The U.S. Professional Tennis Association teachers came to Davao City to teach beginners. After Davao, they will be going to Cagayan de Oro, in the Visayas and finally in Luzon.

Organizer Elmer Dolera (extreme right) is responsible for bringing the American tennis teachers to Davao with the help of the U.S. Embassy, Cebuana Lhuillier, Coca-Cola, Jean Henri Lhuillier. Also shown are (left-right) this blogger, Davao Association of Tennis Clubs-Tennis Academy Foundation’s Alex Bernan and Carol Angel.(Photo by Delfin Yap)

USPTA’s Mark Allen emphasizes a point to a young participant as Brian Cunnif looks on.

USPTA’s Brian Cunnif with young participants.

USPTA’s Ted Sayrahder with a student.

Davao belongs to the Regional Area 8 along with Socsargen and Maguindanao.

Former national coach Jose Lipa met with Davao’s Division 1 teams on Wednesday night and discussed with coaches Allan Josol of DMMA College of Southern Philippines, Dindo Pastor of Jose Maria College, Mat Cubero of Agro Foundation College, Marlon Lucnagan of Rizal Memorial Colleges, Pocholo Elegino of Ateneo de Davao University and Atty.Manny Nitorreda of the University of Mindanao the details of the competition.

After the Davao swing, the top two squads will advance to the Mindanao finals to play against the best squads coming from other areas.

Cagayan de Oro City, he said, is interested to host the Zonals.

The national champion will get a chance to represent the Philippines to the Universiade competitions next year in Serbia, Lipa said aside from getting scholarship grants and athletic equipment.

The Champion’s League is presented by Rey D. Gamboa, chairman of the PCCL and sanctioned by the BAP-Samahang Basketbolista ng Pilipinas.

Tournament starts at exactly 8 a.m., according to tournament chairman Edgardo “Bing” Grandeza.

Weigh-in of players is on Saturday, 5 to 6 p.m., at the Moo Duk Kwan gym at Artiaga for the pairings of the players.

Gunning for honors are squads from San Pedro College, Davao Doctor’s College, Brokenshire College, DMMA College of Southern Philippines, University of Mindanao and host UIC.

The champions will advance to the Regional Eliminations on March 7 to 9.

The leaders tallied 3,012 pinfalls, followed by Digos Metro Lions Club at second with 2,911.

DC Capitol Lions Club came in at third with 2,886, followed by Mt.Talomo Lions Club with 2,819, DC Chinatown Lions Club with 2,751, DC Host Pag-Asa Lions Club with 2,528, DC Santa Ana Lions Club-B with 2,522, DC Silangan Lions Club with 2,461, DC Central Lions Club with 2,421.

Digos Metro Lions Club and DC Santa Ana scored the highest team single and double with 537 and 1,043 pinfalls, respectively.

Larry Regenio and Ninfa Daclan of DC Sta.Ana registered 137 and 119 pinfalls for the highest individual scorer awards. Daclan, who is also president of the Davao City Bowlers Association, took the doubles’ crown with 234 pinfalls.

Atty.Marc Anthony Fernandez of Digos Metro bagged the men’s side with 235 while Teody Abrenica of DC Capitol emerged with the highest pinning score of 93 while Neneng Libres of DC Host Pag-asa shared the honor with an 88.

Games will resume on March 1 and 8.

Featured teams are the Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs, Agro-Industrial Foundation College Sailors, Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders and the Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights.

The event is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission in coordination with the Sports Development Division-City Mayor’s Office and the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas XI.

PSC Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez will be on hand to grace the event along with Davao City Sports Coordinator Christopher “Bong” Go and BAP-SBP Regional Director Regino “Boy” Cua.

Holy Cross of Davao College Crusaders.

Rizal Memorial Colleges Bulldogs.

Ateneo de Davao University Blue Knights.

Agro Foundation College Sailors.

The company began in 1952 as a textile store and has grown since then into a continuously expanding corporation. The key to their success is their being people-oriented, keeping in mind good and sincere service internally and externally.

As part of their marketing efforts, a live Mannequin Show last February 9, 2008 was conducted at the NCCC Department Store levels 2 and 3. The Mannequins who showcased three sets of trendy and classic attires went around flaunting beauty and artistry. The models are part of the TeeNCCC Club with competition held annually.

