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Pueblo de Oro Development: PhilAmLife, Vista Verde

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:33:41 +0000

Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation (PODC) is the proprietor and developer of the vast project of Pueblo de Oro Township. The project covers around 360 hectares. The corporation is affiliated with the ICCP Group, which is a group of companies chiefly focused in property development and services, investment banking and direct investments. Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation is a cooperative venture between RPI and BPVI, Regatta Properties, Inc and Beacon Property Ventures, Inc respectively.

PhilAmLife Village is one of PODC’s projects. Covering an area of about 20 hectares, it consists of 500 lots with a standard size of 200 to 400 square meters. It also includes a partial number of ridge lots that provides a great view of Calaanan Valley. Most of the lots were sold out after the completion of the project.

The subdivision has the following amenities: recreational facilities such as the clubhouse, tennis court, basketball court and swimming pool; landscaped entrance gate with pocket open spaces; provisions for power, water and security including Fire Station and fire truck, K-9 patrol, surveillance cameras, 24/7 security.

Another place that is worth noting is Vista Verde Village. It’s also part of the Pueblo de Oro Development projects. The place boasts of its classic Mediterranean-style exteriors. The place is conducive for families and is ideal for growing a healthy and vibrant community. People residing in Vista Verde Village also have the benefits of being adjacent to recreational facilities and quality educational institutions like the Xavier University complex and the upcoming Corpus Christi campus.

Vista Verde Village is situated along Masterson Avenue, which is only a few distances away from Concentrix and SM City Mall. Some of the lots also have a great view of the golf course. Here is a list of amenities that are found in Vista Verde: perimeter fence, landscaped entrance gate, children’s pool and playground, and multi-purpose hall. Like most of the subdivisions of Pueblo De Oro Development, the place also assures safety and security to its residents, along with amenities such as provisions for power and water, Fire Station and fire truck, security surveillance with 24/7 look out via cameras, and K-9 patrol.

Vista Verde Village has two types of resident shelters for future homeowners to choose from. The Cassandra Model houses three bedrooms, four toilet and baths, family room and domestic helper’s room. The floor area spreads at 140 square meters and a total lot area of 216 square meters. The house’s selling price reaches up to P3,683,190.00.

Vista Verde also features the Kyna-type of home model that consists of three bedrooms and three toilet and baths. Like Cassandra, the place has a den. Overall, the selling price reaches around P3,461,857.00

More Information of the Companies Involved in PODC’s Joint Venture Projects:

Regatta Properties, Inc is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. The latter is a pioneer and premier developer of industrial estates, which include the Light Industry & Science Park of the Philippines (LISP 1) in Cabuyao, Laguna; LISP 2 68 in Calamba, Laguna; LISP 2 133 in Santo Tomas, Batangas, the Cebu Light Industrial Park in Mactan, Cebu and the Hermosa Ecozone in Bataan.

Beacon Property Ventures, Inc specializes in assuming equity investments in preferred property development projects. Its main stockholders comprise of Philamlife, lonics Circuits, Inc, Bacnotan Consolidated, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Phinma Property Holdings, Inc and Valmora Investment & Management Corp.

Mark Anthony Daposala

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Radio Mindanao Network

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:04:31 +0000

One of the largest radio networks in the Philippines, Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) has been delivering news, information and entertainment to Cagayan de Oro and the rest of the country for more than 50 years. With 50 AM and FM radio and TV stations, RMN has helped the nation’s radio industry meet international broadcasting standards.

In line with the goal of constantly improving broadcasting techniques and technology, the network is the first and only Philippine network to upgrade to HD Radio Multicast broadcasting.

Headquartered in Makati City, RMN established its first radio station in Cagayan de Oro City on August 28, 1952.

How It All Began

What is now a leading national radio network started as a makeshift transmitter. In 1948, Don Henry R. Canoy, along with friends Vicente Rivera and Robin Cui, set up a home-made radio in Cagayan de Oro to listen to broadcasts from Manila (radio programs back then came from Manila only). With an improvised radio that could receive clear reception only in the evening, the three friends decided that it was high time Cagayan de Oro City had its own radio station.

So, after putting together surplus parts to create a 30-watt transmitter, the group broke the city’s airwaves through what they called Pirate radio in 1949.

However, since Pirate’s first broadcast wasn’t registered with the national telecommunications authority, Radio Control Office (now called National Telecommunications Commission), the station was short-lived.

