Luzon Eats: The Four Best Sisig Restaurants in Metro Manila

“Food for us comes from our relatives, whether they have wings or fins or roots. That is how we consider food. Food has a culture. It has a story. It has relationships.”-Winona Laduke 

Filipinos are well-known for their love of food—no matter how wildly exotic this particular food might be. In fact, Filipinos are rather known to be one of the world’s most adventurous eaters—so much so that some of their favorite food staples and classics can be regarded as a gastronomic or epicurean adventure by itself. One of the finest examples of Filipino ingenuity when it comes to the skill of conceiving new dish ideas is the sisig.

A ubiquitous presence during drinking sessions and at times, family gatherings, the sisig is a savory dish that originated all the way from Pampanga. As Filipinos are known to put their meats into a total utilitarian use, no part of the pig goes to waste which is why more often than not, ingredients may include pig ears and intestines apart from the meat. Today, contemporary renditions of the dish have expanded to include other kinds of meat such as beef, fish, and chicken. Vegetarians are not left out as well considering that a modern take on sisig makes tofu the main ingredient of the dish. Seeing as there is quite a lot of interpretations to this local dish, it can be quite a challenge to figure out which restaurants and eateries would serve you the best one. Undoubtedly, you can find them in Pampanga, but if you are not up for a road trip, there are some sisig joints in Manila that would cater to your sisig fancy as well.

To help narrow down your list in the search for the best sisig place, we have rounded up a list of restaurants you should definitely try:

1.)    Manam 

For some individuals (particularly non-adventurous eaters) sisig can be quite of a challenge to eat. After all, it is not every day that you get to eat sautéed pig ears in spices. However, if you wish to broach yourself into the world of exploratory eating, it is best if you start with a sisig restaurant that does it right such as Manam’s. For sisig newbies, the dish is easy to chow down and is quite delectable and tasty that you would soon forget you are eating pig’s ears and intestines.

2.)    Sisig sa Rada 

Known for being notoriously cheap and overhyped, Sisig sa Rada is undoubtedly the best cheap sisig you can get in the metropolis. Be wary though as the lines can get rather long and as early as 10 AM, you can already see patrons starting to queue. While Sisig sa Rada had its humble beginnings, it rose to popularity with its famous sisig which left office workers around the area clamoring for more. So, if you are on a budget and are looking for a Filipino favorite, best try this well-known and loved sisig joint.

3.)    Gerry’s Grill 

Depending on your taste, Gerry’s Sisig is undoubtedly one of the best offered in the Philippines. And the best thing about them is that they have branches peppered all over the country. So, regardless of whether you are in Manila or not, you will always get to sample one of the best sisig dishes offered in the country. As Gerry’s is rather serious about how they cook their sisig, you can expect a delicious burst of flavor with every bite which is less greasy and a lot crunchier. Indeed, the perfect match to your cold beer.

4.)    Sisig Hooray 

If scrumptious and delectable sisig available to-go is what you have in mind, then you might want to consider Sisig Hooray’s Barkada Siza Pork Sisig. It will set you back by only a hundred and fifty pesos; you can share the yummy goodness with your officemates and your friends.

Image Source

Discovering the Philippines: Four Reasons Why You Should Include Pampanga in Your Itinerary

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

The Philippines is such a vibrant and diverse country that if you ever have the fortune of visiting it, you should never miss going to its many different cities and provinces. You will be pleasantly surprised as to how one place can significantly differ from another and considering that the country is a melting pot of many cultures, there would always be something unique about every place you visit. One particular and notable Philippine province you should visit is Pampanga.

 Nationally considered as the country’s gastronomic capital, Pampanga has a lot more to offer than simply its epicurean delights—although that is part of the allure.  Apart from the many activities you and your family can enjoy, such as the adventure activities in Alviera, the province is also known to be culturally diverse.
So, if you ever thought of visiting the Philippines, here is why you should include Pampanga in your itinerary:

1.)    Hot air balloons and various aerial exhibitions 

If you have a penchant for watching aerial activities, you would definitely enjoy the hot air balloon exhibit in Pampanga. Once every year, the sky gets painted with a multitude of colors as various hot air balloons coming in different shapes take off to the sky. If you wish to see this event, be sure to include Pampanga on your list of places to go around February as the event is held during that time of the year.

