I’m back! I spent a couple of blissful weeks in Manila with Matt. I’m jetlagged, dehydrated, exhausted from almost 30 hours of travelling, and already missing #vacationlife. But, I relished every minute with family and friends, ate everything I’ve been craving and more, and had the time of life. Plus, lechon.
Vegans and vegetarians can look away now, but no Filipino celebration is complete without a whole roasted pig, fragrant with lemongrass, renowned for the succulent meat and golden brown crrrispy skin. Anthony Bourdain said it, and he’s oh so right: it’s the best pig ever.

I typically go home to the Philippines during the holidays but lately I’ve tried to extend my vacation to also spend my January birthday there. This year, Matt and I (our birthdays are two days apart) were lucky enough to celebrate together, and my wonderful parents threw a big birthday/ engagement/ wedding party for us. With lechon, of course. Throughout our trip, we hopped from one dinner to the next, getting in a couple of spa days, eating rice almost every day for breakfast, and even jetting to Japan for a few days with my family. My belly was so happy, and my heart was so full. Here are some highlights of our Manila vacation:

spending time at our beautiful house with my family | typical Filipino breakfast with longganisa (breakfast sausage), tomato, sinangag (garlic rice) and a fried egg | incredibly sweet mangoes

priceless time with...