In 1950, however, with the help of his lawyer brother, Henry Canoy finally established a legal and more powerful radio station. With the help of associates Robin Cui, Andres Bacal, Oscar Neri and Max Suniel, Canoy was able to build Cagayan de Oro’s very first radio station out of surplus equipment, an antenna mounted on a coconut tree and a “duck farm.”

The first official broadcasting, which coincided with the city fiesta, was on August 28, 1952. On that day, the entire city anticipated the station’s first words: “You are tuned to Station DXCC, broadcasting with a power of 500 watts on 1560 kilocycles from Cagayan de Oro’s Gateway to Mindanao!”

Continuing Improvements

As part of an observation grant, Henry Canoy visited the United States in 1954 to study the ways of existing radio networks. Instead of visiting giants in the industry, Canoy decided to observe a broadcasting studio located in the hinterlands of Greeley, Colorado. What Canoy came upon was a modest station that was doing the same thing as what DXCC was tinkering with. This station centered on farm prices, weather warnings, market conditions and personal messages. Upon his return, Canoy further improved DXCC by delivering more information, entertainment, and most of all, education.

Success Begets Success

DXCC’s success in Cagayan de Oro led to a Mindanao-wide expansion. Sites in Iligan, Butuan and Davao were opened, and by 1957, the station with the coconut tree antenna operated four other locations. Thus, the string of radio stations became Radio Mindanao Network.

In 1962, yet another visionary entrepreneur revolutionized the way news and information was delivered to the public. The late Andres Soriano, Sr of San Miguel Corporation was attracted by RMN’s broadcasting approach. Soriano bought most of RMN’s shares and brought the network to Manila, making RMN the first provincial network to have achieved such a move. A Manila station was created, and was followed by sites in Cebu and Baguio.

Radio Mindanao Network took a giant step further when it joined forces with Channel 13 and the Philippine Herald to create the country’s first tri-media organization. This placed the network at the forefront of public service and broadcast journalism.

In the following years until 1972, the network further expanded and opened sites in Surigao, Bacolod, Naga and Surigao del Sur. By the end of that year, the network had a total of 12 stations under its wings.

Changes In The System

In 1973, a constitutional amendment prohibited non-Filipinos to own a Philippine media company. So, Henry Canoy’s group had to buy out the Soriano-San Miguel group holdings. Left to survive without financial support from a major conglomerate, RMN made significant changes in its programs.

To attract a wider audience, the network started to broadcast in Ilonggo, Cebuano and Filipino. In the following years, more stations came to be, including Dipolog and Pagadian locations.

In 1985, the programming changed once again as RMN wanted to attract a generation of pop music lovers. The operations were divided into AM and FM.

Video vs. Radio Star

On August 28, 1991, RMN’s first TV station went on air in Cagayan de Oro City, another major event during the town fiesta. After 39 years of filling the airwaves with reliable public service, RMN finally ventured into the world of television. That same year, the network was given a permit to run a UHF TV station in Metro Manila.

Going Global

As if conquering national radio and TV channels wasn’t enough, RMN went international and reached the United States’ radio waves, starting in 1998 through WRMN in New York.

Instrumental in entertaining Filipinos and documenting important events in the country’s history, RMN has been a significant part of the Philippines’ growth and development.

by Gillian Abonitalla
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Dengue and the Rainy Season

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:50:20 +0000

There’s nothing better than drinking hot cocoa or lying in the warmth of your bed all day while it’s raining outside. The rainy season is here in Cagayan de Oro once again and it’s going to stay for a good long while. On the other hand, the rainy season isn’t all warm sheets, warm drinks and indoor fun, because the wet season also brings rather disastrous diseases, one of which is dengue fever.

The number of dengue cases has been increasing every year in the Philippines despite prevention programs conducted by the government and health care facilities. In fact, in Cagayan de Oro City alone, 500 dengue cases have been recorded since January 2010, whereas there were only 300 cases last year within the same period. Furthermore, out of the 500 dengue-stricken patients, five succumbed to the disease and died.

What is Dengue?

Tiny as they are, mosquitoes can cause so many diseases, from yellow fever to malaria to dengue.

Dengue is caused by a virus and is transmitted by a mosquito species called Aedes aegypti. While the disease is more common in tropical countries, 2.5 billion people around the world are now at risk of getting this deadly disease, according to the WHO.

How Can We Prevent It?

As with other diseases, there are ways to prevent dengue fever. However, at present, no vaccine has been tested and approved yet, although there is ongoing vaccine research and development.

