ENBU is a Japanese comfort food spot by Okada’s culinary team, known for authentic flavors and an intimate red-lantern ambiance that channels a warm Tokyo izakaya vibe. Counter seating offers a front-row view of the kitchen theater, where yakitori is grilled over charcoal and dishes are prepared in an open kitchen. 

Our kids love Japanese food, so we tried the best of ENBU—here are our top picks:

OKADA MANILA 2026 Series:
• La Piazza might just be the best Italian ristorante in Manila
• ENBU hits different — red lanterns, smoky yakitori, pure Tokyo izakaya energy

ABOUT ENBU

“Enbu” (演舞) is a Japanese word that means a performance, dance presentation, or martial arts demonstration. The name perfectly reflects the theatrical and energetic spirit of the restaurant, where the artistry of Japanese grilling, robata cooking, and izakaya culture takes center stage. At ENBU, the experience feels like a live culinary performance — from the smoky charcoal grills and flaming skewers to the vibrant atmosphere that brings guests closer to authentic Japanese dining traditions.

ENBU
UG Floor, Crystal Corridor, Coral Wing, Okada Manila
Mon–Tue 5 PM – 11 PM | Thu–Sun 11 AM – 11 PM
Closed Wednesdays
+632 8555 5799
https://okadamanila.com/dine/enbu/

BEST OF ENBU

KUSHIYAKI PLATE ₱1,200 (10 pieces)
Chef’s selection of beef, pork, chicken, seafood and seasonal vegetables

We tried ENBU’s best grilled skewers—from yakitori to gyu and buta kushiyaki—each one perfectly cooked, lightly glazed with their signature barbecue sauce, and fun to eat bite by bite. Best enjoyed with a Japanese beer or highball to kick off good conversations.

Signature Sushi Boat ₱2,988
Sashimi, Nigiri Sushi, Sushi Roll, Miso Soup

The sushi boat makes a dramatic, shareable centerpiece, featuring standout sashimi like salmon, tuna, hamachi, and white fish—plus uni. The sushi rolls are well curated and served with cucumber, gari, and wasabi for a customizable experience.

Japanese Wagyu Steak 120g ₱4,200
A5 Wagyu Striploin A5

You can also order A5 wagyu steak, served seared medium-rare, with a personal grill if you prefer to finish it to medium-well. Rich, tender, and beautifully marbled, it’s best enjoyed with rice to balance the flavor.

The grilled hamachi jaw is cooked medium, juicy and milky inside with a crisp, charred skin. Sarap!

Tempura Moriawase ₱650
Prawn, White Fish, Assorted Mushrooms, Vegetables

The tempura comes already glazed with a sweet sauce, fried to a crisp, crunchy texture, and pairs perfectly with beer.

Pepper Tonkotsu Ramen ₱650
Creamy Pork Bone Broth, Chashu, Egg, Fishcake, Garlic, Fresh Pepper

ENBU also serves great ramen, featuring a signature creamy pork broth with a peppery kick that keeps you coming back for more. The broth is rich and milky, paired with firm noodles for a satisfying bowl. 

Tantanmen Ramen ₱600
Spicy Ground Pork, Fishcake, Bok Choy

The tantanmen is well-balanced with just the right spice, still creamy and milky, smooth and enjoyable.

Oyakodon ₱600
Chicken Thigh. Egg. Rice

All the grilled skewers, tempura, and A5 wagyu pair perfectly with rice—so make sure to order a bowl.

Seafood Yakisoba ₱600
Squid, Shrimp, Vegetables. Steamed Noodles

The yakisoba was decent—simple and satisfying—and it was Yugi’s order since he enjoys his noodles. 

Cherry Blossom ₱290
Raspberry Jam, Strawberry Syrup, Cream

For dessert, the kids enjoyed the mocktails, while Yugi especially loved anything ichigo desserts.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, as a Japanese-owned hotel and casino resort, ENBU delivers a Tokyo-level izakaya experience with theatrical flair, authentic flavors, and surprisingly reasonable pricing for its quality. For higher-end Japanese dining, guests can also explore Kappou Yoshi or the intimate 10-seat Ginza Nagaoka sushi bar.

Highly recommended dishes include the kushiyaki, sushi boat for sharing, peppery tonkotsu ramen, and grilled hamachi jaw. Best experienced at night for the full red-lantern ambiance, ideally at the robatayaki counter to watch the live kitchen in action. Budget around ₱1,500 per head. 

Tip: Service can be on the slower side, so it’s best to request courses to be served as they’re ready rather than all at once.

ENBU
UG Floor, Crystal Corridor, Coral Wing, Okada Manila
Mon–Tue 5 PM – 11 PM | Thu–Sun 11 AM – 11 PM
Closed Wednesdays
+632 8555 5799
https://okadamanila.com/dine/enbu/

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Okada Manila for hosting us.

p.s. ENBU also has alfresco front-row views of Okada’s famous Fountain Show:

Okada Manila is known for The Fountain—the world’s largest multicolor dancing water feature, spanning 37,464 square meters (about 50 Olympic-sized pools). Set within the Crystal Corridor and Crystal Pavilion, it combines light, water, and sound through advanced technology, including underwater robots, over 2,000 lights, dozens of speakers, and 700+ high-powered jets that can shoot water higher than the hotel. It is designed by WET, the team behind the Bellagio and Dubai fountains.

The show starts at 7:00 PM and runs every 30 minutes with different songs until 10:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and until 12:00 MN on Fridays to Sundays.

Songs Include
● Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing”
● Luciano Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma”
● Elvis Presley’s “Fever” as interpreted by Michael Buble
● Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”
● Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”
● Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”
● Queen’s “We are the Champions”
● Idina Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go”
● BTS’s “Dynamite”

The post ENBU hits different — red lanterns, smoky yakitori, pure Tokyo izakaya energy 🔥🇯🇵 @okadamanila appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

La Piazza is the signature Italian restaurant of Okada Manila, with Executive Chef Mattia Stroppa at the helm. We first visited in 2018 during Okada’s early years, and this time we were really impressed with the quality of the Italian food, the fine dining service that is friendly and not stiff, and the Okada fountain show that entertains you throughout the dining experience. This is probably the best Italian ristorante in Manila.

Here’s what to order and tips for an awesome experience at La Piazza:

OKADA MANILA 2026 Series:
• La Piazza might just be the best Italian ristorante in Manila
• ENBU hits different — red lanterns, smoky yakitori, pure Tokyo izakaya energy

ABOUT LA PIAZZA

La Piazza at Okada Manila is a refined Italian dining experience offering elegant interiors, premium wines, and classic regional Italian dishes—from fresh pasta and pizza to steak and seafood—set across both a casual trattoria and fine-dining ristorante overlooking the iconic Fountain.

LA PIAZZA Ristorante | Okada Manila
UG Floor, Crystal Corridor, Okada Manila
Wednesday to Monday | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
+632 8555 5799
@okadamanila
https://okadamanila.com/dine/la-piazza/

Best to go here around 6pm or before sunset to catch the beautiful golden glow.

As you enter La Piazza, you pass through the trattoria, a casual dining area for pizza and pasta, like dining in an underground wine cellar.

The ristorante is beautiful, with high ceilings and glass windows overlooking the fountain. The sunset lighting is especially beautiful at this time—make a mental note to take your portraits and group photos then.

Reserve the booth tables if you’re going on a romantic date or celebrating a milestone.

