Pinoy Life At Large

The Filipino word “dampa” means hut or shanty. Normally a hut that is located inland is called “kubo”. However if the same kubo is built beside the ocean, it is called “dampa”. A dampa is built on bamboo stilts strong enough to withstand the currents. Dampa is also the name of one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the Metro today. One holiday ago, I brought Noreen and my uncle to the Dampa seafood restaurant in Farmer’s Market, Cubao, QC. There is no doubt about it, Dampa serves only the freshest seafood at the right price.

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I always believed that good food need not be expensive. For me, it’s always a matter of finding the right food place that suits your taste. Sure, hotels and High Street will always house the best culinary talents, but these gourmet celebrities have always had their humble beginnings, such as in the canteen, panciteria, carinderia or turo-turo. To weed out these possible gourmet geniuses, I’ve always made sure to feature restaurants that the average employee can dine at, being one myself. My personal rule, good food should be available to anyone with a P500 peso bill (US$ 11.75). Though I have managed to dine at more opulent restaurants, my favorite restaurants have always been those that do not require an SSS loan to enjoy. So far, I believe I have adhered to this rule. I am hopeful that the price of food will not go up too high that my Ninoy will still be enough for a dinner and a movie. Wishful thinking, some might say.

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This weekend Noreen and I went to the Cubao Expo at the invitation of a friend who owns the Reading Room. I didn’t get to meet my friend, because I didn’t tell her I’d be there. Noreen was planning for it to be a surprise. I guess I was the one getting surprised, hehehe.

What was formerly known as the Marikina Shoe Expo is now known as Cubao Expo. Aptly named, I think. Aside from visiting the Reading Room I also wanted to see some bargains that my officemates often rave about. I hardly go to this part of the Metro, being from Makati, so this Saturday I decided to go and see what the fuss was all about.

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