I ignored all suggestions for a free treat on my birthday because, well, I found myself broke after the Christmas frenzy. My finances haven’t recovered in time for my birthday. This is a bitter truth for January celebrants like me.

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