Okada Manila is known for The Fountain—the world’s largest multicolor dancing water feature, spanning 37,464 square meters (about 50 Olympic-sized pools). Set within the Crystal Corridor and Crystal Pavilion, it combines light, water, and sound through advanced technology, including underwater robots, over 2,000 lights, dozens of speakers, and 700+ high-powered jets that can shoot water higher than the hotel. It is designed by WET, the team behind the Bellagio and Dubai fountains.

The show starts at 7:00 PM and runs every 30 minutes with different songs until 10:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and until 12:00 MN on Fridays to Sundays.

Songs Include
● Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing”
● Luciano Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma”
● Elvis Presley’s “Fever” as interpreted by Michael Buble
● Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain”
● Lana Del Rey’s “Young and Beautiful”
● Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”
● Queen’s “We are the Champions”
● Idina Menzel’s rendition of “Let It Go”
● BTS’s “Dynamite”

ZUPPE

All the bread served is irresistible—light, well-baked, with excellent olive oil and high-quality thick balsamic vinegar.

CREMA DI FUNGHI ₱500
Mushroom Soup, Black Truffle Paste

You can taste the thick mushroom jus, but the soup remains pleasant to eat—not too creamy—with mixed mushroom bits and black truffle that round out the flavors elegantly.

ZUPPA DI PESCE ₱750
Tomato Fish Broth, Prawn, Mussel, Clam, Fish Fillet, Scallop

You can savor the clean taste of the sea, with fresh seafood flavors from the prawn, scallop, mussels, and fish, served hot with a deep fish broth.

ANTIPASTI

FORMAGGIO E PERE ₱400
Local Ricotta Cheese, Marinated Pears, Pecorino Cheese. Lemon Oil Dressing, Pecan Nuts

I didn’t know ricotta goes well with the sweet, fruity acidity of pear, and I love the combination with pecorino, which adds a sharper, salty, savory finish.

J Lohr Cypress Vineyards Chardonnay, U.S.A. ₱580/glass | ₱2,600/bottle
Pale yellow color, nose offers aromas of honeysuckle, ripe orange and pineapple

Love their well-curated white wine selection, and the Cypress Chardonnay pairs well with the ricotta.

CARPACCIO DI MANZO ₱1,200
Mulwarra Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio, Grated Hazelnut, Rosemary Oil, Bagna Cauda Dressing

This is probably one of the few places I’ll trust raw meat because it needs high-quality beef. It doesn’t feel raw when eaten—just light and enjoyable with the dressing.

INSALATA DI CESARE ₱700
Romaine Lettuce, Anchovy Dressing, Parmesan Flakes, Cured Egg Yolk

A well-done Caesar salad, with each lettuce leaf nicely coated in dressing and finished with parmesan and egg yolk bits.

PASTA

TAGLIATELLE AL BRASATO ₱ 900
Handcrafted Tagliatelle, Beef Ragout, Piave Vecchio Cheese

Love the quality of the fresh flat pasta—light and easy to enjoy, soaking up all the flavor of the beef ragù.

CAVATELLI ALLA NORCINA ₱900
Handcrafted Cavatelli, Creamy Truffle Sauce, Mushroom, Italian Sausage

Love the creamy pasta with mushroom, truffle, and sharp Italian sausage, perfect with this small shell-shaped pasta that scoops up all the white sauce and cheese in every bite.

But the cappelletti was the best—a specialty pasta complements of the chef. Sarap!

MAINS

BISTECCA ₱13,700
Australian Black Tyde Angus 150 Days Grain-fed Tomahawk 1.2 kg.

This is the best tomahawk steak in Manila that we’ve tried. Aside from the high-quality Angus beef, the meat has great flavor throughout—cooked medium, tender, with nicely seared edges. The best parts are near the bone with some cartilage. Sobrang sarap ng steak na ito!

Red Wine Jus | Peppercorn Sauce

The steak doesn’t need any sauce, but I love it paired with the spinach gratin..

Long Barn Cabernet Sauvignon, U.S.A. ₱620/glass | ₱2,800/bottle
Full body, flavors of blackberry, rhubarb, and dried cherry with oak and cedar notes

Enjoy the steak with a full-bodied Cab Sauv to cut through the meatiness and add depth of flavor.

PESCE AL CARTOCCIO ₱2,200
Oven-roasted Chilean Sea Bass, Braised Pepper & Leeks, Carrot, Lemon Butter Sauce

Seabass is baked in a wrap, opened tableside, and is not overcooked, served with a light lemon butter.

PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA

SPECK E RUCOLA ₱870
Mozzarella, Speck Ham, Arugula, Ricotta, Parmesan Flakes

The Napoletana pizza is well done, with the right topping combination of ham, arugula, and ricotta, a nice crust, and a soft center. Best eaten by folding two slices together.

QUATTRO FORMAGGI ₱820
Mozzarella, Fontina, Taleggio, Gorgonzola

I love the high-quality four-cheese combination with gorgonzola and semi-soft Italian cheeses, fontina and taleggio. Best enjoyed with spiced honey.

DOLCI

TORTA DI FICHI ₱500
Fig Cake, Toffee Sauce, Candied Walnut, Vanilla Gelato

This is our favorite—not your usual dessert: fig cake, with thick toffee and walnuts that cut through the sweetness, and vanilla ice cream that rounds out the creamy flavor.

PRALINA AL CIOCCOLATO ₱550
70% Dark Chocolate Mousse, Praline Crunch, Hazelnut Gelato

Ferrero Rocher lovers would enjoy this in bar form with hazelnut gelato to complement it.

TIRAMISU ₱570
Mascarpone, Ladyfinger, Espresso, Cocoa Powder

The tiramisu was our least favorite, served in a stacked ladyfinger form with lots of cocoa powder.

Rosy Cheeks ₱250 / Banana Syrup, Fresh Banana, Grenadine
Queen Of Hearts ₱250 / Guava Juice, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Strawberry Syrup, Sprite
Winner Takes All ₱250 / Guava Juice, Mango Juice, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice,Banana, Grenadine

The kids enjoyed their mocktails with not-your-usual combinations, a fitting end to an awesome meal.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Manila for high-quality Italian dining. I love the golden glow of the ambiance during sunset and how the glass windows reflect the interiors. The menu is far from boring, with unique flavor combinations throughout.

We recommend the Formaggio e Pere for antipasti; the Cavatelli alla Norcina and Cappelletti for pasta; the Speck e Rucola and Quattro Formaggi for pizza; and the Bistecca Tomahawk and Pesce al Cartoccio for mains. End the meal with the Torta di Fichi and Pralina al Cioccolato. Budget about ₱2,000 /head.

We would like to commend Sir Marco for the excellent recommendations, friendly and knowledgeable service, and the overall pleasant dining experience.

LA PIAZZA Ristorante | Okada Manila
UG Floor, Crystal Corridor, Okada Manila
Wednesday to Monday | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
+632 8555 5799
@okadamanila
https://okadamanila.com/dine/la-piazza/

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Okada Manila for hosting us.

p.s. It’s awesome to do a bit of stargazing at the veranda and spot the Crux constellation.

The post La Piazza might just be the best Italian ristorante in Manila 🍷🇮🇹✨@okadamanila appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

Pat & Pat just leveled up — from a beloved neighborhood spot in Capitol Hills, it has transformed into an all-day dining destination tucked in Old Balara, Diliman. Named after Patrick and his daughter Patricia Gregorio, this might just be one of the best new restaurants near the vibrant UP–Ateneo dining scene. The food is both comforting and celebratory, while the coffee and matcha by WACO (What About Coffee) are crafted for discerning coffee and matcha aficionados.

