It’s December 16 and the first day of the Misa de Gallo. For nine consecutive early mornings before Christmas Day, Catholic Churches throughout the Philippines ring their bells around 3 am to invite the faithful to worship and announce the start of this holiday custom. After the mass, the parishoners including myself headed off to the Puto Bumbong stand...

Here is a playlist of Filipino Christmas Carols I collated for you to add more joy to your Christmas celebration. The first song in the track is Pasko na Sinta ko sung by my two girls and three other members of the Manila Children’s Choir in 1999. The second track is “Kasadya ni Takna-a” composed by Vicente Rubi, the original Cebuano version which...

That’s me and my family in last year’s Christmas Eve Noche Buena. I am sure a lot of you are planning your noche buena dishes for Christmas and New Year. That’s why you are here. I have my black book of recipes that serve as my recipe resources. I like to do a lot of preparation just before the actual cooking so I don’t get stressed out....

When roasted chestnuts (Castañas, castanas) appear along the sidewalks in Divisoria, Manila, that means Christmas season is in the air. Only that Jack Frost is NOT nipping at my nose. Eating roasted chestnuts bring back the memories of my childhood when dad used to buy a kilo of it every December. Munching on the starchy, crumbly texture and distinct sweet...

I started craving for Majestic Ham when I read Manolo‘s twitter which said “Happiness is a Majestic Ham”. After reading his twitter, I have been badgering my husband all day to buy Majestic Ham for me. That evening, he brought slices of Majestic Ham to my utter delight. I used the ham slices as filling for my pan de sal. To cook the sliced...

If you are a balikbayan or returning Filipino this Christmas season, you don’t have to wake up during the misa de gallo just to taste Puto Bumbong. There is a stall inside the Taste Asia, of SM Mall of Asia or in their branch in Frontera Verde. For 26 pesos per serving, you will get to eat piping hot puto bumbong served on banana leaves. They cook Puto...

It’s ‘Prime Rib Night’ every Thursday at MARIO’s Quezon City, one of the Philippines’ most respected restaurants. On Thursdays, every order of Prime Rib comes with a free Caesar Salad and dessert, and 30% discount for every bottle or glass of Mario’s choice house wine. Together with Mario’s Wi-Fi connection, homey ambience, and friendly service,...

Once every so often, my daughters crave for street food like isaw. I find isaw, disgusting to eat. It’s funny but I don’t mind eating diniguan (Black “chocolate” dish or chocolate meat). Anyway, I gave in to the girl’s monthly binge. Their favorite road side stand is in front of Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall at the UP Diliman Campus in...

MARIO’S Quezon City, one of Metro Manila’s most respected restaurants, offers a wide selection of delicious breakfast staples. To further enhance one’s dining experience, Mario’s is now powered with Wi-Fi, granting diners access to information and entertainment online. Visitors can look forward to signature breakfasts like Mario’s...

Celebrate Special Occasions with Mario’s Roast Turkey Mario’s Roast Turkey makes the Holidays special MARIO’s Quezon City, one of the Philippines’ most respected restaurants, is now serving holiday offerings for special occasions, including Christmas, birthdays, and other important events. You, too, can enjoy landmark festivities with these holiday...