Category Archives: Philippines

Snow & Ice in Manila…

The temperature is rising in Manila as summer looms, but in the newly renovated New World Hotel in Makati it was snowing in March! The annual Ball is ANZA’s largest event, and this year it had a new location. No … Continue reading

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A Not-So Gracious Tea

“Its orient tinge, like spring-time morn, Or baby-buttercups newly-born; Its balmy perfume, delicate pulp, One longs to swallow it all at a gulp, Sure man had ne’er such gifts or theme As your melt-in-mouthy Devonshire cream.” An eulogy on a … Continue reading

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A Special Anniversary Dinner

I really enjoy cooking, but I prefer it if the recipes are relatively simple and there is room to manoeuvre: ‘oops, I don’t have zucchini, what else is in the fridge?’ that sort of thing.  And I really enjoy eating … Continue reading

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Driving: More Fun in the Philippines!

Recently we have started teaching our older son to drive. In Manila. I haven’t actively dissuaded him from learning to drive, but nor have I actively encouraged him. There are so few safe places to get him used to driving a … Continue reading

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Israeli Cuisine: Exotic Simplicity

Down a narrow residential street behind Rockwell is an exciting new restaurant, Atelier 317. Opened in November 2012 it is the brainchild of local chef and newly-wed, Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi. The menu is a wonderful potpourri of all her travels and … Continue reading

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To Taal with TourFlair

Taal: not just a volcano and a lake, but also a UNESCO heritage town in Calabarzon, overlooking Balayan Bay, about two hours south of Manila. Recently, I went on a fascinating expedition to Taal with food safari TourFlair. The drive … Continue reading

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Shoes: the Fetish of a First Lady, or a National Passion?

Imelda Marcos, wife of Filipino President Marcos, became internationally renowned in 1986, not for her charismatic personality, her movie star looks or her contribution to Filipino culture, but for her butterfly sleeves and her infamous collection of shoes. When Imelda … Continue reading

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Sensational Gourmet Dining!

Antonio’s has long been a popular destination with wealthier Manila residents for a luxurious Sunday lunch away from the madding crowd, so I  had booked a table  for a special family occasion. It is a bit of a trek – … Continue reading

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A Park of Remembrance

A calm, peaceful escape from the endless traffic; an oasis sitting at the highest point in Fort Bonifacio, you will rarely find more than a handful of visitors at Manila’s American Cemetery and War Memorial. On a rainy day, it … Continue reading

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The Art of Terry’s

Terry’s has become something of an institution in Manila for authentic, Spanish, tapas-style eating. This long-time favourite is owned and run by Juan Carlos de Terry,  who now has three restaurants under the one banner: one in Salcedo; another in … Continue reading

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