This was such a tiring day. Tiiiiiring? Eme.

Pre-Easter Event at Three Yards

This was our first big public event at Three Yards, a Pre-Easter Creche.

Before going to Three Yards, I dropped by Taters along Tulip Drive (Carlos Villa-Abrille Drive). I picked up the popcorn we ordered for the event.

We had two batches of kids coming in and unfortunately, it rained towards the end of the first session. Good thing the organizers were able to adjust accordingly.

To know more about Three Yards, visit the Three Yards Website.

More: Davao Events

&Matcha

I also had a brief meeting with my assistant Aubrey that day. And I spent a lot of time at &Matcha.

Started with a Yuzu Espresso. Light. Bright taste. Perfect for citrus lovers.

Later that day, I tried the Roasted Rice Matcha. I like the mouthfeel of this. The taste is less vegetal and a bit sweeter than most matcha latte drinks I have had since. This is currently my go-to matcha order.

The main branch of &Matcha is located in Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao.

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Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Pre-Easter Event at Three Yards [April 13 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

The day started at &Matcha. We had a brief meeting there. I had a Yuzu and White Peach Matcha which was refreshing and light. Perfect for when the weather is stifflingly hot and humid.

Pulled Pork

Next, we had dinner. And we decided on Aulson’s Cafe again. I was hungry so I ordered their Pulled Pork.

The Pulled Pork was super tender and savory. It was salty, a bit sour and just a tinge spicy. The peppers on top complemented the pork’s taste and texture. But the pickled onions were too intense for me. The sauce on the side made the dish even better.

The Herb Annato Rice was tasty but a tad bit too greasy for me. The pork itself was pleasantly unctuous but the oiliness of the rice just made it too much.

The entire serving was a good value for money. I will probably order it again soon.

Mucca’s Buttercream Cake

And for dessert, mocha again.

This time, we had the Mucca’s Buttercream which is basically a mocha cake with mocha buttercream. It is a refined mocha cake with fluffy cake with rich and smooth mocha frosting. Really good for mocha lovers like me.

More: Davao Cafes

Aulsons Cafe is located in Benjie Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina.

That’s it for April 12.

More: Video Diaries

Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Pulled Pork and Mocha Again [April 12 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Hey there! It has been a week or so. Right?

Been working double time on my backlogs on this blog, on my other blogs, and on my various channels and social media platforms, as well. Make sure to go through my video diaries and entries here and on my other blogs.

I will finish my backlogs soon. Trust.

All the while working on tasks for my clients. Busy yern?

Plus, managed to finish a few books. Unfortunately, I have not had time for movies and series. Also very little progress on my fiction projects.

Really have nothing much else to say.

See you tomorrow.

The post Hey! appeared first on Life with RIA.

Teriyaki Sandwich

First, I had the Teriyaki Slaw Sandwich.

Their brioche bun is superb. Pillowy soft and buttery. And the Chicken Teriyaki was tasty but a bit dry. The slaw was crisp with a good dressing. It complemented the chicken well. And I love the chips.

I also liked the Spanish Latte I ordered. I thought it was a great late lunch.

Mocha Tres Leches

But it was about to get even better.

I still dream of this Mocha Tres Leche. Honestly, better than most Tiramisus I have had. Technically, it is not a Tiramisu. Duh. But the layers of mocha cake, cream, and cocoa powder certainly taste and feel close to a good Tiramisu. If you love mocha and all things coffee, you have to try this.

More: Davao Cafes

Aulsons Cafe is located in Benjie Street, Juna Subdivision, Matina.

We ended up at Kopi Lah Roti again where I had their Hot Chocolate and we played Pokemon Go.

That’s it for April 10.

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Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Sandwiches and Mocha Tres Leches by Aulsons [April 10 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Obrero Cafe Hopping Stops

I included three stops in our Obrero Cafe Hopping session:

• Kiks,
• Balay Coffee, and
• Koop Cafe.

Kiks

First stop was Kiks.

I have never been to this cafe but posts of this cafe showed a homey vibe. And the photos did not lie. The cafe is narrow and gave off the vibe of a family room or living room.

The meetup started with informal introductions. We had quiet time for reading and journaling. I read The Hunger Games and Days at the Morisaki Bookstore.

