The durian chronicles

Welcome aroma

IT was a good thing we found out we were going to Davao, courtesy of Smart, only three days before the trip, because it didn't give us much time to stand around with gaping jaws and wide eyes. Then again, it was virtually impossible not to do backflips in sheer elation.

Aug. 22

6:35 p.m.

The minute we stepped off the plane, the pungent but welcoming aroma of durian wafted in our nostrils, reminding us that we weren't in smog-infested Manila anymore.

For the next few days we would be seeing, eating and breathing in durian of all forms and preparations, from coffee to ice cream to cheesecake. The Dabaweños really are a creative lot when it comes to concocting uses for their trademark fruit.

6:50 p.m.

We were met by Bing Kimpo of DDB Phils. and Roel Manipon of the Daily Tribune. We were brought to the Marco Polo Hotel.

On the way, Bing supplied us with trivia about the city (which is actually the biggest in the world!), and we found out that smoking in public is prohibited. For us non-smokers, that piece of news was refreshing. Now, why can't we have that in Metro Manila? Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte certainly deserves two thumbs and two big toes up.

8:30 p.m.

Our group headed to Kanaway, a quaint beachfront seafood restaurant, for dinner with people from Smart. The sumptuous spread was a nice welcome, although Melissa passed up on the tangy kinilaw while Angela happily built up her cholesterol levels with two orders of chicharon bulaklak.

Perhaps it was the combination of fatigue and the cool ocean breeze courtesy of al fresco dining that that did wonders to our meal, not to mention the enlightening conversation about the mysteries of courtship, heartaches and Philosophy 101.