2.)    Get a taste of the traditional Filipino dessert Halo-halo

While you can get Halo-halo virtually anywhere in the Philippines—from high-end restaurants to street food carts, none of them can rival the sweet taste of Kabigtig’s Halo-halo which can be found only in Pampanga. The dessert is said to match Razon’s rendition of the famous sweet and cold dessert, and for that reason alone, it is worth a try. Kabigting’s version teases your taste buds with a myriad of unexpected flavors, and you get a bit of a surprise too as not all Halo-halo desserts come with yema, a sticky toffee-like ingredient.

3.)    To visit Alviera 

If you have ever thought of booking a family vacation and are unsure of where to go, worry no more as Pampanga is the ideal spot for you and your family. Apart from the array of restaurants and food stalls for you to sample, Pampanga hosts a wide range of adventure parks, and one of them is Alviera which is located in Porac. Kids and kids at heart will love this adventure park as there are a lot of activities to choose from—those that test not only your physical strength but endurance as well. Be sure to bring extra shirts with you though as spending majority of the day in this adventure park is bound to get you sweaty.

4.)    To get a slice of history and culture 

Filipinos are known to be devout Catholics and seeing as religion plays an integral role in most Filipinos lives, it would be easy to see it so heavily ingrained in their culture and history. Pampanga’s annual practice during the Lenten season, in fact, is a testament to that. Apart from the string of old and gothic churches you can find in the province, religious rituals are still being practiced until today. One noteworthy ritual is when a local man would have himself crucified on a Good Friday as penance for his sins or as an offering to God. Either through morbid curiosity or genuine fascination, this has been the cause why tourists visit the province.

Image Source

Discovering Pampanga: Top Five Kapangpangan Restaurants to Try

“Food is a lot of people’s therapy—when we say comfort food. We really mean that. It is releasing dopamine and serotonin in your brain that makes you feel good.”-Brett Hoebel

Without a doubt, Pampanga is widely known and revered to be the culinary and gastronomic capital of the Philippines. In fact, it has been said that the place is considered somewhat of a Filipinos food haven what with all their epicurean delights. The province’s reputation for good food has been said to stem from its history being an American and Filipino military Air Base. Clark Air Base, known to be a military facility for both Filipino and American forces from 1903 to 1991) is in proximity to Angeles. For this reason, foreign ingredients and international goods have since become more accessible to local chefs and culinary. As a result, Filipino cuisine assimilated with global ingredients have become somewhat of a staple in the province. Signature Kapangpangan dishes such as tabang talangka, morcon, pindang and even the world-famous sisig have since then ensued.

Considering all this, it is no doubt that the title of being the gastronomic mecca in the Philippines is well-deserved. So, if you are ever in the area or perhaps, you might want a quick bite after a day of adventure in Alviera, give some of their restos a try. However, if you truly want to give yourself a treat and sample only the best Kapangpangan dishes, then here is a list of restaurants that should make it to your itinerary:

1.)    HUES Restaurant 

Located at park Inn Clark, Hues Restaurant is rather known for their delectable and sumptuous cuisines. The restaurant features a casual dining experience that offers a wide selection of local favorites and international fares that there is bound to be something for everyone. Some of the must try items in their menu are: Boneless Chicken Inasal, Blacken Chicken and Baby Back Ribs Adobo.

2.)    Café Fleur 

A restaurant conceptualized by Chef Sau Del Rosario , Café Fleur incorporates the aspect of travel into the chef’s unique passion for food. The café is divided into concepts and each concept has something different to offer to its patrons. The ground floor is the Café which mainly serves casual food, cakes and smoothies. Right across that is Leh-Leh which is largely a Thai-inspired eatery. Lastly, the topmost floor is called Babo—an elegant dining area that serves exclusively Kapangpangan dishes.

3.)    Bale Dutung 

Known as one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants in Asia, Bale Dutung looks like a simple home turned into restaurant from the get-go. But do not let appearances fool you, as this humbled abode has reached celebrity status. In fact, this restaurant was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”back in 2008. If you want a homey ambiance to amplify the food experience, Bale Dutung is an ideal place for you to dine in.

