Jomar Dai

06/01/2025

𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 & 𝗝𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼. - 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆

A very late “Balay 3rd Anniversary” post, celebrating the art of “Aeropress” together with , , , and the humans of coffee

but I think “Happy Anniversary Balay” should be a expression or emotion for us to celebrate happiness and dedication not only during the day of Anniversary but also throughout the goodness of life. Let's not forget to rejoice for how beautiful life is if we continue to trust the process

The Champion for this Aeropress Competition, Ma'am Shing's .gnihs hardwork and dedication have always inspired me to do better not only about coffee brewing but also progressing in life. She has also been one of the biggest role model for many aspiring people. One of my biggest dream will be facing her in competitions one day. Thank you for the opportunity and blessing

20/07/2024

I've always thought of “What makes a coffeeshop really good?” or pwede nimo balik-balikan?

Specialty grade coffee beans?
Aesthetic design/drinks?
Friendly staff/owner?
Good service?

We may not have common opinion regarding about that but one thing we could commonly agree with is “friendly staff/owner”. Just by how many familiar faces I see whenever I visit Darkk Coffee tells so much story

Object Depot

18/07/2024

“𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 - Hijo Resorts Davao”

If I were to use a song to describe this place, the harmony of “Last Memory - Jurrivh” would best fit the description

Somewhere hidden around San Isidro, lies a beach resort located inside a banana plantation. It was like a peaceful encounter of lovers in Paris. The wind resembles like a gentle kiss on my forehead. The way the water washes your stress away is so soothing. I like how the sound of the nature captivates my heart. It brought tears in my eyes since when I was a little kid, I used to play by the pool surrounded with my family and relatives. It was like a transition of the past and present. When I close my eyes, all I could feel was being overwhelmed with the future

“Balang isang araw, ako ay uunlad”

“Balang isang araw, sana pwede ko na ma enjoy ganitong tanawin araw-araw”

“Balang isang araw, sana masama ko ang pamilya ko sa tagumpay”

“Balang isang araw, sana makaupo ako kasabay sa aking kasintahan sa may dalampasigan at panoorin ang paglubog ng araw”

I never expected life would bless me with so much opportunities and riches. Thank you for the nice experience Banana Beach, Hijo Estate Resort, Madaum, Tagum City and I know someday, I should share my blessings to people who deserve it. Whenever I see the mountain across the waters, I would be reminded that there is alot more I should be excited about life. This is not the last memory but a memory that would welcome many hopes and dreams of the future. Keep working hard!

P.S: Ganda ng view, kulang nalang partner/model noh? 🤨

18/06/2024

“𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗜 𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗲?”

Its been a long time since I want to tackle about this topic. As a kid, I've always looked up to successful people. Sometimes I even imagine myself in their shoes. What does it feel like to spend money without looking at the price? What does it feel like to be praised by many people? What does it feels like to be truly happy? Every night, I constantly question myself, “What should I achieved by this point?” or “Should I have this by this age?” especially by age 24 where everyone is close to marriage or even have high income businesses of their own

“May girlfriend na pala siya”
“Uy si kuan lapit na pala kasal nila”
“Uy si kuan may doctorate degree na”
“Uy may malaking negosyo na pala si kuan”
“Nag vacation trip naman sa Japan si kuan”
“Ganda ng sasakyan ni kuan”
“Dami na niyang followers, famous na pala siya”

Habang ako naman ngayon nananatiling single at wala pang nagawa sa buhay, lagi ding selos na selos sa may kasintahan at kayamanan ng iba. Napaisip ako ano ba talaga ang standard ng buhay natin? Bakit ang layo pa ng pag-unlad ko sa kanila?

“Traysikel driver na may dalang chicharon?”

Nung Martes, nakasakay akong pedicab na yung driver nagbebenta ng chicharon. Simpleng bagay naman pero bakit parang proud akosa kanya? Tinanong ko siya bakit nagtitinda ka ng chicharon sa traysikel mo. Sinabi niya,“kailangan ko kasi paaralin ang mga kapatid ko. Kahit na maliit lang yung kita basta may natutunan ako at may nagawa pa akong iba para sa pamilya namin”.
From what I observed, we're really more than blessed compared to other people while its also important that we should always stay grateful. Today I've thought to myself, why not start making a difference by developing small good habits like sleeping early or doing a daily exercise? Why not I start doing something like sharing your blessings to people but with limitation. Why not I start making kindness and patience a priority?

