No words can describe how good it feels to be back to an old favorite. Mario’s restaurant has been the mover of the Philippine fine dining scene since it started 38 years ago. My goodness, the restaurant is as old as I am! I remember my childhood days when no visit to Baguio was ever complete without a meal at Mario’s Session Road. My folks used to spend their special occasions at Mario’s and their Callos (ox tripe) was one of the family’s favorites.
Most of the well-known coffee shops in and around Metro Manila as mostly franchises from abroad. For a change I decided to visit a local coffee shop known to have been started in the Queen City of the South, Cebu City.
In celebration of my dear sister’s confirmation as ambassador, we all went on an excursion to Manaoag, Pangasinan. This is our first family outing since my Mom passed away.
The Filipino word “dampa” means hut or shanty. Normally a hut that is located inland is called “kubo”. However if the same kubo is built beside the ocean, it is called “dampa”. A dampa is built on bamboo stilts strong enough to withstand the currents. Dampa is also the name of one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the Metro today. One holiday ago, I brought Noreen and my uncle to the Dampa seafood restaurant in Farmer’s Market, Cubao, QC. There is no doubt about it, Dampa serves only the freshest seafood at the right price.
Yes, Ninang Lyn, I know you recognize this logo! It’s one of my most favorite cake shops too. I also remember your old favorite Merced Bakeshop! I wonder where they are now. I remember back in the 1980s you would bring boxes of Merced Bakeshop goodies, which in the 1990s and early 2000, were replaced by Red Ribbon goodies. This morning when I visited you, I think I saw Kuya Jojo bring in a box of Red Ribbon’s S’mores chocolate cake. I bet it’s your favorite too.
