S07.E01: Manila, Philippines

[Athena]

In the season seven premiere, Bourdain explores the Philippines during Christmas season and travels through the festive streets of Manila to taste the fast food wonder Jollibee, try the sweet, milky drink, Halo-Halo, and indulge in the classic dish, Sizzling Pork Sisig. The trip continues with the host accompanied by cover band “Keystone,” as they dine on Adobo, a simmered pork-chicken dish. The tour concludes with a family meal of Kare-Kare and the opening of the Balikbayan box.

[Athena]

I liked this episode mainly because it does capture the joviality and warmth of the Filipino people and culture. It showcased their love of Christmas and goofy fast food chains. The food looked good and the company looked fun throughout the episode. The ending family dinner with Aurora was touching too.

[biakbiak]

I will never understand the love of Jollibee but hey their halo halo is fine.

Edited April 27, 2016 by biakbiak

[captain1]

This episode touched me - when Tony read the letter from his staffer at the end I just about lost it..  I really felt like I had been shown something of the essence of the place and its people.  Well done!

[Snarklepuss]

I liked this episode.  I came away feeling touched and inspired, especially when the woman sang.  It never ceases to amaze Mr. Snarkle and I how much some Asian cultures have adopted Western customs.  Seeing them singing merrily about sleigh bells amidst '80s excess styled Christmas decorations was at the same time heartwarming and absurd.  I grew up around a few Filipinos and always wondered about their culture - This show helped with that.  I'm sure Tony has gone there before but somehow this episode taught me something.  Another good thing from my POV:  No martial arts for a change.  I hope it's a trend this season as I thought there was too much on that last time.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I was surprised that he didn't mention his kid's nanny at all in this episode, but I just saw that he wrote about her in his blog about this episode.