Aside from vaccination, other preventive measures aim to effectively eliminate possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes. Since these killer mosquitoes thrive in areas with stagnant water, you should be able to easily spot environments with standing water, such as basins, pails, basins or even cups. Water sources that remain stagnant for over a week are most probably inhabited by mosquitoes. It is good to always cover drainage systems, which should have a constant flow of water so that mosquito eggs are flushed out.

Another prevention method is fogging, which is similar to spraying your house with insecticide, only it uses a machine that blasts the gases to potential breeding grounds. Fogging also kills mosquitoes, as well as eggs that haven’t hatched yet.

Tree planting is also a proven mosquito repellent. There are several species of plants, like the Neem tree, that release natural chemicals or gasses that mosquitoes can’t stand.

There are several other preventive steps that fight dengue. Follow this guide to keep you and your family safe.

by Gillian Abonitalla
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Gaston Park Renovation

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:37:48 +0000

Gaston Park is one of the locations where Kagay-anons savor the afternoon sun. It has several attractions like the children’s playground, benches and lush green gardens. It is mostly crowded during Sundays, as St. Augustine Cathedral holds masses starting late in the afternoon up to the early evening. What makes the place even more crowded are the mobile food stalls that line up at the side of the park. Last 2009, the park was renovated and all the work was finished in December, before the year ended. In fact, the park re-opened just in time for Christmas.

The trees that surrounded the park were decorated with Christmas lights, which appealed to the viewing public, especially when lit at night. The one-hectare park now has a new landscape, including newly planted grass. The fountain lights were still being worked on at that time. There were Chinese Pagoda decorations on the landscape; earlier reports said that the park would have a Chinese-Japanese-Korean-Filipino-inspired landscaping. Apart from the landscape, the lamp posts were redesigned and resembled those put up in the streets of Divisoria.

When the park was officially declared open during the yearly Light-A-Tree event, which is celebrated every Christmas season, the whole place, including the City Hall, was lit up with blinking lights and decorations. Former City Mayor Constantino “Tinnex” Jaraula and then Vice Mayor Vicente “Dongkoy” Emano, along with the City council members, were some of the guests in the ceremony, which was also attended by city hall workers, chiefs of office, as well as department heads. The lighting ceremony was held last December 15th, in time for the churchgoers to see the lights as they attend the first “Simbang Gabi” at the Cathedral the next day.

The renovation was not possible without the generous donations of the members of the Chinese-Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Industry in CDO. Initially, the contribution was a check for P200,000, but it later accumulated up to twice the initial amount.

Former Mayor Jaraula planned to put up a state-of-the-art widescreen that featured graphics, moving texts and images, and it would function like a community billboard at the park. However, no updates have been disclosed about this project as of now.

This 2010, Gaston Park was again renovated to further improve the developments it already had late last year.

Named after Segundo Gaston, the first mayor of the City of Golden Friendship, Gaston Park is situated across the St. Augustine Cathedral and the Palace of the Archbishop. This Kagay-anon landmark is rich in history; it was the plaza of the first settlement of the Spaniards in 1622. During the inception of Pueblo de Cagayan in 1624, it was considered the center of the town. In the 1900s, it was the training base for local revolutionary soldiers who were readying themselves for the Philippine-American War. The site was likewise the battleground of one of the most gruesome clashes between the two forces at that time.

To commemorate the hundreds who died during the battle, a National Historical Institute Marker was made and placed in the park. Another marker is said to be put up in the park to make known to the people today what the park meant during the Spanish settlement.

by Rose Anne Quirante
Photo taken from: 4.bp.blogspot.com
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Ultimate Frisbee

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:29:11 +0000

Ultimate Frisbee is one of the rising trends among Cagayan de Oro athletes. More and more Kagay-anons are getting hooked to this exciting, non-contact team sport. It comes as no surprise, though, as this exhilarating sport is currently played by thousands of enthusiasts around the world.

It’s easy to understand why a number of Kagay-anons are drawn to this sport. Ultimate Frisbee practically satisfies a typical Kagay-anon’s need for camaraderie and that rush of excitement. The sport, which follows a simple yet exciting concept, is also relatively cheaper to maintain than most of the sports we have gotten used to.

With its simple concept, Ultimate Frisbee is able to mimic the best features of several sports including basketball, soccer, netball, and American Football. In addition to its fun factor, the rules of Ultimate Frisbee are also relatively easy to understand and comprehend.