ABOUT PAT & PAT

Pat & Pat is built around the idea that dining should feel both comforting and elevated, serving familiar flavors prepared with care to create dishes that are approachable yet memorable. The restaurant also positions itself as a place for celebrations, offering specially curated menus and experiences for special occasions.

(note: they are currently on soft opening following their relocation last May 1.)

The space is anchored by a striking tree centerpiece and semi-caged dining alcoves, creating an airy, outdoor-inspired feel within an air-conditioned setting. The chairs are comfortably designed, and even the tableware is custom-made for the restaurant, adding a thoughtful touch to the experience. Service is warm, friendly, and attentive. They also feature a full bar and coffee setup, complete with signature cocktails and drinks.

Pat & Pat Restaurant
5 University Valley, Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City
Crafting comfort food 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧
7am-11pm Thu-Sat | 7am-10pm Sun-Wed
@patandpatph

TO START WITH

Homemade Truffle Chips ₱299
Criss-cut fries, seasoned with our truffle seasoning, served with garlic aloli dip

We were pleasantly surprised by how good the truffle chips were—thinly sliced, house-made, and addictively crisp, especially when paired with the aioli dip.

Cajun Wings ₱499
Tossed in Honey Hot or Hot Cajun sauce. served with creamy bleu cheese dip

The honey hot wings were fried perfectly, with juicy, non-dry meat inside and a well-balanced Cajun spice kick, nicely complemented by the honey and blue cheese flavors. Sarap nito!

Hamachi Oysters ₱1,259 / 3PCS

For oyster lovers, this is a standout—the oysters are plump and briny, with a clean taste of the sea, brightened by a touch of lemon and a subtle sweetness, all with a velvety texture. no sauce needed.

Balsamic Caesar Salad ₱299 and Classic Lemonade ₱119
Mixed greens tossed in Caesar dressing with balsamic vinegar reduction, topped with freshly shaved parmesan, cherry tomatoes, and almonds

The lemonade is done right—not too sweet, with just the right level of sourness. The salad is also well-balanced, lightly dressed with a sweet balsamic Caesar-style vinaigrette. 

MAINS

Herb-Crusted Roast Beef ₱999
Herb crusted beef slices served with country-style gravy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed veggies

The roast beef is their signature dish and, in fact, even better than the steak. The beef is tender with nice layers of fat and rich umami flavors, to the point that you don’t need the gravy. Will go back for this.

Three-Chorizo Pasta ₱399
Assortment of premium longganisa, sautéed with garlic and tossed with spaghetti pasta

This is the best pasta dish, with lots of crumbled longganisa bits — a bit oily, garlicky, and just delicious.

Martin’s Fried Chicken ₱539
Seasoned, breaded, and deep-fried chicken, 550g, served with country-style gravy

Named after Patricia’s brother, who loves this homemade fried chicken dish, it’s perfectly fried with a juicy interior and served with a rich gravy dip. While it’s enjoyable overall, the gravy can be improved.

Mom’s Lasagna ₱529
Layers of slow-cooked meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted mozzarella between pasta sheets, baked to golden perfection, served with toasted French bread

The lasagna is well-executed—rich, meaty, and creamy, with a nicely toasted, lightly crusted top.

USDA Prime Grade ₱2,989
Ribeye Steak 350g (Open Flame)

The USDA Prime steak was of good quality, cooked medium with a nice open-flame char, and paired well with an Argentinian Merlot. It offers a more celebratory steak experience compared to what’s typically found in the Maginhawa area.

Garlic Rice | Grilled Brocolli (+₱50)

They don’t have spinach, which is our go-to side, but you can opt for garlic rice and grilled broccoli.

DESSERT

Their dessert game is spot on. Sometimes, all you need is a comforting slice of cake served a la mode.

Salted Caramel Banana Crumble ₱309
Moist banana bread topped with crumble-coated salted caramel ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce

The banana bread was moist, light, and full of banana flavor, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, and a crunchy crumble coating. Sarap!

Salted Caramel Latte ₱219

The desserts pair perfectly with their specialty coffee, especially the salted caramel hot latte served in a nice ceramic cup with latte art.

Mango Sticky Rice ₱359
Sticky rice topped with coconut ice cream and whipped cream, finished with fresh ripe mangoes and crunchy crumbs

I like my desserts with a fruity sweetness, and this one delivers with fresh mango served over sticky rice and topped with coconut ice cream. Sarap din nito.

Seasalt Matcha ₱269

I like restos that serve a good Uji matcha latte with sea salt foam, served in a thoughtful glass.

Capitol Hills ₱309
Homemade chocolate moist cake topped with vanilla ice cream in chocolate shell, drizzled with warm chocolate sauce, finished with chocolate shavings

It looks heavy at first, but the chocolate is actually light and moist, not too sweet, and just enough to satisfy your chocolate craving.

Low-Fat Cashew ₱169

For a lighter indulgence, try their low-fat cashew ice cream sweetened with alternative sucrose.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pat & Pat was surprisingly good, and my son Aidan enjoyed the food. It may be one of the strongest dining options in the Tandang Sora, Diliman, and Katipunan area, and a notable step above many Maginhawa restaurants. The food quality can rival Tyler’s, with a celebratory feel similar to Ninyo’s. Overall, everything was well executed with no real misses. The standout dishes for us were the truffle chips, Cajun wings, Hamachi oysters, roast beef, three-chorizo pasta, salted caramel banana crumble, and their specialty coffee and matcha. Budget is around ₱1,500/head for a full meal or ₱800/head for light meals.

They also have a roofed alfresco area where pets are welcome, making it ideal for pet-friendly dining. The main dining hall can seat around 70 guests, while private function rooms can accommodate an additional 80–100 pax.

Congratulations to Pat & Pat for creating a warm, homey dining space that will shape memorable experiences in the Katipunan area for years to come.

Pat & Pat Restaurant
5 University Valley, Matandang Balara, Diliman, Quezon City
Crafting comfort food 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧
7am-11pm Thu-Sat | 7am-10pm Sun-Wed
@patandpatph

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Pat & Pat for hosting us.

p.s. this new standalone venue is designed for private celebrations.

The private dining rooms have its own vibe.

The Queen Room can accommodate up to 25 pax, with an additional 25 pax available if you book the adjacent Skylight Room.

The Skylight Room features beautiful natural lighting and a cozy, well-set table arrangement.

The Gabriel Room can accommodate 28–30 pax, with walls adorned by paintings created by the owners.

The post Pat & Pat: The best new restaurant in the Diliman/ Katipunan area?! 👀 appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

TADHANA MAKATI boldly opened its doors at La Reserve — the luxurious fourth-floor dining space inside the Levanto design showcase by the Mama Lou’s Group — marking David and Crystal’s first major move into Manila’s fiercely competitive modern Filipino fine dining scene. In partnership with MLG Executive Chef Frances Tariga, the concept arrives as a tag-team experience alongside a sister Taglish seafood bar next door.

This also marks the first time we officially experienced Chef Frances Tariga’s Michelin-recognized cuisine in Manila, following the controversial closure of Tadhana NYC, and her subsequent Incanta Tadhana pop-up, Anzani collaborations, and various chef stint in Manila. Here’s what we think about Tadhana Makati.

