How to Throw A Beach Themed Party Indoors

Throwing a beach-themed party is one of the best ways to keep yourself busy during this season. A beach-themed party is a great way to entertain guests in a casual way that is apt for the season and is always exciting.

Of course, it is too much of a hassle to actually go to the beach and organize a party there so instead I’m giving you tips on how to throw a beach-themed party indoors. I hope you enjoy throwing your beach-themed summer party and apply the following tips:

Project a Beach: If you want to create the perfect summer time backdrop, you have to find a gorgeous image of the beach or the sea. Find a high resolution photo of it and project it against one blank wall in your party’s venue. This will serve as an inexpensive way to add some beach vibe to your party.

Dim Lights: Dim the lights to achieve two things. First, to make your beach back drop more visible, and second, to help your guests forget that they are actually indoors. So what do you use for lighting? You may install torches if you insist but I think it’s overdone. Instead, craft some lamps from pineapple peels and place that in the middle of your table as a centrepiece. You may also grab glass jars and then fill it halfway with sand or small shells. Then, place a small tea light candle on top of the sand for a muted island experience.

Hammock at Home: If you happen to have a hammock, why not set it up inside the party’s venue to give off some island flair?

Banig is Your New Bestfriend: For a chillaxed vibe, set up some banig (mats) made out of natural fiber in neutral colors. Prop some throw pillows (in aqua or sea foam hues) to add to the beach side vibe.

Sounds of the Sea: Look for a CD or a youtube video that features the sounds of the sea and play it during your party. Make it loud enough so everybody hears it, but soft enough so it would not overpower the actual party music you prepared.

Smells like the Ocean: If you want to give your guests a total sensory overload, why not burn some coconut or sesame oil with some vanilla extract to make your party smell like the beach?

Grill Baby: Whether you grill some baby back ribs or a simple pork belly, grilled food is expected at a beach themed party because the taste of smoky meat reminds people of their wonderful experiences by the sea.

Fresh Nuts: If you want a refreshing drink that takes your guests right in the island state of mind, then serve some fresh coconut water straight from the nut!

Pineapple Collide: If you want a more potent potion for your party, mix a smooth Pina Colada with some Rum, Coconut Cream, and Pineapple Juice for the perfect summer cocktail.

Reggae and Happy: For some audible island vibe, play the best Reggae songs. Rasta music always reminds people of the island life, and playing this during your beach-themed party would be perfect. Other options include Jack Johnson songs, Beach House tracks by Hed Kandi, and maybe even some 311.

Listen to Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun

Partyphiles Confess: Ways to Beat the Heat

I asked: What is the best way to beat the heat?

Here are your answers: 

1. Panky: Go to a higher place like Marilog or Buda
2. Paige: Air-conditioner, TV, and Beer
3. Raymund Libre: Wear the skimpiest beach outfit ad soak in the sea, sun, and sand.\
4. Nicos Figueroa: Full blast AC
5. Hyku Desesto: Drink Ice Cold Beer
6. Blessa Bianca: Hit the beach and swim
7. Jumer Adalain: Hit the beach and enjoy some Iced Coffee or any other cold beverage. Surfing indahican is also an exciting way to beat the heat.
8. Ling Paradero: Be hotter than Summer
9. Ferdy Salvador: Fly to a country that has winter now like Brazil so you can shake your bonbon in cool weather. Of course, you can always buy a colder aircon
10. Yvonne Berzabal: Mais Con Yelo, Milk Tea, or Ice Cream
11. MikkiTeves: Mojitos with crushed ice
12. Dino Danao: The best way to beat the summer heat is to stay home, turn the aircon on, and enjoy some Halo-halo
13. Maya Padillo: Halo-halo nga tag singko sa among silingan
14. Jay Bolo: Strip your clothes off
15. Aissa Way: Sunblock, Shades, Swimwear, a dip in the beach, plus ice cold beer.
16. Amy Te: Bikini Carwash!
17. Red: Take a swim in your favorite bikini and enjoy a tall glass of Pina Colada

Drink of the Week Virgin Cosmo

The VIRGIN COSMO is one of the best drinks you could enjoy to ward off the heat of summer. It is easy-to-make, refreshing, and citrusy; perfect to enjoy while lazing by the sea or pool. Here's how you make it:

In a shaker with ice, combine two shots of Cranberry Juice, One shot of Orange Juice, and one ounce of Lime Juice and five shots of club soda. Shake to combine and pour over cocktail glasses. 

