Tasty Travel

In a novel collaboration that brings together the distinct flair of Tiki culture and the rich heritage of Filipino rum, Daniel "Doc" Parks, a celebrated tiki cocktail specialist and 2017 San Francisco Chronicle “Bar Star,” has joined forces with Tanduay Brands International, the makers of the world's number 1 rum. This partnership celebrates a fusion of cultures and traditions, marked by the creation of a cocktail book that showcases both Parks' innovative recipes and the versatility of Tanduay Rum. Parks, whose passion for tiki culture began in his teenage years in San Diego, has long been fascinated by Polynesian pop and its artifacts. "I'd find things like barkcloth Hawaiian shirts and vintage exotic records... all kinds of memorabilia from the early days of the Polynesian pop movement in America," Parks reminisces, reflecting on the origins of his interest in tiki culture. The collaboration with Tanduay, a brand with a legacy spanning over a century,...

In 2019, during the height of the restriction caused by the pandemic, Chef Ryan Dimapilis, President of Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center, keeps himself busy by thinking of ways to keep his business afloat as well as his employees employed. “I’m a firm believer that we, Pinoys, are very resilient and at the same time supportive and loyal in many ways. This was strongly proven during the pandemic when many businesses turn online to sell their products. Most of our clients at first were mostly family and friends, which branched out and reached many more people who find our products worth a try,” he shared. A Eureka Moment! Along with his partners and staff, Balai Palmera concocted their version of Calabarzon’s beloved Buko Pie, which has led to a new triumph for the company. Gathering supplies from local suppliers from Laguna and Quezon, Balai Palmera uses all-fresh and no-preservative Buko Pie that instantly gained patrons in Silang and nearby municipalities in Cavite. As s...