TADHANA MAKATI
Contemporary Filipino tasting menu
4F La Reserve, Levanto Building, Jupiter Street, Makati
@tadhana_makati by @cheffrances

Chef Frances Tariga proudly calls her cuisine unapologetically Filipino — a vision reflected in every detail, from the use of local ingredients and elevated native aesthetics to Filipino hip-hop and playful neon signs like “aray ko.” Tadhana feels less like a traditional fine dining restaurant and more like dining in the chef’s own expressive, proudly Filipino home kitchen.

TADHANA
OPENING TASTING MENU MAY 2026
₱6,500/ head

Expect a 10-course contemporary Filipino tasting menu by Chef Frances Tariga, tracing her journey from the UAE to New York and finally back home in Manila. Across roughly 16 composed bites, it distills Filipino creativity with precision and intent, unfolding in under three hours. This is not a tasting meant to be followed by Sweet Ecstasy after—it is designed to fully satisfy, leaving only the memory of the experience.

The Makati skyline provides a striking silhouette as a backdrop, best appreciated by arriving before sunset to settle in, unwind, and perhaps share a brief chat with Chef Frances Tariga before the dining experience begins.

Champagne William Saintot Blanc de Noirs

The wine pairing for the tasting menu is still being finalized, but selections like this Pinot Noir-based Champagne stand out for their refreshing brightness, balanced by a subtle hint of tannins that adds depth and structure.

BINATOG / corn tortilla, truffle comte espuma, coconut snow
PA-KWAN / crispy rice cake, watermelon, miso honey

First impression raises the question of why the chef is “bastardizing” Filipino street food with fusion flavors and textures. But once you taste it, there’s no argument that the food is good—like the binatog made with corn, truffle, Comté cheese, and hints of coconut: masarap. The pa-kwan carries a sexual innuendo in its presentation, but it is playful and fun to eat, like mini boobs (oops).

ENSALADA / spiced lavash, baba ganoush, mulberry gel

Not sure why it is called ensalada, as it feels more like a mezze canapé with the sweetness of mulberry. Masarap—pahingi pa ng isa.

KWEK KWEK / annato pie tee cup, egg, smoked ikura, bagsik dust

This feels like an alter ego of kwek-kwek na pinasosyal, but the chef had us with bagsik, her own spiced vinegar umami. The actual names of the bites get lost in translation, but the presentation and explanation captivate you, only to finish with “masarap nga.”

After the first four bites, the first course begins.

KILAW
sawara, pili nut dressing, suha, olives, kamias

The dry-aged samara, Japanese Spanish mackerel, is presented on a painter’s palette. I love the quirky combination of pili nut, suha, olives, and kamias—none overpowering the other, but all teasing the palate.

SINUGLAW / wagyu, tomato nata, egg yolk jam, chicken skin

It is not really sinuglaw in the traditional sense, with grilled pork and kinilaw na isda, but this A5 wagyu with tomato nata and chicken skin is likely one of the best courses in the tasting menu.

GINAT-AN / coco custard, blue crab, seafood veloute, squash, kaluga caviar

A coconut chawanmushi with Negros blue crab, squash, and caviar—ang sarap ng combination.

As they were assembling it, it looked like wooden blocks from a distance—ang ganda ng presentation.

TINAPAY / laminated tinigib cornbread, tinapa mousse, dalandan sherry marmalade

It’s like cornbread made using croissant techniques, paired well with the tinapa mousse with hints of dalandan. I wish you could ask for a second serving of this bread course.

This is my personal favorite with guava and batuan sour.

SINIGANG SA BAYABAS / maya-maya, batuan, kangkong, whipped gabi

If you are team sinigang and like your soup this sour, with clean fish on a bed of whipped gabi,

Pouilly-Fume Tradition
2023 Domaine Serge Dagueneau et Filles
Loire, France

A new discovery—the pairing with this white wine is excellent, its acidity blending seamlessly with the sourness of the sinigang.

It is always special dining with this couple—Chef Ed and Trixie—as we try Chef Frances’ food for the first time, comparing notes on how this tasting menu is more pleasurable than the others in Manila.

TOCILOG / squab, tocino tare, silog furikake, pinakurat kosho

The only course that didn’t work for me and got a nye reaction, as there’s nothing tocino or silog about it.

The squab is considered premium in fine dining, but it gets lost in translation in a modern Filipino setting. I’m not sure the Chinese would like this either, so I’m not sure if the fine dining crowd would enjoy it.

KAMIAS GRANITA / kamias candy, macerated seasonal fruit

Love the grated ice with bits of fruit underneath, finished with a chewy kamias gummy star.

INIHAW AT GULAY / iberico secreto, pickled pakbet vegetables, banana mole

Grilled pork with pickled pakbet and banana mole twist as the finale course.

CAIMITO GUYABANO SORBET / guyabano sorbet, caimito jam, caimito crisp

A fruity finish with guyabano and caimito on a sliced orange cup, nestled in a glorious garden green.

The petit four was the banger and the exclamation point of the tasting menu.

MANGO / choux au craquelin, mango compote, mango mousse

A peach mango pie-like bite, without the peach.

MAJA BLANCA / feulletine, maja mousse, latik, sweet corn caramel

Even more masarap than the original maja that inspired this.

TURON / sable cookie, banana sponge, feta mousse, langka

Flavors of turon in a mini sable cookie with banana, langka, and feta.

PILI / mazapan, pili praline

Our favorite – pili mazapan in praline form – pahenge pa chef.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, despite the edginess and controversies surrounding the chef, her creative interpretation of Filipino food is quite good. I like that the concept is not pretentious, with elevated Filipino ingredients and aesthetics, and the tasting menu works because it tells the story of Chef Frances’ journey from UAE to NYC to Manila. Each dish carries deeper meaning, but the service didn’t quite convey the context and simply stuck to menu descriptions we could already read. We enjoyed all the courses except for the non-tocino squab, and you end the meal burping “masarap.” It would be fun to pair the courses with Filipino drinks, spirits and music.

Congratulations to David and Crystal, Chef Frances, and the Mama Lou’s Group for an awesome Tadhana Makati tasting concept!

TADHANA MAKATI
Contemporary Filipino tasting menu
4F Levanto Building, Jupiter Street, Makati
@tadhana_makati by @cheffrances

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to David & Crystal for inviting us to try Tadhana Makati.

p.s. can’t wait to try the other La Reserve concepts, Bronte and Hakka.

The post TADHANA by Chef Frances Tariga opens in Manila 🇵🇭✨ (First Impressions) appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

OGAWA — Manila’s favorite Japanese restaurant for both locals and Japanese nationals — finally reopens at Shoppes at McKinley West The interiors are stunning, especially the signature bridge — fitting, since “Ogawa” means river The iconic original door adds an authentic touch, while the glowing lanterns and nighttime lighting make it feel like you’re walking through the streets of Tokyo

Their tuna, salmon sashimi, and most of the seafood are premium quality and flown in from Toyosu Fish Market Japan Standouts for us were the grilled hamachi head and jaw — perfectly charred, juicy, and packed with flavor. The crazy maki rolls, yakitori, teppan beef, and kamameshi rice were excellent too

Now we’re just waiting for their Burger Yaki — teppan wagyu hamburg steak concept — to open next

OGAWA
Traditional Japanese Restaurant SushiRobatayaki Teppanyaki
GF, Park Mckinley West, The Shoppes, Lawton Avenue, BGC, Taguig
+63 917 856 4292
OGAWA Traditional Japanese Restaurant
@ogawa.manila

VIBE

We also loved the stunning lighting centerpiece by Noel Bernardo — designed as an acoustic diffuser, yet beautifully reminiscent of a samurai’s armor. It anchors the main communal dining area, creating a dramatic space where all the action happens.