News Flash: March 21 2012

Manila Bulletin: Eugene Domingo, Shamaine Buencamino triumph at 6th Asian Film Awards Eugene Domingo of "The Woman in The Septic Tank" and Shamaine Buencamino of "Nino" brought honors to their country by being named the People's Choice Award for Favourite Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, at the 6th Asian Film Awards held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center on Mar. 19.  

ABS CBN NEWS:Azkals Make History, Finish 3rd in Challenge Cup The Philippine Azkals made history once again after defeating Palestine, 4-3, in a  thrilling game to wind up in third place in the AFC Challenge Cup Monday afternoon in Nepal.  

Philippine Star :Jeepney fares up 50¢ as oil firms hike prices anew Consumers will again bear the brunt of higher oil prices as five petroleum firms jacked up pump prices yesterday and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) approved an increase of 50 centavos in jeepney fares for the first four kilometers in Metro Manila and Regions 2, 3, 4 and 5, raising the minimum fare to P8.50.

Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip with the family or a close group of friends. It gives you time to bond with people who are close to you and has the potential to become a celebration all in itself. So this summer, plan a road trip to some exciting destination, play your favorite party music, wear something extra festive (but comfortable), and pack gorgeous eats to create a party atmosphere on the road!

I know, I know. It will hurt your figure. The thing with travelling by land is that everybody seems to end up bloated by the time the destination is reached. One of the reasons for that are probably the unhealthy food ad drink options that you take with you whenever you go on a road trip. To give you some easy solutions, here are some easy recipes that you could whip up for your next road trip:

1.)    The best snacks for road trips are those that you can easily munch on because it keeps your mouth occupied ad your brain interested. People munch on a lot of things during road trips because there isn’t anything else to do. So your choice of munchies is very important. For your next road trip why not make your own easy granola? Here’s how:

a.       Preheat your oven to 150 degrees C

b.      In a bowl, stir together 4 cups of oats, 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins, and two cups of roasted nuts. I like equal parts of walnuts and almonds but you can replace them with any other nut you fancy.

c.       In another bowl combine 13 cup vegetable oil, 1 ¼ cups of honey or 1 cup of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Drizzle this liquid mixture all over your dry ingredients and mix until everything is coated with this glaze.

d.      Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake it for 30 to 40 minutes. It gets crunchy when it cools down.

2.)    Sometimes you just crave for some sweet dessert during a road trip. Instead of stopping at a convenience store to binge on chocolates, why not make your own healthy dessert? This easy-as-pie chocolate pudding gives you a sweet taste in your mouth without being too heavy on your tummy. Here’s how you make it:

a.       In a saucepan, heat two cups of Chocolate Milk until bubbles form at the edges.

b.      Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and slowly add in three tablespoons of corn starch while mixing well. (If you do not mix well the starch will form lumps)

c.       Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.

d.      Place in single serve cups that come with lids and pop in the refrigerator overnight.

e.       Take these dessert cups with you during your road trip and keep them chilled in a cooler with your beverages.

3.)    One of the biggest health mistakes people commit when travelling is taking some sugar-filled beverage with them. Sodas and bottled iced teas are not the way to go when it comes to travelling healthily. Instead, whip up this easy (and arguably most refreshing) beverage, the Cucumber Calamansi-ade:

a.       Grab a cucumber, slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and then run it through a juicer. Reserve the liquid. If you do not own a juicer, run the cucumber in the food processor until you get a watery liquid. Run it through a strainer or sieve and reserve the liquid.

b.      Make some calamansi-ade by combining some calamansi concentrate and water. The proportions depend on your taste.

c.       Combine the cucumber juice and calamansi-ade and freeze.

d.      On the day of your trip, remove the Cucumber-Calamansi-ade mixture and store in a cooler to enjoy for the rest of your trip.