For you, what do you want to start today? It doesn't necessarily have to be a big step or a competition between the people of your age. What matters the most is you always stay hungry and clear about your plans

04/06/2024

“𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮/𝗬𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 | GOOD ONE CAFE”

I've always wondered what's a Good One for you not only in terms of coffee and matcha but also life. Located in the peaceful area of Sputnik St, Doña Vicenta Village just 1.3 km away from Victoria Plaza. This place has been born with another compassion and harmony

Parang wala pa akong nakikitang ganitong pink sa coffeeshop. Sa mainit na umaga, nauna akong napaisip “Aesthetic aside, ano kaya lasa ng kape nila?” I ordered myself a Oat Latte which is a big thumbs up since oat milk has no trans fat, lactose, low sugar and is a healthier option. Namangha ako dahil nagkakaroon siya ng lasang nutty or peanuts habang smoky ang mouthfeel. Mararamdaman mo din ang fruit sweetness, konting caramel at chocolate aftertaste

After all, it has proven me that a great design comes great taste also. I've always understood Good One as a goodbye or farewell. What maybe the perfect coffee and matcha that we seek in each coffeeshop or even achieving greatness before we can be happy but after visiting this place, my mind changed. Good One is something that only you can decide whether its good or bad. Whether you can be happy now or later

Maybe I'll see you next time, for the meantime have a Good One. There maybe many things that were taken for granted but all along it was never meant to be a goodbye but a reminder for us to always treasure these moments in our heart and live life to the fullest carrying dreams. Hopeful for the yogurt area!

29/05/2024

“𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 | 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼. .co”

I remember when I visited Mainstay Coffee, Ma'am suggested me to pay a visit. That time they were also having their latte art competition

Kahit na malamig ang gabi, nakakataba ng puso dahil welcome ka kahit sino ka man. Sinabi ni tikman ko nga ang latte nila, nasabi ko sa sarili ko ang sarap pala noh? Naka Oatside na Mt. Apo Latte parang kumain ka ng mani. Pansin ko lalo na yung hospitability nila, hindi bali. Konti lang yung menu, maliit lang din yung espasyo pero ang laki na ng makuha mo

By January 28 2024, I decided to visit again. Through our conversation with Sir , each of his action and the word he says perfectly describe these two words “dream” and “passion”. Bandits Brew is great not just because may marami silang kilala, may marami silang tao. Not just because they serve coffee and matcha but also they make coffee accessible to everyone. Sa bawat kilos nila, malalaman mo bakit masarap ang kape. Malalaman mo din bakit masarap din ang ani ng iyong sikap

It is a treatment, motivation, happiness, care, understanding of one another, patience, friendship, community

Ang saya kaya dahil ng kape nila, mas naging maingay din ako. Naalala ko tuloy dalawang taon dati, hindi ako mahilig sa kape. Anong klaseng inuman naman ito, minsan mapait minsan maasim pero sinabi naman ng kaibigan ko na “喝一杯咖啡, 喝出很多睡不着的故事” (Drink one cup of coffee, you'll drink a cup of sleepless stories). Minsan gusto mo lang ng pangpatulog na kape, Alas sinko sa hapon gusto mo sana sa isang kape tumahimik ang mundo sa gulo

Everything is true, coffee is a life story so diverse even 1 day is still too short for it. Its also like a genuine love relationship, it goes beyond the idea of right and wrong. Everytime I get to listen to their stories I asked myself, what does it feel like to live and do what you want? What does it feel like achieving your dreams?

Tumanong din ako sa sarili ko, paano kung hindi ko kaya? Ano ang sagot? Kung sa musika natin idaan, para kang nakikinig sa “I can” ni Janella Salvador. Kaya mo ang lahat, kaya mo pala, ikaw pa

28/05/2024

14/05/2024

“𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗼-𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲 | 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗹”

The aroma of classic indo/malay cuisine caught my eye again. Ever since my college days in China, nasi lemak has been something I've always wanted to try. With coincidence, they were able to set a pop-up store during Spilled Coffee's Grand Opening and I'm more than grateful to find this hidden gem right by our doors. Two years since its opening, it has already been a place where people can gather and enjoy affordable food with generous serving. Here's to a little background of their store

What I tried:

🍗Chicken Satay - Comes along with a curry rice and 5 pieces chicken bbq. I'm surprised the food isn't too salty or too spicy, everything is balanced. It has a sweet, bitter thick paste like baked beans with peanut butter. It has another layer of refreshing lemongrass aftertaste and a taste similar to ginger. To be honest it was challenging to do a sensory taste test since it doesn't settle with only one dominant taste
🌮Satay Wrap - It has a soft tortilla wrap with lettuce, red onion, cucumber tomato slice and chicken satay meat. Lettuce is still crunchy and watery, it also comes along with the same sweet, bitter thick sauce