We love this semi-private dining area, especially at night when the glowing Ogawa lanterns make it feel straight out of Tokyo. The ambiance is beautiful and intimate, though it can get quite warm during the daytime.

Reserve the private room with the large circular window so the space feels open and less claustrophobic.

This is the main private dining area, connected to another 10-seater room, accommodating up to 30 guests — perfect for intimate tinghun or pamamanhikan dinners It also has its own private teppan counter, so dishes are served hot and straight from the grill.

The sushi counter is where the magic happens — serving fresh, expertly crafted sashimi and sushi Ogawa also retained its original chefs and culinary team, allowing them to reopen seamlessly right after the restaurant turnover.

Robatayaki is excellent, with the grill masters perfectly cooking the yakitori and hamachi over open flames.

Can’t wait for the teppanyaki and Burger Yaki counters to open soon!

SUSHI & SASHIMI

TOKUSEN 7 SASHIMI NORI (₱1,950)
Special Assorted Sashimi (7 Kinds)

Sashimi is top-notch — you can taste the quality of the salmon and tuna belly even without any sauce.

CRAZY MAKI (7pcs/order) (₱1,080)
Prawn Tempura, Crabstick, Omelet, Cucumber Wrapped

This is their best-selling maki — each piece is a full, satisfying bite, with great crunch and texture from the crumbs.

YAKITORI

NEGIMA (₱110 /stick)
Chicken Leg with Leeks

Their yakitori is among the best in the city — especially the chicken leg, still juicy, smoky, and best enjoyed straight off the grill.

GYUKARUBI SLICE (₱280 /stick)
Thinly Sliced Short Rib Beef

The beef yakitori is so good — best enjoyed with an ice-cold Sapporo beer.

GYUNIKU ASPARAMAKI (₱240 /stick)
Asaparagus wrapped in Thinly Sliced Beef

My personal favorite — the asparagus is perfectly grilled, still juicy and not tough, while the beef is tender and easy to bite into

SALAD

KAISO SALAD (₱430)
Assorted Seaweed and Mixed Greens with Ume/Plum Dressing

The salads are surprisingly good — especially the mixed greens topped with wakame and seaweeds.

SPICY SALMON SALAD (₱600)
Spicy Salmon Served with Mixed Greens

The spicy salmon with ikura is a standout — rich, flavorful, and balanced by fresh mixed greens for a lighter, healthier bite

CHIRASHI

TOKUJYO CHIRASHI SUSHI (SAKURA) (₱1,900)
Assorted Premium Seafood Topped on sushi rice

This chirashi is exceptional—fresh sushi served apart from the rice, finished with perfectly grilled eel

My wife loved the fresh uni—rare and trustworthy in Manila The tuna belly is rich and fatty, while the salmon is silky and velvety. Finished simply with ikura, egg, wasabi, and a touch of lemon.

A pleasant surprise — grilled eel over rice, finished with a touch of pickled ginger (gari).

TEPPANYAKI

US TENDERLOIN BEEF (₱1,800)
US Beef Tenderloin 150g

The US beef tenderloin is cooked just right—smoky, hot off the teppan, and flavorful – sarap! 

GYUNIKU YAKIMESHI (₱280)
Beef, Egg and Vegetables Fried Rice

The portion is small, but packed with flavor—just enough beef to complement the teppan perfectly.

HAMACHI KABUTO SHIOYAKI (₱2,100)
Grilled Hamachi Head w/ Salt

An Ogawa standout — perfectly grilled hamachi head and jaw (kama), with juicy, delicate meat and crisp, flavorful skin. My wife especially loved the head. We would go back just for this Hamachi head.

SHAKE KAMAMESHI (₱730)
Salmon with ikura Rice Casserole

If you like rice with your yakitori and meats, the kamameshi is a must — served hot with a light crust at the bottom, topped with salmon and ikura

TEISHOKU

TEPPAN GOZEN (₱1,300)
Appetizer, Salad, Salmon, Prawn, US Rib-Eye Steak 120g, Fried Rice, Miso Soup and Dessert

The Japanese set meals are ok too but combination and presentation wise Ootoya does a lot better.

MISO RAMEN (₱430)
Ramen Noodle Broth with Soya Bean Base with Sliced Barbequed Pork

This ramen satisfies a craving, though the soy-based broth is quite thick and heavy.

TANTANMEN (₱600)
Ramen Noodle w/ Ground Chicken & Spicy Sesame Paste Broth

My son didn’t enjoy the tantanmen version, though the noodles were quite good.

DESSERT

MATCHA ICE CREAM AND SHIRATAMA ZENZAI (₱290)
Green Tea Ice Cream with Rice Cake Ball and Red Bean

We ended up fighting over this dessert — loved the contrast of matcha ice cream with red bean and bits of mochi.

KUROGOMA ICE CREAM (₱250)
Home Made Ice Cream with Black Sesame and Soy Bean Paste

Black sesame ice cream is hard to get right, but this one hits the spot and satisfies the craving.

STRAWBERRY ICHICO (₱180)

Loved this and specially Yugi!

FINAL THOUGHTS

OGAWA is back and impressively so, with its original team intact and consistently high quality. The sashimi is on par with Tsukiji-style restaurants but more accessible in price, sitting above Ipponyari in overall quality (though Ipponyari remains stronger on value) and offering a more elevated experience than Ootoya, which is best known for its set meals. The yakitori is arguably among the best in BGC and can rival standout spots in Carmona. Ramen is available but not a highlight. Best experienced for premium sushi, robatayaki, and teppanyaki at around ₱2,000 per head.

OGAWA
Traditional Japanese Restaurant SushiRobatayaki Teppanyaki
GF, Park Mckinley West, The Shoppes, Lawton Avenue, BGC, Taguig
+63 917 856 4292
OGAWA Traditional Japanese Restaurant
@ogawa.manila

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to OGAWA for hosting us.

p.s. love their complementary salmon appetizer to awaken your palate.

The post OGAWA: Manila’s favorite Japanese restaurant is back—here’s what’s new appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

La Taperia Martinez is Chef Luis Martinez’s Spanish tapas bar, celebrating the spirit of Spain through shareable dishes, fine wines, and crafted cocktails. It now occupies the former La Picara space as the anchor Spanish restaurant of One Bonifacio High Street Mall. Dining here brings back memories of Spain—from food trips in La Boqueria, Barcelona, to tapas hopping in Madrid—and it’s a great way to introduce our Gen Z kids to these flavors before they discover them on their own.

It’s popular at night, so we came for lunch while the usual crowd was away. The space has vibrant sunset tones and a warm, tropical feel, with tables that invite you to relax and enjoy tapas.

La Tapería Martínez
One Bonifacio High Mall, Bonifacio Global City
+63 945 663 8052
@lataperia.mnl
∞ La Taperia Martinez
https://www.nikkei.com.ph/lataperiamartinez

We tried the not usual tapas and our all time favorites, something light but delicious on a monday lunch.

TAPAS

Pitted olives and salted almonds welcome you and whet your palate before the tapas.

Surprisingly, the sourdough was good just add a bit of the salsa and cream mousse.

