My cousins, niece, and I met up for early dinner at Chung’s Korean Food House.

Tangsuyuk and more

We ordered my favorites. First, Cheese Tteokbokki for an appetizer. Which we always order. Next, Galbi Jjim which everyone loves. Who does not love a good beef stew, right?

I insisted we also order Pork Tangsuyuk. Tangsuyok is basically love sweet and sour pork which I love. I tried it once a few months ago and I love Chung’s Tangsuyuk. The chicken is fried crisp but not dry. The sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and sour. I prefer the sauce served on the side. And I just dip the chicken on it as I eat. It kinda addictive and definitely craveable.

We also Kimchi Bokkeumbap for my niece and Bong Bong Grape Soda for all. The soda is sweet and refreshing. A great drink to cut through the spiciness and richness of the dishes.

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Bingsu and more

Next, we had dessert at Cho-Nun Cafe. Our niece Gabby treated us to the Thai Sunset Shave. She wanted to order the Strawberry one but it was not available.

We loved the Thai Sunset. It was like having Thai milk tea-flavored ice cream.

Then, we went to Abreeza Ayala Mall. We dropped by Yoh Froz for some frozen yoghurt. I was looking for ice trays so we went to Daiso. They did not have any that time but I still ended up buying some stuff, mostly snack items.

Finally, we had coffee and tea at Knto Cinco along Lapu-Lapu Street. My favorites there are the Spanish Latte and the Kape Nata but I wanted to try something different so I tried the Honey Butter Cereal Latte. As expected, it was a bit too sweet for me. But it was great as a dessert coffee.

More: Video Diaries

All that in just one day. If we weren’t too busy, we would probably have more days like this. Eating, discovering new food shops, and cafe hopping have always been our thing. Along with table top games and mobile games. Maybe we should do at least one day of eating around a month? Yes?

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 Tangsuyuk, Galbi Jjim, and more [January 3 Davao Food Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

I am biased for chewy goeey kakanin made with glutinous rice flour. Palitaw, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta are some of my favorites. Along with cassava cake and pichi-pichi which are made from cassava flour instead of rice flour.

Yes, I also love suman and biko which has whole rice grains and puto and bibingka which are more cakey. But my heart and my palate are really for palitaw and the many variations of cooked glutinous rice flour.

I love the chewiness and the subtle sweetness of the palitaw, the contrast in texture provided by the coconut, and the added sweetness of the white sugar. And of course, the added crunch and taste from the toasted sesame seeds. It looks like such a simple rice cake. But there are so many layers of textures and flavors. Plus, a subtle smell of coconut and sesame seeds. Love, love, LOVE.

Palitaw Memory

I vaguely remember Tia Gloria, my maternal grandmother’s cousin, showing me how Palitaw is cooked. It was a random afternoon in Lola Onding’s house. Lola Onding is my maternal grandmother and I spent a lot of summer and other free days there. On on of those days, Tia Gloria was there and she was making palitaw. I found it interesting when she told me I would know palitaw is cooked when it would rise to the top. “Kaya palitaw.”

While I was not really close to Tia Gloria and I do not remember the day, the occasion, or why she was cooking palitaw. But that memory is one that always makes me smile.

Featured in the photos above are palitaw, sapin-sapin, kutsinta, and pichi-pichi by Stella’s Cuisine. Stella’s is my go-to local shop for kakanins for Holy Week and on any day I crave for palitaw and other kakanin.

How about you what is your favorite kakanin and where do you usually buy it?

This is my second entry (August 1) for the Davao Journal Circle’s August 2026 Art Prompts: Filipino Fiesta.

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 Palitaw, Sapin-Sapin, Atbp appeared first on Life with RIA.

Lechon reminds me of Sunday lunches. It was part of many Sunday lunches at my grandparents’ homes. (Actually, it still is.) We did not always have whole roasted pig, but it was always there.

Growing up, I spent Sunday lunches either with my paternal relatives in Obrero or at my maternal grandparents’ home in Juna. With my paternal relatives, we’d have lechon randomly. Even up to now. Usually a kilo or two from nearby lechoneros.

Lechon at Sunday Lunch

Meanwhile, the other side of the family was way bigger. So we would usually have a whole pirg or two, but usually lechon de leche which was smaller, with more tender and tastier meat. Most of my cousins aimed to get ribs. I preferred the belly meat under the ribs.

