse in Wales

#Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales.

Published

6 days ago

July 2, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

Yes, tech has made many lighthouses redundant. Not that they’re no longer relevant. But navigation-wise, we know we have more advanced solutions. Which, perhaps not surprisingly, led to the reconfiguration of many of them.

In Holyhead, Anglesey in Wales, introducing the South Stack Lighthouse.

@outragemag #Lighthouse fever in #Holyhead, #anglesey via the #SouthStackLighthouse, as checked during this #LGBT trip to #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, you’d need a ride to be there. Some use private cars, as we did; others join tours; and others cycle to the place.

Ikalawa, what’s there?

The lighthouse itself is located on a small, rocky island off Holyhead. From afar, it looks like someone’s grand home; mansion-like. Accessible siya after you descend down 400 steep steps.

What will you see while there?

the former lighthouse engine room
the top of the lighthouse
South Stack is also home to breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins

Here’s an FYI: seasonal lang siya bukas.

This is a must-check for lighthouse lovers, of course. Historic, it was built in 1809 by Trinity House from the design of Daniel Alexander. 91-foot tall, it used to allow safe passage for ships on the Dublin–Holyhead–Liverpool sea route.

Another FYI: It is allegedly haunted, and has been visited by a team from “Most Haunted”.

The area housing the lighthouse is, itself, worth checking. There are trails for hikers or joggers or cyclists; though the same could be enjoyed by those who are there only to look for good shots.

Check when you’re in the area… even if you just pass by. Nice siya, promise.

But off we go for more LGBTQIA+ rampa…

Travel

Enjoying nature via trail hiking in Wales

Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales.

Published

1 week ago

July 1, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

When in Bangor, you’d be told often that among the best things to do is to hike. And among the must-check is the Snowdonia Slate Trail, which links the old slate-quarrying communities of Eryri/Snowdonia.

So… ayan na nga, even without the right outfit for hiking, but ayaw ma-miss ang chance to check the area, off we went.

@outragemag Enjoying nature via #trail #hiking at #Snowdonia #SnowdoniaSlateTrail during one #LGBT visit in #Gwynedd, #Wales ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, the circular route starts near Bangor/Porth Penrhyn. And you need a car or whatever to get to the starting point.

Ikalawa, the trail isn’t just for hiking. It’s also for biking or walking dogs. So you’d be sharing the 133-kilometer long trail with others.

Ikatlo, what’s there?

Mountains built by remnants from quarry sites, to start.

So… Gwynedd used to be known for slate quarrying, and among the biggest players is Penrhyn Quarry which is near Gwynedd, part of The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Now… with slate quarrying, around 75% of extracted material are inferior in quality, called overburden, and so becoming mineral waste. Here, they’re now mountains.

But the trail also shows views typically associated with Wales – e.g. rolling hills that go on forever, rock fences, sheep farms, canals with flowing water… and more.

Usually, sa matatag, people hike the Snowdonia Slate Trail for up to seven days, passing through Bethesda, Llanberis, and so on. But for others… it’s but an opportunity to commune with nature, in a way, while taking those must-have shots.

But we’re off for more LGBTQIA+ discoveries…

Destinations

Finding beauty, and not just of faith, at the Bangor Cathedral

Seeking #LGBT #faith or beauty in #Wales? Check out the #Bangor Cathedral in #Gwynedd.

Published

2 weeks ago

June 27, 2026

M.D. dela Cruz Tan, MDC

A common practice among many Pinoy travelers is to visit a church, preferably Roman Catholic, in new places visited. Here’s the thing when you’re in the United Kingdom: it’s harder than you think because, while Catholics do exist, many of the churches here are of the Church of England/Anglican.

On one hand, without intending to gaslight, I often joke that it’s not like you’re praying to different gods (LOL).

But on the other hand, actually dropping by these churches can be eye-opening. Not just to faith, but seeing beauty in their richness… in history, architecture, and so on…

At least this is what was gleaned in the Bangor Cathedral in Wales.

@outragemag Seeking #LGBT #faith or beauty in #Wales? Check out the #Bangor Cathedral in #Gwynedd ♬ original sound – Outrage Magazine

Una, if you’re in Gwynedd, this is very accessible. It’s there, in the middle of the oldest city in Wales. But if you’re from elsewhere, you need to travel to the city that’s over three hours away from London.

Ikalawa, this is formally St. Deiniol’s Cathedral, which has been used since about the 6th century.

As FYI: St. Deiniol, the 6th-century Welsh saint, wasn’t “made” a saint through the Roman Catholic canonization process. In the olden times, Welsh/Celtic Christian holy figures were usually recognized by local church tradition, reputation for holiness, and their role as founders/abbots/bishops, rather than by a formal Vatican procedure. In the case of Deiniol, he founded the monastery/church at Bangor around 525, so that over time, he was venerated as Saint Deiniol.

Ikatlo, what to see there?

Architecturally, it’s a mix of Norman/Romanesque and Gothic. It does feel medieval… and grandly so.

Inside, you’d see a layered medieval–Victorian Gothic interior, apparent in the stone arches, choir stalls, stained glass, and so on.

Those stained glasses, let’s emphasize, are from the 19th- and early-20th-century, including works by Clayton & Bell, James Powell & Sons, Burlison & Grylls, and Mayer & Co.

Should you seek this one out? Deserving ba na sadyain? Kung nasa area ka na, keri. Welcoming naman ang church.

Otherwise… rampa elsewhere na, as I do sa patuloy na LGBTQIA+ wandering…