FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

I found myself at The Promenade at Days Hotel Iloilo, a few weeks ago for a friend's birthday treat. With other hotel buffets around the city to choose from good thing it was decided to be at the best of the best there - Indulgence. I found myself at the hotel even before it as opened and did my usual clicks and flashes before hungry Ilonggos rushed in. As I did, I found each station still in their pristine state and first stop was this Appetizer station with assorted ham and cheeses. Just right beside it was the Japanese specialties section with assorted sushi and sashimi with matching dips to go with. I was off to another appetizer station-this time filled with adapted Italian specialties like Tomato Gratin and Spinach-Ricotta cheese Crepes , which were both more than appetizing that I think I filled in more than I was supposed to. Then there was this eye-catching display of bacon wrapped sweet potato and backed aubergine that filled me more than the usual. I think I more than...

It was no like other invitations but it was still of gastronomical proportion. Foremost, it wasn’t held in any restaurant nor food shop, albeit the setting was still in a hotel. Then the foods served were one of a kind - you won’t find them in restaurants not just here in Iloilo City but around Visayas and come to think of it, maybe in the whole country. And finally, it was whipped up by a multi-awarded chef and his champion team - right before our eyes! Held at the showroom of St. Therese College located at La Fiesta Hotel, dinner that night was hosted by Chef Miner del Mundo. It was a few days prior the 2011 Sabor Bisaya Culinary Competition in Bacolod City and it customary for Chef Miner to invite a few of his friends to savour his creations for any contest. Th e food prepared were top of the line – the finest quality ingredients and specially prepared for us by an award winning team. I was also in the company of Chef Miguel Cordova (of Afrique's and Esca's fame), designers...

Today is the annual fiesta of the district of Molo, Iloilo. Now who isn’t excited during this time of the year? The carnival and fair in the plaza, the flair and grandeur it brings, and of course, the FOOD! It is even made more special when the place is renowned for its gastronomic and cultural heritage. Known as the “Athens of t he Philippines”, the district of Molo has provided leaders, statesmen and a lot more prompting scholars before to compare it to what the Greek capital has provided the western civilization. But it also has provided culinary contributions that make every Ilonggo, where from Molo or not to be proud of. A Chinese soup adaptation that has conquered the Philippine gastronomy is the district’s foremost contribution. Pancit Molo is among the most loved soups in the country and for Filipino abroads. It is more of a homemade delight that every household has its own unique recipe and no restaurant even in Molo itself can claim to have the best bowl of pancit Molo. Giant...

T here's a new foodie hang-out in town and it's where the "cakes of your dreams" may come true. Daily Buns just opened another branch in Iloilo and it's conveniently located along Diversion Road across Marina. Despite the rains last Saturday, the simple opening ceremonies took place with families, friends and patrons eagerly awaiting to have a taste of the new Daily Buns. Daily Buns is synonymous with made to order designer cakes in Iloilo. You can order almost every imaginable cake and expect it to be exceed your expectation on how i t looks and tastes. You can opt for the usual favorites like this delectable Chocolate Mousse Cake ... ... to children's birthay cakes like this one with a Super Mario Bros. theme for your little boy or ... this Hello Kitty cake for your daughter's birthday. They also accept orders for wedding cakes but if you're naughty enough ... ... they can also whip up some "honeymoon" cakes. Kinky cakes can be found in Il...

Today I was at SM Hypermarket in Jaro to be part the marathon cooking demos happening simultaneously around the country in celebration of the supermarket’s 10th year anniversary . It was the inaugural event for the Iloilo branch and excitement was all around the place. The program started with the introduction of the master chef - Mr. Jose Ricky Paborada . He’s currently the house chef and instructor at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus but prior to this, he has served quite a few notable places and had some share of accomplishments. He has worked at the former Hotel Nikko Manila Garden (now Dusit Hotel Manila) for ten years (2 years in the main kitchen, 2 years in the international coffee shop and 6 years cold kitchen). During these years he joined the Chefs on Parade and got silver medals in the Seafood Cocktail category for two straight years (1995-96). He then transferred to Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite owned by former pres. Fidel V Ramos. Then in 2000, he acc...