Central Warehouse Club
Assuming we don’t want to head to Davao every time we want to buy some groceries or sundry, what are our options on the island? As is the case throughout the Philippines, we can buy small items at any sari-sari store. Local markets have fruits and vegetables as well. Of course we could always grow some of our own food. It remains to be seen how much of that we might do, though.
If we want a broader selection, and to pick a greater variety of items, our choice is really only one as far as I can tell. The Central Warehouse Club of Davao has on outlet on Samal Island off the wharf in Babak. The Central Warehouse Club is a grocery and convenience store carrying the usual items you’d find at such places. I didn’t have an opportunity to visit their location on Samal Island, but I did go to the one in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. It didn’t really excite me that much, but it served it’s purpose.
I’m not sure if there are other like stores in Penaplata or Kaputian. It seems likely they would have something. I wasn’t informed of anything there, but Babak would be fine for me anyway.
My wife would have no problem going to Davao, especially the malls, each week or even more often. I don’t think that’s practical, and it’s not what I planning on. I’m looking forward to a more laid back existence, and hanging out in the mall is not in that plan 
There is another place in Kaputian, and it was not bad. Even had the type of wine I drink!! Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the place. The prices are not bad either, compared to Davao. I was told that since the ferries started, the stores there couldn’t really charge “ransom” money anymore. So free markets work after all
Hi Ellen – that’s good to know. I imagine as things progress there will be more and more places opening up of all kind of services. I wouldn’t be worried if we were moving there now, and I certainly don’t think it will be a concern by the time we get there. Maybe the opposite, there will be too many businesses for my tastes.
You’ll have to let me know the name of the place in Kaputian that next time you get by there.
Hi Randy – I didn’t even know that there was a Central Warehouse in Babak (it is the big Warehouse Club, not the Convenience store, right?). Thanks for letting me know. There is a big, and relatively new Central Warehouse Club in Penaplata. I also want to know about the Kaputian place that Ellen mentioned, because I am unaware of that too.
Only the convenience store in Babak. The Central Warehouse is in Penaplata. Same owner.
The store in Kaputian is not a big central warehouse type, more like a convenience store, but more items. I liked it – maybe because it carried my wine
Bob/Ellen – I’m glad I’ve got you two to keep me straight
I didn’t know the size of the one in Babak, as I was only going off what I was told and had read. I also didn’t know about the big, newer one in Penaplata. That’s good news. It sounds like the island is well served at the moment.
Rechie’s dream for a mall is not imminent, it seems
hi randy – i hope you don’t mind me going off topic. i just wanted to say that i was not able to bring with me to mexico the book on early philippine 20th c. artists (that i mentioned a few post back regarding your painting).
i promised to see if the artist’s name (which escapes me) was mentioned. i briefly went through it before i left & saw a few mentions of him. but i was quite busy packing & had to leave it in california to save on baggage weight.
hopefully, when i get back (maybe to do my taxes), i’ll check on that book again & let you know if i find something relevant to your questions on the artist & your painting.
Hi macky – no problem at all. I’ve pretty much confirmed that it is Gabriel Custodio and have seen a couple other examples. I wish I had the money to buy the one that was in eBay, as I liked it a lot.
If you have the time when you return I would enjoy learning what the book says about him. There isn’t a lot of information that I could find. Just a few mentions here and there.
I hope you are enjoying your new home.