This icy dessert had reminded me of my Malaysian Ais Kacang, minus the kacang (no kidding), where there is shaved ice drenched in condensed/evaporated milk or just milk and sugar and then mix in with various ingredients of sorts. The usual suspects are red mung beans, sugar palm (kaong), coconut sport (macapuno), jackfruit strips, purple yam (ube) paste, crushed young rice (pinipig), leche flan and caramelized banana. Some even say that it is not complete without a dollop of ube (yam) ice cream, and only ube flavour for the authenticity!

Pork sisig is one of the well known pulutan (food to go with drink), where normally people order when they are out having a beer or some alcohol. It was said to reduce the impact of alcohol on the stomach and the name itself actually meant to be ‘taken in small quantity’.

Question Dheng Alayan: Hello! You have an amazing travel/tourism site here. Do you know some eccentric places here in Manila? Kind of out of this world. These could be shops/restos/bars, etc. Visiting these places might deviate me from the usual malls I’m usually going to. Thank you! :) Answer Ryan: Thanks for your really kind […]

Question ephrem arcilla: May I know if you have knowledge about the International Tourist Yacht Club and Makati Golf and Country Club, Inc. which existed several years ago? Answer Ryan: Do you mean Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City which was established in 1901? That still exists until today. I have written an […]

Known around the world as one of the most unique instruments, the world’s one and only Bamboo Organ sits just 10 kilometers to the south of the centre of Manila.

Established by the Spaniards in 1594 within a cannon shot of the Old Walled City of Intramuros, Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, explodes with a cacophony of sensuous experiences of food, culture and the continuing saga of the Chinese story in the Philippines.

Swathed in history and known by most as the old downtown of Manila, these days, Quiapo in many ways confronts the traveller as a living, breathing paradox. Here you can find the old right next to the new, quiet meditation amidst chaotic masses and the most holy Catholic icon in the country surrounded by occult stalls. All of these things combined make Quiapo quite an adventure and so much more than just another urban centre.

Question Unknown: Should I visit Santa Cruz church in Manila? I’d really love to visit around the churches. Answer Ryan: Do you mean Sta. Cruz Church (Santa Cruz Parish) in Plaza Lacson, Sta. Cruz, Manila? It was built in 1608 but the original structure was damaged during the Battle of Manila in 1945 and subsequently […]

Question Unknown: Can you suggest some nice places to go shopping in Manila? Answer Ryan: If you are in Manila, theire are a LOT of choices of where to shop. For sought after Philippine pearls- head out to the Greenhills Shopping Centre in San Juan (also in Metro Manila); for middle to extremely high end […]

Question Unknown: Can you provide a quick sight seeing itinerary for Manila? Answer Ryan: Sightseeing-wise, and if you only intend to stay in Manila – you could visit these : Old Spanish Walled City of Intramuros (check out the UNESCO Church San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral); Fort Santiago; Manila Ocean Park (one of […]