4.)    Everybody’s Café 

No list claiming to be a collection of must-try and best restaurants of Pampanga would ever be complete without including Everybody’s Café. In fact, one might even go as far to suggest that Everybody’s Café is the epitome of Kapangpangan cuisine as you can find most of the Kapangpangan staples on their menu. The menu largely consists of exotic food, but they do have some food items reserved for those who do not have the nerve to eat unfamiliar food. The timelessness of this café is attributed to the fact that the recipes have remained unchanged since they were introduced back in the sixties—and even then the restaurant already garnered a following from older generations.

5.)    Mila’s Tokwat Baboy and Sisig 

A household name to most Kapangpangans, Mila’s Tokwat Baboy and Sisig is an unassuming carenderia that serves the best and most addicting crispy sisig. Established in 1989, this eatery was originally famous for their Tokwa’t Baboy, but they serve a range of dishes today.

Image Source

Five Reasons to Travel for Food

"Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture." -Mark Kurlansky 

There are many reasons for one's love of travel: To experience new cultures, to immerse themselves in a foreign land, to meet new locals and to see more of the world. However, there is a certain flair in an excursion solely for the discovery of new food. Today, gastronomy has evolved so much that food is no longer viewed as a necessary fuel or sustenance to keep the body nourished and healthy. Today, the mere act of taking the first bite into a new and foreign morsel is in itself, an experience. For this reason, people ought to travel for food or with food in mind.

Experience the different flavors a new city has to offer, taste the fine wines of Italy, go on a food trip in Pampanga and just basically eat your heart out. After all, according to George Bernard Shaw, there is no love sincerer than the love of food. Here are some of the reasons why your next excursion should be for the sampling of the different dishes of a particular city.

1.) It gives you new inspiration for culinary pursuits 

Sure, you may thumb through a foreign culinary cookbook, see all the lovely pictures of food and their corresponding descriptions, but that would not be as close as to experiencing the taste of the food itself prepared by the experts (with their local ingredients as well). Eating the food for yourself as drawn up by international chefs and breathing in the wonderful aroma of Chinese delicacies while walking through the busy streets of Hong Kong will be enough to send you to the kitchen the moment you get home. Try something new and do not be shy when asking for the recipe to make back at home.

2.) You will meet people who share the same enthusiasm for food as you 

Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, it is inevitable, you are going to meet people who share the same love for food as you do. This is particularly the case when you are alone and if you want to connect with food-lovers abroad. There are many opportunities for this especially when you take part in tour groups, cooking classes or group dinners.

3.) You can get to try ingredients that are not offered in your hometown 

Without a doubt, this is one of the best perks when you travel for food abroad. True enough, you would be able to sample some of a foreign country's ingredients through buying exports, but it would be priced exorbitantly high, and it is still not as good as the ones they grow locally. Just compare the mangoes you get in the Philippines and compare them to the ones exported abroad, and you will see a vast difference.

4.)  You can learn the history of a particular area through the food 

Food is an integral part of history. In fact, some wars have been won based on who had a better food supply whereas some countries would rely on a single type of crop for survival. This is where culinary history would come into play. Undoubtedly, when people would have to depend on a solitary source for food, it is inevitable that they would have to think of creative new ways to make it taste better or perhaps to vary the preparation of their meals. Some of these fares are still in existence today, and if you are fortunate enough, you may even get to taste it.

5.)  Food and drink festivals 

Wherever you are in the world, people of all ethnicities and races would all collectively love to celebrate. And with these celebrations, comes an array of various food and drinks. Sometimes, there are even festivals celebrated in honor of a particular food or beverages. Before going on your next trip, research on the area you are visiting and look for these food-specific festivals so that your food experience would be twice as fun.
   

Image Source

Basic Pool Etiquette

As the summer season scorches on, more and more people would find ways to cool off and relax as the heat bears down on us. For this reason, more and more people would flock to either the nearest beach to them or cool themselves off in the country club pool.  As this is the hottest season of the year, there would be a lot more people hanging around in the pool’s and beaches more than usual and considering there is an eclectic mix of personalities in close proximity to each other, conflicts are not entirely impossible and may even be inevitable.

For this reason, you should know how to conduct yourself to make sure you are not getting on anyone’s nerves while you are there. For everyone’s optimum enjoyment of their summer frolic in the pool or on the beach, here are some simple rules you can follow.

