*for the purpose of safety, security, and confidentiality I did not include any of my students' faces in this post.
It's been a year since I last visited Intramuros, it's been a year since I last walked its streets, smelled the familiar smells, and entered its classic buildings. It wasn't my intention to stay away from the walled city, in fact I adore Intramuros and the whole inspiration of this blog is in the city. Thankfully, I am happy that I finally visited the walled city last Tuesday and explored the historic quarter with a new batch of students. Alongside my colleagues, we partnered to give an exciting tour based on what we know so far.
*for the purpose of safety, security, and confidentiality I did not include any of my students' faces in this post.
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Fresh from reading all about Chinese cuisine and the exploration of its culinary world, Jen Lin-Liu once again takes me on a culinary adventure. This time not in China but across entire Asia, from its desert plains, mountains regions, and nomadic lands, I join her in exploring the history behind the noodle. Her journey will take her from the cosmopolitan streets of Beijing to the rugged roads of the -stan countries of Central Asia and finally the historic streets of Turkey and Italy all while sampling different iterations of noodles long the historic Silk Road.
The night is young and the streets aren't so busy yet, maybe its because the recent rains have stopped people from coming out? Streets are empty but the lights in one burger place are alive and there is flurry of activity. It doesn't seem like any ordinary burger place, it looks as if it were straight from the TLC show Man vs. Food. There are no Adam Richman’s here, just Adam Richman sized appetites, diners wanting and craving that simple piece meal of burger, patty, cheese and choice vegetables with a side of fries.
There’s a new cafe in Taft and it follows the rich, young, cosmopolitan vibe of traditional Korean cafes that have firmly planted its existence along the boulevard. Meet Cafe Travel, a combination of the fun vibe and classy aura of Taft mainstays, Cafe Noriter and Cafe de Seoul.
Oftentimes I've worried about the sad state of our country's bookstores, digressing to worn out themes harping to the tune of The Hunger Games, Fifty Shades or John Greene. To be honest it is tiring and my drive to really dig into a bookstore's shelves have waned. I crave for a bookstore that's unique and well-curated, that isn't afraid to not join the bandwagon and just be...well unique and independent. However reality-wise that really can't work out, independent bookstores in the metro have a shelf-life as quick as butter left out on a very hot and humid day. However there are some that have withstood the test of time and one-such bookstore is none other than the institution known as Solidaridad Bookstore.
For a year now I have harped and heaped praises on Ramen Yushoken. Their ramen is absolutely to-die for and always keeps me coming back for more. I don't know what they put in their ramen, is it the noodles, their broth, or just a wonderful combination and artistry that excites my senses? I have no idea except that one fact remains, it is truly on top of my list of ramen places here in Manila. Given that the rainy days are here and cabin fever knows no victims, Tricia and I decided to try out the next alternative to Yushoken, meet Mendokoro Ramenba. Taking on the same concept from Yushoken, this unique ramen joint brings the experience of eating in a ramen joint to the good people of Makati. Only if you're willing to brave the long lines and the strict serving hours.
On most rainy days, getting stuck inside the house is an absolute bore. There's nothing to do, there's nothing to watch, there's nothing to read. The only thing that makes a rainy day exciting is the smell of food cooking and waiting to be devoured. The sweet aroma of spices, sauces, or even the beautiful sound of frying food can help drive away cabin fever. Generally soups are fine and I wouldn't mind a hot bowl of arroz caldo every time it rains. For today, Tricia (after coming back from a three week vacation from the states is finally here!) and I decided to explore B-Side Collective's Wingman restaurant.
Ever since the internet broke with Taylor Swift's scathing love letter to Apple over its streaming service, I got interested. For the longest time, Apple has dominated the music scene with revolutionary services from iTunes to the iTunes store. But with services like Spotify and Pandora snapping at its heels plus its acquisition of Beats Radio, Apple looks poised to try and take on the competition head on. When I tried Apple Music, there was the usual show and pizzaz
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AuthorMy name is Alfonso your nerdy history teacher, bookworm and lover of all things cultural and exciting. You can find me in a weekend market, in a bookshop, or eating in Japanese restos during the weekends. Archives
September 2015
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