4.)    One of the things we always crave for during road trips is a little something that’s full of carbs. Instead of stopping for a burger or purchasing some sweet cake, why not create your own snack and take it with you? Waffles are probably the easiest snacks to prepare and are easy to eat in a car. Here’s how you make it:

a.       Simply make waffles with instant pancake mix.

b.      Add in chocolate chips, raisins, dried fruit, or bacon and ham bits in the middle.

c.       Slice your waffles in fours to make it easier to munch on inside the car.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) every Wednesdays from 6PM to 9PM on 105.9 Mix FM. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or twitter.com/zhaun

Do You Give Away Your Number in a Club/Bar?

Should You Give Out Your Number?

Hey partyphile readers! I’m glad to be receiving more queries from you. I hope you could send me some more by tweeting me at twitter.com/zhaun or by sending me a message on my facebook account, facebook.com/partyphile. You may also add me up on BBM (pin: 22A74B9A).Here’s another question I’m sure a lot of women can relate to. Here goes:

Dear Partyphile,

I love your column! I find it very interesting and informative. I have a question for you: What do I do when a guy asks for my number inside a club? Should I give it out? Should I not? What if I like the guy?

Thanks in advance for the help!

Carla S.

Hey Carla! I’ve had to think about this question long and hard before I got a solution that I think can actually work. Now here is the thing, when a guy asks for your number inside a bar, do not assume that he likes you. Some guys just ask for numbers as a dare, a game, or just to check if they haven’t lost their swag yet. Now, whatever happens to the offer relies on you.

Here is the thing, whether the guy likes you or not is irrelevant. What matters is whether you like the guy. Most girls would automatically shun off guys who ask for their numbers because they find it creepy. But take a look at the situation form the man’s point of view and realize that it takes a lot of guts to actually come up to a girl and ask for her number. So please, if you can, be gentle when you let them down and refuse to give your number away. So what do you do? Should you give your number? No.

Giving your number away just tells the guy that you are interested. That is the worse thing you could do, even if you really are (interested). You see, dating is a chase; a chase that guys enjoy. So whether you like him or not, when he asks for your number, do not give it. So do you ask for his? You can, but what will you do with it?

Again, if you ask for his number the responsibility now lies on you. You could also throw it away, end of story (unless you like him). If you do like then what would you do?  If you text or call him, that would tell him without a sliver of doubt, that you’re into him. Again, that’s not very smart because you have to be mysterious; you have to be worth the chase. So here are the things you can do:

1.)    If you don’t like him, just tell him that you’d rather keep your number private.

2.)    If you like him, don’t give away your number or ask for his. Again, that will make you seem easy. What you can do is dare him to do something fun like drinking a bottle of beer in less than two minutes. You could even dare him to go head to head in a drinking contest with your friend. If he agrees, then at least he made the effort and that’s commendable. It also gives you the opportunity to give your number without seeming “easy” if he accomplishes the dare. If he disagrees, then he probably wasn’t that into you anyway.

So the next time a guy approaches you and asks for you number, dare him to do something crazy and know whether he’s willing to put in some effort just to get to know you; or whether he’s just asking for your number for the cheap thrill.

I hope that answered your question and I hope you write us again!

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesdays from 6PM to 9PM. For questions, comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist at twitter.com/zhaun

Summer Party Menu

Throwing a summer party may not seem like a challenge at first, as most people assume that grilled fare is enough to keep guests satisfied. However, after your third summer soiree (in the same year) you start to get tired of the usual pork and chicken barbecue and start craving for some culinary excitement. Remember, summer food is all about being simple, fresh, and easy. That does not necessarily mean “grilled”. To help you get out of that summer party menu rut, here are some food suggestions for your next summer party:

1.)    Mushroom-Garbanzo Salad: This salad is easy to make and easy to eat. Unlike most salads made of greens, this one is made with mushrooms and chick peas; two readily available canned ingredients. This makes the salad a breeze to prepare.