I’m Kenny Ravelo, owner and cook at house of Sambal. I started this business because I noticed no one was serving indo/malay food in the city, so I applied what I learned from my college days, plus my travels to Malaysia and researched about their cuisine. With that, I was able to come up with a menu of classic indo/malay dishes. There are a lot of challenges in running a small business that’s just 2 years old. The first thing I expected and still observed with the market is that the mass isn’t so familiar with dishes I offer but a lot are willing to try. Secondly, since I try to stick to the traditional cuisines, there are ingredients that are hard to get supply of. Most of all, getting exposure for my small business.

Coffee is my first love and I always wanted to have my own coffee spot. Once House of Sambal is settled, I can move onto that next. So, there’s no definite timeline for that, yet. There are also top two things I can say are always try to be consistent in everything you do and be focused on one goal at a time

From their old location of Project 587 Juna Subdivision to the familiar streets of V Mapa, they never failed to deliver warmth of a delicious food. I can guarantee you is a place of hospitability and great life.
Although I came late, almost closing time but I was still welcomed with happiness. Whenever I visit House of Sambal, I know there will always be warm food for me

⏰Time: 12:00AM - 09:00PM
🏡Address: V.Mapa, corner Mabini St, Davao City

11/05/2024

“𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲, 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 | Thirty Third Café”

“The Obrero location is permanently closed”. To be honest, after seeing the announcement of closing their Obrero branch, I felt sad. It was my first day trying Davao's coffee, it was where all the miracle began, it was where the word meets the world. But visiting their newly renovated place, all my questions was answered. The interior reminds me of how a cake is presented, the back of the bar counter resembling the dripping of a cake sauce while the suspended coffee beans in the wall is like telling me how much dedication they have from bringing the neighborhood coffee to their new commercial space

What I chose:
High Grade Matcha - having different levels to their matcha got me curious. It has the taste of avocado. The creaminess felt like the mixture of avocado meat and cream while giving green tea like refreshing taste. With the additional bitterness of a tea leaves

Matcha Strawberry Cake - Subtle sweetness to top the bitterness with a twist of sourness/sweetness from strawberry (Similar to a strawberry jam or Torani strawberry syrup). Its also interesting since it has different layers of taste instead of just purely cream. Matcha is leaning on the bitter side, giving a smooth green tea taste

Matcha Cookie - Haven't tried crunchy cookies for a long time, it felt like a beautiful memory. It has a subtle taste of blueberry while giving a bursting flavors of dark chocolate with aftertaste of a bitter matcha

Just like what Ma'am said, “I can vividly recall how I've prayed for this since 2022, to move to a new location where my customers can happily enjoy their cup of joe without worrying about parking, extreme weather or convenient restroom access. Just imagine a cozy, cool place where everyone feels at home while reading a book or chatting with a friend”. Anticipating the great days was totally a dream happening in real life. While they are on their new space with many answered and finished prayers, the exciting journey of the word meets the world has just begun

⏰Time: 11:00AM - 10:00PM
🏡Address: Unit 5, Diamond Piazza, Lapu-Lapu St, Agdao, Davao City

10/05/2024

“𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 | Brew and Cinnamon Cafe”

Actually coming here was the least expected place for me to visit. It was also an experience that surprised me. From the moment I walked in, the smell of cinnamon, the interaction between people and the beauty brought by space, awakened a lot of memories and stories about the past

Opening a coffee shop and dessert shop, witnessing many laugh out loud moments on the first floor. I remember a customer was cheering up for the model. The many tables, chairs in the store and the simple yet warm integration of colors allowed customers to come in and chat freely with the owner and barista. You can also enjoy your own quiet space on the second floor

The moment butter was applied to the dough, it ignited with lots of flavors and fragrances to be explored by people. Caramelized walnuts or pecan caramel was a special taste that turns out to be a energy, seeing myself smile more the moment I took a bite. I think what's special about cinnamon roll is it brings us memories of our childhood.

While I entered with gentle and careful footsteps but I got out with a smile in my face. I am very grateful for meeting awesome people and having the blessing of life. Their heartwarming atmosphere will be the reason why I come here more often in the future, excelling in patience and passing happiness to people. Nice to meet you Brew and Cinnamon Crew, hope to meet you again soon

⏰Time: 11:00AM - 11:00PM
🏡Address: Door 1 Ramona Building , 1st Street, Guadalupe Ave, Lanang, Davao City