Truly, the New City Commercial Corporation is continually giving its best to the people of Davao and of Mindanao.

Live mannequins flaunt it as they showcase latest fashion trends and classic promenade dresses at the New City Commercial Corporation Department Store last February 9, 2008

Anyhoots, my friend Mei halted my potentially fatal hibernation and jolted me with a KKB (kanya-kanyang bayad) birthday celebration—just the two of us since our binge buddy Lala abandoned us for Manila (sniff). Off we went, initially for some Japanese buffet at Zakoya but later succumbed to colonial mentality—Spanish Cuisine!

Hola España

Before I go full ditz on the dining experience, let me just stress one major requirement for this eat-out to happen: can I swipe it? Yep, just like many twenty-something broke gurlaloos like me; the plastic becomes our best friend in times of crisis and emergencies. Hola Espaňa said yes, and so I gave Mei’s suggestion a rigorous nod.

Hola Espaňa is one of the many establishments sprouting in the Damosa Gateway area. Living north of Davao before, I remember this area as dark and dusty but now, few years after (and still in Davao) the place has transformed into an upbeat and well-lighted strip with lots of commercial squares, including bars, restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, hotels and even a call center and McDonalds! Too bad I live south of the city now. My friend Mei though is still up north and has seen the buzz pick up in Damosa ever since she came back from Manila.

 For Meat Lovers

A Rat’s Dream

You might be surprised to see a deli inside Hola Espaňa. The restaurant’s set-up is pretty much like Swiss Deli across the street (same owner, probably). A variety of cheese and meat products were showcased, which gave the place a more laid-back, informal atmosphere despite the leather (faux)-bound menu. I did not particular care about this showcase because all that seemed to be miles away when I saw the nook on the right side of the restaurant: WINES. Mei and I would be too happy for a pajama party in that small nook, wouldn’t we Mei? Enough of the pipe dreams, let’s dig in.

After taking the longest time to order (as usual) our food choices for that night were: potato Idaho and spinach soup, paella negra, pescao en tomate and Spanish Omellette. It was our first time at Hola Espaňa so we really did not know what we were getting into. The waiters were pretty friendly, offering suggestions, helpful on our vanity (taking our pictures) and quick to refill our water glasses as dinner is regularly four hours long for me and Mei.

The Deli

Must Order this Soup

I feel though that the waiters were too friendly at times, bordering to intruding on privacy by asking personal information about us (where did you go to school, how old are you and the like). I am not sure if being very “friendly” is standard practice in Spanish restaurants, I’m not as exposed as others might be, but the “feeling close” tendencies of the waiters turned me off.
I wanted to protest when a couple—Japanese and Filipina diners—sitting next to us asked for their pictures taken by a waiter. The camera was a Polaroid kind. The Japanese diner was very generous to take a picture of the waiters, giving them the copy afterwards BUT for me, one waiter went overboard when he asked the Japanese customer to take a picture of him and Japanese’s Filipina companion. Ayayay, how rude! I wanted to give the waiter a piece of my foot but our food weren’t served yet so I kept my cool.

Back to the food. I insisted to be Pinoy even in a Spanish restaurant and had all our food served at one time. Mei and I dug in quickly, my mouth watered instantly at the taste of the potato spinach soup. The temperature was warm enough to sooth an empty stomach and the texture smoothly glided inside my mouth and down my pipes. I told Mei that next time we visit, I’ll sneak in rice and just order that soup (hihihi).

Paella negra is rice in squid ink. Hola Espaňa’s version could use a little more broth as it became a tad too dry as we ate but the squid’s taste remained strong without being offensive to the mouth. Be warned when ordering because one order of this, we realized later, was good for three to four people but we almost finished all of it that night—I blame my friend Mei for eating so much (my Pinocchio nose is growing teehee).

The Paella Negra

Our main ulam is pescao en tomate which is a fish meal. Mei and I so love this one too! The fish was very tender to the bite and the tomato-based sauce was not too strong to overpower the fish. Yum! Caution again, this one is a bit pricey but it has four huge slices of fish, which means it can be shared among four pips.

Fish and Tomato

We ordered Spanish omellette because I was craving for some scrambled eggs that night. Silly me, I forgot to request that the pork (bacon) be removed (I don’t eat pork). Mei told me though that it was very, very good. I hate Mei sometimes (hihihi, peace).