A player or an aspiring Ultimate Frisbee player can easily understand or familiarize the concept of the game in just a few simple rules. Ultimate Frisbee is played in a regular rectangular shaped field. The regulation field must be composed of endzones at each end. In order to initiate a game of Ultimate Frisbee, each team must start lining up in front of their respective endzones. A regulation game must consist of a standard seven players for each team. The disc is given to the defense who, in turn, throws it to the offense.

A point is earned each time the offense completes a pass in the defense’s endzones. There are no strict rules imposed regarding the movements of the disc. The teams may throw the disc at any direction as long as it makes a successful pass to a teammate. Although the disc may be thrown at any direction, the players are not allowed to carry the disc while running.

Ultimate Frisbee basically stresses out the importance of fair play and sportsmanship. The sport encourages competitive play and likewise emphasizes the important adherence to rules. With that said, Ultimate Frisbee just might be one of the best things that ever happened to young Kagay-anon athletes.

by Mara Jayne Tismo
photo taken from: www.spartyandfriends.com
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CDO’s Super Highway to Davao

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:13:28 +0000

More and more entrepreneurs, both local and international, are starting to plant their investments within the progressing city of golden friendship, Cagayan de Oro. Apart from the proposed Php2.5 billion Ayala Center complex, South Korean entrepreneurs are also planning to invest in Cagayan de Oro.

This enthusiastic group of foreign businessmen is proposing to build a Super Highway that would provide a more convenient route for passengers coming from Cagayan de Oro City and going to Davao City, or vice versa. This proposed route would then serve as a shortcut for both destinations. Instead of traveling for a full six hours, passing through the planned Super Highway can take passengers to either Davao or Cagayan de Oro City in just two hours.

The group of South Korean businessmen approached and presented their plans to former Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula during the Christmas holiday break. Although the mayor wasn’t so sure on whether the South Korean entrepreneurs have already presented their proposal to the Davao City officials or to the national government, he did say something about the feasibility of the project. According to former Mayor Tinnex Jaraula, the South Korean entrepreneurs must have conducted a feasibility study before they went on to present the Super Highway plan. He also says that the South Korean Consortium had not mentioned anything about the project cost. However, the group of businessmen hinted that they would proceed with their plan to build the structure of bridges and tunnels if the government would allow them to collect toll fees for three decades after the completion of the project.

The city mayor says that the investors from South Korea said that they were willing to build bridges on mountain cliffs and build tunnels in order to cross mountains. Constructing the new super highway will help people, especially those who travel a lot, to reach Davao City or Cagayan de Oro City without having to experience the inconvenience of passing through zigzag roads.

In addition, former Mayor Tinnex Jaraula also said that once the project is finished, the super highway will certainly bring in lots of benefits to the economy of Mindanao, especially since this new route would help speed up the delivery of commodities.

by Mara Jayne Tismo
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Ballroom Dancing: Its History and Health Benefits

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:01:57 +0000

Through the years, ballroom dancing, a form of dancing that is done by pair, has turned from a public activity into a competitive dance form. In fact, there are several events, some even televised, that have dance competitions all over the world. It has even gone mainstream and influenced several international films.

The term “ballroom dance” originated from the Latin word “ball,” which translates to “to dance.” Initially, it was only intended for high society, while folk dances were for the non-elite. The styles that make up the ballroom dance are the Tango, Quickstep, Slow Foxtrot and the Viennese Waltz.

The history of ballroom dancing dates back to the 16th Century – the Renaissance period. In 1588, Jehan Tabourot released Orchesographie, a compilation of a study about the French Renaissance social dance. It mentions the following dances: the galliarde, the basse danse, the livelier branle and the pavane.

By 1960, another form of ballroom dance was presented in Paris, France. The Minuet was originally a Poitou peasant dance. Composed by Jean Baptiste Lully, it was performed in public by King Louis XIV. Since then, the Minuet has been known as a court dance of the 17th century. The king eventually made an academy called the “Academie Royale de Musique et e Danse,” where it had a set of rules in performing each ballroom dance.

It was not until the Victorian Era that ballroom dancing was blended with other influences. The Invitation à la valse for Waltz by Carl Maria von Weber was one of the notable pieces composed in England in 1812. It was responsible for the modernization of Waltz. By the 1840s, there emerged new dances like Mazurka, Schottische and Polka.

The early 20th century saw the introduction of jive and jazz, which was invented by the African Americans, adding new changes and steps to ballroom dancing. In 1910, a reform came about that allowed both partners to move freely; this was earlier seen in the Waltz. The new music genres and reforms caused the introduction of even newer dance forms from 1910 to 1930.