All you have to do is heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and add three cloves of minced garlic. Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add in one bell pepper, diced. Once the pepper is cooked, add in the canned (remember to drain off the liquid it comes in) mushrooms and canned garbanzo beans. I prefer using pre-sliced button mushrooms to save time. Then, season with salt and pepper. You may also add any herb of your choice. I prefer adding some basil to give the warm salad a kick of freshness. Serve this it alone or with slices of toasted baguette as an appetizer.

2.)    Summer Wings: Two of the most popular flavours linked to the Season of Sun are Pineapple and Coconut. This interesting appetizer combines both flavours to create the ultimate summer finger food that is perfect for ay summer party.

To make Summer Wings simply purchase chicken wings at the grocery then dredge it in flour. Dip the dredged wings in some beaten eggs. Afterwards, dredge the wings again in a mixture of (equal parts) ready-made breading mix and desiccated coconut. Don’t worry; this will not give the wings an overly coconutty taste. Desiccated coconut has a muted coconut flavour that works well even for savoury dishes. After dredging the wings, simply fry them until they are golden brown. Let the wings cool a little then put all the wings inside a plastic container with an air-tight lid. Add your pineapple glaze (recipe will follow below), cover the container and shake like there’s no tomorrow. This will give you perfectly glazed wings that are ready to serve.

To make the pineapple glaze simply heat a small can of unsweetened pineapple juice in a sauce pan. Add three tablespoons of sugar, some sesame oil, half a teaspoon of grated ginger, and two tablespoons of soy sauce. Once the sauce thickens, make a slurry by combining two teaspoons of corn starch and enough cold water to dissolve the starch. Mix the slurry in to the boiling sauce and stir until it thickens. This glaze is then ready to use with the wings.

3.)    Shrimp Pasta: This seafood pasta is perfect for a summer party because of its fresh flavour and easy process. All you have to do is sauté a whole garlic bulb in half a cup of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. When the garlic becomes fragrant, add one and a half pounds of peeled and de-veined shrimps, season with salt, pepper, one-fourth cup of minced parsley, and half a teaspoon of dried basil. Saute for two minutes or until the shrimp is just cooked through. Add in your pasta and heat for another thirty seconds. Serve.

4.)    Chicken Pineapple Burger: This is the perfect main dish for any summer party. All you have to do is purchase some chicken breasts that have already been marinated in Teriyaki Sauce, or any other Asian Marinade. If you can’t find chicken breasts that have already been marinated, then simply marinate the breasts with some soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and black pepper. Grill your chicken breasts along with some pineapple slices. Then, prepare your Chicken burger by layering some lettuce, tomatoes, grilled pineapples, and grilled chicken breasts on the bottom part of the bun. Spread some mayonnaise on the top part of the bun and cover it like a regular burger. Serve ad enjoy.

5.)    Kalamansi Granita: This easy dessert is probably the most refreshing thing you could serve in a summer party. All you have to do is boil a cup of water with a third of a cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Then, add in half a cup of fresh Kalamansi Juice. Otherwise, combine half a cup of Kalamansi Concentrate with a cup of water. After you get your sweet Kalamansi creation, pop it in the freezer. Check on it after the first hour and then scrape the sides (with a fork) to get rid of any ice crystals that might have formed. Pop it back in the freezer. Repeat this process every thirty minutes for the next four hours. This gives you a slushy mixture that is perfect for summer. Serve in cocktail glasses.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 on 105.9 Mix FM. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile check out http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun

Summer Songs/Playlist

Whether you are throwing a summer party, going on a road trip, or simply want to imbibe the season, a summer song play list is a perfect way to get you in the mood. Summer songs are catchy, relaxed, and give off a carefree vibe that paints a perfect picture of a warm, sunny day by the beach. Here is a list of songs I love listening to during summer.