We spent most Sundays at my lola’s house. Lunch was at 12 noon because some family members would be attending the 11 am mass. At 12 noon, we would congregate at Lola’s house fo lunch, and most events and celebrations were done on those Sundays: birthdays, graduations, awards, Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Easter, etc. After lunch, my cousins and I would gather at Lola’s room or in our cousins’ room to watch the Sunday noontime show ASAP and the afternoon teen drama, Tabing Ilog. Sometimes, we’d go to the mall to watch a movie or just to hang out.

A whole roast pig was not always there every Sunday. But it was there whenever there was a reason to celebrate. It was also there on Christmas and New Year and most other special occasions. Even if it was not Sunday.

In the early days of the pandemic, one of my aunts sent me a kilo of lechon because it was my lola’s birthday and they bought one. Quarantine was strict, and there was no party. But they ordered pancit and lechon to be sent to family members.

We now rarely come together for Sunday lunch.

Personally, I work on most Sundays. Every now and then, we still gather for special occasions. And on most of those parties and gatherings, we still have lechon. Sometimes it’s a whole roast pig. When it’s extra special, it can also be lechon baka.

You can say Lechon is part of Filipino culture. For me, it’s part of my personal history, as well. It will always remind me of Sunday lunches.

What does a whole roast pig remind you of?

This is my first entry (August 1) for the Davao Journal Circle’s August 2026 Art Prompts: Filipino Fiesta.

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 Lechon appeared first on Life with RIA.

Not actually my first Journal coz I had a few in the past but my first one post-pandemic. And one I plan to keep and use.

Faber Castell

I bought a ton of coloring stuff and other materials from Faber Castell.

• Pen Set https://s.shopee.ph/7KkmF7yH4R
• Tri Colored Pencils – 24 colors https://s.shopee.ph/6AYor2AROP
• Coloring Pens – 20 colors https://s.shopee.ph/6AYor4V0r5
• Naturals Colored Pencils – 12 colors https://s.shopee.ph/20jFtSJsqC
• Dust Free Pastel Erasers https://s.shopee.ph/8fG9pk20xC
• Sharperner https://s.shopee.ph/1g6PUuJ3VC
• Metallic 1.5mm Calligraphy Pen https://s.shopee.ph/9zlXQFHnI302:15

Been using these for more than a year and I highly recommend the colored pencils.

More: Davao Events

Other Journaling Materials

• White Film Tape (PET) https://s.shopee.ph/3VY3fihfxC
• Social Media Frames https://s.shopee.ph/7KkmErZjWP
• Pastel Color Gel Pens 0.5mm https://s.shopee.ph/2fywgJmUuF
• Film Deco Tapes https://s.shopee.ph/5pvySAmlTZ
• Passport Size Notebook Inserts https://s.shopee.ph/8Uwjd7IMIP04:06
• PILOT FRIXION Frixion Slim 0.38mm https://s.shopee.ph/2fywg6rKuh05:08
• PAPER DIET Instagram: http://www.instagram/paper.diet07:26

Passport Journal by Fairytale Park Studio

I bought my first Passport Size Journal from my friend, Kim of Fairytale Park Studio.

It is a trifold journal made with PU Leather. I chose passport size because it can fit my bag and I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to commit to anything larger or more expensive.

Buy your own from the Fairytale Park Site: http://www.fairytalepark.com.

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 Passport Journal and my Journaling Journey – HAUL 1 [April 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

This was my first Patron of the Arts and my first time at Espresso Lab.

Patron of the Arts Davao Spring

Patron of the Arts or POTA is a Manila-based art market which occassionally organizes art markets in Davao and other cities. I believe their first Davao event was in 2024 but this was my first visit.

I thoroughly enjoyed going through each section but I had no real strategy going in. This was a problem because it became a bit overwhelming. There were a lot of artists and craft shops to visit. And way too many people. Plus, I was carrying my big work bag.

Fortunately, I had already reserved my picks from the catalogue of my favorite local artist Amberclopedia. I was also able to buy some stuff from other local artists and artists from out of town. And I met one of the artists who was one of my online mutuals, Marc M.

The next video is all about my POTA Spring 2025 Haul.

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Espresso Lab

I had heard so much about Espresso Lab during the height of the COVID pandemic but I never got to visit them.

I ordered Bacon Cream Pasta and Iced Coffee. Both were ok but nothing remarkable.

This was a triring day mostly because I lacked sleep and was carrying a big work bag. But I did enjoy POTA.

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 Patron of the Arts Davao Spring [April 26 2025 Davao Video Diary] appeared first on Life with RIA.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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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?

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