CHISTORRA NAVARRA A LA SIDRA | NAVARRA STYLE CHORIZO (₱895)
Traditional Navarra chistorra slowly simmered in natural cider until tender and infused with its sweet and tangy aroma. Served warm, highlighting its smoky and spiced flavor

We first fell in love with chistorra in San Sebastián, and ever since it’s been a must-have pasalubong—even the supermarket versions are quite good and well-packed. This disappeared in seconds, with spices and flavor bursting in every bite. The oily jus also makes a great dipping sauce for the bread.

BOQUERONES FRITOS | SPANISH FRIED WHITE ANCHOVIES (₱295)
Fried fresh anchovies with lime zest and lemon

We love boquerones in oil, but it’s our first time trying it ala-danggit style with a dash of lemon. Sarap—like anchovy chips—and I can imagine it going well with fried rice, scrambled egg, and vinegar (not exactly Spanish!).

CHIPIRONES A LA PLANCHA | GRILLED BABY SQUID (₱520)
Fresh baby squid grilled with tender spring onion finished with garlic and parsley oil and a touch of squid ink for a rich ocean flavor

All-time favorite—baby squid in garlic, oil, and squid ink, a perfect pulutan for a lighter, satisfying bite.

PORTOBELLO CONFITADO | PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS CONFIT (₱450)
Slow-cooked portobello mushroom, grilled to bring out its depth of flavor. Served with garlic and parsley oil, organic egg yolk, melted Comté cheese. and crispy bread

Galing ng combination—portobello with egg yolkiness, Comté salted cheese, and crunchy bread bits.

ALMEJAS CON CHORIZO PICANTE | FRESH CLAMS WITH SPANISH SPICY CHORIZO ₱695
Fresh clams sautéed with chorizo,tomato, garlic. and white wine, served in their own reduced broth

Manila clams with chorizo bits, garlic, tomato, and clam jus with white wine reduction—sarap nito!

PINTXO DE BACALAO | COD FILLET (₱895)
Confit air-flown cod fillet served on grilled piquillo pepper, gratinated with garlic mousseline, and accompanied by a smooth piquillo pepper sauce

Bacalao, salted cod fillet, brings memories of the Spanish coast and is presented pintxos-style—bitin.

ARROZ AL HORNO | OVEN VALENCIA HOMETOWN RICE (₱1,950)
Iberian pork ribs, pork pata Butifarra, blood sausage, potatoes, chickpeas, tomato, garlic and bomba rice
*Good for 3-4 people *35 minutes serving time

Instead of paella pan-fried in a paellera, we tried the baked version on a clay dish. Masarap, with less socarrat but still bomba rice topped with butifarra and pork ribs. Best finished with a dash of lemon, mashed garlic mixed into the rice, and eaten while hot.

MAGRET DE PATO | DUCK BREAST (₱995)
Charcoal-grilled duck breast served with a sweet and tangy apricot and plum sauce

This was the only dish that fell short, possibly due to the quality of the duck or how it was grilled.

DESSERT

BANANA TARTE TATIN ₱320
Citrus Caramel, Puff Pastrý.Pecans, Cinnamon ice Cream

Irresistible and most Instagrammable, served à la mode with caramel sauce, and best eaten with banana, puff pastry, and pecans to balance the sweetness.

DECONSTRUCTED KEYLIME PIE ₱320
Key Lime Curd, Lime & Creme Fraiche sorbet, Burnt Meringue, Creme Fraiche mousse, Oat. crumble, Tuile Mint

Refreshing dessert with bright lemon flavors, sorbet, and crunchy bits of mousse.

CHOCOLATINA I CHOCOLATE BAR ₱345
Dark chocolate brownie, Peanut butter ganache, milk chocolate mousse, Mirror glaze, vanilla cremeux,
Maldon sea salt. candied cocoa nibs, toasted almonds

A Reese’s-style chocolate bar to satisfy any chocolate sweet tooth.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, bitin. I love the tapas culture, but it’s best for bar hopping with cocktails or cava in hand. It’s tikim-tikim style, with each dish bursting with flavor—you’ll always wish you could have it with fried rice. The arroz is usually served as the main dish, with the tapas as appetizers, so they’re often finished before the paella arrives. We recommend the chistorra, boquerones fritos, chipirones, and almejas con chorizo, paired with a carafe of cava sangria. Surprisingly, the bread and desserts are now better in a Chef Luis Martinez resto, possibly inspired by his recent wedding in Spain. This is now the best tapas place in Manila, after the once-great Bistronomia scene was closed by Bistro from Rambla, BCN, and Tomatito.

La Tapería Martínez
One Bonifacio High Mall, Bonifacio Global City
+63 945 663 8052
@lataperia.mnl
∞ La Taperia Martinez
https://www.nikkei.com.ph/lataperiamartinez

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to La Taperia MNL for hosting us.

p.s. love the tables with a view of 5th Avenue and the One Bonifacio High Street Mall intersection scene.

p.p.s. check out their happy hour offer

The post La Taperia Martinez: the Manila tapas bar that feels just like Spain 🇪🇸 appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

Super Uncle Claypot is a tribute to the creator of the Michelin Bib Gourmand claypot rice restaurant in Guangzhou, who shared the authentic Cantonese secrets of Chao Ji Claypot Rice — from the process of cooking claypot rice to achieve that golden-brown char, to the secret sauce, and even the right ceramic bowls to use. The main store in Poblacion is a quaint Cantonese spot, perfect for family meals with lola, Gen Z gimmicks over cocktails at night, or when you simply want to enjoy claypot on your own.

We finally tried it with Lola Momsy, and now we know why Michelin recommends this Manila claypot spot!

SUPER UNCLE CLAYPOT
5887 Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati
MICHELIN Guide Selected 2026
+63 920 522 7238
@superuncleclaypot
Super Uncle Claypot

VIBE

The moment you walk in, it feels like home—a Fil-Chi kind of kitchen, without the Michelin snobbery. This corner table, with its cozy chairs, is the best spot if you want a bit of privacy.

This corner is cool, with kung fu movies setting the Chinese vibe—street-side feel, but with aircon. On weekends, this is where DJs or bands usually play.

This is the Michelin-recommended restaurant we can bring Lola to, fitting its retro-style vibe.

We love the Icebreaker card game on the table, and when Lola picked a card asking for her favorite quote, she said: “Huwag kang magpapatrabaho ng taong gutom.”

Love the overall service and uniform — warm, accommodating, friendly just like eating at a friend’s home.

Best time to go is around 3pm, off-peak, for your claypot rice or Cantonese cravings.

CLAYPOT CRAVINGS

CLAYPOT RICE
Chicken & Mushroom ₱430
Beef Brisket & Tendon ₱470
Spareribs w/ Sausage ₱430
+ Extra Egg ₱35
+ Extra Sausage ₱60

The claypot varies by main topping, and we like to order a few to mix and share—beef brisket with tendon (our favorite), spareribs, or chicken with mushroom—with extra sausage and egg for maximum umami.

What makes this authentic Cantonese clay pot rice so crave-worthy is the golden-brown crispy rice crust, the fragrant soy-sweet sauce,

… and the fact that each pot is freshly cooked to order—the 20–30 minute wait is worth it.

(note: they can cook up to 16 claypots at a time.)

CANTONESE FAVORITES

Jellyfish & Century Egg ₱330

My wife Rache loves this—the bouncy, chewy jellyfish and the umami from the century egg make it the perfect Cantonese appetizer.

