Amid the suffering, sacrifices, and isolation that the pandemic is unprecedently giving almost every one of us in the world, something beautiful is also unfolding. At first, I didn’t want to acknowledge it because doing so may seem insensitive to those who are not doing well. But I think choosing to be positive can help…
Farmers’ Markets of Manila
Since I was a kid, I have always been familiar with palengke or public markets. They are rented stalls where you can buy local produce, meats, fish, and other products. They’re usually crowded and sometimes sketchy, with the threat of pickpockets lurking around. Sometimes, it’s even dangerous to snap pictures. But the prices at the palengke are cheaper than grocery supermarkets. Plus, you will learn about regional dishes based on the native ingredients available here. In other words, going to a palengke has its benefits. As long as you’re street smart or have someone to guide you, going to a palengke should not be a problem.
However, I have noticed another kind of market that has spurted around Manila. These are farmers’ markets that carry organic, gourmet, and specialty products. They are direct from the farmers, artisans, cooks, and connoisseurs. Usually, tourists and ex-pats go here. I’m guessing because it’s safer and easier to navigate than a palengke.
Vegan Restaurants in the Philippines
Vegan in the Philippines, my first month here 2019
The first month of being vegan in the Philippines has been a whirlwind. It started with a family reunion on my father’s side. Almost everyone from abroad flew to Cavite to party. My aunts and uncles reunited once again after so long. Some of my cousins from the US hadn’t been back in more twenty…
My biggest adventure yet!
This year I am embarking on my biggest adventure yet – I’m moving to the Philippines for a year! Right now, I live in San Francisco with my husband and I visit my family in Hayward on most weekends. Ironically, going to the Philippines will feel both like going back to my roots and stepping…
Learning all about Yuba and Tofu, an Evening with Hodo Foods
I’m not the one to go to a party alone without knowing anyone but the host. Unlike my husband who can always work a room, I get very conscious and worse, awkward. When I was a kid, I can comfortably sit in one corner for hours without uttering a word. A timeout would be a…
Our Vegan Honeymoon in Rome
My husband Chris has a special affinity with the city of Rome. He loves its rich history and culture. From the tv shows and documentaries that he watches, down to the books he reads, you can bet some of them have something to do with this ancient city in Italy. He’s a big fan but has…
Top 3 Tips on Going and Staying Vegan
Some people tell me that they or someone they know have tried going vegan but would always feel hungry or weak so they went back to eating meat. They were always miserable so eventually they gave up going vegan. But there’s a reason why some people, including me, have successfully transitioned to going vegan and…
Vegan Restaurants to see in the Philippines
During my short two-week trip to the Philippines, I squeezed some time to eat at vegan restaurants. Luckily, my friends took me to their recommendations as part of their itinerary. Some of my family members (who are hard-core meat eaters) also took me to a couple of vegan restaurants. People took me mainly to Makati…
You’re Invited: Bay Area Vegan Potluck 2017
Before summer ends, I would love to invite you to a vegan potluck at Temescal Park on August 19. I hope to enjoy the last days of summer with delicious, vegan food with warm and friendly people like you. I could already visualize a long spread of flavorful main dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks -all…