Learn. Shop. And Indulge. At The Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South By Chef Reggie Aspiras of The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila

Food has always been a continuing story of local culture enriched with memories that have become part of tradition. Any deep dive into the complex multi-layered and colorful weave of Philippine culinary heritage has to include the enduring and popular kakanin or native rice cakes with its deep connection to both history and geography. And there are as many unique variations of the ubiquitous rice cake as there are islands and regions in the archipelago. From suman to puto, biko, kalamay and tamales to kutsinta, sapin-sapin to bibingka, rediscover the comforting flavors that continue to shape and define our identity on the global table. It's time to learn, shop and indulge at Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South...

The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila presents yet another page from the rich and diverse book of our evolving culinary heritage focusing on the rice cake culture with Kakanin Kain! A Rice Cake Festival From North To South at The Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel. The continuing series reflects a shared advocacy by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila in preserving local culinary heritage, as many traditions and even ingredients are slowly fading due to modernization. For one memorable day, time stops in celebration of the local rice cake from high up north to down south with sweet renditions of the Filipino staple made with generations old practices and traditions into indulgent expressions of our identity. Read on, and celebrate the rich and abundant harvest of the land transformed in an impressive variety of kakanin...

European Organic Day 2026: Moving Forward With Organic Agriculture Through Meaningful Partnerships

From farming and civil society organizations, sustainability and environmental advocates and small and medium scale food businesses to the government, academe and private sectors, development partners and food chain experts, a diverse and multi-sectoral coalition united with a shared cause advancing organic farming as a viable and timely alternative in a modern real world setting takes the stage. It's a cause that's been around for decades, yet its impact and value has never been as relevant as it is today. From its pioneering beginnings, the movement has grown and now embedded in the cultural mainstream through awareness and education. That day, partnerships and alliances were strengthened with a renewed spirit to further drive meaningful change...

No longer a mere trend, sustainable and organic farming is a conscious and deliberate lifestyle choice that benefits not only the environment but goes much deeper into our daily personal routine being an integral part of a healthier and nourishing mindset. Through the European Union-supported European Organic: Nurturing Every Juan campaign, a gathering of key players and advocates led by Naturland brings the spotlight to organic farming at Conrad Manila for European Organic Day 2026 with the theme From Pioneer to Mainstream: Creating Organic Pathways and Partnerships for the Philippines. Take your seat and be part of a growing movement that's more relevant and meaningful than ever in these changing times...

The Arita Wagyu Experience With Arita Wagyu: An Okura Collaboration At Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila

From the pristine Miyazaki Prefecture on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, the famed Arita Wagyu formally announces its arrival to the elegant local fine dining scene with a luxurious feast at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila. Masterfully executed, here's a rare peek at one of the world's finest beef lavishly executed by renowned Grand Chef of Japanese Fine Dining of Okura Hotels & Resorts, Chef Tadashi Sawauchi...

In celebration of the 70th Philippine-Japan Friendship Month, Hotel Okura Manila in collaboration with Arita Farm and Okura Hotels & Resorts hosted a series of memorable dinners showcasing world class Japanese produce and ingredients including the coveted Arita Wagyu by Okura Hotels & Resorts Grand Chef of Japanese Fine Dining Tadashi Sawauchi at Yawaragi in Hotel Okura Manila. The sumptuous 7-Course feast paired with exquisite sake highlighted the legendary savory richness of the acclaimed Japanese Arita Wagyu in a variety of creative and imaginative renditions for a proper celebration of the 70th Philippine-Japan Friendship Month. 

Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory Brings Italian Flair With Its New And Indulgent Tiramisu Cheese Puff

Rich, creamy, lusciously decadent and irresistibly satisfying, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory tips the scale of indulgence once more with its latest seasonal offering inspired by classic Italian notes. Meet the new limited edition seasonal expression of pure pleasure, the Tiramisu Cheese Puff...

It's been said countless times before that the Italian dessert creation is a "love letter in layers." Drawing inspiration from the beloved Italian classic, the delicate choux pastry filled with silky smooth cream made from premium Hokkaido milk, Mascarpone and coffee combine for yet another elegant rendition of pure and unrestrained indulgence by Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory. Available only for a limited time, the new Tiramisu Cheese Puff is poised to become your next love letter expressed in the signature style of Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory. Ready for a bite? Then, read on...  