1.)    Keep your music down 

You may be under the impression that you have impeccable taste in music and that may be true, but that in no way means you could be so cavalier in the regulation of its volume. While you are the beach, there may be a lot of background noise to drown it out and blaring it at unreasonable levels would just be effectively contributing to the noise while keeping the volume high in country club pool where it is more low-key is the height of discourtesy to other guests who are just trying to enjoy a relaxing afternoon dip. Your music may be disruptive to other pool patrons, so be considerate and keep the volume at a reasonable level.

2.)    Do not bother the lifeguard 

Lifeguards have a very important role in pools and beaches: surveying the water and potentially saving lives. So, bothering them with your petty requests which you can attend to yourself or fussy questions may distract them from their only duty. If your concern needs attending to, do not bother the lifeguard on duty and instead find an attendant of off-duty lifeguard instead.

3.)    Take responsibility for your kids

The pool and the beach have employed lifeguards, not babysitters. Consider that these places are not daycare centers so parents should be extra vigilant as regards the safety of their children by not letting them loiter around the beach aimlessly and run wild. Additionally, parents should assume responsibility for their child’s swimming skill level. A lifeguard may be on duty but remember that the lifeguard has the whole beach to keep an eye on.

4.)    Wear appropriate swimwear 

Baggy and weighty clothes will tend to weight you down once it gets wet while you are swimming, so it is best if you wore a swimming attire with the appropriate material. As regards courtesy, it is best to consider the kind of company you are in when you are deciding what swimwear to wear. If you are heading to a summer party by the pool hosted by your friends then feel free to break out your new bikini, but if your hosts and surroundings are more conservative, consider ditching the slinky bikini for something that will cover more of your skin.

5.)    Take your trash with you 

Be a courteous beach visitor and pool patron by minding your own trash and taking it with you as you make your exit from the general vicinity. Parties and hangouts done at the beach or at the pool would generate trash, and if you leave them around, it would attract pests and birds. And if you are drinking liquor by the beach, the chances of leaving broken glass in the sand are higher which would endanger other beach goers. Keep the beaches pristine and clean, so start taking better care of the beach you love by throwing out the trash you bring.

Image Source

10 Fun Things to Do While Camping

Summer is in the air! I'm sure you feel it too! But what's not to love? This is the time where we can enjoy the season and of course, the weather. (Just make sure to bring your stylish hats to prevent heat strokes.) Aside from going to beach or resorts, you can definitely enjoy your summer vacation through camping. Yes, camping as in tents and bonfires. Cool isn't it? But sad to say, not all of us here want to go on a camping. Perhaps, they can't think of some other ways to enjoy the camp, other than installing their tents.

However, if you are one of those people who want to try new things, camping is recommendable for your summer activity. Camping doesn't let you enjoy and have fun, but this is also one of the many where you can have a great and memorable moments with your family and friends. Well, if you are planning to go camping in Pampanga Philippines, then you might want to consider doing these things for you to more fun.

1. Start a campfire

This is one of the common things to do for most campers. Of course, you will be amazed by the beauty of a campfire. Well, you can do something such as truth or dare, music jam or even cook your favorite dinner while having a camp fire. I'm sure, you will love the sight of it. Just make sure to observe safety at all times.

2. Practice yoga

If you think that you can't do yoga in an open space, then you better think again. In fact, there are more benefits you can get when you do yoga while on your camping. For some reasons, you can definitely reconnect with Mother Nature. Of course, not just nature, but you will also enjoy how peaceful and satisfying it is to do yoga.

3. Tell scary stories around the fire

Some of you here might not be convinced on this since they think that telling scary stories are so last year. But don't you know that it is also one of the things most campers love to do? Well, you can share old scary stories with them and see how they react to it. isn't it exciting to see their reactions? (haha)

4. Go for a bike ride

There's nothing beats a ride when you do it in a place where you can find serenity. Of course, you got to feel Mother Nature while on your ride. Moreover, you don't need to worry about the pollution since all you can think of is the cool summer breeze. Who would not like to experience it, right?

5. Go on a photo walk

This is also one of the many ways you can practice your photography skills. Of course, since the scenery is breath-taking, you would not want to miss taking a picture of the place. I'm sure you'd definitely love to stroll around and find some nice spot for picture taking sessions.

