Category: Food

Taal Vista Hotel Tagaytay: Tranquil retreat with majestic views of Taal Volcano and lake

Tagaytay is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. For those coming from the metro, this is a favorite weekend getaway because of the refreshing scenery, cooler climate and the variety of restaurants for food tripping. While you can visit Tagaytay on day trips, it’s better to spend a night or two to really enjoy the place and have more excuses to eat. Last weekend, I found myself with a bunch of travel bloggers on a major food-trip staycation courtesy of Taal Vista Hotel.

For business and leisure travelers looking for first-class amenities, modern luxuries and quality service, Taal Vista Hotel is highly regarded as one of the best hotels in the area. This historic establishment has been around since the 1930s and is best known for its classic architecture and offering a stunning view of Taal Lake in Batangas and Taal Volcano Island in the middle of the lake.

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Taza Fresh Table: Farm-to-table feasts in Tagaytay

When it comes to quick weekend or day trip getaways, Tagaytay City is always a top choice for those coming from the metro. The refreshing view of Taal Lake and the variety of restaurants always makes Tagaytay a favorite foodie destination. One of the best places for dining with a view is the historic Taal Vista Hotel. After enjoying several buffet meals at Cafe Veranda and dinners by the fireplace at the Lobby Lounge, our hosts saved the best for last with a heavy breakfast/brunch at Taza Fresh Table.

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Food Trip: Poblacion

I always feel like I’m in a different country whenever I go around the neighborhood of Poblacion in Makati. Barangay Poblacion in the old downtown area feels like a backpacker red light district, similar to Bangkok’s Khaosan Road or Cambodia’s Pub Street. The food choices in the neighborhood have wide international appeal, from small Korean joints to biker bars serving Indian cuisine.

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Food Trip: La Union

Being by the beach sure works up an appetite. There’s really something about the fresh sea breeze, the laid-back vibe, and all those energy-sapping water activities that get you craving for comfort food like burgers and pizza, fresh and grilled seafood, hearty servings of Filipino favorites, and extra rice. If you’re going on a trip to La Union anytime soon, here are a few restaurants (mostly in the surfing capital of San Juan) where you can have your fill of great food.

food trip la union

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In-Flight Food Trip with AirAsia’s Santan Menu

There’s not a lot of variety when it comes to dining in the sky, especially if you’re traveling on a low-cost airline. My trips usually start with an overpriced hotdog sandwich at the airport or if I’m really hungry, I’ll order cup noodles on the plane. But usually, I’ll just sleep through the flight and wait until I land to enjoy a good hot meal. I didn’t really expect to enjoy gourmet meals on-board a short-haul domestic flight.

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NEW ZEALAND | Middle-Earth Magic in Hobbiton

Every fan of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films dreams of going to New Zealand. In fact, the movie trilogies directed by Peter Jackson based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels have spurred a rise in Tolkien tourism. Many fans of the LOTR fictional universe travel to significant filming locations based on the books.

The best place you can experience Middle-Earth magic is the Hobbiton Movie Set, a sprawling farm complete with hobbit holes, gardens, bridge, mill and souvenir shops. My favorite part of Hobbiton is The Green Dragon Inn, a real pub where you can sample beers traditionally brewed in the Shire, the home of the hobbits!

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Travel Guide: Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija

These days, a lot of city folk want a taste of the laid-back provincial life. When life gets too hectic in the metro, just heading somewhere you can float on a bamboo raft, enjoy simple home-cooked meals and see stunning natural sights can be just what you need to re-energize for the work week ahead. One of the fastest-rising destinations to offer this kind of experience near Manila is Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija.

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10 Must-Try Dishes in Japan


Japanese cuisine is very popular throughout the world. As an island nation surrounded by the ocean, it’s widely known for its seafood. Aside from the freshness and high quality of food, what I like the most about Japan is how beautiful everything, including their food, is presented. No matter how many elements there are in a dish, everything always looks so neat and organized. Japanese food really reflects the culture.

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10 Must-Try Dishes in Thailand

Thailand’s food is a feast for the senses. First you eat with your eyes, as each dish is beautifully presented. A whiff of the spicy aroma teases you again before you finally dig in. Once you start eating, every bite tantalizes the tastebuds. Thai cuisine is diverse, with influences from a lot of different countries. Its flavors are complex. Each individual element and condiment is used deliberately. It’s a delicate blend of exotic spices, flavors and textures that result in dishes that transports you to places. 

food trip thailand cover
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Food Trip: Pampanga

Located just a couple of hours from Metro Manila, Pampanga is a great choice for those looking for a unique food trip destination relatively near the metro. This province in Central Luzon is known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” known for being the birthplace of chefs who learned cooking techniques from Spaniards during the colonial period and passed down family secrets through generations.

01. food trip pampanga aling lucing sisig tokwat baboy chicharon bulaklak

It’s always difficult to come up with a list of “where to eat” in a destination, and more so when you’re writing about a place that’s known for their great cuisine. Like all food trip guides, this list is by no means definitive. It’s based on places that I have personally tried during media tours & from recommendations of friends who live in the area. If you only have a limited time, these are just some suggestions where to eat. WARNING: Putok-Batok post ahead.
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