Not for the Faint Hearted

I know, I know, I have not been diligently posting in this space of mine. I have no excuse... I can't say I've been busy (actually, I have been, and still is), but really now, who cares?

One thing I have not stopped doing though, is to be forever in search of the new, the innovative and the daring (okay, am still referring to food here). And in the course of doing this, I sometimes chance upon some hits and a few misses, but mind you, it just makes food more interesting! Here are some that are definitely worth trying. They're not really fancy - they're just nice.

Durian Chocolates



From a recent visit and rather painfully delayed flight from Davao, while deliberately trying to entertain myself through window shopping at the airport shops and kiosks, I chanced upon this rather unassuming box of Durian chocolates. Looking at it reminded me of the glorious days of "Flat Tops" chocolates but this version comes filled with sweetened Durian. Admittedly, I am not much of a fan of this King of all fruits but mind you, it was pretty decent.

Baked Polvoron

This one I found at the Salcedo Market, with the lady manning the counter with such pretty good selling skills that I just had to get one and try. What really caught my attention was the beautiful packaging it had, coupled with its innovative take on the humble Polvoron. Flavors which I loved were kiwi and cranberry.



Flavored, crisp and fragrant, it's one product you'd have to try on your next visit to the famous weekend market.

Sweet Mushroom in Syrup

A Tagaytay trip is just not complete without our family dropping by the original outlet of Mushroomburger.


Beyond the comfort that their burgers give me though is a newfound discovery - having their mushrooms served in syrup complete with banana essence and vanilla, it resembles the popular Sago't Gulaman with crushed ice. Nice!

Tom Yum Coated Peanuts

I guess you would find this all over Thailand but after trying this one, am now a fan. Sour & spicy, these are just your regular roasted peanuts coated with a rich reddish-brown breading that will just stimulate your entire being with lemongrass, kaffir and chillis doing their pungent best. The best match? A bottle of ice cold San Mig Premium beer.

Pho & Banh Mi Heaven

I never thought I could thrive without eating rice for 3 days. Surprisingly, I didn't miss it at all with all the many other delectable offerings Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, had to offer. And to this day, am still dreaming about it.

Pho and Banh Mi pretty much took over the spot which, for the longest time was dominated by the staple steamed rice I normally consume, of course with my favorite dishes. Yes, I cannot live on a Southbeach diet... can you imagine Kare-Kare without rice?!!! But seriously, I myself was surprised to find all other options while in HCMC - their noodles & sandwiches really made a mark.

In between shopping, our party consumed a variety of Pho - from the street food options to the hotel kind. Per my friend's advice, I should leave and forget about all my learnings on food safety and just take advantage of what HCMC had to offer. Interestingly, the supposed level of microorganisms in my bowl of Pho is inversely proportional to its flavor. In simpler terms, just enjoy and worry later.

At NHAT HA hotel

And enjoy I did. It was a remarkable experience, considering that I am not much of a noodle soup fan. What I liked about it is its delicate broth made with clear beef or chicken stock infused with cinnamon and anise - not too overpowering, just perfect with each and every bowl.

At Pho2000


Oh, and the drama - the ceremony of adding your own fresh herbs and veggies and seasoning it with lemon juice coming from a wedge... that also makes it different and very personal. It's as if you made it yourself.

At Pho24

Fragrant and filling, Pho delivered.

Found practically in every street corner is a stall selling Banh Mi - those crusty mini-baguette rolls served with a variety of fillings. From liver pate's to sliced roast pork, it is almost always served with fresh lettuce, pickled vegetables and nuoc mam (sweet-chili sauce).


This one is assembled only upon ordering, so expect to wait for a couple of minutes. Very interactive & enough to make you salivate.



Banh Mi is also offered for breakfast. Where we stayed, this was served in combination with eggs and other meat items as an alternative to the usual sliced bread.

More food finds later.

My Christmas Prayer

When it rains, it pours. And with my favorite season being here, I would like to post a short prayer in recognition of all the blessings that have come my way. Merry Christmas everyone!

Dear Jesus,

As we again celebrate your birth, I offer to you my praise and heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for all the blessings that have come my way - health, strength, talents and of course, my family who continue to be my inspiration to lead and serve.

Thank you for graciously showering us with your love and continuous support. Your wisdom has guided me in the decisions I have made, both at home and work, and I hope that I have made you proud, as I feel I have. More importantly, I hope that the decisions I have made have given greater glory to your name.

While I bask in all your goodness and gifts, I pray for those who do not have enough, those who are in much need of your love, guidance and support; those who are facing challenges in their relationships, those who are in pain, those who are broken. I pray that despite all these, they will continue to trust, love and turn to you, because in my heart, I truly believe that anything is possible with you.

As we end this year, I offer the year ahead. Only you know what will happen. My only request is, that you give us the courage and strength to face what lies ahead. Amidst all the busyness of our lives, help us to be faithful, kind and merciful - for this is the true meaning of being with you, of being a Christian, of being your servant.

Happy Birthday Jesus! I love you.