VACATION DETAILS

Traveling Spoon

Although originally from the US, Greg has lived in Manila for over 28 years, speaks Tagalog fluently and is passionate about sharing the history and culture of the Philippines. He is a wealth of knowledge about the country he has adopted as his home. Greg and his Filipino partner Jorge live in a traditional colonial home surrounded by trees and filled with beautiful antique Filipino narra (hardwood) furniture. Whenever he gets the chance, Greg loves traveling within the Philippines to discover new beaches, explore architectural styles, and meet friendly and welcoming Filipino people. He has been to 65 of the country's 81 provinces - and counting! Greg says he didn't appreciate how good Filipino cuisine could be until his partner Jorge started cooking. Jorge is a professional tango instructor and competitor who cooks the food of the central Visayas region which is known for its cuisine. Greg's friend Oscar, with whom he sometimes hosts when Jorge is traveling, cooks Ilocano style (Northern Filipino cuisine) which is known for its meat and vegetable dishes and use of sugarcane vinegar. You will be greeted at the entrance to Greg and Jorge's home before walking upstairs to the living room. Sip on refreshing buko (coconut water) as you learn about local Filipino culture and cuisine from Greg. You will share a traditional Filipino meal with Greg and Jorge at their dining table. Your menu might include dishes such as pinakbet (an indigenous mixed vegetable and pork dish), fish paksiw (local white fish in a vinegar reduction), pechay (chinese cabbage and shrimp in a light sauce), bicol express (sliced vegetables, pork and chili peppers in a coconut milk sauce) followed by suman and mangos for dessert. Menu may vary based on the season. If you book a cooking experience, join Greg and Jorge (or Oscar) in the kitchen for a hands-on cooking lesson. They will teach you to prepare a few dishes that might be accompanied additional food they prepared in advance. You can expect to spend about 1.5 hours in the kitchen together before you sit down to eat. Greg also offers an optional market tour add-on; if you book this experience,drive half an hour to the Seaside Market (known locally as "dampa"), where the freshest of fish and an incredible variety of seafood is sold. Greg will also introduce you to local and regional vegetables at the vegetable market. Please note that Greg's home does not have air conditioning and may get warm. They use fans to stay cool. Greg's home is also a homestay so you may meet other guests during your visit. Your culinary experience will be private.