Since then, there have been many masters and pioneers who started studying several dance forms. Later on, there were organizations and institutions teaching various dances. Further on, on-screen dance performances were done, followed by more blockbuster movies that were influenced by ballroom dancing, such as The Tango Lesson, Tango, Strictly Ballroom and Shall We Dance.

Later developed dances include the Rumba, Samba, ChaChaCha, Passo Doble and the Jive. Today, ballroom dancing is still one of the classiest forms of dancing, as it expresses emotions, passion, joy, pain and love between two dancing partners.

Apart from being an enjoyable activity, ballroom dancing has its health benefits. Basically, any form of dance is a great aerobic exercise. A whole body workout, ballroom dancing is good for cardio. It burns more calories as one needs to move every inch of his/her body. A person can burn between 200 to 500 calories within a whole hour of dancing, depending on how intense the type of dancing is performed. Dancing likewise improves one’s posture, flexibility and stamina. Those with mild scoliosis may also get effective results when engaging in dance.

by Rose Anne Quirante
photo taken from: entertainmentspectrum.com
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Great Graphic Book Reads

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:39:35 +0000

Comic book fans are going to love this selection of graphic novels that are fit for relieving boredom anytime of the year. These include Wednesday Comics, Scott Pilgrim and Kick-Ass.

Wednesday Comics is an anthology comic book published weekly by DC Comics. It is published in such a way that it looks like comics in the Sunday newspaper. Each edition of the comic has 15 pages, each of which comes from a particular story made by a creative team. Among the stories published in the comic include those about DC superheroes Superman, Batman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Hawkman and The Flash.

Kick-Ass is a book series illustrated by John Romita Jr, written by Mark Millar and published by Marvel Comics under Iconimprint. The graphic novel follows the story of young Dave Lizewski, who wants to become a real superhero. Though he gets beat up by bad guys, his courageous acts are being publicized and inspired others to do the same. He later meets vigilantes Big Daddy and Hit-Girl, who planned to take down John Genovese, a local gangster.

Earlier this year, a film adaptation of the comic was released starring Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy, Chloe Moretz as Hit-Girl and Aaron Johnson as Kick-Ass/Lizewski. Also this year, Millar announced a sequel to the comic titled Kick-Ass: Balls to the Wall.

The third must-read comic book for this year is Scott Pilgrim written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and published by Oni Press, a Portland-Oregon-headquartered indie comic book publisher. The six-part series centers on the life of Scott Pilgrim, a 23-year old bum who takes on life one day at a time. When he discovers the girl of his dreams, literally, he finds himself fighting her seven evil exes in order to win her.

The first five volumes have already been published. The sixth volume was released last July 20, 2010. It’s an interesting read, so I’m sure you won’t have a difficult time reviewing the first five before reading the final edition. Also to come out in August this year is the film adaptation of the comic titled Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, directed by Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz co-creator Edgar Wright and starring Michael Cera as the main character. A video game based on the film is also set to be released this year.

by Rose Anne Quirante
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How to Find a Good Lawyer in Cagayan de Oro

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:24:34 +0000

There are many lawyers in Cagayan de Oro City, but when looking for a good one, it can be hard to choose from the multitude of attorneys out there. Some lawyers may not even be worth hiring. This article will guide you on finding the perfect lawyer who can help you with your legal needs.

The Internet

The World Wide Web provides information on just about anything, including the best lawyers in town. In addition, you can get the information you need with just a few mouse clicks.

Another good thing about the Internet is that you can find lawyers that specialize in a specific field. For instance, if you’re looking for an attorney for real estate issues, you can make an online search about real estate lawyers that operate in your area.

You might also want to visit online forums, especially ones where the members are residents of your area. These forums give you access on rants as well as positive reviews straight from people’s minds. Start a thread about good lawyers in your locality. Most of the time, users are willing to answer questions.

Ask Around

Ask people who have experienced hiring attorneys. Family members, close friends and business peers are good sources of information. Gather feedback – both negative and positive – as well.

Also, consider getting a lawyer to suggest an attorney that focuses in a field wherein you need legal representation.

Hire a Smart Lawyer

Of course, you wouldn’t want an incompetent lawyer who can’t handle your legal situation. You’ll need an intelligent lawyer who can work in an efficient and prompt manner, as he or she will represent you and work on your behalf. Don’t go for mediocrity and hire a lawyer with so-so services. Otherwise, you will suffer.