Then, we proceeded with chatting and getting to know each other more. I am glad it went well. Need to work on planning things out but it turned out ok, I think.

Balay Juice and Coffee

Next, a quick stop at Balay Juice and Coffee.

Balay was one of my cousin’s favorite go-to spot for coffee in Obrero during the height of the pandemic. A few times, she would buy Spanish Latte for me. And they were my favorite. This time, I tried the Iced White Mocha. It is a bit too sweet for my taste, but still ok.

This stop had more participants joining in so it was the biggest group we had. Unfortunately, we could not stay long because we had to move to the last stop.

More: Davao Cafes

Koop Cafe

Last stop was Koop Cafe.

By then, I had more than enough caffeine for the day so I opted to order pasta. I wanted the Puttanesca but I have already tried that so I ordered Scampi this time. It was perfectly savory but there could have been maybe 1 or 2 more pieces of shrimps to make it sulit. I would recommend their Tomato and Basil Pasta. And of course, you cannot be at Koop Cafe and not try their crepes.

The entire Obrero Cafe Hopping session was fun and inspiring. It was my first time meeting so many new people all at once in a while. And writing about it now makes me want to organize the next Cafe Hopping. I still have the itineraries for what I was planning before work rudely got in the way.

Where to next?

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Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Obrero Cafe Hopping [April 9 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

First, my niece and met up at &Matcha for… matcha.

This time, I had Hojicha which is still my favorite, by the way. Nowadays, I order more Matcha Lattes but Hojicha’s dark and nutty taste holds my heart.

While having our matcha, I tried to do some reading but my niece is a yapper like me.

Analogue Cafe

Next, we visited Analogue Cafe which is just nearby.

I had the Iced Cafe Latte which had a good shot of espresso for only P140. The cookie was chewy which I like. I love how the owners do everything in this cafe and the vibe is retro but not pretentious.

Plus, they have an awesome view of the sunset.

Another cafe I would like to visit again soon.

After this, we went to Tio Noning’s for my cousin’s 50th Birthday.

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Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post &matcha and Analogue Cafe [April 5 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Book Club Meetup

I recently joined the Davao Book Club on Reddit.

I saw that they occasionally do meetups and I volunteered to host this one. A lot of people signed up, so I ended up breaking it into two separate sessions. I enjoyed hosting this. I should probably host another one soon or join a reading session.

For the first session, I had an Espresso Oatmilk Latte. I needed a good boost of caffeine. I was reading Tikim by Doreen Fernandez. On my tablet, I was reading The Hunger Games.

After the event, I ordered Tigress Matcha to go. It had caramel with the matcha. It was ok but I still prefer the Strawberry Matcha.

If you are interested in joining a Book Club, you may check out Davao Book Club on Reddit or Instagram or the Silent Book Club Davao.

WP Assembly

Meanwhile, a WordPress Davao Assembly was ongoing at the Three Yards Main Hall.

It was refreshing to be part of a WordPress event again even if I just dropped in and out of the event.

Three events in one day. I do not know why I did this to myself, honestly.

More: Video Diaries

Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Book Club Meetup and WP Assembly [March 29 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Yoga

First, work. The yoga event is organized by Chiron Activewear, a local brand. The session was led by Chrizza of Vira Yoga. We started early and the event also ended early.

Three Yards is located along Casiana Villa-Abrille Street in Juna Subdivision, Matina. For more information, visit threeyards.net or contact them at book@threeyards.net.

While the event was on going, I had Strawberry Matcha again. By this time, I have already started reading again and I was reading Days at the Morisaki Bookshop on my tablet.

Frozen Yogurt and Tacos

After the event, we went to Kuya Andrew’s house for lunch.

We had superb, savory, fatty pork adobo with quail eggs. And for dessert, binignit. Salivating right now.

Later that afternoon, we went to Yoh Froz at The Compound.

I tried Milo and Cheesecake as toppings. I think I still prefer fruits as my main topping for frozen yoghurt.

Next, we had dinner with our niece Gabbie at Fabian’s Pizza.

I wanted to try something different so I ordered Papi’s Al Pastor Tacos and it was so good. It was just a bit messy to eat but worth the mess and the hassle. I have not had that in a while. We should eat at Fabian’s again soon. I also miss their burgers.

