Harana: Davao's Best Homegrown Restaurant

Harana started in a little garden at the back of Atty. & Mrs. Fermin Abella's residence at Juna Subdivision, Matina, Davao City in 1966. A small affair made up of few open nipa huts sheltering bamboo tables and rattan chairs. And under the branch of a young mango tree stood the small barbecue pit. In the evenings the place was lit with little gas lamps. Its specialty then, and now, were fried chicken and spare ribs, the original recipe of Mrs. Rosario Abella Lizada. Its original staff consisted of six (6) personnel, most of whom are still with Harana today.

On June 29, 1979, a second Harana was opened along Florentino Street (now F. Torres Street) to serve the growing demands of a fast, developing city. At that time, F. Torres was dark and avoided by motorists at night. There was not a single building alongside Harana. There were only "kangkong" fields, wild reeds and clusters of unkempt banana shrubs. When Harana at Torres opened, F. Torres was no longer the same. Instead of darkness, the place was festooned with bright lights and the sound of music and children's laughter echoed. Now, F. Torres has become the number one food street in Davao City.

Many of the "once-upon-a-time" children, Harana-customers of the 1960s are now either professionals, businessmen, politicians or civic or religious leaders. Now, it is the sound of there children's laughter that you hear.

Ma'am Rosario's story was really inspiring! And yes, among the Filipino dishes that were served, these are my favorites: