Saturday 17 November 2007

The Flavors of Spain in Davao (Davao City, Davao del Sur)

Upon invitation by Mr. Alfredo Roca and Ms. Michelle "Mitch" Garcia, Managing Director and Marketing Communications Manager respectively of Fuego Hotels and Properties Management Corp., I attended the Flavors of Spain held at the Pearl Farm Marina in Davao City, part of the Pearl Farm Resort, the third property managed by Fuego Hotels in the country.  


Pearl Farm Marina


From the Pearl Farm Resort at the Island Garden City of Samal, where I was billeted, I joined other guests waiting at the resort's signature Parola.  From here, we were transported in style, via a 20-min. speedboat ride, to the Pearl Farm Marina on the mainland. Among those who joined us was Ms. Clara Romana, a professional Filipino flamenco artist with over 30 years experience in flamenco.

The speedboat we rode on

Guests were already pouring in when we arrived.  They were welcomed by Mikel Arriet Arruiz, club executive chef, and Mr. Roca.  Guests include Spanish ambassador Luis Arias and Spanish Economic Councilor Javier Alvarez.
  
The author with Ms. Clara Romana


At the party, I met up with fellow architect and now Davao City resident Jose "Jay" Mendoza (a former officemate at Mas Othman Associates) and professional photographer and writer Jojie Alcantara.

The Pearl Farm Marina had a special menu prepared by Mikel.  It included paellajamon jabugochorizo and other Spanish delicacies plus chicken stew with red and green peppers, mista salad and meatballs with mushroom.  

Chicken stew with red and green peppers
Meatballs with mushroom

The guests were later entertained by a flamenco dance performed by Ms. Romana (with Mr. Roca and another guest joining in) while the Suave Quartet serenaded them with a Spanish repertoire.  

Clara Romana performing a flamenco dance with 
Mr. Alfredo Roca,  Behind them is the Suave Quartet


There was also a raffle draw and prizes included weekend getaways at Pearl Farm Resort, Club Punta Fuego (Nasugbu, Batangas) and Taal Vista hotel (Tagaytay City, Cavite) as well as Nautica watches, gift packs from Smart Infinity and gift certificates from The Travel Club. Other sponsors were KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Clara Romana de Danza Flamenca. 

Pearl Farm Resort: Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.  Tel: (6382) 221-9970 to 73.  Fax: 221-9979.  E-mail: pearlfarmresort@fuegohotels.com.  Website: www.pearlfarmresort.com.  Davao City sales office: G/F, Anflocar Corporate Center, Damosa Bldg., Lanang.  Tel: (6382) 235-0876 and 234-0601.  Fax: (6382) 235-0873.  E-mail: dvosm@pearlfarmresort.com.  Manila sales office: 15/F, 1504 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City.  Tel: (632) 750-1896 and 98.  Fax. (632) 750-1894. E-mail: mlasm@pearlfarmresort.com.