Book sale galore at National Bookstore

Got these at the book sale at
National Bookstore-SM Davao =)

I went to National Bookstore-SM Davao to look for Bob Ong's new book (Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin) because I'm a huge fan of Bob Ong's books. Searched their shelves but to no avail. Wala pa palang copies ng new book dito sa Davao. When I looked around, I saw a very attractive sign: BOOKSALE. I immediately went to the table and found plenty of interesting books. The prices were at 50 pesos and 100 pesos only. Ang daming magagandang books but I limited myself to five. Baka kasi hindi ko rin naman mababasa lahat. The books had a huge markdown. Here are the books with their original prices and current price:

**Ultimate Mandarin Chinese = from 705pesos to 50pesos

**Beatrice and Virgil (hardcover)  = from 745pesos to 100pesos (and mind you, this is a literary winner)

**Photography, 50 most influential photographers of all time (hardcover) = from 699pesos to 100pesos

**Pocket Vietnamese Dictionary = from 435pesos to 100pesos

**In-Flight Korean DVD = (no original price indicated) now only 100pesos

 I also got a noodles and stir-fries book at 74.75pesos, regular price.

See how much savings we get from book sale? This is why I really love book sale. ♥ I just wish National Bookstore will have price drop whole year round. ☺

Are you also a bookworm? Then head over to National Bookstore and maybe you'll have a great find, too, just as I did. Enjoy shopping! ☺

Free McDo Sundae Cone!

You'll get this card once you purchase a Globe prepaid
SIM at any SM Concierge/Information booth.
Take note, the SIM only costs 25 pesos. ;)

A friend asked me to buy a Globe SIM on her behalf. Since I was on my way to SM, I didn't mind and said yes. After running my own errands, I went to the SM Davao Concierge and got the Globe SIM there kasi naka-price down sila at 25 pesos na lang ang Globe prepaid SIM. Swerte dahil currently, Globe, McDonald's and SM has a current promo tie up giving customers a free Sundae Cone at McDonald's for every Globe prepaid SIM purchase. Yes, nakamura na sa SIM which is pre-loaded with some free text to all networks, may palamig pang kasama. I didn't use the freebie though since hindi naman ako yung gagamit ng SIM (and I already own a Globe SIM). =)

[Note: This blog isn't affiliated with Globe, SM, and McDonald's, nor was the blogger paid to promote Globe, SM, and McDonald's. The blogger just thought of sharing the good news. We all love libre naman, diba? =D]

Gervacio's Bakery

Snapshots of the place and the
Roast Beef Tenderloin Subs Sandwich

Recently, I've been preying on great deals presented as online vouchers. One of those was for a Roast Beef Tenderloin Subs Sandwich at a new snack bar in town, Gervacio's Bakery. Gervacio's Bakery is a sister company of Charlie's Bakeshop. Their very first branch is at Damosa Gateway, Lanang Davao City, just beside their sister company, Charlie's. They have a very attractive simple interior, minimalist style. Simple yet sossy. As usual, I always go check new places with either a relative or a friend. My visit to Gervacio's Bakery was with a friend, a fellow foodie. If you read my previous blogs, this is the first time that I'm not going to blog about pizza. Yes, it's not our usual snack but our trip to Gervacio's Bakery was sulit. Sulit because we got to taste one of their best seller sandwich and I got to visit a really pleasant place, plus their crew are very attentive. They seem to know good customer service pretty well. 

That day, while having our sandwich, more people arrived and ordered the same sandwich as we did. So, it made me think their Roast Beef Tenderloin Subs Sandwich might be their top seller sandwich. The Roast Beef Tenderloin Subs Sandwich was really tasty, cheesy, and full of goodness (because I really love lettuce on most sandwich, any sandwich that has meat). The only thing that we noticed was the gahi nga bread. We were hoping that it was more soft since it went with beef, but then maybe they opted for the healthier foods, hence the baguette. When it comes to prices, I personally think an average foodie will be willing to pay for their food prices. Probably just the same with other restos that offer the same food variety. Aside from the sandwiches, they also serve pasta, desserts, pastries and a whole lot more! They have plenty of food selections on the menu to choose from.