6. Take a nap in the middle of the day

I'm sure you definitely love to do this thing. Considering the fact that most of us here are stressed from work or from school, all we want to do is to unwind in a relaxing and beautiful place – away from work, noise, and other pollution. You can even set up a hammock and take a nap.

7. Take a bath in the lake

Aside from the beach, you can also go swimming in the lake. It's way more fun since you can definitely enjoy how nature would really bring us satisfaction and contentment in life. Agree? Take time to explore the lake, I'm sure you will also love to splurge yourself in.

8. Stare up the stars and try to point out the constellations

This might sound cheezy and boring for some, but this is also one of the things most campers love to do. Just for a night, try appreciating simple things such as starring up the stars. With that, you will definitely appreciate how wonderful our Creator is.

9. Try to make a fire by rubbing two sticks together

I'm sure not everybody knows how to make a fire by rubbing two stick. I'm guilty of this too. But when you go for camping, this is also one of the perfect times to learn and experience camping routines. I know, it's definitely fun and exciting.

10. Learn to play a game

Whether you realize it or not, there are actually thousands of games you don't know yet. This is the time where you can have an extra time for it. Of course, you are on your vacay and I'm sure you have the time to learn some of the fun games during your childhood days.


Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source

Dress Code 101: Pool Party Fashion Etiquette

In the midst of a scorching summer heat, many of us would want to take an afternoon dip in a country club’s pool. This would also be the perfect opportunity for some of us to show off what we have been working on all summer, our newly flattened stomachs and our toned abs. Unfortunately, though an afternoon spent frolicking in the pool seems like an ideal way to beat the summer heat, there are some of us who make unwise sartorial decisions that would turn an otherwise fun afternoon pool party into an embarrassing affair caused by a potential wardrobe malfunction. As this is something we would not want to happen, it would be best if we followed the basic poolside etiquette as in this way you would be effectively avoiding unwanted stares from other guests.

Seeing as this is something most of us want to avoid (especially for those of us who love slinky swimwear that cling to our bodies), this article has collected a number of clothing items that you should never wear while swimming or taking a dip in the pool. So that whether you are hosting a summer pool party, going to one or are simply lounging at your favorite poolside place, you would not be leaving other guests with the wrong impression.

1.)    SWIM BRIEFS 

This is something that has gone incredibly tacky over the years and should only be worn by individuals who are swimmers or athletes in that aspect or Olympians as this would most certainly not look out of place on them. In any case, you should never wear swim briefs to the pool. Opt for swimming trunks that closely resemble shorts instead or board shorts. They come in varied styles, cuts and colors that finding one suitable for you should not be all too hard.

2.)    OVERSIZED TEES 

Oversized tees may cover everything you would want to conceal. However, you should also bear in mind that cotton (which tees are predominantly made of) becomes rather heavy when soaked and drenched in water. And when this happens, it can restrict a lot of movement when you are swimming. So as a rule, tees that fall down to your knees or generally oversized tees should never ever be worn to go swimming. Dive in using your favorite bathing suit or at least one that suits you. Do not forget to apply the sunscreen before and after hitting the water if you are looking to avoid sunburn.

3.)    EXCESSIVE PERFUME 

Not only is it largely impractical, but should you overdo it and you will be attracting a horde of mosquitoes once the sun starts setting. Instead, use your fragrance sparingly and enjoy a dip in the pool being itch-free or lounging on the pool without these bloodthirsty pests biting on you every chance they get.

4.)    THONGS

You may want to flaunt your newly toned backside or rear, but this is an effective way to draw attention and not in a good way. Unless it is a private event where only you and a significant other are the attendees, it is best to keep your thongs in the closet where they belong. Opt for swimwear that would flatter your body but would not draw any unnecessary attention from the guests and would not have you as the party’s main topic for gossip.

5.)    STILETTOS 

As much as you may want to look stylish and fashion forward at all times and even when you are about to take a dip in a pool, it is incredibly unsafe to be sporting this kind of footwear not only in the pool but by the poolside as well. Wearing a pair of stilettos by itself is already a risk but add a slippery pavement to that and you will be making the scenario all the more precarious. Keep your sexy shoes away from the water and save them for a Saturday night out in town. Instead, opt for practical waterproof sandals that would make it easier for you to tread on the slippery ground.

Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source, Image Source