at Yongi's (a resto by the sea) and Coffee for Peace

We were supposed to check out the new resto just by Ateneo Matina Campus. The resto's name is Stadium. Since it's the last day of their P99 promo for their buffet, we headed at dinner time to make sure we'll have our tummies filled with their must-try foods. When we got there (around 7:15 or 7:30PM), the place was closed for an exclusive function. GREAT. So we decided to cruise around Matina and Ecoland area. We ended up at Yongi's (the famous Penong's partner resto), a resto by the beach, located at Times, Matina, Davao City. The restaurant was not crowded, customers enjoy the ambiance. They lack lights by the beach though. It might add to the relaxation factor if we could see the beach. We ordered Inato 3 which is 2 grilled pork chop, atchara (pickled green papaya) and unlimited rice. Yes, unlimited rice for people who has a big tummy to fill. The usual, we were served with soup for our appetizer. They usually have the food served in 20 minutes as they have to grill their viands unlike some resto that has their food half-cooked and reheat them when orders are already made. Our food orders were served in 15 minutes. 5 minutes earlier than usual. The Grilled Pork Chop was perfect. Their service crew are well-mannered. If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy good food while bonding and/or relaxing with your family, friends, classmates or officemates, give Yongi's a try. It's located at Times Beach, (the one at the back of SM City Davao) Ecoland, Matina, Davao City.

Review: YONGI'S
Food - great
Service - great
Value for Money - great
Place - good
Overall experience - great





After dinner, my cousin still doesn't want to head home. So we cruised Ecoland and Matina area again. After some funny discussions, we went back the area where Stadium's located. We stopped at Coffee for Peace, a coffee shop that supports the indigents and the farmers. Their place isn't spacious but it's just right for people who want to have a timeout from stress.

Coffee for Peace isn't just about serving excellent coffee, they are also advocates of Peace (thus the company name), Loving the Environment and helping the Indigenous People in Mindanao.

In their store, we saw different products, aside from coffee and drinks. There were shirts, bamboo flute, stone carved necklaces, scrolls, shell lamps, and more. I assumed those products were also made by the Indigenous People that they aid to earn a living. Makes me even happier while drinking.

Also, unlike others, they use all natural ingredients. I had a Strawberry Shake since we just had out dinner. I kind of expected something like the usual Strawberry Shake: full of crushed ice, strawberry flavoring, and milk. Another surprise for me. They actually use real strawberries, and less ice. Real value for money. Overall, I enjoyed my Coffee for Peace experience and it definitely won't be the last.

For people who wants to have a quiet or peaceful time, reasonably priced drinks, homey ambiance, Coffee for Peace might be the place you're looking for. They're conveniently located at McArthur Highway, Matina, Davao City. Just by Ateneo de Davao University Pre-School, Elementary and High School Campus; fronting McDonald's Matina. You may also checkout their site for more info about their company: www.coffeeforpeace.org

Review: Coffee for Peace
Drinks - great
Service - great
Value for Money - great
Place - great

Overall experience - great

(in this photo: the author with the two very friendly staff of Coffee for Peace)






[Ratings: Poor, Passed, Good, Great, Excellent]
[Special thanks to my cousins Eileen and Joyce for the treat.]