Banana Pudding Again

Next, we had a meeting at Confex. I ordered an Iced Spanish Latte which was becoming my go-to order. (Check out my cutie Starter Pokemon Stickers.)

It’s not in the vlog but we also dropped by Three Yards that evening.

Final stop was Kotetsu by Wood and Coffee. This time, Gabbie wanted to try the Banana Pudding Matcha Latte. I did not order anything anymore since I was already so full.

Kotetsu and &Matcha are on our list of Best Matcha Bars in Davao. Kotetsu is located along CM Recto Street in the Poblacion area.

More: Video Diaries

Publishing more video diaries in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Yoga, Frozen Yoghurt, and Tacos [March 15 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Coffee Brewing

During the height of the pandemic, I was accustomed to brewing my own coffee. But most of the time, it was just me operating the coffee machine without much thought. I wanted to join the Coffee Brewing Sessions at Glasshouse because I found them interesting. Unfortunately, the schedule did not always match with mine. Fortunately, I finally had the opportunity to join last March.

The session I attended was a special Women’s Brewing Roundtable, a special session for Women’s Month. This was an interesting session, albeit overwhelming. I learned a lot from it and I am now more interested in coffee brewing. Hope to join more brewing sessions more.

During the session, I tried their Flat White and the Brown Butter Banana Cake.

This was a great combination for a light brunch. Would have loved something savory but the Banana Cake was calling me and I do not regret trying it.

Glasshouse Coffee is located in the Oboza Compound along Rizal Street in Poblacion, Davao City. It is in the same compound as Tola.

Farmers Market

Next stop: The Farmers Market at Rizal Park.

I have been meaning to visit the Farmers Market at Rizal Park but I was always too lazy to do it. Since Glasshouse Coffee is near Rizal Park, I took the opportunity to visit the market after the Session.

I enjoyed checking the fresh produce and talking to the farmers selling their products. Unfortunately, it was a Friday afternoon so most of their products were already gone by then. I still managed to get sweet potatoes, eggplants, avocadoes, citrus, and lettuce.

If you want to check them out, they are at Rizal Park every Thursday and Friday.

More: Video Diaries

Publishing more of these in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Coffee Brewing and the Farmers Market [March 14 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

Strawberry Matcha

I have always avoided matcha after I tried it in college. But I have so far loved Hojicha and Black Matcha. And my cousin urged (more like forced, actually) me to try Strawberry Matcha and I liked it. So on this day, I ordered Strawberry Matcha.

I think this is the first matcha drink I truly enjoyed. Some may say it’s cheating because it has Strawberry. Maybe so but I was sincerely happy to be enjoying matcha for the first time. And all the while we were at a work meeting, by the way.

I had another glass of Iced Pourover Coffee as my second drink.

&Matcha is on our list of Best Matcha Bars in Davao. They are located at Three Yards, Casiana Villa-Abrille Street, Juna Subdivision. Their main branch is in Cabaguio Avenue.

Dani’s Palace Shawarma and Grill

For dinner, we headed to Limaria for Dani’s Palace Shawarma and Grill.

Dani’s is one of our go-to restaurants. And the Chicken Biryani is one of our favorite dishes there. We also ordered a side of their Beef Kofta. And both did not disappoint. I love how well-seasoned and well-cooked the chicken was. Juicy, tasty, and tender. And the rice was fluffy and flavorful. Plus, the serving was huge for the price. And we just had to order additional garlic sauce.

Chicken Biryani by Dani’s Palace is one our list of January 2025 Recommendations.

We dropped by Yesterdays Coffee + Bar for a dose of caffeine.

Dani’s Palace and Yesterdays are located at Limaria along Maa Road in Maa, Davao City.

More: Video Diaries

Publishing more of these in the coming days. So come back again soon.

Do not forget to follow my Youtube Channel at youtube.com/DiyosaLifeTV and on TikTok at tiktok.com/@riajosedavao. Follow me on social media to know my recommended books, movies, series, and other interesting stuff. Here are my accounts: Facebook Page at fb.com/RiaJoseDavao, Instagram @riajosedavao, and Twitter @riajose.

The post Strawberry Matcha and Biryani [March 10 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.