A Foraged Feast: Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Presents A Forest Table Of Sagada At The Glasshouse Of New World Makati Hotel

"Mushroom foraging is an art of active perception that deserves to be studied with patience, taught with rigor, and passed onto future generations with contagious enthusiasm." 

The forests of Sagada high up north is a virtual pantry of natural nourishment that's been part of the tradition and cultural identity of indigenous communities for centuries. From mushrooms to fruits, vegetables and herbs, the bountiful harvests of Sagada not only sustains life, it's a page from countless stories passed down for generations. Roope Oskari Kaaronen, a post doctoral researcher at Finland's prestigious University of Helsinki acknowledges the importance of preserving tradition and keeping the fragile link with the past intact. At A Forest Table of Sagada, these traditions are proudly showcased by a new generation of culinary trailblazers in a memorable afternoon at The Glasshouse...

There's no better way to fully understand and appreciate one's culture than experiencing its many flavors on the table. The flavors of Sagada offers an insightful peek at tradition and a real connection and respect for the land. The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila brings to light another regional flavorful weave from the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with A Forest Table At Sagada at The Glasshouse of New World Makati Hotel. Read on for a tasty and insightful peek at Sagada's foraged flavors...

Sakagura x Mida Food Specialists x Philippine Wine Merchants Presents A Taste Of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Seafood And Sake Pairing

Golden Eye Snapper, Japanese Barracuda, White Trevally, and Japanese Flounder. Its isn't often one can enjoy the freshest, even uncommon seafood flown in straight from Japan. And when you get to pair it with some of Japan's finest sake, the dining experience becomes an elevated and memorable taste of Japan's rich culinary traditions. Fresh and premium Japanese seafood from Mida Food Specialists, exquisite sake by Philippine Wine Merchants and masterful execution by the chefs of Sakagura, indulge in A Taste of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Sake and Seafood Pairing...

Indulgent bites and soothing sips. Sakagura becomes the stage once more for an epic feast highlighting Japan's freshest premium and even rare and seasonal seafood paired with exceptional sake with A Taste of Japan: Takumi Grand Omakase Seafood And Sake Pairing. Available for a limited time, Sakagura in collaboration with Mida Food Specialists and Philippine Wine Merchants offers local diners a taste of the prized seasonal catch of Golden Eye Snapper, Japanese Barracuda, Striped Jack or White Trevally and Marbled Sole or Flounder imported by Mida Food Specialists paired with the finest sake from Philippine Wine Merchants. A rare ocean catch, this is one pairing that should be on your list. 

Redefining Familiar Flavors With A Fresh New Spin: San Juan's Eraya Unveils New Menu Additions Driven By Modern And Comforting Asian Inspired Cuisine

Chefs Henry Manglo and Migel Florida takes a crack at familiar and comforting flavors with a fresh perspective from continuous R&D, a creative process that's part of its daily operations at Eraya. The result? New dishes highlighting comforting cuisine with familiar ingredients adding to its unique medley of creative dishes infused with pleasantly unexpected twists. Judging from my first visit a few months back, dining at Eraya always presents new ways to enjoy familiar flavors executed with a creative flair making each succeeding visit feel like the first time. The new menu additions strengthens the vibe. 

How can one forget the savory KFC Poppers, Aligue Pasta and Pork Chashu at Eraya from that memorable first encounter? Soon, that nagging craving finds you back on the road for a much-awaited return visit to San Juan's progressive dining destination for modern Asian cuisine (for more on Eraya and their creative culinary renditions, see my earlier post Fresh, Bold And Progressive Modern Cuisine At Eraya In San Juan from May this year). And Chefs Henry Manglo and Migel Florida have more surprises from the kitchen reimagining familiar and comforting flavors on the menu at Eraya.  Read on for a tasty peek...

The Crossroads Of Southeast Asian Flavors Leads You To Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall

I first met H.K. Tan thirteen years ago at one of his earlier restaurant ventures showcasing the comforting cuisine of his Singaporean roots. After a long and successful run, he's back in the restaurant game. Step inside Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall..

Drawing on childhood memories, H.K. Tan recreates the flavors of his youth with his newest restaurant Makan Makan Singapore Hawker at Century City Mall with classic dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice paired with soothing Teh Tarik for a familiar and nostalgic dining experience. Long known as a culinary hub for global cuisine, Singapore has been the stage for the best Southeast Asian cuisine from Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Chinese staples. At Makan Makan Singapore Hawker, you'll find specialties like Laksa, Beef Rendang, Bahn Mi and even Old Town Coffee as H.K. Tan returns to the local restaurant scene...