Mapa Tofu ₱300

Love the spiciness of this Sichuan dish with soft tofu cubes, minced beef, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Cucumber Salad ₱260

Perfect for Lola, but the Cantonese version of this cucumber salad makes it even better with soy sauce.

Kailan/Choysum w/ 3 kinds of Egg ₱380

This is the most nutritious dish, with our favorite kailan and plenty of eggs for a protein boost.

Beef Brisket w/ Shrimp Wonton ₱450

I would usually go to North Park for my Cantonese noodle fix, but this version is good too—beef brisket with shrimp wonton and egg noodles in a rich beef broth.

Siomai ₱240
Shrimp Wontons ₱230

Order dimsum while you wait, but this one was served a bit dry and could be better steamed.

COCKTAILS

Cocktails are well-crafted—not too sweet, with good balance and high-quality spirits and ingredients.

Golden Gimlet ₱390
gin, toasted rice & green tea infusions, egg whites
A delicate Gimlet with gin. infused with nutty toasted rice and soothing green tea.

Love this gin, lime juice, and Chinese notes of toasted rice and green tea—just the right kick you need.

Peach Highball ₱350
whiskey. peach-almond lemon juice
A crisp and elegant highball featuring whisky. juicy peach-almond flavors, and a hint oflemon.

I love highballs, and their concoctions set the mood and awaken your appetite.

Fresh Lemon Soda ₱180
Super Uncle Brewed Iced Tea ₱150
Fresh Orange Juice ₱230

Even the sodas, teas, and juices are well-balanced and properly proportioned.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall, the concept is spot on—authentic claypot rice from Guangzhou, a quaint retro-style Chinese spot in Poblacion, good Cantonese food, Hong Kong-style cocktails, and best of all, warm Filipino service. Super Uncle would be proud of its Michelin-recommended status as a new landmark in Poblacion, Makati.

Order the beef brisket and tendon claypot rice with extra egg, sausage, and dried fish, the kailan/choysum with three kinds of egg, and the Golden Gimlet for that Michelin-quality food trip. Budget is ₱1,000/head. Best to go during off-peak hours, and they have two parking slots in front.

SUPER UNCLE CLAYPOT
5887 Enriquez Street, Poblacion, Makati
MICHELIN Guide Selected 2026
+63 920 522 7238
@superuncleclaypot
Super Uncle Claypot

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to our friends from Super Uncle Claypot for hosting us.

p.s. they’ll soon have a self-photo booth studio inside the resto.

The post Super Uncle Claypot: now we know why Michelin recommends this Manila Claypot spot! appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

Zagin Soba, the Osaka-born ramen franchise, is now one of our favorites for its rich, creamy chicken-based broth—a lighter indulgence compared to the usual pork tonkotsu. It’s a great outside-the-mall spot where you can still grab a seat at the bar even on a Friday night, and while those who prefer light, dashi-based broths may not love it, anyone craving creamy, flavorful ramen with a refined touch will appreciate the experience. The freshly prepared soba brings a fine-dining quality, all within a casual ramen setting.

We love sitting at the bar, where you can watch the careful preparation of each bowl while enjoying your own personal space. It has that ideal neighborhood ramen spot vibe—busy with a fast turnover, lively and full, yet never crowded.

The service team, dressed in lab coat-style uniforms over semi-formal polos and neckties, adds to the polished experience, and watching them froth the ramen right before your eyes makes the meal even more appetizing.

Special Tori Paitan Soba (₱740, large)
Enjoy our special ramen topped with three delicious meats-pork shoulder. chicken breast, and grilled chicken thigh chashu. A hearty bowl made for meat lovers!

Tried the Special Tori Paitan Soba—frothy, creamy, and layered with mushroom and fish notes, silky best enjoyed hot. The presentation stands out, with a pork slice draped over the bowl and topped with crisp kamote strips for texture. It’s a must-try for those who love extra creamy ramen, and easily the top pick if you’re ordering just one item on the menu.

Special Chicken Dipping Noodles (₱780, large)
Enjoy our special ramen topped with three delicious meats-pork shoulder. chicken breast, and grilled chicken thigh chashu. A hearty bowl made for meat lovers!

The Special Chicken Dipping Noodles come with a separate hot chicken broth for dipping, keeping the noodles bouncy and allowing them to soak up the rich flavor as you go. The key difference is the 100% chicken-based broth served on the side, letting you enjoy each component—noodles, broth, and toppings—independently or together.

Tori Paitan Mazesoba (₱510)
A rich, soupless ramen made with our creamy chicken broth sauce. Mix well before eating. After the noodles, enjoy the remaining sauce with rice (“dive meshi”) -just ask our staff! It’s free.

The Tori Paitan Mazesoba, a soupless ramen, was just okay—the Truffle Mazesoba from Menya Kokoro is better. You mix the egg yolk with the other ingredients to create a unique sauce, but we forgot to order extra rice, as there isn’t much sauce left.

Beechwood-smoked Pork Chashu Rice Bowl (₱220)
Tender smoked pork shoulder flame-scared and coated in our special sauce. Enhanced with a rich aroma and flavor. Our top-selling rice bowl. (limited servings available.)

You’ll love this umami-packed rice bowl—it’s a full meal in itself. Add a bit of chili dust for an extra kick.
The chashu rice bowl of Ramen Ibuki is still our favorite.

Japanese Bang Bang Chicken (₱210)

A refreshing cold chicken salad with cucumber and sesame sauce—perfect to start the meal.

ZAGIN SOBA MANILA
Salcedo Village, Rufino Street, corner Ayala Ave, Makati City
+63 917 192 7604
@zaginsobamnl

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. We paid for our meal.

P.S. I will go back for the Special Tori Paitan Soba, masarap!

The post Zagin Soba: Manila’s New Favorite Ramen? (Review) appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

Sake Manila 2026 is one of my favorite food experiences in Manila, happening at Okada Manila, where guests can enjoy some of Japan’s finest sake paired with authentic Japanese cuisine, all while experiencing vibrant Japanese cultural showcases. This third edition promises even more exciting discoveries—from premium cheese pairings and a wider selection of nama sake to premium hot sake and a surprise showcase from Okada Manila.

Save the date: May 22, 2026 (Friday) , and don’t miss the highlights of sakemanila.ph:

related blog post: SAKE Manila: Survival Guide!

BATTLE OF SPARKLING SAKE

The sparkling sake is the best gateway sake for foodies and an easy way to kick off your sake tasting.

Sorah is one of the best sparkling sakes, made using the same traditional method as Champagne—giving it that elegant fizz and refined finish.

Mio is our original favorite, specializing in sparkling sake with different expressions—try them all.

Dassai is quite popular in Manila—start with the sparkling sake, then explore the rest of the lineup.

SUSHI & CHEESES

The salmon sashimi is the best—we often start with it and pair it with sparkling sake. The tuna sashimi is fresh, and you can really taste that it’s freshly cut during the event.

We love the different premium cheeses, and they pair very well with the premium sakes. Start with this.

HORIZONTAL SAKE TASTING

The first thing you will learn about sake is the different rice polishing levels, from Junmai (polished 70% below) to Junmai Ginjo (60% below) and Junmai Daiginjo (50% below). Then you go deeper into understanding premium rice varieties used for sake, like Yamada Nishiki (“King of Sake Rice”).

This is our favorite Junmai Daiginjo from Hakushika pairs well with the meats. Check out all their sakes.

Tatsukiri Dragon Sake offers exciting expressions, and it’s best to do a horizontal tasting to discover.