1.)    One Look by Kjwan is probably the most summery OPM track ever made! It feels summery from the first beats of their gorgeously layered percussions that give us a sound that is somewhat reminiscent of reggae and traditional Hawaiian music melded with modern alternative. The simple melody and catchy hook makes this track the perfect sing-along song wherever you might be spending your summer.

2.)    Amber by 311 starts with an LSS-worthy guitar intro that extends for three bars until hard-hitting percussions come in with the vocals. The textured voice of 311’s vocalist makes the song seem relaxed and gives off a carefree vibe that makes the song perfect to listen to by the sea or while driving top down to someplace far. It’s one of those songs you listen to with your friends to make your summer vacation extra-memorable. Truly, if there was a perfect summer anthem, this would be it.

3.)    Island in the Sun by Weezer is a song that grows on you. After a couple of listens you get the intro (a repetitive “hip hip” cheer) stuck in your head as you realize that you’ve listened to the track too many times. Although Weezer’s vocals now sound like that of every other alternative band’s; the fact that his vocals are a wee bit generic makes it all the more relatable. The simple melody is easy to sing along with and the beat has enough edge to make it crossover to post-summer listening. The track is about moving away to some island where there is no stress or pressure. Consider this your summer ode.

4.)    Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow starts off oddly like an 80s track, with bits and pieces that do not sound organic. Thankfully that is masked by the gorgeous guitar riff that acts as the perfect backdrop to frame Crow’s voice that sings of enjoying what you have, staying positive, and wearing a carefree demeanour. Sheryl’s voice is not on-point, but as the song suggests, this is a piece of work based on the premise of not sweating the small stuff. Does it make for a great summer song? Hell yes. In fact, it still makes me feel nostalgic for no apparent reason or related experience. Why? Because it reminds you of the perfect summers in your past.

5.)    Pure Shores by All Saints is unlike most of the songs in this list because it does not remind you of the beach, it does not sound organic, as the instruments used in the production of this track were all electronic (I assume). However, it puts you in the mood to grab a cocktail, sit back, and lounge in some windy place. The electronic sounds gives off a dreamy vibe that takes you to a place where time stops and you are allowed to let your hair down and enjoy clouds pass by.

6.)    Summer Sunshine by The Corrs is the perfect soundtrack for a flirty summer. The track is pure genius. It has a late 80s- early 90s pop-rock vibe that is guitar driven and jolly. Oddly, the vocals are run through an auto-tune machine that is so popular these days which gives the track some much needed edge. The production is interesting, as the track provides a sensory overload of beats on beats with strings and electronic elements. The result? A memorable summer track that keeps you lusting for a summer fling.

7.)    Just Go by Lionel Richie and Akon marked the comeback of Mr. Richie into the music scene some years ago. True to his brand of silky vocals and catchy hooks, Just Go, is a throwback tune that reminds us of Lionel’s past works. The good news is that it has been updated with more modern beats and Akon’s distinctive bellowing. With the vocalist’s staccato intonation, the web of back-up vocals, and island inspired percussions, the track reminds one of a vacation in the Bahamas where the sand is white, the water is clear, and the island isn’t overpopulated.

8.)    Put Your Records On by Corrine Bailey Rae doesn’t take you to the beach, or the pool, or the lounge, or the car for a road trip. This summer song is a little more laid back. It conjures up thoughts of a picnic in a park while watching kids play at a distance. It reminds you of that hilltop vacation when everything went well and drama was far away. With Ms Rae’s honey-dipped, throaty vocals the track sounds warm and familiar. The easy strumming of the guitar sets the perfect frame for the simple melody and half-spoken verses.

9.)    Over the Rainbow by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole is a cover of the Broadway classic Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland. The track only features IZ’s smooth vocals over the sound of his tiny ukulele, but sometimes, that is all it takes to make you lust for the ocean breeze against your skin.