Once Upon A Time In Malabon: The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila Unveil The Flavors Of Malabon At The Glass House Of New World Makati Hotel

In a continuing series showcasing local regional flavors, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by Chef Reggie Aspiras and CCA Manila takes you north of the metro to experience the flavors of Malabon. Known for its famous Pancit Malabon, lechon, crispy pata, okoy, tinapa and wide variety of native kakanin or glutinous rice cakes, the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila reveal yet another layer in the colorful tapestry of Filipino cuisine with Once Upon A Time in Malabon...

The Glass House at New World Makati Hotel becomes the elegant setting for yet another culinary spectacle of traditional local flavors as the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila presents Once Upon A Time in Malabon. Following the success of previous editions in its continuing series, Once Upon A Time in Malabon brings to life the enduring stories and flavors of the city with a lavish buffet feast at The Glass House (see more from the previous editions by the Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila on my previous posts The Filipino Story On A Plate: Acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras And CCA Manila Brings Traditional Local Flavors To BGC At The Launch Of The Philippine Heritage Kitchen from April this year featuring the flavors of Ilocos and From Salad To Sizzling, Retracing The Origins Of Pampanga's Sisig And Its Place In The Filipino Culinary Experience At The Sisig Festival By The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila from early this month highlighting Pampanga's iconic pork dish). Take your seat and prepare to embark on another culinary journey led by Chef Reggie Aspiras of Philippine Heritage Kitchen and CCA Manila up north of the metro at New World Makati Hotel... 

Flavor And Design Innovation In One Cool Package: El Born La Pastisseria Presents The Cremós Collection

In one of the rare instances when a food trend goes beyond the initial curiosity phase and becomes deeply embedded in the culinary mainstream, the Burnt Basque Cheesecake phenomenon remains one of the brightest examples emerging from the quarantine experience. And El Born La Pastisseria keeps the local Burnt Basque Cheesecake wars raging with its latest indulgent innovation... 

Chef David Amoros and El Born La Pastisseria turns up the heat in the local cheesecake wars with its newest collection combining flavor, design and packaging innovation in one seamlessly decadent experience with the Cremós Collection. Available in Original (P 950), Catalan Cream (P 995) and Coffee & Cacao (P 995), the lavish new creations promise a whole new way of enjoying cheesecake in that elegant El Born La Pastisseria style. Read on for a tasty peek... 

The Flavors Of Home, Remembered: Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou Takes You Home At Tatung's Gateway 2 Mall In Araneta City

They say food is memory, transporting you back to a different time and place. For many, food becomes a taste of home for a memorable reunion of comfortingly familiar flavors. At Tatung's in Gateway 2 Mall, Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou invites you to a flavorful homecoming with the flavors you've always loved...

Home, remembered. In his most personal restaurant concept yet, Chef Myke "Tatung" Sarthou recreates the nostalgic flavors of home at Tatung's in Gateway 2 Mall. Food trends come and go in the constantly changing and evolving local dining scene, yet there are flavors that continue to warm the palate with its pure honesty and sincerity. Take your seat and rediscover the flavors home at Tatung's...

Cool Deal Pick: Free Coffee With Every Sandwich At Deli by Chele Robinsons Magnolia

Known for their New York deli style sandwiches, Deli by Chele has always been high up on top of any fave go-to sandwich list. Chef-driven using only the finest ingredients built around their artisanal sourdough bread baked fresh in-house, Deli by Chele takes their winning sandwich game up a notch with one cool deal you can't pass up...

Exclusive to the Robinsons Magnolia store, Deli by Chele introduces an offer to complete your deli sandwich experience. How does free coffee with every whole sandwich sound? That's right, now you can enjoy a freshly brewed Americano with your favorite New York deli style sandwich. It's time to visit Deli by Chele in Robinsons Magnolia for another encounter with your favorite sandwich. And your Free Americano...

Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele: Meet The Cheesecake Mafia, The Parmesan Cheesecake And Nutella Tarta de Queso From Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele

The local cheesecake wars continue to tease and delight the palate with innovative and inventive renditions showcasing infinite possibilities. For Chef Chele and Teri Gonzalez, the continuous creative process allows the unrestrained exploration of flavors and textures as they push the envelope once more with the introduction of their latest decadent duo of Burnt Basque Cheesecake creations inspired by Italian flair...

Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele unveils two exquisite cheesecake expressions dubbed "The Cheesecake Mafia: Inspired by Italy, Crafted by Chele" with the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso reflecting traditional Italian notes inspired by Parmesan and Nutella. Teri Gonzalez brings the comforting and indulgent sweetness of Nutella with each decadent slice while Chef Chele plays on the rich and creamy flavors with mildly salty savory hints with his blend of Parmesan, Grana Padano and a secret third cheese for two unique and contrasting options at Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele. Following the successful campaign from their recent collab (see my previous post Decadent Duo: Meet The Seasonal Christmas Cheesecake Offerings From The Auro Chocolate x Burnt Basque Cheesecake By Chele Collab from December last year), Burnt Basque Cheesecake by Chele maintains the tempo and momentum with a decadent duo for the next round of the local cheesecake wars. Read on for a virtual slice and bite of the Parmesan Cheesecake and the Nutella Tarta de Queso...

Ginza Japanese Restaurant x Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi: From Tokyo To Manila, Acclaimed Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef Hironobu Horiuchi Brings His Signature Tonkatsu To Ginza Japanese Restaurant In Ortigas

A Japanese culinary master takes the stage to showcase his craft for a memorable tonkatsu feast. From Tokyo to Manila, noted Japanese Chef Hironobu Horiuchi of Tokyo's Michelin Bib Gourmand Kurobuta Tonkatsu Hiroiichi serves his award-winning signature Kurobuta Pork Tonkatsu at Ginza Japanese Restaurant in Ortigas...

For diners and lovers of Japanese food, a rare opportunity to savor and experience the exquisite classic and traditional staple elevated by a true master is something you just don't pass up. From June 18-21, 2026, Japanese Chef Hironobu Horiuchi of Tokyo's famed Michelin Bib Gourmand Kurobuta Tonkatsu Horiichi brings what may be the ultimate tonkatsu dining experience to Ginza Japanese Restaurant in the Ortigas commercial and business district. And just in time for Father's Day too. Read on for a taste of a culinary master's craft... 

Paleta Filipino: Eight Chefs, One Spectacular Buffet Feast Of Local And Regional Cuisine At Corniche In Diamond Hotel

From the ubiquitous street food fare to tasty starters, savory mains and indulgent desserts, Diamond Hotel showcases comforting and diverse Filipino flavors in celebration of Philippine Independence Day. Step inside Corniche in Diamond Hotel and pick up a plate for a feast of local and regional cuisines...

From June 9 to 14, eight chefs unveil the diverse culinary richness of our gastronomic heritage at Corniche in Diamond Hotel serving regional specialties as well as modern renditions in celebration of Philippine Independence Day weekend. The weeklong culinary spectacle, dubbed Paleta Filipino features a wide array of masterfully prepared Filipino dishes by the award-winning culinary team of Diamond Hotel led by Chefs Jemelle Baarde, Michael Lozada, Jose Bensal, Rod Nuñez, John Suico, Peter Cagadas, Ernie Buesing and Christian Alumno alongside the always impressive buffet spread with its repertoire of international cuisine. Read on for a tasty peek of Paleta Filipino at Corniche...

From Salad To Sizzling, Retracing The Origins of Pampanga's Sisig And Its Place In The Filipino Culinary Experience At The Sisig Festival By The Philippine Heritage Kitchen And CCA Manila

Any conversation on Filipino cuisine promises hours of engaging and sometimes heated debates but it gets a whole lot more intense when a specific dish becomes the topic. Like the Capampangan Sisig, the ubiquitous and enduring regional staple that's now part of the Filipino culinary mainstream. With purists and traditionalists on one side and modern, creative and imaginative innovators on the other, the enduring Sisig remains a hot topic. And that's a good thing. Meaningful conversations and an appreciation of its origins reveal a more insightful perspective in the complex yet colorful weave of Filipino cuisine shaped and defined by history, trade and migration, the colonial experience and geography. Noted chef, cookbook author and columnist Reggie Aspiras along with food historian Ruston Banal decode the Capampangan Sisig and it's place on the Filipino table at the Sisig Festival From Salad To Sizzling at Brittany Hotel BGC...

