the kitchen runner: Vacation in Philippines

Tali Beach, Tagaytay, Philippines

I had an amazing vacation thanks to Mr. this past March 2013. Amazing. It was my second time to Philippines and our first time to Singapore. Everyday, we ate till our bellies extended past our waistlines. Laundries were cleaned and folded by the maid. Our bed was made every morning wherever we stayed (even in Singapore!) For 2 and a bit weeks, I lived in paradise, lived like a queen. Oh to reminisce :)

Beach front, Tali Beach, Tagaytay

Two years ago, my first visit to Philippines was a huge eye opener. I couldn't believe almost over 95% of the country's population were considered as low income to poverty line. While mr. & I stayed at a very upscale condo with butchers & maids in Makati. (Makati is considered to be an area where the richest, the most affluent stays) I saw children running the streets selling anything they could get their hands on. I saw pockets of slums where children showered in the rain, literally. I saw children, girls and boys wearing only an underwear running down the streets playing with a wooden stick while I was being driven around to see the sites of Manila. I had trouble dealing with the realities of Philippines. The rich can easily pay off the police. A security officer working in Manila is considered to be an ill paying job. A server at a restaurant can barely even afford a meal for their family. Thing is, even with all the poverty in my face, the nicest, most humble people you will meet are in Philippines. They are the most mannered! Rich or poor!

Beach front, Tali beach, Tagaytay

This time around, I was amazed at how Philippines was developing. There were oh so many developments being built! So many new condos, malls and buildings! I bet you there are more cranes in and around Manila than there are in Toronto! Yes there are still some degree of poverty in Philippines but there is hope! I see it! So with this, I was able to really enjoy Manila and what its people have to offer. :) Since mr had many family members here, we were spoiled rotten with food:) Though I have to admit, for you to truly enjoy the old school Filipino food, you have to go outside of Manila, to the provinces where the traditions is truly valued. My favorite soup and chicken adobo is from Tagaytay, Philippines homemade by a house maid never to be duplicated the same way by myself or anyone else.:) My favorite bola bola meatballs were homemade by the house cook who use to cook for mr. when he was a weee small child. :) My time in Philippines this year made have been short, but it was a memorable one. 90% of my time here was spent outside of Manila, on a beach front or a sea front :) You may have heard Philippines holds some of the worlds best beaches with untouched sands & corals. Its true :)