Davaoeños claim that “life is here” and “here” is obviously Davao. I agree if it also means Lola Abon’s products because Lola Abon’s products equate to life.
My recent Mindanao trip did not include any part of Davao because I had to go back to Manila for my Spanish class. I know. Boo-hoo. Fortunately, I asked my brother and my friend who were in Davao City in separate occasions to buy some pasalubong from Davao. My brother, bless his heart, bought the ones I do not like plus fresh durian fruits. In fairness to him, he had them packed well in containers with only a hint of smell escaping from them, but no amount of cajoling will make me eat fresh durian fruit again. I already gave in twice just in 2017 alone. I want to start 2018 without the texture of durian haunting my dreams. Yes, I am not turned off by the smell of durian; I cannot take its too-creamy texture.
For a related entry, please read Pasalubong – Davao, Part I.
Here are some pasalubong from Davao (exchange rate US $1 = P52.44):
Fresh durian fruits (I took these photos in the public market in Iligan City), P90.00 (US $1.72) per kilogram.
Durian fruit vendor opening the fruit in front of the customers. Behind her is a small space with a table, a refrigerator and lots of shelves. We sat inside and we were handed plastic hand gloves so we could dive into the durian goodness without dirtying our hands (or having the unwanted smell).
Durian from Thailand. This one tasted sweeter than the local one. I had a small bite of each followed by a mouthful of water. Someone advised me to drink softdrinks to counteract the smell or flavor but I have given up carbonated drinks for a year now.
Durian World’s Durian Choco, P60.00 (US $1.14). I do not like Durian World’s products. I tasted three or four of their items (durian and mangosteen), and I was not impressed. I did not taste this one.
Lola Abon’s Durian Bars, 10 pieces, P65.00 (US $1.24). Lola Abon’s is my favorite durian candy brand and its durian bar is my second favorite item.
Lola Abon’s Special Durian Delight. My favorite durian item ever, from the first time I tasted it until now.
Lola Abon’s Durian Tart. The bottom of the tart was thin and crisp, which was good. The top part was all durian goodness. However, I wish it was a little creamier.