10.)                        Breathe by Telepopmusic is a heady, electronica track that somehow made it mainstream. Unlike most songs the songs in the list that gives off a beachy island vibe, this one takes you to a posh lounge in central Europe where things are expensive and music is more sophisticated. The gorgeous vocals of Angela McCluskey, a long time collaborator if this French trio, makes this song memorable with her repetitive auto tuned whispers that command the listener to “just breathe” while enjoying the fast-paced mish-mash of beats and percussions that take you to a whole different world.

Drink of the Week: Pomelo-Mansi Mojito

Pomelo is one of the most popular local fruits. Most people enjoy it by simply eating the fresh fruit, but this new cocktail offers a new way of enjoying the fruit with alcohol. To create this refreshing drink, simply grab a cocktail shaker and muddle 6 mint leaves, two sections of fresh pomelo, and two tablespoons of calamansi concentrate until the pomelo has released its juices. Add an ounce of rum and shake well.Then, pour the mixture into a highball glass filled halfway with ice and top it with some club soda.

News Flash: Headlines Today

Yahoo News: Tide Detergent Being Stolen From Stores Across the Country

Mindanao Times: Taxi Driver Survives Knife Attack in Robbery Attempt

Sunstar Davao: Prosecutor Aguirre among mutya judges

Google News: Dionne Warwick thinks Whitney Houston Died of a Heart Attack

Philippine Womens High School to start using tablets beginning next school year 

Partyphile Celebrates: Araw ng Davao

This week we are celebrating Davao's Charter Day! Happy Araw ng Davao fellow Davaoenos!!!

Davao Food Guide

Araw ng Davao is one of the best times to visit Davao City. With all the activities lined up by the local government as well as the private sector; the city’s Charter Day is bound to fill a tourist’s itinerary. When one wants to recharge or simply experience the best of Davao cuisine, it is easy to get lost in the flurry of Davao food stops. For that purpose we have come up with a food guide for the visiting foodie.

1.) Paella: This traditional Spanish rice dish is given Davaoeno flair at Tiny Kitchen with their Paella Negra. Served in a traditional paellera (the pan used to make paella which allows even cooking for the rice and other ingredients), this heaping helping of perfectly-cooked rice blackened with Squid Ink topped with Spanish Sausages, Vegetables, Fish, Squid, Shrimp, and Shells fresh from Davao seas makes for a complete meal that excites the palate and leaves you craving for more. Tiny Kitchen is located at F. Torres St corner Mabini St.

2.) Siopao:  Davao serves some of the best Siopao in the country. As an on-the-go snack or as pasalubong, these meat-filled buns give comfort to a hungry tummy. Kuilans and Tevanj offer some of the best Siopao in Davao that is small in size, big in flavour, and oh-so-addictive. For a baked (instead of steamed) take on Siopao, try Bontee Toasted Siopao. Kuilans is located at #36 Lacson St Barrio Obrero Davao City, #55 r. Castillo St Agdao Davao City, #24 Acacia St Juna Subdivision Matina Davao City, and KM 18 48-A Barangay Tibungco Davao City. You may also call them at (082) 2214105. Tevanj is located at Door #3 Tan Building R. Castillo St Agdao Davao City. There are several branches of Bontee, some of the most accessible ones may be found along Legaspi St and along SIR.

3.) Pizza: When craving for a slice of this savoury pie, the must-go pizzeria for the local pizza lover is (and will probably always be) Picobbello Ristorante Italiano. Located at the topmost floor of Gaisano South Citimall along Illustre St, this warm resto provides great ambience. The wafting smell of freshly-baked pizzas draws any passerby in. Picobello serves the classic Pepperoni Pizza, Marinara, Quattro Formaggio, Quattro Stagioni, and the folded pizzas—Calzone. Make sure to drop by Picobello between 2 to 5 in the afternoon where they offer a free pizza for every purchased pie.