The Philippine Heritage Kitchen led by acclaimed Chef Reggie Aspiras in collaboration with CCA Manila recently held its second culinary festival in its calendar last May 29, 2026 dubbed Sisig Festival From Salad to Sizzling with food historian Ruston Banal at Origine in Brittany Hotel BGC. The festival retraces the history of the popular Sisig through an impressive array of both traditional and contemporary renditions to fully capture the essence of the enduring dish. You think you know your Sisig? Then, read on...

Through The Years, At Discovery Primea's Tapenade...

For over a decade, the fresh and vibrant notes of the sun-kissed Mediterranean cuisine at Tapenade lit up the ever-changing dining scene in Makati. And it continues to shine bright as ever with its repertoire of Mediterranean inspired dishes. Since my very first visit back in 2015, Tapenade in Discovery Primea has always been top-of-mind for Mediterranean flavors. Eleven years later, it still is...

For establishments to reach its milestone eleventh year says a lot, and that's a big deal in the competitive food and beverage industry that's forever changing, adapting and evolving. Helmed by Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco since day one, Tapenade at Discovery Primea stayed true to its promise of serving the freshest flavors of the Mediterranean. A recent visit revealed new dishes for Executive Chef Luis Chikiamco's own picks for the month as well as enduring bestsellers from the menu. Read on to see what's on the table. At Tapenade in Discovery Primea...

Chef Robby Goco Unveils His Greek Inspired Tasting Menu At The PVT Members Lounge

Traditional Greek flavors with a playfully creative spin goes high up the Garden Deck forty floors above the Ortigas commercial and business district. It's the new Tasting Menu by renowned Chef Robby Goco at the ultra exclusive PVT Members Lounge...

A rare peek at one of the metro's most exclusive private clubs doesn't happen everyday. Ultra exclusive, social sanctuary and premium world-class dining destination in one elegant setting, PVT Members Lounge takes you to the very top of Ortigas surrounded by panoramic views of an ever changing skyline. And for a select few, the PVT Members Lounge takes dining with a view to a whole new level (for more on PVT Members Lounge, see my post A Private Omakase Feast By Chef Daniel Ken Miyamoto At Kappo In The Exclusive PVT Members Lounge from August last year). For a limited time, members can also savor the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine with imaginative and modern renditions with the exquisite Tasting Menu by Chef Robby Goco...

The Next Chapter In A Family's Culinary Legacy Continues With New Dishes At Carmelo's Steakhouse

Since 1987, one name stands as the undisputed pioneer in the Certified Angus Beef steak dining experience. Today, Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's legacy continues with Carmelo's Steakhouse helmed by Chef Cristina Santiago. The upscale establishment maintains the same high standards and fine dining tradition honoring the founder's vision complemented by Chef Cristina Santiago's own unique and modern culinary style. Step inside Carmelo's Steakhouse and rediscover one man's legacy preserved and maintained for a fresh new chapter and a continuing story in the local dining scene...

Opened back in 2024, Carmelo's Steakhouse in The Proscenium Retail Row marked yet another milestone honoring Carmelo "Melo" Santiago's culinary legacy as a fitting tribute to the growing number of restaurants that bears his name. This tradition is now passed on to the founder's daughter, Chef Cristina Santiago following the same culinary journey with even more flavorful stories to share. A modern and contemporary approach to flavors grounded on tradition becomes the foundation for the Michelin Selected Carmelo's Steakhouse's own identity, presented in a variety of dishes from their catering operations as well as new offerings from their a la carte menu. Read on for a tasty peek...

The Spice Route Up North Leads You To Vibrant Indian Flavors At Pepper Tree In Katipunan

Since it opened back in 2018, Chef Hiro Soneji has seen the Katipunan skyline evolve and transform with the continued development of high rise towers and various construction projects changing the landscape. Through the years, Chef Hiro Soneji perfected and refined his menu anchored on his culinary roots using authentic Indian spices and all-natural ingredients. Along the way, menu additions reflecting a creative Indian Filipino crossover earned his restaurant the top-of-mind spot among both residents and transients in the changing Katipunan neighborhood. The spice route to bold flavors in Katipunan always leads you to Pepper Tree...

They say food is a continuing story of memories transporting you back to another place and time the minute familiar notes hit the palate. Chef Hiro Soneji brings the flavors of home to Katipunan at Pepper Tree, where traditional staples like Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken and Shrimp Curry are served alongside Masala Pork Sisig, Tacos and Hummus. Curious? Then, read on...