Holcim launches Build to Win promo to raise Mindanao sales, reward customers

Photo by Saad Salim on Unsplash

Holcim Philippines, Inc., one of the leading cement manufacturer and building solutions providers, launched its biggest promotion yet, raffling off-brand new Toyota Wigos, Vios, and Ford Raptors!

Discover Buda, Davao City

I was in Manila for a two-week training when some of my friends invited me for a quick weekend getaway at Buda. Since I'm flying home on the same date, I instantly gave them a go signal.

We Are Davao

As the cloud of dust and smoke settled, it became clearer that this was an act of terror. Lifeless bodies whose faces were beyond recognition lay scattered from where they once stood. Those who survived managed to shamble off the road, looking for help. The street that was once full of life became sullen and eerily quiet. Fear reeked in every crevices and corner of Roxas Avenue. The bomb not only took the lives of many, but it also quivered our hearts - the heart of every Davaoeño.

This is the place where people from all walks of life consider it as their refuge. This is the place where people enjoy local shopping and delicious but affordable food. This is the place where some law-abiding citizens work hard every night just to provide the basic necessities for their families. This is also the place where the dreams, aspirations, and hopes of many vanished in one blast.

The Davao Pub Crawl Experience

Years ago, the local city council of Davao amended the ordinance no. 1627, series of 1994. This particular city ordinance states that drinking, selling, serving, and consumption of liquors and alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited from 1am to 8am. For some who aren't from Davao, this is a bummer. How can a big metropolitan city like Davao have this kind of silly law?

Believe it or not, I just had my first pub crawl experience not in Manila or Cebu, but in Davao.

Day 4 of DFAT 2016

Three days of nonstop eating was not a joke. On top of that, we drank lots of booze as if there's no tomorrow. It seemed toxic but we're actually having the time of our lives - spending quality time with old and new blogger friends over delectable dishes of Davao with booze.

And with that, we started our day right by eating and drinking healthy.

Day 3 of DFAT 2016

The fun didn't stop at Primo Cafe.


I do not know with the others but I had a bit of a hungover from last night's pub crawl. I think I drank too much of Budweiser and mojito (by the way, it's really delicious). Good thing, the first stop of DFAT was BluGre Coffee, Davao's homegrown coffee shop.

Day 2 of DFAT 2016

And the oinkfest continues.

Chez Nous

The second day of DFAT 2016 was made even more exciting as we continued our gastronomic adventure at Chez Nous (pronounced as shey-nou), formerly known as Chippen’s Cafe. It is a charming and cozy cafe restaurant that serves international fusion cuisine (that’s the new trend in food these days).

Day 1 of DFAT 2016

I will never regret joining food tours, especially DFAT (Davao Food Appreciation Tour). Aside from the fact that I don't get fat easily even if I eat a lot (LOL #blessed #bitokon), Davao's food scene has a LOT to offer. More so, this is the newly elected President's crib! Through the years, Davao's gastronomic avenue has grown so much that four days of oinkfest wasn't enough to cover the entire city. Let's take a look on what really happened during the first day of DFAT 2016.

DFAT 2016: An Overview

It's the time of the year again when bloggers across the country gather in Davao to discover and appreciate the city's growing food scene. On its ninth installation, the search for Davao's best continues as we enjoy good food while catching up with old blogger friends and establishing connections with the new ones.

As of this writing, I still can't get over with it because it was one of the best DFAT I've ever attended as a participant. Haha! Arise, gluttons! Your diet plans will fail you because of this!

10 Telltale Signs You’re Actually a Davaoeño

Believe it or not, this paradise is only 15 minutes away from Davao by boat.
See also: Another unrelated cover photo but this looks beautiful.

Everywhere you go, you’ll encounter this formidable creature *ahem*. Well for one, you won’t notice that they’re around until they start talking about their preferences in food or anything about their local pop culture. If you’re unsure you’ve met one, here are the 10 signs that your officemates, housemates, or your friends are from Davao. Or maybe you're starting to become one.

Davao Dining: PERCH Modern Kitchen + Bar

Back when Davao City was not as lustrous and booming as today, the Davao food scene was rather boring. During that 'dark' period, Davaoeños were not that gastronomically adventurous because we only had a few choices back then. Many were not willing to spend that much on fancy restaurants, unless they offer huge discounts which is obviously detrimental to the business in the long run.

The sudden influx of businesses and investments which penetrated the city since 2010 had changed the economical landscape, and the mindset of the locals. Through the help of social media, more and more restaurants opened, offering new sets of dishes that will surely make food junkies happy.

