Thank you to Sekaya Philippines for sponsoring this post! Tortang talong or eggplant omelet is a Filipino dish usually served as a home-cooked fare with rice and banana ketchup. Very rarely do I see this dish at restaurants. Maybe people think it’s too simple to be at dining establishments. When I was a kid, my…
My cat, Luke
As ironic as it may sound, even as a vegan, I never longed for an animal companion. My work schedule and personal projects require me to be out and about and I wasn’t sure if I can tend to a pet properly. But in late August of 2020, a young stray cat stumbled to our…
Self-care routine during the pandemic
Picking up my pen again, so to speak. I will be sharing a series of personal insights and reflections. In this post, I share the activities that have helped me deal with the gloomy days of the pandemic and other worrying matters that can bog us down. Hopefully, you’ll find the tips helpful and applicable.
Facebook Live Chikahan is back
Just in time for the holiday season, I am rolling back the Astig Vegan Facebook Live “Chikahan.” I will be holding more live cooking demos as well as answering people’s questions on the spot. I think the beauty of the live stream is that I get to interact with you instantly. I do have to…
13th Annual Manila Food and Beverage Expo
From the past three months living in the Philippines, I have observed that people here are opening up to new concepts. Before, Filipino cuisine resides only in people’s homes and small eateries. But now, I could spot many restaurants that are proud they are serving Filipino cuisine. Not just that, they are proud to be…
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…
2018 favorites and 2019 goals
The beginning of a new year can be a good reminder to slow down, reflect, and be intentional. I’m definitely guilty of needing a good reminder especially because I tend to get preoccupied too easily. Even on my free days, I would find myself mindlessly browsing online. I have to make a conscious effort to…
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