Iloilo: Getting to Know the Royal City of the South

The story of Iloilo started after the Panay Island was divided into 3 districts called “sakups.” The story which is still considered as folklore was about the 10 Bornean datus who came to the island and traded the land to the Atis with a gold wide-brimmed hat called saduk or […]

Babaylan Festival of Bago City

The Babaylan Festival of Bago City, Negros Occidental is celebrated every February. Come join the fun! Babaylan Festival 2013 file photo by Sir Billy Lopue | Camera Club of Negros  The Babaylan Festival is based on the rituals performed by the babaylans, like rituals on marriage, baptism, healing, harvest and […]

The Royal Street of Iloilo: Calle Real

 J.M. Basa Street marker; photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Iloilo  JM Basa Street or popularly known as “Calle Real” is Iloilo City’s historic center, a manifestation of its glorious past. J.M. Basa Street; photo courtesy of ABS-CBN Iloilo  Declared as a heritage site of Iloilo, The Downtown Iloilo City Heritage District, […]

Pinasugbo: Visayas’ All-Time-Favorite Pasalubong

Pinasugbo is a common Ilonggo pasalubong usually sold in Iloilo and Bacolod. It is a sliced banana, deep fried, and coated with caramelized sugar. In spite of its popularity, Pinasugbo is so easy to make. The ingredients can easily be found in groceries or in any public market. In fact, all you […]

AKLAN: White Sands & Wild Streetdancing!

What to See & Do: • Ati-atihan Festival, Kalibo – Lonely Planet calls it “the Philippines’ most famous fiesta,” and for good reason. Don’t just watch on the sidelines; join the throng of vibrantly costumed performers; dance on the streets to the tunes of thousands of drums and lyres! • […]

4 Must-Eat K’Gan Muslim Desserts

Special occasions call for special dishes. After the Ramadan and other occasions, our brother and sister Muslims break their fast and feast on special delicacies. The K’Gans of Tagum City prepare delicious halal food for viands and desserts such as amik, daral, jampok, and panyalam for their feast. 1) Amik AMIK is made […]

10 Things You May Not Know About Eid al-Fitr

What do you know about Ramadan and the Islamic faith? For some Filipinos, July 17 will be the start of yet another much-awaited long weekend. Holidays, after all, don’t come very often for the busy corporate slave. For our 11 million Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines, July 17 is a […]

Piaya — A Sweet Negrense Delicacy

A sweet Negrense treat from the “Sugar Capital of the Philippines” Piaya — flat unleavened bread filled with muscovado sugar. It is a famous delicacy in the “sugar capital” of the country, Negros Occidental. Aside from the plain traditional taste, flavored piayas such as ube (purple yam), mango, rum and […]

A Big Warm Bowl of Flavorful Molo

Bring back some childhood memories by sipping a big bowl of warm molo soup. Pancit Molo is another Filipino soup perfect for the rainy days and cold months. It originated from a town called Molo in Iloilo. This Filipino pork wonton soup is made of ground pork enclosed in wonton […]