Mei Gets All the Spanish Omelette

As I mentioned earlier, our dinner at Hola Espaňa ran for four hours. Dinner becomes this long for Mei and I when the place is conducive for some catch-up talk, when room temperature is not too cold because of the aircon, if the loo is clean (very cool and clean in Hola Espaňa) and when the food is good. At Hola Espaňa, it’s a check for all four items and so we sat, talked and ate for four hours with only two trips to the loo.

Serious Eater

I would recommend Hola Espaňa for Dabawenyos who are by now, tired of eating chicken barbecues and all you can eat rice. Hola Espaňa is also good for families eating out on Sundays and special occasions as their servings are big and generous. For big families though, you might want to consider reserving tables ahead to make sure there are seats for everyone.

Need She Say More

While based on Davao standards, this eat-out was a bit expensive for two heads at Php1,200, I must stress that what we ordered was really good for four people and that means, 300 per head. Truly not bad at all for a resto that offers comfort for the mind and the stomach.

After swiping our dinner, Mei and I went home with happy memories.

Hmm, if only they’ll do something about the waiters.

Tongue Verdict:

Food

Service

Ambience

Price

What’s interesting about it is that, compared to the usual epiphyte orchids (or air plant orchids, those that hang on tree branches in rain forests), ground orchids adapted to the soil by having a different type of leaf. It’s leaf texture is like that of palm leaves rather than the waxy orchid leaves. It also is much thinner and more water proof. That way, they become more resilient to ground fungus and over-watering.

This experience has changed me the way I see concerts on DVDs. Being there at the Blue Stage for Rage Against the Machine was totally crazy. I did enjoy the band but I just can’t stand the crowd. “Bulls On Parade” just did it all for me as people were getting out for their lives. The “mosh pit” was so cruel that only the strong and big could survive. My experience of getting through the crowd for “Rage” has been a hell of an effort. I never enjoyed Silverchair as I was amongst the crowd, waiting to get in the Blue Stage. No space wasted as no fart can escape. Skin to skin, I was with the Aussies. Color, religion, gender or social status has never been an issue. All were for the chance to see Rage Against the Machine.

Anyway, here are some of the pictures and videos I have taken.

Click for BDO 2008 Photos

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The City Mayor’s Office team presents souvenir items to the visiting Australian Sports Ambassadors from Perth after their exhibition game at the Davao City Recreation Center. The Australians won, 95-63.DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION

City Sports Coordinator Bong Go of the City Mayor’s Office eludes Danny Cook of the Australian Sports Ambassadors, Thursday night at the Davao City Recreation Center. The visitors won, 95-63.DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION

An image of Vanda Sanderiana or what is commonly known as Waling-Waling. To me, they actually look like pink lions greeting the sun with their yawn.

Team captain Greg Beacham, a teacher in Perth, said that they have built relationships with Filipinos in Bukidnon Province where they also played a series of games.

They intend to have the same output after a series of games in Davao City with Brokenshire College, MATS College of Technology, and the Duterte Agilas-City Mayor’s Office led by City Sports Coordinator Christopher “Bong” Go.

Coach Jeff Long said that they were able to play and teach for several years but not only that, the Australians this year were able to help build a Children’s Home in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.

During the half time breaks, they conduct a Bible study for the spectators to learn more about Jesus.

“And it is very encouraging to know that people change for the better,” said Long on Thursday’s Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the Tower Inn.

The Australians will play their last games on Thursday and take a break on Friday before leaving back to Manila later in the evening.

Aside from from the six-foot-five Beacham and Long, the other Sports Ambassadors are 6′9″ Joshua Manthe, 6′4″ Giles Creelman, 6′3″ Paul Beacham, 6′3″ Mark Beacham, 6′3″ Danny Cook, 6′” Mike Valenti, 6′2″ Hedly Taylor, 6′0″ Brad Potts and 5′10 Rufo Cabunkal.

Australian Sports Ambassadors team captain Greg Beacham (center) explains the purpose of their visit to Davao City on Thursday’s DSA Forum at the Tower Inn.Also shown are playing coach Jeff Long (left) and their Davao coordinator Pastor Gary Visitacion.DAVAO SPORTSWRITERS ASSOCIATION