Apl of their eyes

“Apl of their eyes”

Sun.Star Davao, Nov. 7, 2015

In this world of “me, myself and I”, it is truly heartwarming to know that an internationally renowned Grammy Award-winning artist such as the Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.ap would choose to generously give back to the Philippines through his Apl.de.ap Foundation International.

Admirably, education is the first priority of the foundation. It has built a music studio and computer lab in the two schools that Apl attended in his hometown of Sapang Bato, Pampanga: Sapang Bato National High School and Holy Angels University. These facilities provide opportunities for disadvantaged Filipino children to unleash their musical and technology talents. The initiative also includes the development of teacher training modules, a mentoring program and educational scholarships.

Currently, the foundation sponsors 14 scholars at the Angeles University and participates in the Department of Education’s initiative to build new schools especially in far flung and hard-to-reach areas of the country. To date, it has built 15 new schools including one in the war-torn area of Zamboanga.

Recently, Apl.de.ap came to Davao City bearing good news. Through his Apl.de.ap Foundation, “The Campaign for Filipino Children” was launched at the Southern Philippines Medical Center. The foundation’s first healthcare initiative is to tackle the issue of eyesight preservation, specifically addressing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), one cause of childhood blindness in the Philippines which affects thousands of children annually.   

Apl, being born with nystagmus (a condition of involuntary eye movement that results in limited vision), can very well relate to this campaign. He is considered legally blind.

The campaign’s approach is “to assist the medical community in the Philippines through five regional/provincial hospitals to increase the capacities of these regions to adequately diagnose ROP, an affliction among pre-term infants that can cause lifelong blindness if not addressed within 48 hours of birth/diagnosis”.

During the campaign launch, Apl.de.ap and his collaborators donated a state-of-the-art brand new Retcam TM Shuttle diagnostic equipment to the SPMC to properly screen ROP. The cost of the machine? A whopping US$125,000 or approximately Php 5.6 million.                                          

The notable list of collaborators for this campaign includes the Philippine Academy of Opthalmology; Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through its Vision Center-Dr. Thomas C. Lee; WesternUnion.com as presenting sponsor; and Knights Templar Eye Foundation.

After the launch, the members of the media were able to have our chance to interview Apl privately.

I asked Apl to share a little information about his upcoming children’s book under the “Dream Big” series by my friend Ms. Yvette Fernandez.

“Basically, Yvette and I just hung out and I just told her my life story about growing up; farming; coming from humble beginnings; and delivering ‘uling’ (charcoal) throughout the neighborhood for my mom. She would package them and I was the delivery boy. I used to deliver water which I pumped, two gallons of water with the ‘timba’ (pail). So I would deliver water in my neighborhood for a peso per delivery. The book tells my story growing up in Sapang Bato”, Apl smiles.

For someone so accomplished in his impressive career as a rapper, record producer and celebrity judge of The Voice Phils., I am awed beyond measure on how Apl is still so down-to-earth and proud of his roots.

If there is a true star I would like my children to look up to, it would be this guy who has significantly changed the lives of many young Filipinos, making him the “Apl of their eyes”.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com. 

Cooking up family memories at Yakimix

"Cooking up family memories at Yakimix"

Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 24, 2015

A young man on bended knees asks for his longtime girlfriend’s hand in marriage while the diners and staff cheer enthusiastically in support.

Pulling out a saxophone, a bespectacled guy suddenly plays enchanting love songs to a charming lady during their family lunch. It was her birthday, after all, and the hubby wanted to make her day extra special by secretly requesting a friend to serenade her. This sweet gesture surely earned brownie points for the thoughtful mister.

Certainly, these are not everyday scenes you would encounter in a buffet restaurant. But, in two years, Yakimix Davao has been a happy witness to countless family occasions such as birthdays, wedding anniversaries, reunions, graduations, and even holiday get-togethers like Christmas and New Year.

“Eating has always been and still is a source of bonding among friends and most especially, families.  We truly believe that it is during mealtime when we sit down together to enjoy food and each other’s company that we get to bond, connect and learn from one another”, says Yakimix Davao CEO Wilson Bangayan. 

“Nothing beats spending time eating with family and friends as we talk face to face and share stories, more so in this digital age, when communication has been reduced to sending messages via gadgets.  And here at Yakimix, we advocate this by creating those precious moments into a more unforgettable dining experience with our fusion of Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Filipino food”, he continues.

Wilson is truly grateful that Yakimix Davao has been doing well in the market for the past two years. He observes that Dabawenyos keep coming back for the experience of personally grilling Yakimix’s wide selection of pre-marinated beef, chicken and seafood dishes.

Their built-in smokeless grill located at every table is such a hit because it does not leave customers with “smokey”-smelling clothes. The name, Yakimix, is derived from the Japanese word, “yaki”, which means, grilled, broiled or pan-fried and the word “mix” or put together.

In addition, their Hongkong chef introduces new dishes on a regular basis, especially during holidays when a lot of people from out-of-town visit Davao City. These new specialties include their lip-smacking Imbao Shell Soup, Steamed Scallop with Garlic and Vermicelli, Sizzling Tuna, Pan Grilled Chicken with Laurel Leaves and Sauteed Tofu with Shredded Chicken.

