Category Archives: Philippines

A charming little nook in the ‘burbs

It was a game of hide-and-seek trying to find this quaint little café, lurking quietly amongst the tightly packed homes in Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Weaving backwards and forwards through the narrow streets, roadworks adding a few unexpected twists and … Continue reading

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A Japanese Tea Ceremony

This week I witnessed a Japanese Tea Ceremony hosted by the Urasenke Manila Association at the Filipino Heritage Library. It was a fascinating, absorbing occasion, and one I felt honoured to attend. Tea first arrived in Japan from China in … Continue reading

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Imelda: Rumour Has It…

Much enamoured of Carlos Celdran’s Intramuros tour last year, I finally got my act together and booked a place on his long-running tour of the Cultural Centre of the Philippine complex: ‘Livin’ La Vida Imelda’. Unfortunately it turned out to … Continue reading

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5 Things I Love about the Philippines

A moment of reflection on a quiet Sunday afternoon led to five things I love about the Philippines… 1. Security In the malls, hotels, schools and apartment buildings of Manila, I love being met by security guards who scan under … Continue reading

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Simply Gnocchi

Grappa’s in Greenbelt 3 is my favourite Italian restaurant in Metro Manila. Grappa’s originated in Hong Kong, and now has a very attractive second home in Makati. It is spacious without that canteen quality, and the service is excellent: we … Continue reading

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Eating with the Seasons at Restaurant 101

Eating in our time has got complicated. So says food historian Michael Pollan. The latest food trend attempts to uncomplicate things by going back to basics: eat locally grown produce and eat with the seasons. Restaurant 101 is backing this … Continue reading

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Delving into Manila’s Markets

The first time I visited the Farmer’s Market in Cubao, Quezon City, I went too late in the morning and I thought I would keel over and die from heat exhaustion. Since then I have learned to drop in early … Continue reading

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New Kid on the Block

There’s a new kid on the Manila wine scene. Meet Don Revy, ‘an international wine company that sources new world wines for emerging markets’. And what better place to make the introduction than at Cav Wine Shop & Café on … Continue reading

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Living in a Bubble

We were asked to write a piece for the ANZA News on where we lived in Manila and why. It was a good excuse to consider and re-assess… When  we first flew into Manila, a realtor took us around Makati … Continue reading

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Setting Standards at Enderun Colleges

Restaurant 101 is the training restaurant for Enderun College’s food and beverage students. I have always been impressed with the meals served at 101, but this time I was more specifically interested in the food and beverage students who were … Continue reading

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