We got attracted to their limited-edition Genesis sake, and it’s best to try the different polishing levels.

Make sure to try the award winning sakes from Kitakata Terroir.

TASTE OF JAPANESE CULTURE

The tuna parade and slice-cutting ceremony are awesome to experience, and get to taste its freshness.

Exotic Japanese instruments serenade you as you do your sake tasting and food pairing.

And the Japanese beauty represented by Miss Sake Japan.

Japanese DJs end the night with a party mood when everybody is ready to loosen up and mingle.

JAPANESE CRAVINGS

There are roast beef carvings, and the plan is to introduce other roasts like Peking duck or lechon.

Beef curry and tonkatsu are featured in the hot stations and are best paired with unli Japanese rice.

We enjoyed the yakitori throughout, paired with sake so you don’t get full easily.

Best of all, we love the Japanese pork sausages—snappy, yummy, and full of umami, dipped in mustard.

SAKE EXPRESSIONS

Check out the Aged Sakes like this Koshu aged for 10 years giving a different sake sweet expression.

The cloudy, unfiltered sakes are also interesting to experience, bringing out the umami in the food.

Check out nama (unpasteurized) sakes, and the plan is to feature premium hot sakes this time around.

DESSERT

Bite-sized dessert cleanses the palate from the Japanese flavors, sauces and the taste of sake.

FINAL THOUGHTS

One of the best things about sake is you don’t get as drunk easily, and there’s no hangover the next day. Unlike other alcohol events like Whisky Live or Gin Fest, Sake Manila pairs it with food. Okada Manila serves some of the best Japanese food in Manila—literally eat-all-you-can, with refills until 12 midnight.

The entertainment throughout is classy, featuring Japanese arts and music. The event space is wide and comfortable, with premium breathing room, and attendance is capped at around 1,000–1,200 guests so the ballroom never feels crowded.

Congratulations to Philippine Wine Merchants, Ralph’s, and Okada Manila for creating this awesome Sake Manila event, stronger than ever in its third edition!

See you on May 22 for Sake Manila 2026 at Okada Manila! Book your tickets at sakemanila.ph

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Our Awesome Planet is a media partner of Sake Manila.

P.S. We had an awesome time experiencing Sake Manila with Aidan last year – galing!

The post Sake in Manila is having a moment—here’s your guide @SakeManila appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.

Wayan House, a Balinese-inspired hot spring Airbnb at the foot of Mount Makiling, truly delivered. We kicked off summer with a classic Pansol getaway surrounded by family and friends, enjoying stunning mountain views from the infinity pool and a fun steak cook-off in the chef-ready kitchen. The game room—complete with air hockey, console games, and mahjong—kept everyone entertained day and night, while the spotless rooms and well-designed restrooms made the stay even more comfortable. And of course, nothing beats night swimming in the hot spring pool—relaxing, therapeutic, and unforgettable.

How much is Wayan House? 
Rates start at ₱28,000/night for 15 guests on weekdays and can go up to ₱45,000/night for 25 guests on weekends. For the best available rate, just check your preferred dates on Wayan House, since prices vary depending on the night and number of guests.

Here’s a guide on organizing your own Wayan House hot springs escape:

Check-in is at 3 PM and check-out at 12 NN due to back-to-back summer bookings. Since the pool uses natural hot spring water, it’s best enjoyed later in the day, as the water can feel too warm during the afternoon heat.

WAYAN HOUSE
An asian-inspired Luxury Residential Villa with natural hot spring waters from Mt. Makiling.
Campbell Creek, Lakewood Estate, corner Butternut Lake, Los Baños, 4030 Laguna
AirBnb: Wayan House (24pax)
Instagram: @wayan_house
Direct Booking: Wayan House

Related Blog Post:
WAYAN HOUSE: Best Asian-Inspired Hot Springs Residential Luxury Villa in Los Baños, Laguna!

It’s relaxing to just chill out—dip in the warm water, then step out and enjoy the cool breeze, especially during sunset.

The chef-approved kitchen is one of the highlights of the stay. It comes fully equipped with a vertical chiller and freezer spacious enough for raw ingredients, ice, drinks, and prepared food. There’s also a microwave, oven, and a four-burner range that serves as the kitchen’s centerpiece. We loved the quality plates, serving ware, utensils, and glassware. With a Nespresso machine for coffee and a blender for shakes, there’s no need to bring anything—it’s a worry-free kitchen that’s perfect for cook-off sessions.

For this outing, we invited our son’s close friends who had just graduated from senior high school. The key was having a well-curated potluck spread that everyone could share for lunch and breakfast. We learned from previous overnights when everyone brought the same things—pizza, donuts, and noodles.

This is the kids’ fun room (Room 2), complete with three bunk beds, a sofa bed, a pool table, and a projector screen for console gaming or movie nights.

This is the game room, complete with a pole dancing, boxing equipment, a beer pong table, and a pantry for drinks and snacks.

The game room (Room 5) also has a sofa bed, making it the main entertainment area for console gaming, movie nights, or karaoke sessions. It also features a table bowling game.

Yes, they even have a mahjong set with a table—perfect for a fun and engaging game with the kids.

There are three more rooms: the master bedroom with a queen bed and sofa bed (Room #1), plus two rooms with two queen beds each (Rooms #3 and #4), making them ideal for families. One thing to note—there’s no senior-friendly room on the ground floor, so I wouldn’t recommend it for grandparents who may have difficulty with stairs.

(Note: The house can accommodate up to 24 guests and is ideal for three families or a group of high school friends.)

We loved the large cabinets with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The master bedroom has a vault for valuables.

The restrooms are spacious and clean, with liquid soap, shampoo, and fresh towels provided. Pool towels are also provided per person. Bring your own toiletries

The kids planned a steak cook-off with their friends for dinner.

The boys wiped out the steaks and even made their own gravy and chimichurri.

For dinner, we also cooked pares with unlimited white rice, perfect for the Pansol hot spring vibe. We also steamed some peanuts to snack on throughout the stay.

t’s also fun to bring food with a story, like the Controversial Creamy Lasagna of San Pedro.

The hot springs are perfect for night swimming, and the boys enjoyed bonding throughout the night.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Hands down, one of the best luxury Airbnbs in the Pansol, or technically the Los Baños area. We love organizing these moments with our kids’ friends to get to know them and their parents, and to create core memories they’ll carry with them. Good food is key to the experience, so curating the potluck, doing a cook-off, and cooking pares, steamed peanuts, and breakfast make for an awesome overnight. And of course, one rule to remember: what happens in Wayan, stays in Wayan

WAYAN HOUSE
An asian-inspired Luxury Residential Villa with natural hot spring waters from Mt. Makiling.
Campbell Creek, Lakewood Estate, corner Butternut Lake, Los Baños, 4030 Laguna
AirBnb: Wayan House (24pax)
Instagram: @wayan_house
Direct Booking: Wayan House

Related Blog Post:
WAYAN HOUSE: Best Asian-Inspired Hot Springs Residential Luxury Villa in Los Baños, Laguna!

Live an Awesome Life with Christ,

Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet

Disclosure: This article was written entirely by a human—reflecting my own biases, opinions, and insights—with grammar and clarity checked using AI assistance. Thank you to Wayan for hosting us

P.S. Thank you to the parents for trusting us with your kids and allowing them to stay overnight at Wayan.

The post Wayan House guide: Inside Pansol’s most luxurious Airbnb 👀 appeared first on Awesome! - Our Awesome Planet.