Davao food trip: Lyndon’s (World’s Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken)
Lyndon's JP Laurel branch, Bajada, Davao City
It was the restaurant’s name that first caught my attention: Lyndon’s World’s Worst Ribs and Awful Chicken. Who wouldn’t take a second look at a signage like that?
Then I got curious why a lot of diners flock there everyday. Either they simply got curious with the name of the restaurant or the food there is really good.
Such a no-brainer, there was only one way to find out! Tagging my brother along, we both tried out what Lyndon’s was claiming to be the “world’s worst ribs.” And that was the first and only time I applauded “false advertising,” if I could call it that, haha! Because contrary to the restaurant’s unique and catchy name, Lyndon’s World’s Worst Ribs has one of the best pork ribs I have ever tasted!
The food is not the only thing that’s worth mentioning at Lyndon’s but the customer service too. The staff are friendly, quick and efficient. I have dined in expensive restaurants where the customer service sucked, ruining the dining experience no matter how good the food was. Customer service that delights patrons is a big thing for any diner like me.
When we had visitors from Manila and Cebu, we brought them to Lyndon’s where we were most confident that they would love the food. They only had one thing to say - they wanted to go back there the next day!
Well, I went back for lunch today and this is what I had — Mouth watering pork ribs with tender meat falling off the bones, who needs a knife? Lol!
The popular "world's worst ribs" starts at P135 and it comes with rice, side dish and the yummy sauce.
Davao folks who have discovered Lyndon’s in Wheels N More Compound, Bajada and along Roxas Boulevard, would not hesitate to recommend the restaurant to their friends visiting the city. I myself am bringing two Canadian friends there this January and I bet my two cents they will love Lyndon’s.
Dining in groups at Lyndon’s is very economical because Lyndon’s servings are very generous. Must-try for groups of 4-5 are “Tasteless Pancit Canton” or “Tasteless Bihon Guisado” for only P180. What more are in the menu? They have “Rubbish Caldereta” and “Horrible Spicy Mechado,” among others.
And of course, don’t forget to try “Lyndon’s Awful Chicken” and their wild scallops to complete the dining experience. Simply delicious!
Davao makes history in graphics design confab
They came in throngs.
Close to 1,000 graphics design and animation enthusiasts gathered together for the first time in the first-ever Graphics Design Conference in Davao City last December 1, 2011.
Dubbed as Graphicon, the conference succeeded in bringing together students and professionals in a one-day event that covered topics on multimedia and graphics design, web development, copyright, winning the industry awards, global
Me with one of the Graphicon sponsors
opportunities in graphics and multimedia design, website development, and more.
Graphicon was organized by the Davao United Association of Animators and Designers (DUAAD), headed by its 2-term president Ray Rubio (my younger brother).
Due to the overwhelming response by the public and the delight of the sponsors including the City Mayor’s Office through the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, DUAAD is set to make Graphicon an annual event where graphic designers and animators can learn more and gain business from each other by broadening their network through the event.
The event jam-packed the Activity Center of the Abreeza Mall.
Posted in Events | 
Tags: Abreeza Mall, animation, Davao City, graphicon, graphics, graphics design | 
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Running on empty
Anyone can run…but not without shoes.
Although human history could trace back barefoot running since time immemorial while hunting animals for food, modern men and women would rather take advantage of the invention of shoes. In this modern era, only a few good men and women could currently, or should I say, would choose to run long distances without any padded protection for the feet.
Popular barefoot runners are Olympic champions and world record holders Abebe Bikila, Tegla Loroupe, and Zola Budd.
Here in the Philippines, the name that comes to mind when it comes to barefoot running is Manuel Vismanos - a 64-year old retired police officer from a laid-back town called Toril in the vast City of Davao. Yes, 64 years old and he’s been running as far as 50 kilometers since early 1970’s…without any footwear!
Manuel is a common sight in the long stretches of major and minor thoroughfares in Davao and he does it without any qualms about the weather. With his amazing speed and admirable endurance, Manuel was probably born to run.
I first saw the man along the highways of Dumoy, Toril where he was at his best - running barefoot in the middle of the day. I squirmed at the fact that I was trying to seek cover from the scorching sun while Manuel was out there, looking oblivious of the midday heat and of his bare feet getting baked on the cemented road.
Why does he do that?