4.) Dimsum Diner: If you are craving for fast and fresh Chinese food, you might want to check out the Davaoeno take on delicious dim sum. This local fastfood chain is open 24 hours and serves filling Chinese-inspired dishes with Filipino flair. With an expansive menu of Rice Toppings, Breakfast Sets, Congee Creations, Noodle Offerings, other Chinese-style meat dishes and Dim Sum, and their addictive Bulad (Salted Fish) Fried Rice; this chain is a definite must-try. Dimsum Diner is located at Bajada, Market Basket Damosa, 3^rd Floor Gaisano Mall, Shoppesville  Arcade Guerrero St, Quirino St, Fairlanes Bowling Center F.Torres St, and along McArthur Hi-way.

5.) Aling Foping’s Halo-halo: When craving for a cool treat to beat the heat, Filipinos instinctively think of the Halo-halo. This mixture of crushed ice, milk, preserved fruits and beans, leche flan (custard), ube (purple yam) jam, tapioca balls, gelatine, and a scoop, or two, of ice cream is served best at Aling Foping’s inside Matina Town Square (MTS) along MacArthur Hi-way in Matina. What makes their Halo-halo so special? They use purified water for the ice and shave it twice to create superfine ice shavings. When mixed with milk and other ingredients, it congeals to a consistency not unlike ice cream.

6.) Dinakdakan: If you are looking for some exotic fare, Goat’s Eye (located at Matina Town Square along MacArthur Hiway in Matina) must be your destination. They serve the popular Dinakdakan—an Ilocano dish of pig ears and cheeks, onions, pig’s brain, and some citrus—with a Davaoeno twist. This dish goes well with some beer or as a main dish with rice. Its citrusy kick offset by the creaminess of the sauce and crunch of the pork makes this dish explode in the palate.

7.) Osvaldo’s Cakes: This quaint shop is located inside the Legaspi Suites Compound along Pelayo (formerly Legaspi) St in downtown Davao. Osvaldo’s offers many different cakes, pies, and pastries but their Lemon Pomelo Pie truly stands out. Although Davao City is popular for growing the best Pomelos in the country, the fruit is rarely seen in pastries such as this. With a smooth consistency and a tangy kick, this is definitely the most exciting way to enjoy the Pomelo in Davao.

8.) Maja Blanca: Alright. So Maja Blanca isn’t exactly the most exciting dessert (or snack?) in the Philippines. But Cellar de Oboza, a Neo-Filipino resto at Rizal St corner Ponciano St has made it one of their bestsellers by fusing it with a popular Western dessert: the cheesecake. Their Maja Blanca Cheesecake provides a sensory overload as the creamy smoothness of the cheesecake is contrasted by the grainy texture of the corn. The sweet and salty taste of the whole dessert melds in your mouth. This makes for unforgettable treat that is truly worth the trip. As a bonus, you could also try many of Cellar’s different Neo-Filipino food offerings.

9.) Burgers: It may seem odd for tourists, but Davao City is slowly becoming a hub for local burger brands that are big in size and bigger in flavour. One of the favorites is Al’s & Robz Diner located along Ponciano St near the City Hall that serves American-style burgers that come in huge servings. They also serve really good strawberry milkshakes and a burger that ca feed twelve. For a more European take on the classic burger, De Boerderij may be your best bet. Located along MacArthur Hi-way in Matina, De Boerderij serves up unique burger creations and ups the fun ante with quirky dishes, hilarious menu humour, and a kitschy barnyard interior. Outkaz is the best choice for affordable burgers that come in huge servings. Located along Uyanguren St, this simple canteen is starting to make a name for itself as the new player in the local burger scene. Gino’s Burger is the latest toast-of-the-burger-town in Davao City. They offer crazy variations to the traditional burger which include Taco Burgers, Giant Burgers, Baconmush Burgers, Inferno Burgers, and Stuffed Burgers, all char-broiled to get juicy patties that are perfectly-seasoned. Visit Gno’s Burger at Sobrecarey St Barrio Obrero.

10.) E.Y.’s Tuna Davao: Located at #49 Lacson St Barrio Obrero, this simple joint boasts of the freshest and most budget-friendly seafood fare in Davao City. Only two years old, E.Y.’s has already made a name for one of the best seafood restos in the city. Try their Deep-Fried Crablets, Bihod (Tuna Roe), Sizzling Bagaybay (Tuna Testicles), or grilled Panga (Tuna Jowls). You could also buy Tuna Belly by the gram and have it cooked two ways: grilled, and as a soup.