Aside from these, the Spicy Crispy Shrimp, Crab Sotanghon, Korean Chapchae, Lechon Kawali, Grilled BBQ with different Asian sauces, Fresh Salmon and Tuna, and the Make-Your-Own Sukiyaki Soup remain as the loyal customers’ all-time favorites.

“For our anniversary promo, Yakimix Davao is giving out a Food Lovers Privilege Card worth Php880 which can be used for their succeeding Yakimix dining experience.  For every Php2,000 worth of meals, the customer will be given this card, which will entitle him to a 10% discount for cash transactions and 5% discount for credit card transactions – on his succeeding visits.  This promo has been extended until the privilege cards are consumed”, announces Wilson.

Yakimix Davao is located at the 2^nd Floor of Abreeza Mall, J.P. Laurel Ave., Davao City.  Contact details:  (082)-2853333; (082)-3212333; 0917-3053333; 0925-7430333. Operating hours:  Lunch -11:30am – 3:00pm; Dinner - 5:00 -10:00pm. Rates:  Weekday Lunch – Php 499;  Weekday Dinner and Weekends – Php 599. Children 3-4.5 feet are given a discounted rate of Php 299 and free dining for children below 3 feet.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.

Dimsum break in Davao

“Dimsum Break in Davao”

Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 10, 2015

The festive sound of beating drums and the energetic moves of the lion dance welcomed Dimsum Break’s customers as it opened its doors at Gaisano Mall of Davao recently.

           

“Launched in 1996, the very first Dimsum Break branch introduced the interactive or fast food style of serving dimsum in Cebu breaking away from the customary wait service. This kind of service meant that all customers can simply order their food at the counter and personally get their dimsum favorites, pay at the cashier and be on their way to enjoy the food, be it in-store or out. The senses of sight and smell were teased by the colorful, appetizing and aromatic display of dimsum dishes”, shares Dimsum Break Davao franchisee Mark Kho.  

The combination of great food and simple, fast and interactive service proved to be a hit! Dimsum Break soon became the go-to place for a quick, hot, delicious and affordable meal.

Proudly Cebuano

“Dimsum Break is one of the restaurants under Harbour City Dimsum House Co., Inc. which traces its roots to its very first restaurant brand, Ding How. Opened in 1969, Ding How introduced the concept of an all-day dimsum dining concept in Cebu. The enthusiastic market acceptance and reception subsequently led to the development of the group's other brands, which include Ding Qua Qua (1987) and Harbour City (1993)”, relates Mark.

He explains that “Harbour City is the quintessential tea house concept, with dimsum dishes being wheeled straight to customers' tables in time-honored dimsum carts and trolleys.  Ding Qua Qua, on the other hand, offers the Great Dimsum Buffet, an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner offering”.

Today, the Dimsum Break branch network has grown to 11 stores in Cebu, 1 store each in Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan, and now Davao, for a total of 15 stores.  The Davao branch is the 20th store of the entire Harbour City Group.

Family comfort food

“When visitors to Cebu ask what local favorites they should try, the Original Steamed Fried Rice is usually one of the recommendations.  After eating the dish, many of them become fans, and a stop at any Ding How, Ding Qua Qua, Harbour City and Dimsum Break branch becomes part of the itinerary on their next visit”, Mark reveals.

He narrates that “the famous Original Steamed Fried Rice was created in the kitchen of Ding How. Its rather unique name came from the way the dish is prepared.  The rice on which the sauce toppings rest is actually cooked and seasoned by itself, similar to fried rice.  Back in the day, this fried rice was already portioned in the iconic rice pots and placed in steamed cabinets.  Only when customers placed an order was the sauce toppings ladled over the rice”.

“Since the Original Steamed Fried Rice was created during a time when restaurant dining was reserved only for special occasions, Cebuanos grew up eating it.  One could say that this simple but unique dish has become Cebuano comfort food, one that evokes many a happy memory of dining with family and friends”, Mark smiles.

Dimsum in a snap!   

“Although it presents dimsum dining in a more contemporary and modern setup, Dimsum Break pays homage to the traditional and authentic recipes.  The Original Steamed Fried Rice is the perfect anchor that ties together all other dimsum dishes”, proudly declares Mark who is a first-time owner/franchisee of a restaurant.

“The different varieties of Shaomai (Shrimp, Quail's Egg, Mushroom, and Bacon) are made the traditional way such that with each bite you can taste pieces of meat and shrimp.  Other steamed dimsum favorites include Chicken Feet, Empress Roll and Steamed Chicken.  These dishes are perfectly paired with Ginger Sauce and Chili Sauce, all of which are made in-house”, he points out.

“For fried dimsum, the favorites are Spring Rolls, Sweet and Sour Pork, Crab Pincers, Stuffed Shrimps, Stuffed Taro and Fried Wantons.  These dishes, on the other hand, are best enjoyed with Dimsum Break's signature Sweet and Sour Sauce”, Mark continues.

“I’ve been a fan of Dimsum Break's cuisine since I was young.  Whenever I visit Cebu, I never miss going there.  I believe Dimsum Break will be a welcome addition to Davao's dining scene, and I hope Dabawenyos and their families will learn to appreciate and love the good food that Dimsum Break is known for”, enthuses Mark.

Dimsum Break is located at the Upper Ground Floor, Gaisano Mall of Davao and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. For inquiries, you may contact (0917)5323275.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogsot.com.