JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

Friday I was in Davao for the launch of My City, My SM. (The PAL pilot shortage had been resolved, at least temporarily, so no stress there.)

The endorsers for My City, My SM in Davao are Dr. Bo Puentespina, the veterinarian and wildlife conservationist who runs the bird sanctuary in Malagos, Olive Puentespina who makes the wonderful Malagos Farmhouse artisanal cheeses, and Margie Moran who has been a tireless promoter of Davao for many years.

Sidebar: On Thursday I saw Gloria Diaz in Greenbelt, and on Friday I saw Margie Moran in Davao. Two Miss Universes in a row—what does it mean? “It means Miss Philippines will win Miss Universe!” my gay friends declared.

Nigel, a beautiful hawk eagle, was unfazed by the spotlights. Photo by Mang Wayne Lim.

The food was by Binggoy’s—Davao delicacies, different kinds of kilawin, including a delightful kilawin with red eggs.

Whenever I’m in Davao I visit Aldevinco, the shopping center across the street from Marco Polo Hotel. The first time I went in 1999 they had mostly batik shirts, bags, muu-muus and “daster”, durian candy and souvenirs. Now they have batik items, durian candy, souvenirs, pearls and accessories—like the Greenhills tiangge, but less stressful, and a lot of clothes and bags from Thailand and Nepal.

Bag, P200.

This necklace should be presented to whoever blows up the Death Star.

Tomorrow: Blessed are the Cheesemakers.