Six Summer Soiree Suggestions

Six Summer Soiree Suggestions

To celebrate the season of sun, a true partyphile must throw a summer party. There is something about summer parties that inspire the party-lover in everyone. Perhaps, the casual and carefree vibe of the season works well with the idea of partying and enjoying the company of family, friends, and food.

To give you more summer inspiration, here are five summer party tips that are easy to pull off, affordable, and add a festive flair to your summer soiree.

1.)    Pop and Stir. Sparkling water is the perfect base for any summer drink. The fizz of sparkling water refreshes the palette, while the absence of sugar that is common in carbonated drinks keeps thirst away. To create the perfect summer refresher, simply squeeze some fresh citrus juice (Lemon/Lime/Calamansi) into a glass with ice then top it with some sparkling water. Add powdered sugar for some sweetness. Here’s the cute summer suggestion: instead of sticking a stirrer inside the glass, pop a citrus-flavored lollipop instead. This adds color, some sweetness, and novelty to your drink.

2.)    Sand in Hand: Desserts make your summer spread even more special, especially if your dessert-of-choice is kitschy and cute. To create cupcakes that are attention-grabbing and oh-so-summery, all you need are some unfrosted, store-bought cupcakes, store bought icing (or you can make some from scratch), crushed grahams, and some cocktail umbrellas. Add some summer flair to these dollops of cake by frosting them evenly with your frosting. Then, completely cover the frosting with crushed grahams to resemble sand. Finally, top the “sanded” cupcake with the cocktail umbrella, and your dessert is ready to be served.

3.)    Covered Cup: Outdoor parties are perfect for summer. Unfortunately, celebrating in the open also means that you have to come up with creative solutions to keep dirt, bugs, and dust away from your spread. One simple way to add beauty to your table while keeping your drinks bug-free is by using decorative muffin liners. Simply fold your cupcake liners crosswise and cut a slit in the middle of the liner. Then, run this through your straw with the bottom-side up. This could fit most slim highball glasses. Also remember to choose cupcake liners that come in colors to match the theme of your summer party.

4.)    Bandana Bonanza: Most people have a stock of safe and neutral table cloths that work well as a blank canvas for any party theme. One way of adding a quirky pop of color and instant attitude to your table during a summer party is by using several bandanas in lieu of table runners or place mats. All you have to do is arrange your bandanas over the neutral table cloth ad voila! Instant kitsch for your party. You may also use your bandanas to hold some party favors like pieces of candy or nuts by wrapping them up in a bun and securing it with a ribbon. This unexpected touch definitely adds some zing to your summer soiree.

5.)    Summer Spring: One of the easiest ways to add some summer appeal to your table is by creating flowers from cupcake liners and straws. All you have to do is choose two shades/colors of cupcake liners and run them (right side up) through a bendy straw by cutting a slit on the bottom. When done right, this will give the effect of bloomed flowers.

6.)    Gummy Dummy: Summer is all about fun and festive flair. It is also about a carefree attitude that brings us back to our childhood days when we were afforded the luxury of not going to school and enjoying all the sweet treats we want. One way of bringing back those times (while still staying interesting for your current age group) is by adding some alcohol to your favorite childhood snack: gummy bears! All you have to do is simply purchase a pack of gummy bears and pour some vodka over it. Let it rest for at least twenty-four hours and serve them chilled during your next summer party. What you get is pieces of reconstituted gummy bears that have grown in size while acting like a sponge and sucking up all the alcoholic goodness of vodka. This unique dessert/snack/cocktail is the perfect treat for a hot summer day.

Catch Confessions of a Partyphile (the radio show) on 105.9 Mix FM every Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. For comments, suggestions, and more confessions from this partyphile, log on to http://party.i.ph or follow the columnist on twitter.com/zhaun