At Perfect Loaf to start the day, breakfast was in true Pinoy style. We stopped by my cousin’s backyard farm, where I fell hard, again, for a bunch of chickens, and a pig we named Papa P. Look at those eyes! And because it was December then, roadside bibingka and puto bumbong stands dotted the highway. This part of the holidays is what I long for.

Next we visited Nathaniel’s, famous I was told for their buko pandan. This huge pasalubong area attests to that! Later, we went to Apag Marangle, a restaurant that served traditional Kapampangan cuisine. I think it’s remarkable, and unsurprising, that this exists in malls in the Philippines, where locally beloved and often family-run restaurants logically expand.

Private dining experiences are growing in the Philippines, and at Denlim’s Kitchen it was definitely a fun one!

* All content taken during my 2022-2023 trip across the Philippines.