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

8 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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Destinations

Pinoys’ top picks for weekend adventures

With the “ber-month” holidays on the horizon, Pinoys are setting their sights on short weekend, domestic getaways. These short trips provide a refreshing mix of relaxation and adventure without the pre-planning required for travel to faraway destinations.

Published

3 days ago

September 5, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Digital travel platform Agoda reveals the top five most searched destinations by Pinoys for a brief yet fulfilling weekend getaway or staycation. For those who are craving a quick escape but unable to commit to a longer vacation abroad, weekend breaks in the archipelago offer the perfect solution.

Agoda looked at searches made by Pinoy travelers for overnight stays between late August to September. Manila, the second most populous city of the Philippines, emerged as the top choice, followed by Cebu, Tagaytay, Boracay Island and Batangas respectively.

Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda shared, “Weekend getaways or staycations are an excellent way to recharge without the need for extensive planning. The Philippines offers such a diverse landscape where travelers can enjoy the cityscape, the beach or even the mountains without needing to travel too far. Each location also offers unique experiences that cater to different interests.”

Here are Pinoy’s top destination choices for a weekend break:

Manila
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a mix of iconic landmarks and modern attractions. Visitors can do anything from exploring Intramuros, the historic walled city, to enjoying a shopping spree at numerous malls. The city’s vibrant nightlife and diverse culinary scene make it an ideal spot for a quick urban escape.

Cebu
Known as the Queen City of the South, Cebu is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. Travelers can visit the iconic Magellan’s Cross, dive in the crystal-clear waters of Moalboal, or take a scenic drive to the highlands of Busay for a panoramic view of the city.

Tagaytay
Just a short drive from Manila, Tagaytay is a popular destination for its cool climate and stunning views of Taal Volcano. Here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at Picnic Grove, savor local delicacies at Mahogany Market, or simply relax in one of the many cozy cafes overlooking lake Taal.

Boracay Island
Boracay Island remains a top choice for those seeking sun, sand, and sea. With its powdery white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Activities such as kite surfing, island hopping, and sunset sailing are just a few of the many attractions travelers can enjoy here.

Batangas
Batangas is a favorite for its accessibility and diverse attractions. From the pristine beaches of Laiya to the diving spots in Anilao, Batangas caters to both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind. The province is also home to historical sites like the Taal Heritage Town, making it a well-rounded destination. Agoda’s extensive offerings include over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in the same booking. This makes planning a weekend getaway easier and more convenient.

Travel

70% of Filipino travelers can’t get enough of their favorite spot: Agoda

Agoda surveyed travelers who just booked a new trip to their favorite destination. The largest group of respondents from the Philippines 54% cited adventure as the main purpose for their upcoming trip. 44% are traveling for food, while 25% declared celebrations to be their main travel purpose.

Published

1 week ago

August 30, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

It turns out that one trip to Japan just isn’t enough for most of us. Agoda’s latest Return Visitor Ranking reveals that 70% of Filipino travelers return to their favorite destinations. The ranking, which was compiled from a survey conducted on the Agoda platform earlier this month, shows Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are leading the pack as the ultimate hotspots for returning visitors, followed by Taiwan and Hong Kong.

55% of travelers have visited their favorite destination between 1 to 3 times in the past decade, making up the largest chunk of repeat visitors. 10% of travelers have even visited their favorite destination ten times or more.

Mike Hwang, Country Director for the Philippines at Agoda shared, “Where some make it a habit to globetrot, others find pleasure in revisiting their favorite destinations. Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking shows that for Filipino travelers, Japan, Thailand, and South Korea are more than just destinations, they are experiences that travelers crave to relive. Agoda is proud to facilitate these journeys, offering a diverse range of accommodations, flights, and activities to make any trip enjoyable, no matter if it’s the first or the tenth.”

When asked what makes Japan, Thailand, and South Korea so irresistible, half of Filipino respondents chose “Ease of Travel” at 50% as the primary reason. “Local Cuisine” at 47% was a close second, followed by “Convenient location” at 34%, “Safety and Cleanliness” at 33%, and “Previous Positive Experience” at 30% to round out the top five.

Looking at the survey data from an Asia-wide perspective, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam are the destinations that Asian travelers can’t get enough of, respectively 44% of Asian travelers listed “Ease of Travel” as the main reason for going back to their favorite destination.

Interestingly, this aligns with the preferences of Filipino travelers, who also prioritize ease of travel and local cuisine.

Agoda offers travelers great deals on a wide range of accommodations, flights, and activities for everyone looking to revisit their favorite destinations. Whether it’s the first visit or the tenth, Agoda’s easy-to-use features helps travelers plan and book the next adventure with ease.

Destinations

Big Bad Wolf schedules another Manila book sale at Ayala Malls Trinoma

Ready for more, Manila wolfies? Drop by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at Ayala Malls, TriNoma, happening from August 7 to 15. Doors open during TriNoma mall hours: Monday to Thursday from 10am to 9pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm. This is a book sale extravaganza you won’t want to miss. See you there!

Published

2 months ago

July 22, 2024

ZestMag.com Staff

Surprise, Manila wolfies! Big Bad Wolf continues to take the city by storm. This time, the Wolf is heading up north of the metro! Opening this August 7 until August 15, the world’s biggest book sale is setting up shop at Ayala Malls, TriNoma Activity Center.

Big Bad Wolf returns to Manila after its triumphant runs at Parqal and Glorietta, extending its mission to reach one million new readers with the TriNoma book sale. Big Bad Wolf is bringing a collection of over two million books to the TriNoma Book Sale! With books from different genres, including self-help titles, Filipino literature, romance novels, and so much more, Manila wolfies are sure to find their next great reads at the book sale. Metrobank is also set to return as Big Bad Wolf’s official bank partner, offering credit cardholders a 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000.

Along with its third Manila book sale, Big Bad Wolf is continuing its partnership with Ayala Malls and extending its support for “BookLat: Open. Imagine. Discover.” This Ayala Malls initiative promotes reading for leisure and entertainment, providing an extensive collection of books at affordable prices.

Through “BookLat,” Ayala Malls targets to gather about 20,000 books for public school kindergarten to grade 3 students within Ayala Land Estates and Ayala Malls communities. Big Bad Wolf is set to donate 1,000 books towards the initiative.

Aside from returning partners, local publishers such as Feast Books, Adarna, Tahanan, Lampara, Bookmark, and independent book publishers will be joining the TriNoma book sale for the first time. Big Bad Wolf is committed to supporting local publishers, ensuring their unique voices and stories reach a wider audience. This collaboration promises to provide a richer and more diverse selection for book enthusiasts, highlighting the vibrant literary culture of the Philippines and offering a unique opportunity to discover new and exciting titles.

Get ready to be swept off your feet because Big Bad Wolf guarantees another unforgettable book sale for Manila bookworms! Cosplay enthusiasts rejoice as “501 Legion,” a storytelling activity infused with cosplay, makes a comeback at the TriNoma book sale! Young ones will get another chance to join the “Little Wolfies Crew” on weekends and experience life as part of the wolf pack. To learn more about the program and to stay updated on unbeatable deals, promos, and more exciting surprises heading your way, keep an eye on Big Bad Wolf’s social media pages.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram).