I used to hate airports. There was a time it was just a transit point to and from places, but after several years of hopping from one to the next, I have learned to – at the very least – appreciate them, by finding out what they offer to the travel weary visitors. They somehow help you relax and shake off that sense of paranoia that innately accompanies visiting ports of entries and exits.
A few months ago, I received an email from someone who requested if I could list down some of the shops and restaurants available at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport, aka Davao International Airport located in southern Philippines in the island of Mindanao. After considering this request, finally here are the shops just immediately prior to proceeding to the Pre-departure area:
Recommended – Suka at Sili (Vinegar and Pepper) is the airport’s modest branch of a bigger fine-dine Filipino Restaurant found at the city center. Great tasting food though a bit on the upmarket side (pictured above).
I recently caught myself with a three-hour delayed flight by PAL Express (formerly Airphil Express) so they "treated" their guests to a free dinner. What we got was the dullest fish fillet I have ever encountered in my life, paired with the miniscule cup of iced tea. I actually took two bites from my fish then left the whole piece altogether. There goes my recommendation! :)
Avoid – Solomon’s Den is one of the airport’s pioneering “canteens” way before there were other food places here. The joint used to serve fresh home cooked meals on simple canteen-style tables, but for four consecutive times within the past 2 years, I was unfortunately served stale food that tasted like they’ve been cooked at 6AM (it was my 6 PM meal before my 7 PM flight). Then there’s the eternally smirking cafeteria servers (it’s hard to call them waitresses) – and at a price you’d rather expect from “Suka at Sili”. Give this place a miss!
PRE-DEPARTURE SHOPS
There are now two shops at the pre-departure area: "A'den - Charles Daniel Cafe" which sells hand bags by Hermes, Nine West, Giordano, etc. - and Sky Go Cafe where you can order sandwiches, coffee or some drinks (no "real" food" and the ones available are at a higher price). The latter is styled like a lounge where techies could surf with their laptop, but the place is a bit low on space and gastronomic options are very limited. If you want to fill your stomach, this isn't the place. If you feel at home sitting on lounges with fellow cyber addicts, you'd probably feel comfortable here. Meanwhile, A'den's serves rice toppings (the "silog" variety), spaghetti, etc. I've tried their Club Sandwich before. There's several entries in their menu but the last two instances i was there, they only had 2 or 3 items available, they might as well throw the menu to the bin.
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| Sky Go Cafe is located at the other end of the pre-departure area, away from the boarding gates. |
Karl's Koffee Corner. As of January 28, 2012, I tried their Tocilog (pricey at P155). The serving is very limited and it isn't the most delectable tocino (not by a long shot). However, their Durian Shake - topped by whipped cream - is to die for! Should be - at P150 in a tall glass.
Sip and Snack - another snack bar which also sells souvenir items.
Esther and Pet M.T.B. - Not a pet shop, they serve food and beverages.
Solomon's Den - The airport's pioneering food house, serving food a la cafeteria. Unfortunately, its servers have dispensed away with common courtesy and hospitality, and food tasted stale - and expensive despite its pedestrian atmosphere. Located beside the toilet. LOL
Datoedco Fisbay
1231 Souvenirz To Go - This one has lots of souvenir items to offer and the "Golden" brand of pomelos. When looking for really sweet pomelos, "Golden" is almost a sure-thing!
Unfortunately, I failed to take note of its name, but it's probably "Luzviminda".
Main Information on Davao International Airport here –
This is the Eye in the Sky!
On the way to the pre-departure area and boarding gates at the Francisco Bangoy International Airport.
2 comments:
And I like duty free shops most at the aiports:)
Me too, just to window shop. Unfortunately, Davao's Airport mostly hosts local flights and very few international flights, thus duty free shops aren't available (unless I mislooked).
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