HONG KONG—It wasn’t my first time in Hong Kong. But prior opportunities to visit had been sporadic, brief and few. My memories of the city consist of one trip in my childhood, one during my twenties, and a particular journey where—in an effort to recreate an extremely budgeted version of “The Amazing Race”—my friends and...
Category: Lifestyle
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In Albay, the Longganisa Festival is both culinary celebration and economic boost
The bustling wet market in Iraya, Guinobatan, Albay, is more than a platform for the famed “longganisa” (native sausage). It is a display of food and heritage for those who appreciate the sausage’s distinct taste and the means of livelihood for its small stallholders. The Longganisa de Guinobatan, the town’s handmade staple, requires no price haggling...
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In Marikina, micro eateries present a balance between tradition and technology
The food scene in Marikina City is bustling, but not all small food businesses enjoy an equal helping of visibility. For some, the aroma of home-cooked meals is still sufficient to draw passersby who eventually become suki (regular clients). However, digital “likes,” “hashtags,” and Facebook group posts are now just as essential as toasted garlic...
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Stuff of dreams: Childhood friends, all student athletes, open a Pilates studio
LIPA, BATANGAS—It all came together for three childhood friends when they sent out the invites to the blessing of their Pilates studio in this city south of Manila. They had been planning this project for ages. And their guests, including friends from Quezon City, didn’t fail them, arriving before 9:30 a.m. on June 26. Fr....
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Want more tourists? Fix the airfare and infrastructure problems first
A recent article in Esquire Philippines attempted to settle the debate on whether travel to and in the Philippines is more expensive than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. The Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) defended local pricing, saying hotel rates reflect the high cost of doing business in the country. There is some truth to...
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In support of zero hunger through sustained, strengthened food rescue partnership
How to address hunger among Filipinos was the point of discussion at a recent Zero Summit led by Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, a food rescue and environment foundation that saves good-quality surplus food and makes this available to vulnerable communities. Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in the Philippines with 27.2% of Filipinos experiencing...
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Wonder and wistfulness in Japan, including a glimpse of Mount Fuji
“In a few minutes, we will be starting our descent…The weather in Narita is clear, with a temperature of 15°C.” As first-timers in Japan, my husband and I were more than thrilled to hear that announcement on the plane. We were so looking forward to experience what other travelers have been raving about: Japan is...
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Maybe JP’s coffee-shop walkout isn’t really about his misspelled name
“Starbucks LOST a ‘Loyal’ Customer Today!” One JP Abecilla fired off that dramatic declaration on Facebook, and his post quickly went viral. What was it all about? A misspelled name on a cup. According to JP, Starbucks had long been his go-to place for reading, relaxing, and enjoying a Grande Americano with a Cinnamon Danish....
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When one tries going wholesome, diet-wise
One has this stereotype of healthy food lacking in savory taste, bordering on blah. Sometimes, one thinks of it as close to pagkaing darak (or rice bran fed to poultry, cows and pigs)—no offense meant to one’s friends who have chosen to eat strictly plant- or fruit-based food. One’s palate was honed by a mother...
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Even on a short visit, there’s much to appreciate in Negros Occidental
The province of Negros Occidental has been on our “must-visit” list for some time, so that when a commitment took us to neighboring Iloilo, we planned a side trip to what’s known as the “Sugar Bowl of the Philippines.” After about an hour’s ferry ride, we reached Bacolod, Negros Occidental’s capital city. We rested a...