Arrange an Initial Interview

Discuss things with a lawyer before hiring him or her. Ask questions and get an idea about his or her experience, knowledge, personal style and trustworthiness. You can also determine the lawyer’s level of professionalism through his office. Check if the office staff is helpful and polite, and if it’s difficult to set up a meeting.

Know About Fee Structures

If you’ve found a prospective lawyer, understand how things work and how much his or her legal services cost. Since lawyers are billable, closely monitor the work they do for you so that you won’t be overcharged.

Don’t be Afraid to Fire your Lawyer

Remember that there are other legal experts out there and that you can always fire your lawyer if he or she isn’t performing well. Besides, it’s good to have a well-established relationship with a couple of lawyers. This will also allow you to tell your current attorney that you have other options. If their performance isn’t meeting your needs, move on to another legal professional.

Follow this guide to get a proficient legal expert represent you. To start off your search, here’s information on some of Cagayan de Oro’s law offices:

-Cabanlet Law
3/F Metrobank Bldg, Pabayo-Abejuela Sts.
+63 88 22723590

-Jaraula Evangelista Apita & Layug
2/F Jaraula-Brinas Building, Carmen
+63 88 8586185

-Mateo G. Delegencia Law Office and Associates
Press Club Bldg, Velez St.
(08822) 724926:726260

-Sapalo Velez Bundang & Bulilan Law Offices
Mezzanine, H. Canoy Bldg, 140 C. Pacana St.
+63 8822 722408

by Gillian Abonitalla
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Turquoise Turkish Restaurant Cagayan de Oro

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:18:53 +0000

The City of Golden Friendship is now slowly embracing international food cultures. Apart from American, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai-inspired restaurants scattered around the city, there is a unique place that has not totally been recognized by some food lovers – Turquoise Turkish Restaurant, located at the ground floor of SM City Cagayan de Oro.

Owned by the Delkilics (composed of Mahamod, Banu, Rizal, Fatima and Saime), a Turkish family from Malatya, Turkey, the restaurant serves authentic Turkish cuisine. This kind of food may be a little unfamiliar or too exotic for the Kagay-anon taste, but nonetheless, it invites them to engage in a unique dining experience. At first, the restaurant was not readily accepted by many due to the unfamiliarity and, probably, the shyness of those who are uncertain of the quality and taste of the food, which leads them to worry that it would be a complete waste of time and money.

Yet, with the introduction of the shawarma several years back (Oro Shawarma), it comes as no surprise that the shawarma is one of the restaurant’s featured dishes. However, there is more to Middle Eastern cookery than shaved meat with vegetables wrapped in pita bread. What makes Turkish food distinct is basically its blend of the best spices and sauces mixed with meats and vegetables.

Here are just some of the foods that Turquoise Turkish Restaurant serves:

•Abagannush – a light appetizer that is made of grilled eggplant, combined with tomatoes, olive oil, salt and garlic all wrapped in soft pita bread.
•Ayran – a refreshing homemade yogurt beverage that is served cold.
•Kebap or simply kebab – skewered meat much like the conventional barbeque. What makes this dish unique is its preparation; kebabs are skewered beef, lamb or chicken that is marinated in powdered bell pepper, olive oil, milk, thyme and other spices for 24 hours. The kebab comes in three kinds: Alexander Kebab (beef shawarma), Adana Kebab (ground beef mixed with various spices) and Castle Kebab (spicy grilled and marinated ground beef wrapped in pita bread).
•Turkish rice – soft and delectable rice cooked with Turkish ingredients.
•Chicken cutlets
•Yogurt with mango jam – a very light dessert made with homemade mango jam.
•Baklava – Turkish dessert made of sheets of dough that is loaded with sugar syrup, butter, pistachios, hazelnuts and walnuts.
•Turkish delight – another dessert made of a special ingredient that is exclusively grown in Turkey.
•Acili Ezme – a tomato dip that has a spicy and sour taste.
•Mezze Istanbul – a combination of boiled potatoes, egg, mayonnaise, carrot and beans.
•Turquoise Cheesy Kofte – a large meatball dish with mozzarella cheese filling.
•Inegol Kofte – a smaller version of the meatball dish that is shaped like cocktail hotdogs.

Truly, Turkey has some exotic and exquisite cooking. It not only boasts of its special ingredients, but also its preparation; and Turquoise Turkish Restaurant is certainly the place to get that authentic Turkish dining experience.

The Turquoise Turkish Restaurant also operates in Davao City.

by Rose Anne Quirante
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