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Nowadays, it’s hard enough to get a date, let alone figure out where to take him or her for an afternoon together or a fun night out. For most people, especially for the ladies, “date places” echo how special (or how interested) the other person is so it’s common to stress about where to eat and what to do just to break the jitters of actually going out on a date. Hopefully for those of us who do get to go out very rarely, dates in Davao should and always be primarily about going somewhere we can enjoy the company of the person we are with and, with a little luck and charm, snag ourselves a second date on the way.

So where do you take your date in Davao City? Here are some places you might want to check out:

Music, Fun and Drinks

Eagles at the Marco Polo is one of my favorites simply because you don’t have to leave after dinner. You and your date could enjoy your dinner then at about 9 o’clock pm, a Live Jazz band comes on.

If you’ve got the moves and your date is up for some dancing, Baile at the Grand Men Seng is definitely a must. You and your date could get caught up in dancing the salsa or the tango all night long. Even if both of you don’t dance, the professional dance instructors are always fun to watch and you both can start planning getting dancing lessons together.

The BMW Piano Bar at Jacks Ridge offers live piano performances from up and coming musicians and patrons can even step up to the stage and jam with the pianist. Plus, the Jack’s Ridge Compound has walkways and park benches which give you a wonderful view of the city if you fancy an evening stroll with your date.

Karaoke is a popular pastime among Filipinos. What better way to have fun and impress your date than to belt out a song or two? World Palace in Juna Subdivision in Ecoland allows you to serenade your date without having to worry about critical onlookers (who probably can’t sing anyway).

Whistle Top Bar and Resto at Matina Town Square is one of the trendier night spots in the city. Drinks and conversation could abound amidst a friendly game of billiards or darts.

Warm and Cozy Date Spots

If you really want to get up close and personal, the noisy night spots just won’t do. You need to go to those out of the way but laid back, cozier date spots which allow you to talk about more personal things. Who can go wrong with dim to soft glowing lights, a little wine maybe and soft soothing music?

La Piscine Restaurant in Palm Village, Bajada is definitely my favorite. This little out of the way restaurant boasts a pool where you and your date can enjoy a night of swimming. Plus, everything (and I do mean everything) on the menu is a must try.

The Italian ambiance is always a winner for the ladies. La Toscana along Quirino Street is a small ristorante which serves some of the most delicious pasta in the city. If you fancy pizza, osso buco or yummy calzone for lunch or an early dinner then you can drop by Picobello at the top floor of Gaisano South Mall (in Illustre Avenue).

If you wish to catch a whiff of ocean breeze and set the mood with the sound of waves then I recommend Pirata Bar at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao. This place is definitely a good place for drinks after dinner where you and your date can relax and talk well into the night.

Krua Thai Restaurant, located along Torres Street, has become more popular with Davaoenos for its authentic Thai cuisine. The inviting interior allows for an exotic aura combined with some cosmopolitan chic, which I personally find quite relaxing.

Sarung Banggi is a cozy steak house along Torres Street and is part of the Harana group of restaurants which has established itself in the city for as long as I can remember. The atmosphere positively breathes the word “ROMANTIC DINNER”.

Of course in the end, having fun is key for any date. Taking the time to know and find out what your date enjoys will go a long way in assuring that whatever you plan for your date brings out the best in you and shows your date the best time ever.

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DavaoTraveler.com Admin Notes:
February is popularly recognized as the Love month. This article is supposed to be written in time for the Valentine’s Day. Not according to the article writer, Monique “Nikki” Musni. Nikki is a versatile writer who has contributed articles for various magazines with global circulation. Thanks, Nikki for this nice, lovely and informative article on Davao’s best dating places.

Previously, we featured the Island Tour Packages of Kahsan Tours — a travel agency based in Davao that focuses on Inbound Travel. For this article, let’s go back again to Davao City.

For the really, really first time visitors to Davao, assuming you don’t know someone here who can be your tour guide, it’s best to try the following tour packages from Kahsan Tours.

TOUR PACKAGE #7: SHOPPING TOUR WITH VISIT TO SPA

First stop is the famous Aldevinco Shopping Center. There you can change your Dollar, Euro, Yen, or some other acceptable currencies to the Philippine Peso, our local currency. Money Changers are all over the place and ready to do your Forex transaction in Davao. While at Aldevinco, you can shop around for Philippine native products like batik, intricately designed beads, colorful tubaos (head scarfs), abaca slippers, T’boli cloths and to other antique items. (Tip: Most items sold here are negotiable, so don’t be ready to accept the first price offer.)

After the Aldevinco Shopping Center, you will then check Tetel Tionko’s Shop. Tetel has carved a name in the European market for her delicately woven abaca cloth turned into placemats, table runners, throw pillo cases, blinds, wine holders, bags and other items. Just besides the shop is another shopping option with hand-painted jusi and pina blouses.

Then, off you go to Holiday Spa for some snacks from the kitchen of Chef Paddy and a soothing massage.

Tour Inclusions:
Aircon land transport with tour guide, snacks, entrance fees.

TOUR PACKAGE #8: EDEN NATURE PARK TOUR

Eden Nature Park is a mountain resort located at the foot of the Philippines’ highest peak, the Mount Apo. With its soothingly balmy atmosphere, a garden exploding with vibrant colors, a bird park, an enchanting forest and breathtaking view of the city, the Eden Nature Park is truly a must-see, must-experience destination in Davao.

And how about a buffet of organically grown vegetables for your lunch?

Tour Inclusions:
Entrance fees, buffet lunch at the park, aircon land transportation, tour guide, driver.

TOUR PACKAGE #9: DAVAO BY NIGHT

Experience Davao’s roaring night life. Pickup time is at 6:30 PM from your hotel. While taking dinner at the Taboan at the Matina Town Square, you will be entertained by some cultural presentations by Davao’s local artists. At 8:00 PM, you will have a coffee or after dinner drinks at Jack’s Ridge Restaurant for a breathtaking view of the city at night.

End the night with smiles and laughters as you proceed to Studio Onnie. There you will be entertained by Davao’s stand up comedians Tour Inclusions:

Tour Inclusions:
Aircon transportation, set dinner, entrance fee and drinks at Studio Onnie

Don’t forget to get in touch with the friendly staff of Kahsan Tour Travel Services. Call them up at 0063-082-225-4213.

Davao does not have a Starbucks, but the plethora of coffee shops that dot the city can adequately fill the veins of any caffeine junkie. Don’t be surprised if you find that there are no lines in the morning, that time when the rest of the world normally drinks their lattes. These places are virtually lifeless in the daylight hours.

Coffee shops in Davao started out as the alternative de rigueur places to see and be seen at night, especially for those want to hang out with friends without reaching for that dirty martini or ice-cold beer. Coffee initially gained popularity as a nocturnal drink in this part of the country.

This changed when Wi-Fi or free wireless internet became widely adapted and popular. Nowadays, coffee shop nighttime habitus have been replaced by laptop and PDA-toting yuppies who want a comfortable place to cocoon and enjoy a cup of java while eating, working, emailing, chatting, surfing the net and hanging out with friends.

Most coffee shops in Davao open in the early afternoon. Check out these places for your caffeine fix. We are particularly proud of our Davao-born and bred brands.

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