Vikings

The Day We Dressed Like A Viking

It was the National Vikings Day, which celebrated the 5th year anniversary of Vikings, the popular luxury buffet restaurant in the Philippines. To thank their patrons, they gave 50% off on their rates as long as customers come donning a Viking traditional costume or a touch of any of those – helmets, head dress, shields …

Continental Flavors at the (Food)Court

Recently, I joined a group of media people and bloggers to taste the Continental Flavors that one can find at the SM City Bacolod Food Court. I never got to ask but I wondered what makes a food to have a continental flavor. I consulted with my friend Google on continental flavors and cooking and …

Zark's Burger

Take the Zark’s Burger Challenge

Just one look at the towering Tombstone Burger and I could already throw in the towel and declare the burger the winner. Yes, it’s man vs. food when you visit Zark’s Burger, which is now open in SM City Bacolod. I was invited, along with a group of bloggers, to sample some of their food, …

Art & Al Fresco Dining at Homegrown Bacolod

You can dine under the stars and surrounded by beautiful artworks at Homegrown Bacolod, formerly Café Bob’s grounds. It’s located along 21st and Lacson Streets of Bacolod City, Philippines and provide al fresco dining for those who want to enjoy the open space. [UPDATE 2023: The new Cafe Bobs Deli building now stands in what …

Choobi Choobi

Have a Choobi Choobi Filipino Meal

“Choobi Choobi” is a Fookien word for the Visayan expression “lingaw lingaw” which translates to enjoying or having fun. Now, Choobi Choobi  is almost synonymous to Filipino food that you can enjoy. The CEO of Choobi Choobi, Mr. Constantine “Stan” Tanchan, fondly shared the story of how the name came about. And if you’re one …

Merkado

First-time in Merkado Cafe Bacolod

Merkado in local language (Hiligaynon is the language of those living in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines) means market. Most towns in my country, especially those in remote areas, have market day wherein locals and visitors alike flock to the town’s economic hub to see new goods being delivered and buy those that they need …

MassKara Festival, Philippines

The Colors of the Philippines

Wow Tapes: Philippines from WowTapes on Vimeo. If you watch this video from Wow Tapes, you will find that the Philippines — yes, that tropical archipelago with 7,107 islands in the Southeast Asia region — is a country that is full of colors, not just visually but in the true essence of the word. The …

Restaurant

Global Food Trip in Bacolod Restaurants

Whenever friends visit my city, they always ask me my recommended places to eat. Bacolod City, capital of the province of Negros Occidental, the sugar bowl of the Philippines, is known for its rich culinary delights, especially its desserts. And when it comes to local and international cuisines, Bacolod has a long list for you …

Sabor Victorias Cook-Off 2015

Sabor Victorias Cook-off at the Kalamayan Festival

“Kalamay” means sugar in our local language. Victorias City is home to the famous Victorias Milling Company (VMC), which has been producing sugar since 1919. It is, thus, no surprise why Victorias City has started with its Kalamayan Festival last year. Every Kalamayan Festival, the city government of Victorias, along with VMC and its sister …

Balaring Silay City

First-time in Melkens Balaring

It was a bright sunny day and the noontime heat would probably be unbearable if not for the windy breeze. The sea has moved back and the row of tilted restaurants fill the shore of Balaring in Silay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. I was with members of the Negros Blogging Society, Inc. (NBSI), or the …

Taipei Eats

Taipei Street Eats

Of all my Taiwan posts, I think this one on the Taipei street eats would be a lot interesting. Whenever I travel to a new place, I try to taste the local food, not just those in known fine-dining restaurants, but also those served in small eateries and along the streets. Our first few hours …

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung

As soon as the sun was about to set, we rushed via MRT to Taipei 101 to see this popular Taiwan landmark transform from daytime to nighttime. The 508-meter, 101-story structure was the tallest in the world when it was inaugurated in 2004. Its reign ended in 2010 when it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa …

Rau-Ram Cafe

Rau-Ram Café: three years of Vietnamese cooking

I haven’t been to Saigon Café’s humble beginnings but I have witnessed it become what it is today – Rau-Ram Café. I wrote about their opening, which happened earlier this year. This authentic Vietnamese Restaurant in Bacolod City celebrated its third anniversary and we were the special guests by the owners.   It was also …

Sapori D'Italia Bacolod

First-time in Sapori D’Italia

Sapori D’Italia literally means flavors of Italy. It is one of the newest restaurants that recently opened in O Residences along Lacson St. in Mandalagan, Bacolod City. [UPDATE 2023: The restaurant has closed and is no longer in operation in this location.] Its opening is a testament that Bacolod City, often called the City of …

10th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

10th Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival

Whenever the Negros Island Organic Farmers Festival is being held each year, it is fun to go to the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City and check out the many fresh and organic products of farmers in Negros Island and neighboring islands in the Philippines. It was in 2014 when I was first exposed to the …