Overall, our Gervacio's Bakery experience whas okay. We weren't able to stay longer though because we still had somewhere else to go but our previous visit at Gervacio's Bakery definitely won't be the last. If you're looking for a place to chill, you might want to spend your afternoon at Gervacio's Bakery and have a bite of their good food. Anyway, their place isn't that far from the downtown area. If you'll ask me if their food is yummy, I won't give you a yes or a no. I recommend you try it yourself. ;-)

Pizza touched by an angel... Hans's Angel

Top Left to Right: Menu; Food Preparation Area
Middle L-R: The Godfather Pizza before it was cooked;
Smoked Chicken Veggie Salad
Bottom L-R: Watermelon Shake; The Godfather Pizza, cooked
(WARNING: It's really fully loaded, you might forget who you are
after tasting this yummy pizza. Hehe!)

These online vouchers have been the kuripots' haven for great finds and I'm one of those who checks on deals almost everyday. The most recent I checked on Davao deals, I got me some pizza vouchers for a this new pizza and pasta resto in Davao. The thought that it's a new place got me excited. After buying the voucher, I immediately told my fellow pizza monster and she's also excited to check the place. Another happy day for two pizza monsters as the voucher means visiting a new place, another pizza to taste. Yehey for us! Hehe! We set the date to "meet" the new place and agreed to meet at the mall near the place. I tried to search Google about the new place but still couldn't find much about it. Which gave me the idea that it must've opened just few days. I didn't even know the exact location as the voucher website didn't provide accurate map. Still I want to go there and thought we'll just look for the place when we get there.  And yes, we got a little lost at first because it's a new place, and the security guard didn't know about the place yet. He pointed us to another resto, which I know isn't our destination. But it didn't take long to find the resto. Merely 3-5minutes and we saw the huge tarp outside of the resto. Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta. Clap-clap went our pizza hearts as we're reaaaally excited with this new place.

We were warmly greeted by the owner, Hans and his dog, Buddy, when we got in. We told him we're going to use their online voucher. Kaulaw because I brought the wrong voucher with me, the one I brought with me was the one that's good for 4 voucher. Buti na lang Hans was so kind to still accept our voucher despite the voucher restriction. So he took our order, The Godfather Pizza (350 pesos). He told us that their servings are really generous but we insisted on having a large pizza (kaming 2 lang ng friend ko) and intend to order a bowl of pasta but he suggested we order salad instead. We chose the large Smoked Chicken Veggie Salad (190 pesos). He laughed and said we might end up with a huge tummy after dining, but we paid no attention to his remarks and pursued our orders. As for our drinks, we ordered watermelon shake (59 pesos/glass). Their price range are just fair enough for pizza lovers. For two persons na malakas kumain, pwede na ang budget na 300-500 pesos since may softdrinks in 1.5L bottle naman, but do order the smaller pizza kung dalawa lang kayo. Why? You'll find out, just read on.

