APO NI Lola Durian Delicacies officially opened its new, bigger, and better Pasalubong Center to the public, further elevating the cultural and culinary experience for visitors seeking to bring home a taste of Davao.
The biggest pasalubong center in Davao City officially opens its new home at San Miguel Village, Matina, on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in time for its 25th anniversary.
The new haven for durian lovers provides excellent customer service and offers a diverse selection of favorite delicacies, including bars, candies, jams, sticks, ice cream, pies, and tarts, among others.
While durian is undoubtedly the star of the show, the shop offers delicacies that showcase other local fruits including jackfruit, marang, mangosteen, mango and ube.
Artisanal crafts, and handcrafted souvenirs are also on display, making it a one-stop shop for tourists.
The center also offers a coffee shop, a cozy space for customers, locals, and tourists to relax and savor the delicacies.
More than just a store, the three-story building is a cultural destination in itself. When it opens in April, its second floor will host durian-tasting sessions for those eager to delve deeper into the culinary possibilities of the king of fruits.
Lasting legacy
Arnel Raakin, Apo ni Lola owner, said the opening serves as the family’s lasting legacy that braved the test of time as it constantly innovates unique and delectable treats for its customers.
Raakin is the grandson of Abondia del Puerto Raakin, famously called Lola Abon, the first to make durian candies in Davao during the 1950s.
But Arnel didn’t just copy his grandmother’s recipes – he improved them, starting from launching two unique varieties of durian candy: Pastillas de Leche and Durian Delight, with just P500 capital.
Today, what started with just two types of candy has expanded to more than 90 different treats, including ice cream, a tempting treat for those looking to indulge their sweet tooth, and durian coffee and tablea blend.
He also employed around 90 employees, with 80 workers making sure the production line rolls out enough products to be displayed in its new flagship store and branches in different shopping malls across the city.
“Ang motivation nako is sipag at tiyaga, without sa akong pagpaningkamot, wala pud ang Apo ni Lola (My motivation has always been resourcefulness and hard work. Without any of my efforts, Apo ni Lola wouldn’t have been here),” Raakin said, reflecting on Apo ni Lola journey.
A trip to Davao is now incomplete without stopping by to experience the unmatched durian delicacies that made Apo ni Lola, a name known far beyond the city’s borders.