In my chance to chat with the humble man, he said running barefoot is healthier than running with shoes on. He said his feet are too wide for shoes and that wearing a pair of shoes could potentially hurt him while running. Manuel has been used to barefoot running for many years since he was still in police service, where he would engage in police operations barefoot in the remote areas of the city, including the rebel-infested jungles of Davao.
According to Harvard University’s Skeletal Biology Lab, “scientists have found that those who run barefoot, or in minimal footwear, tend to avoid “heel-striking,” and instead land on the ball of the foot or the middle of the foot. In so doing, these runners use the architecture of the foot and leg and some clever Newtonian physics to avoid hurtful and potentially damaging impacts, equivalent to two to three times body weight, that shod heel-strikers repeatedly experience.”
According to an article about barefoot running, “proponents of the barefoot movement argue that barefoot running is healthier for feet and reduces risk of chronic injuries, notably repetitive stress injuries due to the impact of heel striking in padded running shoes, in addition to other purported benefits. While these health claims are supported by some research, it remains slight. Barefoot proponents point out that there is a lack of research into the benefits, or lack of harm, of running with shoes on as opposed to running barefoot.”
With these new scientific findings about the benefits of barefoot running, Manuel is on the right footing. No wonder why he’s still as healthy as a horse and moves with agility, endurance, and speed like a young athlete. Running fuels Manuel’s zest for life. Stop him from running and he’d be sick.
Reminds me of the movie Forrest Gump where Tom Hanks’s clips where shown as he ran across America while Jackson Brown’s hit song “Running On Empty” was playing. But unlike the song, Manuel is not trying to run from anything. He’s running to embrace life.
Graphic artists, animators, students to gather in 1st Davao graphics confab on Dec. 1
Davao City - Graphics and motion design enthusiasts are all invited to the first-of-its-kind Graphics Design Conference at the Abreeza Mall Activity Center on December 1, with the aim of promoting Davao as a major and respected hub of graphics and motion talents in the country.
Dubbed as GraphiCon, this event will highlight graphics and animation designs by respected professionals coming from Manila, Cebu and Davao.
Participants will be treated to a smorgasbord of technical sessions that will cover topics such as Multimedia Design and Development, Copyrights on Using Media Files, Website Design and Development, Technical Presentation on Graphics Designing, and the Motion Graphics Development Pipeline, among others. Sessions will be from 1-7 pm.
The Davao United Association of Animators and Designers (DUAAD), organizers of the event said the first GraphiCon 2011 Graphics Design Conference will also promote the contribution of graphic designers in playing a big role to address the effects of armed conflict and internal displacement as well as the promotion of human rights through the advancement of computer animation and design technology.
Highlighting graphic designers as soldiers of peace through creative and rich media content, organizers of the conference are partnering with the city government of Davao through the Davao City Investment Promotion Center and the Davao City Tourism Operations Office.
The conference also aims to prove that Davao is at par in actively tapping technological advancements in terms of promoting creative talent, and to promote peace and unity through creative media and software applications.
Ray Rubio, DUAAD president and Chief Creative Director of Cubepixels Design Studio, said it has been the greatest desire of DUAAD to position and promote the city as one of the icons of graphic design and motion design in the global industry. GraphiCon will be series of seminars conducted of experts of graphics and motion design, print media, and web design.
DUAAD, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), had brought the first encounter with animation giants from Manila during the technical session and official launching of this association of Davao-based animators and designers early this year.
GraphiCon is expected to gather not only professional graphic designers and animators but also students from different colleges and universities in Davao and the neighboring cities.
Tickets are available for only P100 for students and P150 for professionals. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact Cubepixels Design Studio at 225-0362 or 225-1363.
GraphiCon is presented by DUAAD and Abreeza Mall. Major Sponsor is Adobo Magazine and supported by the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, Davao City Tourism Operations Office, U-Bix Corporation, Anflocor, Illumedia, Jobs Academy, St. Dominic Savio, TESDA, DTI Davao, ICT Davao, Xtreme Designs, Digilution, Art Grafix, Boyd’s Pizza House, Lyndon’s World’s Worst Ribs, Ponce Suites Unconvention Center and Gallery Hotel, South Spot Entertainment, Cool Mix Studio, 105.9 Mix FM and Cubepixels Design Studio.
Posted in Events, Technology |
Tags: Abreeza Mall, conference, Cubepixels, Davao City, Events, graphicon, graphics |
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Justin Bieber endorses Proactiv Solution
The phenomenal Canadian pop star Justin Bieber has joined the ranks of Katy Perry, Mandy Moore, and Julianne Hough as one of the latest celebrity endorsers for Proactiv Solution. Proactiv is known for its acne fighting systems that guarantee users of clear and healthy skin in three easy steps using its famous Renewing Cleanser, Revitalizing Toner, and Repairing Lotion.
The good news is that Justin Bieber fans can now get a chance to watch his upcoming movie “Never Say Never” for free when they buy Proactiv acne and pimple fighting skin care solution, which comes in a 30-day kit and a 60-day kit. Any of the two kits will qualify one to get a free movie pass on this inspiring flick which tells of Justin Bieber’s story rising from being a street performer in Ontario to being an internet sensation and to what he has become today.
The young music superstar made hits like Baby, That Should Be Me, Never Say Never, among others.
For more details about the promo, check out the mechanics below:
PROMO PERIOD: March 14, 2011 to March 29, 2011
COVERAGE: Selected Watsons Outlets in Metro Manila
PARTICIPATING OUTLETS:
SM Department Store Mall of Asia
Watsons Mall of Asia (Genext)
SM Department Store North EDSA
Watsons, The Block
SM Department Store Makati
SM Department Store Megamall
Watsons Megamall Daimaru
Up for grabs:
There will be 30 winners per participating outlet. Each will receive FREE SM Cinema Movie Card (Admit 1) of Justin Bieber’s ”Never Say Never” Movie Pass. The Winners are limited to the first 30 buyers per outlet upon start of promo period.
How to join:
1. Customer must buy either a Proactiv 30-day Kit or Proactiv 60-day
kit from any of the participating Watsons stores mentioned above.
2. Customer must buy within the prescribed promo period. Purchases of
Proactiv Kits outside the promo period are not eligible to redeem free
item with.
3. To redeem the FREE SM Cinema Movie Card, Customer must sign the
Promo Terms and Conditions Agreement Form which will be provided by
respective Proactiv Promodisers or Store Managers to the first 30
buyers per participating outlet. Customer must also present the
Watsons Official Receipt as proof of purchase to the Proactiv
Promodiser or Store Manager.
4. If Customer avails of the standard limited Money Back Guarantee
that comes with every Proactiv 30-day or 60-day kit, the refund value
will be deducted with the equivalent price of the FREE SM Cinema Movie
Card, Php 185.
Follow Proactiv Solution Philippines on Facebook.
The benefits of pole dancing
(This is a repost from my mom-says.com blog.)
Gone are the days when pole dancing was easily, if not solely, associated with the words sleazy and girly bars. Today, it has taken on a fresh new face as a total body workout that gives individuals an exciting way of toning their muscles, enhancing their flexibility, boosting their arms’ strength, and building their self esteem. And I am one of these people who took the courage to face the pole and take away my inhibitions.
Why do I pole dance? Simple. I get these three in the bag: fitness, exotic dance, and increased self-confidence.
Apart from the glaring benefits I’ve enumerated above, pole dancing is a perfect diversion from my sedentary lifestyle. It keeps my adrenalin rushing like no other. Unlike other conventional exercises like aerobics, running, biking, and many others, pole dancing gives me a breath of fresh air. It pulls me out of my shell. It’s a crossover between my love for dancing and my determination to work out. It makes me feel good about myself, like no other workout regimen does. It could be the music or perhaps the moves that seem to keep me in a trance that I hardly feel body pains until I’m done with the routines, but true enough, it has psychological benefits that give me a feeling of euphoria.
Pole dancing is no way near easy nor sleazy. But it still definitely is sexy! What used to be only for strippers is now the workout of choice by young professionals. My instructor is in fact a TV celebrity, Ciara Sotto, and those who take her sessions are career women and a few good men.
As Anne Jambora of the Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote:
“The trip to Fantasy Land, however, with the slippery pole as your ally as you gyrate, climb, spin or drop, does require incredible strength. Superhuman strength, in fact, especially when you have to rely on leg and core strength to support your entire body while suspended on air.
Pole dancing increases muscle definition without necessarily putting on loads of muscle mass; tones the arms, thighs and buttocks; and improves core strength and flexibility. It is about muscle control, maintaining that stability, balance and posture throughout the routine—with a smile on your face. This is, after all, still a sexy dance class.”
Me, having my "me time" with the pole @ Dance Movement Studio, Ortigas.