Chika-chika, checking the menu for prospect orders when we come back the next time around, looking around the place, appreciating the beautiful interiors, and then the owner called us to take a look at our pizza before placing it in the oven. We said to ourselves, "kayang ubusin", but Hans's smile tells us otherwise. Few minutes later, our Smoked Chicken Veggies Salad was served followed by the Watermelon Shake. We were surprised by the how everything was prepared. The salad didn't have salad dressing, perhaps they used olive oil, and the watermelon shake didn't have sugar or any sweetener. Ang sarap ng healthy foods, hindi nakaka-guilty kumain nang kumain pag ganito. The way the salad and the shake was prepared excited us with how the pizza tastes. Kasi healthy ang salad at shake so siguro ganun din ang pizza, we thought. The our pizza was served. Immediately we helped ourselves with a slice and... with the first pizza slice, we already knew na hindi kaya ng dalawang tao lang ang large pizza! The crust is thin but isn't crispy, it's tasty! And the toppings are really fully loaded. So when they say it's for four, they really mean it. Unlike other pizza restos, Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta really mean what they say. So when they say it's for four, trust them with it. They don't serve substandard quality AND quantity. Meryenda lang talaga ang intention namin but with the amount of food that we had on our table, inabot kami ng dinner sa Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta. Medyo nahiya na nga kami for staying long, like 4 hours na siguro or more, but (another surprise) the owner likes it when diners stay longer than usual Pinoy style eat-and-go, and really appreciate the food.

Since inabot kami ng gabi, naabutan na rin namin si Angel, co-owner and Hans's wife. We had a wonderful chat with them plus we got to taste the wine that they'll be offering. It was only then that I realized that pizza and wine can go together, too. Usually kasi pizza and Mug rootbeer order namin. Mind you, for wine lovers, you will truly enjoy staying at Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta because of the affordable wine prices. A bottle of that wine that we had was yummy, has no strong alcohol smell and it's only priced at 200 pesos. It's such a steal! The price range, I can say after tasting their foods, are really reasonable. Their pizza is fully loaded, they use fresh veggies for their salad and their watermelon is freshly pureed. Sooobrang sarap, sooobrang nakakatakaaam! Aside from Pizza, Pasta and Salad, they have more to offer listed on their menu. I can't remember everything but I think it's better if you'll check it out yourself.

It was the happiest food trip for me so far that it took me long to create this blog. Sa sobrang dami ng good vibes, I'm still overwhelmed up until now. It's a place na hindi ka magsasawang balik-balikan dahil sa super yummy food, super sulit na price, and the happy environment the place have. Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta is definitely a great place for friends' bonding, family, barkada, teammates, workmates, classmates, schoolmates, at lahat na! The prices are just right, even for budget conscious like me.

Hungry already? Head over to and Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta and I'm sure the owners will be very glad to help you with your food orders. They're very nice to suggest food sizes (hindi sila nagsu-suggest ng hindi mo kayang ubusin, but they encourage take aways/take home para matikman din nga family). Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta is located at Victoria Plaza Compound, just near Ahfat 2. They're occupying the space that Farfalla Pasta used to occupy. Tambay and eat? No problem! They're open in the morning until 12 midnight. If you stay there the entire day, mabigat ka na pag-uwi. Hehe! Go go go and satisfy your pizza cravings. Go to Hans's Angel Pizza and Pasta today! =)

Ano raw? Handuraw!

Top left to right: Handuraw Special, Ube Ice Cream Cake
Bottom L-R: Handuraw Crew, The author with the chefs

My cousin knows I am a total sucker for pizzas and so, when she saw an online voucher deal on a certain website, she immediately informed me. Thanks to her, I got a voucher for Handuraw. Handuraw is a branch of a pizza parlor that originated in Cebu. They say that Handuraw means "the power to imagine". I may be a bisaya but the bisaya I know is Davao bisaya so I'm not realy familiar with other Cebuano bisaya. Handuraw also have several branches in Luzon (in Manila to be particular), and their most recent to date is the one that opened here in Davao, the only Mindanao branch, months ago.

I was so excited to go and taste their pizza that I invited my Tita and my cousin, a fellow foodie, to have a bite of their house specialty as soon as I got the voucher. I usually choose the house specialty whenever visiting a new pizza place. So when we got there, I ordered the Handuraw Special. While waiting for the food, aside from usual chika-chika, we looked around the place, took some snapshots, and read their menu. They also have happy hours for pizza, the famous buy-one-take-one for all pizzas, between 12 noon to 8pm. I personally think their prices are just the same with other pizza parlors, not much competition with the price, rather with the quality. Their only edge are (speaking before the pizza was served, before tasting their pizza) their buy-one-take-one happy hours are longer, they have artists playing at night time, and they close at midnight. Yes, midnight. So if you're craving pizza, you may drive to Quirino Street, or take a taxi ride.

