Philippines Shopping

Champorado or Chocolate Porridge

by birgitte

Will we ever run out of things to do with rice? Champorado is chocolate flavored porridge. Often eaten for breakfast, the sweetness or chocolatiness of this treat is perfect for the saltiness of TUYO (or dried fish). The best kinds are home made. : )

Off to Baguio for some Chinese Boogers.

by birgitte

These coconut shell packaged treats can only be found in Baguio. They are a common sight in the markets and souvenir shops. What is it called? "Kulangot ng Intsik" literally translated as "Chinese boogers".You open the shells by peeling the red paper holding it together. The brown stuff you see coating the inside is actually sweetened coconut milk product. You scrape it off with a spoon or pick it with your fingers and eat it as is.Two possible explanations why the term was coined are:1. The Chinese settlers are known for being good cooks and they may have been the first to make these treats or because they are known to be very hardworking, maybe they were the first to peddle these to the streets. Calling them boogers probably came about because they were spread so thin (scarce as a booger). You don't get as much as you would imagine, considering the packaging.2. These balls actually...

Puto Bumbong at Christmas time.

by birgitte

Puto bumbong comes out during the Christmas season. It is a favorite treat for night-church goers. Most often, puto bumbong sellers position themselves near the church or plaza for that matter. Puto bumbong is another way of cooking rice. It is made from purple rice called "galapong". It is cooked on bamboo cylinders placed on contraptions above coal fire. (Puto = rice cake, bumbong=bamboo.) You'll see the vendors shucking the putobumbong out onto banana leaves. You get four pieces per order. Some put cheese on their putobumbong but most often, margarine or butter is what the vendors use. They would also put grated coconut on it. Best eaten when hot.The only restaurant I remember who sells Puto Bumbong off season is VIA MARE. Via Mare can be found in most malls. Try SM City. If you buy from street stalls, it would cost less than a dollar per pack. If you eat in a restaurant, could...

Espasol - so vain it has to put powder on.

by birgitte

Commuting to the countryside riding on an open air jeep would give you an idea how an "espasol" feels like. The trip will give you a coating of "Philippine Powder" or alikabok. hehe.Espasol is a Laguna delicacy made of something that is brown and soft and semi sweet with a coating of flour. A bit messy to eat as you get flour dust on your shirt if you are not careful. I can't explain the taste so you'll just have to see for yourself. It is not that great but it's not bad either. Just that along with buko pie(coconut pie), a trip to Laguna just doesn't seem complete without bringing home espasol. Eat it right away though or dont keep it too long. After a few days, even if you keep it in the fridge, it will get moldy. While it looks even cuter this way, you wouldn't want to have something that supports another world in your ref. At least buy it so you can see it for yourself. Might as...

Making tuhog the fishballs.

by birgitte

I do not know what fishballs are made of but one thing is for sure.. it is not made from THAT PART of the fish. At least I dont think they have balls.. hehe. Fishball stands are always rolling type stores. You see them on schools and universities, on the street... they are everywhere. There is the push cart version. And then the other version bikes the cart around. They are distinctive in that all carts have woks built in on them. You should try eating fishballs when you go to the Philippines. It is quite an experience. This is how it is done:The vendor heats up the oil in his wok. When the oil is hot enough, he'll throw in the fishballs. You then crowd around the stand with other buyers watching the pieces balloon into balls. Watch closely as it plumps up and later on turns a slight golden color. This is the perfect time to get it. Holding your own barbecue stick (self-service.... get...

Greenbelt: Greenbelt

by sarrahh

Gaisano Mall: Shop now

by ligaya

You can find different items here like dresses, shoes and more... local currency

Glorietta

by scottward

Glorietta is a large shopping mall in the heart of Makati City, near most of the major hotels

King's Flute Manufacturing: Bamboo flutes

by whvcebu

Specializes on bamboo products. large and small flutes Negotiate - fairly cheap

King's Flute manufacturers: Enlarge your Panpipe collection

by whvcebu

Manufacturer of fine bamboo musical instruments Panpipes in all colors Cheap