Filipino local breakfast, tapsilog. The rice is fried rice-like, but slightly burnt and hard. The beef is chewy and sweet-salty, perfect with the rice. It's a light, fitting breakfast, but tapsilog and I aren't compatible. I can't wake up early.

A man longing for his hot days in Davao heads to Manila. Hearing about delicious pares mami in Malate, I go! The bustling locals clearly indicate a famous spot. Pares mami's broth, with tender beef and voluminous noodles, made for a hearty meal. Manila might leave me longing too.

Davao's mangosteen was genuine. Its delicate and vibrant sweetness and acidity delighted my brain. Despite its excellence, it's not commercially cultivated in Japan. Is this a business opportunity? I'll study cultivation first... a 10-year wait for harvest? I can wait easily. Someone, please do it.

What was former President Duterte's favorite dish? Surrounded by celebrity photos, I was served bulalo, kinilaw, and tapa, Duterte's favorites. The rich carabao soup, especially the buttery bone marrow, was memorable. Experiencing gourmet food like a president left me with wonderful Davao memories.

Quick snack Chicharon Bulaklak is deep-fried pork intestines of Spanish origin. The astonishing crunch and savory oil make you forget the fat content as you devour it quickly and down beer rapidly. The result? Mach-speed happiness! Life at Mach-speed...

Next, I tried Pork Adobo, a Filipino dish of Spanish origin. The sweet and salty stewed pork pairs well with rice. The key to this dish is vinegar, which tightens the flavor and aids in preservation—a boon for households. I tried preserving adobo for my family but realized I had no family.

Rojas Night Market in Davao is a must-visit. I discovered Hopia, a flaky pastry with a purple yam filling. The sweet but not overly sweet filling made it a great snack. Originally from China, it was adapted to Filipino tastes. Changing the filling to suit local preferences shows the versatility of the stuffing system.

The catfish, also known as hito, has whiskers like a cat. This cute-named fish was grilled on skewers! The juicy white flesh was reminiscent of grilled tuna. Hmm, why is "cat" used for both cats and catfish? I decided not to say anything, knowing it's risky around cat lovers. (Sorry, kitty!)

Let's drink with Nagaraya cracker nuts! The peanuts in a crispy, slightly sweet coating are crunchy but don't pair well with alcohol. Research shows they were developed for office workers and kids studying. Knowing this heartwarming fact, my face turned redder as a drunk making false claims.

To elevate happiness in the Philippines, know your favorite snacks. I found Sponge, a corn puff snack soaked in chocolate, at 7-Eleven. The crunch reminded me of moist chocolate snacks. The chocolate's sweetness is like romance—bittersweet, but my love life is bitter.