After minutes of waiting, our pizza was served. All their pizzas by the way are thin and crunchy crust. Ours was really tasty that I can finish it by myself. The house specialty pizza is topped with Italian Sausage, Ham, Bacon, Pepperoni, Onion, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes, Black Olives,  Mushrooms, Mozzarella Cheese, and Spices. Thin crust pizza lovers would definitely go gaga with their house specialty. And as for pizza monsters like me, you'll definitely want more servings during your visit. Hehe! After pizza, we wanted to try their dessert. We ordered other dessert then but wasn't available so we ordered the ice cream cake. It must be a best-seller as well since at that time, there's only one ice cream cake left. Good thing we were still able to taste their ice cream cake. It's like having a dessert minus the guilt kasi hindi gaanong matamis. (Dili bidli, in our term.)

Now pizza addicts have a lot of choices. If you're curious about Handuraw, don't deprive yourself and find out all about Handuraw. Visit them at Quirino Street, beside Jip's Catering. If you opt to call before going there, they'd be glad to take your reservations. You may reach them at 0922-8942978 or at 3054848.

On another blog...

It's been a while since I posted my last blog and with that time, I've been to few restos already making it harder for me to blog about all of them. Hehe! So, here's a reaaaally short entry that shall be changed or followed after I finish my draft about another pizza parlor. Well, yes, another pizza parlor but... I really can't resist pizza. And another about a bakery which offers tasty snacks, really tasty. So, keep posted about my next pizza and other snack blog entries. ;-)

Budget Pizza? Pizzakaya yan!

Pizzakaya at Lachmi Food Court,
San Pedro Street, Davao City

Been trying around different pizzas for quite some time and I haven't seen any negative thing about pizza. Masustansya dahil maraming gulay! Unless you're for the all meat pizza, of course. Hehe! My first pizza love is Mommy's Pizza which I already blogged about. I've been looking all over Davao for Mommy's Pizza but I really haven't found a single stall anymore. Few years back, during my college days, I saw this stall at Lachmi. Pizzakaya. "Cool! Another pizza parlor," I thought. The place looks like the prices are for people who are on low budget so I went in and asked what their best seller is. The lady said Italian Deluxe has always been their customers choice. So I ordered an Italian Deluxe combo meal consisting of four pizza slices and a cup of Iced Tea. Well, very budget-friendly indeed as their combo meal only costs 35 pesos.

Italian Deluxe Combo Meal:
4 slices of pizza and a cup of Iced Tea

When I tasted their pizza, it somewhat reminded me of Mommy's Pizza only that, Pizzakaya's crust is thinner. I fell in love with their pizza that I frequented Lachmi just because of Pizzakaya. I even brought friends and relatives with me so they, too, will enjoy the good food that I enjoy. Pizzakaya also have other pizza flavors, too, like Hawaiian, and Ham and Cheese. I can't remember them all but I'm sure they're equally good as Italian Deluxe. All their combo meals, regardless of pizza flavor, are priced at 35 pesos only and their pizza sold by the box (eight slices in a box), has the price range of 75 pesos to 90 pesos. Maybe that's why they go by the name Pizzakaya, because their pizza are all abot-kaya (affordable, in English ) for everyone. If, like me, you also miss Mommy's Pizza and you want to have a bite or more again, then Pizzakaya is the answer to our prayers!

Mind you, I could eat up the eight slices by myself, that's how tasty their pizza is. Please don't take my word for it, go try Pizzakaya yourself. I believe Pizzakaya has 2 branches only. One at Lachmi Food Court, San Pedro Street, Davao City and at City Triangle, C.M. Recto Street, Davao City. Tara!