Binondo, Manila

Deciding to go to the city of Binondo Manila was a last minute, spur of the moment - but more like a last choice for our family's photography adventure that day. But just when we thought that our holy week thursday for the year 2009 was going to be a boring one, little did we know that manila's china town was going to be so busy with local religious activities and traditions and full of culinary and friendly surprises! From witnessing the "Visita Iglesia" ; a holy week tradition for filipino catholics at the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church to bumping into the famous Ivan Mandy during his regular Old Manila Walks tour, our day turned out to be a very memorable one and could not have been better without the spectacular sunset at Roxas boulevard.
for a more detailed blog of our culinary discoveries and family photography adventures that day, visit Asunta Rufino's on-line travel journal

Dusit Hotel, Makati

The newly renovated Dusit Hotel in Makati was like a jumbo version of the Spa. The thai inspired interiors and constant aroma therapy was truly unique for a hotel this size! Our team, Cinematic concepts: Rommel Diaz, Olga Garcia and Bert Delvo were in the middle of the shoot when we saw an opportunity to take a break and have a few shots for ourselves! Why not? the ambience certainly called for it! This hotel has redeemed itself indeed and should be considered as one of the top hotels in Makati. I also recommend Dusit Gourmet located just at the lobby- great tasting brewed coffee and probably the best tasting pretzel we've tried yet!

San Fernando, Pampanga

Pampanga in a Plate full! The Ultimate Pampanga Food Tour! (photo by Oskie Ravanera)
The highlight of our culinary tour... the 5 hour lunch at Claude Tayag's Bale Dutung in Angeles City. His restaurant is located at Villa Gloria Subdivision. This is a gated community but his place stands out from all the other houses in that area.... It is very rustic & "rice mill" inspired. Claude, in case you haven't heard of him is considered one of the " MUST SEE and TRY when you are in Pampanga "... SEE his artworks and TRY his cuisine.... but a word of advise... IF you plan to try his cuisine.... be prepared for a long leasurely lunch (5hrs for the 5 way lechon!!!) and come with an empty stomach. Claude prepares all his dishes ... he never delegates this task to anyone.

for more details on our heritage & culinary tour, visit my mom's blog
for details about Ultimate Philippines Tour schedules, visit: http://ultimatephilippines.com/
Here is the video teaser our team; Cinematic Concepts produced for OAP TV:


video shot and produced by: Rommel Diaz and Iggy Bilbao
www.cinematiconcepts.com