Last week, I went home to Davao for a quick respite from the daily grind. Being a certified food junkie, I asked some of my friends to accompany me to Davao's newest restaurant - PERCH Modern Kitchen + Bar. I really got curious about it because for the past few weeks, my social media newsfeed and timelines were filled with mouthwatering treats from this restaurant. They just recently opened last May and they're located at the al fresco area of Felcris Centrale, Davao's newest shopping destination.

The Davao Skycycle Challenge

You only live once.

Almost everyone knows how to ride a bicycle, but only a few people dare to ride a bicycle 60 feet high and traversing 200 feet on a cable. Eden Nature Park currently offers Skycycle and thrill seekers shouldn't miss this newest attraction in Davao.

An Adventure Trail Down South

Nestled on the foot of the tallest peak of the Philippines, surrounded by azure waters and white sand beaches, lies a city with varied cultures. From its quaint provincial lifestyle, Davao City has grown into a center of commerce, industry, and trade. Despite this, it has preserved its rich culture, giving it a balance between progressive and traditional.

Here are things not to miss when in Davao:

7 Travel Destinations in Mindanao That You Shouldn't Miss

Samal Island.

I was born and raised in an island named Mindanao - a land of promise, and a land where different colors scream unity in diversity. Most of the Northerners fear Mindanao. Terrorist attacks, bomb scares, and other inhumane acts are everyday occurrences in this island, they say. Truth is, we live harmoniously and peacefully, and those turmoils only occur sporadically, just like any other places in the world. Apparently, the sensationalized news of some mainstream media groups had deeply concealed the beauty of Mindanao.

In this day and age, social media had made Mindanao more visible not just to the whole country, but to the whole world as well.  Thankfully, some Northerners proved to their fellow men that there is so much to see on our island.

Here are the Top 7 travel destinations in Mindanao that you shouldn't afford to miss.

Ready? Well, here we go.

Delicious BBQs and Giant Burgers of Outback Grill

Nomnom madness

Amid the plethora of barbecue places in Davao, Outback Grill never fails to stand out. Located at Bacaca Road, right beside Zoofari, one could simply assume that it's just another barbecue house. Honestly, I felt the same way too. But upon entering, the vibe was totally different.

So as their food!

DAVAO DINING: Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop

Healthy vs. Delicious

I have this notion that to eat healthy, one must endure the unpalatable taste of it. Plus, 'healthy' food products are more expensive than the ordinary yet delicious food available in the market.

Apparently, there is this small restaurant along Circumferential Road that offers healthy yet delicious food, as what my peers had told me. My family and I would always pass by this restaurant, Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop. I have heard and read reviews about it but I didn't have the time to check it out.

Luckily, in our fourth and final day of Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014, Sea Green Cafe and Lifestyle Shop was in our gastronomic itinerary.

The Sand, and the Waves, and You and Me

Life is Here.

The last time I went to the beach was two years. Say what? TWO FREAKIN' YEARS?! That's quite long considering that I live in an archipelagic state. If I were in Mongolia or any countries in Central Asia, going to the beach at least once a year is considered a big blessing. Due to my busy work schedule, I wasn't able to visit any beaches near my area (ehem ehem).

I know, such a bummer!

(DAY 1) Gastronomic Adventure: Davao Food Appreciation Tour 2014

Ceviche!

I used to be an organizer of this gluttonous event in Davao. I admit it wasn't easy but the experience was fun nonetheless. Last year, I didn't attend the event due to my busy schedule. This year, I didn't let it pass and decided to join as a participant. I was really looking forward to be part of this food tour since the line up of this year's food tour was new.

And besides, I really miss everything about Davao - the people, the food, the culture, and its laidback lifestyle.

The Big Davao Fun Sale

I am a proud Davaoeño and almost everyone of you here are aware of it. I practically grew up in this sprawling metropolis and I have witnessed its growth since then. Back when I was still a kid, the only shopping destinations I knew were JS Gaisano Ilustre, Victoria Plaza Mall, and Gaisano Mall. There were no SM or Ayala Malls that time. As years went by, the population increased and businesses and investments flourished. To make the long story short, several establishments sprouted like mushrooms in order to address the demands of the people.

With a total population of 2 million, Davao has grown big and is preparing for something bigger this March and April 2014. Brace yourselves, guys. The Big Davao Fun Sale is coming to town!

Five Things That You Shouldn't Miss in Davao City

Davao City. Photo credit

With a total land area of 244,000 hectares, Davao City has so much to offer - from the picturesque beaches of Samal Island to the cool climate of mountain resorts located at the foot of Mount Apo, the country's highest peak. And yes, you, visitor of this mighty city shouldn't miss out these five things uniquely Davao, because these will surely make your visit in the city a memorable one.