2022 Recap 2023 Restart
(L-R: Rache Diaz, Chef Vicky’s Mother, Chef Vicky’s brother Gaby Tinio, Pat and Marivic Silva) I’ve heard yummy stories about Chef Vicky’s private dining in Baguio from foodies raving about the experience. We met Chef Vicky in Mercato Centrale, with her stall selling her yummy goodies from Baguio, when we first opened in 2010. She offers an 8-course, … Continue reading MAMA’S TABLE: Chef Vicky Tinio Clemente’s Private Dining
PANAGBENGA is a local Kankana-ey term in Cordillera, which means “a season for blossoming; a time for blooming“, coined by Ike Picpican, curator of the Saint Louis University Museum in 1997. It is a month-long celebration in February/March during the business-lean months to attract tourists to the City of Baguio after the holidays and before the peak … Continue reading BAGUIO’s PANAGBENGA Flower Festival
A lot of festival enthusiasts believe that Dinagyang is one of the BEST Festivals in the Philippines. Although the celebration still has that quaint, provincial city-feel, the Ati-Ati dance productions are among the best that I’ve seen in street dance festivals in the Philippines. They are the Grand Champions in the Aliwan Festival (Manila-based competition … Continue reading Iloilo’s Dinagyang: Hala Bira! Viva Señor Santo Niño!
Chipotle is named after the Mexican seasoning made from smoked Red Jalapeno peppers. I’ve always wondered why foodies keep raving about Chipotle and why it inspired Ristras, Chihuahua and Faburrito here in Manila. It’s been said that it changed the way people look at a burrito — “It’s not just a burrito. It’s a foil-wrapped, hand-crafted, … Continue reading My Chipotle Experience
After Castello di Amorosa, we decided to have a picnic lunch at the V. Sattui Winery, the 2011 Winery of the Year which is owned by Dario Sattui (same owner of the Tuscan Castle). They are known not only for their pioneering wines that they were making since 1885 but also for the V. Sattui’s famous Cheese Shop and Deli … Continue reading V. Sattui Napa Valley Picnic Lunch
Castello di Amorosa was my first Napa Valley wine tasting experience. It was a very cool wine tasting food trip made perfect by lovely foodie companions – Cheryl, Amor and Tessa.
Read First: The BEST of ILIGAN! (Part 1 of 2) 6. Maria Cristina Falls Maria Cristina Falls, a 320-ft high waterfall along Agus River, is the most famous landmark of this City of Majestic Waterfalls. The park is open from 9am to 4pm. The best time to go is when the waterfall is in its full glory … Continue reading The BEST of ILIGAN! (Part 2 of 2)
Iligan City is known as the “City of Waterfalls“. The most famous among them is the majestic Maria Cristina Falls, which is one of the main sources of hydroelectric power for the Mindanao region. The once-popular city during the industrial age (thanks to its heavy industries like steel) is now bouncing back by showcasing its … Continue reading The BEST of ILIGAN! (Part 1 of 2)
The most beautiful street in the Philippines can be found in Vigan — Calle Crisologo. It was restored to its pre-war beauty with its cobbled streets and old Spanish houses. It is the only town during World War II that was saved from destruction because of a love story. Legend has it that a Japanese … Continue reading Captivating Calle Crisologo
In Vigan, there is an empanadahan in the plaza near the Church, where one can get Vigan Empanada and Okoy from a series of street food stalls. We were told that this is actually a commercialized empanada area designed for tourists. Since you are already in Vigan, why not troop over to where the locals … Continue reading Where is the best place to eat Empanada and Okoy in Vigan?
